Mayfield Summer School
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...THERE WERE NO FLAWS IN MY EXPERIENCE. IT WAS A WONDERFUL PLACE TO BE.
’
Highlights for the girls certainly included the food, which is well-known to be outstanding. Reyah said that she, “was never too hungry, and I noticed that when I ate regularly, I didn’t lose focus in my lessons and my work turned out better.” Tahi agreed that, “The quiet and calm atmosphere helped me focus, and I have been encouraged to have a timetable for my school work.” The range of subjects offered was also a new experience for them, such as Ceramics, and they relished the opportunity to select from so many extracurricular activities.
I was delighted that the girls learnt things outside of the classroom and have implemented these things in their routine since their return. Mayfield boarders have their phones taken away at 9pm every night and lights go out at 9.30pm. Shania said that, “On the first day I finally began to understand the importance of getting enough sleep and how antisocial teenagers are when they have access to Snapchat and Instagram. Our phones were confiscated at 9pm and Snapchat
In June, three girls from Year 9 and three from Year 10 from Maria Fidelis Catholic School in central London spent a week at Mayfield. Maria Fidelis is a comprehensive school which became co‐ educational three years ago. As my alma mater this was a very emotive and important week for me. The opportunity was offered to more able girls in these year groups by completing an application form with questions such as “What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?” and “If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?” They were then interviewed by a panel of teachers who came up from Mayfield, including Miss Antonia Beary, the Headmistress, and Mrs Kasia Kilvington, the Gifted & Talented Co‐ ordinator. Three girls from each year group were then selected to attend.
The girls were Mayfield pupils for the week, albeit wearing their own uniform! They boarded in Connelly House and made friends very quickly. Reyah said “At first I was extremely nervous about staying with people I didn’t know for a whole week, but as soon as I got to the boarding house I was welcomed and had a feeling that I was going to enjoy my week…and I had such a good sleep.” With their Mayfield buddies they attended normal lessons where the teachers were extremely impressed with their adaptation to their new (very quiet!) surroundings, and how they coped with the work given to them. The girls commented that, “Each lesson was 100% focused. I have been encouraged to set myself some extra work to do in lessons if I finish early. I feel more satisfied after each lesson now, knowing that I have tried my hardest and I have got as much as possible out of it.” After school each day, various masterclasses were offered, on themes such as ‘Music and Meaning’, and ‘What is the human race?’ On the Thursday, they attended a trip to Wintershall country estate in Surrey, where they saw a live re-enactment of the Life of Christ.
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was completely blocked for the entire trip.” Shania and Reyah both turn their phones off at 9pm now and go to sleep at 9.30pm!
Furthermore, the girls have developed measurably in confidence, because not one of the girls cared what they looked like, because they were going to learn and did not feel that they needed to impress anyone or look a certain way. This was supported by Reyah who said that, “Girls weren’t afraid to volunteer their answers confidently, even if they were wrong, which has developed my confidence because I’m quite a shy person. I now feel that I can engage in class discussions and give my opinion, without worrying if other people think that it is wrong or not.”
Our minibus was supposed to leave for London on Friday evening at 4.45pm. However, the girls begged and pleaded to be allowed to stay for the Year 9 & 10 Summer Ball, which was held at school with boys from Tonbridge School in attendance. Outfits were scrambled, nails painted, hair straightened, the bus rearranged for 9pm, and the girls were able to enjoy an exciting send-off to a brilliant week. Tahi commented, “There were no flaws in my experience. It was a wonderful place to be.”
After wiping away the tears, we have made plans for the girls to go back to Mayfield next year, with more places being offered, and even for Mayfield girls to come to MF for a week in November!
OC GeorginaSpeller (Class of 2007)
The Old Cornelian SUMMER 2016
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