Sixth Form Scholarships

The potential abolition of all international border controls and La Primavera were just two of the topics facing candidates sitting the Sixth Form Scholarship examinations earlier this week.

In one of the strongest and most competitive fields in years, candidates were asked to prepare for examinations in two academic subjects of their choice, as well as the challenging General Paper, the brainchild of Assistant Director of Studies, Tom Davidson.

In the 'read more' Tom explains some of the thinking behind the paper, which is now in its fourth year.

Pictured: U5 pupil Hermione Bird preparing for the much-feared general paper!

Blue Stockings Talk by Grainne Dennison

Last Tuesday evening the Senior Bronwyn Society, once again, provided students and parents with an utterly enthralling talk, this time delivered by resident academic Grainne Dennison. The subject (especially suitable for us at an all-girls school) was ‘Blue Stockings’ – the first women to attend Universities. Our attention was captured from the very start, with a moving extract read to us by Grainne, where we learnt of the struggle of working class Oxford student ‘Trixy’. We learnt some truly shocking facts. A leading doctor in the 19th Century believed that women’s brains were actually 13 grams lighter than men’s, and feared that the academic rigor of a University degree would cause their wombs to shrivel up!  

By Vita Unwin and Victoria Bull

Read the full review by clicking 'read more'.

Inaugural French Verse Speaking Competition at Moreton Hall

Moreton Hall played host to over 100 children for its inaugural 'French Verse Speaking Competition' last Friday (November 9th). Children from Moreton Hall, Terra Nova, Packwood, Newbridge and Prestfelde of ages 9-13 recited French poetry at Moreton's first competition of its kind. 'We are host to the Shropshire Festival of Verse and Prose each year and all of our girls are involved in Spoken English classes', explains Head of French, Lesley Eyre. 'We thought it would be a fun challenge to extend this to the French lessons.  We were delighted with the standard and the enthusiasm shown by the participating schools.'

Pictured: Top - all prize winners. Below - Judges Tony Woolstone from Magdalen College School and Patsy Musto, former ESB Examiner with Eliza Kiel and Antonia Nicholls.

Harvard Interview

Over the last couple of months Upper Sixth students have been preparing furiously for their forthcoming University Interviews. Upper Sixth students, Alice and Julia Duncan talk about their decision to apply to Harvard University.

"The fact that our brother went to Harvard and enjoyed the experience so much is what initially sparked our interest in US Universities, in particular Harvard. We wanted to study in America as it gave us the opportunity to gain a large breadth of education which is possible in the liberal arts and sciences structure. To be able to ‘shop’ for courses in the 1st year is very appealing as it gives us the chance to develop interests in a wide range of topics and find a vocation. Another reason which drew us to US Universities was the ability to combine Visual Arts with all fields of study, including Science, an opportunity unavailable in the UK."

Read the complete account by clicking 'read more'.

History at Moreton Hall

The History department is fizzing with new developments. The A Level “team” with an enthusiastic “gaggle” of younger historians are working on a new historical magazine for girls, staff and parents. Our new History Film Society has got underway and films to be screened will include “The Other Boleyn Girl” for all keen history buffs, whether studying the subject or simply lovers of Tudor romance. Two of our Upper Sixth girls, aiming to study History at a top University, are heading to Cambridge for a Conference about “raising historical skills from school to University standard” next week. Whilst The Culture Club, led by Mrs. Dennison, has had sessions on a wide variety of topics including the fascinating Mitford sisters and Pre-Raphaelite Art.

DNA Workshop

Monica Thomas, Upper 6, writes:

'There's no other outing quite like a biology outing' seems to be this year's ethos, with Upper Sixth's trip to the Nowgen Centre being our fifth biology outing this year! It was an excellent opportunity to revise the DNA profiling chapter in our current curriculum, and we were given the chance to profile our own DNA with gel electrophoresis. We focused on a particular protein- the PTC receptor protein known as the TAS2R38 gene- which is linked with the ability to be able to taste the chemical PTC. The majority of the class were either non-tasters or weak tasters of PTC, although Millie was the exception with her impressive reaction to the "vile" taste of the chemical!

Perfect Pud Sales Soar

The past few weeks have seen us traversing Shropshire, pitching to local farm shops and giving them the opportunity to stock the Moreton Hall ‘Perfect Pud’.  This has proved extremely popular with the farm shops loving the unique story behind the puddings and how we - as a team - have run our business venture from the start, with little input from teachers.

To find out more click the 'read more' link or to order your puddings online click here.

Moreton First Concert

The pupils of Moreton First have done it again! On a chilly Autumn afternoon the Musgrave was jam packed with friends and family to watch the children of Moreton First showcase their musical talents. The afternoon starred a range of musicians all of whom performed confidently in front of such a big crowd and many of whom are new to Moreton First this term. 

Children In Need

Moreton First have been busy raising funds for this year's Children In Need appeal. A range of initiatives have been created and organised by the school council, including a sponsored Come to School in Your Pyjamas day, penny trails, and the sale of wristbands and Pudsey keyrings. 

Lacrosse Results

The 1st, 2nd and U15 teams all won comfortably last Saturday in their matches against Harrogate Ladies' College at home. The 1st team won 11-5, the 2nds won 18-6 and the U15 team came out on top with a score of 18-4.

The following day Moreton took part in the U15 County Tournament for the first time and played consistently well. For a full match report from Captain Olivia Papaioannou click 'read more'.

Shropshire LAX Club

Every Wednesday Starting 14th November

Over the last term the sport department has been working on many developments in Lacrosse and one of those has been to start a Community Lacrosse Club here at Moreton.

The new Shropshire Lacrosse Club will be held every Wednesday between 6.00-7.00pm on the All Weather Pitch. It is open to girls/women 13 years and above of all ability levels.

Download the flyer by clicking read more.

Great Weekend for Junior Hockey

The Moreton Hall U15 Hockey Team played in the U16 County Hockey Tournament at Meole Brace last weekend. They WON all of their pool matches and beat Shrewsbury High in the semi-final to make the final and qualify for the Midlands Zone Finals which were held at Rugby School. It was an outstanding achievement by a team that were a year younger than other competitors.

Likewise, on Tuesday 6th November the U14 Hockey Team played in the U14 County Hockey Tournament at Meole Brace School. They WON all their pool matches and beat Ellesmere College in the semi-final to make the final and qualify for the U14 Midland Zone finals which will be held at Oundle School. ‘This has been a great achievement for our junior hockey teams to qualify for both age groups’ explains Kate Groves, Head of Sport.

Esme Triumphs in Cross Country

Year 5 pupil Esme Hughes beat over 60 children from the local area to win the second leg of the Oswestry Primary Cross Country Race held at The Quinta this week. 

Daisy Pulls It Off!

Wednesday November 28th, Thursday November 29th, Friday November 30th and Saturday December 1st
at 7pm in The Musgrave Theatre

Yet another fantastic Moreton Hall production brought to you by the girls of Lower 5 to Upper 6

Tickets are free. Bring your friends and family - all are welcome, but hurry, tickets are going fast!

Please contact Pat Willis to book your tickets: willisp@moretonhall.com

Moreton Hall Carol Service

Wednesday 11th December - 11am

All parents, grandparents and families are invited to attend this special service. The Preacher will be the Reverend Canon Janet Chapman of Birmingham Cathedral, mother of our Upper Sixth former Miriam Chapman.

Music by the choirs of Moreton First and Moreton Hall.

Christmas Holiday Club

December 13th - 21st and January 2nd - 4th

Mini Moreton Holiday Club for boys and girls aged 4-7

Moreton Holiday Club Plus+ for boys and girls aged 8-13

• Swimming every day
• Christmas art & craft
• Try new sports!
• Cookery & more!

For details contact Anne Griffith on moretonclub@moretonhall.com or download the booking form by clicking 'read more'.