As I reflect on my first half term at Q I am astounded by the number and variety of trips, events, opportunities and achievements that the girls have experienced. It has been a half term full of energy and positivity and I have enjoyed every moment as I am sure the girls and staff have too.

Some of my personal highlights more recently have been the wonderful House Supper organised by Waller with the theme of “Alice in Wonderland.” The costumes and effort made by parents, girls and staff was quite spectacular and I must confess I quite enjoyed my evening dressed as the Queen of Hearts!

I have also spent more time on the Astroturf supporting our teams as they enjoy their hockey. We have had a number of successes against formidable opposition, and are very proud to have reached the East of England finals, where we won our group outright. The First XI were disappointed to lose the playoff, but they should be heartened by some brilliant performances over the last few weeks. This week we welcomed many visiting prep and junior schools to our Year 6/7 Hockey festival – our new Year 7s were excellent ambassadors for Queenswood sport and did us proud!

Last night I attended an OQ networking event at Accenture. This was a wonderful opportunity for our current girls to forge links and relationships with old girls who have moved into a career or profession that is of interest to our Sixth Formers. We were also very fortunate to have been able to visit the Innovation Centre at Accenture where we were given some insight into what the future may look like, as well as opening our minds to the technology and artificial intelligence that already exists.

 Also this week, I was very privileged to have seen the Drama Scholars’ and Principal’s Award Holders’ play, DNA. I was blown away by the emotion and concentration that all the girls in this performance demonstrated. I found the production moving and thought-provoking but most of all I was astounded by the talent that the girls demonstrated. You can read a review of the production here and view photographs here. I am looking forward to many more Drama productions in the months ahead.

There have been a number of distinguished visitors to the school in the last few weeks. We were privileged to welcome Jacqueline Harvey,  bestselling author of the Alice-Miranda and Clementine Rose series, to the English department. She spoke to our Year 7 girls and signed copies of her books. Last Friday Dick Moore made a return visit to Q. Mr Moore talked to parents, girls and staff about concerns surrounding mental health issues in young people. This was a very well received talk and we are extremely grateful to Mr Moore for sharing his thoughts and experiences with us.

Our girls have been out to a number of events this half of term. We have a record number of girls involved in the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award. This term they completed a two night practice expedition in the Chiltern Hills. The Year 9 girls have been on a History Trip to the Living History Museum in Dudley and the UVI Geographers have visited the Royal Geological Society. Over half term we have three trip abroad a Hockey Tour to Barcelona, Year 11 Spanish study visit to Jerez and a Music Tour to Liguria. I am looking forward to hearing all about these on their return.

As you can see we have all thrown our all into the first half of this term in true Queenswood style. The girls and staff have enjoyed all the opportunities presented to them and are now ready for some quality family time and a bit of a rest over the half term. I hope you all enjoy the break and return to school ready to embrace all that the second half of the autumn term will bring at Q.