OPEN DAYS & NEWS - BROMLEY HIGH SCHOOL

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Bromley High shortlisted for Independent School of the Year award

Bromley High School is delighted to announce that they have been shortlisted for an Independent School of the Year award in the Sporting Achievement category.

Independent Schools of the Year 2020 is an awards scheme which celebrates the success stories of schools and their students across the independent education sector. Showcasing the excellence of the educational experience available to students of all backgrounds, the awards recognise ways in which independent schools prepare young people for their future lives. This year, a record number of schools from across the country entered nominations into the 20 awards categories.

The Sporting Achievement category is for the school which most impresses the judges with the impact that sport has on students throughout the School both through the breadth of opportunity and participation, and the competitive achievements of its students relative to their age and stage of development.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted for this prestigious award. This achievement highlights our commitment to sport and reflects how Bromley High successfully nurtures sporting talent” says Victoria Clemens, Director of Sport.

 

Lucy Worsley’s talk and launch of new history book ‘Lady Mary’ at Bromley High School

We were very lucky to have a return visit from successful TV historian and Curator of the Royal Palaces Lucy Worsley, who came to talk to Year 7 about the heroine of her new YA novel, “Lady Mary.” The daughter of Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, Mary’s fortunes change dramatically when her father divorces her mother. The girls were engaged in an interactive Tudor history lesson, which included some of them acting out scenes from Mary’s life, including costumes and props. Although often overlooked by modern historians, Mary showed a dignity and courage in holding on to her beliefs that inspired her sister, the future Elizabeth I. Lucy was a delightful guest who once again got us thinking about historical issues whilst having a lot of fun. A group of Year 12 history students also sat in on the talk, and Lucy made time for a quick chat with them as well, which I’m sure made their day.

I really enjoyed taking part in the play, it helped us get into the story. Lucy also taught us lots about Hampton Court, where she works.”     Alice Sanderson, 7F.

Bromley High School is the First All Girls’ School in the World to Gain an All Steinway Accreditation

At the beginning of the Autumn Term, Bromley High celebrated the arrival of our fleet of Steinway pianos. A year in the planning, this day has to have been one of the most anticipated and unsurpassed in the history of Bromley High Music Department. A team of Steinway movers and technicians skilfully negotiated the dining room to place all ten pianos, including the Concert Model D and Model B into the Senior School Hall. With pure excitement and joy our Junior and Senior pianists arrived to test out both their skills and the instruments, rehearsing two pieces which involved all pianos being played at the same time. At lunchtime we proudly presented our first ‘Steinway Concert’ to the rest of the school, which included some stunning solos from our music scholars. The pianos are now in situ in the music wing and the walls are literally buzzing with the sound of beautiful music.

In the Summer, Bromley High Pupils were privileged to watch the Royal Academy of Music’s Head of Piano, Concert Pianist Joanna MacGregor OBE, select a Steinway Model D for the school at Steinway Hall in London.  The selection involved Joanna, who is both a Steinway artist and an Alumna of a GDST School, playing on several exceptional pianos which had been shipped directly from the Steinway Factory in Hamburg. Steinway pianos are regarded as the finest in the world and their arrival at Bromley High in September will be marked by a special concert.

 

“Our educational philosophy values the creative arts very highly”, said Angela Drew, Headmistress of Bromley High School, “and we have demonstrated our commitment to the arts not only by investing in these beautiful instruments but in additional staffing to enable the Bromley High Music department to enhance the musical opportunities available to pupils in local primary schools”.

Our Steinway Status Celebrations continued with an Inaugural Steinway Masterclass and Recital in October with Joanna MacGregor, OBE

 
Cross Country Success at Bromley High School

Lily and Hannah Outstanding in Kent Schools Cross Country, Dover, Jan 21st

Huge congratulations to Lily who came 3rd and Hannah 20th in the Kent Schools Cross Country Championships in Dover on Saturday!

Sporting Success at Bromley High School

A wonderful year for sport at Bromley High. A triumphant hockey season saw our U16s crowned outdoor and indoor Kent County Hockey Champions. Girls gained national representative honours in diving, swimming, rowing, hockey, biathlon, gymnastics and tennis and girls in Years 7 to 10 won 25 county representative honours.

The U11 Biathlon team was placed 2nd in the UK whilst a Bromley High girl won the individual U14 UK Biathlon Championships. Y7 and Y8 were Bromley Borough Athletics Champions. At the Kent County Athletics Championships, girls took Gold in 100 metres; Silver in High Jump; Bronze in Javelin.

Six girls swam in the London Swimming Championships, with a haul of three Gold medals and three Silver. In the British Summer Nationals Imogen Meers won Silver in the 100m Freestyle and broke her own Kent record in winning a Bronze in 50m Backstroke.

 

Image left to right - Olivia Carr Poppy Merrick - Year 7
Image left to right - Olivia Carr Poppy Merrick - Year 7

 

At the Kent County Tennis Doubles Championships Bromley High’s Junior pairs took First, Second and Third places while the U12s won the national Girls’ School Association Doubles Championship. Both Lois and Eloise Newberry represented Kent in the 9U South East Region County Cup helping Kent to win for the third successive year.

Superb performances by our gymnasts at the British Gymnastic Championships in Liverpool saw Sophia Imrie-Gale with her partner Clyde Gembickas win Gold and crowned the new 11-16 mixed pair British Gymnastics Champions 2016, whilst Liberty Laurence (12 yrs) won Bronze in her category.

 

Gymnasts   Medal winners - Sophie Imrie-Gale and Liberty Laurence
Gymnasts Medal winners - Sophie Imrie-Gale and Liberty Laurence
Upper Sixth Leaver Laura Kruszewski awarded Salters’ Award

We are delighted to announce U6th Leaver Laura Kruszewski has won a prestigious Salters’ Award for achieving the second highest mark in the UK in the recent Salters Advanced Chemistry Examination.

Laura will receive her award in December at the Salters’ Institute Annual Awards Ceremony at Fishmongers’ Hall.  Laura  will receive her prize from Professor Sir John Holman.

Bromley High School celebrates 140 years of educating girls

 

Yesterday Bromley High School celebrated its 140th birthday. The school was founded on 18th January 1883, one of a wave of pioneering Girls’ Public Day School Trust schools which opened towards the close of the Victorian era.

Its founders sought to provide young women with a broad and rigorous academic education far beyond the narrow range of female accomplishments intended to prepare young women for the domestic sphere.

Today, the school’s mission to inspire and empower girls through an exceptional education, has never been more important.

As part of the school’s birthday celebrations, Headmistress Mrs Codling held a special assembly where, following school tradition, the eldest and youngest pupils (Stevie and Matilda) cut a birthday cake together.

In the assembly, Mrs Codling also launched the school’s exciting programme of 140 Celebration events. As well as a House Afternoon Tea party and Gala Concert at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music, all pupils will be pledging 140 minutes of their time volunteering in the local community.

To mark yesterday's birthday, Junior School pupils dressed up as a prominent figure from the last 140 years. Year 7 pupils formed a human 140 on the school grounds and all pupils were treated to a delicious 140th birthday cupcake.

Happy birthday Bromley High School!

 

Bromley High Sporting Success

This year, Bromley High School has achieved huge successes in sport at regional and national level. In hockey, our U16 team reached the National Hockey Finals in 2020 and was placed 3rd in the country. In swimming we were 2019 and 2020 Freestyle & Medley Relay Champions in the prestigious Bath and Otter Cup for Independent Schools. In netball, we were the 2019 U12 Netball Champions in the London Youth Games.This year, Bromley High School has achieved huge successes in sport at regional and national level. In hockey, our U16 team reached the National Hockey Finals in 2020 and was placed 3rd in the country. In swimming we were 2019 and 2020 Freestyle & Medley Relay Champions in the prestigious Bath and Otter Cup for Independent Schools. In netball, we were the 2019 U12 Netball Champions in the London Youth Games.

Kent Swimming Individual Championships, Jan 13 2018

Three girls represented Bromley High School at the Kent Swimming Individual Championships in Thanet, Margate: Evelyn Davis (Y9), Annabel Smith (Y9) , and Lilly-Marie Derry (Y7). All three won Silver medals.

Annabel was 2nd in her age group the 100m Fly and 4th in 100m Backstroke;

Evelyn was 2nd in 100m Freestyle and 7th in the 100m Backstroke.

Lilly-Marie was 2nd in the 11/12yrs 100m Backstroke and 4th in the 200m Individual Medley.

“These are great results and we are so proud.” Bromley High PE Department  

“It was a great experience for us all – many thanks to the PE staff and special thanks to Mrs Bernatovitch for support.” Lilly-Marie, Evelyn, and Annabel 

 

Pictured below Lilly-Marie Derry, Evelyn Davis, and Annabel Smith with their medals
Pictured below Lilly-Marie Derry, Evelyn Davis, and Annabel Smith with their medals
Renee Ojikutu, Y11 Gains her first three caps for England U16 Hockey

Renee has had a busy hockey season with successful trials and training camps for England leading to her gaining her first three caps over the Easter Holidays, in a series against Holland. As well as her GCSE’s this term she is also playing in a series against Ulster and then has the Six Nations in Spain in the summer.

Well done to Renee and good luck in your next games.

Exceptional Learning

The outstanding achievement and learning at Bromley High School (recognised by the Independent Schools' Inspectorate with the rare accolade of an Exceptional grading) has never simply been a matter of consistently excellent academic results (85% A*-B at A level 2016; 88% A*-B 2015).

Learning is rich, diverse, innovative, quirky and fun so the girls achieve as much outside the classroom as within it. Our Y8 Robotics team has just qualified for the National Finals of the VEX Robotics Championship; the Year 7 and 8 Chess came 7th in the South East U19 Competition; Danielle Allen-Chhokar in the Lower Sixth was Highly Commended in the National Geographic Young Geographer of the Year Competition; Priyanka Patel, Raveena Rao and Serena won the Finals in the London Region Heat of the English Speaking Union Debating Competition. The extensive programme of inspirational speakers will continue to ensure that Bromley High girls think beyond the syllabus and outside the box - highlights this term include a lecture by distinguished TV Historian and Academic Michael Wood and the visit of Professor Edith Hall for an evening exploring the role of women in Classics. 

Bromley High’s History & Politics Society Presidents with TV Historian and Academic Michael Wood
Bromley High’s History & Politics Society Presidents with TV Historian and Academic Michael Wood
Lucy Worsley launches her new novel Eliza Rose at Bromley High School

We were very excited earlier in the spring term to step back into Tudor times with TV historian Lucy Worsley.  Bromley High School were the only school chosen to be visited by popular TV historian and author Lucy Worsley, on the promotional tour for her first novel for young people, “Eliza Rose.”

Lucy spoke to Year 7 about her role as Chief Curator of the Historic Palaces, and how her work at Hampton Court inspired her to write the book, ‘Eliza Rose’ which centres on Henry VIII and his marriage to the ill-fated Katherine Howard.

Eliza Rose” tells the story of a young girl at the treacherous court of Henry VIII, where her cousin, Katherine Howard, becomes his fifth Queen. It will be published in April, but we were very lucky to have advance copies available.

Lucy signed copies of 'Eliza Rose' for the girls too.

The girls also got the chance to dress “Queen Katherine” in Tudor costume, which provoked much hilarity amongst those watching. 

The morning was rounded off with a picture quiz on Tudor artefacts, at which the girls proved surprisingly skilled, although the ear wax scraper proved rather challenging!  As was guessing the content of the mystery parcel. It was a little red farthingale, or hooped skirt. 

Finally a book reading by Lucy from 'Eliza Rose' was a great start to Bromley High's World Book Day ahead of the Junior School celebrations on March 3rd

Thank you Lucy for such a fantastic day.

ESU Public Speaking winners

Year 10 were out and about on Tuesday to take part in the English Speaking Union prestigious public speaking competition. Held at Wallington High School, Serena Hunt (main speaker), Priyanka Patel (questioner) and Lilly Tuesley (chair) gave a presentation on the topic, ‘We should kill one to save many.’ Serena produced a thought provoking and philosophical speech that gained much prize from the principle judge on its wit and rigour. Both Serena and Priyanka also won best individual speaker and questioner with Lily a close second. The regional final will be held on 15th March at Dartford House in Central London.

Left to right: Priyanka Patel (15 years), Lilly Tuesley, (14 years);  Serena Hunt (15 years)
Left to right: Priyanka Patel (15 years), Lilly Tuesley, (14 years); Serena Hunt (15 years)
Bromley High School, GDST appoints new Headmistress, Mrs Emily Codling

The GDST Trustees have appointed Mrs Emily Codling as the new Headmistress of Bromley High School, GDST.

Mrs Codling was previously Headteacher at Eden Park High School, a highly successful free school in the London Borough of Bromley, which she founded for the Education for the 21st Century Trust five years ago. Mrs Codling oversaw the master planning and design of Eden Park and the creation of an aspirational curriculum and culture, which has seen the school become highly sought-after since its launch in 2016.

Mrs Codling worked with the Education for the 21st Century Trust for fifteen years, holding numerous leadership positions across the Trust’s schools. It was her outstanding track record and her rising up the ranks that meant she was handpicked to set up the Trust’s free school when the opportunity arose. She also has plenty of experience in working within a Trust, having been responsible for ensuring all eight of their schools reached the Trust’s high and demanding standards.

Mrs Codling herself was educated at Croydon High School GDST and brings with her a deep commitment to the values of the GDST and girls’ education. Indeed, she has had a long-held ambition to return to the GDST and to be part of a forward looking and enlightened organisation that champions girls and equips them to take charge of their own futures.

"I am delighted to be afforded the opportunity to return to the GDST family, and to join Bromley High School in particular. I look forward to working with the Trust, the school’s governing board, staff, students and parents to secure a place in the forefront of young women's education for this prestigious school," said Mrs Codling.

As the school celebrates its 140th anniversary next year, Mrs Codling’s first steps as the new Headmistress will be launching the school’s Towards 140 strategy.

Bromley High School Celebrates Outstanding A-level Success

We are delighted with the success of our Upper Sixth on achieving fantastic A-level results this year, with 51% of all results graded A* or A and 81% A*-B.

In keeping with our award winning STEM provision, there were outstanding results in Science where 44% of Chemistry students achieved A*s and Mathematics where 40% of grades were A*s. There were similarly impressive performances in the Humanities: over 80% of Economics and Geography results were A* or A and in History and Spanish students achieved 90% A*/A and 100% A*/A grades respectively.

Special congratulations go to six of our girls who achieved three or more A* grades. Emma Zhang will study Maths at University College London, after achieving A*s in Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths and an A in Physics. Tara Hinds and Evelyn Jamieson achieved A*s in Economics, Geography and Maths and will both study Economics at Birmingham University. 

 

Gwen Shepherd, Charlotte Wistow and Rhiannon Hughes were all awarded A*s in Biology, Chemistry and Maths. Gwen and Charlotte will be studying Medicine at Edinburgh University and St George’s respectively, with Rhiannon pursuing a degree in Biochemistry at Bristol University.

“I’m so shocked to have achieved such amazing results,” said Rhiannon. “After studying at Bromley High School since I was 4 years old, this is the perfect ending to my time here. I’d like to thank all my wonderful teachers for their support.”

Many other exceptional girls will be pursuing exciting opportunities. Fabien Gnehm, goalkeeper for the Austrian National Under 21 hockey team, will study at the prestigious Radboud University in the Netherlands whilst continuing with her successful career in hockey.

“We are delighted that our Leavers’ hard work has been rewarded with such outstanding results,” said Angela Drew, Headmistress of Bromley High School. “They are a wonderful group of young women who have very bright futures ahead of them and we are very proud of their achievements.”

 
Five Former Bromley High Students awarded Gold DoE Awards at St James's Palace Jan 15 2018

Five Former students - Victoria Cheung, Maria Christodoulou, Shiva Naser, Sophie Ware and Madeleine Webster - received their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards at St James's Palace this week.

Mr Evans, Mrs Drew and proud parents took their places in the Throne Room to watch as the girls chatted with the Earl of Wessex about their Gold Expedition bell boating against the current on their river journey from Windsor to Oxford.

Their certificates were presented by Roz Savage the only women to have rowed solo across the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Bromley's High's provision for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme was praised as exemplary and Mrs Drew was presented with a framed certificate commemorating Bromley High's status as a Directly Licensed D of E Centre.

“A privilege to see five of our former students presented with their Gold DofE Awards this morning. The ceremony was brilliantly organised by DofE London. Many thanks to Mr Evans, Mr Shannon and all Bromley High staff and parents who make the DofE such a fantastic experience for our girls” Angela Drew, Headmistress, Bromley High School, GDST

 

Marisa Conner, L6th qualifies for the Dutch National Diving Team

Marisa Conner 16 years has had some great results recently competing in the Amsterdam International Diving Cup over Easter.

There were divers from 11 countries including a number of National team divers taking part at this event. Marisa entered 1m and 3m springboard events in both girls 16-18 years as well as the Women’s category (for experience).

Womens 1m springboard 8th place (7 points off qualifying for finals).               

Womens 3m springboard qualified for finals and finished 6th.

Girls 16-18 years 1m springboard qualified for finals and finished 4th (3 points off bronze).

Girls 16-18 years 3m springboard qualified for finals in 5th place and won Bronze medal in the finals.

As a result of this exceptional diving Marisa achieved the required points on both 1m and 3m springboards needed to qualify for a place on the Dutch National Team.

 

She now has to gain the required points again on either board at the Dutch Nationals in June to be officially selected to the team.

Her plan is to then gain the points required to represent The Netherlands at International competition or Junior European Championships next year.

Due to her great performance in Amsterdam the Head of Diving in the Netherlands has invited Marisa to compete in a competition in May which is exclusively for the Dutch National team divers.

Meanwhile photo above (shows the height she now achieves on her dives from 3m).

 
Bromley High Sixth Form Student wins Highly Commended Award in the national ‘Young Geographers of the Year’ competition

The winners of the 2016 ‘Young Geographers of the Year’ competition were announced on Friday 25 November, after answering the question ‘How is Britain changing? The awards were presented by Steve Brace FRGS, Head of Education and Outdoor Learning at the Society.

Bromley High School is proud to announce that Danielle Allen-Chhokar, Lower Sixth, has won Highly Commended in her category.   

Danielle was presented with her Highly Commended award at the Royal Society by Steve Brace FRGS, Head of Education and Outdoor Learning at the Society.

"I am absolutely thrilled to have been awarded Highly commended  Young Geographer of the year 2016." It was such a honour to have been given the opportunity to have renowned geographers read my work and present me with my award at the Royal Geographical Society itself! “ Danielle Allen-Chhokar

 

 “Danielle is to be congratulated on winning this high profile national award as there were nearly 1000 entries. A Level pupils were asked to submit a 1,500 word essay, which could include illustrations, maps or graphs.”

Mrs Christina Bird, Joint Head of Geography, said:

‘Young Geographer of the Year’ is a national competition run by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) to encourage pupils to engage with geographical issues. Each year, the competition receives entries from thousands of pupils from hundreds of schools. This year’s ‘Young Geographer of the Year’ competition was an opportunity for geography pupils to explore how Britain is changing.

The winners and their entries can be viewed on the Royal National Geographical Society’s website

Steve Brace, the Society’s Head of Education and Outdoor Learning, said:

“This year students explored geographical change from many different perspectives.

“We were incredibly impressed with the entries we received. Many focused on how Britain’s physical features are changing in response to a wide range of geographical processes, while others focused on social, cultural or political change.” 

Dr Rita Gardner CBE, Director of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), said:

“With humans now being recognised as the driving influence on our environment, and at a time of significant social change, it’s more important than ever that the next generation of geographers are able to identify and analyse geographical change. We’re delighted to see so many pupils considering how Britain is changing in such a thoughtful and knowledgeable way.”

The Society’s Young Geographer of the Year competition recognises the best entries across four categories: Key Stage 2 (students aged 9-11); Key Stage 3 (11-14); Key Stage 4 or GCSE (14-16); and Key Stage 5 or A Level (16-18).

Pupils in the first three categories were asked to submit an annotated diagram or poster, while A Level pupils were asked to submit a 1,500 word essay, which could include illustrations, maps or graphs.

 
1st place for Bromley High Year 7 team in Kent Cross Country

Representing Bromley Borough in the Kent Cross Country in Hythe on Saturday, our Year 7 team came 1st out the eleven Boroughs competing for Kent. We are really proud of this fantastic achievement.

Saturday 23 January 2016

Running Ahead of the Pack

Bromley High School is best known for its outstanding academic reputation - this year's Upper Sixth hold offers for Oxford, Cambridge, Princeton and several medical schools - but its ethos is one of all round achievement. Little surprise, then that our athletes swept the board at the British Schools' Biathlon Championships at the Olympic Park this month with Bromley High girls placed 1st the U13 event, 2nd in the U16, and 3rd in U10 making this the fourth year in succession that a Bromley High girl has been a national biathlon champion.

Imogen Meers, U13 Schools Biathlon Champion
Imogen Meers, U13 Schools Biathlon Champion

This term, girls have won national awards for public speaking and creative writing, our choirs have sung on the stages from the Queen Elizabeth Hall to Disneyland, from Paris to Leipzig. This is an expansive education: Easter, whilst the majority of our Y10 is out on D of E expedition in the English countryside, our Classicists are enjoying the delights of Italy, our Geographers the thrilling landscapes of Iceland and our World Challenge Team prepares for its expedition to Madagascar. 

Annie Thorpe, BHS student through to the final of the GDST Chrystall Prize Public Speaking competition
Annie Thorpe, BHS student through to the final of the GDST Chrystall Prize Public Speaking competition
Open Days

Virtual Open Days

Available on their website. 

bromleyhigh.gdst.net

 

 

 
 
Bromley High School, GDST appoints new Headmistress, Mrs Emily Codling

The GDST Trustees have appointed Mrs Emily Codling as the new Headmistress of Bromley High School, GDST.

Mrs Codling was previously Headteacher at Eden Park High School, a highly successful free school in the London Borough of Bromley, which she founded for the Education for the 21st Century Trust five years ago. Mrs Codling oversaw the master planning and design of Eden Park and the creation of an aspirational curriculum and culture, which has seen the school become highly sought-after since its launch in 2016.

Mrs Codling worked with the Education for the 21st Century Trust for fifteen years, holding numerous leadership positions across the Trust’s schools. It was her outstanding track record and her rising up the ranks that meant she was handpicked to set up the Trust’s free school when the opportunity arose. She also has plenty of experience in working within a Trust, having been responsible for ensuring all eight of their schools reached the Trust’s high and demanding standards.

Mrs Codling herself was educated at Croydon High School GDST and brings with her a deep commitment to the values of the GDST and girls’ education. Indeed, she has had a long-held ambition to return to the GDST and to be part of a forward looking and enlightened organisation that champions girls and equips them to take charge of their own futures.

"I am delighted to be afforded the opportunity to return to the GDST family, and to join Bromley High School in particular. I look forward to working with the Trust, the school’s governing board, staff, students and parents to secure a place in the forefront of young women's education for this prestigious school," said Mrs Codling.

As the school celebrates its 140th anniversary next year, Mrs Codling’s first steps as the new Headmistress will be launching the school’s Towards 140 strategy.

Bromley High Sporting Success

This year, Bromley High School has achieved huge successes in sport at regional and national level. In hockey, our U16 team reached the National Hockey Finals in 2020 and was placed 3rd in the country. In swimming we were 2019 and 2020 Freestyle & Medley Relay Champions in the prestigious Bath and Otter Cup for Independent Schools. In netball, we were the 2019 U12 Netball Champions in the London Youth Games.This year, Bromley High School has achieved huge successes in sport at regional and national level. In hockey, our U16 team reached the National Hockey Finals in 2020 and was placed 3rd in the country. In swimming we were 2019 and 2020 Freestyle & Medley Relay Champions in the prestigious Bath and Otter Cup for Independent Schools. In netball, we were the 2019 U12 Netball Champions in the London Youth Games.

Lucy Worsley’s talk and launch of new history book ‘Lady Mary’ at Bromley High School

We were very lucky to have a return visit from successful TV historian and Curator of the Royal Palaces Lucy Worsley, who came to talk to Year 7 about the heroine of her new YA novel, “Lady Mary.” The daughter of Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, Mary’s fortunes change dramatically when her father divorces her mother. The girls were engaged in an interactive Tudor history lesson, which included some of them acting out scenes from Mary’s life, including costumes and props. Although often overlooked by modern historians, Mary showed a dignity and courage in holding on to her beliefs that inspired her sister, the future Elizabeth I. Lucy was a delightful guest who once again got us thinking about historical issues whilst having a lot of fun. A group of Year 12 history students also sat in on the talk, and Lucy made time for a quick chat with them as well, which I’m sure made their day.

I really enjoyed taking part in the play, it helped us get into the story. Lucy also taught us lots about Hampton Court, where she works.”     Alice Sanderson, 7F.

Five Former Bromley High Students awarded Gold DoE Awards at St James's Palace Jan 15 2018

Five Former students - Victoria Cheung, Maria Christodoulou, Shiva Naser, Sophie Ware and Madeleine Webster - received their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards at St James's Palace this week.

Mr Evans, Mrs Drew and proud parents took their places in the Throne Room to watch as the girls chatted with the Earl of Wessex about their Gold Expedition bell boating against the current on their river journey from Windsor to Oxford.

Their certificates were presented by Roz Savage the only women to have rowed solo across the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Bromley's High's provision for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme was praised as exemplary and Mrs Drew was presented with a framed certificate commemorating Bromley High's status as a Directly Licensed D of E Centre.

“A privilege to see five of our former students presented with their Gold DofE Awards this morning. The ceremony was brilliantly organised by DofE London. Many thanks to Mr Evans, Mr Shannon and all Bromley High staff and parents who make the DofE such a fantastic experience for our girls” Angela Drew, Headmistress, Bromley High School, GDST

 

Renee Ojikutu, Y11 Gains her first three caps for England U16 Hockey

Renee has had a busy hockey season with successful trials and training camps for England leading to her gaining her first three caps over the Easter Holidays, in a series against Holland. As well as her GCSE’s this term she is also playing in a series against Ulster and then has the Six Nations in Spain in the summer.

Well done to Renee and good luck in your next games.

Cross Country Success at Bromley High School

Lily and Hannah Outstanding in Kent Schools Cross Country, Dover, Jan 21st

Huge congratulations to Lily who came 3rd and Hannah 20th in the Kent Schools Cross Country Championships in Dover on Saturday!

Bromley High Sixth Form Student wins Highly Commended Award in the national ‘Young Geographers of the Year’ competition

The winners of the 2016 ‘Young Geographers of the Year’ competition were announced on Friday 25 November, after answering the question ‘How is Britain changing? The awards were presented by Steve Brace FRGS, Head of Education and Outdoor Learning at the Society.

Bromley High School is proud to announce that Danielle Allen-Chhokar, Lower Sixth, has won Highly Commended in her category.   

Danielle was presented with her Highly Commended award at the Royal Society by Steve Brace FRGS, Head of Education and Outdoor Learning at the Society.

"I am absolutely thrilled to have been awarded Highly commended  Young Geographer of the year 2016." It was such a honour to have been given the opportunity to have renowned geographers read my work and present me with my award at the Royal Geographical Society itself! “ Danielle Allen-Chhokar

 

 “Danielle is to be congratulated on winning this high profile national award as there were nearly 1000 entries. A Level pupils were asked to submit a 1,500 word essay, which could include illustrations, maps or graphs.”

Mrs Christina Bird, Joint Head of Geography, said:

‘Young Geographer of the Year’ is a national competition run by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) to encourage pupils to engage with geographical issues. Each year, the competition receives entries from thousands of pupils from hundreds of schools. This year’s ‘Young Geographer of the Year’ competition was an opportunity for geography pupils to explore how Britain is changing.

The winners and their entries can be viewed on the Royal National Geographical Society’s website

Steve Brace, the Society’s Head of Education and Outdoor Learning, said:

“This year students explored geographical change from many different perspectives.

“We were incredibly impressed with the entries we received. Many focused on how Britain’s physical features are changing in response to a wide range of geographical processes, while others focused on social, cultural or political change.” 

Dr Rita Gardner CBE, Director of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), said:

“With humans now being recognised as the driving influence on our environment, and at a time of significant social change, it’s more important than ever that the next generation of geographers are able to identify and analyse geographical change. We’re delighted to see so many pupils considering how Britain is changing in such a thoughtful and knowledgeable way.”

The Society’s Young Geographer of the Year competition recognises the best entries across four categories: Key Stage 2 (students aged 9-11); Key Stage 3 (11-14); Key Stage 4 or GCSE (14-16); and Key Stage 5 or A Level (16-18).

Pupils in the first three categories were asked to submit an annotated diagram or poster, while A Level pupils were asked to submit a 1,500 word essay, which could include illustrations, maps or graphs.

 
Lucy Worsley launches her new novel Eliza Rose at Bromley High School

We were very excited earlier in the spring term to step back into Tudor times with TV historian Lucy Worsley.  Bromley High School were the only school chosen to be visited by popular TV historian and author Lucy Worsley, on the promotional tour for her first novel for young people, “Eliza Rose.”

Lucy spoke to Year 7 about her role as Chief Curator of the Historic Palaces, and how her work at Hampton Court inspired her to write the book, ‘Eliza Rose’ which centres on Henry VIII and his marriage to the ill-fated Katherine Howard.

Eliza Rose” tells the story of a young girl at the treacherous court of Henry VIII, where her cousin, Katherine Howard, becomes his fifth Queen. It will be published in April, but we were very lucky to have advance copies available.

Lucy signed copies of 'Eliza Rose' for the girls too.

The girls also got the chance to dress “Queen Katherine” in Tudor costume, which provoked much hilarity amongst those watching. 

The morning was rounded off with a picture quiz on Tudor artefacts, at which the girls proved surprisingly skilled, although the ear wax scraper proved rather challenging!  As was guessing the content of the mystery parcel. It was a little red farthingale, or hooped skirt. 

Finally a book reading by Lucy from 'Eliza Rose' was a great start to Bromley High's World Book Day ahead of the Junior School celebrations on March 3rd

Thank you Lucy for such a fantastic day.

Upper Sixth Leaver Laura Kruszewski awarded Salters’ Award

We are delighted to announce U6th Leaver Laura Kruszewski has won a prestigious Salters’ Award for achieving the second highest mark in the UK in the recent Salters Advanced Chemistry Examination.

Laura will receive her award in December at the Salters’ Institute Annual Awards Ceremony at Fishmongers’ Hall.  Laura  will receive her prize from Professor Sir John Holman.

Running Ahead of the Pack

Bromley High School is best known for its outstanding academic reputation - this year's Upper Sixth hold offers for Oxford, Cambridge, Princeton and several medical schools - but its ethos is one of all round achievement. Little surprise, then that our athletes swept the board at the British Schools' Biathlon Championships at the Olympic Park this month with Bromley High girls placed 1st the U13 event, 2nd in the U16, and 3rd in U10 making this the fourth year in succession that a Bromley High girl has been a national biathlon champion.

Imogen Meers, U13 Schools Biathlon Champion
Imogen Meers, U13 Schools Biathlon Champion

This term, girls have won national awards for public speaking and creative writing, our choirs have sung on the stages from the Queen Elizabeth Hall to Disneyland, from Paris to Leipzig. This is an expansive education: Easter, whilst the majority of our Y10 is out on D of E expedition in the English countryside, our Classicists are enjoying the delights of Italy, our Geographers the thrilling landscapes of Iceland and our World Challenge Team prepares for its expedition to Madagascar. 

Annie Thorpe, BHS student through to the final of the GDST Chrystall Prize Public Speaking competition
Annie Thorpe, BHS student through to the final of the GDST Chrystall Prize Public Speaking competition
Bromley High School celebrates 140 years of educating girls

 

Yesterday Bromley High School celebrated its 140th birthday. The school was founded on 18th January 1883, one of a wave of pioneering Girls’ Public Day School Trust schools which opened towards the close of the Victorian era.

Its founders sought to provide young women with a broad and rigorous academic education far beyond the narrow range of female accomplishments intended to prepare young women for the domestic sphere.

Today, the school’s mission to inspire and empower girls through an exceptional education, has never been more important.

As part of the school’s birthday celebrations, Headmistress Mrs Codling held a special assembly where, following school tradition, the eldest and youngest pupils (Stevie and Matilda) cut a birthday cake together.

In the assembly, Mrs Codling also launched the school’s exciting programme of 140 Celebration events. As well as a House Afternoon Tea party and Gala Concert at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music, all pupils will be pledging 140 minutes of their time volunteering in the local community.

To mark yesterday's birthday, Junior School pupils dressed up as a prominent figure from the last 140 years. Year 7 pupils formed a human 140 on the school grounds and all pupils were treated to a delicious 140th birthday cupcake.

Happy birthday Bromley High School!

 

Bromley High shortlisted for Independent School of the Year award

Bromley High School is delighted to announce that they have been shortlisted for an Independent School of the Year award in the Sporting Achievement category.

Independent Schools of the Year 2020 is an awards scheme which celebrates the success stories of schools and their students across the independent education sector. Showcasing the excellence of the educational experience available to students of all backgrounds, the awards recognise ways in which independent schools prepare young people for their future lives. This year, a record number of schools from across the country entered nominations into the 20 awards categories.

The Sporting Achievement category is for the school which most impresses the judges with the impact that sport has on students throughout the School both through the breadth of opportunity and participation, and the competitive achievements of its students relative to their age and stage of development.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted for this prestigious award. This achievement highlights our commitment to sport and reflects how Bromley High successfully nurtures sporting talent” says Victoria Clemens, Director of Sport.

 

Bromley High School Celebrates Outstanding A-level Success

We are delighted with the success of our Upper Sixth on achieving fantastic A-level results this year, with 51% of all results graded A* or A and 81% A*-B.

In keeping with our award winning STEM provision, there were outstanding results in Science where 44% of Chemistry students achieved A*s and Mathematics where 40% of grades were A*s. There were similarly impressive performances in the Humanities: over 80% of Economics and Geography results were A* or A and in History and Spanish students achieved 90% A*/A and 100% A*/A grades respectively.

Special congratulations go to six of our girls who achieved three or more A* grades. Emma Zhang will study Maths at University College London, after achieving A*s in Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths and an A in Physics. Tara Hinds and Evelyn Jamieson achieved A*s in Economics, Geography and Maths and will both study Economics at Birmingham University. 

 

Gwen Shepherd, Charlotte Wistow and Rhiannon Hughes were all awarded A*s in Biology, Chemistry and Maths. Gwen and Charlotte will be studying Medicine at Edinburgh University and St George’s respectively, with Rhiannon pursuing a degree in Biochemistry at Bristol University.

“I’m so shocked to have achieved such amazing results,” said Rhiannon. “After studying at Bromley High School since I was 4 years old, this is the perfect ending to my time here. I’d like to thank all my wonderful teachers for their support.”

Many other exceptional girls will be pursuing exciting opportunities. Fabien Gnehm, goalkeeper for the Austrian National Under 21 hockey team, will study at the prestigious Radboud University in the Netherlands whilst continuing with her successful career in hockey.

“We are delighted that our Leavers’ hard work has been rewarded with such outstanding results,” said Angela Drew, Headmistress of Bromley High School. “They are a wonderful group of young women who have very bright futures ahead of them and we are very proud of their achievements.”

 
Kent Swimming Individual Championships, Jan 13 2018

Three girls represented Bromley High School at the Kent Swimming Individual Championships in Thanet, Margate: Evelyn Davis (Y9), Annabel Smith (Y9) , and Lilly-Marie Derry (Y7). All three won Silver medals.

Annabel was 2nd in her age group the 100m Fly and 4th in 100m Backstroke;

Evelyn was 2nd in 100m Freestyle and 7th in the 100m Backstroke.

Lilly-Marie was 2nd in the 11/12yrs 100m Backstroke and 4th in the 200m Individual Medley.

“These are great results and we are so proud.” Bromley High PE Department  

“It was a great experience for us all – many thanks to the PE staff and special thanks to Mrs Bernatovitch for support.” Lilly-Marie, Evelyn, and Annabel 

 

Pictured below Lilly-Marie Derry, Evelyn Davis, and Annabel Smith with their medals
Pictured below Lilly-Marie Derry, Evelyn Davis, and Annabel Smith with their medals
Bromley High School is the First All Girls’ School in the World to Gain an All Steinway Accreditation

At the beginning of the Autumn Term, Bromley High celebrated the arrival of our fleet of Steinway pianos. A year in the planning, this day has to have been one of the most anticipated and unsurpassed in the history of Bromley High Music Department. A team of Steinway movers and technicians skilfully negotiated the dining room to place all ten pianos, including the Concert Model D and Model B into the Senior School Hall. With pure excitement and joy our Junior and Senior pianists arrived to test out both their skills and the instruments, rehearsing two pieces which involved all pianos being played at the same time. At lunchtime we proudly presented our first ‘Steinway Concert’ to the rest of the school, which included some stunning solos from our music scholars. The pianos are now in situ in the music wing and the walls are literally buzzing with the sound of beautiful music.

In the Summer, Bromley High Pupils were privileged to watch the Royal Academy of Music’s Head of Piano, Concert Pianist Joanna MacGregor OBE, select a Steinway Model D for the school at Steinway Hall in London.  The selection involved Joanna, who is both a Steinway artist and an Alumna of a GDST School, playing on several exceptional pianos which had been shipped directly from the Steinway Factory in Hamburg. Steinway pianos are regarded as the finest in the world and their arrival at Bromley High in September will be marked by a special concert.

 

“Our educational philosophy values the creative arts very highly”, said Angela Drew, Headmistress of Bromley High School, “and we have demonstrated our commitment to the arts not only by investing in these beautiful instruments but in additional staffing to enable the Bromley High Music department to enhance the musical opportunities available to pupils in local primary schools”.

Our Steinway Status Celebrations continued with an Inaugural Steinway Masterclass and Recital in October with Joanna MacGregor, OBE

 
Marisa Conner, L6th qualifies for the Dutch National Diving Team

Marisa Conner 16 years has had some great results recently competing in the Amsterdam International Diving Cup over Easter.

There were divers from 11 countries including a number of National team divers taking part at this event. Marisa entered 1m and 3m springboard events in both girls 16-18 years as well as the Women’s category (for experience).

Womens 1m springboard 8th place (7 points off qualifying for finals).               

Womens 3m springboard qualified for finals and finished 6th.

Girls 16-18 years 1m springboard qualified for finals and finished 4th (3 points off bronze).

Girls 16-18 years 3m springboard qualified for finals in 5th place and won Bronze medal in the finals.

As a result of this exceptional diving Marisa achieved the required points on both 1m and 3m springboards needed to qualify for a place on the Dutch National Team.

 

She now has to gain the required points again on either board at the Dutch Nationals in June to be officially selected to the team.

Her plan is to then gain the points required to represent The Netherlands at International competition or Junior European Championships next year.

Due to her great performance in Amsterdam the Head of Diving in the Netherlands has invited Marisa to compete in a competition in May which is exclusively for the Dutch National team divers.

Meanwhile photo above (shows the height she now achieves on her dives from 3m).

 
Exceptional Learning

The outstanding achievement and learning at Bromley High School (recognised by the Independent Schools' Inspectorate with the rare accolade of an Exceptional grading) has never simply been a matter of consistently excellent academic results (85% A*-B at A level 2016; 88% A*-B 2015).

Learning is rich, diverse, innovative, quirky and fun so the girls achieve as much outside the classroom as within it. Our Y8 Robotics team has just qualified for the National Finals of the VEX Robotics Championship; the Year 7 and 8 Chess came 7th in the South East U19 Competition; Danielle Allen-Chhokar in the Lower Sixth was Highly Commended in the National Geographic Young Geographer of the Year Competition; Priyanka Patel, Raveena Rao and Serena won the Finals in the London Region Heat of the English Speaking Union Debating Competition. The extensive programme of inspirational speakers will continue to ensure that Bromley High girls think beyond the syllabus and outside the box - highlights this term include a lecture by distinguished TV Historian and Academic Michael Wood and the visit of Professor Edith Hall for an evening exploring the role of women in Classics. 

Bromley High’s History & Politics Society Presidents with TV Historian and Academic Michael Wood
Bromley High’s History & Politics Society Presidents with TV Historian and Academic Michael Wood
Sporting Success at Bromley High School

A wonderful year for sport at Bromley High. A triumphant hockey season saw our U16s crowned outdoor and indoor Kent County Hockey Champions. Girls gained national representative honours in diving, swimming, rowing, hockey, biathlon, gymnastics and tennis and girls in Years 7 to 10 won 25 county representative honours.

The U11 Biathlon team was placed 2nd in the UK whilst a Bromley High girl won the individual U14 UK Biathlon Championships. Y7 and Y8 were Bromley Borough Athletics Champions. At the Kent County Athletics Championships, girls took Gold in 100 metres; Silver in High Jump; Bronze in Javelin.

Six girls swam in the London Swimming Championships, with a haul of three Gold medals and three Silver. In the British Summer Nationals Imogen Meers won Silver in the 100m Freestyle and broke her own Kent record in winning a Bronze in 50m Backstroke.

 

Image left to right - Olivia Carr Poppy Merrick - Year 7
Image left to right - Olivia Carr Poppy Merrick - Year 7

 

At the Kent County Tennis Doubles Championships Bromley High’s Junior pairs took First, Second and Third places while the U12s won the national Girls’ School Association Doubles Championship. Both Lois and Eloise Newberry represented Kent in the 9U South East Region County Cup helping Kent to win for the third successive year.

Superb performances by our gymnasts at the British Gymnastic Championships in Liverpool saw Sophia Imrie-Gale with her partner Clyde Gembickas win Gold and crowned the new 11-16 mixed pair British Gymnastics Champions 2016, whilst Liberty Laurence (12 yrs) won Bronze in her category.

 

Gymnasts   Medal winners - Sophie Imrie-Gale and Liberty Laurence
Gymnasts Medal winners - Sophie Imrie-Gale and Liberty Laurence
1st place for Bromley High Year 7 team in Kent Cross Country

Representing Bromley Borough in the Kent Cross Country in Hythe on Saturday, our Year 7 team came 1st out the eleven Boroughs competing for Kent. We are really proud of this fantastic achievement.

Saturday 23 January 2016

ESU Public Speaking winners

Year 10 were out and about on Tuesday to take part in the English Speaking Union prestigious public speaking competition. Held at Wallington High School, Serena Hunt (main speaker), Priyanka Patel (questioner) and Lilly Tuesley (chair) gave a presentation on the topic, ‘We should kill one to save many.’ Serena produced a thought provoking and philosophical speech that gained much prize from the principle judge on its wit and rigour. Both Serena and Priyanka also won best individual speaker and questioner with Lily a close second. The regional final will be held on 15th March at Dartford House in Central London.

Left to right: Priyanka Patel (15 years), Lilly Tuesley, (14 years);  Serena Hunt (15 years)
Left to right: Priyanka Patel (15 years), Lilly Tuesley, (14 years); Serena Hunt (15 years)
Open Days

Virtual Open Days

Available on their website. 

bromleyhigh.gdst.net

 

 

 
 
Bromley High School celebrates 140 years of educating girls

 

Yesterday Bromley High School celebrated its 140th birthday. The school was founded on 18th January 1883, one of a wave of pioneering Girls’ Public Day School Trust schools which opened towards the close of the Victorian era.

Its founders sought to provide young women with a broad and rigorous academic education far beyond the narrow range of female accomplishments intended to prepare young women for the domestic sphere.

Today, the school’s mission to inspire and empower girls through an exceptional education, has never been more important.

As part of the school’s birthday celebrations, Headmistress Mrs Codling held a special assembly where, following school tradition, the eldest and youngest pupils (Stevie and Matilda) cut a birthday cake together.

In the assembly, Mrs Codling also launched the school’s exciting programme of 140 Celebration events. As well as a House Afternoon Tea party and Gala Concert at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music, all pupils will be pledging 140 minutes of their time volunteering in the local community.

To mark yesterday's birthday, Junior School pupils dressed up as a prominent figure from the last 140 years. Year 7 pupils formed a human 140 on the school grounds and all pupils were treated to a delicious 140th birthday cupcake.

Happy birthday Bromley High School!

 

Bromley High School, GDST appoints new Headmistress, Mrs Emily Codling

The GDST Trustees have appointed Mrs Emily Codling as the new Headmistress of Bromley High School, GDST.

Mrs Codling was previously Headteacher at Eden Park High School, a highly successful free school in the London Borough of Bromley, which she founded for the Education for the 21st Century Trust five years ago. Mrs Codling oversaw the master planning and design of Eden Park and the creation of an aspirational curriculum and culture, which has seen the school become highly sought-after since its launch in 2016.

Mrs Codling worked with the Education for the 21st Century Trust for fifteen years, holding numerous leadership positions across the Trust’s schools. It was her outstanding track record and her rising up the ranks that meant she was handpicked to set up the Trust’s free school when the opportunity arose. She also has plenty of experience in working within a Trust, having been responsible for ensuring all eight of their schools reached the Trust’s high and demanding standards.

Mrs Codling herself was educated at Croydon High School GDST and brings with her a deep commitment to the values of the GDST and girls’ education. Indeed, she has had a long-held ambition to return to the GDST and to be part of a forward looking and enlightened organisation that champions girls and equips them to take charge of their own futures.

"I am delighted to be afforded the opportunity to return to the GDST family, and to join Bromley High School in particular. I look forward to working with the Trust, the school’s governing board, staff, students and parents to secure a place in the forefront of young women's education for this prestigious school," said Mrs Codling.

As the school celebrates its 140th anniversary next year, Mrs Codling’s first steps as the new Headmistress will be launching the school’s Towards 140 strategy.

Bromley High shortlisted for Independent School of the Year award

Bromley High School is delighted to announce that they have been shortlisted for an Independent School of the Year award in the Sporting Achievement category.

Independent Schools of the Year 2020 is an awards scheme which celebrates the success stories of schools and their students across the independent education sector. Showcasing the excellence of the educational experience available to students of all backgrounds, the awards recognise ways in which independent schools prepare young people for their future lives. This year, a record number of schools from across the country entered nominations into the 20 awards categories.

The Sporting Achievement category is for the school which most impresses the judges with the impact that sport has on students throughout the School both through the breadth of opportunity and participation, and the competitive achievements of its students relative to their age and stage of development.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted for this prestigious award. This achievement highlights our commitment to sport and reflects how Bromley High successfully nurtures sporting talent” says Victoria Clemens, Director of Sport.

 

Bromley High Sporting Success

This year, Bromley High School has achieved huge successes in sport at regional and national level. In hockey, our U16 team reached the National Hockey Finals in 2020 and was placed 3rd in the country. In swimming we were 2019 and 2020 Freestyle & Medley Relay Champions in the prestigious Bath and Otter Cup for Independent Schools. In netball, we were the 2019 U12 Netball Champions in the London Youth Games.This year, Bromley High School has achieved huge successes in sport at regional and national level. In hockey, our U16 team reached the National Hockey Finals in 2020 and was placed 3rd in the country. In swimming we were 2019 and 2020 Freestyle & Medley Relay Champions in the prestigious Bath and Otter Cup for Independent Schools. In netball, we were the 2019 U12 Netball Champions in the London Youth Games.

Bromley High School Celebrates Outstanding A-level Success

We are delighted with the success of our Upper Sixth on achieving fantastic A-level results this year, with 51% of all results graded A* or A and 81% A*-B.

In keeping with our award winning STEM provision, there were outstanding results in Science where 44% of Chemistry students achieved A*s and Mathematics where 40% of grades were A*s. There were similarly impressive performances in the Humanities: over 80% of Economics and Geography results were A* or A and in History and Spanish students achieved 90% A*/A and 100% A*/A grades respectively.

Special congratulations go to six of our girls who achieved three or more A* grades. Emma Zhang will study Maths at University College London, after achieving A*s in Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths and an A in Physics. Tara Hinds and Evelyn Jamieson achieved A*s in Economics, Geography and Maths and will both study Economics at Birmingham University. 

 

Gwen Shepherd, Charlotte Wistow and Rhiannon Hughes were all awarded A*s in Biology, Chemistry and Maths. Gwen and Charlotte will be studying Medicine at Edinburgh University and St George’s respectively, with Rhiannon pursuing a degree in Biochemistry at Bristol University.

“I’m so shocked to have achieved such amazing results,” said Rhiannon. “After studying at Bromley High School since I was 4 years old, this is the perfect ending to my time here. I’d like to thank all my wonderful teachers for their support.”

Many other exceptional girls will be pursuing exciting opportunities. Fabien Gnehm, goalkeeper for the Austrian National Under 21 hockey team, will study at the prestigious Radboud University in the Netherlands whilst continuing with her successful career in hockey.

“We are delighted that our Leavers’ hard work has been rewarded with such outstanding results,” said Angela Drew, Headmistress of Bromley High School. “They are a wonderful group of young women who have very bright futures ahead of them and we are very proud of their achievements.”

 
Lucy Worsley’s talk and launch of new history book ‘Lady Mary’ at Bromley High School

We were very lucky to have a return visit from successful TV historian and Curator of the Royal Palaces Lucy Worsley, who came to talk to Year 7 about the heroine of her new YA novel, “Lady Mary.” The daughter of Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, Mary’s fortunes change dramatically when her father divorces her mother. The girls were engaged in an interactive Tudor history lesson, which included some of them acting out scenes from Mary’s life, including costumes and props. Although often overlooked by modern historians, Mary showed a dignity and courage in holding on to her beliefs that inspired her sister, the future Elizabeth I. Lucy was a delightful guest who once again got us thinking about historical issues whilst having a lot of fun. A group of Year 12 history students also sat in on the talk, and Lucy made time for a quick chat with them as well, which I’m sure made their day.

I really enjoyed taking part in the play, it helped us get into the story. Lucy also taught us lots about Hampton Court, where she works.”     Alice Sanderson, 7F.

Kent Swimming Individual Championships, Jan 13 2018

Three girls represented Bromley High School at the Kent Swimming Individual Championships in Thanet, Margate: Evelyn Davis (Y9), Annabel Smith (Y9) , and Lilly-Marie Derry (Y7). All three won Silver medals.

Annabel was 2nd in her age group the 100m Fly and 4th in 100m Backstroke;

Evelyn was 2nd in 100m Freestyle and 7th in the 100m Backstroke.

Lilly-Marie was 2nd in the 11/12yrs 100m Backstroke and 4th in the 200m Individual Medley.

“These are great results and we are so proud.” Bromley High PE Department  

“It was a great experience for us all – many thanks to the PE staff and special thanks to Mrs Bernatovitch for support.” Lilly-Marie, Evelyn, and Annabel 

 

Pictured below Lilly-Marie Derry, Evelyn Davis, and Annabel Smith with their medals
Pictured below Lilly-Marie Derry, Evelyn Davis, and Annabel Smith with their medals
Five Former Bromley High Students awarded Gold DoE Awards at St James's Palace Jan 15 2018

Five Former students - Victoria Cheung, Maria Christodoulou, Shiva Naser, Sophie Ware and Madeleine Webster - received their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards at St James's Palace this week.

Mr Evans, Mrs Drew and proud parents took their places in the Throne Room to watch as the girls chatted with the Earl of Wessex about their Gold Expedition bell boating against the current on their river journey from Windsor to Oxford.

Their certificates were presented by Roz Savage the only women to have rowed solo across the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Bromley's High's provision for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme was praised as exemplary and Mrs Drew was presented with a framed certificate commemorating Bromley High's status as a Directly Licensed D of E Centre.

“A privilege to see five of our former students presented with their Gold DofE Awards this morning. The ceremony was brilliantly organised by DofE London. Many thanks to Mr Evans, Mr Shannon and all Bromley High staff and parents who make the DofE such a fantastic experience for our girls” Angela Drew, Headmistress, Bromley High School, GDST

 

Bromley High School is the First All Girls’ School in the World to Gain an All Steinway Accreditation

At the beginning of the Autumn Term, Bromley High celebrated the arrival of our fleet of Steinway pianos. A year in the planning, this day has to have been one of the most anticipated and unsurpassed in the history of Bromley High Music Department. A team of Steinway movers and technicians skilfully negotiated the dining room to place all ten pianos, including the Concert Model D and Model B into the Senior School Hall. With pure excitement and joy our Junior and Senior pianists arrived to test out both their skills and the instruments, rehearsing two pieces which involved all pianos being played at the same time. At lunchtime we proudly presented our first ‘Steinway Concert’ to the rest of the school, which included some stunning solos from our music scholars. The pianos are now in situ in the music wing and the walls are literally buzzing with the sound of beautiful music.

In the Summer, Bromley High Pupils were privileged to watch the Royal Academy of Music’s Head of Piano, Concert Pianist Joanna MacGregor OBE, select a Steinway Model D for the school at Steinway Hall in London.  The selection involved Joanna, who is both a Steinway artist and an Alumna of a GDST School, playing on several exceptional pianos which had been shipped directly from the Steinway Factory in Hamburg. Steinway pianos are regarded as the finest in the world and their arrival at Bromley High in September will be marked by a special concert.

 

“Our educational philosophy values the creative arts very highly”, said Angela Drew, Headmistress of Bromley High School, “and we have demonstrated our commitment to the arts not only by investing in these beautiful instruments but in additional staffing to enable the Bromley High Music department to enhance the musical opportunities available to pupils in local primary schools”.

Our Steinway Status Celebrations continued with an Inaugural Steinway Masterclass and Recital in October with Joanna MacGregor, OBE

 
Renee Ojikutu, Y11 Gains her first three caps for England U16 Hockey

Renee has had a busy hockey season with successful trials and training camps for England leading to her gaining her first three caps over the Easter Holidays, in a series against Holland. As well as her GCSE’s this term she is also playing in a series against Ulster and then has the Six Nations in Spain in the summer.

Well done to Renee and good luck in your next games.

Marisa Conner, L6th qualifies for the Dutch National Diving Team

Marisa Conner 16 years has had some great results recently competing in the Amsterdam International Diving Cup over Easter.

There were divers from 11 countries including a number of National team divers taking part at this event. Marisa entered 1m and 3m springboard events in both girls 16-18 years as well as the Women’s category (for experience).

Womens 1m springboard 8th place (7 points off qualifying for finals).               

Womens 3m springboard qualified for finals and finished 6th.

Girls 16-18 years 1m springboard qualified for finals and finished 4th (3 points off bronze).

Girls 16-18 years 3m springboard qualified for finals in 5th place and won Bronze medal in the finals.

As a result of this exceptional diving Marisa achieved the required points on both 1m and 3m springboards needed to qualify for a place on the Dutch National Team.

 

She now has to gain the required points again on either board at the Dutch Nationals in June to be officially selected to the team.

Her plan is to then gain the points required to represent The Netherlands at International competition or Junior European Championships next year.

Due to her great performance in Amsterdam the Head of Diving in the Netherlands has invited Marisa to compete in a competition in May which is exclusively for the Dutch National team divers.

Meanwhile photo above (shows the height she now achieves on her dives from 3m).

 
Cross Country Success at Bromley High School

Lily and Hannah Outstanding in Kent Schools Cross Country, Dover, Jan 21st

Huge congratulations to Lily who came 3rd and Hannah 20th in the Kent Schools Cross Country Championships in Dover on Saturday!

Exceptional Learning

The outstanding achievement and learning at Bromley High School (recognised by the Independent Schools' Inspectorate with the rare accolade of an Exceptional grading) has never simply been a matter of consistently excellent academic results (85% A*-B at A level 2016; 88% A*-B 2015).

Learning is rich, diverse, innovative, quirky and fun so the girls achieve as much outside the classroom as within it. Our Y8 Robotics team has just qualified for the National Finals of the VEX Robotics Championship; the Year 7 and 8 Chess came 7th in the South East U19 Competition; Danielle Allen-Chhokar in the Lower Sixth was Highly Commended in the National Geographic Young Geographer of the Year Competition; Priyanka Patel, Raveena Rao and Serena won the Finals in the London Region Heat of the English Speaking Union Debating Competition. The extensive programme of inspirational speakers will continue to ensure that Bromley High girls think beyond the syllabus and outside the box - highlights this term include a lecture by distinguished TV Historian and Academic Michael Wood and the visit of Professor Edith Hall for an evening exploring the role of women in Classics. 

Bromley High’s History & Politics Society Presidents with TV Historian and Academic Michael Wood
Bromley High’s History & Politics Society Presidents with TV Historian and Academic Michael Wood
Bromley High Sixth Form Student wins Highly Commended Award in the national ‘Young Geographers of the Year’ competition

The winners of the 2016 ‘Young Geographers of the Year’ competition were announced on Friday 25 November, after answering the question ‘How is Britain changing? The awards were presented by Steve Brace FRGS, Head of Education and Outdoor Learning at the Society.

Bromley High School is proud to announce that Danielle Allen-Chhokar, Lower Sixth, has won Highly Commended in her category.   

Danielle was presented with her Highly Commended award at the Royal Society by Steve Brace FRGS, Head of Education and Outdoor Learning at the Society.

"I am absolutely thrilled to have been awarded Highly commended  Young Geographer of the year 2016." It was such a honour to have been given the opportunity to have renowned geographers read my work and present me with my award at the Royal Geographical Society itself! “ Danielle Allen-Chhokar

 

 “Danielle is to be congratulated on winning this high profile national award as there were nearly 1000 entries. A Level pupils were asked to submit a 1,500 word essay, which could include illustrations, maps or graphs.”

Mrs Christina Bird, Joint Head of Geography, said:

‘Young Geographer of the Year’ is a national competition run by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) to encourage pupils to engage with geographical issues. Each year, the competition receives entries from thousands of pupils from hundreds of schools. This year’s ‘Young Geographer of the Year’ competition was an opportunity for geography pupils to explore how Britain is changing.

The winners and their entries can be viewed on the Royal National Geographical Society’s website

Steve Brace, the Society’s Head of Education and Outdoor Learning, said:

“This year students explored geographical change from many different perspectives.

“We were incredibly impressed with the entries we received. Many focused on how Britain’s physical features are changing in response to a wide range of geographical processes, while others focused on social, cultural or political change.” 

Dr Rita Gardner CBE, Director of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), said:

“With humans now being recognised as the driving influence on our environment, and at a time of significant social change, it’s more important than ever that the next generation of geographers are able to identify and analyse geographical change. We’re delighted to see so many pupils considering how Britain is changing in such a thoughtful and knowledgeable way.”

The Society’s Young Geographer of the Year competition recognises the best entries across four categories: Key Stage 2 (students aged 9-11); Key Stage 3 (11-14); Key Stage 4 or GCSE (14-16); and Key Stage 5 or A Level (16-18).

Pupils in the first three categories were asked to submit an annotated diagram or poster, while A Level pupils were asked to submit a 1,500 word essay, which could include illustrations, maps or graphs.

 
Sporting Success at Bromley High School

A wonderful year for sport at Bromley High. A triumphant hockey season saw our U16s crowned outdoor and indoor Kent County Hockey Champions. Girls gained national representative honours in diving, swimming, rowing, hockey, biathlon, gymnastics and tennis and girls in Years 7 to 10 won 25 county representative honours.

The U11 Biathlon team was placed 2nd in the UK whilst a Bromley High girl won the individual U14 UK Biathlon Championships. Y7 and Y8 were Bromley Borough Athletics Champions. At the Kent County Athletics Championships, girls took Gold in 100 metres; Silver in High Jump; Bronze in Javelin.

Six girls swam in the London Swimming Championships, with a haul of three Gold medals and three Silver. In the British Summer Nationals Imogen Meers won Silver in the 100m Freestyle and broke her own Kent record in winning a Bronze in 50m Backstroke.

 

Image left to right - Olivia Carr Poppy Merrick - Year 7
Image left to right - Olivia Carr Poppy Merrick - Year 7

 

At the Kent County Tennis Doubles Championships Bromley High’s Junior pairs took First, Second and Third places while the U12s won the national Girls’ School Association Doubles Championship. Both Lois and Eloise Newberry represented Kent in the 9U South East Region County Cup helping Kent to win for the third successive year.

Superb performances by our gymnasts at the British Gymnastic Championships in Liverpool saw Sophia Imrie-Gale with her partner Clyde Gembickas win Gold and crowned the new 11-16 mixed pair British Gymnastics Champions 2016, whilst Liberty Laurence (12 yrs) won Bronze in her category.

 

Gymnasts   Medal winners - Sophie Imrie-Gale and Liberty Laurence
Gymnasts Medal winners - Sophie Imrie-Gale and Liberty Laurence
Lucy Worsley launches her new novel Eliza Rose at Bromley High School

We were very excited earlier in the spring term to step back into Tudor times with TV historian Lucy Worsley.  Bromley High School were the only school chosen to be visited by popular TV historian and author Lucy Worsley, on the promotional tour for her first novel for young people, “Eliza Rose.”

Lucy spoke to Year 7 about her role as Chief Curator of the Historic Palaces, and how her work at Hampton Court inspired her to write the book, ‘Eliza Rose’ which centres on Henry VIII and his marriage to the ill-fated Katherine Howard.

Eliza Rose” tells the story of a young girl at the treacherous court of Henry VIII, where her cousin, Katherine Howard, becomes his fifth Queen. It will be published in April, but we were very lucky to have advance copies available.

Lucy signed copies of 'Eliza Rose' for the girls too.

The girls also got the chance to dress “Queen Katherine” in Tudor costume, which provoked much hilarity amongst those watching. 

The morning was rounded off with a picture quiz on Tudor artefacts, at which the girls proved surprisingly skilled, although the ear wax scraper proved rather challenging!  As was guessing the content of the mystery parcel. It was a little red farthingale, or hooped skirt. 

Finally a book reading by Lucy from 'Eliza Rose' was a great start to Bromley High's World Book Day ahead of the Junior School celebrations on March 3rd

Thank you Lucy for such a fantastic day.

1st place for Bromley High Year 7 team in Kent Cross Country

Representing Bromley Borough in the Kent Cross Country in Hythe on Saturday, our Year 7 team came 1st out the eleven Boroughs competing for Kent. We are really proud of this fantastic achievement.

Saturday 23 January 2016

Upper Sixth Leaver Laura Kruszewski awarded Salters’ Award

We are delighted to announce U6th Leaver Laura Kruszewski has won a prestigious Salters’ Award for achieving the second highest mark in the UK in the recent Salters Advanced Chemistry Examination.

Laura will receive her award in December at the Salters’ Institute Annual Awards Ceremony at Fishmongers’ Hall.  Laura  will receive her prize from Professor Sir John Holman.

ESU Public Speaking winners

Year 10 were out and about on Tuesday to take part in the English Speaking Union prestigious public speaking competition. Held at Wallington High School, Serena Hunt (main speaker), Priyanka Patel (questioner) and Lilly Tuesley (chair) gave a presentation on the topic, ‘We should kill one to save many.’ Serena produced a thought provoking and philosophical speech that gained much prize from the principle judge on its wit and rigour. Both Serena and Priyanka also won best individual speaker and questioner with Lily a close second. The regional final will be held on 15th March at Dartford House in Central London.

Left to right: Priyanka Patel (15 years), Lilly Tuesley, (14 years);  Serena Hunt (15 years)
Left to right: Priyanka Patel (15 years), Lilly Tuesley, (14 years); Serena Hunt (15 years)
Running Ahead of the Pack

Bromley High School is best known for its outstanding academic reputation - this year's Upper Sixth hold offers for Oxford, Cambridge, Princeton and several medical schools - but its ethos is one of all round achievement. Little surprise, then that our athletes swept the board at the British Schools' Biathlon Championships at the Olympic Park this month with Bromley High girls placed 1st the U13 event, 2nd in the U16, and 3rd in U10 making this the fourth year in succession that a Bromley High girl has been a national biathlon champion.

Imogen Meers, U13 Schools Biathlon Champion
Imogen Meers, U13 Schools Biathlon Champion

This term, girls have won national awards for public speaking and creative writing, our choirs have sung on the stages from the Queen Elizabeth Hall to Disneyland, from Paris to Leipzig. This is an expansive education: Easter, whilst the majority of our Y10 is out on D of E expedition in the English countryside, our Classicists are enjoying the delights of Italy, our Geographers the thrilling landscapes of Iceland and our World Challenge Team prepares for its expedition to Madagascar. 

Annie Thorpe, BHS student through to the final of the GDST Chrystall Prize Public Speaking competition
Annie Thorpe, BHS student through to the final of the GDST Chrystall Prize Public Speaking competition