News
at
Henley
Spring Term 2012
Modern languages Conference
Gifted and Talented Academy
Preparing for the Olympics
Autumn Term 2011
Sixth Form Chemist of 2011
Travel and Tourism students visit Oxford
Business Student of the Year Award
Amnesty Youth Group action against stoning in Iran
Oxfordshire School Biologist of the Year Awards
Students complete Gold Crest Awards
The Henley College Lecture
Students perform at Stoke Mandeville Hospital
Microscopy Masterclass
Nuffield Science Bursary Award
Moon Rocks Land at The Henley College
Indonesia visits Henley
Henley students 'Got to dance’
Students' work considered for RBA Exhibition
The Henley College Education Awards
Ex-BTEC Student has ‘The X Factor'
Summer Term 2011
Harvard Scholarship
Jesus Christ Superstar - The Tour
Student chosen to kayak for Great Britain
Pablo Pacheco Avila visits College
Tickets on sale for Dance Show 2011
Antigone Production Big Success
Spanish Students Visit Seville
AS and IB Students Attend Conference
The Environment Fair
Olympians inspire College Sports
Henley College Amnesty Group Event
Youth Speaks Competition
Sixth Form College ceremony
OISSP Chemist of the Year
Geography AS student visit Spitalfields
Modern languages conference Southampton University
13 students of AS and IB French, German and Spanish attended a sixth form conference at the University of Southampton. Three language specific taster classes showed the students what studying at university can be like. The students of German found out that grammar is more than just rules but can also be used to describe the differences between standard German and colloquial use.
The Henley College students worked together with sixth formers from various schools and colleges from the South-East on acting out a scene from a popular German soap-opera and also listened to a passionate lecture on the various effects of German unification and how this can be studied from a linguistic/ discourse analysis point of view. The lectures and taster sessions in French comprised of various interactive activities and a reading comprehension on equality between women and men as well as a lecture on the suburbs ('banlieues') of Paris and the riots of 2005 and 2007.
In Spanish, students discussed misunderstandings ('Los Malentendidos') that can be caused by translating from English to Spanish as well as cultural traditions in Spain. Their lecture was on the evolution of culture. The students also had the chance of a taster session in a totally new language like Swedish, Portuguese, Italian or Bulgarian. All in all, it was a most interesting day which encouraged the students to seriously consider studying a modern language at university.
Students' feedback:
'It was great having the opportunity to be in a university language learning environment and to learn some more about employment prospects with a language degree'- Elizabeth
'I had been considering not going to uni but now I'm certain I want to. Both the Spanish teachers were inspiring and generally the whole experience was really good'- Rose
'The day has made me enthusiastic to continue languages at university, and all the language sessions were useful. Very insightful day'- Peter
'I've always considered languages to be a worthwhile option. The study day at Southampton has increased this belief. The interactivity and positive atmosphere has convinced me even further that languages are amazing. A very thought-provoking day overall.'- Mariama
'Before I went to the uni I didn't know if I wanted to continue a language but now I can see myself doing a combined course with a language definitely'- Michaela
Preparing for the Olympics
Henley College students gave up four days of their Christmas holidays to be trained for acting as security personnel for the Olympics next summer. The special training course was offered by the Bridging the Gap project and enables the students to be employed as door supervisors for the Olympic Games; the qualification will also be useful for other jobs in security the students may seek in the future.
Ten students took the four day course and found the experience very rewarding and are looking forward to putting their skills into practice at some of the sporting events next summer.
Gifted and Talented Academy
The HENLEY College is holding an Information Event to introduce its Gifted and Talented Academy.
The evening will include the following presentations:
Welcome from Tom Espley, Principal
The HENLEY College Academy
Peter Allen, Assistant Principal
Entry to Oxbridge
Mike Nicholson, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Oxford University and College Governor
Studying at an Ivy League University
Chris Price, Regional Director, North America Preparation for Life Education Consultants
Tuesday 7 February 2012 - 7.30 pm
College's Rotherfield Hall, Paradise Road, Henley on Thames. There is no need to book a place. Please note parking is very limited on College sites.
Gifted and Talented at Henley >>
Sixth Form Chemist of 2011
Fred receiving his award from Steven Lenon of the Society for Chemical Industry.
Congratulations to Fred Cascarini for achieving The Henley College’s nomination for the 6th Form Chemist of 2011 award. Schools in Oxfordshire each nominated one outstanding Year 13 student for the award, hosted by Oxford University, The Society of Chemical Industry and the Oxfordshire Independent and State Schools Partnership (OISSP).
Prize-winners were presented with certificates and book tokens at the University of Oxford Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Building, on Thursday 20th October. Parents and teachers joined students on the evening, which included a guided tour of the Chemistry Research Laboratories and a spectacular display of chemical demonstrations by Dr Malcolm Stewart and Dr Fabrice Birembaut from the University of Oxford.
Tom Kempton, Project Director of the OISSP, said, ‘this event is a chance to celebrate the talent of exceptional students within our county’s schools. The University and SCI’s involvement will raise aspirations and encourage students to apply their Chemistry skills in higher education and in industry.’
December 2011
Travel and Tourism students find there is more to Oxford than the university.
It was with much in trepidation that students from The Henley College headed to Oxford Castle, Oxford’s premiere visitor attraction.
The first year Extended Diploma Travel and Tourism students had been promised a day that included an introductory workshop to customer service and a chance to experience the traditional Christmas market whilst also touring the infamous Oxford prison within the grounds of the old Norman castle.
The twenty students were not prepared however for the dark stories of great escapes, executions, murder and ghostly images in the candle lit crypt. The students still unanimously agreed though that learning outside the classroom is an invaluable and fun experience even when joined by mysterious and eerie sightings!
Georgina Smith, who joined the College in September from Gillotts School, said “Oxford Castle was a great opportunity for me to learn about all the historical facts, as well as being able to see the buildings and prison at the same time. It was completely relevant and helpful for the course I’m studying”.
After the success of the recent day trip to the impressive Virgin Atlantic cabin crew training centre near Gatwick, this provided a different perspective on customer service for the completion of this specific unit within their diploma. Ex-Langtree student, Shelby Peacock said “although I enjoyed the Virgin Atlantic training, I felt that Oxford Castle was a lot of fun and we could explore on our own. It was a really exciting educational experience and I would recommend others to go there”.
The Extended Diploma course is the equivalent to three A levels and has seen a 68% increase in student enrolments for 2011/12. It is reflecting the growing popularity of travel and tourism as a profession but also the need to have industry specific training within this difficult economic climate. According to a Deloitte study in 2010 'The Economic Contribution of the Visitor Economy – UK and the nations', tourism was worth £115.4bn to the UK economy in 2009 and it is hoped that these students will be a part of the future growth of the industry.
Business Student of the Year Award
The Henley College has a formal awards ceremony for students who have finished their studies. However the Business programme area has an informal presentation to a student who has shown exceptional dedication to their studies during their first year of the Extended Diploma in Business.
Himal Senchury was presented with his certificate and Amazon vouchers in front of his year group by The Principal, Tom Espley. His year group fully supported Himal’s receipt of the award and it was apparent that the honour came as a total surprise.
Himal joined The Henley College in 2009 from Gillotts School and originally enrolled on the Combined First Certificates in Business/Travel and Tourism. This was in order to build up a stronger profile of GCSE grades which allowed him to re-enrol onto the Extended Diploma in Business in 2010. The skills he learnt in the previous year have had a positive impact as Himal has demonstrated self-determination and commitment to the completion of his assignments in the first year which resulted in distinctions in all nine of his first year units.
The fact that the course is internally assessed through a range of methods such as presentations, role-plays and formal reports allows students who are well organised to complete the work successfully within the deadlines set. Students who find the GCSE exam-based assessment difficult and stressful can excel within the structure of the BTEC courses. This does not mean that it is an easy option compared to A levels; managing coursework in five different business subjects at any one time tests a student’s time management and general organisational skills. However these are the skills that employers are constantly looking for.
Last year’s winner of the award, Charlie Drummond, completed his diploma this year achieving DDD. He opted not to apply for university but is now working as a general apprentice for Stoneworld Ltd, Great Milton.
Amnesty International Youth Group:
Action against stoning in Iran
The Henley College Amnesty International Youth Group carried out an action in front of Henley town hall in November 2011, as part of Amnesty’s campaign called “Stop Stoning in Iran”. The students had read about this inhumane method of execution, where people are buried in the ground wrapped in a white sheet, women up to their chest, and were so shocked and outraged they wanted to stage an action in public in the town centre. 
They took petitions around town for signatures, and every tutor group in college was asked to circulate the petition. The girl in the white sheet said that even though she knew she was safe, and the fake stones were not thrown, she could vividly imagine anticipating real stones being thrown at her and could only begin to understand how terrible this must be.
November 2011
Oxfordshire School Biologist of the Year Awards
Shannnon Bird receiving her sixth form Biologist of the year award
Award winners from secondary schools throughout Oxfordshire received prizes for the Sixth Form Biologist of 2011 at a ceremony at Oxford University Museum of Natural History in Oxford. Students were given a tour of the museum and then joined parents and teachers for a lecture given by Timothy Walker, Director of Oxford University Botanic Gardens.
Mr Walker talked about the positive changes that Biologists can make to reduce the extinction of a wide range of plants across the world.
The OISSP Project Director Tom Kempton said: ‘This event is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the outstanding effort being made by students and their teachers in all schools across Oxfordshire. We are particular short of students opting to take sciences at A- level and this award recognises the efforts being put in by high achieving students. We hope that by recognising their efforts, they will be encouraged to continue biology-related courses at university.
November 2011
Students complete Gold Crest Awards
On Wednesday 2nd November five A level Science students from The Henley College completed their Gold Crest Awards at Science Oxford. Their quests began a year ago when they successfully applied for a 4-6 week summer placement in science research. Each student completed over 100 hours of individual research, financially supported by the Nuffield Bursary Scheme and supervised by an academic mentor. Their findings were first written into a detailed report and then used by each student to create a summary poster, which supported the final presentation to professional scientists who judged whether the standard for a Gold Crest Award had been met.
Many congratulations to Henry Bailey, Shannon Bird, Alice Gann, Adam Parkes Bowen and Lizi Smart.
The HENLEY College Lecture
Siblings in Medieval Literature
Wednesday 9th November 2011
10.30 am Rotherfield Hall
The lecture will be delivered by Dr Carolyne Larrington, Supernumerary Fellow in English at
St John's College Oxford.
Dr Larrington teaches medieval English literature, ranging from the earliest Old English to the beginning of the Renaissance period.
Dr Larrington's research interests have been mainly in Old Icelandic, in particular Norse mythology, and in medieval women's writing, but she is currently researching in the field of Arthurian legend. She has published on Old English and Old Icelandic wisdom poetry, has edited "The Woman's Companion to Mythology" and "Women and Writing in Medieval Europe: A Sourcebook" and has recently translated the Old Norse "Poetic Edda". 'King Arthur's Enchantresses: Morgan and Her Sisters in Arthurian Tradition' appeared from IB Tauris in June 2006. She is now working on a study of brothers and sisters in traditional literature, as well as writing various articles about Old Norse and Arthurian literature.
Students perform at Stoke Mandeville Hospital
Performing Arts students from Henley College have performed in some unusual venues over the years, including amphitheatres in Greece, beaches in Cornwall and castle ruins in Spain, but Halloween saw them performing, for the first time, in a hospital ward.
The Performing Arts department was invited to take part in a Halloween Cabaret at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury for patients of the spinal care unit. The College is currently in rehearsal for “Jesus Christ Superstar” which will be performed at St Andrews Church, Caversham in December, so three cast members and director Nic Saunders were delighted to accept.
l to r -Josie White (Mary Magdalene), Oliver Dench (Jesus) and Hannah Mullan (Judas)
The students performed a medley of three songs from the musical, alongside students from the The Kercher School of Dance, Musical Kidz Theatre School, Italia Conti and professional West End performers from “Oliver”, “Sound of Music” and “Calamity Jane”.
The event was obviously meant to raise both spirits and funds for the spinal unit and was originally intended to also mark the 85th birthday of the unit patron and special guest, Sir Jimmy Saville.
Unfortunately, Jimmy Saville died the weekend prior to the event and the occasion was therefore overshadowed by the tragic news. Staff from the Hospital and close friends of Sir Jimmy attended the event and gave heartfelt tributes.
Said Nic Saunders, “We were delighted to be involved and to perform for the spinal unit staff and patients. It was, however, an evening of both joy and sorrow as the event had originally been planned to coincide with Jimmy Saville’s 85th birthday and birthday banners and cakes had been left on display.
Although I never met or know Jimmy Saville, from what we heard on the night from his friends and colleagues I am sure he would have approved of the evening going ahead and the ward being full of music and dance as his life had been devoted to bringing joy and laughter to so many people.”
October 2011
Microscopy Masterclass
In October a group of AS Biology students were invited to take part in a Microscopy Masterclass in the Centre for Advanced Microscopy at Reading University, as an extension to their studies of cell biology. The students were able to hear first-hand from experts at the university about how to prepare specimens for microscopy and were then able to observe two types of electron microscope in action to see incredibly clear and fine detail in images magnified many thousands of times.
Afterwards, the group was given a tour of the university’s impressive facilities and caught a glimpse of new students enjoying Fresher’s Week. One Henley College student said afterwards, “The labs and equipment were amazing. I really liked the scanning electron microscope (SEM) because we could see so much detail. My favourite picture was the fly because we could see all the hairs.” Another student commented “I like high tech equipment and enjoyed seeing how these tools work in Science research.” This was the first time that The HENLEY College has been invited to Reading University’s Microscopy Masterclass and we are hoping that it will become an annual event to inspire future scientists.
The picture shows the underside of a fly’s head, as viewed with the SEM that used in the demonstration. The fly was coated with a thin layer of gold before being examined with the SEM
Nuffield Science Bursary Award
This summer A level student Lizi Smart won a prestigious Nuffield Bursary Award and a placement in a top science research laboratory. Lizi worked in the Deafness Model Discovery Unit at the Medical Research Council on the Harwell science campus, with a PhD student and her supervisor. The unit recently discovered a gene mutation that may be responsible for some types of deafness. To allow further investigation into the effect of the mutation on the behaviour and function of the gene within cells, Lizi and the team created a clone of the gene and
introduce it into some test cells. The cells were then visualised under a fluorescence microscope to show where the proteins produced by the mutant gene were located. Lizi gained valuable experience of using many different molecular biology techniques during her placement which will give her a head start when applying for a competitive science courses at university.
A level student Lizi Smart who completed a Nuffield Bursary project this summer
Henry Bailey working with the RSPB on his Nuffield Bursary project.
Henry's Interview
Clip can also be viewed on the RSPB website >>
October 2011
Moon Rocks Land at The Henley College
A Level Geology students with the moon rocks
The Geology group played host to two of our partner schools, Gillotts and Chiltern Edge, in September when pupils visited Henley College to take part in workshops about the Moon. The visits coincided with the loan of Moon rocks and meteorites to the college by the Science and Technology Facilities Council. Around forty year 11 science students and accompanying staff from the schools took part in the afternoon during which they learnt about the formation of the Moon; they were able to inspect the Moon rocks collected during the Apollo missions and to handle rare meteorites which dated from the formation of the solar system 4.5 billion years ago.
Close up of the moon rocks
Students from the AS and A2 Geology classes helped out and provided a great deal of inspiration to the younger students. One year 11 student said afterwards “The big meteorite was my favourite because it was so heavy and really old. I’m definitely interested in finding out more about Geology now, I didn’t realise that there was an A level like this.” Many Henley College staff and students who saw the samples were also in awe after being able to touch ancient rocks from space. These rocks are literally “priceless” and their loan was arranged under some secrecy with very tight security in place. We hope to borrow the rocks again in the future.
September 2011
Indonesia visits Henley
Henley College played host to over 70 visitors from Indonesia who wanted to see a sixth form college during their visit to the World Skills Competition in London. They took a morning out from the activities in the O2 to travel to Henley where they were given a talk by Peter Allen, Assistant Principal, on the College and the system of education in the UK. They were given refreshments before taking photographs and then had a short tour of the College. The visitors were education officials, head-teachers and principals from Jakarta and other towns in Indonesia.
October 2011
Henley students 'Got to dance’
Students in the shadow of Battersea Power Station
A group of dance students from the College visited Battersea Power Station last weekend to film scenes for SKY TV’s “Got To Dance” show.
The students had already been selected from thousands of hopefuls to perform their dance piece in front of the panel of judges, comprising West End performer Adam Garcia, Pussycat Doll Kimberley Wyatt and Diversity choreographer and dancer Ashley Banjo.
Students rehearse their dance in the warm up area
The students performed a piece of contemporary dance that had been created especially for the show by dance teacher Tara Ward. The students then performed the piece for the cameras and a live studio audience.
Unfortunately the judges decided the piece would not progress any further, but had nothing but praise for the group. Kimberley Wyatt, in particular, praised the choreography and Ashley
Banjo encouraged the students to keep going and comments that he’d not be surprised if they were working in the industry a few years from now.
Said Tara Ward, “It was a great experience for the students to dance in front of professionals like these and get some positive feedback. Far from being discouraged by not moving forward in the competition, we feel the judges made some excellent points and we can all learn from their advice.”
The show airs screen on Sky TV in December.
September 2011
Students' work considered for Royal Society of British Artists Exhibition
HEDFAS, the Henley Decorative and Fine Arts Society, selected three works from A Level students to be considered for the RBA 2012 Exhibition in the Mall Galleries in London. It was a difficult selection from some outstanding end of year work but in the end the following works were chosen:
Oliver Esknett - portrait of young adult, Joely Chinkard - two tall ceramic pots and Florence Foreman - portrait of young women, head only.
The students were awarded a cheque and a ceremony was hosted at Phyllis Court where Joely and Florence received their 
awards from Lady Camoys in front of a large audience of members of the Henley branch of the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies which covers Henley and the surrounding area.
The President of the Royal Society of British Artists selected two of the three works from Henley College to exhibit at the RBA’s 2012 show at the Mall galleries in London. They are Joely Clinkard’s two pots and Oliver Eskriett’s untitled portrait.
This year 54 Societies submitted 310 art work from 83 schools, so the RBA had a challenge selecting work. In fact 41 works will be hung, with two of them by Henley College students
The HENLEY College Education Awards
The HENLEY College Education Awards were held recently in the Rotherfield Hall packed with students and parents. Almost 50 students received awards for numerous A Levels ranging from the sciences to English. Awards were also given to students on diplomas and the International Baccalaureate. Other awards went to apprentices and for personal achievement and outstanding contribution to the College.
Many local businesses and organisations sponsored the awards. To see all sponsors and students click here >>
After the awards ceremony in the main hall, students and their families stayed on for a reception and talked to staff about their achievements and their futures.
Ex-BTEC Student has ‘The X Factor
The reason students choose to study the vocational BTEC courses at Henley is to further their desire to work professionally as performers. It is always satisfying when an ex-student is spotted on the West End stage or on television – and fortunately this happens with some regularity.
One such ex-student was Coralie Norman who, now working under the stage name of Coralie Jo, was one of the auditionees on this week’s X Factor. Coralie studied the Level 3 diploma in Performing Arts when at Henley and was featured heavily on the programme making it through all of the audition rounds to boot camp. She then progressed through the first round of boot camp and was chosen by the judges to be part of an all new girl band. Unfortunately she did not make it through to the Judge’s House round and won’t progress further in this year’s competition.
However, it is a massive achievement to have gotten this far in the competition and reflects both Coralie’s ability as a performer and her tenacity to succeed. The College wishes her all the best in what comes next and is sure this won’t be the last we see of her.
Watch extracts of Coralie’s time on the X Factor here.
Harvard Scholarship
Ed Rippon, an 18 year old A level science student from The Henley College, has been awarded an unconditional place at Harvard University, USA with a full scholarship. Although a great many students from the United Kingdom apply for a place at the prestigious Harvard University, only 25 applicants were successful this year. Ed described his reaction to the news as “A huge thrill; I feel very privileged indeed.”
Ed, originally from Peterborough, chose to study at the college so that he could join the elite rowing sports development programme alongside while studying an A level programme. Not only is Ed predicted to achieve very high grades in Chemistry, Maths and Physics, but he has also achieved success on the water and is presently rowing for the Leander club in Henley. A former GB junior Ed will be racing at the Royal Regatta again, this summer as part of the Clubs Fawley cup quad sculls crew. Ed added “I will miss Henley College and my friends but I am so looking forward to going to Harvard in August and returning in a boat for next year’s Regatta.”
Jesus Christ Superstar - The Tour
The Level 3 Extended Diploma students are finishing their two year course in style – with a production of the musical JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR.
Written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, the show tells the story of the last three days of Jesus’ life. Without doubt one of the most popular musicals of all time, the show was also responsible for launching a new type of musical – the rock opera. With songs such as “Gethsemane”, “Heaven on their Minds” and “I don’t know how to love him” JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR has the power to amaze, to entertain and to move.
Says director Neil McCurley, “It’s a wonderful musical and a real privilege to be working on with the students. There’s no doubting the power of the material and staging it requires a real ensemble spirit. It’s a definite challenge and it’s been a long time since the Level 3 students produced a musical as part of their course, but I’m certain we’ll rise to it and produce something we can all be proud of”.
Henley audiences will get a chance to see the production when it is performed locally on the 2nd July, but before that it will be playing church venues in Cornwall from the 27th June. There are some who believe that Jesus visited Britain in his lifetime and biblical scholars suggest if he did then Cornwall is the most likely location.
TOUR DATES
27th June - St Just-in-Roseland and St Mawes Parish Church, St Mawes, TR2 5BD
Click for map..
28th June - Riverside United Church, Looe, PL13 2BU
Click for map..
30th June - Falmouth Methodist Church, Falmouth, TR11 2BU Click for map..
2nd July - All Saints Church, Maidenhead, SL6 4HE
Click for map..
The performances start at 7.30pm and tickets are £5.00 (with £4.00 off ticket price going to church venue)
Student chosen to kayak for Great Britain
Second year A Level student, Nico Kirschstein-Smith has been selected to represent Great Britain in the “K4” (4 man kayak) 1000m flat water race at the European Championships in Croatia later this month. Nico started kayaking at the age of 12 and this is his first invitation to represent GB. Carefully balancing his 12-16 hours a week of training around studying for A Levels in Biology, German and PE has been challenging, but Nico’s determination and hard work have been rewarded with a place at University to study physiotherapy, as well as sporting success. Being selected for this international event came as something of a surprise to Nico who stated, with the broadest grin, “I can’t believe I have been selected; it is a dream come true!”
Evening of Brecht
The Level 3 students end the year first of their course with An Evening of Brecht.
The evening will consist of two short plays each devised by the students based on the theatrical ideas of Bertolt Brecht. The first – The Chain - deals with the dark side of the adult entertainment business and the second – Perfecting Parents - deals with the question of whether everyone is suited to parenthood. Says Nic Saunders, “Brecht was a very confrontational and political practitioner and these pieces pose some challenging views and opinions. They may be short pieces, but they both have a lot to say and pack a real punch.”
The performances take place in the College Theatre Studio on Tuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th June. The doors open at 7.20pm and tickets are available on the door priced £2.00.
The evening is a perfect introduction to Brecht for A Level Theatre Studies students or students who are thinking of studying the Level 3 course at Henley.
Pablo Pacheco Avila, Cuban former POC (prisoner of conscience), deeply moved by visit to Henley College
We were incredibly privileged to have Pablo for a whole day at the Henley College, following a high profile Amnesty media event in London. Pablo was very keen to meet the students of the Henley College Amnesty International Youth Group, who have been taking action on Freedom of Expression in Cuba, and his case in particular, for 2 years. He wanted to express his immense gratitude for all the work they have done, and impress upon them that the work Amnesty does is a vital life-line for those suffering human rights abuses around the world. He thanked them not only in the name of all the POCs in Cuba who have been released due to international pressure, but also for the invaluable support and solidarity they received along with their families through cards and letters. Thanks to these, they knew they had not been forgotten, and found the strength to carry on without losing hope. The group asked questions about his time in prison, his life now in Spain, and his hopes for the future. Pablo told me that their questions were infinitely more interesting and probing than those put to him in the international press at the media event in London!
Pablo was quite overawed by the college, our staff & students. He also thoroughly enjoyed some sight-seeing in London and a trip to the theatre with the college Tai Chi groups to see the Shaolin Warriors! He was deeply moved by the whole experience and said that he will never forget it for the rest of his life.
Thank you to everyone who came to meet him.
Sue Bingham
Tickets on sale for Dance Show 2011
The annual Dance show is an opportunity for all dance students studying at the College to showcase their dance skills.
The performances are Tues 24 – Thurs 26 May in the College’s own Dance Studio. Tickets are £4 / £3 and available from the normal outlets. Doors open at 7.15pm.
Says Tara Ward, “The dance show is a great chance to see the variety of dance work the College produces from group to solo pieces. It involves A Level and vocational students and for potential students is a real opportunity to see the standard our students achieve.”
Antigone Production Big Success
The Year one Level 3 Extended Diploma production of ANTIGONE was a big success playing to almost full houses every night.
Says director Nic Saunders, “I was very pleased with the work of the cast and feel that we produced something that was exciting and dynamic. The audience feedback has been great and it was a satisfying outcome of a lot of hard work. I look forward to working with this group of students on their Brecht pieces in the Summer term.”
The Henley Standard concluded their review of the production by calling it “an intelligent, thought provoking and polished piece of theatre”. The full review and gallery of images can be found in the Past Productions section.
Spanish Students visit Seville
Fourteen IB and AS students recently enjoyed the cultural delights this wonderful city has to offer. They packed their days discovering its Islamic and Roman heritage, visiting the Moorish Palace and the amphitheatre at Itálica, birthplace of Hadrian. Other highlights included learning to dance flamenco and visiting the bullring, no bulls were present!
AS and International Baccalaureate Students attend a Languages Conference
Languages students were impressed to hear how many opportunities they have ahead of them in the market place. The one day conference at Brighton University had speakers from G.C.H.Q., British Airways, the London Olympics and a self-employed interpreter. The highlight was undoubtedly the contributions of the three languages undergraduates who spoke about their year abroad on the Erasmus scheme, and how much fun it was.
The Environment Fair organised by students from the Environment Group was an event during Climate Week on 21-27 March 2011. The aim was to show what can be achieved, share ideas and encourage people to act during the rest of the year. http://www.climateweek.com/
Climate Week will shine a spotlight on the many positive steps already being taken in workplaces and communities across Britain. The power of these real, practical examples – the small improvements and the big innovations – will then inspire millions more people.
Carbon Offsets, http://www.carbon-offsets.com/ a Henley based company, Henley town in Transition http://www.henley-in-transition.org.uk/ and Just Trading from Wallingford http://www.justtrading.co.uk/ took stands at the Fair supporting Climate Week.
The students also encouraged their friends to join in Earth Hour, a WWF campaign as part of Climate Week. At 8:30 PM on Saturday 26th March 2011, lights will switch off around the globe for Earth Hour and people will commit to actions that go beyond the hour. http://www.earthhour.org/Homepage.aspx
March 2011
Olympians inspire College Sports
Henley College sport students were treated to an hour long talk by Paralympic Gold medallist Tom Aggar and Olympic Silver medallist Miriam Batten. Tom collected his Gold for single sculling in Beijing in 2008, whilst Miriam gained her Silver in Sydney rowing in a quadruple scull with sister Guin in 2000. Both athletes have world championship medals to add to their Olympic successes and spoke to the students about their pathway to success, including Tom's moving tale of how becoming paralysed helped motivate him to become a world champion. Students learned about the commitments and sacrifices needed to be at the top of your sport.
A number of topics were discussed and examples given, all relating to the many aspects of sport the students are presently studying. A period of question and answers produced some interesting questions from an enthusiastic audience. A second year A Level PE student Michael Axe commented ‘What an interesting lecture - I asked a couple of questions and was impressed by Tom’s honest answers and the way in which he has dealt with his disability. I will certainly be setting myself some tough goals.’
College Principal Tom Espley said ‘I could hear the students talking on the way out and they seemed to get a real buzz from what was a very inspiring talk from two driven athletes’ The speakers stayed behind afterwards to answer more questions from the students.
The athletes are seen here with a number of promising sports stars from the Henley College including Upper Thames Sculler Richard Laney, England under 18 Rugby forward Alec Hepburn, Hockey Ace Rebecca Lee, GB and Leander Rower Nathan Devaux-Davey and Hockey player Erica Anang.
February 2011
Henley College Amnesty Group Event
On 23rd Feb 2010 a Cuban prisoner of conscience, Orlando Zapata Tamayo, died in prison after 85 days on hunger strike. He was protesting about the terrible prison conditions endured by prisoners of conscience in Cuba.
In memory of Orlando, and to keep up the pressure on the Cuban authorities to end restrictions on Freedom of Expression, the Henley College Amnesty International Group took action, running a stall all day in the college reception. They asked staff and students:
- To sponsor them on a fast lasting 8.5 hours
- To help to make 85 white flowers, one for each day of Orlando’s hunger strike
- To sign a postcard to the Cuban president, asking for the release of all prisoners of conscience and an end to restrictions on freedom of expression
The stall was a great success, with staff and students curious about the action and very willing to take part. 83 postcards were signed, white flowers were made and £26 was donated (more to come from sponsors after the fast).
Well done to the Amnesty group yet again for their enthusiasm and commitment, especially those fasting for the day, and to all those who signed, made flowers and donated.
February 2011
Tickets on sale for College Production
Next month will see a dynamic new production of the classic Greek tragedy “Antigone” performed at the College.
Performing in the College’s own D4 Studio Theatre for the first time in several years, The Completely Cuckoo Theatre Company will be performing their own take on the classical Greek text. Telling the story of a young girl, Antigone, who defies her uncle Creon’s decree that her brothers body should remain unburied, the play is without doubt one of the most influential of all time. The play is also a set text for A Level Theatre Studies students.
Says Nic Saunders, “The College presented a production of ‘Antigone’ some years ago, but it’s been really exciting revisiting it and working out ways to stage it in an entirely different way. The idea has been to take elements of traditional Greek drama, but to tell the story in a way that modern audiences will find exciting and captivating. The central themes of the play are as relevant today as they ever were and we’re hoping we can get an audience to connect with that”.
The play runs from Wednesday 9 to Saturday 12 March. Tickets are £7 / £6 (concs) and are now on sale from Deanfield Reception and over the phone on (01491) 579988.
There is a Q&A with the director and cast after the Wednesday and Thursday performances at no extra cost.
February 2011
At this year’s Rotary Club Youth Speaks competition at The Kenton Theatre in January, The Henley College team spoke with wit and confidence on the topic of Political Correctness: PC or not PC? (to paraphrase Shakespeare!). The team comprised: Hannah Aldridge (Main Speaker), Korrine Eshun (Chair), and Matthew Willis (Vote of Thanks).
January 2011
The Henley College formally announced its new status as a Sixth Form College in a ceremony held in its main Reception. The Director of Children’s Services for Oxfordshire, Meera Spillett, visited the College and was delighted to share in this mark of closer links with Oxfordshire. 
Left to right: Steve Matthews, Tom Espley, Meera Spillett,
Jasmine Peris and
Helen Nascai at the ceremony.
The College had been granted this new role in September to coincide with a new student year and is one of the only colleges in the country to be given this new status which recognised that the College serves the sixth form age group of 16-18 very well. It will not change the breadth of courses the College offers and will bring the College closer to its four partner schools, Chiltern Edge, Gillotts, Icknield and Langtree.
A plaque to mark the occasion was mounted in Reception and the short ceremony was also attended by the Chair of Governors and the President and Vice-President of the Students Union as well as the Principal Tom Espley who said…’we applied to become a sixth form college as a way of confirming that we are the sixth form for our partner schools as well as for the wider community and that we combine the very best of the ethos of a school sixth form with the preparation for the greater freedom of higher education and employment.’
The new status means that the College is recognised as the main provider of advanced courses to 16-18 year olds in the area which includes South Oxfordshire as well as the Thames Valley and will continue to attract large numbers of students.
OISSP Chemist of the Year
Outstanding Henley College science student, Ross Hryczanek, was awarded Sixth Form Chemist of 2010 Award. The ceremony was hosted by Oxford University, The Society of Chemical Industry and the Oxfordshire Independent and State Schools Partnership (OISSP).
Prize-winners were presented with certificates and book tokens at the University of Oxford Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Building, on Thursday 26th November. Parents and teachers joined students on the evening, which included a guided tour of the Chemistry Research Laboratories and a spectacular display of chemical demonstrations by Dr Hugh Cartwright and Dr Malcolm Stewart from the University of Oxford. The awards were presented by Professor Peter Atkins, the well-known Chemistry author, and also from the University.
The Sixth Form Chemist of 2010 Awards is a joint project in increasing scientific awareness and achievement in the community. OISSP is a local collaboration of Independent and Maintained schools in Oxfordshire, working together in raising achievement by sharing information, resources, and partnership activities and events.
Tom Kempton, Project Director of the OISSP, said, ‘the event is a chance to celebrate the talent of exceptional students within our county’s schools. The University and SCI’s involvement will raise aspirations and encourage students to apply their Chemistry skills in higher education and in industry.’