Students at Queen Elizabeth's Girls' School sharing their views on the future as part of an interview that has helped shape the Lyfta programme that we have been involved with.  All of our students benefit from engaging in the Lyfta programme and experiencing the power of global human stories to strengthen connection, understanding, and belonging in classrooms and beyond.

The traditional Nine Lessons and Carols Service was presided over by Father Samuel. The full congregation included the Mayor, Cllr Danny Rich, along with invited guests from the School’s governance boards and the local community: Debbie Lane, Member of the Board of Trustees; Toyin Aderoju, Chair of the Board of Trustees; Martyn Bradish, Chair of the Endowment Fund Trustees; Vivienne Bell, School Archivist, Endowment Fund Observer and Committee Member of the Queen Elizabeth’s Girls’ School Guild (Alumna Association); Barbara Taylor, Chair of The Hyde Foundation and Yoshimi Gregory of Yamaha Music London, responsible for cultural relations. Also in attendance were other invited guests, parents and carers of our student performers, staff and friends of the School, as well as members of the wider School community.

The traditional Nine Lessons were read by students from each year group, concluding with the Ninth Lesson read by the Headteacher, Mrs Walker.

Music and carols were enjoyed by all throughout the Service, featuring the Chamber Choir, School Choir, and School Orchestra. They were accompanied by the renowned organist and harpsichordist, Jonathan Gregory who is also the Founder and Music Director of the UK-Japan Music Society. The School was delighted to also have members of Borehamwood Brass contributing to the School’s performance pieces. These included traditional and modern variations of carols such as The Holly and the Ivy, Ding Dong Merrily on High, and Away in a Manger.

The Service concluded on a festive note with the Orchestra performing Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson. Following the Service, refreshments and mince pies were enjoyed by all as a further welcome to the Festive Season!

In addition to celebrating the exceptional achievements of our students, long service awards were issued to staff members who have completed ten or more years of service to the school.  

Commemoration Day Church Service

Following a tradition established over 100 years ago, the Headteacher led a procession of staff and students from Queen Elizabeth's Girls' School to St John The Baptist Church on Barnet High Street.  Several invited dignitaries including Martin Russell, Deputy Lieutenant for Greater London; The Worshipful, The Mayor and Mayoress; Cllr Tony Vourou and Mrs Caroline Vourou; Mrs Gill Williams, Secretary of The Guild; and Mrs Judith Wilson, Chair of The Guild joined the school community for a special Commemoration Day service.

As is customary, the Headteacher read 'The Act of Commemoration' and the school orchestra performed a number of pieces.  In a relatively new tradition, students from our diverse and inclusive community read affirmations from their own faiths.

We are grateful to all who supported the Commemoration Day service and to Father Samuel Rossiter for leading the service at St John The Baptist Church.

Please click here to read a related article by The Barnet Society.

https://www.barnetsociety.org.uk/christmas-carol-service-by-choir-and-orchestra-of-queen-elizabeth-s-girls-school-a-festive-season-highlight

In late June, three groups from our school had the opportunity to participate in the Big Bang competition in Birmingham.  It was a huge privilege for our team as it gave us the opportunity to explore our enthusiasm for science and engineering while also developing our cognitive skills.

One of our favourite activities at the fair was to go and visit professional stalls from companies and corporations ranging from the National Grid to Specsavers. It was incredible to appreciate the amount of science and technology behind all areas of the company in question, as well as getting hands-on experience.  We got the chance to also try practical activities such as badge making and even using computer technology to view modern or more futuristic architecture in virtual reality.  The activities were endless!  Quizzes had been set up and were available to try and guide you to several future careers suited to personalities, games to pique your interest and lectures giving insight into careers. 

Altogether, the day was thoroughly enjoyable, giving us many great memories and unique opportunities. 

- By Kayra in Year 10

Queen Elizabeth’s Girls’ Scho