NEWS & EVENTS
Student Review: Harrodian Classics Conference
"On 7 November, the Sixth Form Classics students made their way to Harrodian School to listen to several scholars and experts in the field of Classics speak on topics ranging from the ideology of heroism in Homer’s works to the exploration of love and sexuality.
The conference began with Dr Andrew Sillett of St Hilda’s, Oxford. His discussion was called How to Topple a Dictator. Dr Sillett spoke on the topic of Cicero and the power of humour. I learnt invaluable knowledge through his presentation - it was both engaging and interesting.
Following Dr Sillett’s talk on humour, Dr Thomas Nelson of St Hilda’s, Oxford spoke on Greek Theatre, which I knew little about. It was captivating; his speech taught me the truly interesting nature of the theatre as a craft and its inner dynamics.
As a Classics student who studies Homeric texts I was drawn to Richard Jenkyns’ discussion on heroism. Richard Jenkyns is Professor of the Classical Tradition at Oxford University, as well as a scholar studied in our Classics courses, exploring different aspects of heroism in the Iliad. Jenkyns highlighted the morality of the modern age, equating it to a form of consequentialism, while Homer’s epics lean towards virtue ethics. He summarised that heroism is the act of self-sacrifice, labelling it the ’heroic impulse‘.
Dr Anne Alwis of the University of Kent addressed the theme of love and sexuality of the past, exploring pieces of homoerotic art and the symbolism of sexuality ranging from Greek works to later Catholic Roman iconography.
Overall, it was an enlightening experience seeing teachers and scholars discuss the ideals of the past." - Kaela, Year 13
We enjoyed a week of netball fixtures against Knightsbridge School last week, with IIA, III Form, Remove and LIV taking part. Congratulations to Blanca, Basma, Ipek, Georgie, Juliette and Sophia for being awarded players of the match.
Our CREST superstars have been getting up to lots of exciting experiments as they work towards their award! From toothpaste to tree surveys, they are doing a great job at expanding their knowledge of the scientific world! Well done CREST girls!
A wonderfully varied vocal concert concluded last half term with students performing an amazing array of pieces for parents and friends. Well done for all involved and thanks again to Miss Wood for preparing the girls.
Two Queen`s Gate Year 9 teams took part in the prestigious ESU Public Speaking Competition, delivering thoughtful speeches and chairing and questioning speakers from St Paul’s Girls’ School and North London Grammar School. As the youngest competitors, their strong performances were especially impressive - well done, girls!
Last week in Biology lessons, Remove explored the fascinating world of human organ systems using an interactive Augmented Reality app on iPads to bring anatomy to life. They were able to examine the human body like never before - stepping inside the bloodstream, exploring the lungs, and journeying through the small intestine with 360° VR videos, detailed 3D models, and even a heart rate tracker.
A message from the Vice Principal:
As we walk through London during these autumnal days, our eyes are often drawn to generous volunteers selling poppies. This small but powerful symbol is a reminder of those who have offered their lives, and continue to do so, to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. It is also a reminder of our duty to remember them. It has always been a poignant moment here at Queen`s Gate. You have only to walk through our library to see a wonderful display of books associated with the theme of remembrance, a combination of literature, poetry and history. Earlier this week our Principal, Miss Wallace, spoke to the girls about the 85th anniversary of the Dunkirk evacuation which celebrated the historic rescue of over 338,000 Allied soldiers between May 26 and June 4, 1940. All of this leads to our solemn Act of Remembrance at Holy Trinity Church today, when the Head Girls of the Junior and Senior School will lay our wreath and as a school family we will say together: `we will remember them`.
Mr Kendall-Daw
Over the half-term holiday a group of Senior School girls embarked on an unforgettable journey, traveling from Seattle all the way down to San Francisco. From misty beaches to towering redwood trees, every stop was filled with wonder and excitement. The girls were thrilled to spot killer whales, Jude and Indie, splashing off the coast, and the walk-through aquarium made them feel as if they were swimming among sea creatures themselves. Of course, they couldn’t resist a few delicious treats - cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory and the legendary Crumbl Cookies - though the trip was about much more than food. Between exploring cities, shopping adventures, and creating lasting memories together, the Pacific Northwest trip proved to be a fantastic experience the girls in the Senior School would never forget.
