On a chilly and frosty Saturday 3 December, Shiplake College opened its doors to welcome prospective families for its first Whole College Open Morning of the academic year. Following on from October’s Sixth Form Open Morning, Saturday provided the chance for those considering Shiplake for their sons and daughters, particularly those for Year 7 and Year 9 entry, to explore Shiplake and see all that there is on offer here.
The Stableyard proved to be a hub for activity with Lower School pupils giving tours of their common areas. The rooms were aptly decorated to reflect the festive season and visitors had the chance to see how the Stableyard will develop in time for the welcoming of Year 7 girls in September 2023. Meanwhile, in the Tithe Barn Theatre nearby, the drama department recruited visitors to help solve a murder mystery. With clues scattered around, and our pupils playing the roles of key witnesses, or suspects, there was plenty of evidence for visitors to solve the mystery of what was a heinous crime.
In the Bevan classrooms, our science team put on a wonderful display involving different experiments from physics, biology, and chemistry. In biology, families were invited to dissect the hearts and lungs of pigs; while in chemistry, they had the chance to perform colorful flame tests and witness a demonstration of washing up liquid and fire.
Interspersed throughout the mornings were addresses to the visiting families by Headmaster, Tyrone Howe, and sixth form pupils. The first address in the Sports Hall was primarily for prospective Year 7 families and the second was for Year 9. In his addresses, the Headmaster touched on the findings of our most recent ISI inspection, as well as present on Shiplake College's core values - the three 'I's. Mr Howe also emphasised the importance of kindness. In his words, being kind is a non-negotiable here at the College, in addition to working hard and finding one's spark or passion.
Members of our senior prefect team also addressed the hall, with Joint Head of College Phoebe Kay; and Deputy Joint Heads of College, Matt Grundy and Esme Young, all delivering and talking about their own Shiplake experience.
Throughout the College, each department had a group of pupil helpers and, despite the cold outside, our Lower School pupils did an excellent job or marshalling with many remarking on their positive attitudes and engagement throughout.
In the John Turner building, the music department had many activities on display from DJ Robdog (Year 11’s Robbie Dawson) providing the music in the corridors, to choir practice in the Lecture Theatre. Meanwhile, upstairs in the art department, visitors had the chance to observe our artists in action, as well as get involved in a colouring activity.
Outside, the Shiplake Shootout gave visitors a chance to try their hand and test their aim and on the Astroturf, our girls’ hockey team continued their preparations for tonight’s big Hockey Night Lights clash in what was an open training session.
Thank you to everyone who got involved and helped on the morning, and to everyone who attended. For more details on applying to Shiplake, and the process involved, please visit the admissions pages.
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