House Events

As the academic year draws to a close, we reflect upon a year brimming with an array of captivating activities and commendable achievements within the esteemed walls of Westal. From the traditional ‘huddles’ competitions, fostering meaningful connections across year groups, and the successful organisation of the Lower College Social, ‘Westival’, our House has thrived with unyielding ambition and camaraderie.

Charity

We continue in our support for our House charity A Life for a Cure. Our bake sale in Quad was a particularly successful fundraiser. The cakes were adorned with a vibrant rainbow theme in honour of LGBT+ History Month in February. We eagerly anticipate reviving this tradition in the years to come. Meanwhile Tilly B and Sophia L created a business selling College pinstripe pyjama bottoms to raise money for the school charity National Star. After designing and finding a reliable supplier they took their passion for A Level Business outside the classroom and into real-life. To buy a pair, go to the Cheltionain Society online shop.

Academic

Well done to Maisy W, Esme C and Anna S-J for attaining their academic Half Colours and Ademide O for attaining her Academic Full Colours. Ademide, President of Upper College Society, impressively organised this year’s Model United Nations. Kisu B-A, Lily W, and Kimi H won Bronze in the Physics Olympiad, while in the Maths Olympiad Sarah H won Bronze and Lily W won Gold. We also congratulate Annabel C, Zoe H-L and Ademide O for the most improved ATLs. We are extremely proud of Kisu for delivering an enlightening Chapel talk on Ramadan.

Sport

The year was full of spectacular sporting achievements. Our senior girls won the senior hockey House Pots and the senior netball House Pots. Poppy D admirably captained the 1st VII netball and showcased her exceptional skills as a goal shooter. She earned her Full Colours Tie and Blazer. Equally, Hebe H, who played goal defence in the 1st VII received her netball Half Colours. We saw them both exhibit their grit at the spirited annual charity netball match. Emily N was awarded her badminton Full Colours, Matilda M and Tilda B received their hockey Half Colours, and Liv G was awarded her swimming Half Colours. Poppy B won the girls’ U16s National Racket Competition, and Matilda M was chosen for the England Hockey Talent Academy.

Drama, Music and DofE

The Autumn Term closed with House Singing in which we were triumphant! The resounding harmony of 77 voices united in a rendition of Katy Perry’s ‘California Gurls’, propelling us to first place. Our heartfelt gratitude to conductor Georgie H, whose remarkable guidance elevated our performance. Making their way into the spotlight Maisy W and Ademide O sang solos in the Variety Show where we also had the pleasure of the hilarious Prefect sketch, with Liv G as Mr Morton and Andrea K as our Westal Housemistress, Mrs Lang. Sophia L performed with her band UNIS at the Battle of the Bands. So too did Georgie H with her band who also gave a vibrant performance at BoyneFest. Her remarkable achievements earned Georgie the honour of receiving her Music Co-Curricular Blazer. In the Scholars’ Play Keona L and Maisy W performed in Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. In the Upper College play, we were invited into the radical world of Orwell’s 1984 in which Carys B, Ademide O, Maisy W and Keona L performed. Many of our girls got through to the Singing Competition final, where Maisy W and Georgie H were both awarded Highly Commended performances in the Musical Theatre category. Keona L, Maisy W, Ademide O and Matilda M were also awarded their Drama Full Colours. Brava girls! Music Full Colours were awarded to Maisy W and Music Half Colours were awarded to Wangari N. Congratulations go to Liv G, Tezita R-A, and Holly B for completing their Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award. Head of House’s Message ‘Over my five years in Westal, there has never been a dull moment. This vibrant community has become a family to me. I am grateful for the cherished memories and lifelong friendships created. My favourite memory was when we won House Singing earlier this year. I will never forget the loud Westal cheers when it was announced.’ – Andrea K

Farewells and Thank Yous

The time has come for us to bid farewell to our cherished Upper Sixth. We wish them all the very best for their exciting journey ahead. They will be keenly missed! We also wave farewell to one of our tutors, Miss Manning. Thank you for all you have done for us.The unwavering support of our dedicated Matrons, Mrs Matthews and Mrs Wright, alongside the invaluable contributions of Mr and Mrs Lang, Ms Norval, Mrs Brooke, and our tutors, have been instrumental in our successes above. We are immensely grateful for their support. We also want to warmly congratulate the Langs on the joyous arrival of their new baby and we wish Mrs Lang a blissful maternity leave. Finally, we extend our sincerest congratulations to Ngoni M, our incoming Head Girl, and Hebe H our incoming Head of Westal.

Speech Day Prizes

Lower College
Attainment: Lottie F Endeavour: Saskia B, Esme C, Maisy W
Wilson Diploma (Platinum): Ella M Elmslie Musical Theatre: Maisy W

Upper College
Business: Sophie L
Classical Civilisation: Ademide O
Saville Classics: Ngonidzashe M
Theatre Studies: Carys B
Tanner Biology: Emily N
History of Art: Mariia G
Head’s Award for Outstanding Commitment: Andrea K
Dagley Morris Prize (for Chapel Music): Georgina H
Davenport Musical Theatre: Mirabel E
Cheltonian Endowment Trust Prize English: Mirabel E

House Editor: Keona L