Padworth College

A level Biology and Geography students from Padworth College were extremely fortunate to experience fine if rather windy weather for their field trip to Dale Fort field studies centre, Pembrokeshire. They collected field data from a variety of ecosystems, including a saltmarsh, an exposed and a sheltered rocky shoreline, and they also carried out their own research for projects which were later written up in class. This is an important component of both Biology and Geography studies at A level and is excellent preparation for university dissertation work. The students worked with dedication on the various tasks, which also gave them vital experience of working together in groups. In addition, the students were also extremely fortunate to be able to cross to Skomer Island, an internationally renowned wildlife reserve where they witnessed seabirds nesting including puffins, guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes. For many students (and staff!) this was the highlight of the visit and provided photos and memories for years to come. None of them will forget having to wade across a muddy gully on the Gann saltmarsh, none too successfully in some cases! A memorable and rewarding trip, which provided a clear educational focus, as well as the opportunity to witness some of nature’s greatest spectacles. Click here to see the trip photos

A group of 13 A level Economics and Business Studies students enjoyed a thrilling practical workshop session in share trading inside Reading University’s newest simulated dealing room in the Financial Investment Centre on the Whiteknights Campus.  Prior to the trading activity, the students were given a lecture about courses and careers in finance and investment by the University staff.  Head of Economics, Michael Laizans said, “This practical experience of share trading made the students very aware of the complexities of dealing in a highly volatile market and after the visit, we had some lively discussions on winning strategies.    We are very grateful to Reading University for giving our students this opportunity.”

The Opening Night of our latest drama production, “Journey to X” by Nancy Harris in association with the National Theatre Connections Festival, was a great success.  Playing to a packed hall of parents, friends and staff, the students displayed their considerable acting talents in a fast paced and thought provoking show.  The story follows four girls’ quest for fame which takes them on a journey of discovery through an unknown, adult world of excitement, danger and risks.  The cast members were Karl Spires, Lottie Arkle, Kate Chmireva, Anisha Fatania, Nina Sidylar, Mason Meyer, Payam Partow, Italy Li, Matthew Coyne and Iftikhar Shah. The excellence of the show was testimony to the many students and staff involved in the project who have worked tremendously hard on all aspects of the production including acting, choreography, marketing, lighting, filming and set design.  This wonderful production was directed by Claire Philip.  Click here to see photos of the production or click here to see the production video Please click here to read a Journey to X Review by Roxi Shields

A Masterchef competition sponsored by Chartwells added a competitive ingredient to this year’s International Evening – a very generous 1st prize of a private dinner party cooked and served by the catering team went to the Vietnamese cooking team.  The Indian cooking team came a close second and will be treated to a specially prepared Buffet Supper.   International Evening proved to be a fabulous event with cooking teams from 15 countries and many students dressed in their national costume.  As usual entertainment was provided by our very talented students – highlights included George’s lively and spirited Ukrainian poem, Payam’s beautiful performance of an Iranian folk song and our entertaining hosts, Iftikhar and Rashed. Over 200 people attended the event and our thanks go to Chartwells for their support.   Click here to see photos from International Evening 2012.

A total of 15 students braved the cold to watch Reading FC take on Portsmouth FC at the Madjeski Stadium.  Despite the chilly conditions, the Padworth students were full of enthusiasm and loudly cheered on their newfound ‘local’ team throughout the match. The Royals took the lead midway through the first half and Italy, Precious and Nam all celebrated as if they had scored the goal. The game continued to be full of action and Reading FC deserved to score more but unfortunately there were no more goals. Nevertheless, the Royals won an entertaining game 1-0. Due to the performance of Reading FC and the excellent hospitality offered by the club, the College will continue to provide as much support to the Royals as possible. With Reading FC doing so well this season, Padworth could end up cheering on the Royals in the Premier League matches next season.

Pancake Day was celebrated by the students from the International Study Centre who were invited into the Padworth kitchens by Amit, the Head Chef to learn how to make pancakes and more about the tradition.  Students had the opportunity to cook and “toss” the pancakes and everyone seemed more than happy to eat them up at the end of the afternoon!

Bologna, Rome and Florence were on the itinerary for the group of 40 students from Padworth who visited Italy at half term.  Their visit coincided with the bout of extremely cold weather and so their first Italian experience was to see the unusual sight of the streets of Bologna under a metre of snow!  Undeterred, they embarked on a tour of the city including the famous Two Towers.  Next on the itinerary was Florence where the sights included the famous Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and the Uffici Gallery and then finally onto Rome where they visited the Vatican, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon and the Coliseum.  A whistlestop tour including many world famous sights which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.  Click here to see the photos

Cambridge University has offered Padworth College student, Kiki Lam, a place to read Land Economy at Queens College. Kiki came to the UK from Hong Kong to join the Padworth Sixth form and has been studying for A levels in Further Maths, Economics, Accountancy and Business Studies and has already gained an A grade in Single Maths. Higher Education and Careers Advisor, Dr Alex Mitlehner said, “We are delighted that Kiki has been offered a place to study at Cambridge – she is a very hardworking student and we are very proud of her achievement. Many of our A2 students have also received offers from high ranking universities such as UCL, Bath, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff and King’s College University of London - we wish them all every success in their forthcoming examinations.”

Christmas in Words and Music is a long established tradition at Padworth and this year’s event was a resounding success involving many of our talented students and staff.  The evening kicked off with the traditional carol, “Once in Royal David’s City” with Andrew singing the solo verse followed by readings of “The Angel Lady” by Daniel, Karl, James and Mandy and “Christmas is all about Love” read by Nina and Iftikhar.  The Padworth Singers sang three times during the evening entertaining the audience with the Christmas classic, “Mary’s Boy Child followed by “Christmas is Coming” and ending with the favourite “You raise me up”.  The audience was treated to Payam’s violin solo of Faure’s Pavane and a wonderful performance by Payam, Rashid, Misha and Claire who sang “Do they know its Christmas?”  New for this year was the Drama Club’s production of the rhyming play, “A Christmas Carol” which has been in rehearsals for the past few weeks and which proved to be a very entertaining piece.  Matthew brilliantly portrayed a very grumpy and miserable Scrooge whilst Rashed shone on stage as “Tiny Tim”.  Henry  read “Christmas Shocking”, “The Spirit of Christmas” was read by Richard and Linde concluded the programme with her Christmas Gift Suggestions.  Our thanks go to Jean Medcraft-North, Head of Music and Claire Philip, Housemistress for organising the event and to all those involved in making this a very entertaining evening.

A number of very entertaining and enthusiastic acts appeared at the Student Talent Night this term - some showing a real gift and others a considerable forte for entertaining the crowd!  The opening act by Marcus and Marwan featured energetic singing, rap and dance to the very popular Party Rock Anthem and was followed by Vincent who played “Mariage d’Amour” – a well practised and beautifully played piece.  An extremely well choreographed dance was performed by Jolly, Nelly and Sophia and then Leven sang from the heart with his version of “Wonderful Tonight”.  Whilst William (on lead guitar) and Marwan (on drums) indulged their love of rock music, Rashed and Andy performed a hilarious version of “My heart will go on” and Italy (aka Eminem) and Clare (aka Rihanna) impressed everyone with their rendition of “Love the way you lie”.   The Judges awarded Third prize to Vandana and Iman who acted out a high tension scene from “The Crucible” and Second prize to Wilbun, an extremely talented pianist for his recital of “Reflections of Passion”.  The  Winner of this year’s Talent Night was Payam, a brilliant singer who sang “Apologise” – a fabulous act which the audience loved and the Judges all agreed was the best act of the night.