North London Collegiate School

Why NLCS?

Sun, 27 Oct 2013 00:49:19 PST

From Tatler to The Times, from the Good Schools Guide to the Independent Schools Inspectorate, North London Collegiate School is extolled as one of the finest schools in the world. What exactly makes it so special?

University Destinations

NLCS prepares leavers better than anyone else for the next stage of their lives; the Sutton Trust named NLCS the most successful school in the UK for getting students into top-ranked universities. With around 40 girls receiving Oxbridge offers each year, and others attending Ivy League and Russell Group institutions, the school has outstanding success at placing girls in top universities.

Academic Excellence

NLCS students achieve great results, placing the school consistently in the top ten of national league tables for all qualifications. The teachers' passion for their subjects inspires a similar passion in the pupils. NLCS offers a breadth of curricular choice rare among top independent schools, including the International Baccalaureate Diploma, A levels and Pre-U in the Sixth Form, six modern languages, and a timetable that is built around the subject choices of the girls.

Country Setting within London

With 30 acres of landscaped grounds and playing fields, NLCS offers a parkland setting within one of the world's great cities. The school is easily accessible from a wide area of London, with our extensive coach network serving diverse areas including Islington, Kensington and St Albans. Each year we adapt our coach routes to respond to the needs of all our families.

Extracurricular Vibrancy

NLCS celebrates the dynamic, creative spirit of the girls by offering over 40 societies and around 30 foreign trips per year, alongside more than 30 concerts and productions each year in the Performing Arts Centre, plus a wealth of sporting opportunities. Among the numerous activities this summer, a group of our girls took a play to the Edinburgh Fringe, a musical group toured Tuscany, a group of sixth formers took part in our annual teaching programme at our partner school in Zambia and nearly 100 girls took part in Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.

Culturally Diverse and Supportive

NLCS gives individual support to all girls so that they have the confidence to be future leaders. Courtesy, care and consideration for others underpin community life. NLCS is a diverse and tolerant school where cultural difference is acknowledged and celebrated. With over 50 languages spoken at home, our outward looking perspective prepares girls for life in London and the world.

International

NLCS has a highly international perspective that is unique amongst London day schools. For the Sixth Form, students can study the International Baccalaureate Diploma - a highly regarded qualification that is particularly prized by Ivy League, Russell Group and European universities. The opening of our sister school in South Korea benefits our pupils through exchange opportunities and internships and creates an important connection with the ever-growing economies of the Far East. We also have student and staff exchanges with Germantown Academy (USA), SCEGGS (Australia) and the Goethe Academy Ludwigsberg (Germany), among exchanges with other schools in Europe.

The Prince's Teaching Institute

Sun, 21 Jul 2013 13:43:33 PST

The Prince's Teaching Institute Schools Programme

The Prince's Teaching Institute runs a membership scheme for school departments - the Schools Programme - which recognises and facilitates the achievement of excellence in schools. Participating departments commit to increasing the challenge of the curriculum, extracurricular provision, increase their professional development of teachers, and provide greater subject-based partnerships in the wider community for their students. Today, the Prince's Teaching Institute have more than 300 departments in over 200 schools participating in the Schools Programme. In 2010, 90% of the departments that have signed up said that they have already raised the level of challenge in their work as a result of their participation.

On Monday 4^th July, The Prince's Teaching Institute launched its Schools Programme Associate Scheme for school departments that have been members of the PTI's Schools Programme for three years and want to continue their professional development in a specialised area. The Scheme invites school departments to undertake a more detailed and sustained project in one of the areas highlighted by the Schools Programme; the curriculum, extracurricular provision, professional development of teachers, and subject-based partnerships in the wider community. The Scheme was announced at one of the PTI's Schools Programme events, attended by HRH The Prince of Wales, who is President of the PTI. Over 300 delegates were in attendance to celebrate not only the outstanding work that has been done all over the country by school departments that has positively affected the education of over 150,000 pupils, but also the continued success and development of the PTI itself.

What people say about us

Sat, 25 May 2013 13:24:18 PST

We are pleased to share with you some of the wonderful comments that we have received from Old North Londoners (ONLs) and from former parents.

‘There is no doubt in my mind that the education I received at NLCS, both in the Junior School and Senior schools, instilled me with a love not just for learning, but for passing that learning onto others.' - Old North Londoner

‘I received the kind of encouragement that fostered my love for writing, something I will pursue for the rest of my life.' - Old North Londoner

‘It is my aim to be (though this perhaps sounds idealistic and betrays my extreme youth) that same sort of teacher I came across again and again at NLCS: empathetic, passionate and fun.' - Old North Londoner

‘I have enormous gratitude for the wonderful education my daughter received during her seven years at NLCS.' - Parent

‘My daughter knew instantly, at her first visit that NLCS was her first choice. I pointed out she would have to travel a long distance from our house to Edgware, she replied "Yes, but it would be worth it!" - Parent

‘As a parent I also felt myself to be part of the NLCS community; kept informed, drawn in to special events, many concerts, celebrations and I always felt able to voice my concerns immediately. A strong, responsive network, helping me bring up my daughter.' - Parent

‘It has dawned on me after leaving NLCS that I learned how to think about intellectual history at NLCS - partly in the English department, but I think mainly in the Art block. I think you did a very good job of creating a space (literally and figuratively) with a lot of conceptual elbow room, in which students can ask difficult questions about history and theory or whatever, while practising art themselves.' - Old North Londoner

‘My daughter has been taught how to use the information, how to think, how to analyse, and how to express her thoughts.' - Parent

‘My daughter has at her fingertips an understanding and insight into a huge variety of texts, characters and stories.' - Parent

‘What is excellent at NLCS is that the teachers don't simply guide someone to the books they need to know, but teach them how to use those books to think about the wider picture.' - Parent

‘NLCS offers great pastoral support. My daughter has always known that there are teachers there that really care about how she is doing and are ensuring she goes down the right path. These things have hugely contributed to her sense of confidence and desire to excel.' - Parent

'I hadn't realised quite how much I'd learnt from you about teaching children, about being patient whilst encouraging and knowing the best ways to give them confidence!' - Old North Londoner

Spanish Themed Lunch for Yr 13

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:48:26 PST

Following on from our successful Moroccan themed lunch in April to mark the last day in school for Yr 11, we will be holding a Spanish themed lunch on Thursday for Yr 13.

Menu

Paleta de Ćerdo a la cazuela con Limon y Ajo

( Pot roast pork knuckle with lemon & garlic)

Pollo a la Espańola con tomates y patatas reducido con vino

( Chicken Spanish style with tomatoes and potatoes in a red wine reduction)

Paella Valenciana de mariscos

( Seafood paella Valencia style)

Tortilla Espańola can pimientos y cebollas

( Spanish omelette with peppers & onions)

Patatas Bravas

( Paprika poratoes)

Frijoles verdes con Tomates

( cut green beans with a concassee of tomato)

Pimientos Mixtos con Maiz

( Mixed peppers with corn)

Assorted Salads

Lemon & Orange Drizzle Cake

Crème Caremel

Master Photography Awards

Tue, 14 May 2013 15:34:20 PST

Phoebe Gray (11N) has been named runner-up in the Young Photographer's award from the Master Photography Awards. She tells us that:

"I have been interested in photography for many years, helping with the technical aspects of my mother's underwater photography company. Having made links with photography studios throughout North London and Hertfordshire, the renowned photographer Ray Lowe took me under his wing offering advice and knowledge. Ray recommended I get involved with the Master Photographer Association.

In early June, I entered the MPA's annual awards into the new 18 and Under Young Photographer's category. After months of anticipation, I received an email inviting me to dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Newcastle as a finalist ‘in recognition of outstanding Photographic Skill and Excellence in imaging'.

On 14th October, I travelled to Newcastle for the exhibition, followed by a black tie dinner and the awards presentation. This was an incredible experience as I was able to view all the finalist's photographs- inspired by everything I saw. I was excited to be seated with my guru Ray himself, who also gained the ‘Lifetime Achievement' award for outstanding achievement.

After a wonderful evening, I received runner-up in my category- I am humbled for this whole experience and inspired for the future of my photography."

Raphaella Mazaheri-Asadi (ONL)

Tue, 14 May 2013 08:03:36 PST

Raphaella Mazaheri-Asadi (ONL 2008) has released the official video for her new single Raphaella, Price of Love. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BRz4Ccc-yc This week she is playing at MusicWeek - Break Out at Proud, Camden. Stylo G is headlining, and the line-up includes Jackie Onassis & Lady Lykez J Appiah Wednesday, 15th May at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5 in advance. Next week she joins Spanish superstar Chenoa in concert in Barcelona on 19th May and Madrid on 24th May.

Molly Lefebure, ONL

Fri, 10 May 2013 16:44:14 PST

ITV will air the two-part crime drama ‘Murder on The Home Front', based on the memoirs of Molly Lefebure (ONL), on Thursday 9th May and Thursday 16th May at 9pm.

Molly Lefebure, who died in February 2013, left journalism during World War II to become secretary to Professor Keith Simpson, the Home Office forensic pathologist. During the war she was known as ‘Molly of the Morgue' to the detectives from Scotland Yard and as ‘Miss L' to Professor Simpson. She later became a prolific writer, novelist, children's author, biographer and a scholar of the Lakeland poets - William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

For an account of her life, see:

the Telegraph's obituary of her

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/10001457/Molly-Lefebure.html

or her grandson's blog (which includes pictures of Molly and her sister Elizabeth in NLCS uniform!)

http://archmusicman.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/molly-o-morgue-my-grandmother-lefebure.html

The ITV drama stars Tamzin Merchant (Jane Eyre, The Tudors) and Patrick Kennedy (Boardwalk Empire, Parade's End) heading up a cast that includes James Fleet (Four Weddings and a Funeral, The Vicar of Dibley) and Emerald Fennell (Any Human Heart, Anna Karenina).

Heart Part

Fri, 10 May 2013 15:46:39 PST

Fatima Fazal, ONL 2001, has designed a biodegradable, reusable and beautiful alternative to disposable cutlery. Her Heart Part, a fork-knife-scoop to share, has been getting great press for its environmentally sensitive and beautiful design. They are available in some of the most stylish shops around, including the gift shop of the Museum of Modern Art NYC and Colette in Paris. Her product has been featured in Grazia & Glamour magazines, and in the media on the Martha Stewart Show and CoolHunting. Fatima currently lives in NYC, where she moved to work for an experimental design agency before setting off freelance. You can read more about the Heart Part on the website: https://iheart-this.com/index_ie.html

Year 10 Latin Trip

Fri, 10 May 2013 15:30:32 PST

On Thursday 25^th April over 70 students in Yr 10 who study Latin travelled to Cambridge for a day of academic and cultural enrichment, accompanied by 5 members of staff from the Classics Department. Our base for the day was the University of Cambridge's Classics Faculty, where girls enjoyed the chance to sample undergraduate-style study through an academic lecture, seminar workshop and visit to the Cast Gallery.

Professor Stephen Oakley of Emmanuel College, Cambridge kindly delivered a specially-arranged talk to our students, offering an introduction to Virgil and Augustus. This set the GCSE Latin set text, selections from Book 12 of Virgil's Aeneid, in a wider context. We were most impressed with the way the Yr 10 students responded to the challenge posed by this academic lecture, with many girls asking very pertinent and thoughtful questions at the end of the talk.

During the morning, students participated in a workshop exploring the characters of the epic poem's hero, Aeneas, and his great opponent Turnus, through a series of extracts from the poem in English. In addition, they visited the extensive Cast Gallery collection, part of the faculty's Museum of Classical Archaeology. Here they viewed casts of some of the most famous and influential pieces of sculpture from the Greco-Roman world, including the Farnese ‘Hercules', over 3 metres tall.

Blessed with a sunny day, students enjoyed a picnic lunch and a chance to take in some of the most famous views in Cambridge, for example, the chapel of King's College from the backs. This proved a very enjoyable, stimulating and engaging day for all.

Mencap Fun Day 2013

Fri, 10 May 2013 08:18:30 PST

Mencap Fun Day took place on Sunday 28^th April and, as always, was a tremendously enjoyable occasion.

16 children with special needs and disabilities arrived at the School on a bright and sunny morning, and were welcomed by the large number of NLCS students in Years 7-9 who had volunteered to take part. Our guests were able to choose from a range of activities, including arts and crafts, swimming, outdoor sports and playing on the bouncy castle. There was also time for a picnic and some lively party games to bring the event to its conclusion.

It was lovely to see so many smiling, delighted faces at Mencap Fun Day, and it was a pleasure to welcome back a large number of children who have attended in previous years.

Thank you to all girls and members of staff involved, for making this such a special day.

Animal Farm

Tue, 07 May 2013 16:46:27 PST

Audiences have been amazed by the maturity and talent displayed by the cast of the Years 7 & 8 play Animal Farm. Performed over two nights on Wednesday 1^st and Thursday 2^nd May in the PAC, this exciting and challenging play, directed by Samantha Wettreich, was brought to life with remarkable flair and energy. Combining wonderful costumes, designed by Jacqui Emden, a totally believable farmyard setting (complete with hay and mud), designed and built by Steve Gregson and Warren Bragg and incredible vocal and physical performances this was a powerful and compelling production. The young performers and stage and technical crews should be extremely proud of their work.

Photography by Graham Ryder.

Yr 9 Take Your Daughter to Work 2013

Tue, 07 May 2013 15:39:58 PST

On Thursday 7th March 2012, all Year 9 girls ventured out of school and into the world of work for ‘Take Your Daughter to Work Day'. Pupils spent the working day with parents, other relatives or friends of the family in a very wide range of workplaces. These ranged from hospitals and schools to investment banks and lawyers offices. Many thanks must go to all those who put so much effort into ensuring that these visits were both enjoyable and informative.

Each student wrote up a report on their day. These make excellent reading and show the huge amount the girls learnt during the day, about both the specific work places they visited and more generally about the wider world of work.

Six girls were awarded ‘Best in Form Report' these were:

Winner: Sailee Khurjekar

Runner up: Noa Blane Damelin

Winner: Aberami Shanmugarasa

Runner up: Georgie Marlborough

Winner: Anna Sayers

Runner up: Cynthia Fernando

Winner: Sian Mathur

Runner up: Izzy Davidson

Winner: Jordan lief

Runner up: Jemima Narrandes

Winner: Aditi Shiringarpure

Runner up: Stephanie Broomhead

Megan Wilson, 9M was awarded the ‘Best Overall Report'. Her report can be seen below.

A few excerpts from Yr 9 ‘Take Your Daughter to Work Day' reports and their reactions to the day:

"One piece of advice really stuck in my mind; the world is changing and the work world now is all about variety; you will not start a job and retire in the same position so be prepared for change" Jordan Lief - 9L

"I learnt enough information today to fill pages and pages. I learnt about the skills needed to perform all of the responcibilities of the many specialists in the hospital and also how much hard work everyone must put into their role. I met so many incredible people, some with life threatening illnesses, so this taught me to appreciate life and live it to the full." Megan Wilson - 9M

"Many of my interviewees gave some interesting advice on the world of work. They told me not to chose my job too early, and to explore different avenues before making and informed decision." Sian Mathur - 9N

"I really enjoyed Take You Daughter to Work Day because it gave me a realistic insight into the working world. I will take away some useful advice and a better understanding of what my mum does for a career. I am now really looking forward to more work experience opportunities in years to come." Ria Popat - 9N

"I met many inspiring women who loved what they do for a living, and I now have a clearer idea of what I want to do when I grow up, and I am sure I will enjoy my job as much as the staff at Macquarie do." Leah Hwang - 9B

Gold D of E Expedition April 2013

Tue, 07 May 2013 15:21:25 PST

Over the Easter holidays, 13 of us went on the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Expedition, in the Brecon Beacons in Wales, walking around 80km over four days and venturing into Wild Country. Due to the intense weather conditions, which had us trekking at times through thick snow, we were able to appreciate the alternative bad weather routes we had prepared. Whilst remaining motivated on the steepest parts of our route was challenging, the views from the top of the mountains were absolutely stunning and made it totally worthwhile! The best part of the expedition, however, was how close our group became, supporting each other through the difficult parts, such as minor injuries, making each other laugh so much we had to stop for breath, singing heartily and gossiping endlessly! (Our tour guide Richard told us that this made us very easy to keep track of!) Despite the cold we all had an incredible time, having travelled through some strikingly beautiful scenery and feeling very proud of our achievements.

Article: Olivia Rani Bessant, Yr 12

Yr 8 Chambéry Exchange 2013

Tue, 07 May 2013 15:08:28 PST

After Founder's Day was over we began our journey to Chambéry. The plane journey was short and soon we arrived at Geneva airport. Everyone was nervous to meet their exchanges as we pulled into the Saint François de Sales School but the families were all friendly and welcoming.

The weekend was full of activities hosted by our families such as bowling, shopping, ice-skating, exploring the town and some of us even went skiing!

On Monday we went on our first outing. In the morning we drove to Lac du Bourget and went on a boat trip all the way across to Chanaz to visit an old oil mill. The mill was small and smelt strongly of nuts. We learnt about what happened at the mill and had a chance to buy some of their oil or jam. After lunch we went on an extremely scary walk through the inside of a gorge, les Gorges du Fier. The final place we went to was the town of Annecy where we had time to look around the shops before returning to Chambéry to rejoin our exchange partners.

On Tuesday morning we went to Lyon and had a tour of a cinematography museum, l'Institut Lumière. We learnt about cinema developing through time and saw how the building used to be when it was a house. In the afternoon we were taken on a tour of the old town and the big cathedral in Lyon.

On Wednesday we spent the day in Chambéry. In the morning we had the chance to see our exchange partners' school and to experience the general feel. We then had a tour of Chambéry and the old castle. The afternoon was spent doing things with our families as it was our final day. On the morning of our departure we had breakfast at the school and were wished farewell by the headmaster.

The trip was a great opportunity to improve our French speaking skills and also to make friendships with the French girls. It was also a good opportunity to get to know some of the Habs' boys. Our exchange partners recently came to England and from what it seemed, had a great time in London. Everyone had an amazing trip and would definitely recommend this exchange to future year Yr8s!

Article: Imogen Gordon Yr 8

ISI Inspection Report 2013

Fri, 03 May 2013 11:46:59 PST

North London Collegiate School has been judged ‘excellent' - the highest possible rating - in every single category of its recent inspection report by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. The quality of the education, the teaching, and the pastoral care, as well as the leadership, management and governance of the school, all received the highest accolade from a team of distinguished inspectors.

The School underwent the inspection in March 2013: inspectors observed lessons, examined samples of pupils' work and talked with and surveyed pupils, parents, governors, teaching and non-teaching staff.

Please click on the link below for the full report.

Brazil Day 2013

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:02:50 PST

On Friday 19th of April, the whole of Year 8 took part in Brazil day, a day devoted to learning and experiencing the many different aspects of Brazilian culture.

Throughout the day we took part in numerous fun activities such as Samba drumming, Samba dancing and even a taster of Brazilian martial arts- Capoeira! In Samba dancing and Capoeira we were lucky enough to have Brazilian experts teaching us.

We also heard two fascinating lectures; the first one, by Professor Stephen Nugent (Goldsmiths College, University of London), on 'Living in the Amazon'. In this, he described to us the different nations and cultures within the Amazon, relating to his own experience in living in the Amazon. The second, given by Helen Lima de Sousa (Clare College, Cambridge), on 'A Short History of Brazilian Culture: Samba, Capoeira and Carnival.'

The day was fun-packed and very eye opening. We would like to thank the Geography Department for organising such a great day.

Article: Leah Meyer, Yr 8

Physics trip to CERN 2013

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 08:07:42 PST

During the Easter Holidays, 15 Year 12 Physics students and 3 teachers travelled to Geneva, Switzerland to visit the Large Hadron Collider at CERN during the Easter holidays.

On the first day in Geneva, girls visited a chocolate factory where they took part in a chocolate workshop and tasted the city's finest chocolates, including Geneva's speciality chocolate. The afternoon was spent by the breath-taking Lake Geneva and the group even found time for an impromptu visit to the History of Science Museum. After that the girls were given a tour around the United Nations Building, the ‘Palais de Nations', where they saw some of the conference rooms situated there, including the room for Human Rights. The busy day ended with a delicious dinner at a Crêperie.

The trip culminated in a day visit to see the Large Hadron Collider, the highlight of the trip, where girls were lucky enough to see inside the CMSb detector, one of the four detectors on site, as it was open while it was being upgraded. The girls were given a fascinating talk on the history of CERN and were given the opportunity to look around the museum, which explained some of the Physics behind the Large Hadron Collider.

Overall, it was a fascinating experience for all the girls on the trip and everyone who went found it both highly informative and exciting.

Article: Alexandra Sharpe, Yr 12

Skiing Sisters Interschool success

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:41:03 PST

NLCS sisters Cerys and Giselle have done outstandingly well at the British Interschools Skiing Competition held during the Easter break in France.

Cerys skied superbly with much courage in her Giant Slalom race. She came third in her 1999 and 2000 age group of over 40 skiers, winning the bronze medal. Next day, Cerys made the podium again with 5th place in the Under 14s slalom gaining further points for NLCS.

Giselle skied in deteriorating conditions securing victory with first place, and a gold for her and her school. On day two, Giselle came third and won the bronze in her age group in a race called a 'combi' (combined slalom and giant slalom) which she had never done before.

Out of the 180 schools who participated NLCS, with a team of only 2 girls, came an amazing 7th place overall. NLCS scored 25 points while the top school scored 32. Indeed, after the first day's races, NLCS was ranked joint first. Well done girls!

Survivor Speaks - Lady Kohn

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:06:38 PST

This week NLCS History Society and Jewish Society held a joint event to launch their new committees' year, and were delighted to welcome Lady Zahava Kohn, survivor of Bergen-Belsen concentration camp and author of 'Fragments of a Lost Childhood'. Lady Kohn is also the mother of three ONLs, one of whom, Hephzibah, presented with her.

We could not have chosen a better speaker for our first session, as the Buss Room was packed to the brim with girls from Years 9 to 13, as well as members of staff. Hephzibah began the talk, going all the way back to her grandmother's childhood, and leading up to her mother's birth and Dutch upbringing.

The talk was accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation, showing photographs of Lady Kohn as a child, including family portraits and class photos.

There were many extremely moving moments of Lady Kohn's exceptional story - for example, the fact that her family had actually been lucky enough to relocate to Palestine, but that they had had to return to Nazi Europe due to the heat's effect on her mother's health; her mother giving up her sixteen-month-old son to the Dutch Resistance, and Zahava's hysterical plea that the family had to remain together on the journey that was miraculously granted, subsequently saving all of their lives, were other emotional moments.

As well as her incredible life story, Lady Kohn brought with her original artefacts collected by her mother during her life, such as the yellow ‘Yood' star she had to wear, postcards to her grandparents from the camps, and a Jewish New Year card she made for her parents on the back of a cardboard box that read, ‘I hope the next year brings us happier times'. Lady Kohn's family's seemingly unbelievable survival, and subsequent rebuilding of their lives, was incredibly inspiring and uplifting, and the talk was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.

Dani Jacobson & Nicky Robertson (Chairs of Jewish and History Societies)

French exchange to Paris

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 08:02:40 PST

During the Easter Holidays, a group of girls from Year 10 along with some boys from Merchant Taylors took part in a week exchange to Paris. When we first arrived, we spent the weekend with our exchanges exploring Paris and seeing its many famous monuments. This gave us the opportunity to settle in with our families and adapt to the Parisian life, including eating plenty of crêpes and croissants!

For the rest of the week, we travelled around Paris using both the metro and foot. The highlights of our trip included climbing the L'arc de Triomphe, seeing the Notre Dame, walking around the Marais and watching a French Play written by the French equivalent of Shakespeare, Molière. On Thursday morning, we were lucky enough to experience Parisian school life at Lycée Paul-Claudel which included taking part in an English lesson. The school was much smaller than NLCS but the buildings were beautiful with intricate designs. We all thoroughly enjoyed our trip and we would all like to think that we improved our French as well as having fun. We would like to thank Mrs. Dean, Miss. Wiedermann and Miss. Suri for organising such a great trip for us all.

Article: Asha Rattan & Jade Charles, Yr 10