World Book Day this year was celebrated in our customary literary fashion. Y7 marked the occasion by dressing up as their favourite book character and parading in the ‘Carnival of Characters’ in the library at lunch time. We saw some truly spectacular characters and were delighted by the creativity of the costumes. This was followed by our annual House Lit Quiz which attracted great crowds of girls to pit house lit wit and gain house points – and of course, chocolate!
In March, we hosted a visit from local author MG Harris and were delighted that students from Cherwell and New College School could join us for the event. MG gave a very entertaining talk on ‘Apocalypse Moon’, the latest book in her ‘Joshua Files’ series. There was great interaction with the audience and she answered questions on her writing, her inspirations for the books and her experiences with the publishing world. Mark Thornton, of Mostly Books, Abingdon, attended the event and set up a wonderful display of her books in their striking shiny black slip covers.
Author Matt Dickinson visited Oxford High School on Thursday 2nd February to talk about his new book, Mortal Chaos, and his adventures as a filmmaker for National Geographic Channel. The students were gripped by his tales of daring on icy surfaces. The book was actually published (by OUP) that same day, so girls were able to buy the very first editions. It is the first in a trilogy, and everyone who has got hold of a copy is already saying it is absolutely gripping, and they can’t wait to see the second – which just might be in the hands of the OHS librarian as a proof copy!
Oxford High School students celebrate World Book Day 2011 by dressing as their favorite characters.
The school hosted the biggest ever regional heat on Tuesday 16th November, featuring a record 42 teams from 24 schools.
Our teams scooped first and second place in the heat, with the top team scoring an incredible 97.5 – smashing the previous world record of 95. St. Gregory the Great School secured third place following a nail-biting sudden death play-off with Cherwell School.
We were delighted to welcome Cllr Hilary Hibbert-Biles, Chair of OCC, Cllr Richard Mould, Mayor of Bicester, Mrs Eileen Mould, Mayoress, and Mrs Jennifer Wood, Mayor of Henley-on-Thames, who took time from their very busy schedules to attend the event. Also, prominent children’s writers, Mark Robson, Marie-Louise Jensen, Lucy Coates, Jo Cotterill, MG Harris and Susie Day who formed an author team and, in the interval, signed copies of their books which were on sale at a stall provided and staffed by Waterstone’s.
The quiz puts the literary knowledge of students aged 11 to 13 to the test. The winning team from each region will compete in the National Final, which in 2010 is to take place in Oxford Town Hall on 30th November. The overall winner will be invited to compete in New Zealand in 2011 at a special 20th anniversary celebration of the Kids Lit Quiz.
OHS has an impressive track record with the quiz in previous years but our girls have done exceptionally well so far this year and we are looking forward to cheering them on at the UK final. Congratulations to everyone who took part. The year 7 team: Amy Aron-Muelbauer, Maria Calinescu, Ioana Duta and Kreeya Palan and the year 8 team: Katy Owen, Laura Rosenheim, Sabrina Rosenheim and Ella Wilson. Our reserves, who attended the practice sessions for the quiz, performed magnificently as hosts and runners at the event. We are most grateful to Asha Badiani and Coco Deutsch in year 7, and Madhavi Berks, Matilda Coughlan and Ruth Friedlander in year 8.
Quizmaster Wayne Mills said of the event: “It was a very busy, exciting afternoon – the literary brain-power was awesome”.
Elizabeth Sloan
Librarian
