Sister to Sister

Over the past week, students from Years 8 and 11 participated in a range of sister-to-sister activities designed to build friendships between year groups and strengthen our school sense of community. Due to various lockdowns and other covid-related mishaps, many inter-year events were cancelled over the past few years, so this opportunity to get to know the younger girls was deeply valued. Additionally, as students in Year 11 apply for Prefect and House Committee roles this term, these activities were a perfect chance to apply leadership skills and understand the responsibilities of being role models to younger years.

To start the week off, we had a shared chapel service discussing methods to overcome obstacles and build community. This happened to fall on Toasty Tuesday, so both years were dressed snugly in hoodies and Ugg boots, sitting together in mixed year groups. The following morning, both years assembled in the sports hall for some friendly competition between houses. We laughed together and cheered each other on as we took part in team-building activities: we tried to pass a hoop around a circle of girls holding hands, then tried to line up silently in order of our street number. Although Langley came last in almost every event, it was wonderful to be able to talk to some girls who I’d seen before at house events or house meetings but had never been able to get to know.

On Thursday, forms were paired up for a discussion, guided by questions that the Year 8 classes had brainstormed. Year 11 students offered advice and support, sharing their experiences on everything from balancing co-curriculars and elective choices to friendship group dilemmas and note-taking strategies. To close the week, we came together in the sports hall for a surprise hip-hop class with Joel, a familiar face to both years. Just before we returned to class, Year 11 were given care packages from the Year 8s to help us through the upcoming exam block. We received a paper bag each, full of the most thoughtful gifts, including face masks, sweets, mugs and teabags, candles and more. The amount of love and care that went into these care packages was immeasurable, and I know our whole year is very grateful!

A huge thank you to our year coordinators, Ms Wymer and Ms Smith, for this amazing opportunity! I’m looking forward to continuing this tradition of mutual support and compassion throughout the rest of our years at school.

Jemima Louie Smith
11To