NEWS FROM THE SCHOOL
From the Colchester Gazette April 2017: Colchester County High School for Girls has been rated as in the top 10 per cent of selective schools for education attainment and progress. The recognition came from the national Schools, Students and Teaching Network which provides teaching and curriculum support to schools. Sue Williamson, the network’s chief executive, described Colchester County High School for Girls as excellent. She said: “We know how hard teachers work to ensure the success of every child. Our Educational Outcomes Award recognises the professionalism, commitment and hard work of the leaders, teachers and students at Colchester County High School for Girls.”
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Students’ Success in Essex Young Poet of the Year
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Congratulations to four CCHSG students were invited to attend the Essex Young Poet of the Year prize ceremony on Saturday, 8 October. The event, which took place at Chelmsford’s Cramphorn Theatre, celebrated the work of 25 poets who had made the shortlist from 600 entries. Grace Puckey, who entered through her primary school, Chipping Hill, was Highly Commended in the 11 and Under category for a poem about her two cats, ‘Heidi and Merlot’. Molly Papps was awarded second prize in the 14 and under category for her poem ‘Mary Anne’s Letter Home’, which explored the thoughts and feelings of an Irish servant girl emigrating to America. In the 16 and under category, Alex Webster-Hirst was awarded second prize for ‘The Last Bird Call’ - a chilling poem about the future of the planet. Daisy Thomas won the 16 and under category with her sonnet ‘For Benvolio’, in which Shakespeare’s Mercutio declares love for his fellow Montague.
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For Benvolio
There’s infinite types of love on this earth.
Though none compare to the way my heart breaks
So bittersweetly that it makes this worth
Something. Nothing. When you charmingly make
Those jokes, those jests; Benvolio my sweet,
Like an unknowing thief you stole my heart
Locked with secrets your ears will never meet.
Your Benevolence broke me from the start.
You say ‘blind is love’ and in parts you’re right,
The world is dark to my love - as are you.
But how is love blind when my morning light
Comes from setting suns in your eyes so blue?
Fate and forbidden love is all I know,
Signed, your silent lover, Mercutio.
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