The Weekly Window - Friday 21st March 2025
Friday 21st March 2025
A busy week at QM with dance, sport, neuroscience, and OM connections!
Welcome to the Weekly Window! It has been a busy and exciting week at QM. Sixth Form students explored the fascinating world of neuroscience during Brain Day, while anticipation is high for the QM Dance Show, Dancing Through Time, which takes place this evening and tomorrow. Our athletes have been in action on the netball and tennis courts, and the latest QM Podcast features an insightful conversation with Fiona Whittle. Meanwhile, the OM Drinks Reception in London provided a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with former students from across the generations. As we look ahead, there is much to look forward to, including the LAMDA Showcase and Spring Concert next week. Have a great weekend.
Update from the Head
I am very much looking forward to what promises to be another highlight of the term: the QM Dance Show this evening and tomorrow. To have such a strong Dance programme within the school is one of QM’s unique strengths and it is wonderful to see so many girls expressing themselves creatively through Dance under the inspiration of Mrs Leadley.
There are more highlights to come in the busy lead-up to the end of term, with the LAMDA showcase next Wednesday followed by Spring Concert next Friday evening. The rich Arts programme at Queen Margaret’s, across the Performing and Creative Arts, is truly exceptional and provides a strong platform for girls to develop and showcase their creative talents.
I look forward to seeing many of you at the events over the coming week. On Wednesday it was wonderful to connect with the wider OM community at our annual OM Drinks Reception in London. With students who attended QM from 1953 to 2024, it was a fantastic cross-generational gathering and so lovely to hear stories of QM across the different eras and see the strength of connection OMs still feel with QM and their peers. We were treated to a musical performance by OM, Lucinda Addy, 2017-2024, now in her first year studying at the Royal College of Music in London.
Sixth Form Students Take Part in Brain Day
On Tuesday 18th March, Sixth Form students had the opportunity to explore the complexities of the human brain during Brain Day, a specialist workshop led by Dr Guy Sutton, Director of Medical Biology Interactive. The event provided a fascinating look at brain function, neurological disorders, and the latest developments in neuroscience.
Throughout the day, students examined topics such as brain plasticity, the effects of drugs and technology on cognitive function, and the neuroscience behind mental health conditions like schizophrenia. Dr Sutton also introduced them to cutting-edge research in brain-computer interfacing and the role of neuroscience in understanding criminal behaviour. A highlight of the day was the sheep brain dissection, which gave students the chance to see brain structures up close.
Students found the workshop both engaging and thought-provoking. One student commented, “I found the Brain Day super interesting and really enjoyed every topic we learnt about, particularly the information on schizophrenia and biopsychology, which gave me a broader understanding of the topics.” Another student highlighted the hands-on experience, saying, “My favourite part was holding the brain and looking at the individual parts, for example, the hippocampus. I also found the factors that affect the brain, such as toxins, very interesting and think it should be taught to a wider audience.”
Dr Sutton’s expertise and enthusiasm made for a truly eye-opening experience. “He was very engaging and passionate about his work,” one student said. “His knowledge was excellent—it made me want to learn more about the brain and its functions.”
QM Podcast: Meet Fiona Whittle
In this episode of the Queen Margaret’s School podcast, Head Nicola Dudley is joined by Fiona Whittle—QM’s Head of Enrichment, Trips Coordinator, and Teacher of PE & Geography.
A true ‘wearer of many hats,’ Fiona shares her passion for enrichment at QM, her experiences leading overseas trips, and her remarkable voluntary work at some of the world’s biggest sporting events.
Dancing Through Time
Tonight is the highly anticipated opening of the annual QM Dance Show, Dancing Through Time. Performances take place tonight and tomorrow (Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd March) at 19:00 in The Chapman Theatre – don’t miss the chance to see our talented students take to the stage!
This year’s production takes audiences on a journey through dance history, from the elegance of Louis XIV’s court to the dynamic energy of the present day. Expect graceful Romantic-era movements, the exuberance of the Roaring Twenties, the swing and rhythm of the 1940s, and the bold creativity of the 1960s. The performance also celebrates the iconic styles of the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, before culminating in a showcase of contemporary dance.
Sports Review
The 1st VII Netball team secured a hard-fought 22-19 victory against Pocklington in their final match before the upcoming tournament, while the 2nd VII battled well but fell short with a 7-13 loss. In tennis, QM hosted Ampleforth for the National Championship match, with players putting in a strong performance. Well done to all who took part!
Accessing QM Sports Fixtures with SOCS
At Queen Margaret’s, we use the SOCS Sports Website to manage our matches and fixture lists, making it easy for parents to stay informed about their daughter’s sporting commitments.
To help you access SOCS and view fixture details, click below to view the guide which provides step-by-step instructions on how to check upcoming matches, locations, and timings.
For easy reference, the guide is also available on the Parent Portal under School Information > Documents and Files > General Information.
📄 Guide: How to Access SOCS Sports
Upcoming Events for Parents at QM
As we approach the end of term, there are several exciting events to look forward to.
QM Dance Show: Dancing Through Time – Friday 21st & Saturday 22nd March, 19:00, The Chapman Theatre
Join us for a spectacular journey through dance history, performed by our talented students.LAMDA Showcase – Wednesday 26th March, 19:00, The Chapman Theatre
An evening of speech and drama, celebrating the hard work and talent of our students.Easter Service – Friday 28th March, 08:30, St Margaret’s Chapel
A special service to mark the end of term.LVI Parent Conference & Refreshments – Friday 28th March, 15:45, Sports Hall
Lower Sixth parents are invited for refreshments, followed by the Parent Conference.Spring Concert – Friday 28th March, 19:00, St Margaret’s Chapel
A wonderful evening of music, showcasing the talents of our musicians.
Upcoming Events for Parents at QM
As we approach the end of term, there are several exciting events to look forward to.
- QM Dance Show: Dancing Through Time – Friday 21st & Saturday 22nd March, 19:00, The Chapman Theatre
- LAMDA Showcase – Wednesday 26th March, 19:00, The Chapman Theatre
- Easter Service – Friday 28th March, 08:30, St Margaret’s Chapel
- LVI Parent Conference & Refreshments – Friday 28th March, 15:45, Sports Hall
- Spring Concert – Friday 28th March, 19:00, St Margaret’s Chapel
The Week Ahead – Including End-of-Term Arrangements
Saturday 22nd March
- All Day – Open Day
- 09:00 – U12A Netball: Y&D Schools Tournament
- 18:15 – Refreshments (Centenary Foyer)
- 19:00 – QM Dance Show: Dancing Through Time (The Chapman Theatre)
Sunday 23rd March
- All Day – Garry House Community Weekend
- 09:30-18:00 – Gold DofE Practice Navigation Day (LVI)
- 10:30 – Morning Prayer (Escrick Church)
- 11:45-13:00 – Brunch (Main Dining Room)
Friday 28th March – End-of-Term Arrangements
- 08:30-09:30 – Easter Service (St Margaret’s Chapel)
- 15:45 – Refreshments & Presentation for LVI Parents (Centenary Foyer & Chapman Theatre)
- 19:00 – Spring Concert (St Margaret’s Chapel)
📦 Trunking Arrangements:
- The trunking team will be available until 19:00 on Friday.
- Any remaining cases will be taken to Thompson for collection.
- There will be no trunking on Saturday.
Saturday 29th March
- 12:00 – Term Ends. There are no lessons on Saturday 29th March, but students are welcome to be in school until 12:00 noon.