Our Shared DNA
28 March 2025 - Barry
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” – Albert Einstein. Lately, I’ve found myself thinking back to this quote whenever things get too hectic, reminding myself that moments of refuge found in a brief nap or a sunny day are but a momentary pause in the ongoing rush we call life. However, what really stands out to me amongst the blur of activities are the things that stay still, the constants in life that remain unchanging no matter how its surroundings evolve. My 7:30am moan at the prospect of waking up, the Friday dilemma of what to wear in preparation for the weekend, or the never-ending chats in the LV study—I’ve found that all these moments originate from the lively community hiding behind Barry’s bright blue door, my sanctuary dimly-lit by every dorm’s little lights. Just like DNA, these moments form the essence of who I am and shape how our Barry community grows and thrives.
Barry is not just another House in Wycombe Abbey. It’s defined by kindness, fun, camaraderie, and strong family bonds. Mentoring is a big part of Barry, with older girls regularly guiding and supporting younger girls, fostering friendships, and providing comfort throughout the House. Barry’s original traditions and shared routines bring it to life, making it more than just a physical space. Our cherished House events such as movie nights, Sunday breakfasts, and the excitement of group Pepe’s orders create lasting memories, bringing everyone closer together. Larger celebrations, such as the Chinese Lunar New Year, unite our entire Barry community, and we particularly love the involvement of parents. Family-tree events like debating or special breakfasts further strengthen our family bonds. Barry Clarence regularly visits us, staying connected with staff and pupils alike; their visits deepen the sense of community, creating lasting connections between Barry girls across generations. These practices passed down from generation to generation form the backbone of our community, mirroring DNA’s essential role in supporting the rest of its responsibilities. Even the most mundane elements in the House contribute to that sense of liveliness—from the creaky floorboard outside Paris and Rome, to the scent of toasties wafting from the kitchen on a Tuesday, it all makes Barry so much more homely and lived-in.
Furthermore, Barry opens a doorway for new friendships and relationships to be formed, especially between girls of different year groups who might not otherwise have had a chance to interact. These bonds mirror the bonds found in DNA, connecting people from different cultures and backgrounds and providing a chance to acquire a new familiar face to greet around school. Whether formed through late-night chats, mutual understanding between dorm mates, or the shared anticipation for the weekend, these friendships are for life and serve as a safe space for us to come back to when the days feel too long.
Finally, just like DNA mutates and adapts with its surroundings, so does Barry’s essence as we welcome new waves of Barry girls every year. Annual traditions like House Hustings and the Christmas Party are continued and enjoyed year after year, but new ones are added and old ones reshaped as fresh individuals arrive with novel ideas. A recent example would be the highly anticipated karaoke competition, allowing girls to embrace their stylish dance moves and sometimes surprising singing voices. However, even as traditions evolve and bring new change, the very essence of Barry remains somewhat the same and emphasises the same set of values.
Barry’s DNA stays with its girls even after they leave, serving as the foundation for the evolving perspectives and beliefs life introduces. The lasting bonds formed within Barry’s walls are strengthened further by the regular visits from Barry Clarence, reminding us of our connections across generations. These relationships persist long after we’ve washed away the pale blue face paint. As Ms Hurribunce loves to remind us, whether it be ‘adding layers to your onion,’ or ‘hugging a tree’ when times get hard, Barry’s DNA continues to thrive—living far beyond the House itself, embedded deeply in everyone who’s been fortunate enough to call it home.
Natalie LV
Barry’s Got Talent: One Direction, Dorm Duets, and Dancing Disasters!
The Spring Half Term has been extremely busy for the singers in Barry, with everyone enthusiastically taking part in both House Singing rehearsals and our brand-new karaoke competition.
For House Singing, the inter-House singing competition at the end of Term, we decided there was only “one direction” we could go in… so naturally, we chose the classic “Night Changes” by One Direction. Chloe and Leanna bravely took on the challenging task of arranging the music, while the rest of the Lower VI played their part superbly in organising and motivating the House. Admittedly, the House staff were initially somewhat doubtful about our song choice—you might even say they were in de- “Niall”—but after our first rehearsal, even they had to admit we’d made a brilliant decision. Of course, we encountered a few hurdles along the way; the tempo had a tendency to lag, so we often had to “Harry” the singers along. At times, grasping the harmonies proved tricky, but everyone stayed committed and enthusiastic, ensuring the song is now sounding better than ever. Special thanks must go to Linzi for her piano skills, Emily for beautifully playing the cello, and Eva and Lucia for choreographing our unforgettable dance moves.
Additionally, this Trm we introduced our first-ever House karaoke competition, aiming to strengthen dorm bonds—and vocal chords—in a fun and memorable way. For the knockout rounds, each dorm selected two representatives to perform a song of their choice. Performers were judged on outfits, dance moves, singing, and sheer enthusiasm. The costumes were incredibly imaginative and hilariously elaborate. Standout moments included Amelia’s somewhat terrifying Justin Bieber mask, Rahi and Cressy’s unforgettable Bruno Mars outfits, and Flora’s surprise baby bump. We also witnessed some impressively ambitious lifts, some of which made Ms Hurribunce visibly wince with concern! For the finals, the whole dorm got involved, making the judges’ decision nearly impossible. After much deliberation, the winners were… Athens! Huge congratulations!
These competitions have been incredibly enjoyable, filling the House with laughter and unforgettable moments. We deeply appreciate everyone’s commitment, creativity, and willingness to embrace the spirit of Barry. Thank you all very much!
We are so, so proud of everyone in Barry for our HOUSE SINGING WIN!!
Every single one of you was amazing, and as House Conductors, we’re incredibly grateful for all the hard work, time, and energy you put in.
Thank you for bringing the spirit, the sound, and the sparkle.
Barry forever. ????
Estelle, Chloe, Leanna, and Sophia (Lower VI)
En Garde! Barry’s Journey from Friendship to Fencing Glory.
Fencing has always been more than just a sport to us; it’s a journey of personal growth, resilience, and camaraderie. It’s about maintaining focus, swiftly adapting moves during bouts, and outsmarting your opponent at every turn. From stepping onto the strip for the first time to competing on the national stage, we’ve experienced incredible transformations both as athletes and individuals.
Our dedication has translated into numerous achievements, from podium finishes to qualifying for regional championships, where we’ve proudly tested our skills against the best. Yet beyond the medals and rankings, what makes fencing truly rewarding are the friendships we form along the way. The bonds forged with teammates, the laughter shared after intense training sessions, and the mutual respect exchanged with our opponents—these are the memories that stay with us long after the matches end.
Fencing provides a welcome balance to our busy School lives, allowing us to challenge both our bodies and minds in an engaging, energising way. This term, we proudly competed at the BYC Regionals, where Youyi and Abila excelled, qualifying for Nationals by placing 3rd and 2nd respectively. At the Public Schools’ Fencing Championships, the entire team represented the School admirably, with Leanna, Youyi, and Abila each finishing impressively within the top 32.
Abila, Leanna (Lower VI), Youyi (Upper IV)
This half term has truly captured the essence of Barry’s DNA—filled with camaraderie, laughter, and lasting memories. Wishing everyone in Barry and their families a joyful Easter and a restful break.
