Shelburne

Spring Term 2

28 March 2025 - Shelburne

Life Down Under

In 2024, Wycombe Abbey launched their exchange programme with schools in Sydney and Perth, Australia. This incredible opportunity enables selected pupils to immerse themselves in Australia’s education system and culture, and to expand their network of friends across the world. The trip is open to Lower V pupils and involves a rigorous application process. Pupils are required to complete a detailed application form, and following this, those shortlisted are interviewed by senior members of staff.

Last year, Zara (now Upper V Shelburne) travelled to Sydney to stay with her partner Sarah, where she attended Tara Anglican School for three weeks. This year, Emilie (Lower V Shelburne) has followed in her footsteps. She is staying with her partner Caitlyn, who will come to Shelburne to experience life in the UK during the Summer Term. Emilie has written the following description of her experience so far:

“This Australian Exchange is definitely an experience I’ll never forget; it’s so rewarding to be in an atmosphere with new people, new culture and new opportunities waiting for you. Despite having already visited Australia before, there is something different and more magical about being able to explore the country with new people because it provides a new perspective. It feels so special to visit places I wouldn’t have known about as a tourist, and more importantly, to hear why these places are important to the local people.  Not only has this trip been such an eye- opening and beautiful trip so far, but it has also taught me skills too. For example, I’ve developed teamwork and independence, whether this be figuring out together how to get to our gate at each airport or even just managing the amount of household chores you complete for your host family so that you contribute to their lifestyle equally. Furthermore, I feel like the most rapidly growing skillset I’ve gained here is communication. When it comes to sorting out weekend logistics, coming up with an agenda after school, scheduling in times to talk to my family and friends in England; I strongly believe that it has been one of the most important skills on this trip and it is an excellence chance to practice this if communication is not your strongest ability. Finally, some advice to those who are considering applying in future. Firstly, have confidence! It’s so important to throw yourself out there during school time and after school and ultimately give out all you want to receive in return. I can’t express how fortunate I am to have this opportunity offered by the School, and the amount of regret I would have felt if I didn’t apply, whether this be due to homesickness or just uncertainty. Take your time on the application process and really think hard about why you want to go and the aspects of the exchange that interest you: the weather, the food, the lifestyle or the idea making friends- do it. You won’t regret it.” – Emilie

Ava (Lower V Shelburne) is also currently in Australia, attending St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School in Perth with her partner, Jessica. It sounds like she is also having a fantastic time and getting up-close and personal with the local wildlife!

“I am beyond fortunate to have been selected for the Australia exchange, which has so far been the most incredible and valuable experience of my life. Flying across the globe to stay with a family I do not know, making friends with people I have never met and joining a brand-new school is daunting, but the incredible independence I have gained from navigating the journey will stay with me through life. We have, so far, only spent one week and a bit in Perth but already I have experienced a different culture (with better weather) where I have been able to go to the beach, learn to surf, meet the quokkas, barbeques at sunset and watch AFL, or the ‘footy’. However, more significant than these incredible landmarks are the little things like bonding with my exchange partner and her friends whilst navigating a new school so far away from the daily routine I am used to. The opportunity has broadened my horizons and given me memories that I will keep forever. It has taught me valuable skills, such as resilience, independence, social-skills and adaptability. Firstly, through the challenging application process, I learnt the importance of determination and through the interviews I got an insight of what an application process will be like in the future. Therefore, my advice to people who want to apply is to firstly not let the nerves scare you away- the lessons you learn and the people you meet will quickly get rid of your nerves. Finally, make sure to show the best version of yourself in the interview because you want to be the person they want as an ambassador.”– Ava

I am so proud of Ava and Emilie for pushing themselves outside their comfort zone and making the most of the amazing opportunity they have been given. The Shelburne girls are looking forward to having Jessica and Caitlyn join us next term.

House Inning

Shelburne chose a relaxed pottery painting and pizza evening for their House Inning this Half Term. They had the choice of decorating a bowl, plate or mug. The items will be fired in a kiln over the holiday and ready for the girls to use upon their return. A huge thank you must go to Miss Tay for organising the event. Here are some pictures of them in action:

Highlights Dance Show

This Half Term, eight Shelburne girls (present and Upper VI) have been rehearsing incredibly hard for the Highlights Dance Show. Across the three performances they danced a total of 75 routines, including Street, Ballet, Modern and Contemporary genres. Huge congratulations to Muji, Kate, Zara, Lydia, Izzy, Felicity, Maya and Francesca for their hard work and impressive stamina!

House Singing Competition

Over the course of this Term, our talented House Conductors, Hen and Frida, have led a comprehensive series of rehearsals and arranged the music for the House Singing Competition. The girls performed Uptown Girl by Billy Joel, containing three-part harmony, instrumental accompaniment and choreography! The ambitious project certainly paid off, as the House’s performance came second in the competition and resulted in us winning the Music Cup for the academic year!

Cookery Competition

Our resident star baker, Mrs Wilson, led Shelburne to a win in the annual House cookery competition this Half Term! The girls were required to make and decorate a selection of Easter biscuits for the judges to grade on appearance, taste and texture. Our submission (pictured) has earned us a £50 voucher to spend on baking equipment for the House. Well done to all girls that got involved.

World Book Day/Giving Day

This World Book Day, the girls were spoiled with reading related activities and competitions, quizzes, visiting authors, poetry performances and the Scholastic Book Fair. The date coincided with the inaugural Wycombe Abbey Giving Day, which was a huge success in raising money to enhance Wycombe Abbey’s library spaces. In the spirit of the event, the girls have gifted a series of book recommendations (listed below) for you to enjoy!

The Lord of the Rings- J.R.R. Tolkien (Lydia)

The Inheritance Games- Jennifer Lynn Barnes (Zoe)

The Naturals- Jennifer Lynn Barnes (Jennifer)

Scythe- Neal Shusterman (Sophie)

Cinder – Marissa Meyer (Nell)

The Undercover Economist- Tim Harford (Radha)

One of Us is Lying- Karen M. McManus (Carolina)

Pride and Prejudice- Jane Austen (Belle)

Happy Head- Josh Silver (Kate)

The Midnight Game- Cynthia Murphy (Lydia)

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas- John Boyne (Lexi)

All Quiet on the Western Front- Erich Maria Remarque (Isolda)