Shield

Housemistress: Kate Bray

Kate Bray has been Housemistress of Shield since October 2006. She studied Music at both the Royal Northern College of Music and Trinity College of Music and as well as running Shield she is Assistant Director of Music and College Organist. Kate is married to Neil Matthews, the College’s Director of Music, and they are expecting their first baby in March this year.

Shield is a weekly boarding house and currently has 44 boarders and 11 day pupils from Shell to Lower Sixth. The House team strives to develop self-confidence in its members, to increase a sense of emotional security and to help develop positive relationships with both peers and adults alike. Girls are expected to work together as part of a team to make a happy environment in which to live and work. They are polite and respectful and treat others in a way that they would like to be treated themselves. All the girls are encouraged to pursue their own interests and to support each other in these endeavours.

Shield has a homely, welcoming atmosphere with a vibrant spirit. It is housed in the heart of the School and is a very sociable and friendly place to be.

The Shield House Report for 2009 - 10

Shield House… by Lauren Peters (House Captain)
Given the chance to reflect on yet another eventful year in the House, it is safe to say that Shield doesn’t hesitate to make the most of all aspects of ‘Hurst life’. Obviously I am just a little biased but I have to say that it is a fantastic House and that I am extremely privileged to have been given the opportunity to be a part of such a loving collection of girls. Of course, it goes without saying that such a community would not be possible without the extraordinary dedication and care provided by both Miss Bray and Miss Ockey. They work with a tremendous group of tutors who provide support not only to their tutees but also to everyone else through their duties within the House. Regrettably, it is often the case that the quiet, efficient work of these members of staff appears to go unnoticed but I can firmly state on behalf of all the girls that we are exceptionally thankful and appreciate all that they do.

Pastoral issues within the House are, for the most part, dealt with by a very dedicated and efficient group of guardians (chosen by members of each year group); they meet regularly and discuss any problems that may have arisen. This process helps to resolve situations (which don't necessarily require staff intervention) in the context of discretion and confidentiality. I feel Shield has benefitted greatly from this system and that it helps us to  maintain a close, relaxed atmosphere.

Inevitably, as a member of the Lower Sixth, the time has now come to say goodbye to what has, effectively, been our home for the past few years. Looking back to when I joined Shield four years ago, I don’t think I could have asked for anything more (excuse the cliché). The House as a whole has expanded both in terms of numbers and personality. Each year group comfortably interacts with the others and the result is a welcoming, friendly and flamboyant atmosphere that pervades from the secretive seclusions of the ‘snug’ right through to the competitive corners of the playing field. I am going to miss being a part of Shield greatly but that’s not to say I won’t pop in for a regular ‘catch-up sesh’ every now and again and I know that I will have the pleasure of seeing the House get even stronger in the coming years.

Healthy competitiveness… by Sarah Cusition (Prefect, LVIth)
This year saw more great sport from Shield House. With the motivation that Miss Ockey would bake cakes when we won, the Shield girls threw themselves into the sporting side of Hurst with enthusiasm; and it showed. We had a wonderful year.

The School’s Hockey squads were filled with girls from Shield this year and we benefitted from this in the House Hockey. The Senior girls reached the final and went on to win the tournament whilst the Juniors lost out narrowly in the final after penalty flicks. Also in the first term, the whole school ran cross-country, and every person in the House made their score count. Claudia Oliver, after only being in Shield a matter of weeks, showed us the way by coming in the first ten in the school! We all finished (not to be taken for granted) and the House came second.

Water Polo is one of the most memorable House events, where we get our ear defenders and hats on and battle it out in the pool - no one really knows the rules. Everyone has a go, and it is great fun, the more so when we realised that Shield came first!

This year House Netball was very tough; every House had some very strong players, and so many girls participated that we created 2 teams per House. Shield  Juniors won their Netball and the Seniors lost marginally, with Fleur taking the title. In House Swimming the Senior girls won, with Lauren Peters and Ellen Franks both winning individual awards for their brilliant performances.

In the Inter-House Rounders, we came third in the Seniors and second in the Juniors. However, in Tennis the girls took the title by winning almost every game of the tournament!

Sports Day is a highlight of the year when all parents and friends come for a barbeque after Speech Day, and watch some excellent Athletics. This year there were three categories, Juniors (Shell), Intermediates (Remove and Fifth) and Seniors (Sixth Form). There were only 9 Shell girls and all of them participated willingly, competing in one or more events. This showed fantastic dedication that genuinely reflects the true Shield spirit. In fact, everyone showed a great attitude and enthusiastically participated and supported their colleagues and we emerged from the afternoon a creditable third.

In sport and in many other areas, Shield has a wealth of talented girls; I’m sure that the House will do even better next year1

Creativity flows… by Ellie Sleep (Prefect, LVIth)
Once again this year Shield has flourished in all the creative areas of school life. Notable successes have been achieved in the House Music competition, the House Drama competition and in our overall participation in many of the multi-faceted aspects of Creative Hurst.

Our first major achievement of the year was the very competitive House Music event. Every  year-group in Shield threw themselves into the competition with enthusiasm and gusto. After many hours of debate, we eventually decided that our House song for 2009 would be 'Video Killed the Radio Star' by The Buggles, which proved to be an excellent choice, as we were able to maintain our victorious record for the fourth year running. Our smaller ensemble group decided to perform Cheryl Crow cover of 'Sweet Child of Mine' by Guns 'n Roses. Lucy Kings' artistic skills, demonstrated by her amusing and imaginative programme, helped Shield to win this section of the competition for the third year in a row resulting in an hilarious after-competition-party in Shield’s Common Room.

We particularly love the Music competition because it provides an opportunity to do some major Inter-House bonding early on in the year. Working together on something that is not just competitive and friendly but also completely inclusive allows every girl in the House to connect with one another and results in often funny and always quite priceless memories.

By the end of the Michaelmas term, the House Drama is upon us (another eagerly anticipated school event). Shield's adaptation of the classical myth Narcissus provided a thought provoking and chilling piece of theatre, creatively directed by Amy Coulstock and Flo’ De Carteret. We didn’t win the competition overall but I was proud of our efforts and we were all proud of with Lauren Peters who was nominated for the ‘Best Actress’ award and particularly proud of Amie Shouler who was awarded with this prestigious accolade.

If you have attended any school performances throughout the year you will have seen many Shield girls actively involved including Dominique Hawken who gave a stunning performance as Maria in West Side Story.  At least a quarter of the Chapel Choir is made up of Shield girls and the orchestra and other ensembles are well represented by Shield. We also have many talented artists whose work has been displayed in the art exhibitions over the year, Abby Denny gave a fantastic performance in the Dance Show and the many budding actresses showed off their talents in the numerous plays performed during the year.

Overall, 2009/2010 has been another successful and entertaining year for Shield. Now that I am moving on to St John’s after my 4 years here, I know that what I will particularly miss will not only be the buzzing atmosphere in Shield, but also the many bubbly personalities that emerge through our House events and make them the memorable and incredibly enjoyable experiences that they are.

Time to relax… Sophie Clifford (Head Guardian)
Shield House has seen numerable parties, outings and tutor dinners throughout the year. These have ranged from ice-skating at the Spectrum in Guildford and boogying in the social room to meals out with their tutors for every year-group. These occasions provide a good opportunity to chat to those you often don’t get chance to speak to and provide a great opportunity to  catch up. In the last week of the summer term, a coach full of Shield girls went to the beach where we enjoyed a barbeque and a game of Rounders as well as some gentle paddling in the sea. This was a chance for those leaving the House to have a last outing with Shield as a whole. The House outings contribute hugely towards the closeness of the girls in Shield and provide the special bond that makes our community so utterly unique. I’m sure I can speak on behalf of the whole House when I say a huge thank you to Miss Bray and all the staff attached to Shield for making everyone’s time in the House so very special.

Life as a newcomer into Shield… Megan Francis & Claudia Oliver (Shell)
Shield is a very welcoming House and all the girls are very supportive, making the effort to socialize and get on well with each other. During the year we have worked hard to give of our best in events such as House Drama, Cross-Country and Top House. Our favourite competition this year, however, was the House Music; everyone got involved and we all had a good time. Shield won for the fourth year in a row which was an added bonus! As a whole, we are a strong House who work together and firmly believe that, although we always try to win, it’s the taking part that really counts.