Alumnae Captains

The Alumnae Captains help us keep in touch with former pupils and staff, and welcome them back to school.

This year’s alumnae captains, working with the Development Office, are Alina, Eleanor, Amy and Mia who are all in the Lower Sixth, studying for their A Levels next year.  This term their role is a little more ‘virtual’ than usual, so we asked them to tell you a little bit about what it has been like to be a pupil at South Hampstead during the COVID crisis:

What have you been getting up to in lockdown?

Mia: I’ve been doing a lot of cooking and trying out new recipes, both savoury and sweet. I finally made a successful batch of brownies and the most delicious American fluffy pancakes!

Alina: Lockdown seemed to me the perfect time to pick old hobbies back up, so I’ve gone back to drawing and water colouring… though I’ve also been watching a lot of Netflix! Modern Family and Doctor Who have been my favourite shows to relive old nostalgia.

Amy: I have spent a lot of time in lockdown reading books, watching films, going for walks and baking.  Whilst I have spent a lot of time keeping up with friends on Facetime and Zoom, it will be nice to be able to see them soon in person.

Eleanor: Reading!  I am currently reading The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins, which has been very interesting, exploring the nature of natural selection and evolution. Dawkins examines the biology of selfishness and altruism, which I have found fascinating.

What have you learnt from the lockdown?

Alina: This whole experience has taught me to keep things in perspective. There’s no point in stressing out about the things that we can’t change, so we should just focus on improving the things that we do control.

Mia: I have learnt how valuable time is and how much I waste it in everyday life! It’s made me realise that although I enjoy watching light-hearted shows and lounging around, I really want to do something active with the time I have, like listen to podcasts and read outside of my comfort zone.

Eleanor:  After the first week of lockdown and the weather started to improve we decided to dust down the outdoor table tennis table, mend the net and start playing. At first my dad and I played a few gentle games but as our skills improved so did our competitiveness! Table tennis is a great way to have a quick break between lessons and get some fresh air at the same time. Lockdown and table tennis will remain synonymous in our minds!

How have you found online learning?

Eleanor: Guided home learning seemed surreal at first but it soon became very familiar. I feel like it has gone well as I have found that I have more time to consolidate my understanding from one lesson to the next. Moreover, the teachers have been very supportive and accommodating. I have enjoyed the slightly shorter school days, finishing at 2:15pm rather than 4pm because I have found more time to read.

Amy: It was difficult at first to adjust to a completely different way of schooling but now we are all familiar with it, we are learning lots and getting all the support we need!

Mia: Now we’ve eased into the groove of school, I’m actually quite enjoying it and feel as though I’m learning just as much I would if we were in school.

What has it been like corresponding with your Alumnae Pen Pal?

Alina: It’s been really nice to hear from my alumna pen pal and talk about the different ways we’ve been coping with the lockdown. Sharing artwork and cooking has been fun, and it’s great to speak to someone new.

Amy: It has been really nice to hear from someone new at this time.  It has also been interesting to hear what life was like during their time at South Hampstead and how it compares to my experience.

What aspect of your role as Alumnae Captain are you looking forward to?

Alina: I’m really looking forward to speaking with all the amazing former pupils and hearing about their experiences.

What aspect of school do you miss the most?

Amy: I have missed seeing my friends every day and playing team sports.  I also miss the structure and routine that the school day gives you.

Mia: I’ve definitely missed my friends and the social aspect of school, as well as music at school – although a lot of the clubs are still running from home. I also really miss the food and seeing Miriam in the common room every day.

Do you have any recipe recommendations?

Mia: I know lots of you will have some classic brownie recipes, but I really do swear by this recipe that my friend’s mum gave me. Normally I can never get the right fudgy consistency, but this recipe definitely does the trick:

–        375g soft unsalted butter

–        375g best-quality dark chocolate

–        6 large eggs

–        1 tablespoon vanilla extract

–        500g caster sugar (I add a bit less)

–        225g plain flour

–        1 teaspoon salt

–        300g chopped walnuts (optional)

• Preheat the oven to 180 degrees
• Melt the butter and chocolate together in a big pan.
• In a measuring jug/bowl beat the eggs with the sugar and vanilla; in another bowl measure the flower and salt.
• When the chocolate mixture has melted, let it cool and then beat in the eggs and sugar, and nuts and flour.
• Beat until mixture is smoothly combined and then scrape the mixture into the LINED pan.
• Bake for approx. 25 minutes – when you put a skewer in the middle should be dark, dense and gooey.
• They can turn from yum to dry super quickly so be careful – enjoy!