News from Our Boarding Houses

We have had a hugely enjoyable (if not very busy) end to the term punctuated by some super House Hogs to celebrate everyone’s successes. We rounded the term off with our Boarders’ Assembly on Wednesday evening where I had the pleasure of giving awards to Zijia G from Year 10, Andrea W and Aruzhan S from Year 11 along with Bervan K, Luis VDK and Sahar E from Year 12 for outstanding contributions to the community this term. Here’s some further news from our Houses:

The Autumn term has wrapped up, and whilst Burton Bank didn’t win any prizes for Christmas decorations, we’re proud of a smooth first term. With nearly half the house being new students, their quick settling in and strong friendships reflect our welcoming atmosphere. The House now boasts a new kitchen and refurbished Common Room, creating a cozy space for relaxation. We’re grateful to the pupils for their ideas and suggestions to make the spaces more homely for them.

A particular highlight of the term was House Drama – Beauty and the B-Beast – where Bervan K (Year12) stole the show with the leading role. Whilst we didn’t take a prize, the pupils must be commended for their commitment in preparing an excellent performance. Bryan C (Mill Hill School Year 13) has led with maturity, and Bennett W (Mill Hill School Year 11) deserves huge credit for directing a successful Beauty and the Beast production.

We've had many sports successes this term not least with Oleksii K (Year 11) placing 4th and 5th in ISA National swimming finals.

Further highlights included an ice-skating trip to Somerset House and a lively House Hog at Piccolino, Mayfair – the perfect way to end the term. We sadly say goodbye to our afternoon matron, Katherine Aronson, who has worked tirelessly to support our pupils for a number of years. We wish her all the best for the future.

As we wrap up a lively and successful term, Collinson has continued to thrive as a community full of energy, kindness, and enthusiasm. From festive outings to impressive competitions, pupils embraced every opportunity. We kicked off the season with a magical trip to Winter Wonderland, setting the tone for weeks of joy. A standout highlight was the House Drama competition - our adaptation of Frozen, titled Melted, was funny, creative, and brilliantly acted. Huge thanks the 21 pupils who took part; over 50% of the house!

This term, Family 1 dominated the standings with 40 points through House competitions, and our creativity shone in the Christmas Decorations competition, where we finished runners-up thanks to our inventive touches like upside-down trees and a handmade fireplace. Boarders also excelled, winning the boarding basketball tournament and the Clash Royale challenge, while our popcorn stand at the Christmas Fair raised £144 - possibly enough to secure our first whole-school win!

We ended the term with a festive House Hog at Browns in central London, full of laughter and warmth. Special thanks to Miss Williams for organising such a memorable evening.

We’ve enjoyed a variety of activities this term. Early on, we had a trip to Watford, which offered plenty of shopping opportunities and some fun activities for those who wanted to take part. More recently, we celebrated the festive season with our Christmas Hog - a truly special evening! We gathered at a beautiful restaurant in Battersea Power Station for a fantastic three-course meal. Afterwards, we headed up to the 16th floor rooftop for a private screening of The Grinch. With blankets, hot water bottles, popcorn, and a stunning view, it was a magical way to celebrate together.

This term, our House Drama brought the girls’ talents and performances to the fore, showcasing creativity and teamwork at its best. The cast learnt their lines in super quick time, and the dedication and creativity shown by everyone involved made this a standout moment of the term.

ne of the highlights of this term has definitely been House Drama, as I am sure my HMM colleagues will have also suggested! Mill Hill International pupils, Lucas, L, Masal T and Sarp C (Year 11) alongside their Mill Hill School peers put together a brilliantly original performance of Sinners. We didn’t reach the final on this occasion, but it didn’t matter, we were so proud of what the Ridgeway boarders put together.

Another highlight of the term was winning the Christmas Decoration Competition. The pupils made a tremendous effort to handmake decorations, bake, create unique snowflakes and produce a 3-metre-high paper Christmas tree.

We ended the term with a very special House Hog at the Grim’s Dyke Hotel. The evening saw all enjoy delicious food, good company and some very fun dances with music from all over the world.