Story

House Colour: White

Who’s Who?

Head of House – Mrs S Charge

Story Tutors 2024-25

Year 7 - Miss E Unitt

Year 8 - Mrs S Callaghan

Year 9 - Mr N Marshall

Year 10 - Mr K Ellis

Year 11 - Mr M Bennett

Year 12 - Mr S Collins

Year 13 - Miss E Husband

MAKE YOUR STORY WORTH REMEMBERING

In 1971, our House was made when the school grew from six forms of entry to eight! Story House is named after Bishop Story, 1477-1503, who build the Chichester Market Cross and founded Prebendal School. Our house is loving and caring, we’re like one big family!

The students’ time in Story House will stay with them, through overcoming obstacles of day to day life, making friends, celebrating, working together and having experiences they will never forget. We have tutors who are past pupils, who felt such a part of Story House during their time at Bishop Luffa that there was no other house that they could come back to – because Story House made their story worth remembering.

STORY HOUSE 2023-24

YEAR 7 - WELCOME TO STORY HOUSE

Only a few weeks into our school year and 7Story headed off to the Isle of Wight for a fantastic opportunity to get to know each other better, have fun, learn some new skills and avoid sleep as much as possible. We learnt to build a shelter and start a fire, went swimming and played laser quest as well as bowling before returning home tired, but having made memories and ensured we were living life in all its fullness. Many in the form have fully immersed themselves in school life whether that is dressing up for charity including George Fitzgerald and Derin Cowley who won after dressing as a computer and memory stick, or getting involved in the many interhouse activities to help Story gain points for the House cup. Others have joined some of the many clubs on offer and are now chicken carers, excellent knitters or budding chess champions. Angus has shown true leadership qualities by setting up and running the new DnD club.

Outside of school, 7Story shows they are a very talented group in various fields. We have excellent sports people ranging from very successful swimmers, to competitive gymnasts, cricketers, golfers and tennis players. However, we also excel in the Arts with some fabulous dancers and budding thespians, two of whom, Josh Johnson and Folake Ajayi, were involved in the CFT production of The Jungle Book. Josh Johnson pictured here dressed up as a beaver. We are so proud of them both for their performance, and all the young people involved in the show.

As 7Story’s first year comes to an end, they have proven themselves to be kind and thoughtful. They have recently been reflecting on being new to the school. This led to many wanting to be Yr 7 buddies for the new pupils, offering to share their experiences, offer advice and generally make everyone feel welcome. I have thoroughly enjoyed being 7 Story’s tutor and can’t wait to see them back after the Summer ready to face both adventures and obstacles together ensuring that we all make our story worth remembering.

House Buddies were awarded to George Fitzgerald, Joseph Clever-Emons, Derrin Cowley, Ethan Osbourne, Fran Dumitriu, Daria Zaitseva, Daisy Kirk, Evelyn Dyer.

Mrs S Callaghan - 7Story Tutor 2023-24

YEAR 8

We are delighted to announce that several of our talented 8 Story students participated in the Young Writers’ Writing Competition, where they were tasked with crafting a mini-saga of exactly 100 words based on the theme 'The Glitch'. This competition celebrates young creative writers, and we are proud to share that their hard work and creativity have paid off—they have been chosen for publication in an anthology! You can find a copy of this anthology in our school library. We encourage everyone to read their imaginative and thought-provoking stories. It's inspiring to see our students’ writing talents recognized at a national level. Congratulations to: Orla Jones, Jess McGovern, Henry de Buriatte, Oluchi Ahiwe, Isabella Polhill, Tilly Sarson, Emmy Boden, Grace Frith.

Our students have also showcased their impressive dance skills. After the initial round of the competition, the following students made it through to the Inter-house Dance final. They were not daunted by performing in front of an audience of students, adults, friends and family. We are incredibly proud of these students for their dedication and hard work . Their achievements are a testament to their talents and perseverance. Dance finalists: Orla Jones, Daisy Nute, Isabella Polhill, Tilly Sarson, Florence Wilson.

The Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge is an international initiative that introduces students to the concepts of computational thinking. This exciting and intellectually stimulating competition takes place annually, in schools around the world, under the guidance of dedicated teachers. Over a two-week period every November, students are challenged to solve problems that test their logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and problem-solving skills. Last year, the Bebras Challenge saw an incredible turnout, with over 3 million students from more than 80 countries participating.

School's Top Performer! We are extremely proud to announce that 8 Story’s very own Ben Welch achieved remarkable success in last year’s Bebras Challenge. Ben scored an outstanding 156 points, making him the top performer in our school. His exceptional performance is a testament to his hard work, sharp analytical skills, and passion for computational thinking.

Oluchi Ahiwe and Jessica McGovern, continued their amazing work with the Bishop Luffa International Team this year. Their dedication and hard work have had a huge impact in the progress of EAL students and have inspired other schools to develop their International curriculum. They took part in activities such as: a whole school assembly; an International Christmas Video in collaboration with our 7 partner schools abroad; were International Ambassadors for the Korean and Spanish teachers during their Teaching and Learning Programme at the school and led Assemblies at Nyewood Junior and Primary Schools.

In recognition of their outstanding efforts and achievements, Oluchi and Jessica were rewarded with an end-of-year International Trip. This well-deserved reward celebrates their hard work and the positive impact they have made within our school and the broader community.

CyberFirst Girls Competition- Empowering Future Female Leaders in Computer Science Promoting girls in Computer Science is essential, as women remain underrepresented in this critical field worldwide. To address this, we sent a team to the CyberFirst Girls Competition, a national initiative designed to inspire and empower young women to pursue careers in cybersecurity and technology. Our team travelled to King Edward's School in Southampton for the competition's launch day. This event marked the beginning of an exciting and challenging week, during which teams from schools across the UK tackled a series of complex tasks. The competition covered a wide range of topics, including cryptography, logic, artificial intelligence, and networking. We are delighted to recognize the outstanding efforts and dedication of our 8 Story team members: Emmy Boden, Orla Jones, Daisy Nute, Florence Wilson.

Mr N Marshall - Year 8 Tutor 2023-24

YEAR 9 - A YEAR OF GROWTH AND ACHIEVEMENTS

The journey through Year 9 has been one of remarkable growth, unforgettable experiences, and significant achievements for our form group. As we reflect on the past school year, it’s evident that each student has made their unique mark, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of our year group’s story.

Our Year 9 students have demonstrated resilience and dedication in their academic pursuits. From mastering challenging subjects like trigonometry and improving test results, to discovering new revision techniques and excelling in coursework, the commitment to learning has been impressive. Notable academic accomplishments include Lewis Witts completing a 20,000-word English book, Harry Lawson scoring 112/115 on a Spanish test, and Nathan Simons being chosen to lay a wreath at a war memorial at Tyne Cot Cemetery during his trip to France and Belgium.

Students have thrived in various extracurricular activities this year with Thomas Bacon being recognized as Tech of the Year, while our athletes shone brightly, with Toby Russell-Wells achieving new records in javelin, triple jump, and long jump, and Joel Worth setting a school high jump record. The creative talents of our students were also on display, with Poppy Hine and Lilia Stavreva winning House drama and Grace Bradfield achieving personal bests in swimming. We are also very proud of Josephine Tupper and Ashanti Walker for their great effort with interhouse dance and getting through to the final.

This year has also been a time of building and strengthening friendships. Many students, including Alvina Siby and Ashanti Walker, cherished making new friends and becoming closer to their peers. The importance of social bonds was highlighted through shared experiences, whether it was spending time with new friends or spending quality time within friendships now three years strong.

Year 9 presented its fair share of challenges, which our students tackled with resilience and determination. From overcoming difficulties in subjects like Maths and science to handling personal obstacles such as broken bones or managing stress from formal assessments, each student has shown incredible perseverance.

As we look forward to the next academic year, our students are already setting their sights on areas for development. Whether it's improving attention in class, enhancing revision techniques, or focusing on specific subjects, the commitment to personal growth remains strong. Students like Mmitsha Mlotshwa and Hazel Peters are keen on refining their academic skills, while others aim to improve their focus and engagement during lessons.

The year was filled with memorable experiences that will stay with us for a long time. From participating in inter-house competitions and enjoying trips abroad to celebrating individual achievements and sharing everyday moments, Year 9 has been a journey of discovery and camaraderie.

In summary, Year 9 has been a year of substantial growth, notable achievements, and enduring friendships for our tutor group. Each student has contributed to making this year remarkable, and we are excited to see what the future holds as they continue to grow and excel in their endeavours. Here's to the incredible journey we've shared and the bright futures ahead of us!

Mr K Ellis - 9Story Tutor 2023-24

YEAR 10

10 Story have had an eventful and successful year, marked by notable achievements and active participation in various school activities. A significant highlight has been their remarkable performance in inter-house sporting competitions. The students showed great enthusiasm and teamwork, which paid off handsomely as they emerged victorious in both football and netball. This success was partly due to the dedicated efforts of sports representatives, Eleanor Maunder and Henry Wilson, who played a pivotal role in organising and motivating their peers for these events as well as Sports Day.

In addition to their sports accomplishments, 10 Story gained valuable practical experience by participating in a week-long work experience programme. Each student had the opportunity to immerse themselves in a professional environment, gaining insights into various career paths and developing essential workplace skills. This experience not only broadened their understanding of potential future careers but also enhanced their confidence and readiness for the world beyond school. The week concluded with students sharing their experiences during a House assembly, providing valuable feedback and inspiring their peers.

The form reps, Jenny Fitzgerald and Olivia Wilson, have also played a crucial role in representing the tutor group throughout the year. Attending all meetings diligently, they provided a strong voice for their peers and ensured that the group's opinions and concerns were heard. Jenny's leadership extended further as she led an assembly on Cadets, showcasing her dedication and ability to engage and inform her fellow students. Additionally, Jack Cheney and Olivia Wilson shone in the school's musical production of "Alice!" and the winning House drama performance of "Blood Brothers." Their performances were well-received and contributed to the success of both productions. Eleanor Maunder, Tilly Palmer, and Jessica Baker further showcased their talents by playing for the school netball team, adding to the group’s sporting accolades. Jennifer Ruffle, Gracie Mumby, Adam King and Eliza Goldsmith also completed their Duke of Edinburgh Award, demonstrating their commitment to personal development and community service.

Congratulations to Eva Jones 10 St for being part of the Bishop Luffa sailing team at the schools sailing championships. The fleet was 97 boats, Bishop Luffa came 3rd out of the schools team. We had the biggest fleet of 12 boats. 7 races competed over 2 days. The fleet was 97 boats, Bishop Luffa came 3rd out of the schools team. We had the biggest fleet of 12 boats. 7 races competed over 2 days.

Amidst these activities, the students have been studying hard in the first year of their GCSE courses, balancing their academic responsibilities with extracurricular engagements. Their achievements in sports, the work experience program, and strong representation through form reps reflect the collective effort and dedication of the entire tutor group. As the school year concludes, the 10 Story tutor group can look back with pride on their accomplishments and look forward to continuing their journey with the same enthusiasm and commitment.

Mr M Bennett - 10Story Tutor 2023-24

YEAR 11

This year we have said goodbye to 2024’s 11Story. It has been a year full of commitment, dedication and hard work for year 11 as they have faced numerous highs and challenging lows along the way. Congratulations to Lidiia Sydroenko for winning the national Christmas coding competition, where she had to create her own coding project.

The exam season for Year 11 was a time where they pushed themselves and gave their best efforts. And then we finally made it! Prom was an excellent evening to finish off their time at Bishop Luffa. They each now take on the next stage of their lives, some are off to college or apprenticeship placements; many will return to Bishop Luffa in September as Sixth Form students.

Wherever this next stage of their lives takes them, I am hugely proud of the young adults they are becoming and will always be remembered as 11 Story!

House Colours, the highest award given by the House, were awarded to Isla Dod-Richi, Trinity Feaver, Caitin Foyn, Arran Goode, Poppy Hennessy, Ava McPherson, Alannah Polhill, Harry Saunders and Ginny Yonge.

Miss E Unitt - 11Story Tutor 2023-24

YEAR 12

12Story have shone brightly throughout the school year, showcasing incredible talent, dedication and leadership in various fields and making a significant contribution to all aspects of school life. Several members of the form have taken on school leadership roles, including a House and School Captain, as well as several members of the sixth form committee. Within these roles, they have made a real difference for all students in the school - especially in the form of fundraising - as well as developing vital leadership skills. A highlight of the year was definitely Aaron Butters catchy School Captain campaign jingle! Many members of the form have been involved in drama and the performing arts, for example in organising the House drama and directing ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and ‘Blood Brothers’, which led to a well-deserved victory in the House drama competition. Several members of the form have also involved themselves heavily in the visual arts this year - including a triumph in the inter-house art competition. Another highlight of the year has been in the release of an award-winning short film from a member of the form that engaged the whole community. Together, the members of 12 Story have truly outdone themselves this year, embodying the spirit of excellence and setting a shining example for their peers.

Congratulations Laura Kiselyk-Molina for winning the Media Short film competition. Laura is a Film Studies student with a particular interest in film making and she won the award a couple of years ago too.

Miss E Husband - 12Story Tutor 2023-24

YEAR 13

We wish 13 Story all the best as they embark on their next journey, whether it be the world of work, university or travel. We have medics, engineers, biologists, geographers, mathematicians, philosophers, nurses and entrepreneurs of the future. It has been a pleasure knowing all of you!

Mr S Collins - 13Story Tutor 2023-24

SIXTH FORM HOUSE CAPTAIN & TEAM

This year we are proud to have continued to have not just two House Captains but a whole team of Sixth Formers to support the House. They have worked tirelessly this year to support all of the children and tutors along the way. They have made such a good team. Organising the Inter-house teams, House drama, Charity events and our sixth form mentoring program.

I can’t wait to see who applies next year.

Mrs S Charge - Head of Story House

Final words from our House Captains

Being a House Captain this year has been a wonderful experience through and through. It's been a real privilege to be able to get involved in various projects and events in all kinds of ways across the year. I've particularly engaged a lot with the student mentoring program, which has really helped to develop my interpersonal skills, as well as being a lovely means of aiding and giving advice to others; it's definitely something I'd like to continue in the future and encourage others to get involved in because I found it so rewarding. Being Director of Music for Story House's winning House Drama production of Blood Brothers was an amazing journey as well; I was able to engage with students from across the House; everybody worked so well as a team and the final performances were quite simply spectacular! Continuing to raise money for our House charity Dementia UK has been most important for the House this year as a whole, and it's been amazing to see all of the hard work and dedication that's gone into this, and all so that others can be supported, a sense of altruism which I think is highly admirable- everybody in Story House should be so proud of themselves for all they have achieved this year. I'm really looking forward to continuing my engagement with the House as School Captain and Head of the Sixth Form Committee next year, and encouraging others to get involved as much as they can too. Thank you everybody for such a wonderful year as a House Captain!

-Aaron Butters 12 Story

As Story House Captain, I have partaken in numerous events raising money for our House charity, Dementia UK. This includes a Blue day, with a blue themed raffle, our annual and traditional Elf day and numerous cake sales. This year we have been lucky to have a large House committee which has helped to strengthen the Story House community and has encouraged more students to get involved, with credit to the House drama. I have been incredibly proud of Story house this year and it has been a privilege to be House captain alongside Aaron.

-Lily Hine 12 Story

OTHER STORY HOUSE ACHIEVEMENTS

Go Green week – STORY HOUSE WINNERS 2023!

We had a great time in school celebrating Go Green Week. The week got going with a Year 7 litter pick. Students received points for bringing in vegetarian, plastic free pack lunches and water bottles in order to reduce waste.

Tuesday saw batteries, old-school uniforms and clothes collected for donation and use later in the week. The action continued with lunchtime recycled art and outdoor clubs. A creative bunch made 3D butterflies out of recycled bottles, reusing old materials to make something colourful, whilst the gardening team gave the Quiet Area some much needed attention

Wednesday was car free day. Students were encouraged to find environmentally friendly ways of getting to school, scoring eco-points for walking, cycling, taking public transport and lift sharing. Eddie Baird, 13Story held a pop up wildlife museum at lunchtime.

Thursday was Sustainable Consumer Day with an outdoor club, bake sale and Eddie’s wildlife museum taking place. After school we held an upcycling workshop in the textiles department and the swap shop opened where all manner of clothes were swapped by students eager to make their wardrobes not only more fashionable but sustainable.

On the Friday finale we saw Bishop Luffa’s finest up-cycled fancy dress and second-hand fashion with students winning prizes in the fancy dress competition and Story house winning the overall prize for the most points collected during the week.

The UK Maths Challenges

The UK Mathematical Challenges are 60-minute, multiple choice activities. It encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought, and fluency in using mathematical techniques to solve interesting problems. Sitting the challenge alone is an amazing achievement, with the top students then going on to be awarded Bronze, Silver and Gold certificates too. A huge ‘well done’ to all of the Story students who attempted the challenge.

Senior Challenge

Gold award- Michelle Kedra-Wolinska 13Story
Bronze Award – Sam Ahiwe 13Story, Gabriel Collinson 13Story, Tom Pritchard 13Story, Ella Stearne 12Story
Participation Award - Will Baker 12Story

Intermediate Challenge

Gold award – Caitlin Foyn 11Story, Sam Pegg 11Story, Isha Tupsy 10Story
Silver Award- Jennifer Fitzgerald 10Story
Bronze Award – Isla Dodson-Richi 11Story, Arran Goode 11Story, Matthew Hewett 11Story, Eva Jones 10Story, Richard Popovich 9Story
Participation Award - Tegan Atkins 11Story, Lidiia Sydrorenko 11Story, Ginny Yonge 11Story, Noah Goldsmith 10Story

Junior Challenge

Gold Award & Best in Year – Ethan Osborne 7Story and Ben Welch 8Story
Silver Award - Orla Jones 8Story
Bronze Award – Evelyn Dyer 7Story, George Fitzgerald 7Story, Alex Ponte 7Story, Dash Zaitseva 7Story, Sam Garlick 8Story, Jessica McGovern 8Story, Sawyer Sarkadi-Smith 8Story and Florence Wilson 8Story
Participation Award - Joseph Cleaver-Emons 7Story, Joseph Cook 8Story, Noah Ryan 8Story and Tilly Sarson 8Story

*Special Congratulations to Ben Welch 8Story who qualified for the next Maths challenge level up- the Junior Kangaroo- such a huge achievement - Well done Ben.

Digital Leaders

We have been very proud to have two digital leaders in our House this year George Fitzgerald 7Story and Sam Pegg in 11Story. Digital Leaders help out around the school: help staff and other students, run events for primary schools, data entry of results at various sport events.

House Drama- Winners !!!

We are delighted to announce that Story House are the winners of Bishop Luffa House Drama Festival 2024 with their engaging and emotive interpretation of Blood Brothers, directed by Matilda Grove (12Story)

Bishop Luffa’s House Drama Festival started on Tuesday 25th June with the all day Festival. It was a lively event again this year, with a great range of drama achieved by all eight Houses. The Festival is a showcase of performing talent with Sixth Formers directing students from Years 7-10 in short play as part of a House competition. The four finalists performed to an audience of special guests, parents, and carers, our judge this year was stage actress and previous parent of the school, Isobel Arnett. Her feedback recognised the very high standard of performance work achieved by all four finalists. It was an electric evening and a wonderful celebration of Bishop Luffa Drama with a huge response from the audience and high tension during the judges feedback at the end.

Cast List - Lilia Stavreva, Henry Crow, Poppy Hine, Olivia Willson, Rosie Tyrie, OluChi Ahiwe, Emmy Boden, Jack Cheney. Music Director Aaron Butters, Overall Director Matilda Groves.

Final Words from The Director, Matilda Groves

“I’m Matilda Groves, one of the House reps for drama in Story House. Story has always been full of super creative kids who have a passion for anything they set out to do and are always getting involved in creative opportunities. This year, Story House won Bishop Luffa’s House drama competition with the play Blood Brothers. It was a small cast of eight who were incredible and so much fun to direct. I hope it’s inspired them to continue in their creativity and fuels other people in Story to do the same. The House really feels like a family - particularly in moments where we have big achievements. And it is certainly observed by anyone who sees our victories.”

HOUSE CHARITY EVENTS

Our House Charity continues to be Dementia UK. As a House, this charity is really important to us. Many of us have seen the impact Dementia can have on family members. Since the pandemic, smaller charities have struggled so any support we can provide them is greatly appreciated.

Dementia UK, provides specialist dementia support to families through its Admiral Nurse Service. When things get challenging or difficult, Dementia UK’s nurses work alongside people with dementia and their families, giving them the one-to-one support, expert guidance and practical solutions they need which can be hard to find elsewhere.

Elf Day and Christmas Choir

In the lead up to Christmas, Story House were full of the spirit of goodwill and were keen to get involved in several charity based adventures. This began with members of the house and supported by other pupils and staff in the school dressing up as elves and making a donation in the form of money, food or prayers. Some chose to exchange an item of school uniform for a red or green alternative, others wore an elf hat, there were also who went "full-on elf"!

On the same day, 7 Story organised and ran a cake sale. There was such an offering of biscuits and cakes that catered for all taste buds and were mindful of allergies etc that they even continued selling their wares at lunchtime with Mr Hindman purchasing the final slice! The day was a great success with the House raising over £400. for the charity Dementia UK.

Story house also took their charity endeavours out into the community and were welcomed back to Manor Barn Nursing home where our Christmas Choir sang to the residents, most of whom have dementia. All the pupils enjoyed themselves as did the residents and carers. One resident who was unable to speak was able to sing along with us which made his visiting wife cry with happiness.

Huge Thanks to the staff and students who made this great event possible…

Mrs S Callghan,Mrs J Bowen- Melfi, Mr R Goldsmith, 7Story - Evie Clark, Joseph Cleaver-Emons, Rebekah Jolly, Daisy Kirk, Oliver Miller, Layla Rankin, Taylor Skidmore-Phillips, Grace Thorpe, Owen Wilson, 9 Story - Rosie Tyrie, Year 10 - Jennifer Fitzgerald, Tegan Parker and Olivia Wilson, Year 11 - Rosie Goldsmith

Blue Day and Donut Week

At the end of April Story House held daily Donut sales and we invited the whole school to join in our Blue Day in swapping an item of uniform for an item of blue clothing for a small donation.

Why Blue? Blue is the official colour of Dementia, symbolising memory and forget-me-nots.

Students also had the opportunity to buy tickets to win our Blue Hamper of goodies. At break time there was also a cake sale with all cakes flying off the stall. We are pleased to announce that we raised a total of over £670 for this worthwhile charity.

Charity Fundraising Total

We are very proud to announce that including all our other events and non-uniform days, we have raised over £1000 this year and we hope to build on this success next year by not only holding these events but adding more to raise as much as we can for this worthy cause. A huge thank you to everyone who has supported and donated this year.