Cedars‘I am really excited about the opportunities and challenges presented by becoming the new Housemistress of Cedars with effect from September 2010. In my role as Head of Physical Education I have got to know a wide range of Mill Hill pupils in recent years and think I have got a good idea about what is important to them and what it takes to get the best out of them. I hope to make Cedars a House that has a great sense of ‘team spirit’ and yet, at the same time, allows boys and girls to be individuals, be themselves and develop their own personal interest and talents.’
Cedars House is named in honour of the Cedar trees planted in the School grounds by the famous botanist Peter Collinson, who once owned what is now the Mill Hill School Estate. Cedars House is based in the former Sanatorium and opened as a girls-only boarding house in September 1997. The House was renovated and converted into a two day houses in September 2005. Priestley House resides on the 1st floor of the building, whilst Cedars House is based on the ground floor.
The colossal choice of things to do at Mill Hill has inspired me to work harder and participate to my full ability in both academic subjects and sports. As a day pupil for some years now I have bonded well with the various teachers in House. And they in turn have been able to provide sound advice about academic learning and life in general. The School provides endless opportunities for one to develop a vast array of skills and pursue individual interests. This can all be taken at one’s own pace and along with all your friends which you will inevitably make along your journey through Mill Hill. I have now become a competent artist due to the guidance of the encouraging environment that the school provides.
Being in the 5th Form and taking my GCSEs left me stressed and tired and wanting a place to relax in at break times and lunch times – that place for me is Cedars. Everyone in Cedars gets on with each other and it is a very sociable and friendly House where you talk to people from different year groups with whom you wouldn’t normally talk. Although Cedars is a small house, each form group has its own form room in which to hang out and relax. The Common Room for the house has the TV to watch if you feel like a change and a piano to play, learn and have fun on with your friends. We have inter-house competitions which anyone can take part in and have a good time. All these events, and the atmosphere in Cedars, really make it an enjoyable and pleasant House to be in. That is why I like it so much!
Cedars House has been involved in a number of events this term where we have done well. Our House participated in the inter - House Drama Competition which involved ten people from different year groups as well as the director and co-director. We put on a play called “A Night Out”. There was also a 4th Form Inter-House Hockey competition which we won. There are also individual events that people participate in such as choir, art, football, drama and others. Cedars is full of people with different interests and opens up a wide range of opportunities for the students from 4th Form- aged 13/14 to Upper 6th- aged 17/18. For instance, Charlotte Nichol in the Upper 6th is a talented singer, Francesca Taylor is Head of House and Adam Rossington is a highly successful cricketer at regional and national level. The whole of our House also gets involved in the House Hog at the end of the Autumn term where there will be food, music and plenty of fun.
