How Economics can help you retire rich

Why do we need money? What are the hidden dangers of storecards? Why is it smart to start saving for your retirement as soon as you get your first job? These were just a few of the questions raised in today's assembly – in which Simon Harrison (Head of Economics at the Sixth Form) gave a whistlestop tour of some fundamental economic issues and how they affect us all.

In the short video clip below, you can watch Simon giving an illustration of the principle of compound interest – explaining how much benefit there is in starting to save from the earliest possible age.



(You can also watch via Vimeo or YouTube)

Simon's assembly was the latest in a series given by teachers from the Sixth Form – which offer Leckford Place students an insight into subjects they might decide to study when they come to choose their own A levels.

Musical seduction, adoration and deception: Cupid's Labyrinth

'If music be the food of love, play on ...'

These were the familiar words that introduced Tuesday evening's performance of Cupid's Labyrinth at Leckford Place – an evening overflowing with musical ardour.

We were treated to a programme of solos, duets, trios and quartets that brought together songs by Purcell and Handel, operatic arias by Verdi and Mozart and extracts from the more modern operettas of Offenbach and Gilbert & Sullivan – all unified by the theme of love.

So we witnessed seduction …


… silent adoration …


… amorous competition …


… illicit liaison …


… and more. The quality of the singing was unfailingly excellent, with a talented cast of performers – from Year 7 to Sixth Form – proving themselves more than equal to some extremely demanding classical repertoire.

Here's a slideshow of photographs from the evening:

Leckford Place and Sixth Form Open Mornings

If you're interested in joining Leckford Place, we warmly invite you to come along to our forthcoming Open Morning this Saturday:

Leckford Place Open Morning
Saturday 30 January, 10am to 1pm
Leckford Place, Leckford Road, Oxford OX2 6HX (map)
Further details: 01865 302620


The following Saturday, there's also a chance to visit our Sixth Form:

Sixth Form Open Morning
Saturday 6 February, 10am to 12.30pm
The Swan Building, 111 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 6JX (map)
Further details: 01865 310000


Both events offer an opportunity for prospective parents and students to meet and chat to teachers and current students, find out about the subjects and activities on offer, and tour some of our buildings and facilities.

All are welcome, so if you know anyone who might be interested in coming along to either Open Morning (or both), please do pass on the invitation.

School Science Prize awarded to Elinor Farrell

Congratulations to Year 10 student Elinor Farrell, above, who was recently presented with a School Science Prize at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory – for 'outstanding effort and achievement in Year 9 Science'.

Around 30 schools from across the country were represented at the award ceremony, which was organised by the Oxfordshire Independent and State School Partnership (OISSP).

Elinor described the event as follows:

'I was pleased when I was nominated for the award. We went to the Rutherford Appleton Labs where we listened to some very interesting lectures. The first speaker talked about laser research and fusion energy. The second talked about space exploration and how in trying to reach their ultimate aims, they often come across discoveries such as the hole in the ozone layer. I then received my award and the group had several photos taken before we left. I am very grateful for the opportunity to visit this fascinating and pioneering research centre and I found the whole experience unforgettable.'

Go-karting, fencing, orienteering ... Isle of Wight trip 09

Our recent Year 7 and 8 trip to the Isle of Wight provided an opportunity for students to experience and enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, while staying at the Kingswood Centre.

One of the main functions of the trip is to help new Year 7 students to get to know one another and cement their membership of the Leckford 'family' – as well as creating new relationships between Year 7 and Year 8 pupils. A residential trip helps pupils to move out of their comfort zone and fully embrace all aspects of being away from home whilst trying new activities.


... and these activities were numerous – including quad biking, climbing, fencing, nightline, orienteering, balance beam, caving, go-karting and archery. Pupils also took part in evening activities: the 'Scrap heap challenge'; a task to design and build a container that would protect a water balloon when dropped; and a Murder Mystery evening.

The trip was a huge success and all the students enjoyed themselves and were a credit to the school.




View a full-screen slideshow of the Isle of Wight trip photos

Beauty and the Beast -- discount tickets for Creation Theatre

As part of the ongoing partnership between d'Overbroeck's College and Creation Theatre, we're delighted to announce that students, parents and staff at the College will receive a 25% discount on tickets for Creation's Christmas show: Beauty and the Beast.


How to book

The first of our special d'Overbroeck's Evenings will be Wednesday 2 December (we'll announce another date in future). So all d'Overbroeck's parents, pupils and staff will receive 25% off Premium and Band A tickets for that night.

To claim your discount, please telephone the Creation Theatre Box Office on 01865 766266 – and when you give your name, remember to say that you are from d'Overbroeck's.

Book early to guarantee a ticket – no later, please, than Friday 6 November.

The Spiegeltent, in which the performance will take place

More about Beauty and the Beast

This Christmas, join Creation for a fresh magical retelling of the timeless fairytale Beauty and the Beast. Forget cartoons, panto and Disney, this Beauty will engage you with magic, music and comedy in the amazing Spiegeltent at Oxford’s MINI Plant. Suitable for ages 6-96 years, you can also enjoy delicious gourmet crepes at your cabaret style table.

“This colourful slice of storytelling should hook both children and adults alike” (Oxford Mail)

“For two heart-melting hours, they banish all cares.” (The Daily Telegraph)

National Book Week: photographs of student costumes

In celebration of National Book Week, pupils and staff came into school on Tuesday 6 October dressed as characters from fiction.

The costumes were impressive, and at break time all of the characters assembled for photographs in the Hall – with prizes awarded to some of the most imaginative creations.

Here is a slideshow of photos taken on the day (view full screen slideshow)