The traditional Year 9 ‘Sense of Place’ trips began last week with a visit to one of our favourite locations, virtually on our doorstep: the beautiful grounds of Lady Margaret Hall. Year 9 girls,, accompanied by their English teacher, Dr Kelly, and their form tutor, Mlle Hillary, spread out among the lovely lawns, trees, beds and borders to read garden-themed pieces by Thomas Hardy, John Clare, Elizabeth Barrett Browning and T. S. Eliot, among others. Some drew inspiration from their surroundings to compose poetry during the visit, while others made notes and sketches to develop later. Fortunately there were several sheltered benches to retreat to when – in true English-summer style – it came on to rain.