Harry Potter Studio Tour

On a rather windy 21st February, during half term, our fellow Concordians set out on a journey to London to visit the Harry Potter Studio Tour. For many, it was a fascinating time to learn about the process of making a book and transforming it into a movie.

Here’s a Form 5 student’s opinion on her exploration of the Studio Tour:

“The tour consisted of a large range of exhibitions, props and sets used in filming the Harry Potter movies. Some of the most impressive props were the realistic prosthetic masks used to portray different creatures, and it was surreal to be standing in the sets such as Gringotts bank and a replica of the Forbidden Forest, where the magical stories unfolded. I thought, when watching the movie, that the making of the goblins and the creatures were mostly CGI effects, but actually, the producers seemed to have spent lots of time making costumes, planning outfits and molding characters that were only going to be seen on-screen for less than a few seconds. The amount of effort and time they spent for the small details was astounding to learn about. Even the plants were not CGI; some of them were made as props as they just edited movement in them.

Besides looking around the museum-like area, the most important event was, of course, trying the signature ‘Butter Beer’. It was sweeter than I expected but it was satisfying that I finally got to try this long-anticipated drink.

Later, we got to see a gigantic replica of the Hogwarts castle where they apparently filmed the long-paneled shots of scenery using that exact replica. Once again, it was amazing to realise that the production of Harry Potter used many wonderful props. In conclusion, it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for everyone.”

Sophia – F5

Harry Potter & Magical Creatures Day

The first day of February was the “Harry Potter and Magical Creatures Dress-up Day” in which we could dress up as any character we liked. My friends and I bought onesie-pyjamas online, of the character Sulley from ‘Monsters University’, and we wore them on that day. We had great fun walking in a group through the campus. At first, I felt a bit embarrassed when we were walking from Taylor’s – our boarding house, to breakfast, because many people were looking and perhaps laughing, but I was proud to have such good friends who always support one another and are willing to do crazy things with me. I didn’t even want to take the pyjamas off at the end of the day. It was an unforgettable experience and an incredibly nice memory for all of us, marking our beautiful friendship in Concord.

Anika Lao – F4

Harry Potter Night

Form 3 enjoyed a magical evening of Harry Potter fun on the night of Thursday 1st February. On such an important occasion like ‘Potter National Book Day’, a day of dressing up was enjoyed by teachers and students. An array of costumes included Molly Weasley, Professor McGonogall and even Severus Snape (thanks Mr Kerslake!)

But the fun was only just beginning: at 7:30, Prep in the library was disturbed by a collective of wizards and witches to take Form 3 to their evening of adventure. Mrs Coward proved a very worthy witch using her wand to get students attention – it may even catch on!

For one night only, the Old Chapel Common Room became the Great Hall of Hogwarts and as Form 3 entered, they were sorted into the four houses by the traditional process of a talking hat! Music thronged the air and there was an atmosphere of excitement by pupils in the room. Once seated, they enjoyed a selection of games and challenges set for them by the professors.

One of these challenges was a treasure hunt around the common room to find a set of items; clues were given and tension was high between students to see who could find the objects first – that pleasure went to students of Ravenclaw! A hilarious round of Wizarding Pictionary followed with some rather unusual answers from some. Drawing cauldrons and golden snitches proved difficult for some too, though in the end, all the houses managed to finish.

Said Jacob Henman: “I really enjoyed seeing all the teachers’ costumes – it was a great atmosphere.”

All in all, it was a magical evening of fun-filled games and Harry Potter Genius, finished off with a fabulous feast of chocolate frog muffins, house biscuits and even butterbeer! Our thanks go to the Librarian Mrs Williams and Head of Form 3, Miss Taylor, as well as all the other professors for putting on such a marvellous night of fun.

Barney Cansdale – F3