The Jolliest Term on Record

"The Jolliest Term on Record" by Angela Brazil follows the adventures of sisters Katrine and Gwethyn Marsden as they move from their home life to a new experience at Aireyholme, a boarding school in the English countryside. The story begins with the girls learning that their parents must travel to Australia, leaving them to attend Aireyholme for a term. Initially resistant, especially Katrine, who had left school to pursue art, the sisters soon find themselves immersed in the vibrant life of the school. Katrine, with her artistic aspirations, is given special privileges to study painting under Miss Aubrey, the school's art teacher, while Gwethyn navigates the social dynamics of school life. The narrative explores their interactions with fellow students, including the antagonistic Githa Hamilton and the overly friendly Laura Browne. The sisters' escapades, such as an unauthorized early morning bicycle ride and their attempts at landscape painting in the village, highlight their spirited personalities and the challenges of adapting to new environments. Through these experiences, they learn valuable lessons about friendship, responsibility, and the pursuit of their passions.