In this week's Roundup:
Head's Welcome | The Week Ahead | Key Term Dates | Noticeboard | Photo of the Week
Nursery & Junior | Senior & Sixth Form | Submit a Story
A message from
Rich Jones, Head.
I’ve been teaching history for more than twenty years now, so it was with a sense of familiarity that I watched many of the IV Group (Year 10) revising for their mock exams this week. The old chestnut of the Treaty of Versailles remains a mainstay on the curriculum, as students grapple with the decisions made in the aftermath of the World War I bloodbath. Was it fair to punish Germany so harshly? Did those decisions really plant the seeds of the next war?
It struck me that so much of what we teach—across all ages and all subjects—boils down to one central idea: consequence.
What’s the consequence of mixing those two chemicals?
What emotional consequence does a carefully crafted stanza evoke?
What happens when charcoal and paint meet on a canvas?
What if we fuse ferrous with non-ferrous metals?
What results from using one algorithm over another in a programme?
All of it is consequence.
A few years ago, I read a story that stayed with me. It reshaped how I saw major moments in history—not through the lens of rulers and conquests, but through something deceptively simple: the power of listening.
Back to the Treaty.
It was 1919, and the world was still reeling from the wreckage of the First World War. The Paris Peace Conference had gathered global leaders to shape the future. One of the most prominent figures was U.S. President Woodrow Wilson. He arrived with great fanfare, bringing his “Fourteen Points”—a vision of peace, openness, and self-determination. Newspapers across the world printed his words. For many in colonised nations, those words weren’t just rhetoric—they were hope.
A young Vietnamese kitchen assistant named Nguyen Tat Thanh who was working at the Hotel Ritz in Paris, believed in that hope. He thought Wilson meant what he said about freedom for oppressed peoples. So he tried to meet him. He had written a petition asking for Vietnamese independence from French colonial rule. He tried multiple times, but he never got through. No audience. No letter. No reply.
History, as it tends to, didn’t pause to explain. Nguyen Tat Thanh eventually abandoned Wilson’s vision of freedom. He found another ideology—one that promised revolution and liberation. That young kitchen assistant would become Ho Chi Minh. And the consequences of that turn would reverberate across the next century.
That story teaches us something quietly monumental: listening matters.
Being heard matters.
Being open enough to listen—not just hear, but truly take in, reflect, adapt—that matters most of all.
I’ve always loved teaching history because it shows us that these aren’t just dates and treaties. They are human decisions, human actions, and human consequences. It helps us understand not just what happened, but why—and how those choices still echo today.
But more fundamentally, we’re not just unpacking the past. We’re helping students flex, debate, and think for themselves about decision-making and consequences. In many ways, we are helping to form tomorrow’s leaders, not just ensuring they just pass an exam.
At St Chris, this is something we try to model every day. We talk a lot about expression, and rightly so, but we must place just as much value on reception. How do we make space for views that challenge us? How do we hold ourselves accountable when our instinct is to push away uncomfortable perspectives?
Wilson may have thought his work was done with a speech. But words only take root when they are followed by action—when people are not just inspired, but truly listened to.
In our community, the ability to stop and really hear someone, especially when we think we already know best, is one of the most courageous things we can teach and learn. Listening, real listening, is not passive. It is active, and it is powerful. It shapes lives, movements, and futures.
At St Chris, we’re not just teaching our students to speak boldly—we’re teaching them to listen bravely.
If we teach consequence, it’s because it mirrors life. To stay or to go. Ambition over childhood. Standing up or staying quiet. Instinct or logic. The list is endless—just like the choices we all face. But to make good choices, we must first listen.
At St Chris, we’re building a community that doesn’t just speak boldly—but listens bravely, too.
Notices
Senior School & Sixth Form
IV Group (Year 10) PSHE Drop Down Morning
Next week IV Group (Year 10) have a PSHE drop-down morning on Tuesday, 6 May.
Please find attached a letter with further information about the morning.
If you have any questions, please email lizzie.hedderson@stchris.co.uk
Charity 24 Hour Run: Friday 16 - Saturday 17 May
The countdown is on for an extraordinary event in the St Chris calendar! From 9.00am on Friday 16 May to 9.00am on Saturday 17 May, our school community will be taking on a 24-hour continuous run/walk around the athletics track — all in support of two brilliant charities.
The rules are simple: there must be at least one person moving on the track at all times throughout the 24 hours. More than one participant is not only allowed but encouraged — the more, the merrier!
This is going to be both a logistical, physical and mental challenge so we have decided to ask for donations to two superb charities that were chosen by our Major Officials. The two charities are:
TRACKS Autism. A charity and Early Years Centre in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, that supports autistic children and their families. To donate to Tracks via our Just Giving page, please click below:
Sport in Mind. Sport in Mind offer programmes, at all life stages, to support and improve mental health through our free sports and physical activity programmes. They aim to tackle Mental Health issues around the country in both Adults and Children through running free sport events and getting the nation exercising.
Sport in Mind Just Giving Page
This is a wonderful opportunity for students, staff and families to come together for a cause that truly matters. Here’s how pupils can get involved:
- All pupils are welcome to join in during the school day
- I Group to V Group (Years 7 to 11) can take part between 4.00 and 9.00pm
- Sixth Form and staff will be taking the night shift and camping out
- On Saturday morning from 7:30am, local pupils are invited back to complete the challenge
- At 9:00am, we’ll come together for one final ceremonial lap to end the 24-hour effort
We’d love to see as many families and students taking part as possible, whether for a single lap or several miles. Thank you in advance to everyone who is supporting, running and donating!
Summer Term Activities and Clubs
We are delighted to share with you the Senior School clubs and activities for this Summer Term. Clubs are now bookable on Evolve. Please see posters below indicating the clubs and activities available to students this term.
If you have any questions about clubs, please contact Emma Roskilly (Assistant Head, Co-Curricular) via email at emma.roskilly@stchris.co.uk.
GCSE & A Level Revision Sessions
Please find below the link to the GCSE and A Level revision session that are running this term.
Summer Term GCSE & A Level Revision
Whole School
Join the Parents' Circle Committee
Would you like to play a more active role in life at St Chris?
We're inviting parents to join the Parents' Circle Committee - a friendly, welcoming group of parents who help bring our community together and support our children throughout their time at school.
As a committee member, you’ll be involved in planning events, offering ideas, and helping nurture the strong sense of connection that makes St Chris so special. While we do raise funds to support the school’s charitable aims, our heart is in community – bringing together parents, pupils, and staff in thoughtful, meaningful ways.
You don’t need to be a committee member to get involved. Every bit of help counts – whether that’s volunteering at an event, responding to a poll, or just turning up for a slice of cake and a chat, like at Lydia’s Rescue the Rhubarb. These moments – relaxed, joyful, and full of good conversation – are what the Parents’ Circle is all about.
We’d love to see a broad mix of parents from both Junior and Senior Schools, and if you're based further afield (especially in London), your perspective would be particularly valuable in making sure all voices are represented.
Being part of the committee only takes a few hours per term. We usually meet once a term to plan events and discuss ways we can help make our children's time at St Chris even better.
Come Along to Quiz Night! A low-key AGM will take place during Quiz Night next Friday 9 May, where new committee members will be voted in. If you’re interested in joining but can’t attend, don’t worry – you can still be part of the vote by emailing us at parentscircle@stchris.co.uk .
Come and help us make St Chris even more connected, creative, and caring.
Thermomix Parent Event - Monday 19 May
Thermomix at St Chris: Healthy Eating Made Easy!
We’re excited to invite you to a special Thermomix event at St Chris, where you’ll learn how to create quick, nutritious meals from scratch—effortlessly!
Join us for a fun, interactive session and discover:
- Easy, balanced meals for the whole family
- Ways to involve kids in healthy food choices
Event Details:
Date: Monday 19 May
Time: 6:00pm – 7.30pm
Location: The Main Theatre, St Chris School
Spaces are limited — RSVP by Monday 12 May at becky.belson@stchris.co.uk
We look forward to seeing you there for an inspiring and delicious evening!
Free Waterpolo Taster Session
We’re excited to share that a free Water Polo taster session will soon be offered here at St Chris, led by a coach from Hitchin Water Polo Club — who have recently been nominated for Club of the Year!
This is a fantastic opportunity for pupils aged 8 and over to try a fun and fast-paced team sport that builds strength, stamina and confidence in the water.
To take part, children will need to be able to swim 50 metres continuously and tread water for at least 30 seconds. If parents are unsure whether their child meets the requirements, we’d be happy to help confirm.
If your child is interested in attending, please contact Sarah Armstrong via email to register your interest sarah.armstrong@stchris.co.uk The date for the session will be confirmed soon.
We're Hiring: Lead Innovation in AI and Computer Science at St Chris
Head of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Science and Technological Innovation
St Chris is seeking a pioneering and visionary Head of AI, Computer Science and Technological Innovation to lead the next chapter of our digital evolution. This role is an exciting opportunity for a bold educator and thought leader to shape how young minds engage with the technologies shaping tomorrow.
This is more than a department head position, it is a call to reimagine how we harness emerging technologies to inspire curiosity, creativity, problem solving and leadership. There will be freedom to innovate, generate ideas and lead our progressive school into exciting and ground breaking spaces with ever emerging technology.
You will be a catalyst for innovation, collaborating across departments to embed computational thinking, data literacy and emerging tech across the wider curriculum.
Our robotics team at St Chris has competed internationally and we now want to develop a sustainable UK hub that inspires the next generation of thinkers, makers and leaders. Robotics at St Chris has a rich history and we are continuing to build on that legacy. Our senior teams are currently training and mentoring our junior teams.
Why join us?
At St Chris, we don’t just prepare students for exams — we prepare them for the future. Our School blends heritage with innovation and transformation. This is a chance to lead with impact, shape a cutting-edge program from the ground up, and redefine what digital education looks like in our school.
The job description and how to apply can be found on our website stchris.co.uk/work-for-us
Closing date for applications is Wednesday 14 May at 9am.
Wellbeing Hub
Teachers and parents from St Chris are empowered to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people through an innovative online platform provided by The Wellbeing Hub. Parents and guardians can sign up to use The Wellbeing Hub using the button below. We do encourage you to look through the extensive resources available, including podcasts, online courses, events and Q&As.
Further information can be found in a letter from Lizzie Hedderson, Assistant Head (Pupil Development and Wellbeing) here.
The Week Ahead
Nursery & Junior School
- Monday 5 May: Bank Holiday Monday
- Wednesday 7 May: Junior School Parents' Consultations; U11 Heritage Golf competition
- Friday 9 May: D Group (Year 6) Morning Talk; K Group (Reception) Trip to Eco House; Parents' Circle Quiz Night
Senior School & Sixth Form
- Monday 5 May: Bank Holiday Monday; Sixth Form Gold DofE Practice Expedition to Snowdonia
- Tuesday 6 May: Sixth Form Gold DofE Practice Expedition; IV Group (Year 10) PSHE Drop Down Day; A Level 3D Design Examination
- Wednesday 7 May: Sixth Form Gold DofE Practice Expedition; A Level 3D Design Examination; A Level Food & Nutrition Practical Exam
- Thursday 8 May: Sixth Form Gold DofE Practice Expedition; A Level 3D Design Examination; A Level Food & Nutrition Practical Exam
- Friday 9 May: V Group & Upper Sixth (Years 11 & 13) Final Day before Study Leave; III Group (Year 9) Bronze DofE Training Campout; Parents' Circle Quiz Night
- Saturday 10 May: III Group (Year 9) Bronze DofE Training Campout
Summer Term Diary
| Monday 12 May |
V Group (Year 11) and Upper Sixth (Year 13) Study Leave starts E Group (Year 5) Trip to Isle of Wight |
| Tuesday 13 May |
E Group (Year 5) Trip to Isle of Wight D Group (Year 6) Sea Life Centre Sleepover Lower Sixth (Year 12) Geography Fieldwork Day |
| Wednesday 14 May |
E Group (Year 5) Trip to Isle of Wight D Group (Year 6) Sea Life Centre Sleepover Film and Philosophy Screening |
| Thursday 15 May |
E Group (Year 5) Trip to Isle of Wight IV Group (Year 10) Helen Pankhurst Talk |
| Friday 16 May |
E Group (Year 5) Trip to Isle of Wight IV Group (Year 10) Mock Reports issued 24 Hour Charity Run |
| Saturday 17 May | 24 Hour Charity Run |
| Monday 19 May |
Tea @t St Chris - Junior School music concert Thermomix Parent Event |
| Tuesday 20 May |
G Group (Year 3) Trip to Living Rainforest IV Group (Year 10) GCSE Drama Devised Performance |
| Wednesday 21 May | IV Group (Year 10) Parents' Consultations |
| Thursday 22 May |
H Group (Year 2) Canal Trip III Group (Year 9) PSHE Drop Down Day |
| Friday 23 May |
K Group (Reception) Trip to Whipsnade Zoo III - V Group (Years 9-11) English GCSE Trip 'An Inspector Calls' |
| Monday 26 - Friday 30 May | Half term holiday |
| Tuesday 3 June | I Group (Year 7) Trip to Whipsnade Zoo |
| Wednesday 4 June | III Group (Year 9) Trip to Bletchley Park |
| Thursday 5 June | II Group (Year 8) Illustrated Children's Book Workshop |
| Friday 6 June | IV Group (Year 10) GCSE Geography Residential Weekend - Norfolk |
| Saturday 7 June | IV Group (Year 10) GCSE Geography Residential Weekend - Norfolk |
| Monday 9 June | I Group (Year 7) Interhouse Swimming Gala |
| Tuesday 10 June |
Senior School Sports Day |
| Wednesday 11 June |
Junior School Sports Day I Group (Year 7) Trip to Hampton Court Palace II Group (Year 8) Science Trip to Cambridge LAMDA Examinations |
| Thursday 12 June |
LAMDA Examinations Sports Award Evening |
| Friday 13 June |
LAMDA Examinations IV Group (Year 10) Non-fiction talk and workshop IV Group (Year 10) Silver DofE Practice Expedition |
| Saturday 14 June |
IV Group (Year 10) Silver DofE Practice Expedition III Group (Year 9) Bronze DofE Qualifying Expedition |
| Sunday 15 June |
IV Group (Year 10) Silver DofE Practice Expedition III Group (Year 9) Bronze DofE Qualifying Expedition |
| Monday 16 June |
K Group (Reception) Trip to Wicken Fen Water Safety Week Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Exams |
| Tuesday 17 June |
Water Safety Week Junior LAMDA Showcase Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Exams |
| Wednesday 18 June |
Water Safety Week D Group (Year 6) Trip to Sky Studios Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Exams G Group (Year 3) Residential to Thriftwood |
| Thursday 19 June |
Water Safety Week Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Exams G Group (Year 3) Residential to Thriftwood Monte (Nursery) Sports afternoon |
| Friday 20 June |
Water Safety Week Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Exams G Group (Year 3) Residential to Thriftwood |
| Saturday 21 June | St Christopalooza Summer Celebration |
| Monday 23 June |
E Group (Year 5) Trip to Woburn Safari Park Senior LAMDA Showcase |
| Tuesday 24 June |
GCSE & A Level Art & 3D Design Exhibition I Group (Year 7) Transition Day |
| Wednesday 25 June | I Group (Year 7) Transition Day |
| Thursday 26 June |
I Group (Year 7) Transition Day Junior School Transition Day I-III (Years 7-8) Lower School Play 'Alice in Wonderland' |
| Friday 27 June |
I-III (Years 7-8) Lower School Play 'Alice in Wonderland' V Group (Year 11) to Sixth Form Transition Day K Group (Reception) Morning Talk H Group (Year 2) Camp Out |
| Monday 30 June |
K Group (Reception) Trip to Ashwell Springs Senior School Stage and Screen Concert |
| Tuesday 1 July | Junior School Summer Gathering |
| Wednesday 2 July | E & F Group (Years 4 & 5) Early Transition Event |
| Thursday 3 July | V Group - Upper Sixth (Years 11-13) Summer Ball |
| Friday 4 July |
H Group (Year 2) Morning Talk I-III Group (Years 7-9) Reports Issued Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Reports Issued Senior School ends at 1200 noon for LSP Week |
| Saturday 5 July | II Group (Year 8) LSP to Yorkshire and Lake District |
| Sunday 6 July |
II Group (Year 8) LSP to Yorkshire and Lake District III Group (Year 9) LSP to Morzine IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) Golf LSP to Boston |
| Monday 7 July |
LSP Week in Senior School I Group (Year 7) LSP to Les Vosges II Group (Year 8) LSP to Yorkshire and Lake District III Group (Year 9) LSP to Morzine IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) STEM LSP to Geneva IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Naples IV Group (Year 10) Elite Sports LSP to Loughborough Lower Sixth (Year 12) LSP to Paris IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) Golf LSP to Boston |
| Tuesday 8 July |
LSP Week in Senior School I Group (Year 7) LSP to Les Vosges II Group (Year 8) LSP to Yorkshire and Lake District III Group (Year 9) LSP to Morzine IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) STEM LSP to Geneva IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Naples IV Group (Year 10) Elite Sports LSP to Loughborough Lower Sixth (Year 12) LSP to Paris IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) Golf LSP to Boston |
| Wednesday 9 July |
LSP Week in Senior School I Group (Year 7) LSP to Les Vosges II Group (Year 8) LSP to Yorkshire and Lake District III Group (Year 9) LSP to Morzine IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) STEM LSP to Geneva IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Naples IV Group (Year 10) Elite Sports LSP to Loughborough Lower Sixth (Year 12) LSP to Paris IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) Golf LSP to Boston |
| Thursday 10 July |
LSP Week in Senior School I Group (Year 7) LSP to Les Vosges II Group (Year 8) LSP to Yorkshire and Lake District III Group (Year 9) LSP to Morzine IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) STEM LSP to Geneva IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Naples IV Group (Year 10) Elite Sports LSP to Loughborough Lower Sixth (Year 12) LSP to ParisI V Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) Golf LSP to Boston |
| Friday 11 July |
1200 noon Academic Year ends I Group (Year 7) LSP to Les Vosges II Group (Year 8) LSP to Yorkshire and Lake District III Group (Year 9) LSP to Morzine Lower Sixth (Year 12) LSP to Paris IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) Golf LSP to Boston |
| Saturday 12 July | IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) Golf LSP to Boston |
Careers Newsletter
Edition #8
Our weekly Careers Newsletter has a different theme and excellent links to further information to help students explore careers they might be interested in. It features up to date Labour Market Information, an Employer Spotlight and a University Spotlight. We encourage you to explore this resource with your child to help spark careers conversations at home.
If you have any further questions about Career Related Learning at St Chris, please contact Lizzie Hedderson.
Nursery & Junior
It’s been a heartwarming week in the Junior School, filled with creativity, curiosity, and a very special new arrival! We’re delighted to introduce Bertie Bookworm, the newest member of the Junior School Library team. Bertie is already proving very popular with children across the year groups. Pupils are invited to take Bertie home for an evening or weekend of shared reading adventures. Simply pop into the Library, pick a favourite book, and enjoy a story or two with Bertie by your side. What a lovely way to celebrate the joy of reading!
| Nursery (Monte) |
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Our youngest children in Nursery spent their Forest School session exploring ways to care for our Earth. With eyes wide open to the changes in the orchard — longer grass, fluttering butterflies, blossoming trees, and buzzing bees — they reflected on nature’s beauty and how we can protect it. The children went litter picking in the playground, learning what qualifies as litter and why it matters for the creatures who share our space. There was also time to relax beneath the apple tree blossom and share in the simple joy of spring. A few children could even identify cowslip and cow parsley — a testament to their growing curiosity and care for the natural world. |
| Reception (K Group) |
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This week, K Group have been learning all about growth. The students explored the different parts of a plant and discovered what plants need in order to grow and thrive. They then carefully placed their own bean seeds into bags, ready to observe the changes over time. |
| J Group (Year 1) |
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J Group spent a joyful afternoon combining Forest School with French. Sitting under les arbres, they learnt new outdoor-themed vocabulary with Sandra, who brought the lesson to life in the fresh air. Afterwards, the children enjoyed time for their own activities — mixing potions, building dens, relaxing in the hammock and searching for wildflowers. A perfect blend of language learning, nature and imaginative play. |
| H Group (Year 2) |
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H Group have had a week full of creativity, curiosity and hands-on learning. In English, they explored Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers, using ‘freeze frames’ to bring key scenes to life and consider how the characters might have felt. In maths, the children investigated fractions by finding halves of different amounts using counters, uncovering patterns and strengthening their understanding of equal sharing. They also spent a beautiful morning in the orchard, tending to their growing vegetables and showing our student helpers how to use clapping sticks. Inspired by the newly opened leaves around them, they created striking leaf prints on cloth to turn into bunting, with time left over for their own playful discoveries. |
| G Group (Year 3) |
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G Group embraced two very different but equally exciting experiences this week. In English, they explored the world of calligrams — poems where the layout of the words reflects the subject matter. Pupils were inspired to create their own imaginative versions and proudly shared them with one another. Later in the week, the group headed down to Arunwood on a mission: to harvest rhubarb for the school kitchen! They learnt how to gently pull the longest, juiciest stems, remove the large leaves for compost, and deliver the bright red stalks to Sarah for a delicious crumble. A perfect blend of learning, teamwork, and connection to our school environment. |
| F Group (Year 4) |
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F Group have had an exhilarating week away at PGL Bawdsey Manor in Suffolk, where the children embraced every moment of their residential adventure. After settling in and enjoying a hearty dinner, their first challenge was Balloon Splash — a team task combining problem-solving, creativity and plenty of laughter, with two groups managing to protect their balloon from a dramatic drop! The days that followed were packed with high-energy activities, from scootering and abseiling to the giant swing, gel master and raft building. Each challenge brought fresh opportunities for personal growth and teamwork. Evenings were filled with song and camaraderie around the campfire. The children have eaten well, played hard, and supported one another beautifully — a wonderful celebration of independence and friendship. Congratulations to our four F Group pupils — Henry, Maya, Toby and Roisin — who took part in the U9 Tennis Competition on Thursday. Remarkably, they competed with great energy and focus despite having just returned from their residential trip the evening before. The team finished 3rd in their group and secured 6th place overall — a fantastic effort all round! Today F Group began their day in a calm and thoughtful way, enjoying a selection of new books linked to their current topic on Famous People. In the afternoon, pupils turned their attention to art, working on striking portraits of Frida Kahlo using water-based paint markers and black pens. The results are looking fantastic — well done, F Group! |
| E Group (Year 5) |
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This week, the children in E Group learned more about Uluru — Australia’s iconic monolith — and its cultural and natural significance. Inspired by its striking form and colours, they created their own vibrant artwork using oil pastels. A wonderful blend of geography, culture, and creativity! |
| D Group (Year 6) |
| The sunshine made a perfect backdrop to a fulfilling day of learning for D Group. The morning began with pupils confidently practising their morning talks, setting a reflective and expressive tone. In maths, they tackled decimals with great focus, before diving deep into the ocean — metaphorically at least — through their engaging report writing on ocean layers. The day ended with peaceful guided reading outdoors, bringing a gentle close to a thoughtful and productive day. |
Senior & Sixth Form
Success in the Intermediate Maths Challenge
Earlier this term, pupils from III Group to V Group (Years 9 to 11) took part in the Intermediate Maths Challenge, a national competition designed to stretch mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills.
We are delighted to share that St Chris students achieved 4 Gold, 9 Silver, and 7 Bronze awards — a fantastic result that reflects both their effort and ability.
Special congratulations go to Robert Gore (V Group/Year 11), whose score qualified him for the next stage of the challenge: the Kangaroo paper, sat just before the break. Robert has since been awarded a Gold certificate, placing him among the top performing pupils nationally.
Meanwhile, Tristan Moss (III Group/Year 9) was recognised as Best in School and was one of just 500 candidates in his year group across the country to qualify for the prestigious Olympiad. Tristan has now received a Merit, a significant and commendable achievement.
A huge well done to all those who participated – and we look forward to celebrating more mathematical successes when the Junior Challenge results are announced soon!
District Rounders Tournament
We’re incredibly proud of our Senior Rounders Team, who came away as Silver Medallists in this week’s District Tournament. The match came down to the wire, with our team narrowly missing out on the Gold by just ½ a Rounder in the penultimate ball of their final game against HGS — an astonishingly close finish.
What makes this achievement more impressive is that the team was made up entirely of V Group (Year 11) pupils, while other schools fielded teams including older VI Formers. Our players also took to the field with just seven team members, two short of the full nine — yet they played with courage, composure and incredible teamwork throughout.
A brilliant effort and a thoroughly deserved result — congratulations to every member of the team!
Raku Firing in the Sun
On Saturday, some of our Sixth Form A Level Art students joined Lizzy in school for a hands-on Raku Firing session. Fortunately, the sun was shining, so the courtyard became the perfect setting for this exciting artistic process.
The students thoroughly enjoyed both the activity and the results — which included a stunning selection of beautifully modelled animal heads. There was a real sense of creativity and camaraderie throughout the morning.
Everyone had a fantastic time, and Lizzy is already planning a second session later this term.
National Youth Guitar Ensemble
We’re delighted to share that Thomas Haynes in IV Group (Year 10) has successfully gained a place in the prestigious National Youth Guitar Ensemble (NYGE) following a successful audition.
Thomas will join other talented young guitarists from across the UK for rehearsals and performances during the school holidays. A fantastic achievement — we look forward to hearing all about his musical adventures!
Lower Sixth Students Share EPQ Projects
Lower Sixth students gave impressive presentations this week as part of their Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) assessments. After two terms of dedicated work, they shared a wide range of research across the Dissertation, Artefact and Investigation pathways.
Topics included AI in radiology, over-tourism in Spain, a cookbook promoting oral health, conspiracy theories, climate change’s impact on wave patterns, and the creation of artist-friendly paint. Students spoke with maturity and confidence, clearly communicating complex ideas and engaging their audience throughout. A fantastic effort — well done to all!
