In this week's Roundup:
Head Student'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.
One of the strengths of St Chris is that we do not see unkind behaviour consistently. That does not mean it never happens, of course. We are a school, not a utopian retreat populated entirely by saints, philosophers, and unusually considerate queue-formers. But there is something in the culture here that usually notices when something is not quite right.
I saw a small example of that this morning in the Dining Hall.
Two students were trying to push in to get to the desserts first. Not aggressively. Not unpleasantly. Just sneakily, in that very particular way that suggests, “I know this is not quite right, but I am hoping nobody will mention it.”
And then somebody did mention it.
A student two years below them got up from her table, walked over, and told them it was not fair and that they needed to be more considerate. The two students looked utterly mortified, apologised, and skulked off. The girl then went back to her table and carried on eating with her friends as if nothing had happened.
Honestly, I thought it was awesome.
Not because it was a dramatic act of heroism. It wasn’t. It was a sort of pudding-based justice, not the storming of the Bastille. But it mattered because she had done something many adults find very difficult. She noticed something unfair, she trusted her own judgement, and she said something. Despite the fact there could have been a confrontation.
This links, in a much larger and more serious way, to the Morning Talk I am giving on Monday about conformity, fear and the importance of being willing to get things wrong. In that talk, I will use this photograph of August Landmesser, which was taken in Hamburg in 1936 and sits in my office. In the image, a huge crowd of workers are giving the Nazi salute to the Führer as he announces a new ship launch. Almost every arm is raised.
One man, though, stands with his arms folded.

The photograph is powerful because it captures, in a single image, the cost of not simply going along with the crowd. Landmesser’s story is also complicated. He was not born a perfect resistor. He had once joined the Nazi Party, apparently believing it might help his prospects. Later, after falling in love with Irma Eckler, a Jewish woman, he came to see the regime for what it was. Their relationship was forbidden under the Nuremberg Laws. Both paid a terrible, ultimate and predictable price.
I am not comparing a school dining hall queue to Nazi Germany. That would be absurd and offensive. But both moments, in utterly different ways, ask a human question: what do we do when the group is wrong?
Most conformity does not begin with wickedness. It begins with fear. Fear of looking silly, of being judged, fear of being the difficult one. The fear of being the only person facing the doors when everyone else is facing the back wall.
That is why schools matter so much. A good school should not simply teach children to behave, conform and reproduce the right answers. It should teach them to think, question, challenge kindly, admit when they are wrong, and have the courage to change direction when they need to.
We want young people who can say, “I was wrong.”
We also want young people who can say, “That isn’t fair.”
Both are important, I believe.
At St Chris, we talk a lot about kindness, individuality, openness and courage. These values are easy to put on a wall. They are harder to live out in a queue for dessert, in a group of friends who are vying for popularity, in a classroom discussion, online chats, or when everyone else seems to be facing the other way.
So, this week, I am grateful for one small moment in the Dining Hall. One student stood up, said what needed saying, and then quietly got on with their day.
There are worse definitions of character than that.
And, as we move further into the GCSE and A-Level exam season, perhaps there is something in this for our exam students too. Exams matter. Of course, they do. They represent years of teaching, learning, practice, revision, encouragement and, yes, a fair amount of graft. I know how much effort, hope and anxiety sits behind them for students and parents alike.
They are not, however, a final judgement on a young person’s worth, character, future, or potential. No exam paper can do that. But the way students approach this period does matter. The willingness to prepare properly, to keep going when tired, to sit with uncertainty, to recover from a difficult question, to turn up again for the next paper, that shows resilience. It shows discipline. It shows character.
So, to all our students sitting exams, and to the parents quietly living every paper alongside them, we are with you. Keep going. Do the work. Trust the work. Think clearly. Be brave enough to try. Be calm enough to recover. And remember that the point of education is not to produce young people who never get anything wrong.
It is to help them become the sort of people who know what to do next.

Wellbeing Update
Sign Up for the Wellbeing Hub
At St Chris, we’re proud to empower our staff and families to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people through The Wellbeing Hub — an online platform offering expert guidance and practical resources.
Parents and guardians are warmly invited to register for access via the button below. Once signed up, you'll find a wide range of support at your fingertips — including podcasts, online courses, live events, and Q&A sessions with leading professionals in the field.
Upcoming Events
Week commencing 18 May - Podcast:
Social-emotional development in the early years with Dr Adele Diamond, Affiliate Investigator (BC Children's Hospital), Canada Research Chair, and Head of the Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Programme in the Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia
Lights, Music, Action!
Drama Takes Centre Stage in the Junior School
This week, our Junior School was full of colour and movement as students stepped into a world of imagination during a series of fantastic drama workshops led by Perform for Schools. With storytelling, music, role-play and plenty of enthusiasm, learning truly came alive!
Students from Reception, Years 1, 2 and 4 were invited to use their imaginations, work together and jump feet-first into drama-filled adventures linked closely to their classroom topics. Laughter, concentration and confident performances filled the Hall as each session blended creativity with learning - supporting students to build confidence, teamwork and self-expression along the way.
Reception and Year 1 set off on an extraordinary journey around the world with the ever-adventurous Phileas Fogg. Along the way, they explored continents, cultures and customs through imaginative role-play and interactive challenges. From learning greetings and dances from different countries to striking dramatic freeze frames and completing explorer missions, the children travelled the globe without ever leaving school - all while strengthening their speaking, listening and collaboration skills.
Year 2 ventured deep into the African jungle, where rhythm, movement and storytelling took centre stage. Through energetic drama activities, students discovered West African folklore and music, brought animal characters to life and performed the mischievous tale of Anansi the Spider. The workshop was bursting with creativity and encouraged cultural understanding, empathy and confident self-expression.
Meanwhile, Year 4 took part in a thought-provoking Black History Icons workshop, exploring the lives and legacies of inspirational figures such as Mary Seacole, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. Through drama, music and improvisation, students reflected on themes of equality, resilience and justice - discovering how courage and compassion can drive positive change.
These workshops offered an exciting way to learn beyond the classroom. It was wonderful to see students so engaged, enthusiastic and willing to step into the spotlight. The experiences supported learning across Geography, English, PSHE and Drama, while leaving students with lasting memories - and plenty to talk about!
Beekeeping Opp 2025-6
Written by Stanley Banks, III Group (Year 9)
In Opps sessions, students have been doing exciting things, and this Opp is all about taking care of bees!
What is Beekeeping All About?
It is an Opp where we learn how to take care of bees, learn all about them, and even take care of our own St Chris swarm down in Arunwood! So far, students have engaged in learning about all the different breeds and types of bees, the roles they play, how a swarm works and we have started to take care of our own swarm! We run this Opp so students can develop skills and learn why bees are so important to the environment, as they enable plant reproduction, give a big food source to lots of animals, and provide us with Honey on Toast!
On Friday 1 May, we had an exciting delivery of bees that can now call St Chris their home! Students got permission to leave lessons to go and see them get delivered which all the students who were able to attend were very happy to be allowed to see them get delivered ready for the rest of the summer! For the rest of beekeeping, we hope to be able to do regular checks on them to make sure they're in good shape and making honey all ok, checking for new queens, making sure there are no conflicts, adding, swapping and removing supers to get honey and finally spinning the honey to make some edible honey, and spinning the wax to make candles. We hope this Opp continues to thrive up until the last week of term.
Tutorial Tuesday: STEM, Cambridge and Public Health
As part of our ongoing Academic Enrichment programme, students in IV Group to Upper Sixth (Year 10 - 13) are invited to attend the next Tutorial Tuesday on Tuesday, 19 May in the Social Library.
This session will feature guest speaker Dr Damaris Bennett, who holds a PhD in Immunology and now works as a medical writer at Amiculum. During the talk, students will have the opportunity to hear about the experience of studying STEM subjects at undergraduate and postgraduate level, including life as a student at the University of Cambridge.
The session will also explore the real-world application of scientific knowledge, including the role STEM expertise plays in shaping public health policy and vaccine development. Alongside offering insight into university study and career pathways, the event aims to encourage students to think critically about the relationship between science, research and society.
Tutorial Tuesdays form part of St Chris’ wider commitment to academic stretch and enrichment, giving students opportunities to engage with specialist speakers, explore ideas beyond the classroom and encounter different academic and professional perspectives.
Notices
Whole School
Summer AquaBoost Sessions Return This August
We are delighted to confirm the return of our Summer Holiday AquaBoost sessions this August, offering swimmers the opportunity to maintain confidence in the water and continue developing their technique over the summer break.
The programme runs across three separate weeks in August, with each week bookable individually. Sessions take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings in small groups based on age and stage, helping swimmers build confidence and make progress in a supportive environment.
Swimmers can choose between a focus on breaststroke and butterfly development or front and back crawl technique, while younger and beginner swimmers will work on water confidence and independent travel skills.
Families can book one, two or all three weeks to fit around summer plans. Further information, including dates, pricing and booking details, can be found in the attached letter
Share Your St Chris Story
We are looking for parents who would be happy to support the School by sharing their positive experiences of St Chris with prospective families.
As you will know from your own experience, choosing a school is a significant decision, and hearing directly from current parents helps others understand what it is really like to be part of our community. You might like to talk about how your children have grown during their time here, what you value most about the School, or how St Chris has shaped your family’s experience.
These short filmed conversations will be informal, relaxed and take very little time. They will be coordinated by Catherine Spark-Hall, our new freelance Marketing & Communications Manager, and may be shared on the School website and social media channels to help future families learn more about life at St Chris.
If you feel you could help to support the school in this way, we would be very pleased to hear from you. Please contact Catherine via Catherine.SparkHall@stchris.co.uk
Donations Needed for the I Group Tombola at St Christopalooza
I Group (Year 7) are hosting a tombola stall at St Christopalooza on Saturday 20 June, and would be very grateful for any donations from the school community.
Suggested items include:
- Unused toiletries (for example, liquid soap, shower gel or deodorant)
- Soft toys (in good condition)
- Board games and puzzles
- Second-hand children’s or adult books
- Chocolate and wrapped sweets
- Small new gifts or novelty items
- Unopened stationery sets or craft kits
- Brand new items of clothing or accessories
If you are able to contribute, please drop donations at Mulberry Building or Main Reception.
Thank you very much for supporting I Group and helping make the stall a success.
Organised Bike Ride - Sunday 17 May
Families may be interested in a community cycling event taking place in Hitchin on Sunday 17 May. “Kidical Mass” is a family-friendly organised bike ride aimed at encouraging more children and young people to cycle regularly and confidently.
The ride will finish at the Walsworth Festival and is designed to be accessible for families and younger riders. It offers a fun opportunity to get outdoors, travel actively and enjoy cycling together as a community.
Please see the attached flyer for further details, timings and route information.
Senior School and Sixth Form
Culture Day - Friday 22 May
Next Friday 22 May, the Major Officials are running our Culture Celebration Day to mark the United Nations World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.
This day celebrates not only the richness of the world’s cultures but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development. We are looking forward to celebrating our rich cultural diversity at St Chris!
We encourage students and staff to wear clothes that represent their culture and bring in food to share. All food must be nut/sesame-free and vegetarian. Please can food be brought in first thing to the staff room so that it can be safely stored ready for breaktime. Please include a full list of ingredients too.
If you have any questions, please contact Lizzie Hedderson: lizzie.hedderson@stchris.co.uk


Summer Ball 2026 - Tuesday 30 June
This year's Summer Ball for V Group, Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth (Year 11 to Year 13) students takes place on Tuesday 30 June at the Broadway Hotel, Letchworth.
The event starts at 6.30 pm with arrivals on our ‘red carpet’ outside the hotel, where parents are welcome to take final photographs before they depart. We then move inside to the Broadway's Art Deco ballroom, where we will enjoy a sit-down meal and dessert buffet followed by speeches, dancing, a professional DJ plus other entertainments. Soft drinks will be provided throughout the evening, and the event end at 10.30pm.
Dress for the evening is formal, and the theme is A Night Under the Stars.
All students who wish to attend the Ball must have booked and paid for their place and completed the consent form by Monday 1 June.
Please find full details in the letter below
Ski Trip 2027 - Spain
Find out more about next February's Senior School Ski Trip 2027 for students in the current I Group to Lower Sixth (Years 7 - 12) to Alp 2500 (La Molina & Masella), Spain. It promises to be a fantastic week, combining excellent skiing, engaging evening activities and a cultural visit to Barcelona before returning home.
Trip dates: 14–20 February 2027
Cost: £2,050 (with staged payment plan available)
Places available: 30 students
To secure a place:
Sign up via Evolve
Pay the £250 deposit by 15 May 2026
Careers Newsletter
Edition #30
This week’s Careers Newsletter includes a wide range of opportunities linked to maths, STEM, university pathways and emerging technologies, alongside webinars exploring careers in medicine, engineering, law and psychology.
Highlights include:
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National Numeracy Day resources and activities designed to help students build confidence with maths and understand the importance of numeracy in everyday life and future careers
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A spotlight on careers that require strong maths skills, including guidance on maths-related degrees and transferable skills developed through studying mathematics
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The Secrets of Mathematics lecture series from Oxford mathematicians, exploring how maths shapes fields ranging from medicine to economics
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A live TechWeCan assembly exploring AI, generative technology and how to identify AI-generated content responsibly and critically
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A STEM careers programme over May half term featuring live Q&A sessions with professionals, universities and apprentices across engineering, sustainability, digital and health sectors
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A Robotics Maker Lab at the University of Hertfordshire offering hands-on experience in robotics, coding, 3D design and prototyping for students aged 11–17
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Higher and degree apprenticeship opportunities from more than 35 employers, including roles within the creative industries
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A careers spotlight on drone piloting and the growing use of UAV technology across photography, surveying and engineering industries
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University and careers webinars through Unifrog, including sessions on medicine and AI, engineering, finance, forensic psychology, law and the future of politics
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A world spotlight on studying in Malaysia, including information about international university campuses and English-language degree courses
Read the full Careers Newsletter below. If you have any further questions about Career Related Learning at St Chris, please contact Lizzie Hedderson.
The Week Ahead
Nursery & Junior School
- Monday 18 May: PSHE Parent Forum (Year 4)
- Tuesday 19 May: PSHE Parent Forum (Reception), Optional Junior School Parent Consultations
- Wednesday 20 May: PSHE Parent Forum (Year 5)
- Thursday 21 May: Junior School Open Day
- Friday 22 May: PSHE Parent Forum (Year 3). Culture Day. Last Day of Half Term - School day ends at 3.30pm
Senior School & Sixth Form
- Wednesday 20 May: IV-LVI (Years 10-12) Music Recital Evening
- Friday 22 May: Culture Day. Last Day of Half Term - School day ends at 3.40pm
Summer Term Diary
| Monday 25 May - Friday 29 May | Half term |
| Monday 1 June | I Group (Year 7) Science Trip to Whipsnade |
| Wednesday 3 June |
E Group (Year 5) 'Ancient Greece' Workshop III Group (Year 9) History Trip to Bletchley Park |
| Thursday 4 June | UCAS Discovery Day |
| Friday 5 June | IV Group (Year 10) Geography Fieldwork Residential to Norfolk |
| Saturday 6 June | IV Group (Year 10) Geography Fieldwork Residential to Norfolk |
| Sunday 7 June | IV Group (Year 10) Geography Fieldwork Residential to Norfolk |
| Tuesday 9 June | LAMDA Exams |
| Wednesday 10 June | LAMDA Exams |
| Thursday 11 June |
LAMDA Exams Academic, Pastoral & Education Committee |
| Friday 12 June | LAMDA Exams |
| Saturday 13 June | LAMDA Exams |
| Monday 15 June |
F Group (Year 4) Visit to Eco House Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Examinations Junior School LAMDA Showcase IV Group (Year 10) Food Mock Practical Exam |
| Tuesday 16 June |
Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Examinations IV Group (Year 10) Food Mock Practical Exam I - IV Group (Years 7 - 10) Lower School Play Junior School Open House |
| Wednesday 17 June |
Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Examinations I - IV Group (Years 7 - 10) Lower School Play G Group (Year 3) Residential Trip to Thriftwood |
| Thursday 18 June |
Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Examinations G Group (Year 3) Residential Trip to Thriftwood II Group (Year 8) Science trip to Cambridge Safeguarding & Boarding Committee |
| Friday 19 June |
Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Examinations G Group (Year 3) Residential Trip to Thriftwood H Group (Year 2) Camp Out GCSE & A Level Art & 3D Design Exhibition |
| Saturday 20 June | St Christopalooza |
| Monday 22 June | I Group (Year 7) Transition Day |
| Tuesday 23 June |
I Group (Year 7) Transition Day Sports Award Evening |
| Wednesday 24 June |
I Group (Year 7) Transition Day District Athletics Senior School Summer Concert |
| Thursday 25 June | Junior School Sports Day |
| Friday 26 June | Senior School Sports Day |
| Monday 29 June | Senior School LAMDA Showcase |
| Tuesday 30 June |
V Group - Upper Sixth (Years 11-13) Summer Ball IV Group (Year 10) Mock Interviews |
| Wednesday 1 July |
Senior School Open Day E & F Group (Years 4 & 5) |
| Thursday 2 July | World Challenge Build Up Day |
| Friday 3 July | 1200 noon Term ends for Senior School |
| Sunday 5 July |
Upper Years LSP Departs for Barcelona Food & Culture Upper School LSP Departs for Geneva STEM Upper School LSP Departs for Verona, Milan & Lake Garda Upper School LSP Departs for Pinecroft Extreme (Yorkshire) II Group (Year 8) LSP Departs to Yorkshire Dales & The Lakes III Group (Year 9) LSP Departs to Morzine |
| Monday 6 July |
I Group (Year 7) LSP Departs to the Opal Coast Upper School LSP Departs Devon Watersports |
| Tuesday 7 July | LSP trips |
| Wednesday 8 July | LSP trips |
| Thursday 9 July |
Upper School LSP returns from Barcelona Food & Culture Upper School LSP returns from Geneva STEM Upper School LSP returns from Verona, Milan & Lake Garda I Group (Year 7) LSP returns from the Opal Coast |
| Friday 10 July |
II Group (Year 8) LSP returns from Yorkshire Dales & The Lakes III Group (Year 9) LSP returns from Morzine Upper School LSP Pinecroft Exteme (Yorkshire) returns Upper School LSP Devon Watersports returns 1200 noon Academic Year ends |
7-Minute Safeguarding Briefing
Gaming Platforms and Emerging Threats
This week’s safeguarding briefing focuses on online gaming platforms and the increasingly important role they play in the lives of young people.
The briefing explores how online gaming has evolved beyond entertainment and now often functions as a major social space for children and teenagers, particularly within boarding environments where students may use gaming to relax, socialise and maintain friendships outside the school day, and highlights some of the safeguarding risks linked to online gaming, including grooming, financial exploitation, toxic online behaviour, exposure to harmful ideologies and the impact excessive gaming can have on sleep and wellbeing. Particular attention is given to widely used platforms such as Roblox, Fortnite and Minecraft, alongside other games commonly used by school-aged children.
The briefing also highlights practical indicators staff and parents should be aware of, including sudden changes in behaviour, secretive online activity, contact with unknown individuals and unusual spending linked to gaming platforms.
As with all safeguarding work at St Chris, the focus was not on creating fear around technology or gaming itself, but on ensuring that staff remain informed, aware and able to support students in navigating digital spaces safely and responsibly. Please click on the link to read the briefing.
For further information about safeguarding at St Chris, contact Alistair Phillips, our Designated Safeguarding Lead: Alistair.Phillips@stchris.co.uk
SAFEGUARDING BRIEFING: GAMING PLATFORMS AND EMERGING THREATS
Nursery & Junior
This week has been another wonderfully busy one across the Junior School, with students embracing a huge variety of creative, adventurous and hands-on learning opportunities. From exploring 2D shapes and observing growing tadpoles in the Nursery, to rainforest adventures, drama workshops and scientific investigations across the school, students have been developing their curiosity, confidence and collaboration skills every day.
Outdoor learning has continued to play a central role, with Forest School activities, gardening, pond exploration and nature studies inspiring students across multiple year groups. Meanwhile, art, drama and topic work have encouraged students to think imaginatively, celebrate different cultures and express themselves creatively.
Older students have taken on exciting new challenges too, with F Group (Year 4) investigating the digestive system through practical science and E Group (Year 5) enjoying an action-packed residential trip to the Isle of Wight filled with adventurous activities, teamwork and unforgettable experiences.
There has been a fantastic sense of energy, discovery and community throughout the Junior School this week. Read on below to find out more about what each year group has been learning and exploring.
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Nursery |
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This week, Nursery students explored the world of 2D shapes, learning to identify different shapes and describe their properties using new mathematical vocabulary. They used their growing understanding creatively to make shape-inspired pictures and patterns. In Forest School, they checked on the vegetables growing in the garden and were delighted to see how well everything had survived the recent frost. The runner beans now have a supporting net, while the strawberry plants are thriving thanks to the students’ careful watering. Continuing their exploration of the natural world, students took part in a leaf-matching activity in the orchard, learning how to spot similarities and differences between leaves of all shapes and sizes. The highlight of the session was observing the tadpoles, which had grown significantly since last week. Students carefully examined one using a magnifying glass and noticed its developing legs. There was also time to relax together in the hammock after a busy afternoon outdoors. |
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K Group (Reception) |
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K Group (Reception) students enjoyed another exciting week of outdoor learning and imaginative play. In Forest School, they explored the wide variety of leaves found around the site, paying close attention to their different shapes and textures before taking part in adventurous rope and climbing activities. Students demonstrated impressive creativity and teamwork as they invented new ways to play and challenge themselves physically. They were also fascinated to discover the pond’s very first snail and a sleepy caterpillar hiding beneath a log. A particularly memorable moment came when a group of students collaborated to create an ambitious swing and “zipwire” using ropes and branches, showing tremendous perseverance, problem-solving and teamwork throughout the activity. K Group (Reception) students also joined J Group (Year 1) for a lively drama workshop exploring “Journeys Across the World”. Students imagined travelling by aeroplane and brought famous landmarks to life through movement and role play, including the Eiffel Tower, the Empire State Building and the Egyptian pyramids. The session ended with energetic rainforest-themed games, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. To support their transition into Key Stage 1, K Group (Reception) students have also started visiting the main dining hall in small groups for lunch, helping them build confidence and familiarity ahead of September. |
| J Group (Year 1) |
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This half term, J Group (Year 1) students have been immersing themselves in their “Journeys” topic through art inspired by the French artist Henri Rousseau. Students have explored jungle landscapes through sketching, painting, collage and discussion, carefully considering foregrounds, backgrounds and the animals that inhabit their vibrant scenes. J Group (Year 1) students also delivered thoughtful and informative student-led presentations this week, sharing aspects of different cultures and countries that are important to them. Students spoke confidently about traditions, festivals, food, geography and cultural celebrations, helping their classmates learn more about the wider world. As part of their science learning, J Group (Year 1) visited the Eco House, where they explored the grass roof, pond plants and meadow habitats. Students investigated oak saplings, identifying roots, stems and leaves before heading out into the meadow to search for more examples in the wild. The day combined scientific exploration with outdoor fun and discovery. Students also enjoyed an engaging drama workshop, travelling imaginatively across continents and exploring famous landmarks through movement and performance. |
| H Group (Year 2) |
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H Group (Year 2) students have continued developing their creativity and collaboration skills this week through their stop-motion animation projects. Working carefully in teams, students brought their characters to life by making small, precise movements between frames to create smooth animated sequences. As part of their Africa topic, H Group (Year 2) students also created beautiful African-inspired pinch pots using clay. They carefully shaped, scored and joined the clay pieces while learning new sculpting techniques. The pots are now drying and will soon be ready for painting and decoration. Students further deepened their understanding of the continent during an exciting African drama workshop. Through movement, role play and storytelling, H Group (Year 2) students explored African wildlife and culture in a fun and engaging way. |
| G Group (Year 3) |
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G Group (Year 3) students marked the 100th birthday of Sir David Attenborough by learning about his remarkable life and contributions to the natural world. Students particularly enjoyed watching part of a documentary about gorillas, which sparked thoughtful discussion and curiosity about wildlife conservation. In science, G Group (Year 3) students investigated the structure of tulips by carefully dissecting the flowers and identifying the purpose of each part. Their new maths topic, Mass and Capacity, has also encouraged students to begin noticing and discussing measuring scales and units in everyday life. A highlight of the week was the trip to The Living Rainforest, where students had the opportunity to bring their rainforest topic to life through immersive, hands-on learning experiences surrounded by tropical plants and animals. |
| F Group (Year 4) |
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F Group (Year 4) students spent time in the vegetable garden this week planting the onions they sowed earlier in the term. After carefully preparing and watering the soil, students planted the onions in neat rows and pledged to continue caring for them over the coming weeks. They are already looking forward to eventually cooking and tasting the produce they have grown themselves. In the orchard, students embraced collaborative outdoor play and problem-solving. Some groups worked together to create an impressive “zip wire” complete with safety considerations, while others designed a sushi board or spent time observing the newts living in the pond and discussing their habitats and behaviours. In science, F Group (Year 4) students created practical models of the digestive system using a range of everyday objects. Students demonstrated excellent scientific understanding by correctly naming the organs and explaining their functions throughout the activity, helping to bring their learning vividly to life. Students also enjoyed a special “Treat Day”, which included a Black History Icons drama workshop, music, computing activities, drawing, film watching and opportunities for free creative time with friends. |
| E Group (Year 5) |
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E Group (Year 5) students have had an unforgettable week on their residential trip to the Isle of Wight, packed with adventurous activities, teamwork and new challenges. Throughout the week, students demonstrated resilience, courage and enthusiasm as they took part in fencing, trapeze, laser tag, survival skills, Jacob’s Ladder, archery tag, aeroball and dragon boating. Students embraced every opportunity to challenge themselves, whether scaling the vertical challenge, launching from the giant swing or building shelters and learning fire-lighting techniques during survival sessions. Even changing weather conditions did not dampen spirits, with students continuing to show positivity and determination throughout the trip. A visit to Osborne House provided students with a fascinating glimpse into history, followed by a sunny walk to the beach. Another memorable excursion took students to The Needles, where they watched a glass-blowing demonstration, created layered sand souvenirs and explored the coastal paths and tunnels of the Old Battery. The residential has provided E Group (Year 5) students with many opportunities to develop independence, teamwork and confidence while creating lasting memories together. |
| D Group (Year 6) |
| This week, D Group (Year 6) students were set an imaginative homework challenge linked to their science learning. Students have been asked to design a brand-new deep-sea creature and explain how its unique adaptations help it survive in the extreme conditions of the ocean depths. The task encourages students to apply their understanding of habitats, adaptation and survival while using their creativity to invent extraordinary underwater life forms. |
Senior & Sixth
Former Student Returns for Oxbridge Seminar Group
We were pleased to welcome back to St Chris alumnus Geva Hill, who has recently received an offer to study history and politics at the University of Oxford. She came to talk to our current Year 12 students who are part of the Sixth Form Seminar Group, which is designed to support pupils looking to apply to Oxbridge, Russell Group universities or to medical and dentistry degrees.
Geva spoke about the requirements of the application process, how to find super-curricular activities to help support their Personal Statement section on UCAS, the interview process, and information on additional entrance exams required by some courses. Our Year 12 pupils were very engaged, asking pertinent and intelligent questions, and they got a great insight into the UCAS process in general, and the Oxbridge system in particular.
Student Voice at St Chris
Our Major Officials continue to drive student voice, ensuring our young people's opinions are heard across the school.
This week they ran the School Meeting, which is where the Major Officials update the whole Senior School about what was discussed at School Council and Fishes Lunch with Rich.
Topics included the upcoming Culture Day, Mock Elections, Student Led Social Media, and a Buddy System with the Junior School. Each of these projects are student initiatives, demonstrating their commitment to our values of service and community.
Boarders Enjoy Day Trip to Legoland
Our boarders enjoyed a fantastic day out at Legoland on Saturday, making the most of the rides, attractions and plenty of sunshine alongside staff who joined the trip.
From roller coasters and pirate ships to exploring the miniature Lego cities, there was something for everyone to enjoy throughout the day. Unsurprisingly, the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream stop proved particularly popular, while the Lego shop offered plenty of temptation for students eager to return home with new additions to their collections.
Trips such as these are an important part of boarding life at St Chris, giving students opportunities to relax together, spend time outside school and create shared memories as part of the boarding community.
A wonderful day was had by students and staff alike - although there may still be some ongoing recovery from the prices in the Lego shop. We suspect another visit may already be being planned.




