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.
Many years ago, in what feels like a different life, I interviewed for a post-production job at Disney.
I wanted it badly. Unfortunately, the interview did not go well. During one particularly awkward silence, I tried to lighten the mood by joking that I was surprised not to have seen Bugs Bunny wandering around the office. The interviewer, who was not in a particularly forgiving mood, informed me rather sternly that Bugs Bunny was in fact a Warner Bros character.
The interview limped on. I didn't get the job.
At the time, I was furious with myself. I felt embarrassed, disappointed and, if I am honest, a little lost. I had pinned quite a lot on that opportunity and it felt like a significant setback.
Yet looking back now, that apparent failure triggered a chain of events that led somewhere far better. It nudged me towards a different company where I enjoyed my work more, had more creative control and earned more money. Along the way, whilst I was at this company, I met my wife. In ways that I could never have predicted at the time, it also contributed to a series of decisions that eventually led me into education. To today.
Had I been successful in that interview, my life would almost certainly have looked very different.
I was reminded of this last week when I overheard a class at St Chris discussing The Lost Horse story. It goes like this…
A farmer's horse runs away. The villagers gather round and tell him what terrible luck this is.
"Maybe," the farmer replies.
The next day the horse returns, bringing six wild horses with it.
"What luck!" say the villagers.
"Maybe," says the farmer.
The farmer's son tries to tame one of the horses, is thrown off and breaks his leg.
"What bad luck!"
"Maybe."
Soon afterwards, soldiers arrive to recruit young men to fight in a war. Because of his broken leg, the son is unable to go.
"What brilliant, brilliant luck!"
"Maybe."
The wisdom of the story lies in its uncertainty. We are often very quick to decide whether something is good or bad, success or failure, fortune or misfortune. Yet we rarely know where any particular event will eventually lead.
This feels so relevant to me and all of us who are engaged with education and schools. Our young people can experience setbacks that feel overwhelming in the moment: not making a team, a disappointing exam result, not getting a part in a production, a friendship difficulty, or missing out on an opportunity they desperately wanted.
Equally, things that appear to be great successes do not always unfold in the way we expect.
One of the most valuable lessons we can learn is to resist the temptation to write the story too early. Alas, life is rarely that simple.
Looking back, many of the moments that shaped us most positively were not experiences we would have chosen at the time. The difficult conversations, the disappointments and the unexpected detours often become the very things that help us grow.
We throw an awful lot of opportunities at our students: productions, practice, OPPS, LSPs, tests, results, auditions, new activities, new friendships and everything in between. But opportunities are rarely guarantees. The most valuable ones often carry the possibility of failure, disappointment, frustration or simply finding out that reality does not quite match expectation. That is not a flaw in the process. It is often where the learning lives.
We cannot always control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond and whether we remain open to what comes next. My failed Disney interview certainly didn't feel like a gift at the time. Yet I would not swap the path that followed.
So when things don't quite go according to plan, perhaps the most honest response is the farmer's:
Maybe.
Have a wonderful weekend.
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
Wednesday 10 June, 6:30pm (BST) - WEBINAR:
Nurturing resilience: Nine ways families, schools, and communities can help children thrive with Dr Michael Ungar, Ph.D. Family Therapist, Canada Research Chair in Child, Family and Community Resilience, and Founder and Director of the Resilience Research Centre at Dalhousie University, Canada
Junior School: Developing Confidence and Creativity through Performing Arts
This week, pupils across the Junior School enjoyed a series of engaging workshops from Showstoppers Performing Arts School.
Drawing inspiration from hit musicals like Six, the sessions gave pupils the opportunity to explore drama, dance and performance in a fun environment.
From Reception through to E Group (Year 5), pupils embraced every challenge with enthusiasm and creativity. Whether learning new dance routines, performing songs, taking part in drama games or exploring movement and expression, the workshops were filled with laughter and teamwork. J Group (Year 1) particularly enjoyed performing a song from Six and taking part in the unforgettable ‘banana game’, while older pupils relished the chance to develop their performance skills through a variety of interactive activities.
At the heart of the workshops were the four key qualities championed by Showstoppers: confidence, concentration, communication and coordination. These values were evident throughout the sessions as pupils worked collaboratively, stepped outside their comfort zones and demonstrated impressive focus and enthusiasm.
The workshops provided a wonderful opportunity for pupils to express themselves creatively, build self-belief and, most importantly, have lots of fun. It was a fantastic way to start the week and everyone who took part had great fun.
Year 12: UCAS Discovery Day
Lower Sixth Explore Future Pathways
On Thursday, our Lower Sixth students attended the UCAS Discovery Day, an opportunity to explore a wide range of university, apprenticeship and career pathways as they begin planning for life beyond St Chris.
Throughout the day, students spoke with representatives from universities, apprenticeship providers and employers, gaining first-hand insights into the opportunities available to them after Sixth Form. They also attended subject-specific talks and guidance sessions covering topics such as UCAS applications, personal statements and course selection, which provided practical advice and helped students better understand the application process.
The visit forms part of our ongoing careers and higher education programme, helping students make informed decisions about their futures while building confidence as they begin preparing their applications for the year ahead. It was a valuable and motivating experience, providing plenty of inspiration as students take the next steps in exploring their ambitions and aspirations.
Junior School: Bringing Stories to Life Through Stop Motion Animation
Before half term, H Group (Year 2) explored the exciting world of stop motion animation in Computing, combining creativity, storytelling and digital skills to produce their very own animated films.
Working collaboratively in small teams, students began by developing original story ideas before planning their narratives and considering how to structure them with a clear beginning, middle and end. They then designed and constructed their own miniature film sets using LEGO, carefully bringing their ideas to life one frame at a time using the I Can Animate app.
Throughout the project, H Group demonstrated impressive imagination, perseverance and teamwork. Creating stop motion animation requires patience, attention to detail and forward planning, as every movement must be carefully considered before the next photograph is taken. Seeing their finished films come to life on screen was a rewarding experience and a wonderful celebration of their hard work.
Beyond the excitement of filmmaking, the project provided valuable opportunities to develop a wide range of skills. As they planned and sequenced their stories, H Group strengthened their understanding of narrative structure and cause and effect. Working collaboratively encouraged communication, negotiation and shared decision-making, while the technical aspects of animation helped build confidence in using digital technology creatively and purposefully.
Stop motion animation is also an excellent tool for developing problem-solving skills, spatial awareness and resilience. By experimenting, adapting ideas and overcoming challenges together, the students learned that creativity often involves persistence and refinement before achieving a successful outcome.
One of the greatest strengths of the project was its accessibility. The simple process of moving objects and capturing images allowed every student to participate confidently, while the open-ended nature of the task enabled them to express their own ideas and take ownership of their learning. This sense of autonomy and achievement was evident throughout the project and in the pride they took in sharing their completed animations.
We have been delighted to see H Group (Year 2) grow in confidence as storytellers, filmmakers and digital creators. For families who would like to continue the fun at home, the I Can Animate app is free to download, providing a fantastic opportunity to create your own stop motion movies together.
Notices
Whole School
Senior School Play - Tickets Now on Sale for Grimm Tales
Tickets are now on sale for our upcoming Lower School production, Grimm Tales, performed by students from I Group to IV Group (Years 7 to 10).
Drawing on the original stories collected by the Brothers Grimm, this imaginative and fast-paced production brings together a collection of classic fairy tales, filled with mystery, humour, unexpected twists and memorable characters. Audiences can expect familiar stories told in surprising ways, brought to life by a talented cast and crew of students.
Performances take place on Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 June from 7.00 to 8.30pm and tickets are £5 each.
Book tickets - Tuesday 16 June
Book tickets - Wednesday 17 June
Art Exhibition and Night at the Musicals - Friday 19 July
We are delighted to invite all families to two events on Friday 19 July. You are very welcome to attend one or both of these events.
Art and Design GCSE and A Level Exhibition (6.00 - 8.00pm)
Our annual exhibition showcases and celebrates the outstanding work of this year's exam year students. The exhibition private view takes place on Friday 19 June, from 6.00 to 8.00pm in the Senior School Art and 3D Design Departments and the Social Library.
The show features work across all six pathways - 3D Design; Art, Craft & Design; Fine Art; Graphic Communication; Photography and Textiles. We are incredibly proud of the inventive, distinctive and accomplished work produced by the students. Refreshments will be available in the art department on the night.
The exhibition is available to view during St Christopalooza on Saturday 20 June (12.00 to 2.30pm).
Entry to the private view on Friday 19 June is free; however, please do book via My School Portal so we know how many people to cater for.
Night at the Musicals (8.00 - 10.00pm, £5 per ticket)
On the same evening, we would also like to invite you to our Night at the Musicals open-air concert from 8.00 to 10.00pm.
The evening takes place on our outdoor stage on the field in a 'proms in the park' style event. Some seating will be available; however, we encourage you to bring picnic blankets, garden chairs or whatever you would like to sit on to ensure your comfort.
There will be free refreshments provided. Entry to the concert is £5 and tickets can be booked online via My School Portal
For both events please enter St Chris via the School Field (as you would for St Christopalooza). It will be clearly signposted.
Governors
St Christopher School is looking to recruit Governors to join our Governing Board, to contribute to the School’s strategic direction, educational innovation, financial resilience, effective governance and commitment to inclusion, wellbeing and safeguarding. Working collaboratively with fellow Governors and the Senior Leadership Team, Governors help ensure the continued success and long-term sustainability of the School.
While applications from all suitably qualified individuals are encouraged, we are particularly keen to strengthen the Board’s expertise in legal services, education, SEND and fundraising. Please note that we are not looking for Governors who are current parents of children at the School but ask that you would please share this vacancy with anyone in your network whom you think may be interested.
Further details of what is involved in Governorship can be found here
Please submit CVs to toni.warner@stchris.couk or telephone (01462) 650901. We welcome informal conversations and tours.
Barracudas Summer Holiday Camps
Families planning ahead for the summer holidays may be interested in a special offer from Barracudas who run summer activity camps at St Chris for children aged 4 to 14. St Chris parents can receive £20 off a booking of two days or more by using the code SCHOOL20 when booking. Barracudas also accept Tax-Free Childcare, Childcare Vouchers and Klarna payments.
Barracudas have also launched their ACTIVE Challenge, encouraging children to try new activities and share their active moments. Participation is optional, with prizes including a free week at summer camp, a free camp day and a Barracudas camp kit.
The challenge closes on 30 June, and further information can be found here. along with an optional activity worksheet - attached here.
Update from the Visiting Music Teachers
We have been informed that some Visiting Music Teachers will be reviewing their lesson fees for the new academic year, with revised charges taking effect from September 2026.
Where this applies, parents will receive further information directly from their child's music teacher, including details of the new fees and any actions required.
We wanted to share this advance notice to ensure families have plenty of time to consider the information once it is received.
If you have any questions once you have received this information, please contact your child's music teacher directly.
Summer AquaBoost
We are delighted to confirm the return of our Summer Holiday AquaBoost sessions this August, offering swimmers aged 3+ to adults 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
Student Research Project
Students India Gower, Maya Anderson, Sadie Robb and Orlando Knowles are currently carrying out a student research project as part of their IGCSE Global Perspectives team project, exploring the question: To what extent should students be able to express their political views?
The group are inviting students to complete a short survey to support their research. Responses will only be viewed by the students involved, alongside teachers Lizzie Hedderson and Charlotte Leeke, and any published findings will remain anonymous.
The students would be very grateful for support with their research and participation in the survey.
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.
Senior School and Sixth Form
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
External Events & Activities
Letchworth Festival (30 May - 30 June 2026)
The annual Letchworth Festival runs over five weekends and four weeks and is packed with family-friendly events and shows. You can find the full schedule at www.letchworthfestival.org. Some events need to be booked in advance, so please do check. Just a small selection of the things going on are:
Opening Day (Saturday 30 May) Leys Square: see a Chinese Lion Dance, Bollywood and Bhangra - and take part yourself in our workshops that also take place during the day.
Fun, Fitness and Football weekend (Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 June)
- On the Saturday there will be a range of games and sports in the town centre, including a football panna cage to mark the start of the 2026 World Cup. Over at Norton Common in the afternoon is the Double Decked Skate Jam, which includes free skateboarding lessons.
- On the Sunday, the giant inflatables land in Howard Park!
Space weekend (Friday 12 - Sunday 14 June) - we celebrate the year of the Artemis II space mission with a series of space-themed activities.
- On Friday evening TV presenter and space fan Dallas Campbell comes to Letchworth Settlement to talk about space exploration and his book Space Journal.
- On Saturday the Astronomy Society brings their telescopes to Leys Square and a Mobile Planetarium arrives at St Francis' College on Broadway, with shows every 30 mins from 9am (book in advance to guarantee a place).
- On Sunday 2001: A Space Odyssey is on at the Broadway Cinema, part of a special Kubrick season of films selected by our young film programmers.
- Find Out More
Also on Saturday 13 June is Glast-Wynd-Bury, the popular and FREE family-friendly music festival in The Wynd.
Arts and books Weekend (Friday 19 - Saturday 20 June)
- Friday 19 June: we welcome fantasy/comedy author Jasper Fforde to Letchworth Library who will talk about writing and his popular series of books.
- Saturday 20 June: The Wynd will be filled with outdoor painters as Art in the Wynd returns; Broadway Gallery will be stacked full of local community art; and Letchworth Open opens.
- Plus as part of the 'Year of Reading', children's poet Joshua Seigal will be performing live in David's Bookshop and Letchworth Library.
- Find Out More
Comic Con (Saturday 27 June) - the final weekend sees several events taking place, the most eye-catching of which is Comic Con. Get into costume or just wander around spotting characters, browsing stalls full of comics/games/fantasy goods. There are many, many activities to take part in too!
Calling Artists & Skaters: Boards and Brushes
Boards and Brushes at Letchworth Festival
The Mighty Creatives and the Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation are inviting local young people, artists and skaters aged 16+ to get involved in “Boards and Brushes”, a youth-led project taking place as part of the Letchworth Festival Skate Jam on 6 June.
The project will see local artists customising skateboards live during the event, with young people leading the planning and organisation throughout. The organisers are currently looking for up to five artists to take part, as well as skaters interested in getting involved.
The deadline to register is 28 May. Further information can be found here: Discover Letchworth Youth Collective
Careers Newsletter
Edition #32
This week's Careers Newsletter includes a wide range of opportunities, resources and events to help students explore future pathways and develop career-ready skills.
Highlights include:
- National Freelancer Week resources, including daily online sessions covering self-employment, finding clients, marketing yourself and building a successful freelance career
- Free online skills courses from Google Career Certificates and IBM SkillsBuild, with opportunities to develop knowledge in AI, cyber security and data analysis
- Creative industry tutorials from Escape Studios covering animation, games, visual effects, concept art and motion graphics
- The Students' Guide to University 2026, with advice on choosing courses, researching universities, financing study and preparing applications
- A spotlight on studying in India, exploring one of the world's largest higher education systems and its growing international opportunities
- Unifrog webinars on degree apprenticeships, personal statements, student finance and life at university
- Subject taster sessions exploring economics, graphic design, criminology and pharmacology, helping students discover where different academic interests could lead
- A careers spotlight on art conservation, combining science, history and practical skills to preserve important cultural artefacts for future generations
- An employer spotlight featuring careers in PR, communications and social media with Aduro Communications
Read the full Careers Newsletter below. If you have any further questions about Career Related Learning at St Chris, please contact Lizzie Hedderson.
7-Minute Safeguarding Briefing
Children Affected by Domestic Abuse
This week’s safeguarding briefing focuses on children affected by domestic abuse and the important role that schools and boarding communities play in recognising and responding to safeguarding concerns.
The briefing explores the many forms domestic abuse can take beyond physical violence, including emotional abuse, coercive or controlling behaviour, intimidation, financial control and online abuse, and highlights the significant impact these experiences can have on children’s emotional wellbeing, mental health, relationships and educational outcomes. Particular attention is given to the understanding, now recognised within the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, that children affected by domestic abuse are victims in their own right, even where they may not directly witness physical incidents.
The briefing also outlines some of the possible indicators staff and parents may notice in children affected by domestic abuse, including anxiety, withdrawal, emotional dysregulation, changes in behaviour, difficulty concentrating, friendship issues and increased distress around weekends or returning home. It also explains the role of Operation Encompass, the national safeguarding partnership which enables schools to receive information from police following domestic abuse incidents where children may be affected.
As with all safeguarding work at St Chris, the focus is not on making assumptions or creating alarm, but on ensuring that staff remain professionally curious, informed and able to respond sensitively and appropriately to concerns, recognising that trusted relationships and consistent support can make a significant difference to a child’s wellbeing and sense of safety. 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: CHILDREN AFFECTED BY DOMESTIC ABUSE
The Week Ahead
Nursery & Junior School
- Monday 8 June: Year 2 (H Group) Trip to Woburn
- Tuesday 9 June: J Group (Year 1) Beach Trip
- Thursday 11 June: D Group (Year 6) Trip to Sealife Centre, Hunstanton
- Friday 12 June: D Group (Year 6) Trip to Sealife Centre, Hunstanton
Senior School & Sixth Form
- Tuesday 9 June: LAMDA Exams
- Wednesday 10 June: III Group (Year 9) Cricket vs Priory School; LAMDA Exams
- Thursday 11 June: III Group (Year 9) Cricket vs Nobel; LAMDA Exams
- Friday 12 June: Year 8 (II Group) HPV Vaccinations; LAMDA Exams
- Saturday 13 June: LAMDA Exams
Summer Term Diary
| 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 II Group (Year 8) Cricket vs Priory 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 IV Group (Year 10) Cricket vs KTS |
| 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 III Group (Year 9) Cricket 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 Night at the Musicals |
| 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 |
Reception (K Group) Trip to Hitchin Museum Senior School Sports Day |
| Monday 29 June |
Nursery Sports Afternoon V Group (Year 11) Transition Day 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 |
Nursery Trip to Willows Farm 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 |
Junior School Gathering LSP trips |
| Wednesday 8 July | LSP trips |
| Thursday 9 July |
D Group (Year 6) final 'Morning' Talk and Afternoon Tea for Parents 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 Extreme (Yorkshire) returns Upper School LSP Devon Watersports returns 1200 noon Academic Year ends |
Nursery & Junior
The first week back after half term has seen pupils across the Junior School fully immersed in a rich variety of learning experiences. From storytelling, rhyming and seaside explorations to scientific investigations, outdoor learning and historical enquiry, children have approached each opportunity with enthusiasm, imagination and determination.
Forest School sessions encouraged teamwork, resilience and discovery, while classroom learning saw pupils developing their skills as writers, artists, scientists and historians. Drama workshops brought creativity and confidence to the forefront, with children embracing performance, movement and collaboration through engaging activities inspired by musical theatre.
Older pupils explored complex themes including leadership, decision-making, social change and historical interpretation, while younger learners developed their language, creativity and understanding of the natural world through hands-on experiences and imaginative play.
Whether investigating the mysteries of the Titanic, creating Japanese-inspired carp kites, conducting scientific observations in the school grounds or splashing through puddles in Forest School, every year group has enjoyed a week full of curiosity and creativity.
For this edition of the Roundup, we shine the spotlight on Year 1 (J Group) and look at their week in action...
J Group have enjoyed a busy and enriching week of learning, making the most of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.
In English, pupils have been exploring the non-fiction text Look What I Found at the Seaside. They became fully immersed in the topic through a hands-on investigation of a specially created rock pool area, using their senses to observe and discuss what they discovered. The pupils impressed with their use of rich vocabulary and descriptive language, sharing thoughtful observations with their peers. A particular highlight was the opportunity to explore a collection of seaside treasures brought in to share with the class, including a fascinating starfish, which sparked curiosity and discussion throughout the classroom.
Their seaside theme continued in art and DT, where they began learning about the many uses of kites around the world. Inspired by the carp kites flown during Children's Day celebrations in Japan, pupils started creating their own colourful designs. Carefully crafting scales from crepe paper required patience, perseverance and fine motor skill, and the children took great pride in their developing creations. We look forward to seeing some creations flying high on the beach trip next week!
The beautiful weather provided the perfect opportunity for outdoor learning. As part of their science studies, J Group visited the St Chris roses and were delighted to see them flourishing and in bloom. They also checked on the broad beans they planted earlier in the year, observing how much they had grown and discovering beans forming inside the pods. In maths, the pupils took their learning outdoors as they continued exploring fractions by drawing shapes and identifying one quarter.
The week also marked the start of a new history topic on the seaside, past and present. Through an energetic game of charades, J Group acted out different seaside scenes, prompting plenty of laughter, imaginative thinking and discussion as they reflected on their own experiences and worked collaboratively with their classmates.
From scientific investigation and creative design to historical enquiry and descriptive writing, J Group have embraced every opportunity to learn with enthusiasm, curiosity and imagination this week.
Senior & Sixth
III Group Visit Bletchley Park
On Wednesday, III Group (Year 9) spent the day at Bletchley Park, exploring the fascinating history of wartime codebreaking and the origins of modern computing.
Despite the wet weather, students enjoyed a guided tour of the site and took part in a learning session where they worked together to decode encrypted messages sent using the famous Enigma Machine. The visit brought to life topics studied in both history and computer science, offering an insight into the work that took place at Bletchley Park during the Second World War.
Students also visited the Artificial Intelligence exhibition, where they were challenged to decide whether a series of images were genuine photographs or AI-generated creations. Some proved remarkably difficult to identify, prompting plenty of discussion about the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies.
It was a thought-provoking day, helping students connect classroom learning with real-world developments that continue to shape society today.
Global Running Day Challenge
Students marked Global Running Day on Wednesday with a sunny 5km run at Sixth Form Run Club, celebrating the benefits of getting active and spending time outdoors together.
To keep the momentum going, James and Flora have set a weekend challenge for the whole school. Any student who completes a 5km run or walk over the weekend and shows evidence to James or Flora will receive 10 House Points. Sixth Form students will also earn 10 Quiz Points.
Whether you're an experienced runner or simply fancy getting out for a walk with family or friends, we'd love to see as many students as possible taking part.
Good luck to everyone taking on the challenge!
Celebrating the Rich Cultural Diversity of Our Community
Just before half term, students in the Senior School came together to celebrate Culture Celebration Day, marking the United Nations World Day for Cultural Diversity, Dialogue and Development.
The day provided an opportunity for students to reflect on what culture means to them and to share aspects of their own heritage, traditions and identities with one another. Discussions explored the many ways culture shapes our lives, from language, music and celebrations to family traditions, food and values.
One of the highlights of the day was the wonderful variety of food brought in by students and families. Little Break was filled with dishes representing cultures and traditions from around the world, giving students the chance to learn from one another and enjoy new flavours together.
Events such as this reflect the strength of our community and our commitment to creating an environment where every individual is known and understood and feels a sense of belonging and it was a celebration of the many cultures, experiences and perspectives that make St Chris such a special place to learn and grow.
