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.
Is it strange to feel both joy and sadness over the state of a dinner table?
For the past month or so, our dinner table has been completely hijacked by GCSE revision. No permission was sought. No consultation took place. It was, almost entirely, a hostile takeover. Papers. Glue. Flashcards. Posters. Past papers. Marked past papers. Pens. Shards of pencil. Dirty cups. Clean cups. Cups I have never seen before. Printer cartridges. Calculators. Two protractors. And one unidentified device which appeared to have been borrowed from a medieval torture chamber.
The GCSE period has now passed and the long wait for results begins.
The dinner table is back…in order.
I have triumphed in the end. I waged a very silent battle and emerged victorious.
As I stood looking at the reclaimed territory this week, admittedly with a few more pen marks and coffee rings than before, I felt rather smug. Then to be honest, rather annoyingly, I felt sad. I couldn't quite shake the feeling that something important had slipped by unnoticed. A rite of passage had quietly drifted away from me.
The table had driven me mad. Most evenings I was muttering under my breath about the mess and disorder. Why can’t things just be put away or at least stacked in some order. Is it too much to take a plate out. Yet, standing there looking at the empty surface, I realised that one day I will probably miss every bit of it.
The stress. The revision. The endless requests for printer ink. The frantic searches for calculators (I counted four at one point). The feeling that family life was somehow being governed by an exam timetable...urgh.
YET, I have been incredibly privileged to walk alongside that journey. To invest, encourage, console, cajole, worry, nag, celebrate and occasionally panic entirely unnecessarily. If I am honest, I think I was more stressed than they were for much of it.
I have concluded that I have been lucky…annoyed, but lucky I think.
I had a similar feeling whilst folding washing recently. Gone are the Peppa Pig tops. Gone are the Thomas the Tank Engine socks. In their place are clothes that are entirely football-related or apparently fashionable, although I often have my doubts.
Time passes. We all know that. I am not an idiot. But knowing it and feeling it are two very different things.
The same weekend, during what I appreciate is becoming an increasingly emotional relationship with household furniture and laundry, I went to visit my dad for his birthday. Eighty-four, I think. My dad is, or perhaps was, a big barrel of a man. A proud Lancastrian. An old miner. Tough, listless, and stubborn in roughly equal measure.
This year, though, I sat beside him in his care home room and spoon-fed him his birthday cake, his jelly and then his dinner. Afterwards, I wiped his chin, and I washed his face. He smiled or grimaced – pretty interchangeable if I am honest.
And I found myself thinking about how incredibly circular life is (not in a Lion King sort of way, or maybe it is).
Just more a recognition that, in the same weekend, I had watched one generation stepping forwards into adulthood (of sorts) whilst another drifted further away from independence.
One moving onwards and outwards. One moving inwards. One beginning a journey. One approaching the end of theirs.
My dad is becoming a shell of the man he once was. Not through any fault of his own. Not through choice. Simply because that is what age and illness sometimes do. There is no sense of progress anymore. No next chapter. No new horizon. Just smaller circles and quieter days. And there I was, somewhere in the middle…watching both directions at once.
It reminded me of a quote from the US version of The Office: "I wish there was a way to know you're in the good old days before you've actually left them."
I think there is a lot of truth in that.
We spend so much of our lives wishing things away. The busy weeks. The stressful weeks. The exhausting weeks. The revision weeks. The taxi-driving weeks. The endlessly repeating weeks. We tell ourselves that things will calm down after the next event, the next term, the next exam, the next milestone.
And then suddenly the dinner table is clear, and the washing basket is different.
The chapter closes.
One of the things I value most about St Chris is that, despite all the pressures of modern life, we still try to make time matter. We take time to mark time and create something.
Because the truth is that none of it lasts very long as far as I can see. Not the chaos or the noise or the revision notes on a table. Not even the things that currently drive us slightly mad.
So perhaps, this weekend, I will try and take a moment to notice the season of life that I am in, maybe even the messier blobs and the utterly ordinary bits.
Because one day they may well become the good old days.
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 22 June - PARENT TOOLKIT
How to manage meltdowns, create healthy boundaries and more - for parents/carers of children aged 2-8
Whole School: St Christopalooza 2026
Saturday 20 June, 12.00 - 2.30pm
We're looking forward to welcoming families tomorrow for St Christopalooza, which takes place from 12.00 to 2.30pm on the School Field.
Senior School students have been busy preparing their student-run stalls and there will be live music, food and drink, a "bounce zone", candyfloss, popcorn, animal encounters, face painting, a slip and slide, a tombola plus more! The art and design exhibition will also be open to view in the Senior School art and 3D design department.
The whole school community is invited and you are encouraged to bring a chair or picnic blanket to enjoy the musical performances. The weather is looking perfect but please remember sun hats, sun cream and a water bottle. Cash and cards accepted for tokens.
Please can we remind you that it is a compulsory day for Senior School students who should arrive any time after 10.30am to set up their exhibition stalls, as arranged with their Company Adviser.
Grimm Tales Delights and Terrifies Audiences
Congratulations to the cast and crew of Grimm Tales, this year's Lower School production, which entertained audiences across two memorable evenings this week.
Performed by students from I Group to IV Group (Years 7 to 10), the production brought four classic Brothers Grimm stories to life: Rumpelstiltskin, Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Cap and Ashputtel. Presented as a series of mini plays, each tale combined humour, suspense and more than a few surprises along the way.
The production made full use of audience participation, drawing viewers into the action and creating a wonderfully immersive atmosphere. While there were plenty of laughs, there were also some genuinely chilling moments and well-timed scares that kept audiences on the edge of their seats.
One of the greatest strengths of the production was the opportunity it gave every student to shine. The cast embraced their roles with confidence, energy and commitment, delivering a host of memorable performances and demonstrating the depth of talent within the school.
A huge thank you and congratulations go to Connor, Sue and Holly, whose hard work, creativity and dedication brought the production to life. It was a fantastic celebration of drama at St Chris and a fitting showcase of our students' enthusiasm, imagination and growing performance skills.
Notices
Whole School
School Sports Days
With both our Junior School and Senior School Sports Days taking place next week, we would like to remind families to help students prepare for the warm weather forecast.
Please ensure your child:
- Arrives at school wearing sun cream
- Brings a hat
- Has a filled water bottle
Regular hydration breaks will take place throughout the day, similar to those seen at major sporting events (perhaps with fewer ads!) and water refill stations will be available so students can top up their bottles as needed.
Junior School Sports Day - Thursday 25 June, 9.00am
We look forward to welcoming pupils and families to the Main Field for Junior School Sports Day.
The morning will begin with a range of House activities, and parents and carers are welcome to move around the field and accompany children as they take part. This will be followed by our traditional track races, with a designated spectator area where families can cheer on all participants.
After the sporting events, families are warmly invited to join us for a picnic on the Junior School Front Lawn, providing an opportunity to celebrate the children's achievements and spend time together as a school community. Students will be provided with a picnic by school but parents and families are invited to bring their own vegetarian picnic to enjoy.
At the end of the picnic, children may go home with their families if preferred. Please let your child's class teacher know whether your child will be leaving after lunch or remaining in school for the afternoon.
Senior School Sports Day - Friday 26 June
Senior School students will take part in Sports Day on Friday. This is a student-only event. Students should come prepared for a day of competition and outdoor activities, with sun protection and a water bottle as outlined above.
We wish all students the very best of luck and look forward to two fantastic days of sport, teamwork and House spirit.
School Bus Bookings for 2026-27 - Now Open
Bookings for the St Chris school bus service for the 2026–27 academic year are now open through Zeelo, our school transport provider.
If your child travels to school by bus, or you are considering using the service next year, please ensure you have downloaded the Zeelo app and created an account before making your booking. The school bus service is available for students in Year 5 (E Group) and above.
To help Zeelo plan routes and allocate the appropriate vehicles, bookings will only be open for a limited period. Families are therefore encouraged to book as early as possible to secure their preferred route and stop.
Booking deadline: Saturday 18 July 2026
Useful links:
- View the step-by-step booking guide
- Download the Zeelo app (Apple App Store)
- Download the Zeelo app (Google Play Store)
- Access your account online
- St Chris main school bus booking page
- St Chris late bus booking page
- St Chris timetable and routes
- St Chris late bus timetable
A range of ticket options is available, including annual passes, 10-ride bundles and single or return journeys.
Please note that the email address used to create your Zeelo account will receive all travel notifications and service updates, including information about delays.
For further support, please visit the Zeelo Help Centre or use the live chat function on the Zeelo website.
End of Term Music Recitals
Join us for two evenings celebrating the musical achievements of our Junior and Senior School pupils. Featuring a wonderful variety of instrumental and vocal performances, the recitals will showcase the talent, dedication and hard work of our young musicians. Please note that the events aren't ticketed - please just come along. We look forward to welcoming families and friends to these two special events.
Senior Summer Music Recital - Wednesday 24 June, 6.00pm
Junior Summer Music Recital - Wednesday 1 July, 4.00pm
Free LAMDA Taster Sessions
Students aged 9 and above are invited to try a free LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) taster session during the final weeks of term.
LAMDA lessons are open to any student with an interest in theatre, performance and communication skills. Whether your child enjoys being centre stage or prefers working behind the scenes, LAMDA helps students develop confidence, creativity, public speaking and performance skills in a supportive and enjoyable environment.
St Chris is proud to be an accredited LAMDA Examination Centre, and our students achieve exceptional results, with 97% achieving Distinction and 3% achieving Merit in 2025.
If your child would like to book a free taster session or you would like further information, please contact Sue Scott-Davison directly via email at sue.scottdavison@stchris.co.uk.
Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please find more information about LAMDA at St Chris here:
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.
Summer AquaBoost - Limited Spaces Available
We are delighted t
o 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.
There are limited places still available in
- Week 1: Tuesday 28 July to Thursday 30 July
- Week 2 Tuesday 4 August to Thursday 6 August between 5.00 and 6.30pm (stage dependent)
Junior School
Transition Days
As the end of term approaches, we are looking forward to welcoming students into their new classes and helping them prepare for the next stage of their St Chris journey.
Junior School Transition Day - Wednesday 24 June
All Junior School pupils will spend the day with their new class and teacher and in their new classroom for the 2026–27 academic year. This is an important opportunity for students to become familiar with their new learning environment, begin building relationships with classmates and staff, and look ahead to the year to come with confidence and excitement.
D Group (Year 6) Transition to Senior School - Monday 22 June to Wednesday 24 June
Students moving from D Group (Year 6) into I Group (Year 7) will spend three days in the Senior School next week, experiencing lessons, meeting teachers and getting to know the Senior School site and routines.
Students should arrive between 8.15am and 8.30am on Monday and make their way to the Theatre. Lunch will be provided each day. Students should bring:
- A water bottle
- A pencil case
- A named school bag containing PE kit
These transition days form an important part of helping students feel settled and confident ahead of September and are always a highlight of the year.
Further information, including Welcome Booklets and details of after-school club bookings, will be shared with families in the coming weeks.
On Wedensday 24 June from 3.00 to 4.00pm, we're also delighted to welcome D Group parents to a Welcome Event on the School Field
Senior School and Sixth Form
A Level Exam Results Day: Thursday 13 August
Results can be collected in person or over the telephone (main switchboard: +44 1462 650850) from 8.30am until 4.00pm. Results not collected on the day will be posted home the same day, first class. Teachers will be available in school between 8.30 and 10.30am.
GCSE Exam Results Day: Thursday 20 August
Results can be collected in person or over the telephone (main switchboard: +44 1462 650850) from 8.30am until 4.00pm. Results not collected on the day will be posted home the same day, first class. Teachers will be available in school between 8.30 and 10.30am.
External Notices, Events & Activities
Measles Vaccination Reminder
We have been asked by Hertfordshire's Director of Public Health to share an important reminder with families ahead of the summer holidays.
Cases of measles have increased across Hertfordshire this year, with most cases occurring in children who have not received both doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Measles is highly infectious and can sometimes lead to serious complications.
As families prepare for summer travel and activities, parents and carers are encouraged to check that their child's vaccinations are up to date. If your child has missed one or both doses of the MMR vaccine, please contact your GP practice to arrange an appointment.
Parents and carers can check vaccination records in their child's Red Book or via the NHS App. If you are concerned that your child may have measles, please contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice before attending a healthcare setting.
The MMR vaccine is free on the NHS and remains the most effective way to protect against measles, mumps and rubella.
Please see the attached letter for further information.
Quantum Computing Masterclass at the University of Hertfordshire
Students in Lower Sixth (Year 12) and Upper Sixth (Year 13) with an interest in mathematics, physics, computer science or engineering may be interested in a free five-day summer masterclass exploring the fascinating world of quantum theory and quantum computing.
Quantum in Pictures: Quantum Theory for Everyone takes place from 20 to 24 July 2026, 10.00am to 3.00pm, at the University of Hertfordshire's SPECTRA Building on the College Lane Campus. Led by quantum research scientists and guest speakers from academia and industry, the programme uses an innovative visual approach to make complex quantum concepts accessible and engaging.
Students will develop an understanding of key quantum principles, explore real-world applications of quantum computing and gain insight into one of the most exciting areas of modern science and technology. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and the closing date for registration is 22 June 2026.
For further information and to register, please see the details on the attached poster.
Letchworth Comic Con 2026
Families looking for a creative and fun day out may be interested in Letchworth Comic Con 2026, taking place on Saturday 27 June.
The family-friendly event will feature activities, workshops, competitions, stalls and entertainment inspired by the worlds of comics, books, film, gaming and popular culture. It is a wonderful opportunity for young people to celebrate reading, creativity and imagination while meeting others who share their interests.
The organisers are also partnering with Broadway Gallery on an art competition, with all entries displayed as part of a special exhibition. Students with a passion for drawing, design or storytelling are encouraged to take part.
For further information, visit the event's Facebook page and look out for the attached poster.
Careers Newsletter
Edition #35
This week's Careers Newsletter celebrates National Writing Day, exploring how strong communication and creative writing skills can open doors to a wide range of careers, from publishing and journalism to marketing and media.
Highlights include:
- National Writing Day resources and activities, encouraging students to explore creative writing and self-expression while developing valuable lifelong communication skills
- Poetry competitions for young writers, including the prestigious Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award and opportunities to win prizes through the Young Poets Competition
- Advice and inspiration for students considering careers in journalism, publishing and editorial work, including insights into how journalists identify and develop stories
- Guidance on the wide range of careers that can stem from studying English and developing strong writing skills
- Exploration of how artificial intelligence is changing journalism and media, alongside discussion of the continuing importance of human creativity, authenticity and communication
- A filmmaking opportunity through the Cinemagic Young Filmmaker competition, inviting young people to submit original films across a range of genres
- A careers spotlight on the role of an Editorial Assistant, offering insight into publishing, content creation and media careers
- An employer spotlight on VCCP, one of the UK's leading creative agencies, including information about work experience and entry-level opportunities
- A university spotlight on Bath Spa University and its creative and career-focused courses
- A world study destination spotlight on Mexico, including information about university applications, admissions processes and studying abroad
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
- Saturday 20 June: St Christopalooza!
- Monday 22 June: I Group (Year 7) Transition Day
- Tuesday 23 June: I Group (Year 7) Transition Day
- Wednesday 24 June: Junior School Transition Day, I Group (Year 7) Transition Day
- Thursday 25 June: Junior School Sports Day
- Friday 26 June: K Group (Reception) Trip to Hitchin Museum
Senior School & Sixth Form
- Saturday 20 June: St Christopalooza!
- Monday 22 June: V Group (Year 11) Trip to Thorpe Park; Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Exams
- Tuesday 23 June: Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Exams; Sports Award Evening
- Wednesday 24 June: District Athletics; Senior School Summer Concert
- Friday 26 June: Senior School Sports Day
Summer Term Diary
| Monday 29 June |
Nursery Sports Afternoon V Group (Year 11) Transition Day to Sixth Form 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
Junior School Weekly Highlights
Students have embraced a wide range of learning opportunities both in and beyond the classroom this week. From observing caterpillars transform in the Nursery to exploring democracy in D Group (Year 6), students have demonstrated curiosity, creativity and enthusiasm in all they do.
Outdoor learning has featured strongly this week, with residential adventures at Thriftwood, nature exploration at Thrift Cottage, campfire experiences in Forest School and investigations into plants and sustainable materials. Students have also enjoyed opportunities to express themselves through art, drama, music and writing, while developing important skills in mathematics, science, PSHE and topic work.
A particular highlight was Wednesday's Sports Day practice, when the whole Junior School gathered in their house teams on the main school field. It was wonderful to see older students supporting the youngest members of the school community, encouraging one another and demonstrating the teamwork, kindness and house spirit that are such an important part of life at St Chris.
Read on to discover what each year group has been learning and enjoying this week.
|
D Group (Year 6) |
|---|
|
D Group (Year 6) welcomed two senior students this week, who planned and delivered an engaging lesson on democracy. The session provided an excellent opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of democratic principles while learning from older peers. D Group (Year 6) demonstrated maturity and respect throughout, listening carefully, participating thoughtfully and gaining valuable insights from the experience. |
|
E Group (Year 5) |
|
E Group (Year 5) have been engaging thoughtfully with a range of important topics this week. In PSHE, students explored human development by learning about the female reproductive system and the menstrual cycle. They examined a variety of period products and discussed their uses in a sensitive and informative environment. In Spelling, students focused on words featuring the prefix "over-", extending their vocabulary through examples such as overthrow and overestimate. Alongside their classroom learning, students have also been preparing for Water Safety sessions in Swimming, helping to develop important life skills and confidence in aquatic environments. |
| F Group (Year 4) |
|
F Group (Year 4) have enjoyed a particularly busy and enriching week. During their visit to Thrift Cottage, students explored nature, created beautiful artwork and embraced a variety of outdoor learning experiences while making the most of the changing weather. They were also treated to a LAMDA Showcase, where Junior School performers shared pieces they had recently presented in their examinations, providing an inspiring celebration of confidence and performance skills. In the classroom, F Group (Year 4) have been developing their understanding of time in Maths, learning to convert between analogue and digital formats while building towards work on the 24-hour clock. In Science, students investigated how sound travels through solids, liquids and gases, making predictions and testing their ideas through practical investigations. Their Topic studies focused on famous authors and playwrights, culminating in a fascinating visit from a children's author, who shared insights into the writing process and the many people involved in bringing books to life. Students listened attentively and asked thoughtful questions throughout the session. |
| G Group (Year 3) |
| It has been an exciting and adventurous week for G Group (Year 3). Students enjoyed a visit to a local outdoor learning environment, where they investigated a variety of plants and explored how trees and shrubs can provide sustainable building materials. The beautiful surroundings offered the perfect setting for discussion, observation, discovery and art. Later in the week, G Group (Year 3) embarked on their residential trip to Thriftwood, taking part in a wide range of activities including climbing, assault courses, ziplining, crate stacking, bushcraft and kayaking. Students learned how to safely light and maintain a fire, toasted marshmallows around the campfire and demonstrated teamwork, resilience and enthusiasm throughout their outdoor adventures. |
| H Group (Year 2) |
| H Group (Year 2) have thoroughly enjoyed reading Meerkat Mail this week. Inspired by Sunny the meerkat's adventures, students wrote imaginative postcards describing journeys across the Kalahari Desert. Their writing showcased excellent creativity and empathy as they stepped into the shoes of the story's main character. Excitement has also been building throughout the week as students eagerly anticipate their upcoming Camp Out adventure. |
| J Group (Year 1) |
| J Group (Year 1) have enjoyed a wonderfully creative and varied week. In Art, students explored the work of famous seaside artists before using natural seaside materials to create their own imaginative pieces, including seascapes, rainbows, hearts and rock pools. Their collaborative approach resulted in some truly thoughtful creations. In Maths, students have been developing their understanding of numbers from 50 to 100 through engaging games that strengthened both their number sense and resilience. As part of their Journeys topic, J Group (Year 1) travelled virtually to Brazil, where they learned about the Amazon Rainforest, its wildlife and the vibrant Rio Carnival, even designing their own carnival masks. Alongside this, students have been enthusiastically rehearsing their song for the upcoming Summer Gathering. |
| Reception (K Group) |
| K Group (Reception) embraced the outdoors this week with a campfire session in the Forest School. Despite the weather, students made the most of the opportunity, revisiting important campfire safety rules and learning about different types of wood and how smoke behaves around a fire. There was great enthusiasm around the pond, where students observed visiting damselflies and discovered that they had begun laying eggs. The group also benefited from support from a volunteer visitor, who helped students create swings and further enrich their outdoor learning experiences. Excitement is also building as K Group (Reception) prepare to deliver their first Morning Talk to their families, sharing all they have been learning this term. |
| Nursery |
| As part of their Growing and Changing topic, Monte (Nursery) students have been exploring the theme of change through the story The Cautious Caterpillar. The students reflected on how they have grown from babies into young learners, discussing the ways they have changed and the new skills they have developed over time. Excitement filled the classroom when baby caterpillars arrived for the students to care for. Over the past week, they have carefully observed the caterpillars grow and prepare to form their chrysalises, providing a fascinating real-life example of transformation and growth. |
Senior & Sixth
Daniel Receives Imperial College London Scholarship
Congratulations to Upper Sixth (Year 13) student Daniel Da Silva, who has been awarded a prestigious scholarship from Imperial College London alongside an offer to study Materials Science and Engineering this autumn.
Following a highly competitive application process, Imperial's admissions team highlighted the strength of Daniel's personal statement, interview and group task performance when making their decision. In addition to receiving an offer of a place on the course, Daniel has been awarded a scholarship for four years.
The award recognises both Daniel's academic potential and his impressive performance throughout the application process.
We are delighted to see Daniel's hard work and commitment rewarded in this way and wish him every success as he prepares for the next stage of his educational journey.
Congratulations, Daniel!
Boarders Enjoy a Thrilling Day at Thorpe Park
Last weekend, our boarders headed to Thorpe Park for a day packed with excitement, laughter and adventure.
From soaring rollercoasters to water rides and attractions, students made the most of the opportunity to spend time together outside of school, challenging themselves on some of the park's biggest rides and creating plenty of memories along the way.
The trip was a fantastic chance for boarders from different year groups to relax, socialise and enjoy each other's company, while taking advantage of everything the park had to offer. Judging by the smiles in the photographs, there were plenty of highlights throughout the day.
A huge thank you to our boarding staff for organising another successful weekend activity.
I Group Interhouse Swimming Gala Results
This year's I Group (Year 7) Swimming Gala produced a result unlike any we can remember, with Lytton and Godwin sharing first place after both finishing on an impressive 42 points. Gernon secured the silver medals with 29 points.
There were some outstanding individual performances. Every student who competed in an individual event achieved a personal best time in their stroke, with James recording personal bests in all three of his races. Merrie (Butterfly), Bea (Backstroke/Crawl), Francesca S (Breaststroke), Frankie W (Freestyle) and Harry (Freestyle) all achieved Bronze standard times, with Harry and Merrie narrowly missing out on Silver. Milan achieved a Gold standard time in Front Crawl.
The gala was a wonderful celebration of the progress our I Group students have made in swimming throughout the year. Congratulations to everyone who took part and represented their house so well.
Run-STC Takes on Stevenage Parkrun
Last Saturday, a team from St Chris (Run-STC!) took on the challenge of Stevenage Parkrun, enjoying perfect running conditions and some excellent performances on what is known to be a demanding course.
The team put in a fantastic effort, with several runners achieving impressive times and making the most of the sunny morning. More importantly, it was a great opportunity to come together, support one another and enjoy being active as part of the wider running community.
If you would like to get involved in running at St Chris, there are plenty of opportunities to do so. Sixth Form Run Club meets at 7.20am on Friday mornings, and running is also available as a Thursday afternoon Opp.
Looking ahead, we hope to take part in more local parkruns and are already setting our sights on the Standalone 10K on Sunday 4 October. New runners are always welcome, whatever your level of experience.
