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.
I was working in Central London on this day 25 years ago when two planes crashed into the World Trade Center.
I was working as a film editor at the time, next door to a Reuters news agency building. My colleagues and I found ourselves standing with journalists in front of their enormous wall screen as the pictures came in from New York. We watched as the second plane hit the South Tower.
I can still remember it almost as if it happened in slow motion.
What I remember most clearly, though, is the silence immediately afterwards. The looks between friends, journalists and my post-production colleagues as it slowly dawned on us that this wasn't looking like an accident anymore.
And then, almost instantly, the silence disappeared.
The newsroom erupted into frenetic activity. Journalists, camera crews and news editors rushed to phones, screens, and meetings. People dashed past us. Everyone suddenly had something they needed to do.
We left quietly and went back to our offices, trying to get our heads around what we had just watched.
The days that followed were strange. Central London was on edge. You could almost touch the anxiety. The tubes were quieter, and people seemed to look at one another differently.
A few days later I was walking along Putney High Street on my way to meet a client when a solitary plane flew overhead. People simply stopped. Complete strangers stood in the street and watched its trajectory across the sky.
It sounds extraordinary now, but perhaps that tells you something about those days. It was unsettling, frightening and, although we didn't yet understand quite how, obviously a seminal moment.
Within two years my own life had changed too. I had left film and started teaching history. Suddenly I was standing in classrooms talking to young people about Revolutionary France, the origins of the First World War and the Cuban Missile Crisis, much as my own teachers had done with me. Except something was different.
Everyone in those classrooms knew about 9/11. They had experienced it in different ways and with different levels of understanding, but we all knew that we had lived through a moment that would shape the modern world.
The conversations we had about history were inevitably flavoured by it. Terrorism, war, religion, freedom, security, vulnerability and what might happen next no longer felt quite so abstract.
Twenty-five years later, I think all of us who lived through that period were formed, to a greater or lesser extent, by what happened that day and what followed. Afghanistan, Iraq, the hunt for those responsible, 7/7 here in London, and arguments about security, identity, religion and belonging became part of the landscape in which we lived.
There is something else I remember from those first years of teaching.
The school I worked in essentially shut down discussion about 9/11. The Head quite rightly held a remembrance service for those who had died, but there was very little space to talk about what had happened, what it meant, why it had happened, or to explore the questions the young people themselves had. I remember finding that slightly odd.
The pupils still had questions. Some had fears. Some had opinions. Some had picked up things from parents, television, or newspapers that they wanted to understand. But we didn't really invite those conversations. Perhaps it was easier that way.
And I think that has stayed with me.
Because it often is easier to close off rather than invite. Easier to suppress than explore. Easier to avoid the difficult conversation than create a space in which people can disagree, question, listen and perhaps understand one another a little better.
One of the things I love about St Chris is that doing that would feel almost anathema here.
Over recent years we have talked together about Ukraine, Gaza, Covid, elections and countless other difficult and sometimes divisive subjects. We haven't always agreed. Nor should we. The point of an open community isn't that everybody thinks the same thing.
Quite the opposite.
It is that we build a community strong enough to allow difference. One where we can ask difficult questions, challenge one another, listen properly, change our minds occasionally and disagree without turning the person opposite us into an enemy.
There is a tiny photograph in my room that has followed me around for more than a decade. It shows a message scrawled amongst the dust and rubble after 9/11.
It simply says: "We have to rise."
I don't entirely know why I have kept it for so long. Perhaps because there is something wonderfully human in those four words. We pick through things. We get back up. We rebuild. We try again. And perhaps rising also means refusing to retreat from one another when the world becomes difficult. Choosing discussion over silence. Curiosity over assumption. Acceptance over suspicion. Community over division.
St Chris is only one small school in one small corner of the world. We shouldn't pretend otherwise. But we can play our part. We can make this a place where discussion, debate, acceptance, celebration, and community are strong enough that hatred finds it difficult to take root.
Twenty-five years after that strange September morning, that feels to me like something worth continuing to stand for.
The Big Questions: Debate, Discussion and Student Voice
This term sees the return of The Big Questions, our Philosophy Super Curriculum debate activity for Senior School Company Time.
Taking place fortnightly, the sessions give students regular opportunities to explore philosophical and ethical questions, listen to different perspectives and develop the confidence to express and challenge ideas respectfully.
Previous questions have included:
- Does the existence of the House of Lords undermine democracy?
- Is there life after death?
- Should we abolish the monarchy?
Students are now being invited to suggest the topics they would like to debate in future sessions, placing student voice at the heart of the programme. Tabby Bennett, Head of Philosophy, will also relaunch the initiative during Morning Talk on Friday 25 September.
We encourage families to continue these conversations at home. Ask your child which question they discussed, what different views emerged – and whether the debate changed their mind.
St Chris Calendar
Autumn 2026–27
The St Chris calendar is now live on My School Portal bringing together events and important dates from across the school in one convenient place.
Families can use the online calendar to keep track of everything happening at St Chris throughout the term. Further events will be added as plans are confirmed, so we recommend checking it regularly for the latest information, however a handy guide is below and we include the school calender towards the bottom of the Roundup each week.
View and subscribe to the calendar
To view the calendar:
- Open My School Portal.
- Sign in using the email address registered with the school.
- Select My Calendar in the top-right corner.
- You can then filter the view to the section of the school you are interested in.
You can also subscribe to the St Chris calendar in your personal calendar:
- On the My School Portal calendar, select Subscribe and Exports.
- You will be redirected to your calendar.
- Review the settings and select Import.
- Please note, if you have filtered the view (for example, just to Junior School events), you will only subscribe to that filter, not to the whole calendar.
For those who prefer something to print and keep at home, we have also produced a handy PDF featuring key dates and events for the Autumn Term - see below.
Senior School Co-curricular Activities
Autumn 2026–27
Life beyond the classroom is an important part of the St Chris experience, giving students opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills and spend time with others across the school community.
The new Senior School co-curricular programme for the Autumn Term starts next week on Monday 14 September and includes a broad choice of clubs and activities spanning sport, music, drama, creativity, academic enrichment and much more.
Students and families are encouraged to look through the programme below together and consider the activities they would most like to try.
To sign up:
- Visit My School Portal
- Click on the homepage button Clubs, Trips & Activities - Evolve
- From Evolve, click What's On
- Click on Senior School After School Activities Autumn 2026
- Choose an activity and click on its title to select the event
- Once you have chosen all your clubs, scroll to the bottom of the page and click Submit Booking Requests
If you have any questions about Senior School clubs or activities, or any problems signing up please contact Emma Roskilly: emma.roskilly@stchris.co.uk
Junior School Outdoor Learning
Exploring, Discovering and Growing: Forest School is Back!
What a wonderful start to the Forest School year! Students across the Junior School have embraced every opportunity to explore, discover and learn outdoors, approaching activities with enthusiasm, curiosity and a real sense of adventure.
This week, the orchard and pond became outdoor classrooms as students harvested seeds, explored wildlife habitats, sorted and tasted apples, and investigated the fascinating process of decomposition. Along the way, they developed key scientific skills such as observation, classification and questioning, while deepening their understanding of the natural world.
Students also explored pond habitats, discovering a variety of aquatic creatures, while older year groups began developing practical bushcraft skills through knot-tying, den building and tent construction. These activities encouraged teamwork, resilience and problem-solving, as students worked collaboratively, shared ideas and persevered when faced with challenges.
It has been especially pleasing to see students of all ages growing in confidence and independence while demonstrating kindness, cooperation and respect for the environment. This first sessions have set the tone for an exciting year ahead, with opportunities to develop outdoor skills, investigate local habitats and build a lifelong appreciation of nature through hands-on learning and exploration. 🌿🍎🪵
Introducing the Mental Health Support Team
We are pleased to announce that, starting in the next few weeks, two Mental Health Support Practitioners, Rhiannon Hislop and Daria Moldovan, will be working at the school one day a week, to further enhance the wellbeing support we already offer across the Junior and Senior School.
Commissioned and paid for through the NHS, the Mental Health Support Team (MHST) will work alongside our St Chris Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) team and counsellors to offer a range of free personalised interventions to support children's emotional wellbeing. Interventions will be pre-agreed with the school and parents, are evidence-based, and tailored to the individual needs of each student.
Their focus will be to support emerging needs for students with mild to moderate mental health challenges. Attached is a PowerPoint summary which explains in more detail the work they do and the criteria for support.
Initially working with Senior School students, the team will expand their scope to include the Junior School later this year.
If you do not wish for your child to be involved in any provision being offered through the NHS by the MHST team, you are free to opt out of this service (please see the letter attached) by contacting Kirsty Baker, St Chris SEMH lead via: kirsty.baker@stchris.co.uk.
Poetry By Heart 2027
Do you enjoy poetry, performing, or bringing words to life? Poetry By Heart is a national poetry recitation competition that challenges students to learn poems by heart and perform them in their own way.
Students can explore a wide range of poetry, develop their confidence and public speaking skills, and work with Sue, LAMDA and Performing Arts teacher, to develop their performance piece. It is also a fantastic opportunity to represent St Chris in a national competition, with the chance to perform in the final at the iconic Globe Theatre.
For the Classic category, students choose two poems: one published before 1914 and one published in or after 1914. Both poems are performed solo.
Find out More
Scan the QR code on the poster to explore the competition and entry categories.
Interested in taking part?
Please email Sue to register your interest: Sue.ScottDavison@stchris.co.uk. We would love to hear from students who are keen to get involved!
Deadline
Friday 25 September.
Notices
Whole School
Community Swim Sessions
We are pleased to confirm that our Parent and Staff Community Swim and Sunday Family Swim sessions will return this year.
All sessions take place during term time and are open to St Chris pupils, parents, staff and members of their immediate households.
Parent and Staff Lane Swimming
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Tuesdays, 7.15–8.30 am
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Wednesdays, 7.15–8.30 am
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Fridays, 7.15–8.30 am
Sunday Family Swim
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Sundays, 9.30–11.30 am
How to attend
Staff should bring their staff ID badge. Parents and other eligible community members should email Sarah Armstrong no later than the Tuesday before they first wish to attend.
Please include:
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The name of the adult aged 18 or over to appear on the card
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Your relationship to the school, for example: “Parent of Joe Bloggs, II Group, and Bess Bloggs, H Group”
A Community Swim card will then be prepared for collection at your first session. Please bring this card every time you attend and sign in with the lifeguards at the pool reception.
Important information
- All swimmers must wear a swimming hat.
- Children under eight must have an adult swimmer in the water with them at all times, with one adult for each child. Swimmers aged eight to 17 must be accompanied by an adult who supervises them either from the poolside or in the water.
- Our Sunday Family Swim is very popular. If the pool reaches its maximum capacity, you may need to wait until other swimmers leave before entering.
Masters Swimming Sessions
Our daytime Masters swimming sessions return on Monday 14 September for adults interested in developing their swimming.
Sessions are led by Alice Barnes, a St Chris swimming teacher and coach with extensive experience of competitive swimming, triathlons and open-water events. Training will focus primarily on front crawl, helping swimmers improve their fitness, stamina and technique.
To take part, you must be able to swim at least 200 metres continuously using one of the four main strokes.
For session dates, further information or to sign up, please contact Sarah Armstrong.
Music and LAMDA Lessons
We are delighted to welcome some excellent new visiting music and LAMDA teachers to St Chris this term, bringing even more opportunities for students to develop their interests - from first-time performers to those looking to develop their skills further.
We have a new singing teacher joining the Music Department, offering lessons across a wide range of styles, including musical theatre, pop, rock, jazz and classical. Singers may also have opportunities to take part in concerts, productions and events such as A Night at the Musicals. Find out more and apply for instrumental or vocal lessons through our Junior School Music and Senior School Music pages.
We are also introducing solo LAMDA Verse and Prose lessons, giving students a new way to explore spoken-word performance, develop their communication skills and build confidence. Further information about LAMDA is available on our Junior School Drama and Senior School Drama pages.
Parents and carers - and Senior School students - should look out for an email and notification from the Involve app confirming lesson times. Families new to St Chris will receive an invitation to join Involve once their child has been added to the system. Please use Involve to check the date and time of each lesson.
Young Voices 2027
E Group (Year 5) to Upper Sixth (Year 13)
We're delighted to invite students to take part in Young Voices 2027 – the world's largest children's choir!
If your child is interested in joining the choir, please take a look at the information attached. We'd be grateful if families could register their interest as soon as posisble, as we'll need to confirm participant numbers by the end of September.
Early Years & Junior School
Junior School Individual Photographs
Monday 21 September – morning
Individual pupil photographs will take place in the Junior School on Monday morning. Please ensure pupils arrive ready for their photograph. Details of how to view and order photographs will be shared with parents and carers afterwards.
Peace Walk: Peace One Day
Monday 21 September – afternoon
Junior School pupils will take part in a special Peace Walk on Monday afternoon to mark Peace One Day.
The walk will give pupils an opportunity to come together as a community and reflect on the importance of peace, understanding and respect. Further information about the event will be shared by Jen Rigby next week.
Macmillan Coffee and Cake Event
Friday 25 September, 2.30 pm, Junior School Hall
We warmly invite all Junior School parents and carers – whether you are new to St Chris or have been part of our community for some time – to join us for a drink and a slice of cake while raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
We hope to see you there!
The School Day and Wraparound Care
Morning Care is available from 8.00 am, with the school day beginning at 8.30 am.
Breakfast Club is available from 7.30 am, and After School Care runs until 6.30 pm. Bookings and enquiries can be made:
- By email: jswraparound@stchris.co.uk
- By telephone: 01462 650962
- In person at the School Office
Applications Open for Junior School Librarians
Applications are now open for pupils in F, E and D Groups (Years 4 to 6) to become Junior School Librarians.
Do you love books, enjoy learning and want to help other pupils discover the joy of reading?
We are looking for enthusiastic and committed pupils to join the library team and help us create a welcoming and inspiring environment for everyone.
Being a Junior School Librarian requires commitment throughout the year, but it is also an enjoyable and rewarding role. Full details of the responsibilities are included with the application form.
Interested pupils can collect an application form from the Library.
Closing date: Wednesday 23 September
Morning Care – The Library Is Open
The Library is open every morning from 8.00 to 8.30 am for pupils who would like a quieter start to their day.
Pupils are warmly invited to enjoy a book, draw or simply spend some quiet time before school begins. Parents and carers are also welcome to stay with them.
Please remember that pupils must register with Before School Care before coming to the Library.
Senior School & Sixth Form
Sports and PE Kit - Autumn Term
I Group - III Group (Year 7 to 9)
This week students in I - III Group (Years 7-9) have taken part in baseline activities to help determine which PE/Games group they will be in for the autumn term (Green Group or Pink Group) to ensure students get the most from their PE/Games experience, with groups remaining flexible and able to change throughout the year to best support individual progress and needs.
Please check with your child as to which group they have been allocated to and refer to the table to ensure that they have the correct kit and equipment for their lessons.
The table below outlines the activities that the students will be participating in during their PE/Games lessons. We would appreciate your support in ensuring that students bring the appropriate kit so they can participate fully and comfortably in all activities.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Lyn, Head of PE: Lync.Mcgregor@stchris.co.uk
Senior School Preloved PE Kit Sale
We will be holding our first Senior School Preloved PE Kit Sale during the Pastoral Consultation Evening on Monday 21 September, with further sales planned at Parent Consultation Evenings throughout the year. All money raised will be donated to a charity chosen by the Senior School Eco Council.
To help us stock the stall, we would be very grateful for donations of clean, good-quality St Chris PE kit that your family no longer needs. Donations are welcome throughout the year and can be left at Reception or sent into school for Becca.
Thank you for helping us give PE kit a new lease of life, reduce waste and support a worthwhile cause.
Skatepark Update
The school skatepark is currently out of action after some weather-related damage was identified during our start-of-term site inspection.
Pupils have been made aware and are now being invited to share their views on what should happen next – whether we repair the existing skatepark, redesign it or consider something different in its place. This will be an important item on the student voice agenda this term and our Major Officials have been tasked with exploring this.
We would normally contact parents and carers at this point in the year to request permission for pupils to use the skatepark. As it is currently closed, no permission form will be sent for the time being.
Watch this space for further updates.
Apply to Become a Student Librarian
Do you love books? Are you organised, friendly and keen to make a difference? We are looking for enthusiastic students from the Senior School and Sixth Form to join our team of Student Librarians.
What will you do?
- Help to keep the Library tidy and welcoming
- Organise and shelve books
- Add new books to the library system
- Help students borrow and return books
- Support library competitions throughout the year
- Promote a love of reading across the School
What will you gain?
- Teamwork and leadership experience
- Organisation and time-management skills
- Communication and customer-service skills
- Greater confidence and responsibility
- The opportunity to help shape the reading culture at St Chris
For students completing their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, this role can count towards the Volunteering section and can be signed off by Amy.
How to Apply
Please write a short paragraph of around 100–150 words explaining why you would make a good Student Librarian. You might include:
- Why you would like to take on the role
- The qualities and skills you could bring, such as reliability, organisation, teamwork or communication
- Any relevant experience, including volunteering, helping with clubs or supporting younger students
- Your ideas for encouraging others to enjoy reading
Email your application to Amy.Anderson@stchris.co.uk by Friday 18 September.
This is a great opportunity to develop your skills, contribute to the St Chris community and share the joy of reading.
Careers Newsletter
Edition #1
This week’s Careers Newsletter marks National Coding Week, exploring the growing importance of digital skills and the many career paths available in technology, software development and related industries.
Highlights include:
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National Coding Week resources exploring what coding is, why it matters and the wide range of careers available
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A guide to popular coding languages, including Python, JavaScript, Java, C++, HTML/CSS, Rust and SQL
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Free online coding courses from organisations including freeCodeCamp, Codecademy, School of Code and Code First Girls
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An exploration of why understanding code remains important in the age of artificial intelligence
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A careers spotlight on the role of a Software Developer, including the skills involved and the full lifecycle of developing an application
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Labour market information highlighting some of the UK’s highest-paid careers involving coding
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Advertising industry career simulations offering an insight into roles combining creativity, communication and commercial thinking
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Information about apprenticeships, including the breadth of opportunities available to earn, learn and gain recognised qualifications
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Practical advice on managing workload, reducing stress and balancing academic success with personal wellbeing
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An employer spotlight on JPMorganChase and its technology opportunities for students and graduates
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A university spotlight on the University of Glasgow
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A world study destination spotlight on Sweden, including its universities, application process, scholarships and residence permit requirements
We are also looking for parents, carers and friends of St Chris who studied a humanities subject and would be willing to speak to students about their degree and career path at our Humanities Careers Event on the evening of Tuesday 3 November. To find out more or volunteer, please contact Lizzie Hedderson.
Next Week
Nursery & Junior School
- Thursday 17 September: F Group (Year 4) Trip to the British Museum
Senior School & Sixth Form
WEEK A Timetable
- Saturday 12 September: DofE Silver Qualifying Expedition
- Wednesday 16 September: GCSE Drama Theatre Trip to see Blood Brothers
- Thursday 17 September: Upper Sixth (Year 13) Oxford Open Day Trip
- Friday 18 September: Alumni Football Match & BBQ
Autumn Term Diary
| Monday 21 September |
Senior School Pastoral Consultations Peace One Day Junior School Photo Day |
| Tuesday 22 September | Gold DofE Qualifying Expedition |
| Wednesday 23 September | Gold DofE Qualifying Expedition |
| Thursday 24 September |
Junior School Open House Gold DofE Qualifying Expedition |
| Friday 25 September |
I Group (Year 7) Bonding Trip Macmillan Coffee Morning Gold DofE Qualifying Expedition |
| Saturday 26 September | Gold DofE Qualifying Expedition |
| Tuesday 29 September | G Group (Year 3) Trip to the National Gallery (TBC) |
| Wednesday 30 September |
D Group (Year 6) Trip to the Imperial War Museum Piano Recital Governors' Meeting |
| Sunday 4 October | Standalone 10K |
| Monday 5 October | J Group (Year 1) Trip to Wimpole Estate |
| Tuesday 6 October |
H Group (Year 2) Trip to Hitchin British Schools Museum Governors' Meeting |
| Wednesday 7 October | Philosophy & Film Screening 1 |
| Thursday 8 October | Sixth Form Information Evening |
| Friday 9 October |
G Group (Year 3) Trip to Anglesey Abbey TBC II Group (Year 8) HPV Vaccinations III Group (Year 9) DTP/MenACWY Vaccinations |
| Monday 12 October |
E Group (Year 5) Trip to National Space Centre I Group (Year 7) Parents' Consultation |
| Tuesday 13 October | UCAS Creative Conference |
| Wednesday 14 October |
Flu Vaccinations Junior School Parents' Consultation |
| Thursday 15 October | Governors' Meeting |
| Monday 19 - Friday 30 October |
Half term holiday |
| Sunday 25 - Thursday 29 October | Sports Residential Trip to Salou, Spain |
| Thursday 29 October | Senior School Musical Rehearsal |
| Friday 30 October | Senior School Musical Rehearsal |
| Tuesday 3 November | Senior School Careers Event: Humanities |
| Wednesday 4 November |
Senior School Open Morning II Group (Year 8) and Sixth Form History Trip to Docklands |
| Friday 6 November | ESSA Primary Swimming Gala |
| Saturday 7 November |
Senior School 3D Design Saturday SHED Senior School Musical Technical Rehearsal 1 |
| Monday 9 November |
Lower Sixth (Year 12) Art Trip IV Group (Year 10) Parents' Consultation |
| Tuesday 10 November |
Senior School Open Morning Sixth Form Psychology 'Brain Day' District Cross Country |
| Wednesday 11 November |
Remembrance Day Governors' Meeting |
| Thursday 12 November | III Group (Year 9) Gothic Tales Performance |
| Sunday 15 November | Senior School Musical Technical Rehearsal 2 |
| Monday 16 November |
Senior School Musical Dress Rehearsal A Level Psychology Trip |
| Tuesday 17 November |
Senior School Musical Dress Rehearsal Junior School Open House Flu vaccination catch up |
| Thursday 19 November |
Junior School Book Fair Senior School Musical Performance 1 |
| Friday 20 November |
Junior School Book Fair Senior School Musical Performance 2 |
| Saturday 21 November |
Senior School Musical Performance 3 (matinee) Senior School Musical Performance 4 (evening) |
| Monday 23 November |
Junior School Book Fair A Level Politics Trip V Group (Year 11) Practical Mock Exams |
| Tuesday 24 November |
Junior School Book Fair V Group (Year 11) Practical Mock Exams |
| Wednesday 25 November |
Junior School Book Fair V Group (Year 11) Practical Mock Exams Governors' Meeting |
| Thursday 26 November |
Early Years Nativity 1 V Group (Year 11) Practical Mock Exams GCSE Options Information Evening |
| Friday 27 November |
Early Years Nativity 2 V Group (Year 11) Practical Mock Exams |
| Monday 30 November | V Group (Year 11) GCSE Mock Exams |
| Tuesday 1 December |
V Group (Year 11) GCSE Mock Exams Music Recitals Evening |
| Wednesday 2 December |
V Group (Year 11) GCSE Mock Exams Senior School Great Debate Philosophy & Film Screening 2 |
| Thursday 3 December |
V Group (Year 11) GCSE Mock Exams Senior School Christmas Discos |
| Friday 4 December |
Junior School Christmas Fair V Group (Year 11) GCSE Mock Exams Upper Sixth (Year 13) Practical Drama Exam |
| Monday 7 December | V Group (Year 11) GCSE Mock Exams |
| Tuesday 8 December |
II Group (Year 8) Pantomine Trip Group (Year 11) GCSE Mock Exams Senior School Christmas Concert |
| Wednesday 9 December |
Junior School Christmas Lunch V Group (Year 11) GCSE Mock Exams Junior School Christmas Gathering 1 |
| Thursday 10 December |
V Group (Year 11) GCSE Mock Exams Junior School Christmas Gathering 2 |
| Friday 11 December | V Group (Year 11) GCSE Mock Exams 1200 noon Last day of Autumn term |
Early Years & Junior
A Wonderful Start to the New School Year
The Junior School has enjoyed a brilliant start to the new academic year, with students returning full of enthusiasm, curiosity and a readiness to learn. From Early Years, where students have been settling confidently into familiar routines and developing their independence, to D Group (Year 6), where students have already been tackling complex historical questions, there has been a real buzz around the school.
Creativity has been a strong theme across the week. Students in J Group (Year 1) and H Group (Year 2) explored self-portraits, developing observation skills and learning how artists communicate personality and emotion through their work. In D Group (Year 6), students began studying the British war artist Paul Nash, examining how colour, shape and landscape can be used to express powerful ideas and emotions. Through experimenting with watercolours, students developed both their artistic techniques and their ability to interpret and respond to visual stimuli.
Across the curriculum, students have also been strengthening their critical-thinking skills. J Group (Year 1) explored chronology and how events can be organised over time, while D Group (Year 6) investigated the causes of the Second World War, using evidence to support their views and engaging in thoughtful debate. In G Group (Year 3), students developed their geographical understanding through map work and atlas investigations, learning how to use coordinates and geographical vocabulary to describe locations.
Collaboration and communication have featured strongly too. H Group (Year 2) brought a fable to life through role play, developing empathy and comprehension skills, while F Group (Year 4) worked together to create a class charter, considering how to build a community where everyone feels safe, respected and valued. D Group (Year 6) demonstrated resilience, creativity and teamwork during a bridge-building challenge, applying their problem-solving skills to overcome practical challenges.
It has been wonderful to see students across the Junior School embracing new learning, developing confidence and building important skills such as collaboration, communication, creativity and critical thinking. We look forward to an exciting term ahead.
Senior & Sixth Form
Golf Success
Massimo in III Group (Year 9) recently competed in the Sir Nick Faldo Futures Golf Tour, which attracted around 3,900 young golfers from Great Britain, Ireland and around the world.
After progressing through local and regional qualifying, Massimo earned his place in the UK Final at the iconic Belfry. He played on the PGA National course alongside the British Masters DP World Tour event.
Despite very challenging weather conditions, Massimo showed his usual calmness and confidence, producing a superb round of just one over par to finish inside the top 10 - only two shots behind the winning score.
An incredible achievement and a day to remember.
Also in golf news, over the summer Josh White finished Runner-Up in the Gross competition at the Letchworth Golf Club Championships, ending the event just two shots behind the winner. Theo Smith also enjoyed success at the championships, winning the Under-18 Handicap competition.
Congratulations to Massimo, Josh and Theo on their fantastic achievements!
Lower Sixth Bonding Trip to Norfolk
The Lower Sixth enjoyed an action-packed two days on their Bonding Trip to Norfolk, with activities including gallery visits, a city-centre scavenger hunt, campfires, go-karting, ultimate frisbee and the ever-competitive egg-drop challenge.
The trip gave students plenty of opportunities to spend time together, strengthen friendships and get to know new members of the year group before returning to school ready to get stuck into Sixth Form life.
They also win this year’s prizes for being the most organised, waking up on time – and eating the most bananas
Winning Start for St Chris Basketball
Our basketball team delivered a fantastic performance against The Knights Templar School on Wednesday evening.
Excellent teamwork and quick passing created scoring opportunities across the team, with lots of players getting points on the board. St Chris secured a well-deserved 23–12 victory to begin the new school year in style.
A huge well done to everyone involved!
