In this week's Roundup:
Head's Welcome | The Week Ahead | Key Term Dates | Noticeboard | Photo of the Week
Nursery & Junior | Senior & Sixth Form | Submit a Story
A message from
Rich Jones, Head.
I've previously promised a number of parents that I would occasionally share Morning Talks with the wider community. This one was from Monday in the Senior School.
“I hope everyone’s had a positive half-term break and is ready for the busy 39 days we’ve got until summer.
Simon from the English Department is on after me today, and I’ve taken a bit of inspiration from his theme.
I want to take you somewhere this morning.
Not in the UK. Not even in Europe. But to a street in the heart of Baghdad, Iraq. A street that’s had many names over the centuries.
During the Abbasid Caliphate, it was known as the Paper Market. Under the Ottomans, Military Bakery Street. During the British occupation, it became Hassan Pasha Street.
But today, it’s called Al-Mutanabbi Street—named after a fierce and brilliant 10th-century poet, who once wrote:
“The noblest place in the world is the saddle of a horse… but the best companion ever is a book.”
For more than a thousand years, this street has been Baghdad’s literary soul. Imagine an entire road lined with booksellers—open stalls and dusty little shops where Arabic poetry leans against Shakespeare, Dickens, and Harry Potter. Where conversations sound more like philosophy seminars than sales.
It’s been called “the artery of Baghdad”—because culture, thought, and stories have flowed through it like blood.
But on 5 March 5 2017, a car bomb exploded on that street. 38 people were killed. Many more were injured. Shops were destroyed. Pages burned. That artery was torn open.
One of the shopkeepers was a man named Afram Hussein al-Fufuli. His bookshop had stood there since 1730, passed down through generations. On the day of the bombing, he wasn’t there. But when he returned, he found his life’s work scattered, twisted, and blackened.
He could have walked away. Many did.
But he didn’t.
Why?
“Because I loved my father’s business”, he said.
Let me pause there for a moment.
In the middle of fear, pain, and grief, Fufuli chose to rebuild. Not just a shop—but a way of life. He chose stories. Memory. The life of the mind.
But the street has changed.
Many bookshops never reopened. In their place: phone case stands, vape counters, stuffed animals, Valentine’s Day gifts.
One new shopkeeper said: “The old owner was killed in the blast. I opened an electronics shop. People still need to print things.” He doesn’t read, except instruction manuals.
And I want to be clear: there’s no shame in that. We all live different lives, walk different paths. But it does make you wonder—what happens when the stories fade? When the books are gone? When a street once lined with poetry is lined with printers?
Here’s why I’m telling you this.
Right now, while you’re here at St Chris, you’re surrounded by stories. In your lessons, your bookshelves, your conversations with teachers and each other. You’re surrounded by ideas. By history. By imagination.
And sometimes, when life feels full of deadlines, devices, and distractions, it’s easy to forget how precious that is.
But places like Al-Mutanabbi Street remind us: stories are worth saving. Not just because they teach us about the past—but because they shape who we become. They help us ask better questions. And they remind us that even in dark times, something endures.
And here’s something else remarkable.
The books on Al-Mutanabbi Street? They’re left out overnight. Unlocked. Unchained. Unprotected.
Why?
Because of an old Iraqi saying:
“The reader does not steal. The thief does not read.”
Think about that. A society that trusts its people with stories. That believes books should be free, even when the world is broken.
So let me finish with this:
If your life were a book, what would today’s page say?
What are you writing—through your time, your choices, your friendships?
And if the world were to change suddenly, as it did for those on Al-Mutanabbi Street, what part of your story, your learning, your values, would you rebuild?
I hope your stories always find room to grow.
And I hope that you will always be the kind of person who would never steal a book… because you’re far too busy reading it!
And perhaps, just perhaps, one of the best things about this school is that we try to leave our stories open. To trust that what matters most—curiosity, respect, thought—won’t disappear overnight. Because like Al-Mutanabbi Street, we believe that the life of the mind is always worth rebuilding.”
Notices
Junior School
Junior School Sports Day - Wednesday 11 June
A reminder that our Junior School Sports Day takes place next Wednesday, 11 June, from 9.00am to 12.00pm on the Main Field. The event is for children in K Group to D Group (Reception to Year 6), and parents and carers are warmly invited to come and cheer them on.
Following the sporting fun, families are welcome to return to the Junior School for a picnic on the front lawn. Children may go home afterwards if you'd like to start your afternoon early.
Please let your class teacher know whether your child will be heading home with you or remaining in school for the rest of the day.
Skipping for a Cause – Go Asia!
A huge well done to Asia, D Group (Year 6) Teaching Assistant, who took on the '100 Skips a Day' Challenge to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. Asia raised a total of £280 (her target was £200) - so well done and thank you to everyone who donated.
Senior School & Sixth Form
Senior School Sports Day - Tuesday 10 June
Students have been practising over the past two weeks for the Senior School Sports Day on Tuesday. They will receive a full briefing during Monday's Morning Talk but should know which House they are in and which colour T-Shirt they will need to wear. The weather is currently looking dry with some clouds but please make sure students bring in their water bottle on Tuesday and to wear sunscreen. Please note that unfortunately there is no provision for parents to come and watch this event.
IV Group Careers and Enterprise Trip to LSE: Wednesday 18th June
We are pleased to share that we have booked a trip for IV Group (Year 10) to The London School of Economics for a Careers and Enterprise day to enrich their learning in PSHE, on Wednesday 18 June.
Please see the letter to parents and complete the consent form via Evolve.
If you have any questions about the trip, email lizzie.hedderson@stchris.co.uk
Herts Dyslexia Association Event: Monday 16 June
The Herts Dyslexia Association are holding an on-line Event on Monday 16 June from 7.00-8.30 pm.
Topic: Navigating Senior School Advice Session.
Are you feeling overwhelmed on how to support your dyslexic child who are navigating senior school? Join us for an online session where we will provide valuable advice and tips on how to navigate through this exciting new chapter in your dyslexic child's life. Our experienced speakers will cover topics such as choosing subjects, managing workload, and making the most of extracurricular activities. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain insight and guidance from experts in the field.
Our Head (Rich Jones) and Inclusion Strategy Lead (Zoe Woodhouse) will be speaking for the first 30 minutes, which includes a 10 minute Q&A session.
The event can be booked via Eventbrite and costs £5 per ticket, as below:
Tickets for Herts Dyslexia Association
PSHE Newsletter
Whole School
Walking for Hope – Nikki’s Big Hike for Cancer Research UK
On Friday 21 June, Nikki, our wonderful Exams Officer, will be taking on an extraordinary challenge — walking a full marathon along the Jurassic Coast as part of The Big Hike 2025, to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK.
This is a cause very close to Nikki’s heart. Over the past year, cancer has touched the lives of several people she holds dear — including her mum, three close friends, and, most recently, her best friend’s husband, who sadly passed away at the end of April.
Nikki’s mum was diagnosed in 2022 and given just six months to live. Thankfully, she was offered a place on a clinical trial and now receives immunotherapy every three weeks. Although the journey has had its ups and downs, she is doing well, something Nikki and her family never take for granted.
Nikki is walking as part of a group of close friends known as the Xceptional Ladies, led by their amazing friend Carla, who is facing her own cancer battle with incredible courage. They are walking in solidarity, raising funds to support breakthroughs in research that offer more people the chance of a future beyond cancer.
If you’d like to support Nikki, either by donating or offering words of encouragement, she would be so grateful.
👉 Donate or find out more here
Thank you for your kindness and support!
You're Invited! The St Chris Art & Design Show 2025
Join us on Tuesday 24 June, from 6.30–8.30pm, for an evening celebrating creativity and talent at the St Chris A Level and GCSE Art & Design Exhibition.
From 3D Design to Photography, Fine Art to Textiles, our students have been busy producing an incredible array of work across:
🧵 Textiles
📷 Photography
🎨 Fine Art
✏️ Graphic Communication
🖌️ Art, Craft & Design
🔧 3D Design
The exhibition will be held in the Art Department and Social Library — just follow the signs when you arrive!
📍 St Christopher School
Barrington Road, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3JZ
🎭 Free LAMDA Taster Sessions - w/c 30 June 2025
Does your child love performing, storytelling, or speaking with confidence? Now’s their chance to give it a go!
We’re offering free LAMDA taster sessions during the week beginning 30 June. Open to pupils from F Group (Year 4) to Upper Sixth (Year 13), these sessions are a brilliant way to explore the world of performance and public speaking in a supportive, confidence-building environment.
LAMDA at St Chris includes:
🎭 30-minute Acting lessons – Solo, Duo or Group
🎤 30-minute Public Speaking – Solo sessions
To find out more or to book a taster, please get in touch:
📧 sue.scottdavison@stchris.co.uk
Sue Scott Davison
Teacher of LAMDA and Performing Arts
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 innovative 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.
To help you make the most of the platform, a monthly round-up will be delivered directly to your inbox, highlighting the latest and most relevant content.
For more details, please read the letter from Lizzie Hedderson, Assistant Head (Pupil Development and Wellbeing), linked here.
Register for the Wellbeing Hub
Resources
- Webinar: Navigating challening behaviour in ASD and ADHD with Clare Price, Mental Health Specialist, Clinical Supervisor and CBT Therapist.
- Blog: Why children thrive with clear boundaries and how to set them
- Podcast: Why do children misbehave? Practical strategies for parents and carers
and much more...!
Volunteers' Week 2025
We are encouraging everyone in our St Chris community to undertake some volunteering to show our support for Volunteers' Week which runs in the first week of June. It is a great opportunity to contribute to the school community or local area. Whether it is a small act of kindness or a charity and social event, such as St Christopalooza, we hope you will support your child to get involved. It is a great opportunity to discuss any volunteering you have undertaken in your life, and how this inspired you or helped develop your career journey. Many of our students and staff already volunteer and we’d like to take this opportunity to celebrate this commitment to the service of others.
In today's Morning Talk, our sixth formers Archie, Sorcha and Masa all shared their experiences of volunteering both within and outside of school. Their stories of supporting others were encouraging and I'm sure they will have inspired others to have a go at volunteering and enjoy the benefits that it brings to themselves and others.
Sport Fixtures Summer Term 2025
Barracudas Summer Holiday Camp!
Monday 28 July - Friday 22 August | For children aged 4½ to 14
Barracudas Holiday Camp is returning to St Chris this summer!
With over 80 exciting activities to choose from each week – including swimming, motorsports, archery, dance, drama, arts & crafts, an aqua slide and so much more – there’s truly something for everyone. Children can tailor their own day across six activity sessions!
⏰ Standard hours: 8:30am–5:30pm
🌅 Optional Early & Late Clubs: 8am–6pm
💥 Exclusive school discount: Save £20 on a full week or £4 per day with code HSCP25
🔗 Book now: www.barracudas.co.uk
Spaces fill quickly, so don’t miss out – a summer of fun awaits!
Water Safety Week 2025
From 16–20 June, we’ll be taking part in Water Safety Week across the Swim School and all school swimming lessons, in support of the RLSS Drowning Prevention Week.
Throughout the week, pupils will take part in dedicated sessions focused on vital water safety skills – from recognising beach flags to practising safe swimming techniques.
We’ll be in touch with relevant groups by email to confirm arrangements, including a reminder to bring lightweight clothing alongside usual swimwear. Please keep an eye out for further details!
The Week Ahead
Nursery & Junior School
- Monday 9 June: Nursery Trip to Bury Lane Farm
- Wednesday 11 June: Junior School Sports Day
- Friday 13 June: E Group (Year 5) Morning Talk 8:50am - 9:10am
Senior School & Sixth Form
- Monday 9 June: I Group (Year 7) Interhouse Swimming Gala
- Tuesday 10 June: Senior School Sports Day
- Wednesday 11 June: I Group (Year 7) Trip to Hampton Court Palace; II Group (Year 8) Science Trip to Cambridge; LAMDA Examinations
- Thursday 12 June: LAMDA Examinations; Sports Award Evening
- Friday 13 June: LAMDA Examinations; IV Group (Year 10) Non-fiction talk and workshop; IV Group (Year 10) Silver DofE Practice Expedition
- Saturday 14 June: III Group (Year 9) Bronze DofE Qualifying Expedition; IV Group (Year 10) Silver DofE Practice Expedition
- Sunday 15 June: III Group (Year 9) Bronze DofE Qualifying Expedition; IV Group (Year 10) Silver DofE Practice Expedition
Summer Term Diary
| Monday 16 June |
K Group (Reception) Trip to Wicken Fen Water Safety Week Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Exams |
| Tuesday 17 June |
Water Safety Week Junior LAMDA Showcase Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Exams |
| Wednesday 18 June |
Water Safety Week D Group (Year 6) Trip to Sky Studios Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Exams G Group (Year 3) Residential to Thriftwood |
| Thursday 19 June |
Water Safety Week Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Exams G Group (Year 3) Residential to Thriftwood Monte (Nursery) Sports afternoon |
| Friday 20 June |
Water Safety Week Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Exams G Group (Year 3) Residential to Thriftwood |
| Saturday 21 June | St Christopalooza Summer Celebration |
| Monday 23 June |
E Group (Year 5) Trip to Woburn Safari Park Senior LAMDA Showcase |
| Tuesday 24 June |
GCSE & A Level Art & 3D Design Exhibition I Group (Year 7) Transition Day |
| Wednesday 25 June | I Group (Year 7) Transition Day |
| Thursday 26 June |
I Group (Year 7) Transition Day Junior School Transition Day I-III (Years 7-8) Lower School Play 'Alice in Wonderland' |
| Friday 27 June |
I-III (Years 7-8) Lower School Play 'Alice in Wonderland' V Group (Year 11) to Sixth Form Transition Day K Group (Reception) Morning Talk H Group (Year 2) Camp Out |
| Monday 30 June |
K Group (Reception) Trip to Ashwell Springs Senior School Stage and Screen Concert |
| Tuesday 1 July | Junior School Summer Gathering |
| Wednesday 2 July | E & F Group (Years 4 & 5) Early Transition Event |
| Thursday 3 July | V Group - Upper Sixth (Years 11-13) Summer Ball |
| Friday 4 July |
H Group (Year 2) Morning Talk I-III Group (Years 7-9) Reports Issued Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Reports Issued Senior School ends at 1200 noon for LSP Week |
| Saturday 5 July | II Group (Year 8) LSP to Yorkshire and Lake District |
| Sunday 6 July |
II Group (Year 8) LSP to Yorkshire and Lake District III Group (Year 9) LSP to Morzine IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) Golf LSP to Boston |
| Monday 7 July |
LSP Week in Senior School I Group (Year 7) LSP to Les Vosges II Group (Year 8) LSP to Yorkshire and Lake District III Group (Year 9) LSP to Morzine IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) STEM LSP to Geneva IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Naples IV Group (Year 10) Elite Sports LSP to Loughborough Lower Sixth (Year 12) LSP to Paris IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) Golf LSP to Boston |
| Tuesday 8 July |
LSP Week in Senior School I Group (Year 7) LSP to Les Vosges II Group (Year 8) LSP to Yorkshire and Lake District III Group (Year 9) LSP to Morzine IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) STEM LSP to Geneva IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Naples IV Group (Year 10) Elite Sports LSP to Loughborough Lower Sixth (Year 12) LSP to Paris IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) Golf LSP to Boston |
| Wednesday 9 July |
LSP Week in Senior School I Group (Year 7) LSP to Les Vosges II Group (Year 8) LSP to Yorkshire and Lake District III Group (Year 9) LSP to Morzine IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) STEM LSP to Geneva IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Naples IV Group (Year 10) Elite Sports LSP to Loughborough Lower Sixth (Year 12) LSP to Paris IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) Golf LSP to Boston |
| Thursday 10 July |
LSP Week in Senior School I Group (Year 7) LSP to Les Vosges II Group (Year 8) LSP to Yorkshire and Lake District III Group (Year 9) LSP to Morzine IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) STEM LSP to Geneva IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Naples IV Group (Year 10) Elite Sports LSP to Loughborough Lower Sixth (Year 12) LSP to Paris V Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) Golf LSP to Boston |
| Friday 11 July |
1200 noon Academic Year ends I Group (Year 7) LSP to Les Vosges II Group (Year 8) LSP to Yorkshire and Lake District III Group (Year 9) LSP to Morzine Lower Sixth (Year 12) LSP to Paris IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) Golf LSP to Boston |
| Saturday 12 July | IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) Golf LSP to Boston |
Careers Newsletter
Edition #12
Our weekly Careers Newsletter has a different theme and excellent links to further information to help students explore careers they might be interested in. It features up to date Labour Market Information, an Employer Spotlight and a University Spotlight. We encourage you to explore this resource with your child to help spark careers conversations at home.
If you have any further questions about Career Related Learning at St Chris, please contact Lizzie Hedderson.
Nursery & Junior
| Student Success |
|---|
| A special mention goes to Gabe in F Group (Year 4), who was inspired by Volunteers’ Week to raise money for WarChild by selling his beautiful Lino prints, raising over £135 to support children in Gaza. His thoughtful initiative captured the spirit of community and compassion that runs through our school. |
| Nursery (Monte) |
| The windy weather was perfect for an outdoor morning filled with movement and discovery. The children in Nursery created dancing ribbon sticks and shape kites using recycled materials and mastered the overhand knot—a useful step towards learning to tie shoelaces. There was plenty of climbing too, with Marley, Ottie and Lochlan proudly managing to get in and out of an apple tree all by themselves. A strawberry tasting session brought a sweet end to the morning, with some charmingly diplomatic comparisons to those grown at home! |
| K Group (Reception) |
|
K Group (Reception) had a wonderful afternoon full of discovery and adventure. We began in the Dome, where we explored the salty sea and met some incredible underwater creatures — from seahorses and jellyfish to sharks, dolphins and whales. The children were fascinated to learn the difference between fish and mammals, especially how dolphins and whales need air to breathe, while fish use gills. Later, we headed into the orchard for Forest School and dipped our nets into the pond to investigate the freshwater creatures living there. Among our discoveries were bloodworms, water boatmen, tiny beetles, and lots of wiggling midge larvae! Despite the damp weather, spirits stayed high, and the children were careful to return all the creatures safely to their home after observing them. To finish the afternoon, the boys enjoyed decorating sticks to create lightsabers and had great fun using them imaginatively in their games. A brilliant mix of learning, nature and play! |
| J Group (Year 1) |
|
There was great excitement in J Group (Year 1) as the children headed out with pond dipping equipment in hand. After learning some best practices for respecting wildlife, the class discovered a teeming ecosystem full of life: hundreds of tiny midge larvae, bright red bloodworms, water beetles, and many mystery wrigglers. The joy of finding so much activity in the pond, with no human interference, reminded everyone of the wonders of the natural world. On Thursday, children enjoyed an exciting trip to Sea Life Adventure. Despite the wet and windy weather, the children had a fantastic time exploring the aquarium and discovering a wide variety of marine life. The day ended with plenty of smiles as they ran and played on the beach — a joyful finish to a fun and memorable outing. |
| H Group (Year 2) |
| H Group (Year 2) embarked on a dramatic role-play inspired by Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition. Through imaginative storytelling, the children navigated freezing conditions and limited supplies while exploring themes of fear, teamwork and resilience. Back in the sunshine, they checked on their flourishing potatoes, explored the grounds with nets and sticks, and even reunited with an old friend—the newt. From hammock swinging to target practice with a homemade bow, there was a true sense of adventure. |
| G Group (Year 3) |
| Forest School was a mix of sunshine and showers for G Group (Year 3), making shelter-building an important skill for the first half of the afternoon. Others focused on whittling with potato peelers and pond dipping, where the children spotted leeches, water boatmen, and more of the ever-present midge larvae. The children’s growing awareness of the natural world—and their tenacity in exploring it—made for a wonderfully productive session outdoors. |
| F Group (Year 4) |
|
F Group (Year 4) had a delightful and hands-on week, tasting the elderflower cordial they created in a previous session before heading back to the pond for more wildlife spotting. They found leeches, bloodworms, and a variety of beetles. Toby and James got curious about what beetles eat and made thoughtful guesses based on observation—though the beetles were decidedly unimpressed by woodlice and millipedes! There was also time for gymnastics, tree climbing, and a creative solution to a rusty wheelbarrow involving a well-placed log. This week, F Group have launched their new English unit on persuasive writing, centred around the topic of animals in captivity. From the outset, pupils have engaged in lively and thoughtful discussions, raising a wide range of interesting points and perspectives. This morning, they took their first steps into independent research, generating their own questions about zoos and using iPads to explore a range of websites for answers. As part of their work, they were also encouraged to identify and record the sources of their information — an important skill in building persuasive, evidence-based arguments. |
| E Group (Year 5) |
|
E Group (Year 5) began a new topic in science this week, diving into the fascinating world of plants. The children carefully dissected flowering plants, labelling each part using accurate scientific vocabulary. Their discussions explored how plants reproduce, sparking thoughtful questions and plenty of curiosity about the natural world. E Group also had a fantastic time in the Senior School yesterday for their STEM session. They enjoyed making rockets, the science dome and a visit to the animals in Arunwood. They also enjoyed meeting up with a group of students from Pixmore School who invited to join the activities. |
| D Group (Year 6) |
|
This week, Iain’s D Group have been exploring the fascinating and important topic of oceans. On Tuesday, the group researched the complex issue of deep-sea mining, learning about its environmental impact and the debates surrounding it. They then put their findings into action by writing letters to their local MP, clearly articulating their views and calling for greater protection of our oceans. The learning continued on Wednesday, when the entire D Group came together for a live lesson hosted by WWF. The session focused on the importance of our oceans, the threats they face, and the actions we can all take to help preserve them for future generations. Bryan’s D Group (Year 6) have been immersing themselves in their new topic, Oceans, with a thoughtful and creative approach to some of the world’s most pressing environmental issues. Pupils have been investigating the sustainability of deep-sea mining, particularly whether extracting polymetallic nodules from the ocean floor is a responsible way to source the metals needed for renewable energy. Thoughtful debates have taken place, with students weighing up the environmental costs against the demands of a greener future. They’ve also been learning about the effects of climate change on coral reefs, exploring how rising temperatures and pollution threaten these vital ecosystems. Alongside their research, they’ve expressed their learning through beautiful ocean-inspired artwork. The week ended with an exciting ‘Oceans’ projection dome experience, where the whole D Group were transported beneath the waves to explore marine life in a stunning, immersive setting. A brilliant week of discovery, discussion and creativity. |
Senior & Sixth Form
II Group Explore the Art of Illustration with Jessica Meserve
Yesterday, our II Group (Year 8) students enjoyed a truly inspiring visit from author and illustrator Jessica Meserve. Known for her beautifully emotive picture books such as Small, Can Anybody Hear Me?, and her latest release Our Tree. Jessica shared fascinating insights into her creative process, from the initial spark of an idea through to the final illustrations that bring her stories to life.
During her session with students, Jessica described the importance of character development and the role of emotion in illustration, drawing on examples from her own published work. Students had the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions and gained valuable understanding of what it means to build a career in writing and illustrating for children.
Following the talk, Year 8 headed to the Art Department for a hands-on workshop where they began crafting their own picture books, which they have developed through a cross-curricular project in Art and English. Inspired by Jessica’s techniques and encouraged to find their own visual voice, pupils explored character design, mood, and composition, with some truly impressive early work emerging.
A huge thank you to Jessica for spending the day with us and for so generously sharing her expertise. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to experience the creative journey behind the books they love, and to try their hand at developing their own ideas through illustration.
Senior School Rounders Success
It was a week of determination and team spirit for our Senior School rounders players. Despite both teams being short of players—III Group (Year 9) played with just 7 and IV Group (Year 10) with only 6 after Mabel had to leave due to illness—they put on a brilliant display of perseverance and sportsmanship.
Against the odds, both teams made it through to the Play Offs. IV Group finished 4th out of 9 teams, and III Group brought home Bronze medals, placing 3rd out of 11. A fantastic effort from all involved—well done!
III Group & IV Group Outing to Inspector Calls
Our Year 9 and Year 10 students recently had the opportunity to watch a powerful and captivating performance of An Inspector Calls at Milton Keynes Theatre. The production brought the text vividly to life, offering a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on the play. The students were a credit to the school—demonstrating maturity, enthusiasm, and impeccable behaviour throughout. It was a memorable experience that deepened their understanding of the play and will undoubtedly enhance their work in the classroom.
Cracking the Code at Bletchley Park
On Wednesday, III Group (Year 9) embarked on a fascinating cross-curricular trip to Bletchley Park, delving into the worlds of History, Physics, Maths and Computer Science.
Students explored the historic site where Alan Turing and his fellow codebreakers carried out their vital work during the Second World War. Highlights included a visit to Turing’s office and the very rooms where the efforts to crack encrypted German messages took place.
The group also took part in an interactive learning session, where they got hands-on with codebreaking techniques — learning Morse code and discovering how the Enigma machine was used to decipher secret communications.
It was an inspiring day of discovery, bringing to life some of the most important scientific and historical contributions of the 20th century.
The Future of Humanity: A Philosophical Evening in London
On Tuesday 3 June, Year 12 Philosophy students, Lizzie and I travelled to London to attend a thought-provoking discussion on The Future of Humanity, featuring renowned thinkers Richard Dawkins and Steven Pinker. Experts in psychology, philosophy and evolutionary biology, both speakers explored a wide range of topics that continue to spark debate in our classroom.
The evening began with a discussion about the origins of language and how early humans may have developed the capacity for moral reasoning. Dawkins noted that evolution’s gradual nature makes it hard to pinpoint the exact moment morality emerged, but both agreed that humanity’s unique rational faculties set us apart as moral beings. While animals may be sentient, they argued, it's difficult to claim they possess the same ethical instincts for altruism.
They went on to debate the role of religion in human progress. As expected, Dawkins voiced his hopes for religion’s decline, while Pinker acknowledged the psychological comfort it can offer. This led into a wider discussion on the power of reason and science in an age increasingly shaped by polarisation and misinformation.
Attention then turned to artificial intelligence and its potential to reshape our understanding of creativity, freedom, and consciousness. Dawkins read an AI-generated sonnet, poetic and sophisticated enough to rival human work — but both speakers remained cautiously optimistic about our coexistence with AI. Pinker suggested that, for now, we still value the authenticity of human-made art. However, he also posed a compelling question: If AI develops consciousness, could switching it off one day be as morally serious as taking a human life?
After an engaging Q&A session, we returned buzzing with new ideas and questions. Our Year 12 students were outstanding — thoughtful, articulate and deeply engaged. For me, the evening was a reminder that philosophy is not just the study of ancient ideas, but a vital exploration of the world ahead.
Tabitha Bennett, Head of Philosophy
