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.
When I was a boy, a computer revolution took place. It was all very exciting. Suddenly, people were talking about computers as something that might one day live in our homes, not just in NASA or the Pentagon, fighting off the Red Menace.
Eventually, this technological wave reached our small Somerset town, and even the Jones household. Our primary school proudly housed a BBC computer, set ceremonially on a shelf like a crown jewel. No one was actually allowed to touch it, of course.
After months of pestering, my dad finally gave in. Would he get us the iconic ZX Spectrum, the American Atari, or the mighty Commodore 64? Perhaps even the exotic Japanese MSX?
No. He came home with the Welsh Dragon 32.
It was a noble but tragic purchase, with dreadful sound, grainy graphics, and a loading time that could outlast an episode of Blue Peter. The only game I remember was called Maps, in which you had to locate Cardiff, Swansea, Neath, Carmarthen and Brecon on, well, a map. It was educational, I suppose. He was never forgiven.
So when I read this week’s announcement that the national curriculum will now include lessons in AI, misinformation, and financial literacy, I smiled. If you’d told me, back in those Dragon 32 days, that schools would one day teach how to spot fake news generated by a computer, I’d have assumed you’d been overdoing it on the Opal Fruits.
But there’s something important here. The government’s new review talks about teaching for life: budgeting, understanding mortgages, recognising bias, building confidence in speaking. All things that prepare young people for the real world. It’s a refreshing shift. And, to be honest, it’s one we’ve already made.
At St Chris, this kind of learning has been part of our DNA for years.
We already teach financial understanding through enterprise projects, PSHE, and day-to-day discussions about value, fairness and sustainability.
Oracy isn’t a bolt-on, it’s built into Morning Talks, critical thinking lessons, LAMDA, class debate and Company meetings.
Our digital curriculum challenges pupils to question, verify and think critically every day.
Climate literacy, inclusion and creativity aren’t new priorities here, they are part of who we are.
So while it’s good to see the system catching up, I’m proud that we’re already doing the work. The curriculum is evolving. So are we. But our foundation, knowing every child and teaching them to think, not just to pass, remains constant.
And this approach clearly pays off. The latest government data shows that St Chris has been ranked top in North Hertfordshire and Stevenage for GCSE performance, outperforming all other state and independent schools in the region. Our Attainment 8 score of 58.2 reflects outstanding results across a breadth of subjects, from Art and French to Chemistry and Music, achieved within a non-selective school that values individuality over uniformity.
It’s proof that breadth and excellence don’t compete.
When our students are encouraged to think, express, question and create, they thrive academically and personally.
So yes, the world has moved on from the Dragon 32. Technology has changed beyond recognition. But what really matters hasn’t: a great education still begins with curiosity, courage, and connection, and the belief that learning should prepare young people to live with purpose in a world that never stands still.
Somewhere in a Somerset attic, that old Dragon 32 is still probably loading Maps. Progress takes time.
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.
WELLBEING HUB LOG INRegister for the Wellbeing Hub
Week Commencing 3 November
Webinar: Podcast: Protecting your child’s mental health with Alicia Drummond, Therapist and Founder of The Wellbeing Hub.
Notices
Whole School
Friday Parking Arrangements – Important Update
Over the half-term break, we have made some improvements to help ease congestion on Fridays and to enhance safety around the site.
New Friday Parking Plan
From this Friday, the Junior School playground will open as an additional car park at the end of the school day. This change is designed to reduce congestion at the roundabout and the front of school on Fridays, when both schools finish at the same time and there are no after-school clubs.
To help manage this new system:
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The car parks next to the roundabout (Theatre area and Triangle car park) will be closed (with cones) from 3.15pm to all vehicles except those with Blue Badges.
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Parents should park in the Junior School playground and then walk around to collect their children from the Main Junior School Entrance Gate or from by the Theatre for Senior School students. Senior School students can also walk up along the pavements to meet their parents in the Junior School playground.
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Once the playground car park is full, the car parks next to the roundabout will open as overflow parking.
Members of our Operations Team, along with the SLT duty member, will be on hand to guide cars and help ensure a smooth flow of traffic. Please do follow their guidance
Please can we remind all parents to avoid parking on double yellow lines to and please take extra care when reversing or pulling out to check for pedestrians and other vehicles.
We hope these changes will make Friday pick-up a calmer and safer experience for everyone. Thank you, as always, for your patience and cooperation as we introduce this new arrangement.
Community Christmas Party – 4 December
We’re looking forward to hosting our annual Community Christmas Party on Wednesday 4 December, from 2.45pm to 4.00pm here at St Chris.
Each year, this special afternoon brings together local elderly members of our community to enjoy Christmas tea, festive entertainment, and plenty of cheer in the company of our pupils and staff.
If you know someone who would enjoy joining us, we would be delighted to welcome them. Please contact Toni Warner on 01462 650901 or email toni.warner@stchris.co.uk for more information or to book a place.
Registering for Instrumental and Singing Lessons at St Chris
We’re pleased to share that applications for instrumental and singing lessons are now available through a new digital form on the St Chris website.
Parents are asked to use the links provided to apply for all future music lessons via the music pages of the school website. The updated page also includes everything you’ll need to know about setting up an Involve account, as well as details of lesson times, terms and conditions.
Thank you for helping us make the application process smoother and more accessible for everyone.
Staffing Update - November 2025
At the start of this half term we welcomed the following new staff:
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Rachael Mileham is our new full-time D Group (Year 6) Junior School Teacher.
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Athena Woodbridge joined the Junior School as our new Learning Support Assistant.
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Jennifer Webb starts next week, also as a Learning Support Assistant, working alongside Athena in the Junior School.
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Two new counsellors have started: Christopher Mousico and Joe Owers and they are based in Arunfield. One more counsellor is due to start shortly and then we will provide further details on how parents and students can access their counselling services.
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Samantha Thompson starts today as our new part-time Art Technician based in the Senior School.
Nursery & Junior School
Design A Book Fair Poster Competition!
The Junior School Library has launched a Design a Poster to Advertise the Book Fair competition! Students are invited to create an A3 poster to help promote the upcoming Book Fair on Thursday 20 November.
Prizes include £10 vouchers for KS1 (and G Group) and KS2, with a £5 voucher for the overall runner-up. The winners will be chosen by our Librarians — so get creative and make your designs as colourful as possible!
Entries must be handed to Anita Moore by Tuesday 11 November.
Cut Your Carbon Campaign 🌍
This month, our Junior School have launched the Cut Your Carbon campaign — an exciting initiative encouraging students to make small, positive changes that help protect our planet.
Each student has received a series of six challenges to complete at home, designed to inspire thoughtful conversations and practical action around sustainability. From saving energy and reducing waste to rethinking travel and food choices, every task helps our young people see how small steps can make a big difference.
We look forward to seeing the creative ways our pupils and their families take on the challenge!
Senior School & Sixth Form
National Pool Lifeguard Qualification – December 2025
We’re delighted to confirm that our next NPLQ course will run from Monday 15 - Friday 19 December 2025.
Open to pupils aged 16 or over by 19 December, this is a great chance to gain a valuable qualification that can lead to flexible, part-time work alongside studies.
With a 100% pass rate, successful candidates are also invited to apply for lifeguarding roles at the St Chris Swimming Pool.
Funding support is available for St Chris students.
To book your place please email abi.watson@stchris.co.uk
Senior School LSP Information
Deadline Today: LSP Bookings
A reminder that the deadline to book onto all LSP trips is today, Friday 7 November, via the ‘What’s On’ section of My Evolve.
When booking, you’ll be asked to pay a deposit. There are no limits on trip places, so there’s no need to rush — just make sure your booking is completed before the deadline.
If your child does not book onto an LSP, we’ll assume they plan to attend school during LSP week and take part in the on-site activities programme.
The Week Ahead
Nursery & Junior School
- Monday 10 November: J Group (Year 1) Trip to Wimpole
- Tuesday 11 November: E&D Group (Year 5 & Year 6) friendly Swim Gala; Junior School Remembrance Morning Talk
- Wednesday 12 November: Top Monte (Nursery) to K Group (Reception) Parent Information Morning
- Thursday 13 November: U11 Netball vs St Francis (away); D Group (Year 6) to Crucial Crew
- Friday 14 November: Junior School Sibling Photos
Senior School & Sixth Form
- Monday 10 November: Lower Sixth (Year 12) Art Trip to Tate Britain; IV Group (Year 10) Football vs Fearnhill (home)
- Tuesday 11 November: District Cross Country (away)
- Wednesday 12 November: II Group (Year 8) Basketball vs KTS (away)
- Thursday 13 November: I & II Group (Years 7 & 8) Football vs HBS (home)
- Sunday 16 November: Chicago Technical Rehearsal 2
Autumn Term Diary
| Monday 17 November | Chicago Dress Rehearsal 1 |
| Tuesday 18 November | Chicago Dress Rehearsal 2 |
| Wednesday 19 November | III Group (Year 9) Basketball vs KTS (home) |
| Thursday 20 November |
Junior School Book Fair Illustration Workshop Chicago Performance 1 II Group (Year 8) Football vs Priory (home) Senior Basketball vs Nobel (away) |
| Friday 21 November |
Junior School Book Fair Chicago Performance 2 |
| Saturday 22 November |
Robotics Competition - Coventry Chicago Performance 3 (matinee) Chicago Performance 4 (evening) |
| Monday 24 November |
Junior School Book Fair Lower Sixth (Year 12) Politics Conference V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams Senior Basketball vs HBS (away) |
| Tuesday 25 November |
Junior School Book Fair V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams |
| Wednesday 26 November |
V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams II Group (Year 8) Basketball vs Barnwell (away) |
| Thursday 27 November |
V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams A Level Psychology Conference III Group (Year 9) GCSE Options Information Evening |
| Friday 28 November |
Lower Sixth (Year 12) Creative Process Lecture Deadline for Bursary & Art Scholarship Applications V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams |
| Saturday 29 November | Robotics Competition - London |
| Monday 1 December | V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams |
| Tuesday 2 December |
Nursery & Junior School Open House V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams |
| Wednesday 3 December |
V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams Early Years & KS1 Nativity 1 I & II Group (Years 7 & 8) Rugby vs KTS (home) |
| Thursday 4 December |
V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams Early Years & KS1 Nativity 2 Community Christmas Tea III & IV Group (Years 9 & 10) Rugby vs KTS (home) |
| Friday 5 December | V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams |
| Monday 8 December |
Flu Vaccinations (catch up session) V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams |
| Tuesday 9 December |
V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams Senior School Christmas Concert |
| Wednesday 10 December |
V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams II Group (Year 8) Pantomime Trip Junior School Gathering III Group (Year 9) Basketball vs Marriotts (home) |
| Thursday 11 December |
V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams I Group (Year 7) and Sixth Form (Years 12 & 13) Ice Skating Junior School Gathering Senior Football vs KTS (away) II Group (Year 8) Football vs Barclay (home) |
| Friday 12 December |
V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams Last day of Autumn Term 2025 - term ends at 1200 noon |
| Monday 15 December to Monday 5 January | Christmas Holidays (school closed) |
| Monday 5 January | Staff INSET |
| Tuesday 6 January | First day of Spring Term |
Careers Newsletter
Edition #8
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.
Please see Edition 8 below. If you have any further questions about Career Related Learning at St Chris, please contact Lizzie Hedderson.
Major Officials Newsletter
Edition #9
Please click on the link below to find out the latest updates from the St Chris Major Officials.
Nursery & Junior
| Junior School Librarians Share their Top Reads! |
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Our Junior School Librarians, Reeva & Maya, shared their top reading recommendations this week. Reeva recommends Tom Gates: Yes, No saying, “It’s funny and has lots of cartoons — perfect for ages 8 to 10.” Maya recommends I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, sharing, “It’s a graphic novel with lots of drama and excitement, based on a true story. I’d recommend it for ages 9 to 10.” |
| K Group (Reception) |
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In Forest School this week, students in Reception were captivated by the new pond, taking time to admire their reflections and revisit the pond safety rules that help keep everyone safe. Using colour cards, students explored the shades around them, matching hues from nature to their cards with great care and creativity. Once immersed in their own projects, children balanced on logs, climbed trees, collected the last of the apples, and experimented with ropes in wonderfully inventive ways. There was also much fascination as they discovered and admired a variety of mushrooms and fungi around the site. |
| J Group (Year 1) |
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Year 1 have been learning all about the story behind Bonfire Night. Together, they explored its historical origins and discussed what it means to us today. Students brought the story to life by creating their own puppets of the main characters, a hands-on way to connect with history and spark imagination through storytelling and creativity. |
| H Group (Year 2) |
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Year 2 have had an exciting week of creativity and exploration. In Art, students designed and printed their very own Penny Black stamps, marvelling as their designs came to life. The finished pieces will soon be displayed for everyone to enjoy. At Forest School, Year 2 revisited the new pond and reminded each other of the important safety rules. They were delighted to spot their first pond resident, a black diving beetle! Later, students learned about how trees grow by branching towards the light. Using sticks and a pot as the sun, they mapped how trees fork and reach upwards. There was also plenty of time for free play and discovery, with the enormous mushroom being a particular highlight of the day. |
| F Group (Year 4) |
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In Science this week, Year 4 explored the fascinating processes of the water cycle; evaporation, condensation, precipitation and accumulation. Some students even took on the role of teacher, explaining the cycle to their peers using the correct scientific vocabulary. Each student labelled their own diagram and created a ‘water cycle in a bag’ experiment, which they’ll observe over the coming days to see the processes in action. At Forest School, the class put their practical skills to the test by drilling holes into conkers they had collected during their Anglesey Abbey trip before half term. With care and focus, they used vine eyes and boards to anchor the conkers, creating the perfect start for some creative outdoor projects. |
| E Group (Year 5) |
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It’s been an inspiring week for Year 5. Sixth Form students visited the Junior School to launch the exciting Mars Rover project, which will see students visiting the Senior School over the next few Wednesdays to design and build their own electronic rovers. In Science, students investigated how different types of craters; simple, complex and basin — are formed on the moon. Using trays of flour and a range of different sized balls, they carried out hands-on experiments to see how various impacts behave and build up over time. |
Senior & Sixth
Making a Spalsh: Emily Carter Represents Yorkshire in National Underwater Hockey Championships
Congratulations to IV Group (Year 10) student Emily Carter, who spent her half-term representing Yorkshire in the National Underwater Hockey Championships.
For those unfamiliar with the sport, underwater hockey - sometimes called Octopush - is a fast-paced, team game played on the bottom of a swimming pool. Players wear fins, snorkels and masks, and use small sticks to push a lead-weighted puck across the 2m or 3m deep pool floor, aiming to score goals in the opposing team’s goal. It requires agility, teamwork with six players in the pool per team, and impressive breath control, as players are constantly diving and resurfacing for air.
Emily, who trains with St Alban's adults team and the GB U19 women's team, was selected to play for the Yorkshire “Lasses” in this year's women's national competition, competing in the second division. Her team performed brilliantly, finishing third overall.
Emily, who plays as a forward, was the top goal scorer for her team - and secured a dramatic finish by scoring the winning goal in the final 20 seconds of their last match.
Teams from across the country took part, including sides from Plymouth and even the Orkney Islands, where the sport is part of the school curriculum and every pupil learns to play.
We are immensely proud of Emily’s achievement - both for her skill in the pool and her dedication to representing her region at a national level.
Half Term Swim Trip to Jersey
A fantastic time was had by all our D Group (Year 6) and I & II Group (Years 7 & 8) who took part in the bi-annual Jersey Swim Trip over half term. Staying once again at The Merton Hotel, the group enjoyed excellent hospitality, delicious buffet meals and plenty of fun in the hotel’s Aquadome pool - including learning new tricks during a FlowRider bodyboarding session!
The Le Mourier Company provided expert coaching throughout the week, helping every swimmer make real progress in their stroke techniques, dives, turns and stamina. Alongside their training, students also took part in a range of aquatic adventures, including water polo, stand-up paddleboarding and SCUBA. Every participant successfully completed their Powerboat Level 1 course, which even included steering a boat around the bay and rescuing “Bob” in a simulated man-overboard exercise!
Away from the water, there was still plenty to explore. The group visited Jersey Zoo (the Durrell Conservation Centre), the stunning 800-year-old Mont Orgueil Castle in Gorey, and took part in an exciting night-time Airsoft session at Valley Adventures.
Congratulations to all our swimmers for their passion, perseverance and politeness throughout the week. Max, our Le Mourier group lead, said:
“They were an absolute delight and a credit to themselves and the School – truly one of the best groups of youngsters I’ve had the pleasure to meet. I’m already looking forward to the next time!”
Maggie and Jenny, the St Chris staff accompanying the trip, wholeheartedly agree. Roll on 2027!
Year 8 Visit the Docklands Museum
On Wednesday, our II Group (Year 8) pupils enjoyed a fascinating History trip to the Docklands Museum to explore how the area was shaped by the British Empire.
They spent the day delving into the stories of London’s trading past, discovering how to build bridges, learning about World War Two shelters, and even coming across a mummified cat among the exhibits!
It was a day full of discovery, curiosity, and hands-on learning.
Anti-Bullying Week - Morning Talk
In today’s Morning Talk, Alistair (Assistant Head, Pastoral & Boarding, and Designated Safeguarding Lead) spoke to students about Anti-Bullying Week and the power of language — both in how we speak to others and to ourselves.
He encouraged everyone to be mindful of negative self-talk and reminded us that kindness starts within. Alistair set the whole school a simple but meaningful challenge: to recognise one positive thing about ourselves every day.
Tora's Masterclass with Jenny Saville at the National Portrait Gallery
Earlier this year, the National Portrait Gallery ran a competition inviting students to submit their art portfolios to be reviewed by leading contemporary artists. From the many entries received, a select few were chosen to take part in an exclusive masterclass — and we’re thrilled to share that Tora (Lower Sixth) was among them.
Tora was selected by renowned artist Jenny Saville for a 1:1 session during the Anatomy of Painting workshop in June, and was the only GCSE-level student chosen, with the rest already having completed their A levels.
During the session, Tora shared her artwork, received personal feedback from Jenny, and was encouraged to study the works of John Singer Sargent to explore light and colour in greater depth.
“It was amazing to talk about painting with Jenny herself — and I even got a signed book at the end!”
