Habs Boys Skylight Spring Term 2026

Skylight SPRING 2026

Contents Success stories

6

Year 5 explore sustainable solutions through IPQ programme Habs awarded gold mark for AI Quality Outstanding results at the International Naboj Maths competition Habs triumphs at Brighton schools Debating Competition Strong performances from Habs teams at EYPUK London regional Habs celebrates five-year winning streak in national Schools Cup CCF Royal Navy Cadet achieves top honours in naval aviation Fantastic representation at MUN Outstanding Olympiad achievements for Habs physics students

Dragons’ Den heats showcase outstanding student innovation

Sport

46

A Decade of innovation: Habs students impress at Dragons’ Den Grand Final

Trips

47

HabsMUN 2026 – Bridging Divides Celebrating neurodiversity across our school community

Lower Sixth attends philosophy conference

Moments that matter: TEDxHabs Elstree youth delivers its most ambitious event to date

Another strong showing on this year’s golf tour Exploring Vienna: From imperial palaces to Christmas markets

Honouring Ramadan through community and connection A Remarkable Habs Giving Day filled with energy and community pride 92 competitors, 1 champion, Integration Bee delivers a spectacular finish

Music, Art and Drama

34

Piano Day

Thrilling debates lead to victory for Ethan and Chu in Open Grand Final

A unique, energetic, unforgettable Hamlet

Students impress in one of the strongest interhouse debates yet

A stellar debut for the joint Senior House Drama event

Outstanding success at the UK VEX Robotics Nationals

Habs in conversation – Creative industries at Soho Place Theatre

Cansat takes off at Habs with national finals qualification

Chamber Music Concert Guitar Festival Concert

20

Upper Sixth celebrate completion of ERP at presentation event Joutes Oratoires 2026: regional French debating competition Reflecting on Holocaust Memorial Day Habs Company Music Festival unites over 300 students in joyful celebration

Choral Concert Jazz Concert The Freeman Ensemble @ Our Lady of the Assumption, Warwick Street Orchestral Concert Spotlight on our stage: The latest drama showreel

Resilience on and off the field: Highlights from the Habs India Cricket Tour From Durdle Door to Corfe Castle: Year 13 gain real‑world geography insights

First-ever junior win for Habs at LSE Debating Competition

Events

Les Deux Alpes: A snowy adventure to remember

CCF Cadets test their skills in a full section outdoor expedition

Prep news

44

Habs Community

53

Old Haberdashers start the New Year right Who won the annual Mencap charity netball match for 2026?

Mencap’s Got Talent Staff v Parents 11-a-side charity football match: a fantastic community event

Staff news Joiners Leavers

56

INTRODUCTION

Headmaster’s end of term message: Spring term

As we reach the end of term, it is an appropriate moment to reflect on what has been a full and rewarding period at Habs Boys.

Across the school, there has been a strong sense of momentum – not only in what our students have achieved, but in the way they have approached challenge, opportunity and one another. It is this combination of ambition and community that continues to define life at Habs. There has been much to celebrate. Our students have achieved outstanding success across a range of academic competitions, including the British Physics Olympiad, various Maths competitions, the Bridge Schools Cup and the VEX Robotics National Championships, alongside excellent performances in debating and at the European Youth Parliament. These achievements reflect not only ability but also the curiosity, discipline and perseverance that we seek to develop in all our students.

4

Opportunities beyond the classroom have been equally significant. Events such as HabsMUN - which continues to grow in scale and ambition alongside TEDxHabs Elstree Youth have challenged students to think critically, to engage with complex issues and to develop their own perspectives. These experiences are central to preparing our students for a rapidly changing world.

Events such as Giving Day, our Iftar, and Neurodiversity Week — including a powerful studentled assembly - have reinforced the importance of inclusion, understanding and shared responsibility. In different ways, they remind us that a Habs education is about more than individual success; it is about ensuring that every member of our community feels valued and supported.

The creative arts have once again played a central role in school life.

From concerts and festivals to our Senior School production, students have embraced opportunities to perform, collaborate and take risks. In doing so, they develop confidence and creativity - qualities that are as important as academic success.

Across all of these activities, the common thread is the development of character — the willingness to take risks, to contribute to others, and to engage thoughtfully with the world. This newsletter offers just a snapshot of that work.

In sport, our U13 football team’s national title was a standout achievement, and I am also delighted to share that our U16 badminton team were crowned East of England regional champions at Cambridge University and progressed to the national finals, and our U15 water polo team were runners up in their national finals.

In bridge, our team again retained the national Schools Cup, an extraordinary achievement that reflects sustained excellence over many years. Alongside these successes, the breadth of participation across sport and co-curricular life remains a defining strength. The continued development of the CCF ensures that students are regularly challenged to step beyond their comfort zones, developing resilience, leadership and teamwork.

This same spirit of collective effort was evident during Giving Day, where the whole community came together.

As we look ahead to the summer term, I would encourage all students, particularly those preparing for exams, to approach the coming weeks with a sense of balance — combining focused revision with time to rest, stay active and maintain perspective.

Sustained effort, supported by good habits and moments to recharge, will be key.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership.

I wish you and your families a restful and enjoyable break and I look forward to next term.

Mr Robert Sykes Headmaster

Our newsletter Missing the Upper School Newsletter?

You can now see the latest Upper School updates on the Habs App.

5

Success stories Year 5 explore sustainable solutions through IPQ programme

For the first time in Habs history, our Year 5 pupils from Habs Boys and Habs Girls embarked on their Independent Project Qualification (IPQ) programme, an initiative designed to immerse pupils in real-world challenges through project-based learning.

We are excited to share that we have been recognised as an Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB) iPQ Gold School for 2025–26.

We have introduced the programme in our curriculum to encourage creativity, critical thinking and collaboration, giving pupils the tools to become futureready learners.

This year, the focus of the IPQ is fast fashion, a pressing global issue linked to sustainability and landfill waste. Pupils were divided into

6

groups and tasked with identifying specific problems within the topic, then research innovative solutions Over several weeks, the pupils conducted in-depth research and developed proposals, which they presented in Dragons' Den style pitches to volunteer parents and teachers acting as the Dragons.

The presentations sparked insightful questions, feedback and discussions, helping pupils to reflect on the feasibility and impact of their ideas.

Some of the imaginative solutions included: • Pyjama sets with detachable arms and legs, designed to be worn all year round and reduce the need for seasonal sleepwear • Detachable shirt and skirt combinations, enabling mixand-match outfits and reducing the need for multiple items of clothing • Repurposing unused horse gear into wearable clothing, giving old materials a new life

Following the Dragons' Den presentations, pupils reflected on the feedback they received and planned next steps - creating prototypes and preparing their products for an upcoming expo, where they will showcase their sustainable fashion solutions to the wider school community.

The IPQ programme not only challenges pupils to tackle realworld problems but also nurtures confidence, leadership and reflective thinking. As these Year 5 pupils continue to develop their projects, they are gaining invaluable skills that will empower them to shape a more sustainable future.

Habs awarded gold mark for AI Quality We are delighted to have been awarded the AI Quality Gold Mark by the Good Future Foundation.

This national accreditation recognises excellence in thoughtful, responsible and impactful use of AI in schools and we are extremely proud to be among its recipients.

During the assessment process, the Foundation commended Habs for our clear strategy for integrating AI across both Habs Boys and Habs Girls and for our deep and

thoughtful implementation, which they found to be sophisticated and sector-leading. They highlighted our commitment not only to teaching students how to use AI tools, but to developing their ethical, philosophical and pedagogical understanding, promoting critical adaptability and shared ownership thinking and positive engagement as this fast-moving field evolves. across the community.

During the assessment process, the Foundation commended Habs for our clear strategy for integrating AI

The assessors noted the strength of our leadership and vision, including exemplary policies and guidance that set clear expectations for all stakeholders. They also praised the “ongoing conversation” around AI, supported by assemblies, seminars, parents events and studentled initiatives, which ensures

Across teaching and learning, the report recognised a number of sophisticated classroom uses of AI, alongside excellent provision to help students understand ethics, bias and the wider implications for the future. Achieving the Gold AI Quality Mark is a significant milestone for the School and we

look forward to sharing our learning and best practice as we continue to refine and develop our approach.

A special thank you to Ms Jarmy, Mrs Ryan, Mr Hagon and Mr Gauntlett for their leadership and continuous work in ensuring that Habs remains not only in step with the times, but a pioneer shaping the future of AI in education.

7

SUCCESS STORIES

Outstanding results at the International Naboj Maths competition The British Maths Olympiad is not only a prestigious maths exam that challenges high-scorers from the SMC, but also an entry point to the training and selection programme for international competitions.

The UKMT invites around 1000 qualifying students from the SMC, of which 16 were Habs this year.

A Junior and a Senior team of students from Years 10 - 13 recently represented the school at the international Naboj mathematics competition. Ten students took part, tackling a demanding two‑hour problem‑solving challenge against teams from across London, the UK and the wider international field. Their achievements were exceptional.

The Junior Team delivered an extraordinary performance, winning the London branch of the competition. They placed first out of twenty‑one teams in London, third out of fifty teams in the UK, and thirty‑second out of a remarkable one thousand and twenty‑three teams internationally.

The Senior Team also achieved outstanding results, finishing second out of twenty‑one teams in London, second out of sixty‑one teams in the UK, and ninth out of nine hundred and sixty‑seven teams internationally. These results highlight not only their

mathematical ability but also the teamwork, resilience and commitment they demonstrated throughout the competition.

Please join us in congratulating both teams; they have made the school incredibly proud.

The Junior Team consisted of Isaac (11R2), William (11J2), Hayden (10S1), Arthur (11J2) and James Cowan (11H2).

The Senior Team consisted of Jincheng (13J3), Aaron (13S2), Krishan (13H1), Richard (12R3) and Joseph (11R1).

Ten students took part, tackling a demanding two‑hour problem‑solving challenge against teams from across London, the UK and the wider international field

8

Habs triumphs at Brighton schools Debating Competition Our debaters delivered an outstanding performance at the Brighton Schools Debating Competition.

In a superb result, Lucas and Richard emerged as overall winners, with Gautham and Madhav finishing as runners‑up and the second‑highest scoring team in

the competition. This marks one of our strongest results in recent years, and we extend our warmest congratulations to all participants.

Three strong pairs - Lucas (12C3) and Richard (12R3), Gautham (13C1) and Madhav (13C1), and David (12H3) and Shakir (12J2) - tackled a diverse range of challenging motions, from academic rivalry to NHS job allocation and the role of plot twists.

We were delighted that two Habs teams, LARZ and GAMK, qualified for the Gold Final, debating the motion This House Regrets the Glorification of Champions.

Strong performances from Habs teams at EYPUK London regional We were delighted to see 15 of our Lower Sixth students from Habs Girls and Habs Boys represent the school with such energy and enthusiasm at the London Regional Forum of the European Youth Parliament UK 2026, held at St Paul’s School.

Debating complex and timely issues - from artificial intelligence and tourism to European energy policy and current security challenges our students proved themselves to be thoughtful, articulate and

highly engaged ambassadors for our community. We are incredibly proud that our two teams placed 2nd and 3rd out of nine teams, and we warmly congratulate Team

SEDE on securing an invitation to the national EYPUK session in Newcastle later this year.

9

SUCCESS STORIES

Habs celebrates five-year winning streak in national Schools Cup

Habs once again demonstrated its remarkable dominance in schools bridge, securing yet another national Schools Cup victory and extending an extraordinary legacy.

This latest triumph marks five consecutive years that Habs has lifted the Schools Cup – a streak that reflects not only exceptional talent but a culture of consistency, resilience and success. Even more impressively, this victory represents the fourteenth time in the last 18 years that Habs has claimed the national title, a record that firmly establishes the school as one of the country’s true bridge powerhouses.

To compete for this year’s trophy, Habs sent four teams to Loughborough, with the A and B teams in the Cup competition and the C and D teams in the Plate. The A team – Holden (12J1), Noaz (12S1), Sam (10H2) and Rian (10R1) - faced a tense and tightly-contested qualifier against Loughborough and King’s College School, Wimbledon. As results trickled in, Habs found themselves precariously in third place, with only two teams able to progress to the final. The final match between King’s and Loughborough became decisive; when King’s claimed the win, Loughborough 10

slipped to third and Habs seized their place in the final.

Once there, the team played with the calmness and assurance of seasoned champions. Through consistent, steady performances from all four players, Habs gradually built a lead they never surrendered, securing a confident 22–8 win.

This victory also completes a clean sweep of all three face-to-face tournaments the team entered this year, following earlier wins in both the Hertfordshire Schools Cup and the Surrey Schools Cup. But while this season’s success is impressive on its own, it is the scale of Habs’ long-term achievement that truly stands out.

Winning the Schools Cup five years running and 14 times in 18 years is a testament to enduring excellence, strong teamwork and a tradition of high-performing players who continue to raise the bar year after year

CCF Royal Navy Cadet achieves top honours in naval aviation We are delighted to share the outstanding success of David (11H2), who has become our latest CCF Royal Navy cadet to excel in naval aviation.

Following the achievements of Senior Cadet Albie (13C3) last year, David has completed the Bronze Wings Naval Aviation Course, earned the title of Top Navigator, and has been invited to return in July for the prestigious Silver Wings programme.

Competition for places on the course was extremely high, with applications from cadets across the country. Securing a place alone was a significant accomplishment, and David’s performance throughout the week at RNAS Culdrose was exceptional. His success is a testament to his dedication and reflects brilliantly on our CCF Royal Navy Section.

David described the experience as both challenging and inspiring, saying:

“Overall it was a fantastic, new opportunity which I am glad to have taken, and due to my success in our tests, I have been given the chance to come back in July for Silver Wings, where I will be able to fly a real plane with an instructor” We are incredibly proud of David and look forward to celebrating his continued progress as he prepares for Silver Wings later this year.

11

SUCCESS STORIES

Fantastic representation at MUN

In January, students from Habs Boys and Habs Girls travelled to The Hague to take part in The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN).

THIMUN is one of the largest and most established international Model United Nations conferences in the world, welcoming over 3,000 delegates from more than 200 schools and approximately 100 countries. Many schools attend with delegations of 20 to 30 students or more. Across the week-long conference, only 96 resolutions were passed, and most schools saw one or none of their resolutions succeed.

12

Against this highly competitive backdrop, our delegation of ten students performed exceptionally well. Two of their resolutions were successfully passed in committee, placing the school among a small number of delegations to achieve multiple successful outcomes. In addition, four students passed amendments, while others played an active role in drafting, submitting and debating resolutions and amendments throughout the week.

Three of our delegates were selected to deliver opening speeches on the first day of debate - an indication of the strength of their preparation and confidence.

One student, Danny (12J2), was chosen to participate in the highly competitive Comité Français, where he debated and successfully passed an amendment entirely in French.

Beyond their academic achievements, the students conducted themselves with maturity and professionalism throughout the trip. They managed travel and logistics responsibly, supported one another consistently, and engaged thoughtfully with the history and institutions of The Hague. Their conduct and conversation were even praised by hotel staff.

Congratulations to all our delegates for representing the school with great distinction and to Miss King and Mr Watson for accompanying and supporting our young delegates.

Outstanding Olympiad achievements for Habs physics students This academic year has once again showcased the exceptional talent within our Upper Sixth physics cohort, with an impressive set of outcomes in the highly demanding British Physics Olympiad (BPhO).

Round 1, taken in the Autumn Term, saw 12 Habs students qualify - a significant accomplishment given the national scale of the competition and the rigour of the paper. Their success in this preliminary stage reflects not only remarkable individual ability but also the depth of preparation and support available.

A particular highlight of the year has been the achievements of Ryan (13R3), whose outstanding Round 1 performance placed him in the top 130 of the 1,811 students from 475 UK schools. This Top Gold result not only reflects exceptional talent but also secured his invitation to sit the Round 2 paper in February, the stage used to identify candidates

for the International Physics Olympiad team. Ryan went on to earn a Top Gold in the IPhO Round 2 paper and a Bronze in the BAAO Round 2, placing him in an elite national cohort and positioning him strongly for potential selection to the Easter Training Camp, the final step towards representing Great Britain at the International Olympiad in Colombia.

Alongside the Upper Sixth achievements, we are equally proud of the younger physicists who have demonstrated impressive promise in related national competitions.

Both the Senior Physics Challenge (SPC) for Lower Sixth students and the Intermediate Physics Challenge (IPC) for Year 11 ran during the Spring Term. Maanav (12S1), Richard (12R3), and Joseph (11R1) all secured medals this year, an encouraging indication of their potential as they progress towards future Olympiad participation.

Their achievements this year represent not only personal milestones but are also a testament to the culture of academic ambition that continues to thrive within physics at Habs. We extend our warmest congratulations to all participants and our sincere thanks to colleagues whose expertise, encouragement and organisation have enabled such impressive success throughout the Olympiad cycle.

Their success in this preliminary stage reflects not only remarkable individual ability but also the depth of preparation and support available

Across all competitions, the commitment, curiosity and resilience demonstrated by our students have been exceptional.

13

SUCCESS STORIES

First-ever junior win for Habs at LSE Debating Competition

We were delighted to take 10 pairs of talented debaters to the LSE Juniors and Seniors Debating Competition, where students from Years 7–13 debated a wide range of contemporary motions.

These included topics such as the value of different computer programming languages, the influence of social media trends like “girl math”, the effectiveness of carbon offsetting versus decarbonisation and whether AI systems should process asylum claims. Our students rose to the challenge with confidence, skill and enthusiasm.

We are proud to announce that four Habs teams progressed to the finals.

In the Senior competition, Lucas (12C3) Richard (12R3) reached the Gold Final, while Tamara (11 Ansuz) Aanya (11A) broke to the Silver Final. In the Junior division, two teams reached the Silver Final: Cyrus (8R) & Samuel (8M) and Noah (8J) and Samuel (8J).

14

All students demonstrated excellent teamwork, thoughtful argumentation and a real sense of enjoyment throughout the day.

We are thrilled to celebrate our firstever Junior win at this competition, with Cyrus and Samuel emerging victorious as Opening Government on the motion: “This House believes that influencers whose content is normally non-political should post about their political views in the lead-up to national elections.” Their achievement marks a significant milestone for our Junior debating programme.

We also congratulate our students on a series of impressive individual speaker awards: Bing Yao (8H) was named Best Junior Novice Speaker, Aanya earned Best Senior Novice Speaker, and Lucas placed 5th overall in the Senior Open category.

All students demonstrated excellent teamwork, thoughtful argumentation and a real sense of enjoyment throughout the day.

Thrilling debates lead to victory for Ethan and Chu in Open Grand Final We are delighted to share the results of our second Intraschool Debating Competition, which brought together a vibrant and enthusiastic group of debaters across the school.

After three competitive preliminary rounds, four excellent teams broke to the Open Grand Final: SVSM (Samit (12R2) and Shakir (12J2), DLAS (David (12H3) and Aarav (12H3), ELCO (Ethan (11J2) and Chu (11C2), and Goodbye Mellow Brick Road (Tamara (11 Ansuz) and Aanya (11 A). The final saw students deliver thoughtful, dynamic and impressively argued speeches before a full audience of staff and peers.

We are pleased to announce that Ethan and Chu were crowned the winners of this year’s Open Grand Final, following a closely contested debate that showcased outstanding teamwork and analytical skill. Our thanks go to all debaters, swing speakers and judges whose energy and commitment made the competition such a success. We look forward to seeing even more students take part next year as this exciting intraschool tradition continues to grow.

After three competitive preliminary rounds, four excellent teams broke to the Open Grand Final

15

SUCCESS STORIES

Students impress in one of the strongest interhouse debates yet We were delighted to host one of the most impressive Interhouse Debating Finals in recent years, showcasing the exceptional talent, confidence and intellectual curiosity of our students.

After a series of lively and thoughtful debates, we congratulate the winners of this year’s competition: Nathaniel and Adam (Year 10, Joblings), who triumphed in the Upper School Final, and Aarav and David (Year 12, Hendersons), who emerged victorious in the final.

Both pairs demonstrated outstanding teamwork, sharp analytical skills and a commanding presence that set them apart on the day.

It was a pleasure to welcome back James Cater (OH 2023) and William Mace (OH 2025), who returned to judge both Finals alongside our outgoing Debating Captain, Madhav (13C1). Their expert adjudication and insights enriched the experience for all students involved. This year’s motions centred on two themes close to the organiser’s heart: the dynamics of the 'cool older sibling' trope, and a morally complex dilemma inspired

by X Men, the beloved superhero franchise. Both topics prompted nuanced and creative arguments from all debaters.

We extend our thanks to colleagues who attended and supported the event – it was wonderful to see such a strong turnout. Warm congratulations go to every student who took part in the Finals; their enthusiasm and commitment helped make this year’s competition a memorable celebration of debating across the school.

16

Outstanding success at the UK VEX Robotics Nationals Habs achieved exceptional success at the UK VEX Robotics National Championships, with all three school teams earning major awards and two qualifying for the VEX Robotics World Championship in St. Louis, Missouri.

Our Year 10 V5 team, HABS CyberSquad, performed brilliantly against the country’s top competitors, impressing judges with their Engineering Notebook, consistent scoring and professionalism. Their efforts were recognised with the prestigious Design Award, securing them a well deserved place at Worlds.

In the VEX IQ division, Habs entered two middle school teams: HABS Hornets (Year 9) and HABS Q Tek (Year 8). The Hornets stood

out for their strategic gameplay, strong alliances and exemplary engineering documentation, earning the Excellence Award, the highest honour in the IQ programme. This achievement marks Habs’ first-ever VEX IQ banner and qualifies the team for the World Championship alongside CyberSquad.

Meanwhile, HABS Q Tek delivered an outstanding debut season, highlighted by an impressive final score of 209 and consistently strong performances throughout the event. Their robot design and driving ability earned them the Amaze Award, an exceptional accomplishment for a first year team and a sign of great potential for the seasons ahead.

the Teacher of the Year Award, recognising dedication to both IQ and V5 programmes and to STEM enrichment across the school. With two teams heading to the World Championships and enthusiasm already building for next season, the future of robotics at Habs looks incredibly bright.

This year has been one of the strongest robotics seasons in Habs history, driven by countless hours of building, coding, and teamwork from all students involved. To round off the celebrations, our robotics lead was honoured with 17

SUCCESS STORIES

Cansat takes off at Habs with national finals qualification

Now in only its second year at Habs, Cansat has quickly become an exciting and fast growing STEM club, offering students a unique opportunity to design and build a working satellite small enough to fit inside a drinks can.

18

The challenge also requires teams to produce two detailed engineering reports describing their design and testing. Five teams took part this year, demonstrating just how enthusiastically students have embraced this new co curricular opportunity.

Amid this growing interest, we are delighted to share some wonderful news. Daedalus, a team of five Year 11 students, has qualified for the 2026 National Cansat Finals, which will be held at the National STEM Learning Centre in York from 5–7 May. This represents months of creativity, problem solving, and persistence. Warm congratulations go to Dilan (11S1), Charlsantony (11H2), Arya (11C1), William (11J2) and Thushanth (11H2) for earning a place at this prestigious national event.

Earlier this term, two of our teams - Aeolus and Daedalus - also took part in the regional launch day at the Westcott Space Centre. These launch events, organised by ESERO UK (the European Space Education Resource Office), give students the chance to send their Cansats up on a Jackdaw rocket, recover them and analyse the data collected. Both Habs teams successfully launched and retrieved their models, gaining invaluable real-world engineering experience.

Cansat forms part of a long established international programme supported by ESERO, an educational initiative of the European Space Agency. For more than 30 years, the Cansat competition has inspired young people worldwide by giving them a hands-on introduction to space engineering. In the UK, qualification

for the national finals is based on two rigorous submissions: the Preliminary Design Review and the Critical Design Review.

At Habs, Cansat is proudly run as a student led club, with Hari (12C3) playing a key role in promoting the programme and coordinating participating teams. Crucial staff support has been provided by Mr Knight and Mr Teague from Physics and Mr Roncarati from Design & Technology, whose guidance has helped students bring their ambitious ideas to life.

We congratulate all involved for their enthusiasm and dedication, and we wish team Daedalus the very best of luck as they prepare for the national finals 19

Events Upper Sixth celebrate completion of ERP at presentation event We hosted our annual presentation event for the Extended Research Project strand of our university accredited Habs Diploma.

The event celebrated the efforts of our Upper Sixth students for their submissions completed at the end of the last academic year.

This year we had 23 Prize winners from across our three faculties Creative, STEM, and Humanities and Social Sciences.

At the ceremony we heard from our 1st prize winners of each category.

To transform a 4000-word project into a 10-minute speech to share with an audience of peers, teachers and governors is no ordinary feat, but our three prize winners had the audience mesmerised.

Our Creative speaker, Saul (13M1), explored the struggle with faith in the poetry of Phillip Larkin and John Betjeman, chosen due to his love for Larkin and interest in the philosophy of religion.

Our STEM speaker, Shravan (13M1), and his interest in cardiovascular science, genetics and regenerative medicine, chose to look at the effectiveness of CRISPR and stem cell-based therapy for treating cardiovascular diseases.

Our Humanities and Social sciences speaker, Tamara (13 IBW/ CAJ), focused on how women's contributions in parliamentary units, factories, nursing/hospitals

20

and agriculture impacted the outcome of WW1, a subject chosen due to her interest in history and economics.

It was fabulous to come together as a community to celebrate the academic curiosity of our students. Being able to celebrate their attitude to scholarship was a reminder to the Upper Sixth of how far they have come.

Joutes Oratoires 2026: regional French debating competition Habs Elstree was this year's proud host of the renowned Regional French debating competition, the Joutes Oratoires 2026.

More than 55 Sixth Form students and their teachers attended, travelling from schools across North London, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

The event, organised by the French department, brought together students to debate a range of contemporary issues entirely in French. The competition aims to develop students’ fluency, critical thinking and confidence in public speaking.

Students progressed through several rounds, each focused on a different motion: • Round 1: Junk food advertising should be banned • Round 2: Artificial intelligence threatens more jobs than it creates • Round 3: Universities should be free for everyone • Quarter-Final: The four-day week should become the norm in schools • Semi-Final: Fast fashion should be banned • Grand Final: Social media harms democracy Participants were required to present arguments, respond to counter arguments and answer questions from judges.

The standard of debate was consistently high, with students demonstrating strong linguistic accuracy and well-structured reasoning.

Although our teams did not progress to the National Final this year, they represented the school with confidence and professionalism.

Congratulations to Alex (13M3), Anahad (13M3), Neel (13S3), Tasir (13C2), Maryam (13 JYB/SGK) and Zahra (13 MJ/JHB) for their skill, effort and enthusiasm portrayed in this tough competition.

The French department thanks all visiting schools for their participation and positive feedback. The event was a valuable opportunity for students to practise advanced language skills in a competitive setting and to engage thoughtfully with current global issues.

Vive le débat!

The event was a valuable opportunity for students to practise advanced language skills in a competitive setting 21

EVENTS

Reflecting on Holocaust Memorial Day Written by Mrs Monia Zahid, Head of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion The Senior School came together for a powerful Holocaust Memorial Day assembly, reflecting on this year’s theme, Bridging Generations.

We were honoured to hear Mrs Selouk share the story of her grandmother, Gittel – how she fled Nazi-invaded Poland to Soviet occupied Ukraine and was then deported to a Siberian Gulag.

These stories are key in reminding students that history is not distant or abstract but lived and carried forward through families and generations. Her testimony brought home the importance of listening to those stories while we still can.

Mr Sykes encouraged students to consider the vital role of education and reconciliation, inviting them to reflect on other moments in history where communities have faced targeted persecution.

22

The assembly was thoughtfully concluded by the co-chairs of the Jewish Society, who led a prayer in both Hebrew and English. This was a moment that encouraged quiet reflection and respect.

This assembly helped students reflect on the responsibility this generation holds – to remember, to learn and to challenge prejudice and hatred wherever it appears.

By bridging generations through stories and reflection, we ensure that the voices of the past continue to guide the choices we make today.

Habs Company Music Festival unites over 300 students in joyful celebration performing side by side in a project that places collaboration, creativity, and community at its heart. It was wonderful to see our Elstree students forging new friendships and experiencing firsthand the extraordinary ability of music to bring people together.

The Haberdashers’ Company Music Festival returned for its fourth year, once again at the magnificent Milton Court Concert Hall at the Barbican. This much loved event is a highlight of our calendar, uniting young musicians from all nine senior schools within the Habs Company family.

The evening culminated in a joyful massed performance of Happy

by Pharrell Williams, featuring the newly formed Habs Company Orchestra, with over 300 students on their feet, singing, and dancing.

Led by Habs Elstree, students came together to form a Wind Orchestra, Jazz Band, Choir, and Orchestra, rehearsing and

A memorable occasion, the festival once again showcased the strength and spirit of our extended Habs community.

Dragons’ Den heats showcase outstanding student innovation Fifteen talented teams from Years 10 and 11 took part in our Dragons’ Den heats, confidently pitching their innovative business ideas to a panel of external judges.

These teams were shortlisted from more than 50 initial entries - each one demonstrating remarkable creativity, ambition and entrepreneurial flair.

To support their preparation, students participated in pitching workshops led by Emma Harvey,

founder of Seven Consultancy, and Laura Rudoe (née Howard).

The sessions helped students develop clarity and confidence in their presentations, understand how to structure compelling pitches and practise handling challenging questions. The business proposals covered an exciting range of sectors, including construction, education, technology, wellness, finance and more - highlighting the diversity and forward thinking mindset of our young entrepreneurs.

Throughout the heats, students received constructive, real world

feedback from the judges, who encouraged them to think critically about key business principles such as scalability, differentiation and commercial viability. Their insights helped students refine their ideas and consider the next steps in developing their ventures.

A huge thank you goes to our Sixth Form Dragons’ Den Committee, who hosted each heat with professionalism and enthusiasm. Having all been finalists in the previous competition, it was inspiring to see them now supporting and guiding the next cohort of participants.

23

EVENTS

A Decade of innovation: Habs students impress at Dragons’ Den Grand Final

Students from Habs Boys and Habs Girls competed in an exciting 10-year anniversary of the Dragons’ Den Grand Final, where both schools came together for a memorable showcase of entrepreneurial talent.

The event was attended by a glittering array of special guests.

TV and radio presenter Sonali Shah acted as host, while the distinguished panel of Dragons featured Lord Alan Sugar’s adviser Tim Campbell MBE, tech entrepreneur Alex Depledge MBE, comedian Michael McIntyre and Khilan Dodhia from competition sponsors Encore Capital.

In a thrilling finale, four student teams took turns to present their business ideas. After a hotly contested round of pitches, it was Habs Boys Team Ecobuild comprising Onkaar (10R1) who 24

came out on top, with both Tim and Alex investing.

The other finalist teams included joint Team Arova, comprising Ayaan (11J2), Joseph (11R1), Oscar (11J2), Jura (11 Aleph), who received investment from Michael. They were joined by Habs Girls Team Somnia - Amelia (11 Aesc), Viha (11 Aesc),

Kaya (Aesc) and Ella (11 Aleph) - who impressed the Dragons with their innovative concept. Rounding out the finalists was joint Team Ishani (11 Ansuz), Arianna (11 Ansuz), Shailen (10S2) and Krishan (10J2), whose presentation secured investment from Tim and Michael.

Before the Grand Final could take place, an impressive field of 50 teams had to be carefully narrowed down, making competition in the semifinals every bit as fierce as the final itself. Students delivered outstanding pitches, responding confidently and thoughtfully to challenging questions from the judging panel. With detailed inquiries into each team’s business plan and a significant number of students pitching over a two week period, simply reaching the final was an achievement in itself.

Even prior to the semifinals, earlier heats saw students across both schools investing considerable effort into preparing their pitches.

After taking part in pitching preparation workshops led by experienced entrepreneurs earlier in the term, the teams delivered highly polished three minute presentations to a panel of external judges. They received valuable feedback on all aspects of their business ideas, enabling them to refine and strengthen their proposals ahead of the later rounds.

With three heats taking place during February, it is clear why the finalists presented with such confidence and handled the scrutiny of the visiting Dragons so effectively.

The schools expressed their appreciation to Khilan Dodhia, Rajesh Shah, Gemma Lyons,

Andrew Bloch, Emma Harvey, Laura Rudoe, Rishi Hindocha, Kerry Nash and Mr Silverman for their time, support and invaluable feedback during the contest.

The event concluded with thanks to all the Dragons, judges, staff and students whose enthusiasm and hard work made the competition such an inspiring showcase of creativity, teamwork and innovation.

The contest highlighted the remarkable entrepreneurial talent within both schools and left the audience eager to see what future ventures these students might pursue.

25

EVENTS

HabsMUN 2026 – Bridging Divides Written by Aarav (12H3) In March, students from around the world came together for Habs’ 18th Model United Nations conference.

This year’s theme, 'Bridging Divides', sparked engaging and insightful debates across various committees.

For instance, committees such as CEP (Committee on Environmental Policy) head chair Izzy (13 MJ/ JHB) looked at The Question of Accommodating Climate Change Refugees, resulting in solutions being discussed that brought together delegations to solve a common goal. Meanwhile, others such as ECOFIN (Economic and Financial Affairs Council) focused on International Collaboration to Aid Countries Dealing with Hyperinflation.

One particular highlight of the conference was the Crisis Committee led by Charlie (13J1), announced at the end of Saturday, where all delegates were summoned into the Bourne for an announcement on a hypothetical scenario based around a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. On Sunday, delegates were intrigued by the level of depth in the scenario and exemplified their depth of student engagement and diplomacy through a final solution that saw the delegations of USA, Russia and China work together to de-escalate the crisis. This ran alongside our two General Assemblies organised

by Rian (13M1) President of GA (General Assembly) which brought together resolutions that were debated in committee.

Beyond debate, HabsMUN 2026 also fostered a sense of community, collaboration and friendship. We were fortunate to have Mr Lock (Executive Principal), Gabrielle Gower (OBE), and Sir David Lidington (KCB, CBE and 26

OH) as guest speakers. They each provided their own views on the importance of bridging divides on how diplomacy and the United Nations can help us resolve issues around the world. The opening ceremony on Friday featured flag parades, a pre-recorded video from one Secretary-General and a confetti shower! Saturday ended with a memorable inter-committee karaoke competition that featured performances from teachers, chairs and the organising committee, and Sunday brought together all aspects of the conference with our closing ceremony ending the weekend.

The event ran smoothly thanks to the efforts of the HabsMUN Organising Committee from both schools who worked closely with Mr Watson and Miss King to manage logistics, from catering to the opening ceremony.

The organising committee was led by our Secretaries-General: Seb (13S2), Alex (13J3), and Tamara (13 IBW/CAJ). Technology and reprographics were coordinated

by Amar (13R3) and Ishan (13H3), whilst media and communications teams were run by Aarav (12H3) and Sophie (13JJM/SN), and the efforts of the secretariats who helped ensure the conference ran seamlessly was coordinated by Rhys (13H2). This year also saw the introduction of an advisor portal, run by Krish (13S3), that allowed delegates to seek expert advice on their resolutions from teachers.

The success of the conference depended on dedicated support from teachers, IT, catering, marketing, finance, reprographics, the school nurses and estates. This gave us the chance to bring over 600 people together to engage in youth diplomacy and fruitful debate.

Celebrating neurodiversity across our school community Our school recently took part in Neurodiversity Celebration Week, engaging students in activities that highlighted the many ways people think, learn and experience the world.

Students explored a selection of recommended videos - A Trip to the Supermarket, Through My Eyes, and The First Autistic Barbie Doll - which led to thoughtful class discussions about sensory experiences, representation and celebrating differences.

Across the school, departments contributed in creative ways.

Students borrowed books from the library and shared favourite quotes,

enjoyed mindful colouring with Mrs West, and brought philosophical questions to Mrs Khurjekar’s team.

They also learned how Drama can support our community through conversations with Mr Weinman and discovered useful movement break tips from Mrs Turbett. Many students made use of the new pop-up sensory reading space, while older year groups explored the newly opened SEND study area in the old English block.

The week concluded with reflections on learning from assemblies and practical ideas such as creating sensory travel kits. Overall, the celebrations encouraged understanding, curiosity and appreciation for the unique strengths found across our school community.

27

EVENTS

Moments that matter: TEDxHabs Elstree Youth delivers its most ambitious event to date

Written by Ishan (13H3), 2026 TEDx Lead Organiser Our fifth annual TEDx event this year marked the biggest TEDxHabs Elstree Youth event to date, with our largest-ever audience.

28

For the first time, we also welcomed the Prep School alongside students from the Middle School. This was a major milestone for our event, bringing our 'Moments that Matter' theme to life as a truly whole-school experience and our most ambitious TEDx yet.

Our speaker line-up reflected the breadth of the theme. A former Cabinet minister delivered a particularly perceptive talk on democracy, linking modern civic responsibility to lessons from German history. We also enjoyed an

unforgettable visual extravaganza from a professional photographer, using striking images to reveal the funny side of nature and encourage us to see the world differently. For the Sixth Form, one of the most impactful sessions explored ego, depression, and how we respond to challenge. This was a truly honest and valuable conversation that resonated strongly with students.

The programme ranged widely across ideas and disciplines, with talks exploring technology, AI and the future, career opportunities,

poetry, and even hands – showing how meaningful 'Moments that Matter' can emerge from any field when approached with curiosity and purpose. The day ended with a super engaging, concert-like final talk that brought the audience together while exploring the key skills that contribute to a good life, leaving students with practical takeaways as well as inspiration.

A major achievement this year was that we doubled the number of student talks delivered at TEDxHabs Elstree Youth. Student speakers

stepped up with confidence and originality, including outstanding talks on the illusion of time and the impact of colonialism, demonstrating the depth of thought and courage that TEDx helps to bring out in young people.

It has been a privilege for the organising team to lead what has been an incredible TEDx event this year, having seen the event continue to grow in size and aspiration, and we are excited to see what next year’s committee will deliver.

29

EVENTS

Honouring Ramadan through community and connection We recently held our third annual Iftar event, bringing our school community together to celebrate Ramadan in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

As the sun set and the fast was broken, a shared sense of gratitude and reflection filled the room. Thoughtfully planned and beautifully presented, the evening featured delicious food, vibrant decorations, student stalls, and a spirit of inclusivity that ensured everyone, regardless of background, felt part of the celebration.

What made the occasion truly special was the strong sense of community it fostered. Students and staff came together to share in 30

the experience, with many joining their fasting friends to take part in the meaningful moment of breaking the fast. It became much more than a meal – it was an opportunity to deepen understanding, strengthen friendships and celebrate the diversity that enriches our school.

The event was thoroughly enjoyed by all and we look forward to hosting it again next year.

A Remarkable Habs Giving Day filled with energy and community pride The fifth annual Habs Giving Day was a wonderful reminder that the Schools’ founding spirit of community and philanthropy remains as strong as ever.

As of now, we have reached £294,677 from 407 donors, and we are deeply grateful for every contribution. We were delighted to receive gifts from more than 310 members of the Habs community -

many giving for the first time - and your support means so much.

This year, a Habs family made an extraordinarily generous pledge to match every gift pound for pound, doubling the impact of each donation; such remarkable support is truly unprecedented and especially meaningful in today’s challenging financial climate.

Giving Day is about far more than fundraising. It was fantastic to see over 1,400 students, parents and staff come together in support, with many taking part in the MiniDash

and GivingDash - many dressed in green to celebrate this year’s St Patrick’s Day theme.

One of the most special aspects of Giving Day is the way it brings the entire Habs community together to do something positive for the schools while having fun, and it was a joy to see our students embracing the day with such enthusiasm and spirit.

You can watch highlights of all the Giving Day activities, including the Habs Girls vs Habs Boys Lacrosse match, here. Habs Giving Day 2026

31

EVENTS

92 competitors, 1 champion, Integration Bee delivers a spectacular finish The Integration Bee reached an electrifying conclusion after six weeks of impressive mathematical competition.

What began with 92 eager competitors from both Habs Boys and Habs Girls gradually narrowed through a series of 84 intense matches, each round bringing its own surprises, standout performances and dramatic turnarounds.

By the time the final event approached, anticipation was high across the school community, with students and staff alike eager to see who would claim the prestigious title of Integration Bee Champion.

For the Grand Final, the Bourne Hall opened its doors to a packed audience representing

32

all year groups. The excitement in the room was palpable as spectators gathered to witness the quarterfinals, semifinals and Grand Final unfold in rapid succession.

Adding to the sense of tradition and occasion, former OH Integration Bee participants returned to show their support, further elevating the celebratory atmosphere.

This year’s final eight competitors Noaz (12S1), Joshua (13R1), Zakaria (13M3), Aaryan (13H3), Laksh (13M3), Nazim (12S3), Jack (13S3), and Mark (13R3) – had already proved themselves through multiple demanding rounds. Each finalist demonstrated remarkable composure and technical skill under pressure, tackling integrals of increasing complexity.

The final showdown between Noaz and Laksh was a true test of nerves and mathematical mastery, with

both students battling through a particularly challenging integral that had the entire audience on the edge of their seats.

In the end, it was Laksh who emerged victorious, securing the title of Integration Bee Champion 2026. His achievement capped off a remarkable competition that showcased not only mathematical excellence but also school spirit, resilience and camaraderie. A heartfelt thank you goes to the Maths department and all staff members whose hard work made this event possible. With such enthusiasm and talent on display, this year’s Integration Bee will be remembered as one of the most thrilling yet, and we already look forward to seeing who will rise to the challenge next year.

33

Music, Art and Drama Piano Day Piano Day returned in January with a series of events celebrating our fantastic pianists across the campus. Throughout the day, we enjoyed informal lunchtime performances in vibrant, busy spaces around the school, showcasing the breadth of talent within our community.

In the evening, we held the inaugural Habs Elstree Piano Competition. Students entered by submitting audition recordings, from which the most successful were invited to perform in the final.

The standard was exceptionally high, with every finalist demonstrating remarkable skill, musicianship and artistry.

Our guest judge for the competition was Miho Kawashima, staff pianist at the Yehudi Menuhin School, who praised the students’ excellent communication skills, their storytelling, and their musical ambition.

Piano Day is an event that brings together performers of all levels of experience, while also providing a platform to celebrate the outstanding excellence found across our schools. The competition series will continue next term, with upcoming editions for Voice and Indian Music.

It was a wonderful celebration of music from start to finish.

Congratulations to our prize winners – in 1st place was Larissa (13 DHH/ CR), in 2nd place, Tamara (10 Ansuz) and in 3rd place, Richard (12R3).

34

Piano Day is an event that brings together performers of all levels of experience, while also providing a platform to celebrate the outstanding excellence found across our schools

35

MUSIC, ART AND DRAMA

A unique, energetic, unforgettable Hamlet

We were delighted to present the home performance of Hamlet (The play’s the Thing!), following the cast’s exciting appearance at the Unicorn Theatre in London as part of the Coram Shakespeare Schools Festival (CSSF).

For anyone who had yet to seen one of these shows, this production proved to be a genuinely brilliant example of the work we make - a piece that 'ripped up the rulebook on how to do Shakespeare' and showcased the bold, inventive spirit at the heart of our drama work.

36

The CSSF appraisal celebrated this Hamlet as 'a unique and inventive version… that brought us closer to the story and titular character than we ever have before,' praising the opening as 'truly captivating' and commending the cast’s “strong sense of timing, stage awareness and ensemble coordination.”

The reviewer highlighted the students’ ability to move seamlessly through the play’s emotional shifts, noting how 'their perfect synchronicity allowed them to inhabit each scene, squeezing every bit of intensity and emotion from every moment.' It was also wonderful to hear how proudly they represented the school beyond the stage, with the company described as 'polite, supportive of other schools… their positive and encouraging attitude highlighting their professionalism and camaraderie.'

This production proved to be a genuinely brilliant example of the work we make - a piece that 'ripped up the rulebook on how to do Shakespeare'

37

MUSIC, ART AND DRAMA

A stellar debut for the joint Senior House Drama event We were thrilled to host the first ever joint Senior House Drama event, which proved to be an outstanding celebration of student-led creativity and collaboration.

For the first time, students from both schools came together to take full artistic responsibility for their work – selecting, shaping, and performing pieces that showcased not only their talent, but also their imagination, discipline and flair for theatre making.

Each House presented a unique and thoughtful performance, and the atmosphere was electric as students stepped confidently into the spotlight. Our guest judges, all industry professionals, were hugely impressed by the ambition and originality on display, praising the performers’ commitment and the supportive spirit within the room.

Our guest judges, all industry professionals, were hugely impressed by the ambition and originality on display The event was a brilliant success and a fantastic testament to what our young people can achieve when given the opportunity to lead creatively. We look forward to seeing this new tradition grow, with even more exciting and innovative performances in the future.

38

MUSIC, ART AND DRAMA

Habs in conversation – Creative industries

Nica Burns CBE (OH 1973), Laura Aikman (OH 2004) and Georgie Black (Habs Parent) were the special guests for our Creative Industries Habs in Conversation event at Soho Place Theatre.

Nica Burns is a multi award-winning theatre producer of over a hundred productions and is consistently ranked as one of the UK’s most influential figures in theatre. She is the owner of Soho Place Theatre, which she graciously hosted us in for the occasion, and is co-owner and Chief Executive of Nimax Theatres (comprising six renowned West End theatres: the Palace, Lyric, Apollo, Garrick, Vaudeville and Duchess). She is also Director of the 40

UK’s biggest awards for live comedy, the annual Edinburgh Comedy Awards.

Laura Aikman is an award-winning performer, with over a hundred credits to her name across film, TV, and animation. Recent roles include Rachel Duffy in ‘This City is Ours’, Sonia in ‘Gavin and Stacey’, Dyan Cannon in ‘Archie’, Val in ‘Joan’, and Francesca in ITV drama ‘The Lady’.

Georgie Black is a Sydney-born, London-based barrister, theatre impresario, Executive Producer, and dedicated patron of the arts.

She is the founder of House of Oz—an award-winning philanthropic powerhouse—that is devoted to launching Australian creative talent onto international stages.

The on-stage discussion hosted

by Mr Rich Weinman, Habs Boys Director of Performance Drama,

explored a wide range of topics, including what it takes to build a successful career in the arts, how Habs shaped their journeys, the experience of being a woman in the creative industries, why the future of the arts matters and much more.

It was a real privilege to hear from these inspirational members of the Habs community as they shared their stories with such warmth, humour and honesty. Alongside offering powerful insights into the world of the creative arts, they shared a wealth of practical advice — from taking those first steps to building and sustaining a career in the industry. This advice was especially appreciated by A-level drama students who attended, alongside the captive audience of alumni and parents who work and are interested in the Creative Industries.

Chamber Music Concert Chamber Music is the term musicians use to describe smaller ensembles – such as string quartets, piano trios, and wind groups.

In these ensembles, students often perform without a conductor, relying instead on exceptional listening, communication, and teamwork. This is an extremely challenging discipline, but also a deeply rewarding one.

Our Chamber Music Concert in February was a wonderful celebration of the dedication and achievement that this art form demands. The concert featured a wide range of repertoire and performances from students in Years 7–13.

Performing without the support of a conductor requires tremendous confidence, and it was inspiring to see Habs students embracing the challenge so wholeheartedly. Their performances demonstrated not only technical skill, but also the joy of collaborative music making at its finest.

Their performances demonstrated not only technical skill, but also the joy of collaborative music making at its finest 41

MUSIC, ART AND DRAMA

Guitar Festival Concert Our guitar ensembles at Habs are truly special.

Ms Castle creates space for every student who wishes to be involved, often writing bespoke parts so that musicians of all ages and levels of experience can perform together.

This inclusive approach is a joy to hear, and the sense of fun throughout the concert was evident to everyone in attendance.

The programme featured classical music, pop arrangements, and film music – a dynamic and diverse mix that reflected our strong value of community.

We also took a moment to say farewell to several Year 13 students who have been a fundamental part of guitar playing at Habs.

They leave behind a legacy of enthusiastic young musicians who will continue to build on their example.

Choral Concert The Choral Concert was a wonderful new addition to our calendar, bringing together all of our choirs for the first time in one evening of music.

More than 200 students took part, performing a wide range of repertoire including traditional songs, classical works, musical theatre and pop.

It was a delight to see the distinct personality of each choir shine through. Together, they created a programme that beautifully reflected the diverse musical passions of our students and staff, with each ensemble complementing the others perfectly.

The evening culminated in a rousing performance of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus, featuring every singer on stage and accompanied by the 42

Habs Baroque Orchestra. It was a thrilling finale and a powerful moment of collective music-making.

This concert truly felt like the beginning of something special, and we look forward to many more evenings of shared singing in the future.

It was a delight to see the distinct personality of each choir shine through

Jazz Concert

Our annual jazz evening is a favourite in the calendar, bringing together all our young improvisers and culminating with a performance from our award-winning Big Band.

In the first half of the concert we heard from our smaller jazz ensembles, performing music written by American jazz pianist Chick Corea. We saw students reacting in the moment, taking risks, and expressing themselves in one of the most direct forms of self expression there is.

In the second half our Big Band treated us to a programme of music by visionary composer Maria Schneider, taking on some of the most challenging yet beautiful repertoire written for big band and making it all seem effortless.

43

MUSIC, ART AND DRAMA

The Freeman Ensemble at Our Lady of the Assumption, Warwick Street The students involved in this ensemble have achieved something very special. This group has been set up and run entirely by them, led by Nathan in Year 13.

In their first full-length concert they delivered a magical recital, featuring music ranging from Bernstein and Mozart to Wicked. It was inspiring to see a group of students taking such ownership and pride in their musicmaking, while also celebrating each other’s talents and personalities so warmly.

We often speak about music as one of the best areas of school life for forging friendships across year groups. This concert was a perfect example: a Year 8 student performed a key solo, supported throughout by older peers who showed encouragement, kindness and genuine camaraderie.

For us, it was perhaps the proudest moment of the term watching students create music independently and share it so generously. It was an evening that will live long in the memory.

Orchestral Concert Our final concert of the term was the Orchestral Concert, which took our students to the stunning Royal College of Music and its Amaryllis Fleming Concert Hall.

On stage, we heard performances from the Symphonic Wind Orchestra, the String Orchestra and our Symphony Orchestra.

The programme explored themes of identity and journey. It wove together direct musical portrayals of specific cultures, such as Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence and Chabrier’s España, with more introspective reflections on identity in Roma and self discovery in Sibelius’ En Saga.

44

As ever, these ensembles delivered an awe-inspiring performance an impressive testament to the strength of our Music School and to the talent, commitment and hard work of our brilliant students.

Spotlight on our stage: The latest drama showreel We are excited to share a showreel featuring highlights from several of our recent productions.

These original works were created in collaboration with some of the country’s leading writers, directors and musicians, who worked closely with our young performers to devise entirely new pieces complete with original songs and music crafted by the companies themselves. It is a wonderful celebration of imagination, teamwork and the vibrant creative talent within our school community.

45

Sport This term has been an exceptional one for sport at Habs Boys, with teams delivering impressive performances across a wide range of competitions.

Our U15A Water Polo team enjoyed a superb campaign, qualifying for the National Finals and earning their place among the top teams in the country at the U15 Nationals.

Rugby also took centre stage, as we proudly hosted the Herts County U13 Rugby Sevens tournament, welcoming 17 visiting schools for an exciting day of high level play. On the football pitch, the U13A team produced a standout performance to win the ISFA Final, securing a confident 4–1 victory over Aldenham at Burton Albion FC. Further success came on the hockey field, where the U14A team progressed to the 4th round of the National Cup, demonstrating excellent skill and determination throughout their run. These accomplishments highlight the passion, talent and commitment of our students, and we are immensely proud of every boy who has represented Habs this term.

46

Follow the link to read more about our Sporting Successes this term

Trips Lower Sixth attends philosophy conference Our Lower Sixth philosophers-andtheologians-in-training attended the annual North London Collegiate School Philosophy Conference.

The students were treated to a range of interesting talks from academic philosophers - Daisy Dixon on immoral artists, Nadia Blackshaw on quantum physics and philosophy, Ida Miczke on anti-natalist arguments and Angie Hobbs on why Plato matters in present day. Kush (12J1) wrote the following about his experience.

The conference was a highly captivating day for all Habs’ philosophers. We were privileged to hear a variety of lectures from highachieving academics of Philosophy.

The first talk – “Can art be separated from the artist?” - questioned whether we should honour the art of unscrupulous artists independent of their origin. This was then followed by a talk on Philosophy and Physics delivered by an LSE lecturer, exploring the applications of philosophical thinking to the famous Quantum Measurement Problem.

Third was a lecture delving into antinatalism in today’s world, ie whether. procreation should be banned, and the fourth lay at the heart of philosophy: Investigating how Plato’s values could be achieved in the modern world of AI and democracy.

My favourite talk was undoubtedly the Quantum Physics lecture as Philosophy and Physics are not two subjects one sees intertwined often. Before the talk, I was highly unfamiliar with Quantum

Physics and so it was very cool to see how Philosophy could be applied to the basics. Thank you to Mr Davis, Mr Morris and Mrs Khurjekar for organising the trip and accompanying us. We are also grateful to the NLCS Philosophy Department for inviting us all.

Another strong showing on this year’s golf tour Twenty-one golfers from Years 9–13 enjoyed another highly successful golf tour.

both playing superbly - Eddie even went under his handicap every single day.

Rishi (12M1) also celebrated achieving his tour goal of breaking 90.

Across four very different and challenging courses, students showed impressive skill and determination. Highlights included Daniel (12M2) unleashing his inner Kyle Berkshire to win the longest drive competition, while Joe (12J1) came within millimetres of a hole in one to take nearest to the pin.

It was a fantastic trip for all involved, and we are already looking forward to next year’s tour, with hopes that even more students from both schools will join.

Daily winners reflected strong performances throughout the week, with Sam (10M2) and Edward (9M1) 47

TRIPS

Exploring Vienna: From imperial palaces to Christmas markets Our Vienna trip offered students a rich blend of history, culture and festive charm.

After an early arrival, students explored the city’s remarkable past on a guided tour, including a memorable visit to the Spanish Riding School stables and time to enjoy the Christmas markets.

Highlights continued with an engaging visit to the Medical Museum, where students learned about the evolution of medical modelling and the changing ethics of clinical trials, as well as having their first introduction to the story of Empress Sissi. The group also toured the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, gaining insight into the Habsburg dynasty while wandering through grand rooms and gardens famously used as film locations.

Students were then given the chance to discover Vienna independently - shopping for gifts, sampling local delicacies and soaking up the festive atmosphere.

Each evening offered time to unwind together back at the hotel, with spirited games of UNO and plenty of laughter. It was a wonderful trip filled with learning, culture and connection - Vienna truly left its mark on us all.

48

Les Deux Alpes: A snowy adventure to remember Our recent trip to Les Deux Alpes proved to be an unforgettable experience for students and staff alike.

Despite the heavy snowfall, the group embraced every moment on the mountain, enjoying afternoons skiing through fresh powder and making the most of the superb conditions. The energy throughout the week was fantastic, with students showing resilience, enthusiasm and plenty of progress on the slopes.

When they were not skiing, the group packed in a brilliant range of activities, from mini bowling and curling to a lively karaoke evening that quickly became a trip highlight.

A Pancake Day visit to town for crêpes added a delicious treat mid week, and an impromptu snowmanbuilding session sparked plenty of creativity and friendly competition.

The trip was filled with laughter, teamwork and new experiences memories that will certainly last well beyond the ski lifts closing.

The energy throughout the week was fantastic, with students showing resilience, enthusiasm and plenty of progress on the slopes 49

TRIPS

Resilience on and off the field: Highlights from the Habs India Cricket Tour The Habs India Tour 2026 began with the usual travel chaos - lost passports, late shows, and a 3am arrival into Delhi - before the students quickly adjusted to the intensity of Indian cricket.

Early wins against Push LPS and Push Sports showcased disciplined bowling and confident batting, while cultural visits to India Gate, a Sikh temple and local markets broadened the students' experience. Highlights included training with local bowlers, lively fines sessions and watching India vs Pakistan from a rooftop terrace.

As the tour progressed, fatigue and tougher opposition set in. A loss to Chahar Cricket Club prompted

50

a productive team meeting and a dramatic tie followed by a super over defeat added to the emotional rollercoaster. Sightseeing in Agra and Jaipur - including a breathtaking sunrise at the Taj Mahal - gave the group a refreshing break, alongside memorable moments such as overpriced digestives, lost room keys and even a cricket ball dropped eight floors into the street. Despite mixed results on the field, individual performances stood out, with Ahaan (11H2), Atharv (11R2), Luca (12H1), Kureshi (13C2), Arkansh (11J1) and Thomas (13H1) earning end of tour awards.

The final matches proved challenging, but the group showed resilience and maturity throughout.

Off the field, experiences like Chokhi Dhani’s cultural evening, market visits, and plenty of

team bonding made the trip unforgettable. The journey home was mercifully smooth - aside from a final random security check – and the tour concluded with a deeper sense of camaraderie, cultural awareness and appreciation for cricket in Indian conditions. Special thanks go to Mr Hewitt, Mr Kerry, Mr McIntosh, and Dinesh for making the tour possible.

From Durdle Door to Corfe Castle: Year 13 gain real‑world geography insights Year 13 Geography students took part in a three day residential field trip to Dorset. During the visit, they explored a range of coastal locations including Corfe Castle, Swanage beach, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door.

Across the trip, students developed their understanding of coastal processes by annotating diagrams of erosional landforms and learning about high energy coastlines.

They also examined different coastal management techniques, looking at both hard and soft engineering in real-world settings. A walk across the sand dunes provided an opportunity to see how dune systems form and change over time, as well as how they are managed to protect the environment. In addition to the physical geography elements, the students also carried out human geography investigations

at Corfe Castle, focusing on local demographics and service provision. It was an enjoyable trip, with great weather and plenty of opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in the field!

CCF Cadets test their skills in a full section outdoor expedition Groups of cadets from Years 10-13 were dropped off in the Bedfordshire countryside and challenged to navigate their way to the campsite.

The groups were led by the Year 13 senior cadets, who had previously recced the routes. This part of the event brings together cadets from both schools and all four year groups, testing teamwork, navigation skills and resilience. As each group reached the checkpoint, there were big smiles all round and a fantastic sense of achievement.

Once at the campsite, the cadets set up, cooked and enjoyed the evening together as a whole Section – an impressive 76 cadets and nine staff. Highlights included the banquet meal prepared by the Year 13 cadets and an imaginative rap

battle between the Year 10 and 11 groups. This event only takes place once every two years, making it even more special.

Thank you to all staff and cadets for embracing the spirit of the event so wholeheartedly

The next stage saw the Year 10 and 12 cadets continue with a programme of activities and leadership tasks, planned and delivered by the Year 12 team. A huge amount of skill-building, problem-solving and leadership development took place, along with plenty of laughs and memorable moments. It was a brilliant example of what co-curricular life and the CCF experience are all about.

A special mention goes to the outstanding staff team who made the event possible: Lt Cdr Hardman, SLt Willows, SLt Harrison, SLt Makepeace Welsh, SLt Maister, Mr Fowles, Mr Teague and Ms Leveson.

51

Prep news

52

Check the Habs App to view everything the Prep School got up to this term!

Habs community Old Haberdashers start the New Year right We welcomed 80 Old Haberdashers (OHs) back for a fantastic evening of drinks, conversation and reconnection, kicking off the New Year in style.

The event was open to Habs Boys and Habs Girls OHs who graduated within the last 10 years (classes of 2016 to 2025). The atmosphere was warm and lively throughout the evening, with a real buzz as former classmates and teachers caught up, shared stories and enjoyed being back in familiar company. With a complimentary first drink and a photographer on hand offering free headshots, the evening was a memorable celebration of the strength of the Habs alumni network and set a positive tone for the year ahead.

A huge thank you to the Foundation Team and staff who joined us on the night and helped make the event such a success. Their presence and support were greatly appreciated and added to the strong sense of community that made the evening so enjoyable.

53

HABS COMMUNIT Y

Who won the annual Mencap charity netball match for 2026?

Written by Rahul (12J1) Organised by the Joint Mencap Committee, this highly entertaining fundraiser saw Habs Boys Football First XI take on Habs Girls Netball First XI in an epic match.

The Boys were confident in their belief that this year they would finally defeat the brilliant Girls team.

The stage was set for a fiercely competitive encounter.

Hundreds turn out The match was held on the netball courts at Habs Girls, drawing a huge crowd. Over 200 students gathered courtside accompanied by teachers.

The atmosphere was electric from the outset, with chants, cheers and constant encouragement for both sides.

54

Preparation and perseverance In preparation for this fixture, the Boys First XI football players had put in months of netball training, adapting to the sport’s positional discipline and fast-paced passing.

Facing an experienced and welldrilled Girls’ First XI was always going to be a challenge, but the Boys approached it with confidence and intent.

From the first whistle, the Girls team demonstrated sharp movement, accurate shooting and excellent teamwork. However, unlike in previous years, the Boys team were not overwhelmed. They persevered throughout the game, defending with intensity, communicating well and growing in confidence as the match progressed.

Habs Girls triumph again The Habs Boys team produced a spirited and resilient performance, but it was the Girls who ultimately

secured victory, with the match finishing 11-7. Their composure and consistency proved decisive once again.

Whether watching courtside or enjoying the doughnuts on sale, the school community came together for this amazing event in support of Mencap, with the money raised going towards the annual Mencap Funday which sees SEND children from the local community coming to Habs to enjoy a brilliant day of activities.

Well done to both teams for representing the school with pride and thank you to everyone who supported another fantastic Mencap Netball fundraiser!

Mencap’s Got Talent Written by Aerin (11 Ansuz) Every year, our school proudly hosts a highly anticipated charity event called Mencap’s Got Talent, a lively and inspiring talent show.

Five carefully selected acts took to the stage: a Year 10 band of Habs Boys and Habs Girls who sang Valerie, a Year 11 Habs Girls’ duet of Die on this Hill, a Year 12 girls’ group of Bollywood dancers, a Year 7 Habs Boys’ trio who sang Beautiful Things and a Year 12 Habs Boys 12 band who sang Billie Jean. What made the event even more exciting was the presence our hosts Devi (12 SP/ KAS) and Kai (12M1) and the staff judges, Mr Ormston, Mrs Opie, Mr Metcalfe and Mr Morris who offered encouragement, feedback, and ultimately decided on the winning act. Congratulations go to this year's winners who were the incredible

Year 12 band, The Jackson 5, made up of Jacob (12C1), Ravi (12R3), Arjun (12C1), Oliver (12S3), Daniel (12M2) and Arie (12H1), who were a crowd favourite, especially Arie’s Michael Jackson showmanship!

The main aim of the event was to raise money to fund the Mencap Funday in June. Through ticket sales, doughnut sales and donations, we are able to hold a fantastic and memorable Funday for up to 90 children with learning disabilities.

A big thank you to all the judges and staff who supervised behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly, and to the audience who played a crucial role through their support and donations. The atmosphere was electric, with over 500 tickets sold, excitement and energy were buzzing through the crowd from start to finish. Overall, Mencap’s Got Talent 2026 was a fantastic blend of entertainment and important fundraising, to support a valuable cause.

Excitement and energy were buzzing through the crowd from start to finish

Staff v Parents 11-a-side charity football match: a fantastic community event We were delighted to host a brilliant Staff vs Parents 11-a-side charity football match, bringing together energy, enthusiasm and plenty of competitive spirit across the campus.

More than 60 staff and parent players took part in our annual competition, with each match filled with great teamwork, determination and - most importantly - a huge sense of fun. After a closely fought series of games, the Staff team narrowly clinched the win on goal difference. Well played to every

participant for making each match exciting to watch.

What made the event truly special was the incredible support from our whole community. It was wonderful to see so many students, colleagues, families and friends cheering from the sidelines. The atmosphere reflected the very best of what makes our school exceptional - a strong, connected community coming together.

A huge well done and thank you to all players, supporters and organisers for helping create such a memorable charity event. We are already looking forward to the next match!

55

Staff news Joiners Dinis Gomes

Gillian Walch

Laurence Fuld

AV and IT Support Officer

Teacher of SEND

Teacher of French

Liora Goldstein

Frank Collins

Trainee Teacher of Art

Electrician and General Maintenance

Qadeer Zaman

Rebecca Van Der Westhuizen

Compliance Assistant

Director of Development

Claire Beetlestone Compliance Manager

Judit Folguera Trainee Teacher – Languages

Gary Hanscomb

Annie Thomas

Isabella Earle

Director of Estate Management

Trainee Teacher – History

Sports and Facilities Assistant

Sharon Shine

Waqar Chaudhry

Amina Choudhury

Estates Administrator

Electrician

Compliance Manager

Lee Mason

Ellis Fletcher

Helen McKay

Site Manager (Habs Girls)

Groundsman

PA to CFOO & Executive Team

Leavers

56

Bill Friar, Director of Development, leaves Habs after four years, leaving behind an impressive and lasting legacy.

Bill Friar Director of Development

During his time with us, philanthropic giving across the Foundation has gone from strength to strength. Alumni engagement at both schools has deepened, Old Haberdashers Days have been established, Giving Days have flourished and support for bursaries, hardship funds and key partnerships has grown significantly. Bill has also played a central role in growing the Foundation’s endowment, strengthening our ability to support bright pupils regardless of background.

We wish Bill a very happy retirement.

Jamie Ypey Maintenance Manager

After 29 years of service to the school, Jamie Ypey, Maintenance Manager, leaves Habs to take up an opportunity in Skegness, where his home is.

We would like to thank Jamie for his many years of service and dedication to the school.

Brendan Grufferty, School Counsellor, leaves Habs after more than four years of dedicated service to our community.

Brendan Grufferty School Counsellor

During his time with us, Brendan has had a profound and lasting impact on the wellbeing of countless students, offering compassionate support, wise guidance and a steady, reassuring presence. His work has significantly advanced the school’s approach to mental health, helping to destigmatise conversations around wellbeing and ensuring that pupils feel heard, understood and supported. Brendan’s calm manner, thoughtful insight and unwavering commitment to pupils have made him a deeply trusted figure across the school. His influence will continue to be felt long after his departure.

We offer our heartfelt thanks for all he has given to Habs and wish him every happiness and success in the next chapter of his career.

57

58

59

LOREM IPSUM