Chemistry in action: Lower Sixth tour Johnson Matthey Technology
Year 7 take a trip to Haberdashers' Hall
A historic excursion to St Albans
Upper Sixth students represent UK at European Youth Parliament in Bulgaria
Summer's Field Day adventures
A picture-perfect workshop with photographer David Gilliver
Lower School art festival wows guests
Joint Habs Schools music festival
Joint Middle School play performance
Habs Jazz at Kings Place
Lower School students wow audiences with their rendition of Animal Farm
to Prep and Pre-Prep highlights
contributions to the Partnerships programme
Schools’ Summer Fair
Headmaster’s End of Term Message: July 2024
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we reach the end of another term, it is my pleasure to reflect on the remarkable achievements and events that have shaped our school community over the past few months. This term has been testament to the hard work, dedication, and spirit of excellence that define Habs.
Firstly, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our newly appointed 2024/2025 Prefects. Their leadership and commitment to our school values will undoubtedly inspire their peers and contribute significantly to our community. I also want to congratulate the Class of 2024 for their outstanding achievements and the bright future that lies ahead for them. Please remember to keep in touch with us. Your relationship with Habs does not end today; it merely evolves. You will always be a valued part of the wider Habs community and we look forward to hearing your news.
This term, our students have continued to excel nationally and globally, with many notable successes. I am very proud indeed to report that in VEX robotics, our HABS CyberSquad team won an award at the World Championships in Texas, and through The Haberdashers’ Company, our Year 12 students were invited to participate in the Stop and Search Charter at New Scotland Yard,
contributing to a very important wider societal issue.
The term has been rich with academic and co-curricular activities. Highlights include the Shakespeare by Heart Competition, the Year 9 Dawson Assembly and the ERP conference; each showcasing the talents and hard work of our students. This term, we were also delighted to host not only our first joint Habs Elstree Schools' Sustainability Conference, but also our first EDI (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) Conference. Both of these important events brought together our whole community, and it was a great privilege for us to lead some very important conversations.
Our Art and Music programmes have also shone brightly. The Year 8 David Gilliver Art Day, the joint Habs Schools Music Festival, and the private art exhibition viewings for parents have highlighted the creative talents within our community. The Spotlight Concerts featuring jazz and wind and brass performances, along with the Middle and Lower School plays, have been truly exceptional. The outstanding Jazz Evening at Kings Place in London was a particular highlight for me, reflecting the depth of musical talent at our school.
In Sports, we have much to celebrate. Our joint Sports Day was another success, and achievements in athletics, cricket, tennis and water polo have demonstrated the dedication and skill of our students.
In the Prep School, pupils have enjoyed residential trips. For many, this would have been their first time away from home and I have been delighted to hear all about
the adventures they had and the memories they have made. Just after half term the Prep hosted their own quite brilliant Battle of the Bands, where we were treated to a variety of musical performances showcasing the exceptional talent and dedication of our students, in a competition that was a lot of fun for all involved.
Charity work remains a cornerstone of our community spirit. The joint Mencap Funday 2024, the Hendersons Charity Fun Run and other charitable initiatives have underscored our commitment to giving back and supporting those in need. Our Lower School students have worked exceptionally hard, raising over £25,000 for Third Hope and Papyrus through the £1 Challenge and Ironman – a truly outstanding achievement.
Reflecting on my first year as Headmaster, I have been immensely grateful for the hard work and dedication of my colleagues, the unwavering and proactive support of our parents and guardians, as well as the willingness of our students to throw themselves wholeheartedly into life at school. Habs Elstree is a very special community and I am very proud of all that we have achieved together this year.
I wish you all a relaxing and enjoyable summer break and look forward to welcoming you back for another exciting term at Habs.
Best wishes,
Robert Sykes Headmaster
Our newsletters
For more updates and news, please see our other school newsletters. Click the links below to read them in full.
Prep and Pre-Prep
16 April - 24 May
3 June - 5 July
Lower School
Only available via Firefly
Middle School
16 April - 24 May
3 June - 5 July
Success stories
Welcome to our new 2024/25 Prefects!
We are delighted to announce that our new School Captain for 2024/25 is Niccolo (L6S2). We are thrilled to also announce that Milo (L6R1), Lanre (L6M1), and Oliver (L6M2) have been appointed as Vice-Captains.
They will play an active role in leading the Prefect team, the Sixth Form and the wider School community. The Prefect team were elected by their year group and teachers and assumed their roles with immediate effect.
The handover assembly is always a highlight of the school calendar, with speeches from the Headmaster and the outgoing School Captain, Avi, celebrating the achievements of the previous team as well as anticipating the incoming Prefect team.
House 2024/25 Prefects are as follows:
Calverts:
• Captain: Esala (L6C2)
• James (L6C2)
• Austin (L6C2)
• Daniel (L6C2)
Hendersons:
• Captain: Nathan (L6H2)
• Aarush (L6H2)
• Rafi (L6H2)
• Boran (L6H2)
Joblings:
• Captain: Julian (L6J1)
• Ben (L6J1)
• Shravan (L6J1)
• Ben (L6J1)
Meadows:
• Captain: George (L6M1)
• Oscar (L6M1)
• Ray (L6M1)
• Arjun (L6M1)
Russells:
• Captain: Ben (L6R1)
• Sam (L6R1)
• Aryan (L6R1)
• Aathith (L6R1)
Strouts:
• Captain: James (L6S1)
• Hari (L6S1)
• Zach (L6S1)
• Max (L6S1)
Class of 2024
After making it through their A Level exams, the Upper Sixth students and their parents gathered on Wednesday 26 June to look back on and celebrate their time at Habs. There was lots of excitement as the students gathered out in the Quad to form the procession into the Bourne Hall.
During the ceremony there were tears and laughter as Mr Sykes took us on a journey through the cohort’s time including some wonderful anecdotes and photos. While this was very much about the year group, a small number of prizes were awarded for excellence and commitment to the academic and co-curricular life.
Following the ceremony and with yearbooks handed out, it was out to the Croquet Lawn for a BBQ and drinks reception joint with the Habs Girls’ School.
This was a truly wonderful occasion, and it was lovely to see the students, staff and parents across both schools socialise and reflect on their time. As the sun started to dip down behind Aldenham House the crowds thinned out and the students realised that they really were leaving the Habs bubble as students for the last time and becoming fully fledged members of the Old Haberdashers community instead.
Upper Sixth students contribute to the Stop and Search Charter at New Scotland Yard
The recent Stop and Search Charter event held at New Scotland Yard was a remarkable milestone in community-led initiatives, showing the involvement of students from various Haberdasher Company schools, the BigKid Foundation and Harris Academies.
With over 50 students participating, including students from Haberdashers’ Crayford Academy, Knights Academy, Hatcham College and Habs Elstree, this event aimed to reshape the landscape of stop and search processes.
The event marked the creation of the first community-led Stop and Search Charter, focusing significantly on the voices and perspectives of young people.
Led by the BigKid Foundation's CEO, Shaninga Marasha, and supported by other influential educators and community leaders, this initiative inspired the younger generation to formulate policies which could directly impact their or their peers’ lives.
The event itself was fantastically organised, with students being divided into workshop groups to discuss crucial aspects of stop and search procedures. With the help of Emma Fearnly, Director of Enrichment - Haberdashers' Academies Trust South, these discussions covered topics ranging from police training methods to technological advancements and legal frameworks.
The students' confidence, innovative ideas and respectful engagement with their peers left a lasting impression on everyone involved.
In recognition of their confident and valuable ideas, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) have guaranteed ongoing community engagement, offered students further opportunities to be involved in the next round of engagements and are actively coordinating efforts to ensure maximum student participation in these decisions. As we reflect on this event, it appears increasingly evident that engaging with the younger generations is a must for the future building of policies to make sure that they not only reflect the needs of the community but also foster a sense of inclusivity. The innovative ideas and active participation demonstrated by Habs students showed a more effective approach to stop and search practices. Their dedication and enthusiasm gave hope for a future where collaborative efforts pave the way for meaningful change in society.
VEX World Championships 2024 success
The Year 9 VEX IQ team, HABS_Cybersquad, had an unforgettable experience at the VEX World Championships in Dallas, Texas.
As well as competing against over 400 global teams, they explored local attractions, including the Dallas World Aquarium, where they admired diverse wildlife and an escape room, which they completed in under an hour, setting the standard for their teamworking abilities.
The competition ran from Wednesday to Friday, with meticulous inspections, pit display setups and strategic alliance formations on the first day.
Ayaan (9J2), the Team Manager and Driver, proudly represented the UK during the Parade of Nations, celebrating cultural diversity. Over the next two days, HABS_Cybersquad delivered energetic performances in their matches.
Ayaan and Atharv (9R2) impressed with their scoring and teamwork, while their pre-trip online interview presentation showcased their robot's design and earned them a spot in the final interviews for a prestigious award.
Each team member demonstrated their unique skills: Joseph (9R1) in maths, Ishan (9C1) in organisation, Oscar (9J2) in build iterations, Jaiden (9S2) in networking and sponsorships and Atharv and Ayaan in driving techniques.
Their efforts resulted in winning the prestigious Build Award in their division, recognising their robot's meticulous construction, durability, reliability, safety and detailed design. This achievement made them one of only two UK teams to win an award at the World Championship, standing out among over 80 teams.
As they conclude their VEX IQ journey, they eagerly anticipate starting in the VEX VRC for the 2025 season. The team should be immensely proud of this phenomenal achievement and we look forward to their future successes.
Events Year 7 Family History Afternoon: a celebration of heritage
The Bourne Hall was abuzz with excitement on Friday 21 June as it hosted the annual Year 7 Family History Afternoon. The event brought together a large gathering of parents, grandparents and other relatives to explore the fascinating family history projects created by our Year 7 students.
Each year, as part of their History curriculum, every Year 7 student researches an aspect of their family’s past. As part of the project, they conduct an interview with a relative and take a deep dive into a particularly interesting part of their history. The students then compile their findings into displays which are presented at the showcase.
The standard of work was excellent this year; it was great to see the rich tapestry of personal histories that make up our school community. We extend our thanks to the relatives who generously shared their stories and to everyone who came to show their support on the day.
A day of inspiration and learning at the Habs Elstree Schools' EDI Conference
Habs Elstree Schools recently hosted their first EDI (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) Conference that brought together leaders from the education community, dedicated to fostering positive change in our schools.
The event was an enormous success, filled with insightful discussions, presentations and a shared common goal of creating inclusive educational environments.
One of the highlights of the day was hearing from keynote speakers Jeffrey Boakye and Dr Enya Doyle.
Their sessions were certainly thought-provoking, providing attendees with knowledge and strategies to implement within their schools and wider communities. Jeffrey Boakye's talk challenged guests to rethink their approaches to diversity and inclusion, emphasising the importance of understanding and addressing systemic biases.
Dr Enya Doyle's session was equally impactful, offering a deep dive into the sociocultural dynamics that influence quality in education. Both speakers left attendees (and organisers) inspired with new perspectives to bring back to their classrooms and communities.
The student panel was another standout feature of the conference. Students shared their opinions on the world of EDI with clarity and confidence.
Their thoughts and feelings proved to be a real eye-opener and strong reminder that students must be heard and continue to be valued in their schools.
We were also thrilled to be joined by Dr Philippa Kaye, Henry Hudson, Aisha Sanusi, Bennie Kara and Ian Harding, who all led individual excellent breakout sessions covering topics ranging from the social and moral imperative behind diversity in the curriculum, inclusive talent acquisition in the education sector and learning about how to support trans and gender-exploring students. The sessions were engaging, informative and enjoyed by all.
We would like to thank everyone involved for their efforts contributing to a seamless day of discussion and learning. The collaborative spirit of everyone involved, from the organisers to the attendees, had a profound impact on the day.
Careers networking breakfasts
Over the course of this academic year, we have held 10 networking breakfasts for Lower Sixth students from Habs Boys and Habs Girls, in areas ranging from Media and Creative Industries to Entrepreneurship, Public Sector and Alternatives to Medicine.
These events give our Lower Sixth students the opportunity to meet professionals from a range of careers within their area of interest in an informal setting.
Through attending these sessions, we hope that students will come across pathways they will never previously have considered, as well as build their confidence and networking skills.
We have welcomed over 50 external visitors to these events, and we are extremely grateful to them all for sharing their advice, expertise and experience with our students.
Dawson prize giving assembly 2024
The Dawson Project provides an opportunity for Year 9 students at Habs to pursue a subject of special interest. Over a period of five months pupils research, engage with and delve into a question of their choosing before presenting their project in any format they think suitable.
Habs students are rightly known for their intellectual curiosity. It is especially pleasing to see projects in fields not usually considered on a Year 9 curriculum, such as psychology, sports science, economics and law. We hope that this spirit of inquiry and the sense of achievement it brings will stay with our students for years to come.
These students have been recognised for their outstanding work and have tackled a diverse range of thought-provoking questions:
• Roshan (9M1) - Is the theory of the multiverse proven, and if so, what are the philosophical implications of this?
• James (9H2) - What are the similarities between the skills and strategies utilised in Bridge and Chess?
• Ethan (9J2) - To what extent can the results of Universe 25 be seen in society today?
• Christian (9M1) - How does the integration of artificial intelligence reshape employment, and how can we proactively ensure favourable workforce outcomes?
• James (9J2) - Is AI better or worse for humanity?
• Arthur (9J2) - How has mathematics developed throughout history?
• Ryan (9R2) - Why did the Islamic Revolution occur and how has it affected Iran?
• Ayaan (9J2) - What is the future of aerospace propulsion?
• Danyal (9S2) - Which factor arising from the Ottoman conquest of Cyprus is the most significant in creating a lasting impact on the island’s later history?
• Sanhith (9R2) - Do we control our DNA or does our DNA control us?
• Tobey (9J1) - How did ancient civilisations’ perspective on death and the afterlife contribute to their prosperity?
• Max (9J1) - What links are there between psychology and music and to what extent can it influence our day-to-day activities?
The spirit of inquiry and the sense of achievement cultivated through the Dawson Project will undoubtedly stay with our pupils for years to come. Congratulations to all the winners and participants for their exceptional contributions!
On Thursday 20 June, Habs Elstree Schools held their first Environmental Sustainability Conference, an event that brought together the entire school community along with parents, governors and special guests from The Haberdashers’ Company. The conference aimed to address crucial environmental issues and engage all students in sustainability practices.
The conference was designed with several key objectives in mind, including heightening awareness of sustainability issues and the future of our planet, challenging the thinking of young people and understanding the extent of the negative implications that environmental damage can have on the world we live in. Last but not least, a key aim was to form and agree on clear and actionable steps for our community.
We were thrilled to be joined by five industry keynote speakers who gave insightful presentations. The speakers covered a vast range or sectors allowing us to consider:
• what a 2 degree world could look like
• how the hospitality industry has an opportunity to improve our impact on people and the planet
• exploring the UK’s route to becoming net zero and how the construction industry is playing their part
• the journey of ethical and sustainable beauty businesses and the rise of the ethical consumer
• the impacts of climate change on the travel and tourism industry
The day featured a range of activities, showing students practical applications of sustainability principles and explaining the impact each of them have.
The conference concluded with the General Assembly for all year groups, across both Habs Girls and Habs Boys. During this session, staff and students undertook a live vote, concreting Habs Elstree Schools’ new sustainable pledges, being put into practice with immediate effect!
• Energy – I will support the reduction of electricity usage in school by 10% over the next three terms – 962 votes
• Transport – I will fully support a push for car-sharing and the use of mass transit at least once a week – 928 votes
• Waste – I will fully support the reduction of food waste by 50% over the coming academic year –907 votes
• Litter – I will use recycling bins fully in school, to support a reduction in landfill rubbish by 25% – 885 votes
• School Grounds – I will support the reduction of dropped litter collected by the Estates Team by 95% over the coming academic year – 739 votes
Across the eight pledges, we received a total of 2011 votes!
The Habs Elstree Schools’ Environmental Sustainability Conference was a huge success and emphasised to all students the importance of our commitment to environmental action. The pledges and ideas shared during the conference will guide our efforts to create a more sustainable future moving forward. Thank you to everyone who participated.
Watch highlights from the day here...
Music, Art and Drama
A picture-perfect workshop with photographer David Gilliver
A group of Year 8 students had the great opportunity to learn from renowned professional photographer and light painter, David Gilliver. This hands-on workshop allowed the students to explore the fascinating world of long exposure photography.
During the session, students experimented with various techniques, using movement, light tools and modifiers to create impressive visual effects. Working collaboratively in groups, they captured a series of breathtakingly dynamic images that showcased their creativity and newly learnt skills.
Mr Gilliver guided the students through the intricacies of long exposure photography, emphasising the importance of timing, precision and teamwork.
Lower School art festival wows guests
Thank you to everyone who attended the Habs Art and Design Festival. It was wonderful to see such strong support from staff and parents for our young artists.
The Old Refectory was transformed for the week, showcasing an array of impressive Lower School artwork. The event also featured live music, creating a vibrant atmosphere and engaging talks from Sixth Form students who shared their passion for conceptual art and architecture.
Their presentations were very insightful, highlighting the depth of talent and creativity within our school community. The festival was a fantastic celebration of the arts, demonstrating the importance of fostering artistic expression in education.
The presence and encouragement of guests made the event a resounding success and we look forward to continuing this tradition in the future. Thank you to those who helped us celebrate the artistic achievements of our students.
The workshop not only expanded their technical skill sets but also ignited a passion for creative expression through photography.
The Art department is very grateful to Mr Gilliver for running a truly fantastic day for our pupils.
Joint Habs Schools music festival
It was a delight to be a part of this year’s annual Haberdashers’ Music Festival, hosted at Habs Girls, bringing together musicians from the Haberdashers’ family of schools across the country. A vibrant celebration of talent and community, over 70 students and staff came together to collaborate, create and showcase their musical skills and share their musical passions.
In addition to rehearsals and workshops during the day, students had opportunities to get to know each other over lunch and break times, leading to some pop-up jazz sessions unfolding in the Prevett Hall and an impromptu all-comers ping-pong competition.
The Festival Performance included school rock bands, jazz combos, choirs and big bands, before everyone joined together for a spectacular performance of ‘September’ by Earth, Wind and Fire It was a fantastic day and evening of music, showcasing the students’ talent and passion.
Joint Middle School play performance
Each year, the Middle School play showcases our most innovative work, elevating students' voices as they explore stories and themes that resonate deeply with them. This is somewhere better is a new devised play nominally about shoes, but delves much deeper.
The process begins with the cast exploring their own stories, using creativity, research, improvisation and writing to bring characters, stories and themes to life. The result was a genuine, playful and surreal exploration of youth standing on the brink of change.
The narrative included diverse characters: Leila, who is obsessed with missing people; Tobi, who takes his young cousin to the countryside seeking clarity; a girl volunteering at a local old people's home; Karis, who dreams of being barefoot in public; Daniel, who wants to find his family without hurting his best friend, and a group of boys forming a band to stand up to a bully, Danny Gutherie, alongside a clown without shoes.
Additionally, this year we were joined by theatre maker and director Harry Gould, who collaborated with one of our companies to create How can you learn how to swim before you get in? Based on extracts from Alice Birch's BLANK, this production was an honest, funny and moving exploration of life where adults are absent and young people are forced to grow up faster.
Originally co-commissioned by the National Theatre Connections programme and Clean Break Theatre Company, BLANK serves as a theatrical provocation, allowing each company to shape its narrative from 60 separate, non-linear scenes.
How can you learn how to swim before you get in? took some of these stories and composed a new, raw and physical piece. This challenging and complex show offered young people a chance to see the world through different perspectives and find themselves within it.
Simultaneously funny, honest and moving, these shows highlight the exciting and innovative work that Habs Drama is producing and what puts us at the forefront of young people’s theatre.
Habs Jazz at Kings Place
Written by Mr Taylor - Director of Performance Music
Our renowned Habs Big Band has existed for over 20 years. It has been a beacon for the school at open days and concerts for a generation but had never given an external performance. We were delighted to take them to the stunning Kings Place at the end of June, playing to a sold-out hall of parents, staff, governors and alumni. It was a very special event that will live long in the memory of all who were there.
Jazz at Habs has been on quite a journey. Alongside the established Big Band there is a whole network of smaller ensembles, placing improvisation and interaction at the core of what they do. For this event we gave two concerts, an inspiring pre-show from our young improvisers, followed by our awesome Big Band.
Our school has produced many of the most exciting young jazz musicians in the country - with alumni at royal conservatoires and appearing as finalists in major competitions such as BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year. This concert was a celebration of that community, a retrospective of the great successes of the last decade, and an exciting glimpse of the future. The perfect way to draw our year in performance music to a close.
Lower School students wow audiences with their rendition of Animal Farm
Undertaking a political narrative for the Lower School Play was always going to be ambitious. Add to that an ensemble piece, with students stretching their physicality throughout and the challenge was most definitely on for this year’s production of Animal Farm. At its heart the play is about the hope and aspirations of a group of beleaguered animals, fighting for their right to freedom from Farmer Jones. Yet when their muchanticipated emancipation from tyrant man comes, a new kind of power struggle emerges.
Much work was done by the cast on physicalising the farmyard animals; from the nervous twitching
of the hens to the stamping and shaking of the horses, their characterisation captivated and entertained the audience in equal measure. The students worked hard as an ensemble, experimenting with revolution chants and an epic slow motion battle scene to communicate the animals’ fierce determination to protect their freedom.
Set against a farmyard backdrop, with plenty of straw in abundance, the beautiful costumes helped to elevate the boys’ performances. The cast were lucky to have Matthew Herd compose some original music for the production, including the emotive anthem ‘Beasts of England’ which left the piece on a more hopeful note than the original novel.
Congratulations to all those involved – it was a truly spectacular performance.
Habs Boys music festival
At Habs Elstree we are proud to have one of the largest and most active musical communities in the country. With more than 70 ensembles that rehearse weekly, our focus for most of the year is on preparing towards a busy concert schedule that is designed to keep every rehearsal alive with purpose – a model that we believe reflects life as a professional musician.
It is wonderful to be able to offer such an array of opportunities to our students but where is the space for them to take their own lead, to develop their skills as a band-leader and to experience the joy of collaboration? It has been a joy to hear the rich diversity of music created by our students throughout the festival.
We heard everything from rock bands to Indian music, jazz to classical music.
We have heard virtuosic solos and students giving their first ever performance, entire form groups singing and ensembles bringing together the most unlikely combinations.
It is heartening to see the experience and enthusiasm taken from our music programme through the year focused into projects led by students, and also to see them tackle the many challenges inherent in bringing musicians together, selecting repertoire and preparing for a performance.
From 203 performances across the week, 10 performers were selected to present in the final show whilst an additional 10 were given a platform on one Friday’s Lunchtime Live.
In a highly competitive field, we were proud to crown Ru (9H2) as the Habs Young Musician of the Year 2024 - a phenomenal young cellist with an incredibly bright future. Every performer from across the week gained a point for their house – to say that we gave out over 550 points goes some way to representing the scale of the week. Competition and music have a tricky relationship – especially in education. To single out individuals feels out of step with the philosophy
of our music school. That is why this is a house competition every year, not a solo one.
I was delighted to welcome Miho Despax to our music school, a celebrated pianist whose role as staff accompanist at the Yehudi Menuhin school perfectly placed her to judge our virtuosic young musicians.
To have reached this stage was a phenomenal achievement and if we ran this event 10 times in 10 days, I do believe we would have had 10 different winners. Our musical year has drawn to a close and all our musicians should feel proud of what they have achieved throughout the year – so many great evenings that will live long in our memory.
The best yet: a triumphant joint Sports Day at the StoneX Stadium
For the third year running, our two senior schools came together for the joint Sports Day and it was nothing short of superb. The enthusiasm was palpable and the standards from the students were exceptional.
The success of the day must also be attributed to our brilliant staff who ensured every aspect of the day ran smoothly. While it is impossible to thank everyone individually, we greatly appreciate everyone who contributed.
Our sports days are truly in a league of their own and hosting the event at StoneX Stadium has elevated the sense of occasion even further. It was wonderful to see our students in their combined House colours filling an entire stand.
It was our ambition to involve every student across a wide variety of events this year, from traditional Track and Field to the popular Community Mile and the weird and wonderful in-field activities. Everybody got involved, performed their very best and supported one another, embodying perfectly the values we celebrate here at Habs.
Congratulations to everyone who participated, to all our winners and those who achieved personal bests and to the Green Dragons (Joblings and Gilliland) for clinching the overall title.
Sports
Summer Term
Summer Term highlights
There have been some incredible individual and team performances across the full range of sports, in tough block fixtures on our circuit through to the challenges faced in county and national competitions.
Our students have faced these, learned quickly from the experiences and enjoyed some incredibly impressive results. Most pleasingly though has been seeing the conduct shown throughout where the character of our students has been a showcase for the positive values which underpin all that we do here at Habs - Ryan McIntosh, Director of Sports.
Trips
A night to remember at Wigmore Hall
This term, a number of our music students had the opportunity to attend a concert at the renowned Wigmore Hall. They were treated to a performance by the Castalian String Quartet, assisted by talented pianist, Daniel Lebhardt.
Our students, who are all involved in chamber music at school, were deeply inspired by the incredible musicianship they witnessed in such a beautiful location.
Their experience was made even more memorable by the touching feedback we received from a fellow audience member, which truly reflects the excellence of our students and the culture of our school.
Here is the note we received:
"Just a very quick note to say what a pleasure it was to be seated behind a group of boys and their teachers from your school at the concert at the Wigmore Hall last evening. Impeccably attired and attentive throughout, these students put the rest of us to shame.
The music was by no means ‘easy’ if I can use that word and the concert was long and challenging in many ways – early Bartok surely not to everyone’s taste and a contemporary piece by an inspiring Finnish composer required attention. Anyway, as I say, a privilege to witness and hope for the future.”
A special thank you goes out to Miss Newton-Brill and Mr Duguid for organising and leading this enriching trip, ensuring our students had a night filled with learning and inspiration.
Chemistry in action: Lower Sixth tour Johnson Matthey Technology
On Monday 17 June, 14 students visited the Johnson Matthey Technology Centre, just outside Reading. The trip provided Lower Sixth scientists with the opportunity to tour industrial research and development labs, discuss how and why the company innovates, have a go at making some simple solar cells and fuel cells and think about career pathways in STEM.
One of the attending Lower Sixth students shared their account from the day:
"It had all the suggestions of a pleasant summer day as a rarified group of Lower Sixth Students were loaded into a Habs’ minibus, accompanied by the distinguished scientific presences of Mr Letts and Dr Chapman.
The morning saw us travel to various departments of the facility, hearing from the employees on topics ranging from hydrogen fuel cell development to monolithic catalytic converters. The number of pipes, boxes, signs and buttons would have put even the most advanced airplane cockpits to shame, and the students asked thoughtful and insightful questions, as they were, in many instances, able to get hands-on with some of the Johnson Matthey technology.
Before lunch, we had a chance to get even more engaged, putting together our own solar cells and methanol fuel cells (which rely on essentially the inverse process of electrolysis), using equal parts blackberry juice, titanium and highly patented industrial proton exchange membranes. Congratulations to Alban (L6R2) for assembling the most effective solar power cell, which produced over 1.4 volts of potential difference when exposed to the high-tech testing rig (a lamp and a multimeter).
After a food break in the facility’s verdant Oxfordshire campus, we were lucky to receive a talk from lead scientist Dr Alex de Bruin on paths into science, emphasising the range of paths to an industrial career, alongside the variety of other opportunities for leadership it offers. The students were particularly interested in Dr de Bruin’s PhD experience, which he reflected on in his talk. The trip as a whole offered an exciting taster day of just some of the opportunities that a career in Chemistry can offer."
Year 7 take a trip to Haberdashers' Hall
Year 7 students were very fortunate to take a trip to Haberdashers' Hall this term. They explored the rich history of their school and learned the value of trust through various activities. The phrase "Once a Haberdasher, always a Haberdasher" was emphasised, underscoring their lifelong connection to the Habs community. They learned about the school's founder, Robert Aske, and visited St Bartholomew’s Church, delving into its medieval past and participating in a dramatic reenactment involving swords. A local legend about a ghostly gravedigger added an eerie feeling to their visit!
A historic excursion to St Albans
Despite the drizzly weather and flooded roads, our students showed great spirits as they took a trip to St Albans for a fun and inspiring trip making history come alive. Their effort was rewarded with a fantastic day of historical exploration and fun.
The students got stuck in with a sewing activity, creating pieces with red felt and golden buttons which symbolised their nearly 900-yearold community. The Loving Cup ceremony was a unique experience where they took turns guarding a drinker, which was a representation of trust and protection. Additionally, they participated in a scavenger hunt to find historical dates and events in the building, competing for the fastest time.
The day was filled with fascinating discoveries and a deeper appreciation of their school's heritage. The artefacts and historical objects on display highlighted the enduring legacy of the Haberdashers, making the experience both educational and memorable.
One of the day’s highlights was climbing to the top of the Clock Tower, where the students were treated to stunning views of St Albans Cathedral. This picturesque moment perfectly captured the rich history and beauty of the city. They also learnt about the historic background of the Cathedral whilst trying on some historical garments!
This trip was a great reminder of how much fun learning can be outside the classroom, even if we are only travelling to our neighbouring city! Students came back not only with new knowledge but also with wonderful memories from their time in St Albans.
Upper Sixth students represent UK at European Youth Parliament in Bulgaria
Upper Sixth students
Avi (U6J2), Raahan (U6H1), Aparna (U6 TD) and Sienna (U6 IC), represented the UK at the Bulgarian European Youth Parliament (EYP) session in Plovdiv over Easter, following their win at the National Session in Liverpool last September.
The EYP Bulgaria is an independent association that organises various debating events. It is part of a Europe-wide network, present in about 40 countries that organise more than 500 events every year for up to 35,000 students.
It aims to raise awareness concerning European issues, whilst encouraging active European citizens and motivating students to become politically engaged.
The students’ outstanding contributions earned praise from peers and encouraged crosscultural exchange with students from Bulgaria, Norway and Slovenia. Their discussions ranged from the protection of indigenous rights to tackling youth unemployment and examining the consequences of increasing entrepreneurship in the contemporary workplace.
Throughout the sessions, Avi, Raahan, Sienna and Aparna showcased fantastic dedication and creativity, earning rave reviews for their contributions to committee work and resolution debates.
Raahan and Aparna will continue their involvement at the ‘Harbour of Innovation’ in Greece at the next international session in July, promising further opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and spirited debate with students across Europe.
The participation of Avi, Raahan, Sienna and Aparna in the Bulgarian EYP session not only reflects their academic success but also shows their commitment to global citizenship and adopting a solution driven approach. Their journey shows true values of leadership, and curiosity.
Congratulations to the team!
Summer's Field Day adventures
This summer's Field Day co-curricular trips provided students with a variety of exciting and enriching experiences across multiple year groups.
Year 7: adventure day at Paccar Scout Camp
Year 7 students kicked off their Field Days with an exhilarating adventure day at Paccar Scout Camp. Supported by the Sixth Form students from Habs Girls, they engaged in a series of challenging and fun activities that fostered teamwork and camaraderie.
Year 8: Kempston Outdoor Centre and survival skills
Year 8 enjoyed two action-packed adventure days. One group travelled to Kempston Outdoor Centre, where they participated in a river trip and various adventure activities. The other group focused on survival skills, learning essential techniques in a practical and handson environment.
Year 9: Bronze Duke of Edinburgh expedition
Year 9 students undertook the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Expedition from Thursday morning to Friday afternoon. This challenging and rewarding experience tested their resilience and teamwork, providing invaluable life skills.
Lower Sixth SCS: community service projects
Lower Sixth SCS students dedicated their Field Day to community service, engaging in projects such as upcycling in Barnet and supporting a food bank in Borehamwood. They also took part in an on-site allotment activity, contributing to sustainable practices and community welfare.
Year 10 Navy: sailing adventure at Andrews Centre
Year 10 Navy students embarked on a thrilling sailing adventure at the Andrews Centre. This activity not only honed their sailing skills but also emphasised the importance of teamwork and perseverance.
Year 10 and Lower Sixth Army: overnight range package at Longmoor
An overnight range package at Longmoor was organised for Year 10 and Lower Sixth Army students, running from Thursday evening to Friday evening. This intensive experience provided military training and enhanced their leadership and strategic thinking abilities.
Year 10 RAF: visit to Shuttleworth
Year 10 RAF students visited Shuttleworth at Old Warden Park in Biggleswade. This trip offered a unique insight into aviation history and technology, inspiring future aspirations in the field.
Lower Sixth Joint RAF/Navy: Activities at The Edge Outdoor Activity Centre
Lower Sixth Joint RAF/Navy students participated in various activities at The Edge Outdoor Activity Centre in Westmill Farm, Ware. This experience combined adventure and skill-building in a dynamic outdoor setting.
Year 10 and Lower Sixth Outdoor Education: hike in the Chilterns
Finally, Year 10 and Lower Sixth Outdoor Education students enjoyed a scenic and invigorating hike in the Chilterns. This activity not only promoted physical fitness but also provided a perfect opportunity for students to appreciate nature and develop outdoor skills.
These Field Day trips enhanced students' teamwork, leadership and practical skills while providing memorable and fun experiences outside the classroom. We look forward to more enriching activities in the future.
Prep news
From an incredible Year 6 production of Joseph, an action-packed Sports Day and nail-biting Battle of the Bands, there has been much to celebrate this Summer Term at the Pre-Prep and Prep Schools. Click here and here to see the highlights.
Habs community
Outstanding contributions to the Partnerships programme
The Habs Community Partnerships programme continues to make a significant impact by working with a network of seven local state partner schools. Through this initiative, we run 48 hours of co-curricular and academic sessions every week, focusing on increasing the capacity of disadvantaged students.
Habs students from Years 10 to 13, supported by dozens of staff members, lead these sessions. They engage 1,400 partner school students weekly, enhancing their skills in subjects like maths, english, science, swimming, modern languages, art, outdoor education and robotics.
This term, several Habs students across both schools have been recognised by our staff for their outstanding contributions to the programme:
Shiara (L6 CAP) - How Wood Science Shiara voluntarily gives up her time every single week during a free lesson to support the learning of Year 5 in their Science lessons. The visiting students adore her and she is a brilliant helper to them (and to me!) She is dedicated and reliable and is ready to just step up to whatever activity I have planned with 100% effort. (Mrs Dinsey)
James (L651), Rafi (L6H1) and Leila (M5 A) - London Academy Drama Workshops These students have outstanding interaction with the students from London Academy and are a great example of how students can work together. (Mr Weinman)
Yanxi (M5 A) - Cowley Hill Explorers Club Yanxi has been an invaluable member of the Explorers Club for two terms. She consistently generates fantastic activity ideas and demonstrates patience and kindness with the children. Her contributions and enthusiasm have made me extremely proud. (Miss King)
Rayi (L6M1) - How Wood Reading Partnerships Rayi has built outstanding relationships with his students, as well as with the school as a whole by leading a wholeschool assembly. He has dealt maturely and responsibly with a very difficult situation. (Mr Plotkin)
Rafi (L6R1) - How Wood Maths Partnerships Rafi has outstanding commitment to planning and delivering an excellent series of sessions. (Mr Plotkin)
Audrie (M5 Alpha) - Fair Field Science Club Audrie shows a maturity beyond her years; her planning of experiments is exemplary as is her interaction with students from Fair Field. She has played a huge part to ensure the sessions are fun and safe! (Dr Bridge)
Habs Elstree Schools’ Summer Fair
Sunday 30 June saw the first ever joint Schools’ Summer Fair hosted by the Habs Boys Parents’ Guild. The sun broke through as over 1,000 people enjoyed the food, music and entertainment. Highlights included the wonderful performance stage hosting some brilliant ‘rock-e-oke’, seven inflatables for all ages, an array of food vendors, Habs students organising craft stalls for specific charities and the surprise arrival of a fire engine.
The event could not have gone ahead without the brilliant student and parent volunteers, the array of raffle prizes donated by Habs families and everyone who brought their family to join in the fun.
The silent auction saw some unique Habs experiences being auctioned off - and to those who won, enjoy being Head of your part of the school for the day!
Proceeds raised will be donated to purchase equipment to enrich the student’s time at Habs, to the partnership programme and to the bursary fund.
It was a wonderful, relaxed community event bringing together all parts of the school.
Foundation team update
An evening with Ashley Blaker
Ashley Blaker (OH 1993) was the special guest on 7 May for the most recent Habs in Conversation evening, an occasional series of on-stage interviews with prominent members of the Habs community.
Ashley is an acclaimed stand-up comedian, writer, TV and radio performer, as well as a long-time friend and collaborator with Matt Lucas (OH 1994) on projects including Little Britain. He is also the author of a new memoir entitled Normal Schmormal: My Occasionally Helpful Guide to Parenting Kids with Special Needs.
Ashley joined Executive Principal Gus Lock (OH 1994) on-stage at Seldon Hall for a wide-ranging chat about his family, his current standup tour and life at and after Habs.
The evening included a Q&A with the audience of Habs parents, alumni, staff and others from the Habs community. Several of the questions concerned his large family and their oftencomplex needs.
Ashley and his wife are parents to six children, half of whom have special needs ranging from autism to Down Syndrome. As in his memoir, his tales of home life were often hilarious and always fascinating. No matter how challenging the circumstances, he somehow makes it all sound like an adventure he’s delighted to be on.
Termites in the Old Refectory – the good kind
The largest gathering for some time of the Termites (former and current Habs Boys’ School staff who have served one hundred or more terms at Habs) convened on 16 June for their annual lunch in the Old Refectory in Aldenham House. Between them, the Termites and their guests had been at the school for over 730 years, so they had more a few stories to share of the school, former colleagues and students!
It was a fantastic event to connect with past and present peers and catch up - we are already looking forward to the next event.
Old Haberdashers descend on Habs Elstree for a day of sunny memories
A rare burst of warm sunshine pierced the seemingly endless springtime gloom on Saturday 19 May, just in time for Old Haberdashers Day 2024.
The day drew nearly 550 Old Haberdashers (OHs), former and current staff and their families from both schools to campus for a day of reunions, music, archival displays and food and drink. The free ice cream proved particularly popular and much needed given the unexpected heat.
Attendees ranged from a member of the Class of 1940 all the way up to newly established OHs from the Class of 2023.
This year’s OH Day was particularly meaningful for Habs Girls' alumnae as it marked the 50th anniversary of the school’s move from Acton to Elstree. In honour of this milestone, all alumnae who attended Acton were invited to a formal lunch hosted by the headmistress, Dr Hazel Bagworth-Mann, and invited to a special ‘memories and memorabilia’ event featuring archival treasures from the Acton days.
We are delighted to announce the date for next year's Old Haberdashers Day: Sunday 8 June 2025. Save the date! Details to come after the summer break.
Habs on the Road: visiting Old Haberdashers where they live
In addition to inviting alumni and alumnae back to campus, the Foundation team this year ventured beyond Elstree to visit Old Haberdashers where they live.
The team convened Habs on the Road gatherings in Bristol, Leamington Spa, Exeter, Leeds, Oxford, Nottingham, Cambridge and New York (twice!)
Habs on the Road locations for the 2024-25 school year are already in the works and we couldn’t be more excited for the next adventure.
Charity
Charity updates
The Wings of Hope Achievement Awards (WOHAA) this year. The WOHAA is an initiative by the Wings of Hope children’s charity in the UK, which aims to empower young people through education and skill development while supporting underprivileged children in India and Malawi.
Two teams from the Lower Sixth across both schools participated in this year’s challenge, organising a variety of fundraising events, including a bake sale, candy cane sale, ‘guess the number of Easter eggs’ competition and more. Their hard work paid off, with the Habs Girls team even making it to the semi-finals of the award which were held in the Houses of Parliament. Wings of Hope focuses on providing educational resources and opportunities to children in need, making a profound impact on their futures. By participating in WOHAA, our students not only contribute to this incredible cause but also develop essential skills in leadership, teamwork and entrepreneurship.
In other news, our Habs Boys charity committee have been hard at work this year, selling doughnuts and drinks as well as running a FIFA competition this term. They hope to run a teachers vs pupils Countdown event before Christmas.
Meanwhile, House charities have done a clothing collection for people in need over winter, ice lolly sales, a charity gala, basketball tournament and much more.
Mencap Funday – Sunday 23 June 2024
Written by Neeva (U5 A)
Mencap is a charity that focuses on providing services for people with learning disabilities. The Habs Mencap Funday contributes to this charity and once a year organises an exciting and memorable day for children.
This year, 88 children with learning disabilities (ages 4-16) were invited to Habs Boys to participate in a variety of activities which were organised by the Mencap committee. The Mencap committee includes Year 11 and Year 12 students from both Habs Boys' and Habs Girls' schools and is overseen by one teacher from both schools.
Throughout the day the children were paired with Habs student volunteers who took them around to participate in each activity. These activities included a magician, a face painter, bouncy castles, balloon animals, inflatable darts, petting zoo, pony rides, arts and crafts, a teacup ride, a chair-oplanes ride, sensory rooms and sweet treats such as ice cream and candy floss. The highlights of many of the children’s day were the magician, balloon animals and the chair-o-planes ride. My personal favourite part of the day was seeing the happy and excited faces of the children as they were able to enjoy activities they may never have tried before!
In order for the Funday to take place, the Mencap committee organised fundraising events throughout the year. We held a memorable girls vs boys netball tournament where we sold tickets and doughnuts and raised over £1,000.
In addition, we held the annual ‘Mencap’s Got Talent’ event which was an amazing showcase of Habs’ best talents. This show raised around £5,000. The school also held a non-uniform day to support the Mencap charity.
The Funday itself required the help of around 200 pupil volunteers from both schools and about 30 teachers. It was a huge day which took a year to organise, and we are really proud of its success. Thank you to everyone who gave up their time to help make sure the children who came had a great day!
Well done to the committee which consisted of Lucas (L6J2), Rudrani (L6 CAJ), (Chairs), Milo (L6R1), David (L6M1), Emma (L6 CAP), Anika (L6 DXF), Sam (11H2), Sahil (11C2), Indiana (U5 Aleph) and Neeva (U5 A). Now onto planning for next year!
