2024-2025
A celebration of this year’s Junior School milestones
This year, the Junior School did a great many things for the first time. Some were bold, some were muddy, some were loud, and some were quiet - but all were memorable. Here’s a look back at some of the moments that made this 175 year a oneof-a-kind.
The arrival of the tipi caused quite a stir - and not just because it looks excellent on the field. It’s becoming a favourite spot for outdoor lessons, quiet thinking and the occasional story A little bit unexpected, a little bit magical, it’s a wonderful gift from the Parents’ Guild.
Outdoor Learning Days gave the girls the chance to see familiar spaces in a whole new way. From building tipis for teddy bears to sketching quietly under trees, each activity brought a different kind of adventure It was hands-on, heads-up learning
Installed this year, the orienteering markers have transformed familiar surroundings into a whole-school playground of possibility. Whether used for lessons or extracurricular wanderings, they’ve opened up new ways to explore the grounds.
Year 3 took part in the first-ever on-site camping residential. Whether learning how to put up a tent or simply being away from home for a night, every girl rose to the occasion (some earlier than others).
“School of Rock” - the Junior School’s first musical on this scale - hit the PAC with power chords, pizazz and parent paparazzi. An astonishing team effort, backstage to spotlight, with the decibel level to match.
Canons Choir claimed the Barnardo’s Choir of the Year trophy for the third year in a row, thanks to tight harmonies, sharp discipline and slick choreography.
To mark our 175th anniversary, we created Our Story - a joyful music video celebrating the spirit and community of NLCS. Featuring girls, staff and parents, it’s a lively tribute to the people and moments that make our school so special.
Our first professionally framed art exhibition gave Years 3–6 the gallery treatment, with parents browsing, admiring and happily heading home with their daughter’s work.
As a 175 celebration, Canons Choir took to the stage at the Royal Institution for a one-off concert with some very special guests Year 2, Spiritus and an awardwinning choir from Lindley Junior School in Huddersfield joined the fun - filling the historic hall with music and joy.
Thanks to the Parents’ Guild, we now have a VEX GO robotics kit - already a big hit in lessons. From building bots to basic programming, the girls are getting hands-on experience that will prepare them for the exciting world of VEX robotics in the Senior School.
STEAM Week and Mixer Day saw the school buzzing with invention, as Reception to Year 6 designed, built and tested all manner of differentlypowered cars - with varying degrees of success and lots of laughter along the way.
The opening of the Ideas Hub has sparked real excitement. From creative projects to curious questions, we’re looking forward to exploring a space designed for thinking boldly, working collaboratively and bringing big ideas to life.
Year 5 took their first steps into the world of AI by training micro:bits to recognise high-fives - and a few very enthusiastic waves. Along the way, they discovered how machine learning works, and that even computers need a second chance when your gesture’s a bit too sassy.
As part of our Raising Voices strategy, Year 1 trialled oracy homeworkrecording spoken responses instead of writing them down. The girls embraced the chance to share their ideas out loud, building confidence, clarity and a growing pride in their own voices.
Across Reception to Year 3, mystery readers brought surprise and delight as parents popped in to read a story to their daughter’s class. From silly voices to secret identities, each visit added a little extra magic to the school day.
Year 6 took on the big questions, researching how to make the world a better place. They shared their ideas science-fair style in the Ideas Hub, impressing everyone with their curiosity, creativity and confidence.
In our first year reaching this stage of the national Bebras Challenge, Year 6 took on block-based programming and tricky thinking tasks with real flair. Fortytwo girls got stuck in, six scored full marks and plenty more earned Distinction or Merit.
Science Week brought the theme of ‘Change and Adapt’ to life through hands-on experiments, pupil-led assemblies and a plethora of poster entries. With support from Senior School scientists, the week inspired curiosity, collaboration, and thoughtful exploration.
Year 2 girls joined clubs a term earlier than before, diving into spring term activities with energy and enthusiasm. Two new clubs were launched: CAD and Minecraft. Whether designing 3D-printed creations or building entire worlds block by block, the girls brought creativity, collaboration and a lot of bright ideas to the screen.
The U11 netball squad enjoyed their strongest season ever, winning their IAPS qualifier and earning a place at the National Finals in Dorset. Facing the top 20 schools in the country, they reached the quarter finals - securing a top-eight national ranking.
At the Wallace Girls’ Schools Chess Tournament, two Junior teams delivered their strongest results in years - playing with calm focus and strategic flair to bring home two wellearned trophies
The first Junior School tennis competition for Years 3–6 was launched, and the girls rose to the challenge with energy and enthusiasm. From learning how to score to battling it out in knockout rounds, their rallies were full of focus, fun and friendly rivalry
Year 2 visited the Cedar Space for a new kind of circle time - bringing cuddly animals and open hearts to a calm, reflective setting. With its soft lighting and peaceful atmosphere, the space helped create the perfect environment for talking, listening and connecting.
The six new school values - curiosity, purpose, community, aspiration, courage and commitment - were introduced and they've been popping up all over the place. From assemblies to displays, the girls are starting to recognise what these big ideas look like in everyday school life.
Form times were enriched by the introduction of Lyfta -an immersive platform that brings stories from around the world into the classroom. Through 360° films and interactive experiences, the girls have been exploring lives, cultures and perspectives beyond their own, developing empathy, curiosity and global understanding.
For the first time, girls were invited to spend time with Holly the therapy dog in the Cedar Space. With her golden fur, gentle eyes and impeccable listening skills, Holly offered a calming presence and a very soft shoulder to lean on. The girls talked to her, stroked her and left feeling noticeably more waggy-tailed themselves.
Girls created and performed original dance pieces to raise money for the inclusive dance charity, icandance From solo kathak to high-energy group performances, the event was a joyful celebration of creativity, collaboration and the power of movement.
A new mixed golden time brought Reception to Year 2 girls together for a shared hour of fun and exploration. By choosing from a range of teacher-led activities, the girls built new friendships and strengthened their sense of community.
Girls came together to support the charity Hand on Heart by packing summer supply bags for people experiencing homelessness. Their energy, care and fundraising efforts raised £1,400 32 - proof that small hands can make a big difference.
This year, every pupil from Reception to Year 13 gathered with staff for a wholeschool photograph - the first in many years. It was a rare and joyful moment that captured the strength, spirit and togetherness of the NLCS community
Founder’s Day this year was very special and just a little bit different, as the NLCS community joined together at St Paul’s Cathedral to celebrate the school’s 175th anniversary. Years 3–6 represented the Junior School with quiet pride, taking their place among Senior School students, staff, alumnae and guests in a service that honoured the legacy of Frances Mary Buss and the remarkable journey that began in 1850. The grandeur of the cathedral, the daffodil procession, the music and readings all combined to create a sense of occasion the girls could truly feel part of. From the moment they entered beneath the great dome to the final hymn, there was a shared understanding that this was something rare. Whether pausing to take it all in or chatting afterwards about their favourite moments, the girls were part of a school-wide celebration they’ll remember for years to come. It was joyful, reflective and full of quiet significancejust as Founder’s Day should be.
@nlcsjuniorschool @nlcs1850
linkedin.com/school/nlcs
linkedin.com/showcase/nlcs-ideas-hub/
