Russellian 2025

Headmaster’s Welcome

Our Royal Russell Day celebrations in June were an opportunity to reflect on our progress and achievements over the past year. During my welcome on that morning I introduced a beautiful booklet, which was given to Kenneth MacMahon, a pupil who left the School on 18 December 1945, nearly 80 years ago.

Remarkably, it was sent to the School by a very kind and thoughtful person who found it on the side of a road when they were cycling in South Wales.

Inside, it is signed by the then Headmaster, F. A. V. Madden and it contains prayers and advice on success in life beyond the School. Inevitably of its time, in language and tone, it nonetheless contains a number of core messages which resonate very strongly with our Royal Russell learning community today, including: “Make your School motto: “Not for oneself but for everyone” - your motto in life, remembering that it is wrong to seize an opportunity if it means casting aside a principle”, wise words indeed… and, with those leaving school in mind, it says: “Do not think that your education is finished because you have left School. Keep trying to improve yourself. Education creates higher standards. It promotes understanding. It gives strength to bear the ups and downs of life.”

As we reflect on a year of higher standards and with many more ups than downs, it is natural to look back on the successes we have shared.

However you measure that success, this has been a hugely successful year where we have seen the values of the Royal Russell community being expressed in the actions and outcomes of our pupils, as strongly as ever.

Our academic results last summer were a tremendous reflection of pupil endeavours and of the commitment of our staff and these are reflected in the value added for each pupil and also in an amazing range of university destinations both within the UK and abroad.

Over the past three terms we have seen global success in our MUN programme, stunning performances on the stage in our music and drama. Local, regional and national success with our sports teams and tremendous commitment and service from our pupils in a huge variety of activities that reach beyond the curriculum and around the globe and ignite those passions that guide and shape their futures.

We have also seen great progress with the building of our new Junior School, which we will be very excited to open in the Summer of 2026.

Success at this level in an organisation of this complexity does not happen by chance and I would like to thank all of those who have contributed to our progress and achievements this year.

Thank you to our Governors for their wise counsel and for our tremendous Operations and Support Staff; their good humoured and professional service is an essential part of the success of the School and is hugely appreciated. Thank you to Heads of Department, Heads of Year, Housemasters, Housemistresses, House Staff and Tutors.

Thank you to subject teachers, class teachers, teaching assistants, technicians and individual specialists, to all our wonderful coaches and visiting experts - for your tireless work on behalf of our young people. And thank you to all those involved in managing and leading this community and especially to the School Leadership Team, for helping me to set the direction and the pace of the School through the year.

‘Thank you’ to our parents and supporters who bring so much extra to the Royal Russell community. I would particularly like to mention the 1853 Society who continue to work so hard to bring the parent community together and who have been so generous in their donations to school projects, which have included a telescope for Astronomy Club, new equipment for our Strength and Conditioning suite, seeds and plants for Gardening Club, a soundproof podcast studio and funding to run a Young Enterprise project.

Finally, ‘thank you’ to our superstar, Royal Russell pupils who bring so much joy to us as we support and guide them on their Royal Russell journey and, who are a source of so much love and laughter in our lives. It is very fitting that we should celebrate your success and to reflect on the amazing range and variety of activities that you have undertaken in this edition of the Russellian.

Public Examinations Results

GCSE Results 2025

We were delighted to report an excellent set of GCSE results for our Year 11 cohort. The pupils should feel a great sense of collective achievement, and we hope that all pupils reflect on their hard work and look forward to the opportunities ahead.

These results reflect the work of our whole community and highlight not only outstanding value added, but also the additional care and breadth of opportunities at Royal Russell. They also demonstrate the expertise and dedication of the Royal Russell staff team, including all academic, administrative, operational and support staff, and, of course, the huge commitment of our Royal Russell parents and families.

Whilst we rightly celebrate their academic qualifications, we are even more proud to see them embody the Russellian values of open, ambitious, courageous and distinctive as they contribute both to our community and the wider world. Congratulations to the Class of 2025, their families and friends.

The overall results are very strong from a high-performing year group, and individual success is evident at all levels of the ability range across both our A Level and BTEC programmes. The UCAS outcomes are very encouraging, reflecting the sound advice given to each individual candidate by the Upper School Team, UCAS Tutors and Heads of Department.

Loughborough and Exeter were our most popular university destinations. We had four pupils accepting courses at Nottingham, Lancaster and UCL. Our Cambridge mathematician achieved four A* grades. One pupil went on to study Medicine at Queen Mary, and another took up a place to study composition at the Royal Northern College of Music. Additionally, three pupils from this Year 13 cohort began their sports scholarship programmes at US universities, two pupils started at drama school, and one pupil completed exams for their pilot’s licence.

We are immensely proud of all our pupils for their commitment, determination and enthusiasm throughout their Sixth Form journey, and we wish them every success as they embark on the next exciting chapter beyond Royal Russell.

A Level & BTEC Results

University Destinations 2025

Geography with Business

Psychology

Sport and Exercise Science

Business and Management

Class of 2025

The Class of 2024 – 2025 Senior Prefect team has arguably been the best thus far! The team has been composed of a variety of pupils, all of whom have brought their individual skill sets, styles and creative ideas. As with anything, the Prefect team have excelled through leaning into each other’s strengths and working together to create amazing initiatives such as Culture Week, bake sales, supporting school events such as Open Events, assemblies and Headmaster presentations.

We are so very proud of all members of the Prefect team and have loved watching them all develop and grow into the confident and competent leaders we always knew they could become. Their reliability, consistency and enthusiasm have left a lasting impact on the School and their legacy of genuinely celebrating different cultures and working together to raise money for worthy causes has definitely left its mark on Royal Russell.

We want to thank the Prefect team for all of their accomplishments and dedication to the School and for the privilege of seeing them embrace their role as role models to their younger peers.

Library News

The Library was thrilled to re-open in September following a major refurbishment project which took place over the summer holidays. New furniture, a new layout, and new audio-visual equipment have refreshed the space for all staff and pupils, but the Sixth Form are especially delighted to have a brighter and more open area in which to study.

A number of pupils in Year 8 were invited to take part in the 2025 Trinity Schools’ Book Award scheme. The theme for this year’s award was ‘You Are Here’, focusing on stories around location, migration and belonging. The shortlist covered a wide variety of genres, including adventure, fantasy and historical fiction. Pupils really enjoyed reading the books and meeting regularly to explore the themes in more depth. In February, we voted for the Royal Russell favourite and also submitted several entries for the scheme competition. We were delighted to discover that one of our pupils had won a Highly Commended award for her book review of ‘Leila and the Blue Fox’ by Kiran Millwood Hargrave. Amelie Potter was thrilled to receive her prize at the award ceremony, which took place in March at Emanuel School. Pupils were also delighted to have the opportunity to meet some of the shortlisted authors at the event.

In November, we held our annual celebration of Poetry to mark National Poetry Day. Pupils were invited to write a poem on the theme of ‘Counting’, and an extensive range of interpretations provided an abundance of high-quality entries. Governor Jennifer Smith kindly agreed to select the winning poems and award prizes on the night.

Also in November, Year 7 pupils were thrilled to receive their Bookbuzz book as a gift from the Library. Having waited patiently for several weeks for their chosen books to arrive, they took no time at all in devouring the books one page at a time.

Our regular events, including Senior and Junior Russell Talks, Lunar New Year celebrations and our World Book Day author visit in March, have all been well attended and supported by departments across the whole school, helping the Library to achieve its aim of being a dynamic, welcoming and supportive environment for all.

Russellian 2025

Year 11 & Year 13’s Last Day

Year 11 Stand Down Day

After a final exam briefing in the morning, Year 11 enjoyed their last day of school ahead of the public examinations. Pupils enjoyed revisiting photos of when they first joined us alongside photos from trips and events shared by staff. Awards for attainment and effort were celebrated before Vaisaali and Megan introduced the crowning ceremony video they had filmed and edited. Charlotte and Darcey then led a Family Fortunes House Quiz, which revealed the total merits of the year group since they started in Year 11 were an impressive 2,541!

The Headmaster shared his thanks with the year group for all the fantastic contributions they have made to our community and led the hymn Walk in the Light. Our Year 11 singers then led a whole year group performance of Sweet Caroline before finishing the assembly with the Year 11 memories video, which captured many magical moments. Thanks to Mardea for leading on this and to Caolainn, Mitchell and Isabel for supporting the creation of a video that generated laughter and happy tears. A final picture of the year group was taken in the sunshine on Cambridge slope before pupils had the opportunity to sign each other’s shirts.

Year 13 Stand Down Day

On Thursday 8 May, Year 13 started their day with time spent in their Houses, saying goodbye to their House teams. After Period 1, they entered the Chapel to receive an important examination briefing from our Exams Officer, Ms Faulkner, about the logistics of the external examination process in addition to alternative locations for exams and what to do in the event of arriving late to school.

Ms Worsfold then provided important UCAS advice and guidance, along with an explanation of the Clearing process and what to do with current university offers.

Mr O’Rourke gave an OR’s briefing and handed out gifts to some of our Year 13s.

Next, Year 13 were treated to a fun celebration assembly delivered by Head of Year, Ms White and their Heads of School with a range of resources and activities. Starting

with a message from Ms White, the celebrations began with the Media Department and pupil-made videos and moved to Alec Thurbin’s incredible performance of Over the Bars by James P. Johnson. Year 13s then took part in voting for one another and received crowns in a variety of categories ranging from who is most likely to be a billionaire to who is most likely to turn up to prom wearing Crocs.

After the Heads of School assembly, Year 13 were then issued with their graduation scrolls and took part in a graduation ceremony and given their yearbooks, staff messages and hoodies as a keepsake of their time at Royal Russell. After a year-group photo with Roary the Royal Russell lion on Cambridge slope, Year 13 enjoyed a barbecue and ice cream in the sunshine on Lime Tree Quad whilst signing each other’s shirts and looking forward to coming back to the School for their Prom Night.

Royal Russell Day

Our annual Royal Russell Day provided a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements, creativity and commitment of our pupils across all areas of school life. The Sports Hall was beautifully transformed to host the event, with the Media Team broadcasting it live for our wider Royal Russell community to enjoy.

The celebration opened with the Senior School Orchestra performing A Night on the Bare Mountain, followed by the Junior School String Ensemble’s lively rendition of American Adventure. The Junior School also delighted the audience with a musical theatre performance of a scene from Bugsy Malone

We were then treated to a wonderful range of musical performances, including the Russell Three and String Ensemble performing Bring Him Home, the Junior School Woodwind Ensemble playing Sh! Sh!, the Thurbin Trio performing 12 Years, the Junior School Choir singing Bring Me Sunshine, and the Junior School Percussion Ensemble with Russell’s Got Rhythm. The Swing Band performed Fly Me to the Moon, and Miss O’Hanlon’s Singers closed this section with Adiemus

Headmaster Chris Hutchinson welcomed everyone to the celebration, followed by the Chair of Governors, Andrew Merriman, who delivered his address. Senior School pupils were then presented with their Academic and Effort Prizes. The Junior School Young Voices gave an energetic performance of Get Loud before Junior School Headmaster John Evans welcomed and addressed the audience. The

Junior School Academic Prizes were then awarded, followed by a wonderful Year 6 performance of Don’t Look Down from Peter Pan.

The programme continued with the presentation of the Junior and Senior School Sports Prizes, the Junior School House Shield, the Senior School National Representation Award and the Senior School Team of the Year.

Between the Co-Curricular and Citizenship Prize presentations, the audience enjoyed performances from Years 3 and 4 singing Power in Me, Years 7–9 performing an extract from Little Shop of Horrors, and Years 10–13 performing Chicago. The Junior and Senior Combined Instrumental Ensemble played Hoe-Down from ‘Rodeo’ before we recognised pupils receiving Long Service Awards. The ceremony concluded with thanks and awards for our Junior and Senior Heads of School, followed by a fitting Finale performance of Free

Thank you to all the pupils, parents and staff who contributed to another fantastic Royal Russell Day celebration.

Senior School Academic Prizes – Year 11 Prizes

The Art and Design Prize Charlotte Monksfield

The Biology Prize Shailen Mistry

The Business Studies Prize Shailen Mistry

The Chemistry Prize Nicole Choi

The Computer Science Prize Scarlett Nicholls

The Design and Technology Prize Harry Spriggs

The Double Science Prize Scarlett Nicholls

The Drama Prize Matilda Welsh

The Prize for English Marcus Leung

The English as an Additional Language Prize Jerry Zhou

The Food Preparation and Nutrition Prize Paul Kronacker

The French Prize Anxo Garcia Missan

The Geography Prize Mahalea Mitchell

The German Prize Anxo Garcia Missan

The History Prize Marcus Leung

The Japanese Prize Jack Martyn

The Mathematics Prize Marcus Leung

The Media Studies Prize Mardea Otin

The Music Prize Anxo Garcia Missan

The Physics Prize Michael Chiu

The Physical Education Prize Evda Todorova

The Religious Studies Prize Megan Findlator

The Spanish Prize Evda Todorova

The Wellbeing Prize Tulsi Patel

Sixth Form Prizes

The Art and Design Prize Amelia Zhang

The Biology Prize Megan Wood

The BTEC Business Studies Prize Stefano Hadjisavvas

The BTEC Media Prize Millie Brown

The BTEC Sport Prize Darcy Jones

The Business Studies Prize George Bond

The Chemistry Prize Thomas Garlick

The Chinese Prize Grace Chan

The Computer Science Prize Drew Girton

The Design and Technology Prize Sam Parker

The Drama and Theatre Prize Ella Redman

The Economics Prize Drew Girton

The Prize for English Millicent German

The English as an Additional Language Prize Haocheng Qu

The French Prize Emma Portman

The Geography Prize Zoe Graham

The History Prize Joshua Chapman

The Mathematics Prize Toby Cascarini

The Media Studies Prize David Olatunji

The Music Prize Alec Thurbin

The Music Technology Prize Ethan Shih

The Photography Prize Grace Chan

The Physics Prize Toi Fung Vincent Liao

The Politics Prize Katja Windle

The Psychology Prize Jasmine Rihal

The Religious Studies Prize Ella Redman

The Russian Prize Uliana Tokolova

The Spanish Prize Tea Maria Gabara

Junior School Academic Prizes

The English Award Amelia Cusworth

The English Progress Award Troy Hung

The Richard Green Mathematics Prize Aryan Dinamani

The Mathematics Progress Award James Callard

The Science Prize Lauren Joughin

The Blount History Prize Kirstie Seaman

The Ingrams Geography Prize

William Page

The Computing Prize Charles Goldsmith

The French Prize Emma Wood

The Spanish Prize Zeplin Valentine

The Stainer Music Trophy Oliver Mellon

The Drama Prize Clara Carter

The Art Prize Micaela Psomadelis

The Design and Technology Prize Noah Preston

Senior School Sports Awards – Royal Russell Values in Sport Awards

Royal Russell Values in Sport Award Lower School Harry Swift and Freya Bullock

Royal Russell Values in Sport Award Middle School George Yarker and Ayla Scott

Royal Russell Values in Sport Award Year 11 Zac Brennan and Lara Akadiri

The Andrew Foot Award (1985) for Royal Russell Values in Boys’ Sport Stanley Harrison

The Twyford Shield (1938) for Royal Russell Values in Girls’ Sport Rosie Jackson

Junior School Sports Awards

Year 3 Victor Ludorum Myles Blissett

Year 3 Victrix Ludorum Shanaya Mehta

Year 4 Victor Ludorum Alexander Jouni

Year 4 Victrix Ludorum Emi Oduyemi

Year 5 Victor Ludorum Haris Slider

Year 5 Victrix Ludorum Jessica Morgan

Year 6 Victor Ludorum

Year 6 Victrix Ludorum

Max Yeoman

Maya Harper

The Hallworth Trophy for Sportsmanship Matthew Wood

Senior School National Representation

England

England

Hong

Junior School Co-curricular and Citizenship Prizes

Mini-MUN

Senior School House Awards for Good Citizenship

Buchanan

Cambridge Citizenship Prize Winner

Hollenden

Keable Citizenship Prize Winner

Madden Citizenship Prize Winner

Oxford Citizenship Prize Winner

Queen’s Citizenship Prize Winner Mahalea Mitchell

Reade Citizenship Prize Winner Alveena Javaid

St Andrew's Citizenship Prize Winner Johan Prinsloo

Service Awards

Senior School Co-curricular Prizes

The

Most

Best

Best

Best

Senior School Heads of School Awards

The Miriam West Prize Tahnee Dione, Zoe Graham, Emily Hayden de Carbonnières, Priscilla Obeng and Jasmine Rihal

The Rt Hon Lord Hollenden Prize Toby Cascarini Junior School Heads of School Awards

Head of

Sihua Chen, Amelia Cusworth, Lauren Joughin, Ethan Mosimann, Noah Preston and Gabriella Schifano Pupil Long

Mr

Mr

Junior School Symposium

We are thrilled to share the wonderful experiences and learning adventures that have taken place during our Symposium Week! Our Symposium Week was filled with innovative and engaging activities across all phases of the School, providing our pupils with new and exciting ways to learn and grow.

The week centred around the theme of ‘Our Community’ and children developed their understanding of what this meant as they explored the communities they belong to and how each member contributes to a common goal. They created a community web to show the interconnectedness of the Royal Russell community, fostering unity and highlighting the importance of everyone’s role. Pupils took part in a variety of collaborative and community-focused activities.

Parents from all phases of the School were involved. Parents of children in the Early Years should be congratulated for their efforts in joining our Community Ceilidh and Maypole Dance. Welcoming support from our community has been invaluable, as parents joined Year 1 and 2 children in creating collaborative models.

Our creativity was showcased by our Year 3 and 4 children, who put on a wonderful production of ‘The Team Behind the Scenes’, and our Year 5 and 6 pupils excelled in their pitches and presentations for improving Lloyd Park. Our special guest Councillors (Jade Greene and Dave Thomas who visited Year 5 and Alice Owusu-Evans who visited Year 6) were very impressed by their ideas and were able to provide feedback to the children.

We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm and dedication shown by our pupils. The experiences and lessons learned during the week will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on their personal and academic growth. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the parents, staff and community members who contributed to making this week so special.

Senior School Drama

At its heart, theatre is about community; it has always been about sharing stories that move, provoke and impact an audience. It is about building empathy, compassion and cultural enrichment. In a world that can be unpredictable, the sacred space of the theatre, where an audience sit in the dark, watching magic unfold in front of them on a stage can inspire change and light a spark in someone. I do believe that we have achieved that this year across three colossal productions that have shown the breadth and depth of Royal Russel drama in the Senior School.

Productions

We began the year with the Year 10-13 musical production of Kander and Ebb’s ‘Chicago’ in January. Auditions commenced in September and, after an intense four-month rehearsal period with over 80 cast and crew members, the PAC was transformed into a razzle-dazzle haven of diamantes and sequins, where our company brilliantly brought to life this salacious tale of murder, fame and a whole lotta’ jazz! Leading the company were the sublime Eleanor Von Gerard as Roxie and Matilda Welsh as Velma, who played the merry murderesses with such star power it was as if the West End was calling. Luke HarcourtSmith brought a devilish charm and style to the charismatic Billy Flynn, whilst Thomas Bowley’s Amos Hart was as sweet-natured and as loveable as can be. Lara Davis, in her final production at Royal Russell, brought the house down with her interpretation of the formidable Matron ‘Mama’ Morton. The company should be praised for the incredible professionalism they brought to bringing this stylistically challenging show to life. It is without a doubt the most ‘mature’ musical production we have staged at Royal Russell in the last few years, and what a show it was.

After last year’s successful club-inspired production of Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, Year 10 and 12 pupils followed this with another Shakespearean classic – ‘The Tempest’. Our production took inspiration from the urgent issue of climate change, reflecting environmental upheaval depicted in the storm that drives the play’s actions. We explored how humanity’s actions have set in motion irreversible changes, much like the tempest that altered the course of the characters’ lives. Through this lens, we not only dived into the play’s themes of control and reconciliation but also considered our responsibility for the world and future generations. The cast was led by Daisy Morrissey, who gave a formidable performance as the vengeful Prospero. Other members to be praised include Thomas Gammell, whose monstrous performance as Caliban was a transformation! Sianna Nelson-Langaigne was magical in her interpretation of Ariel, and Ralph Lawson and Emily Breen brought the romantic tension and frivolity of Ferdinand and Miranda to life. The production fused humour and pathos that transported the audience to the magical island where nature and humanity collide, creating a spellbinding experience for the audience across two performances in May.

Alongside the production of ‘The Tempest’, we commenced rehearsals for the Year 7-9 musical production of ‘Little Shop of Horrors’. Another mammoth production that saw over 120 pupils involved, the cult classic musical about down-on-his luck Seymour, who nurtures a plant that ends up eating the whole world, was a knockout success! Athur Main and Parrine Long led the cast as Seymour and Audrey respectively, and were simply sensational in their roles, who were supported by equally fabulous performances from Edward Carr as the ever-moaning shop keeper, Mushnik, and Fionn Moore as the sadistic and twisted dentist, Orin. Taymar Black, India Hall and Matilda Herd, who played the trio of urchins, and like the Greek chorus that inspired their roles, blew the roof down with their renditions. Freya Metcalfe brought a soulful energy with her powerful voice as the Voice of the Plant. Special mention must go to the four puppeteers who brought Audrey II (the human-eating plant) to life with such skill – Freya Bullock, Izzy Taylor, Zarah Osu and Noah Reeder. This was no easy feat! Audiences were captivated and enthralled by the company’s energetic and sizzling performances over four nights in June – a perfect way to end the academic year and a testament to the incredible talent of our company.

Theatre Trips

Particular highlights this year included theatre innovator Robert Icke’s adaptation of Sophocles’ Greek tragedy, ‘Oedipus’, at the Wyndham’s Theatre. Icke adapted the ancient tale into a political thriller for a 21st century audience and our Year 12 and 13 pupils were left aghast in their seats. Other highlights include Punchdrunk’s ‘Viola’s Room’ set as a promenade performance, as the audience were physically taken along a labyrinth of magic and wonder whilst listening to an audio recording that was both haunting and majestic.

LAMDA

Alongside our productions, LAMDA was another hugely popular item with pupil uptake for this class at the highest it has ever been! Throughout the year, pupils developed their acting skills, improvisational ideas and devising technique, that accumulated in an end-of-year exam in front of the LAMDA examiner. Last year, 100% of our pupils received a distinction mark for their performances (the highest possible grade!). Good luck to all this year’s candidates and we await their results to come later this year.

Costume Club

Miss Muldoon, our Costume Director, runs her very successful Costume Club every Tuesday and Thursday lunchtime. From creating costumes, sewing, sketching and adjusting costumes, the costume team have been responsible for over 200 costumes this academic year. The time, dedication and effort of all the pupils involved in Costume Club are to be hugely commended.

Cian Eagle-Service as Oliver in the West End’s production of Oliver!

Cian is no stranger to West End stardom. Last year he stole the show as Bruno in the National Theatre’s musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s ‘The Witches’. Previously, he was hand-picked by Andrew Lloyd Webber to star in the ‘Love Never Dies’ concert, the ‘Phantom of the Opera’ sequel, at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Other West End credits include Gavroche in ‘Les Miserables’, Michael

Looking ahead...

This academic year has been another creatively enriching and artistically fulfilling journey for the Drama Department and its pupils. We very much look forward to more beautiful theatrical work next academic year, commencing with the Year 10-13 musical production of ‘Come From Away’ in January 2026.

Banks in ‘Mary Poppins’ and ‘The Prince of Egypt’ as well as numerous television performances, including performing on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’.

Considering Cian’ stunning résumé, it only felt right that he would eventually play the title character in the much-loved musical classic, ‘Oliver!’. Cian started his journey in ‘Oliver!’ last year at the Chichester Festival Theatre before its transfer at the Gielgud Theatre in the West End last December. Cian received rave reviews for his sublime performance and was a key factor in the enormous success of this production. The Times called his performance ‘majestic’, The Guardian wrote he is ‘angelic’, and his performance of ‘Where Is Love?’ is a standout number within the show.

Having watched Cian myself in ‘Oliver!’, it was clear why he was selected to be the chosen Oliver for the official opening night (there are four performers in rotation for this role) as well as the Oliver on the 2024 West End Official Cast Recording; he is bonafide superstar and a colossal talent.

Cian is the shining child star of the West End...we are so proud of you, Cian!

Inclusion & Diversity Group

T

his year, the Inclusion and Diversity Pupil Forum have met to discuss a variety of topics related to inclusion and diversity in both the School and in the wider world. The group have focused on issues surrounding gender inequality, neurodiversity, celebration of religious events such as Ramadan and Diwali, LGBTQIA+ topics, and supporting the Year 13 Culture Week event.

Starting in September, the Inclusion and Diversity group kicked off the year highlighting Bi Visibility Day, which aimed to challenge negative stereotypes and dispel myths about bisexuality. The group have planned and delivered a variety of assemblies throughout the year in addition to informative presentations for LGBTQIA+ History month and International Women’s Day, highlighting the phenomenal contributions of women such as Green Belt Movement founder Wangari Maathai and civil rights activist Yuri Kochiyama.

Ramadan, Lunar New Year, and Diwali were key events in the Inclusion and Diversity calendar with presentations, posters and talks about the importance of these annual events.

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was celebrated with a presentation which explained the history behind the day and how Royal Russell pupils can support the movement to end racial discrimination.

Culture Week, a week-long event organised and delivered by our Senior Prefect team included Art, Media and English competitions, sporting events, informative talks and a variety of fundraising events for UNICEF and JRF. The week culminated with Own Clothes Day, where pupils were encouraged to wear clothing that reflected their cultural identity.

This was followed by International Transgender Day of Visibility and Lesbian Visibility Week. Both events were highlighted in House assemblies with resources created by the Inclusion and Diversity group members.

Junior Drama 2025

Drama continues to thrive within the Junior School, and pupils embrace the opportunity to be expressive, imaginative and entertaining. A huge well done to all the pupils for their collaboration, initiative and creativity over the past academic year. We have certainly seen our pupils take all the opportunities presented to them, and we cannot wait to see what 2025/2026 will deliver for our budding performers!

Christmas Nativity

Year 1 and 2 wowed their audiences with their performance of ‘The Fleece Force’, a highly entertaining, yet poignant reworking of the Nativity story. The children worked incredibly hard bringing this masterpiece together. They were able to remember all their lines and cues and really brought the songs to life with their enthusiastic dance moves and beautiful singing voices. It was a challenging show to bring to the stage, but our pupils handled the pressure with poise and focus. It was a delightful way to start the festive season.

House Drama

In the Autumn Term, House Drama returned to the Junior School. Each House selected representatives from each year group to participate in the House Drama competition. On the day, pupils gathered in their Houses and were given a stimulus to create a piece of theatre from. With guidance from some of our Senior School pupils, each House performed at the end of the day with the Upper Juniors as the audience. Our judge was Year 13 pupil Holly, who gave wonderful feedback to each of our pupils at the end, with the trophy going to York. It was a fantastic day.

Junior School Drama

During classroom Drama, pupils have explored a range of topics and stories, allowing them to learn about theatrical skills through engaging storylines. Highlights in the Upper Juniors have included exploring ‘Matilda’ by Roald Dahl with Year 3, using physicality and facial expression to bring these bold characters to life. Year 4 explored ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ after being visited by the Young Shakespeare Company. They were inspired by the actors’ retelling and used directing techniques from the performance to inspire their work in class.

Continuing our focus on Shakespeare texts, Year 5 spent part of the Spring Term exploring ‘Macbeth’, taking on a number of roles and acting out key moments in lessons, not only learning about the play but also familiarising themselves with Shakespeare’s language and storytelling. Year 6 spent time exploring the theatrically exuberant style of melodrama before focusing on preparing for the long-awaited Year 6 production, ‘Peter Pan’. Drama is equally as creative in EYFS and Lower Juniors, where we have explored different stories to bring drama skills to life. Nursery have enjoyed having their lessons in the Junior School Hall and going on adventures such as spending time at the seaside, cooking in a restaurant and exploring Goldilocks’ house. Reception have learnt key skills such as still image, sound collage and recreating stories they have listened to - for example, creating a whole class river for ‘Stickman’ when he falls in and flows out to sea! Year 1 and Year 2 have fully embraced the opportunities to hot-seat characters, regularly volunteering to take on varying characters and be asked questions!

Symposium 2025

Symposium Week was a true hit for Years 3 and 4 as they performed magnificently in their community-focused show. Parents and staff gathered in the Performing Arts Centre to watch in amazement as pupils shared their thanks and gratitude for the amazing community at Royal Russell. It was a joy to behold.

LAMDA Exams

In the Summer Term, a group of aspiring actors from across Year 5 and 6 took on the task of completing their London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) exams. LAMDA exams not only require an understanding of play texts but also require pupils to recite monologues from memory and show an in-depth understanding of the character they are portraying, making character choices on movement, expression and voice that they then need to discuss. For some of these children, this was the first time they had undertaken an examination in this discipline, but they each rose to the occasion.

Pupils had to learn and prepare two separate monologues, as well as discuss their performances with an external LAMDA examiner, who came into school to judge our pupils’ acting abilities. The examiner was extremely impressed with their magnificent performances. All the children who took exams successfully achieved Merits or Distinctions, showing what a high calibre of performers we have in the Junior School.

Peter Pan – Year 6 Production

In early June, we joined Peter Pan, the Lost Boys and Wendy, Michael and John Darling as they encountered predatory pirates, wild warriors, shimmering but shallow mermaids and a crocodile with an insatiable appetite for Captain Hook! Year 6 shone in their interpretation of this adventurous musical and inspired the entire Junior School with their fantastic retelling of this world-famous story.

They rehearsed in Drama lessons from the start of the Summer Term and particularly pulled together all the performance elements in the week before the performances to bring the final finishing touches to this epic show. They used their Russell Powers continuously, showing resilience, initiative, creativity and collaboration throughout the process.

Both shows - each the same, yet entirely unique - were huge successes, and it was evident they were thoroughly enjoyed by our enthusiastic and appreciative audience. We are hugely proud of what the pupils accomplished, and we are grateful for their dedication to creating such a memorable show.

Linguistics Department

Linguistics continued to thrive this year, offering pupils from across the School engaging opportunities to think logically, work collaboratively and explore the structure of language.

Linguistics workshops for Years 7 and 8 remained a key feature of the High Achievers Programme, giving pupils the chance to delve into language puzzles and logical thinking. Year 6 pupils also took part in a pre-Olympiad training session designed to prepare them for the challenge and spark their interest in linguistic problem-solving.

Now in its third edition, the House Linguistics Competition once again brought together eager teams from Years 7 to 9 for a lively and brain-stretching challenge. Held after school in January, the event featured two engaging puzzles—one on ancient Umbrian and another on Tohono O’odham— which pupils tackled with enthusiasm and sharp thinking. Cambridge claimed first place, followed by Queen’s and Reade. Special thanks to Year 11 Linguistics Club members Shailen Mistry, Lewis Mak, and Luca Mikail for helping run the event, with Shailen also taking on the task of marking. After their efforts, participants enjoyed well-earned refreshments and House points were awarded accordingly.

The Great Hall was once again the setting for the Linguistics Olympiad, where over 115 pupils from Years 6 to 13 gathered on the first Monday of February to put

their linguistic thinking to the test. Competing individually or in teams of up to four, pupils worked through a series of challenging and inventive language problems that demanded focus, creativity and logical reasoning. The atmosphere was one of quiet determination, as pupils decoded unfamiliar scripts, spotted hidden patterns and explored how language systems work. It was a rewarding experience that sharpened analytical skills and sparked curiosity across all age groups. As a well-earned treat, participants were rewarded with cupcakes decorated with the competition logo—rounding off a morning of intense thinking with a sweet finale.

At the end of exam week, Year 9 pupils tackled two linguistics puzzles as part of STEM Day, which was an opportunity to engage in some light-hearted problem solving while stretching their brains in a different way. The tasks encouraged logical thinking, pattern spotting and a fresh look at how language structures can be decoded.

It has been a rich and rewarding year for linguistics, offering both fun and challenge in equal measure.

Junior School Triathlon

Over £85,000 raised by 750 young triathletes at Royal Russell School

On Sunday, 18 May, Royal Russell School proudly hosted the Knight Frank Schools Triathlon, the UK’s largest fundraising event for children aged 7–13. This year, 750 pupils participated, swimming, cycling, and running in teams of four. Collectively, they covered a distance equivalent to the journey from Bristol to Barcelona and raised over £85,000 for Restless Development and various other charities.

Royal Russell has been a dedicated host of this event since its inception in 2015, fostering a communitycentred atmosphere with support from local businesses and over 2,000 attendees. Royal Russell pupils and volunteers all generously contributed their time to ensure the event’s success.

Generous volunteers and Royal Russell pupils kindly gave up their Sunday to ensure the event ran smoothly. Lots of inspiring stories came out on the day including top fundraisers who raised an incredible £1,571 for charity by putting on bake sales and busking outside of their school.

When asked if they had any advice for other teams taking part they said, “Just give it your best”. Other top fundraising teams included the Fearless Pink Flamingos from Royal Russell who fundraised an amazing £920 for charity!

The Knight Frank Schools Triathlon exemplifies the determination, power and compassion of young people. We look forward to seeing even more participants next year!

Junior School Art & DT

It has been another exciting and inspiring year for Art and Design at Royal Russell Junior School. From hands-on workshops and gallery visits to pupil-led initiatives and collaborative exhibitions, our children have embraced a wide range of creative opportunities. One standout moment was our whole-school art competition, themed ‘Under the Sea’, which showcased the imagination and individuality of our young artists. The exhibition was introduced by our Year 6 Creative Ambassadors and their leadership helped shape a vibrant and thought-provoking display that captured the imagination of the entire school community.

In Early Years, children explored an exciting variety of materials and processes inspired by their classroom learning. Through playful investigation, they sculpted and painted colourful fish, created expressive portraits and learned foundational art skills such as colour mixing, mark-making, and basic sculpting. These early artistic experiences have nurtured both creativity and confidence in their self-expression.

Year 1 excelled in their ‘Vehicles’ project, learning how axles and dowels work together to power moving toy vehicles. The children developed practical skills in measuring and construction while discovering the importance of functionality in design. With imagination and problem-solving, they created vehicles that were fast, strong and highly creative.

A new ‘Seaside’ project brought waves of inspiration to Year 2 as they explored the theme through the works of artists such as J.M.W. Turner, Maggi Hambling and Yellena James. Using a combination of painting, drawing, and mixed media, the children explored mood, movement and storytelling in art, while strengthening their understanding of texture, colour and expressive mark-making.

Year 3 demonstrated great enthusiasm and creativity throughout the year. A standout project involved designing and building decorative frames. This hands-on challenge encouraged teamwork and safe use of tools like saws, while reinforcing the importance of purpose-driven design.

Year 4’s visit to Tate Modern was a cultural highlight. Pupils were captivated by Maman, the towering spider sculpture by Louise Bourgeois, which sparked discussions about scale, symbolism and the personal stories behind art. During the trip, children engaged in observational drawing and explored the gallery through curated tours, gaining valuable insights into contemporary sculpture and installation art.

Year 5 took part in a vibrant photography project in partnership with pupils from St David’s. Focusing on the theme of community and place, pupils explored Croydon while learning basic camera skills and techniques. Their work was displayed in a joint symposium exhibition and was a celebration of local identity. It was a proud moment to share this collaboration with families and friends from both schools.

Year 6 rose to the challenge of the ‘Fairground Ride’ project, where they engineered kinetic models using motors and pulley systems. This complex task demanded precision, teamwork and perseverance. Alongside the technical aspects, pupils brought flair with their decorative elements, producing imaginative and dynamic designs. The project was an excellent opportunity to combine STEAM learning with artistic expression.

To round off the year, children in Years 3 to 6 were treated to a reward trip to the Frameless Immersive Art Experience. Surrounded by moving masterpieces and digital installations, the pupils were immersed in a world where art came alive - a truly fitting celebration of their creative journey this year.

Congratulations to all our artists for their hard work and joyful exploration of art and design this year.

Senior School Art & Photography

Years 7, 8 and 9 have had a vibrant and creatively packed year, exploring a wide variety of materials, techniques and artistic skills.

Year 7 pupils refined their understanding of the formal elements of art, including mark-making, tone, and colour theory. They explored the expressive work of the Fauves and contemporary landscape painters, developing foundational skills through practical and contextual learning.

Year 8 built upon these foundations, diving into printmaking inspired by the work of Hundertwasser. They also created abstract clay tiles, further developing their understanding of texture, colour and composition.

Year 9 explored the broad theme of structure, examining both natural and man-made forms. Their investigations led to a series of sculptural outcomes using a wide range of materials, including LEGO and withies. In February, pupils considering Art for GCSE visited the Tate Modern, where they explored how we engage with and interpret art in a gallery setting—considering not just the artwork, but our own thoughts, posture and presence within the space.

GCSE Art

GCSE pupils began the year exploring the theme of nature, producing a range of observational studies focused on texture, form and shape. A visit to Kew Gardens provided inspiration and valuable resources, particularly from the exotic plant life in the glasshouses. Their trip to Tate Modern broadened their understanding of how artists respond to nature across diverse materials and scales.

Pupils also had the opportunity to work with sculptor Darcy Turner, creating wire sculptures based on their studies of insects and animals.

Year 11 pupils developed personal, expressive coursework by connecting their earlier work with individual interests and themes. Their final exam work responded to topics such as Human Being, Narrative, Networks and Icons, resulting in thoughtful and diverse creative outcomes. It was a fitting and exciting conclusion to their GCSE journey.

A Level Art & Photography

A Level pupils produced an impressive range of personal investigations, including work in printmaking, painting, sculpture and photography. Themes explored included identity, mythical creatures, the figure, personal keepsakes, capturing a moment and migration.

The exam component further encouraged deep, independent inquiry with broad themes such as Space, Focus, Urban Landscape, Close-up, Text and Imagery. Earlier in the year, life drawing sessions enabled pupils to refine their figurative work, which they approached with great maturity and dedication.

Throughout the year, pupils benefited from a range of enriching visits to art institutions, including the London walking tour, Tate Modern, Kew Gardens, Bethlem Gallery graduate shows and the Barbican, all of which informed and inspired their creative development.

Art Scholars had a productive year, successfully designing and producing lino-print Christmas cards to sell at the Christmas Fair, raising funds for CASPA—a local charity that supports autistic individuals and their families. They also contributed artwork to the Royal Academy Young Artists competition and the School’s Windrush project and exhibition.

Science

Year 12 pupils started Science Week by delivering an interactive assembly to the Junior School to introduce this year’s theme of ‘Change and Adapt’. Pupils took part in a wide range of activities during the week, such as extracting DNA from strawberries, fun chemistry experiments, rat dissection, astronomy and making rockets. The Science Department also held the annual House Egg Drop competition, where participants were challenged to make a contraption to protect an egg being dropped from the top of the Aston Webb Building. The egg from Reade House survived the drop, the Keable egg had a small crack, and the Oxford egg had a slightly larger crack. Well done to all who took part. On the last day, we were treated to a visit from the Skybolt Rocket. All pupils from Nursery to Year 10 visited the rocket and heard about its launch into space. Junior School pupils and those in Years 7 and 8 made rockets during the week and held competitions to see whose rocket flew the furthest.

We hosted a ‘Medical Mavericks’ workshop for Year 10 and Year 12 pupils, who took blood, recorded and printed an ECG, measured their blood pressure, tried keyhole surgery and used an ultrasound machine to see inside their bodies to check if they were still growing! The workshop introduced dozens of different medical careers.

Crest Awards are science projects awarded by the British Science Association and undertaken independently with the support, guidance and help of a mentor. They operate on a similar basis to Duke of Edinburgh Awards in that pupils can progress through Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. Examples of excellent projects this year were ‘Rocket Research’ and ‘How to Make the Best Cup of Tea’. Well done to Year 8, 9, 10 pupils who were awarded certificates throughout the year.

A level Biologists took a trip back to Wakehurst Place, which they visited in the summer, to further their knowledge of genetics. During the day, they carried out gel electrophoresis, which allowed them to observe different sized fragments of DNA, which they compared to known samples. This technique is used in forensic analysis, paternity testing and in identifying illegal imports of plants and other organisms. They also visited the Millennium Seed Bank, where over 2 billion seeds are stored, used for research and conservation efforts, and kept in case a crop emergency should ever arise.

A level Chemists took part in the Chemistry Olympiad in January were awarded with their certificates. Congratulations to those pupils who participated, and well done to Ellis, William Wu, Xinyue, Ho Ting Wai, Zhilei Chen who received a silver award. Congratulations to Dylan Swan, Ching Yeung Chiu, Doris Liu, Hei Chen, Ling Hao Zhen, who received a bronze award.

Well done to William Wu in Year 13 who won the annual Chemistree competition, correctly guessing the compounds in the eight conical flasks decorating the Christmas tree in the Chemistry Department.

A Level Physics pupils attended the Physics in Action talks at the Emmanuelle Centre in central London. There were several inspiring talks given by a range of scientists and university lectures on a wide range of topics including, ‘Nuclear Science in the Skies’, ‘Quantum Photonics’, ‘Getting in a Spin with the Coriolis Effect’ and ‘Exploring the Cosmos in Radio and Infrared’. A fantastic time was had by all with young minds greatly inspired by the opportunities that studying Physics can unlock.

Junior School Sport

The Athletics Squad has been buzzing with energy, with two fantastic meets hosted at Hazelwood.

Our young athletes showcased their talents across a range of exciting events - throwing, jumping and running with enthusiasm and determination. PE lessons have been filled with focused preparation for Sports Day, with pupils also earning valuable points toward the coveted House Athletics Cup.

A major highlight was our participation in the inaugural IAPS Athletics Championships, where the team enjoyed a superb day of competition. Running on a professional track brought out the best in our athletes, who gave 100% in every event. The day culminated in a nail-biting final relay, where the U11 Boys’ team clinched victory by just one point, an unforgettable achievement!

The season reached its peak at the Croydon Schools Athletics Finals, where our athletes were in top form following Sports Day and the Hazelwood meets. An impressive 15 athletes from Years 3 to 6 qualified for the finals, delivering outstanding performances across the board.

Croydon Champions:

• Bevon (Year 5) – High Jump

• William M (Year 5) – Long Jump

Runners-Up:

• Sindy (Year 6) – Long Jump

• Caleb (Year 4) – 800m

• Jai (Year 5) – 600m Third Place:

• Max (Year 6) – High Jump

• Emi (Year 4) – 75m Sprint

With several top finishes, the U11 Boys’ team was crowned overall Croydon Athletics Champions - a testament to their hard work, resilience, and team spirit.

Cricket

This year has been filled with exciting cricket competitions, providing our pupils with numerous opportunities during our games afternoons and Cricket Club to learn in a friendly environment while having fun. We progressed into Round 2 of the Verney Cup for the second consecutive year, showcasing our dedication and improvement. Participation in the Geoff Richards Trophy allowed our pupils to experience high-level competition and further hone their abilities. Many of our pupils have developed a keen interest in cricket and are looking to join local clubs outside of school to further enhance their skills in a team environment. Overall, these competitions have helped our pupils develop their cricket skills and highlighted the enjoyment throughout the year.

One year group of girls competed in the Cricket Starburst Festival. The team put on a commanding display throughout, winning all their group matches with

confidence, grit, and unmatched teamwork. From powerful batting performances to excellent bowling, the team showcased their skills. Their unbeaten streak through the tournament saw them make their way to the final with momentum and belief. In the final showdown, however, despite a spirited performance, Royal Russell fell just short and ended up finishing in second place.

Cross country

Another great year of running, with several team and individual events. The Croydon Schools event, hosted at Royal Russell, led to the Year 5 boys winning the team event. The Year 4 boys team finished second, and the Year 6 boys came third. A small selection of runners competed at the Surrey Schools event, with Arthur finishing in a superb seventh place. At the Merton Court and Oakhyrst meets, the pupils picked up several individual and team medals.

Basketball

This year, Royal Russell took part in the IAPS National Finals, the 3v3 Tournament and numerous fixtures.

Ten Year 6 pupils travelled to Sevenoaks School to compete in the IAPS Basketball National Finals. The tournament was filled with intense competition, teamwork and standout performances, culminating in an impressive overall showing.

Championship Semi-Final vs University College School Junior Branch (6-6)

From the opening tip-off, it was clear that this game would be a defensive showdown. Both teams executed their game plans to perfection, making every possession count. Scoring was tough, with each basket hard-earned, and as the final buzzer sounded, the score remained deadlocked at 6-6.

With a place in the final on the line, extra time saw both teams give everything they had. Defensive stops, missed opportunities and clutch plays kept the game hanging

in the balance, but neither side could find the decisive basket, leading to the ultimate test – a shootout.

With everything riding on free throws, the match came down to composure under pressure. Despite the team’s best efforts, the opposition edged them out in the shootout, bringing an end to an unforgettable semi-final clash.

3v3 Basketball – Croydon Sports Final

The 3v3 basketball finals delivered an action-packed showdown, with the team putting in an impressive performance to secure second place after five hard-fought games. Though they fell just short of the championship, Royal Russell showed heart, skill, and determination throughout the finals. Their strong performances set the stage for even greater success in future competitions.

Football

Football at Royal Russell Junior School continues to flourish and excite, with enthusiasm echoing across the pitches throughout the Autumn and Spring terms. As ever, the sport remains popular among our pupils. Our guiding principle remains steadfast – ensuring that all children, regardless of experience, have the opportunity to enjoy competitive football, develop their skills, and, most importantly, have fun.

We begin our season review with our brilliant U8 team, whose enthusiasm and progress were clear to see. They performed admirably at the Cumnor House tournament, securing a fantastic third place finish. The team also impressed at the Alleyn’s tournament, once again clinching third place in a closely contested competition. Their commitment, sportsmanship, and excitement for the game were infectious and set a strong foundation for the years ahead.

A highlight of our football calendar was once again our very own Royal Russell U9 Tournament, where we proudly welcomed 20 schools to enjoy a festival of football. The atmosphere was electric, with our pupils rising to the occasion and making the School proud. The U9s also showcased their talents at the Thomas’s Clapham Tournament, delivering an impressive run to finish as runners-up in a highly competitive field.

The U10 boys had a remarkable season, highlighted by two standout achievements. At the prestigious Dulwich College Tournament, they went unbeaten, emerging as tournament winners out of 32 top schools – a phenomenal accomplishment that demonstrated their technical skill and teamwork. Capping off their season, the boys were crowned Surrey Cup champions, a title that reflects their consistency, resilience, and passion for the game.

For our U11s, this year will be remembered as one of extraordinary success and unforgettable moments.

Representing the School with maturity and drive, they secured second place in the Croydon Cup, showing courage and determination throughout. The U11B team also made headlines, winning the Thomas’s Tournament with confidence and style, proving the depth and quality of football across the year group.

Most notably, the U11A team qualified for the National Finals at both the ISFA and IAPS competitions – a rare and outstanding double. Winning their regional qualifier at ISFA, and then travelled to St George’s Park for the National Finals, the boys did themselves proud, finishing as one of the top eight teams in the country. They came second in the IAPS regional qualifier and went on to win the Bowl at Millfield in the IAPS National Finals – a tremendous achievement.

Girls’ Football Club has become one of our most popular clubs, and the girls have had a few highlights. The U9 Girls team won the Croydon Schools Festival after some fantastic teamwork and determination to drive towards goal. The U11A team went on to win the Croydon League after we hosted two exciting mini-league festivals.

As the Year 6 pupils prepare to move on, they leave behind a legacy of commitment, resilience, and excellence on the football field. They have been outstanding ambassadors for the sport, inspiring younger pupils and upholding the proud footballing tradition at Royal Russell.

Here’s to another memorable year of football, with many more to come!

Swimming

Three IAPS National Finals have been the highlight of the year, a piece of Royal Russell history in the making. The pupils swam in spectacular style at the London Aquatics Centre, and the experience will be one that lives long in the memory. Jessica finished 14th in the 50m Butterfly, gaining 5 spots on her qualifying position. Phoebe, swimming 50m Backstroke, swam an amazing race to qualify for the final, where she placed an incredible 8th. Alex, also swimming 50m Backstroke, swam a personal best of under 40 seconds to finish 17th.

Lots of exciting galas with close races and results. We took teams to the Surrey Schools Lifesaving event, the London Schools relay and individual qualifiers, and a large squad swam at the Croydon Schools qualifier.

12 pupils qualified for the Croydon Schools finals, with 5 finishing in the top 3. At the London Schools finals, our 7 qualifiers swam superbly. Haris won the 25m Freestyle, Phoebe finished 2nd in the 50m Backstroke and Caleb 3rd in the 25m Breaststroke. A great year in the pool, with the hard work paying off.

This school year has been a fantastic journey for our table tennis enthusiasts. The high participation rates during both sessions of the Table Tennis Club reflect the positive engagement and enthusiasm of our children.

They have enjoyed numerous friendly fixtures, which have not only helped them build their skills but also have built strong friendships. Our pupils have shown remarkable dedication to the sport, and many have joined clubs outside of school, gaining valuable experience and further enhancing their abilities. The combination of skill development and enjoyment has made this year a memorable and successful one for everyone involved in table tennis.

Table Tennis

Lower Junior Sport

In Lower Junior sport, children are given many opportunities to refine their hand-eye coordination through a diverse range of activities. Our games lessons feature sports such as football, hockey and small ball/netball activities. During PE lessons, basketball, badminton, tennis and gymnastics support progress in a variety of skills, further enhancing the children’s all-round progress. By rotating through these sports, children not only develop their knowledge and skill set but also learn about the different rules and strategies involved in match play. This variety helps to foster a wellrounded understanding of various sports. Additionally, our pupils participate in apparatus, climbing and jumping lessons, designed to advance gross motor skills while boosting confidence and strength, and above all, promoting enjoyment of physical activity.

Lower Junior Sports Day – Smiles, Sunshine and Sporting Fun!

Our Lower Junior Sports Day was a joyful celebration of energy, effort and enthusiasm! From the moment the events began, our pupils were beaming with excitement and ready to give their all.

The afternoon featured a wonderful mix of activities; from classic egg-and-spoon races and football dribbling challenges to impressive jumping and throwing events. Every pupil took part with determination and big smiles, showing fantastic perseverance despite the warm weather.

The atmosphere was full of laughter, encouragement, and House spirit, with pupils and supporters cheering each other on and celebrating every success. It was a true display of teamwork, resilience, and fun.

Upper Junior Sports Day – A Celebration of Effort, Energy, and Team Spirit!

Whatan incredible afternoon of athletics we had! The sun shone brightly over a field alive with excitement and determination. Our pupils gave their all in every event; from thrilling sprints on the track to impressive long jumps and powerful throws in the field.

The atmosphere was electric, with cheers echoing across the grounds as Houses rallied behind their athletes, showing true camaraderie and sportsmanship. It was heartwarming to see pupils supporting one another and celebrating every effort and achievement.

This year has been another exciting chapter in Royal Russell’s ever-growing hockey journey. With a continued emphasis on skill development, tactical awareness, and team cohesion, our pupils have relished the opportunities to compete, learn, and grow, both as hockey players and as confident young individuals.

From the first hockey games session at the start of the academic year through to the final fixture of the season, there has been a genuine buzz around hockey. Our pupils have embraced the sport with enthusiasm, whether they were learning the basics of ball control and spatial awareness or facing competitive challenges in fixtures and festivals.

Our U8 and U9 mixed squads once again benefited from a vibrant and inclusive programme. Through regular training and matches against local schools, they developed not only their hockey skills but also a real sense of team spirit and resilience. It’s been fantastic to see their confidence flourish – some of the passing and positioning displayed by our youngest players have been truly impressive!

The U10s took part in the In2Hockey Festival, showcasing fast-paced play and strong teamwork throughout the day. It was encouraging to see their technical improvements translate into smart decision-making under pressure, and the players represented Royal Russell with energy and determination.

Our U11 teams approached the season with characteristic commitment. The experience they gained through competitive fixtures and highly competitive events such as the UKSA tournament have been invaluable. The squad battled through tough fixtures with grit, showing flashes of brilliance and a commendable willingness to keep improving. Across the year, players demonstrated their growing understanding of tactics, space, and structure – key elements that will serve them well as they move up the School.

A highlight on our hockey calendar every year is hosting our U11 Boys’ & Girls’ Hockey Tournament. After being called off last year due to frozen pitches, we were pleased to have the tournament back up and running this year. We welcomed schools from in and around London to Royal Russell for a fabulous morning of hockey.

A huge thank you must go to our dedicated coaching team, whose passion and expertise continue to shape and inspire our hockey players. And, of course, a round of applause for the pupils themselves: their sportsmanship, perseverance, and enjoyment of the game have been the real highlights of the season. As our older pupils prepare for their next sporting steps, we look forward to seeing their continued development on the pitch.

Netball

I t has been a great year with the introduction of Netball in Years 3 and 4 Games lessons. The pupils developed their skills through a combination of drills, games, and competitive matches, whilst having fun and learning the rules along the way. In Years 5 and 6, the pupils played a variety of matches and enjoyed rotating through the different positions. One key focus has been shooting technique; it has been wonderful to see the pupils’ consistency developing, with some super shots.

Trampolining

An incredible year for the Trampoline Squad with 19 National Schools finalists. After qualifying through two rounds, the squad headed for the Derby Arena for the finals. A truly outstanding day, with Evie producing two incredible routines to be crowned U14 Advanced National Champion. Individually, Phoebe, our youngest competitor, finished 4th in the U11 Novice group. Romy, competing in the U19 Novice, finished 7th, and Lukyan, using two double somersaults, finished 6th in the U14 Elite section.

In the team competition, the U11 Intermediate team Darcey, Alexis, Phoebe and Izzy; U14 Advanced team Evie, Abi, Chloe and Emily; and the U14 Boys Intermediate team Ollie, Theo and Edward all finished in 3rd place. The U11 Novice team Lauren, Amelia, Evie and Phoebe finished in 4th, with the U19 Novice team Emily, Danni and Romy finishing 6th.

At the London Regional qualifier, 46 pupils competed with outstanding results: 4 individual and 7 team champions; 3 individual and 2 team runners-up; and 5 individual 3rd places.

This meant 35 pupils qualified for Round 2, the Southern Zonal Finals, competing against the South of England. Another set of fantastic results: Individually, Phoebe finished 3rd, Lukyan 2nd and Evie 1st, with 3 teams finishing 2nd and 2 in the top spot.

At the Croydon Schools event, across the Junior and Senior events, the Royal Russell squad, either individually or as a team, won 16 Croydon titles, 12 runners-up places, and 11 bronze medal finishes.

We hosted a fantastic IAPS Trampoline Finals with 27 Royal Russell pupils competing. In the U9 Girls groups, some spectacular performances saw Phoebe O finish as runnerup, with Phoebe P in 3rd; these outstanding results helped the team win the U9 National team title. The U11 Girls team finished in a credible 3rd place and the boys were 4th, with Arthur 6th individually. In the B team event, the U9B team finished as runners-up, with the U9C team in 3rd place; this shows the depth the squad has at this age.

A truly sensational year that is not possible without the hard work of the pupils and coaching team.

Senior School Sport

Athletics

This year the School has had some amazing achievements in athletics.

All year groups competed at the annual borough meet at Croydon Arena. Gold medallists included Tim Olatunji and Yusuf Ahmad in hurdles, Will Norman, Izzy Sternfeld, Kemafo Egwim and Sapphira Plessard Da Silva in shot put, Izehi Obasuyi in triple jump.

Other medallists included Lily Bannon, Matteus and Sophia Hamoda, Oli Norman, Nicholas Parris, India Brown, Lottie and George Gowland-Smith, Parisa Hussein, Evie-Rose Dawes, Molly Netherway, George Hewitt-Nunes, Parine Long, Freya Bullock and Tilda Brinin-Webb.

Selected for Surrey were Ada and Ama Amiaka, Logan Hatchwell-Wray, Ellie Thomas, Sapphira, Izehi and Kemafo.

Our best-placed athletes at Croydon Schools Cross-Country were Xoel Barcia-Akande and Harriet Hughes with 3rd places, followed by Matilda Welsh (5th), Mia Hughes (7th), Ellie Thomas (9th) and Aimee Mayland (10th).

All these athletes, along with Logan, Stanley Moore, Zac Brennan, Alfie and Max Davidson, George Yarker and Polina Kobzevo, were invited to run for Croydon at the always-chilly Surrey Schools event in January.

The number of athletes selected across different events reflects our growing strength and depth in athletics. Well done to everyone who has taken part.

Netball

Netball has had yet another positive year, expanding the number of training sessions offered as additional weekend fixtures. Netball has been represented across 40 teams, ranging from U8s to U18s. We have also competed at A-D level consistently across multiple year groups.

We have won over 100 fixtures and increased our fixture programme substantially.

Our U12 team reached county finals in their first year competing in this competition. Other successes are that both our U13B and U14B teams won the Croydon schools league and the U14B team won the Croydon Schools Tournament Cup. Our senior first team also won the London Schools Cup at Eltham College this year.

This year we have seen huge growth in our netball programme, which is aimed at supporting pupils with exit routes into professional netball, careers in sport or lifelong participation in sport.

Our U19s team entered a new Surrey League, where they were undefeated in all fixtures. Our 1st team scored over 200 goals in match play in over 20 matches, not including tournaments, and reached the 4th round of the National Cup.

Our U14Cs were undefeated all season after their extra efforts attending training all year round. Our Friday lunchtime club has been a great success, now regularly seeing boys involved in netball, and this is something we hope to develop further next year.

We have had international success across the age groups with England, Scotland and Ireland.

All year groups have pupils in a national performance pathway, with the majority representing London Pulse or Surrey County.

It has been so rewarding to see so many of our pupils step onto court in competitive fixtures and represent Royal Russell as well as compete abroad this year. We travelled to Barcelona with our U14 and U16 teams and then took our senior 1st team to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Next year we will again be entering the following competitions as well as a full fixture list of friendlies for all teams; ISNC Cup, SnS Cup, Shield & Trophy, School’s Magazine Cup, Surrey Schools, Croydon Schools Leagues and Surrey Leagues as well as the England Netball National Schools competition. The Head of Netball has met with all netball scholars to ensure individual one-to-one support is in place. On top of this, coaches have ensured all netball players from U12-U18, A to D teams, have been able to access and complete an individual development plan. This has supported all our pupils to ensure they have met targets within netball over the year. Next year it would be nice to utilise our strength and conditioning support more and increase awareness of injury prevention protocols.

The netball coaching team are looking forward to working with their teams in the new season and hopefully having another successful year.

Basketball

The 2024-2025 season has been a landmark year for basketball at Royal Russell, with a record number of teams entering both league and cup competitions. The increased participation has brought fresh talent, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments across all age groups.

U11s

This season has been remarkable for grassroots basketball at Royal Russell, marked by high energy, regular training sessions, and a strong schedule of fixtures against other schools. The enthusiasm and commitment at this foundational level continue to fuel the School’s growing reputation in the sport. The U11 squad has been especially busy, taking part in a variety of friendly matches throughout the year and leaving their mark in every competition. A major highlight came in a 3v3 tournament, where the team performed brilliantly and finished as runners-up—a fantastic achievement reflecting their tenacity and fast-developing skills. One of the year’s most impressive moments came during the prestigious annual IAPS basketball competition held at Sevenoaks School. The squad showcased their talent and team spirit, battling their way through to the semi-finals. In a heart-pounding finish, the game was decided by a sudden-death shootout, in which the boys fought valiantly but just missed out on a place in the final. Despite the close loss, their performance was nothing short of outstanding—a clear statement of their place among the top young basketball talents in the country.

U13s

This season was a challenging yet inspiring one for the U13 squad, who faced a tough test in the regional cup. Drawn against a strong and experienced Alleyn’s School, the team knew they had a battle ahead. Despite the final score of 16-52, the squad showed tremendous resilience, fighting right up until the final buzzer. While the result may not have gone their way, the determination and effort displayed by every player were undeniable. They left everything on the court, gaining valuable experience that will undoubtedly fuel their drive for future competitions. The lessons learned from this matchup will serve them well as they continue to develop and sharpen their skills.

U14s

The U14 squad faced a uniquely challenging season, as the team was primarily made up of U12 and U13 players. Competing against older and stronger opponents made every game a true test of skill and determination, pushing the squad beyond their comfort zone. Despite the tough matchups, the team showed tremendous resilience, refusing to back down in the face of adversity. Game by game, they adapted, refined their tactics, and steadily improved throughout the season. Their commitment to learning and growing was evident, setting the foundation for future success.

U15s

The U15 squad put together a strong and competitive season, narrowly missing out on the end-of-season playoff competition. Despite falling just short, the team demonstrated impressive consistency, commitment, and determination throughout the year. One of the standout moments came in a dominant 74-29 victory against Royal Grammar School, showcasing the squad’s ability to play with confidence and control. The game was a masterclass in teamwork, sharp execution, and relentless energy, proving that the players have the potential to compete at the highest level. Looking ahead, the focus will be on refining skills and maintaining the hard-working ethic that has defined the team’s journey. If the squad continues to train with dedication and push themselves in every game, qualification for next year’s playoff competition is well within reach—and maybe even a deep run toward a championship.

U16s

The U16 squad had a solid season, showing steady improvement and resilience throughout their matchups. One of the biggest highlights came in a narrow 1-point victory against Trinity School, a team that had been one of the strongest last season. This unexpected triumph showcased exactly what the squad is capable of when they focus and play to their strengths.

Beyond this standout win, the team consistently demonstrated determination, teamwork, and growth, taking lessons from each game to refine their skills. With the right mindset and continued dedication, next season promises even greater success, building on the momentum from this year’s achievements.

U17s

Similar to the U13 squad, the U17s unfortunately faced an early exit in the regional cup competition, coming up against a very strong Dulwich College team. Despite the loss, the match provided a valuable learning experience, allowing the squad to test themselves against high-level opposition. The team battled hard, showing flashes of brilliance and determination throughout the game. Though the result didn’t go their way, the challenge served as a stepping stone for the players, helping them refine their approach and build resilience for future competitions. Looking ahead, the experience gained in this competition will undoubtedly strengthen the squad’s mindset and performance. With continued training and focus, the U17s will be ready to take on tougher opponents next season.

U18s

This season proved to be a challenging one for the U18 squad, as injuries left the team understrength and forced many U16 and U17 players to step up into key roles. Despite the difficult circumstances, the squad showed tremendous heart, battling through each game with determination and resilience. Several matchups were closely contested, coming down to just a few crucial moments. While some results didn’t fall in our favour, the team demonstrated they could compete at a high level, even against more experienced opponents. The adversity faced this season has only strengthened the squad, providing valuable lessons and motivation for the future. With continued development and a full-strength squad next year, the U18s will be ready to turn these hard-fought games into decisive victories.

Dance

Dance at Royal Russell has grown from strength to strength, with Year 9 to 13 being able to select dance as an option during their afternoon games session. Introducing dance into the core curriculum for Year 7-9 has been a breath of fresh air for many, meaning they will all learn dance as part of the physical education carousel, and this has continued to be successful, really allowing pupils to find the benefits of dance, from learning cultural dance and choreography skills. It has opened doors for some very talented dancers to create and excel, whilst unlocking a space for others who may never experience dance.

Working in groups, pupils have been devising their own routines, exploring current global topics and retelling stories important to them through movement. They have also learnt a variety of genres.

We have a world dance champion in street dance with Camille Hardy winning a gold, as well as Year 11 dancer Maya Osborn performing at the prestigious Laban Centre, showcasing her talent.

We have also built a relationship with The Brit School, attending shows and being invited to workshops with the talented pupils at the amazing dance facility. This is a relationship we hope to maintain and grow.

Pupils can get involved in the musical theatre shows, with dancers performing in ‘Chicago’ and ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ recently.

2025 has been a great summer for cricket with the rain clouds of last year disappearing and allowing Royal Russell to play all but two of the scheduled fixtures in glorious sunshine. This year has also seen the launch of the girls’ hardball programme, with the U13 girls putting all their winter training to good use and scoring excellent victories over Woldingham and Alleyn’s, amongst others.

The boys’ season was also successful especially the Year 7s, who were unbeaten all year apart from losing, exceptionally narrowly, in the Surrey Cup to the eventual finalists. There have been more fixtures than ever this year and cricket is being enjoyed by all. Some of the Year 7s have been put forward for county trials and we have some boys playing representative cricket already.

The season completed with an action-packed last week of cricket with the Girls U13 A & B teams playing Woldingham School, the 1st XI playing an Old Russellian’s XI and then a Mumbai CC XI, who have been on tour to England. The finale was the School’s staff X1 playing the Parents XI.

Boys’ Football

The 2024–25 football season at Royal Russell has been one of exceptional commitment, growth, and shared pride. As a school, we are immensely proud of what has been achieved — not only in terms of silverware, but in the depth of experience and development offered to our pupils throughout the year. Led by our Head of Football, the department has continued to evolve, underpinned by a dedicated and talented coaching team who have worked tirelessly to deliver a programme of real quality. From early morning sessions and evening fixtures to long-distance away days, a hugely successful Dubai tour, and an intense run of finals across age groups — this season has been full of unforgettable moments.

What truly defines Royal Russell Football, however, is not just what happens on the pitch. It is the culture created behind the scenes — one rooted in care, high standards, and a genuine commitment to putting the person before the player. Our staff work hard to build environments that are both enjoyable and resilient, where each individual is known, supported, and challenged to be their best.

Across the season, there have been countless examples of the quiet excellence that defines this team: a member of staff drove over two hours after work to support a cup final — not out of obligation, but from a deep belief in the importance of the pupil experience. Another produced a professional-standard season highlights video, complete with inspirational messages from current professional players. One coach rearranged a family holiday to be present at a major final, while others regularly stepped in at short notice to cover and support one another — always placing the pupils first.

and the Junior School programme continues to provide a strong foundation for our younger players, delivered with exceptional care and attention to detail.

Our collective achievements this year reflect the effort and togetherness across the programme:

Girls’ Football

Girls’ football has made a real impact within the School again this year. All girls are still given the standalone choice to have the opportunity to play at whatever level in the games’ afternoons. This move has added to the games programme and continued to grow in popularity. Along with the after-school provisions in place, the girls’ football programme has helped grow confidence amongst the players and create a supportive atmosphere for the girls to thrive!

The enthusiasm for football is growing and teams played fixtures in all age groups. The girls’ performance programme has continued to grow and become stronger, being led by our new Head of Girls’ Football, Aimee Watson.

We have had girls signing for local clubs, academies, gaining professional contracts and even international representative honours. This exciting programme continues to grow, attracting top athletes, as this unique opportunity to play academy-level football, while studying three A Levels

means these girls do not have to compromise, as the balance of education and football is mapped out for them.

We had an amazing Woman in Sport talk for our pupils with professional performance coach Kelsey King from Crystal Palace FC and Katie O’Hanlon, a player at West Ham, talking to our pupils in a live Q&A session. We also had an opportunity to take them to watch Chelsea v Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, enjoying women’s football at its peak! The trip was a fantastic experience to be inspired by role models and to explore what could be a journey for their future. Our U18 girls had the incredible opportunity to train at CrossFit Devils Path, pushing their limits and developing skills both physical and mental. Another highlight was our U13 girls enjoying an unforgettable trip to St. George’s Park, the home of England’s national team. Competing in a high intensity 7A side tournament, the team displayed incredible skill and determination, securing the championship title!

These moments reflect the core values of the programme: dedication, humility, and shared purpose. They are the reasons our football provision continues to flourish, offering a high-performance environment with a pastoral heart.

Beyond the touchline, the programme continues to be enriched by a team of specialists delivering on all fronts — from technical development and video analysis to nutrition, strength and conditioning, and player welfare. The growth of girls’ football has been a standout success this year,

U15

U13

U13 - Boys – ESFA Cup Finalists

U11 – Boys IAPS Finalists

U11 – Boys ISFA Finalists

U11 – Boys District Finalists

U10 – Boys Surrey Cup Winners

The pride we feel as a school in the achievements of our footballers — and the staff who support them — cannot be overstated. Royal Russell Football is more than a programme. It’s a culture. One that continues to grow, inspire, and make lasting memories for all involved. It has been a great season for everyone involved.

House Sport

One of the jewels in Royal Russell’s sporting crown is the annual House Sport Competition. Every pupil, in every year group, can compete regularly and frequently against their peers in a wide variety of sports throughout the year. The competition dates to 1936. Boys’ football joined the competition in 1981 and most recently girls’ football was finally introduced in 2018. From indoor athletics to boys’ and girls’ football, hockey to table tennis and not forgetting whole school cross-country, there is something for everyone and everyone gets the opportunity to shine.

In most years, the highlight of the competition is any occasion when the whole school gets together. Whole (Senior) School Cross-Country and Senior Sports Day are the best examples.

On cross-country, on a glorious day in early April, every single able-bodied, Senior School pupil ran, walked, or somehow got around the course. The courses vary in length, progressing as we move through the years. Boys and girls run the same courses; the Junior race (Years 7 and 8) is 2.2km, the Intermediates (Years 9 and 10)) is 2.5km and the Seniors (Years 11 - 13) is 3.2km.

The respective winners this year were:

Juniors: Harriet Hughes and George Hewitt-Nunes.

Intermediates: Maisie Sinclair and Logan Hatchwell-Wray.

Seniors: Matilda Welsh and Lorenzo Shone

Overall, Reade won the girls and Oxford the boys event.

On a blistering Sports Day we were treated to some excellent performances and three new school records! Maybe this was due to the excellent ice cream, or the support from parents who were invited in for the first time ever, or a range of extra events including a medley relay and the reintroduction of tug-of-war, but this truly was a sports day to remember. Amelia Higgins set two school records: in the Senior Girls 1500m, 5 mins 41 s and in the 400 m, 1 min 08 s exactly. Tianna Okpara set a new record in the long jump, leaping 4.44 m. Overall, the day was again won by Reade and Oxford.

As we went into the last set of fixtures, we did not know who would finish where in the table, showing how broad the competition is and how spread out the talent is across all Houses. There may be standout winners this year, but all the other places had changed hands over the last two events.

Hockey

The hockey programme embraces sport for all with every child engaging with hockey when they arrive in Year 7. We field inclusive teams from A-C in the Lower School with 7-aside fixtures, and once they move into the Upper School, we field 11-aside teams all the way up to the 1st team. Our provision allows pupils to play at least three times a week in games, club sessions and weekend fixtures, but this can be extended with access to our Strength and Conditioning team. Every individual is given the best opportunity to reach their potential within the sport.

Our coaching team comprises current national league players, international coaches and local club players. Pupils can draw on this wealth of knowledge, skill and experience, which ensures the delivery of high-quality training sessions and competitive values in fixtures. The importance of strong community links is vital for our programme. With our coaches heavily involved in local clubs, we can encourage participation outside school, which in turn drives motivation within our school teams. These links are evident within our fantastic facilities too. Our all-weather full-size floodlit AstroTurf and all weather multi use games area (MUGA) are at the heart of a local club and allows the School to host junior tournaments throughout the year.

Some major highlights include our U15 Boys Hockey playing up an age group in the U16 Cup and just missing out, losing the Regional Final. This was a great achievement, along with our U14 Boys Hockey taking bronze in Regional Finals, playing some outstanding hockey. More highlights included our U12 boys taking silver in regional finals, a very young team with players playing together for the first year, showing great potential for the near future. Both U18 and U14 girls took bronze in regional finals with U14 only losing 1 game in the whole year.

Overall, the most important success of the programme this year has been the increased number of pupils playing hockey and the growth in teams representing the School.

Tennis

This year marked an exciting milestone for Royal Russell Tennis, as we entered our highest number of teams across multiple age groups, with representation from Years 7 to 10 boys and Year 9 girls. Our growing participation reflects the enthusiasm and depth developing across the squads.

We took a record seven pairs to the Surrey Schools Tennis Festival held at St George’s College—our largest representation yet. Despite fierce competition, where only one pair per group could qualify for the finals, our boys’ teams battled valiantly but were just edged out. A standout performance came from our Year 9 girls’ top pair, Margaret Kawa and Lola Lopes, who topped their group to reach the semi-finals. There, they faced a talented and seasoned Wimbledon High side, ultimately falling short but demonstrating great determination and grit.

In the Surrey Schools League, the Year 9 boys narrowly missed out on a league final spot but contributed strongly to the Year 10 squad’s campaign, securing a solid midtable finish with a notable win over Trinity and a close tie-breaker loss to Caterham. The Year 9 girls, despite not matching last year’s finals run, showed resilience and spirit, losing by the narrowest of margins in a tie-break against Caterham.

We’re also thrilled by the arrival of a strong and enthusiastic Year 7 cohort. Many of these players are training year-round outside school and are already showing promise as future Surrey Schools finalists.

Squad spirit has been exceptional throughout the year. The players continue to grow in confidence and skill, with noticeable improvements in their doubles play and tactical maturity. With continued commitment and team unity, the future of Royal Russell Tennis looks very bright indeed.

We look forward to building on this year’s successes and challenges as we prepare for an even stronger showing next season.

CCF Report

RAF Section

It has been a truly outstanding year for the RAF Section, marked by increasing numbers, exciting opportunities and excellent achievements from cadets across all year groups.

Early in the year, cadets undertook a pre-DofE expedition training programme and completed the RAF Fitness Test on three occasions, tracking noticeable improvements in their personal fitness. They also completed a sponsored run, raising over £2,000 for Scotties Little Soldiers, supporting bereaved children of the Armed Forces - a superb effort from all involved.

Flying opportunities have been a real highlight. In October, four cadets took to the skies in the Grob Tutor aircraft at RAF Benson, followed by another eight cadets in February. In July, four cadets also enjoyed an unforgettable gliding experience at RAF Kenley, gaining first-hand insight into the thrill and discipline of flight.

On Poppy Day, six RAF cadets joined forces with the Army Section at Victoria Station, contributing to an incredible £29,000 raised for the Royal British Legion on our stands alone. It was a proud moment of service and teamwork, representing both the School and the RAF Section to the wider public.

Our cadets have taken part in a busy and varied camp schedule this year:

• Winter Camp at Longmoor included the Blue Radio syllabus, the Junior Cadre course for Year 10s, flight simulator sessions and plenty of physical training.

• The Royal Air Squadron Trophy saw our team triumph on the Command Task stand, demonstrating outstanding communication and leadership, ultimately, bringing home the trophy.

• A Navigation Exercise and Laser Tag day blended skillbuilding with a healthy dose of fun and competition.

• Easter Camp at Brunswick introduced the new Blue and Bronze Space syllabuses, visits to the Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium and a fascinating tour of Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar.

• Four senior cadets and three staff proudly attended the VE Day 80th Anniversary Concert at Horse Guards Parade, representing the section at a truly memorable national event.

One of the year’s lighter-hearted highlights was the Ready Steady Cook Challenge, where cadets produced a threecourse meal on Trangias - judged by none other than Wing Commander Leggatt, who bravely sampled every dish! Our Self-Help Summer Camp combined adventure and teamwork, with a two-day green exercise, a mud run, a visit to Activate at the O2, frisbee golf and a day at RIAT, the Royal International Air Tattoo.

A select group of cadets attended the joint ATC and CCF Summer Camp at RAF St Mawgan. They completed Blue Leadership training, visited the Survival Equipment and Armoury Sections and trained with the RAF Regiment in CBRN, weapons handling and first aid. The week also included rock climbing, museum visits and a spirited round of laser tag and crazy golf. The camp concluded with a proud moment as Sgt Skinner received the award for Best NCO - a fantastic achievement.

As we look to the year ahead, the RAF Section continues to grow in strength, confidence and ambition, with more flying opportunities, advanced training and leadership challenges on the horizon. Our cadets are well set to continue reaching for the stars.

We are also looking forward to increased collaboration with the Air Training Corps (ATC), including a joint trip to Belgium to take part in the Last Post Ceremony under the Menin Gate - a moving act of remembrance that will no doubt be a defining experience for all involved.

Army Section

2025 has been another fantastic year for the Army Section at Royal Russell CCF. Our numbers have continued to grow, with over 100 cadets parading each week—our largest turnout in recent years and clear proof of the enthusiasm and commitment within our ranks.

Since January, cadets have taken part in a wide variety of “green” training, including live firing on ranges, first aid, signals, and blank firing during tactical fieldcraft weekends. The full rollout of the Army Cadet Syllabus (ACS21) has been a huge success, with elective modules allowing cadets to tailor their training. Retention has risen by 22% compared to last year, showing just how much cadets value this new approach.

To put the year in perspective, the Army Section has fired 11,472 live rounds, 21,837 blank rounds, and used 41 flares and 21 smoke grenades, while consuming 196 ration packs—almost 980,000 calories in total!

A highlight once again was our participation in London Poppy Day. For the fifth year running, our cadets represented the Contingent with pride, raising over £34,000 for the Royal British Legion in a single day.

We were also honoured to attend the VE80 celebrations at Horse Guards Parade, where cadets watched a Lancaster bomber fly overhead and heard His Majesty the King speak—an unforgettable experience.

The return of the technical REME Camp was another standout moment. Cadets got hands-on with real engineering work. Cadets made light work of removing a Land Rover engine, changing clutches, bearings, and brake pads all whilst working alongside serving soldiers and officers. It was a brilliant opportunity to gain practical skills and insight into Army life.

Adventure Training (AT) remains a key focus, pushing cadets to challenge themselves both mentally and physically. This year’s highlights included high ropes at Go Ape, white water rafting at Lee Valley and parachuting at Netheravon Airfield. Many cadets are now also working towards National Governing Body (NGB) qualifications in sailing, parachuting, and climbing.

The opportunities the CCF - Army Section provides are second to none. Whether on the range, in the field, or up a high ropes course, our cadets continue to show teamwork, leadership, and determination. It’s no surprise the Army Section continues to go from strength to strength.

Senior School

Leonard Bernstein once said, “Music can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable.” That sense of deep expression and connection has run through everything the Royal Russell Music Department has offered its pupils over the past year.

The School year began with energy and inspiration. In the first week of term, music scholars and selected senior musicians led the annual Instrument Taster Lunch—held outside in the September sun—introducing Year 7 pupils to a wide range of instruments. September also brought the Activities Fair, where record numbers signed up to our many choirs, ensembles and musical clubs, reflecting the thriving musical spirit across the School. Weekly performances in assemblies started from the off, kickstarting our culture of performance. It was only three weeks later when pupils brought flair and commitment to five hours of live music across two venues on Open Morning, delighting prospective families and setting the tone for the year ahead.

In October, our performers launched into an ambitious schedule, first with a Choral Evensong. Eight days later, this was followed by an ambitious concert, centred around Vivaldi’s Gloria in Great Hall and performed by Consort Choir, Choral Society and the Orchestra, featuring pupil soloists: Charlotte Kinch, Holly Seymour and Lara Davis. The other side of the Half Term break promptly brought the Autumn Concert: the first opportunity of many for ensembles to show their quality.

The Rush Hour Concert series also returned, providing six informal concerts throughout the year. These after-school events offered pupils of all levels a chance to perform solo music in a supportive setting, with tea and biscuits on hand. It has been especially encouraging to see pupils independently volunteer to perform, demonstrating a growing sense of ownership and confidence in their musical journeys.

The festive season brought with it a full calendar of events. The two Remembrance services in November are always incredibly moving, with music that takes great maturity to convey an important and poignant message. In December, the department returned to Croydon Minster for the annual carol services. For many, it was their first time performing in the grandeur of the Minster, and the combined sound of Consort Choir and Choral Society filled the space with a festive warmth and cheer. The Christmas Concert, taking place the week before this year, took everyone into the holiday feeling full of that Christmas feeling.

The new year started with the Scholar’s Concert in January, where music scholars gave an outstanding evening of performances, demonstrating the commitment, technique and expression that we’ve come to expect of Royal Russell music scholars. That same month, the Upper School staged a bold and stylish production of ‘Chicago’. With a 13-piece band drawn primarily from our own pupils, the production was an enormous musical feat, requiring dedication and skill. The result was a slick, high-energy show with unforgettable performances.

In February, Chamber Choir and Choral Society travelled to Southwark Cathedral for a Choral Evensong. Performing in such an iconic and historic venue was a tremendous honour and a highlight of the year, marking the reach and reputation of Royal Russell’s choral tradition. March was similarly exciting, with our Spring Concert taking place at Fairfield Halls. This world-class venue provided a spectacular setting for over 200 musicians from both Junior and Senior Schools to perform in. This, truly joint concert with Junior School featured a number of larger items across both schools: a wonderful showcase of vertical learning, culminating in the spine-tingling massed finale, Bridge Over Troubled Water. The experience of performing in such a professional venue will remain with our pupils for years to come.

Later that month, the Music Dinner took place in a transformed Great Hall, with the theme ‘Music of the Night’. As ever, it was a feast in every sense—of sound, of atmosphere and of food. The evening offered solo and ensemble performances in a cabaret-style setting, and it also gave us the chance to thank and celebrate our senior pupil leaders. This year’s leaders have been exceptional:

Holly Seymour (Head Chorister), Charlotte Kinch (Head of Chamber Choir), Jamie McDowall (Head of Barbershop), Elspeth Gardiner (Head of Swing Band) and Raashmi Niranjan (Head of Orchestra) have each made significant contributions to musical life at Royal Russell.

After Easter, the annual Guitar and Drums Evening was a real treat, each year providing an unexpectedly eclectic programme. This was followed by the final Choral Evensong of the year, sung in Chapel by Consort Choir and Choral Society—a service marked by beauty and poise and a fitting bookend to an extraordinary year of choral music. A reflective and beautiful service that continues to offer valuable experience in sacred repertoire and liturgy.

This year also included a second musical production: ‘Little Shop of Horrors’, staged by the Lower School in June. With a cast of emerging talent and a band featuring Royal Russell personnel only, the production was a brilliant example of what younger pupils can achieve when given the opportunity.

In June, the musical calendar took a new turn with the introduction of the Chamber Music Evening. Designed to showcase chamber music in the Western classical tradition, this intimate concert offered a fresh platform for smaller ensembles and gave our instrumentalists space to explore more nuanced repertoire. Just two days later, the Music Picnic took place—now with an increased focus on contemporary and popular styles. The relaxed, festival-style atmosphere allowed pupils to perform outdoors for friends and families, bringing the year towards its joyful conclusion.

Alongside the concerts and shows, over 100 pupils took instrumental and vocal exams (ABRSM, Trinity, LCM) with strong results across the board. These achievements reflect the continued hard work of our pupils and the vital support of our visiting music teachers, whose skill and dedication are central to all we do.

The academic year officially closed with Royal Russell Day, where musical highlights from the year returned for a final celebration, concluding with Ultra Naté’s Free—a resonant and optimistic message, alluding to the excitement of the new Junior School next year.

But the music didn’t stop there. In the final days of term, Consort Choir went on tour to Romania, performing in three concerts, including a collaboration with a local

music school, all while exploring a country that was new to all on the trip. It was a fitting final chapter to a year of extraordinary creativity, collaboration and musical achievement.

The Music Department is already looking forward to everything that 2025–2026 will bring.

Junior School Music

Music has continued to occupy a prominent place in the Junior School calendar, and the pupils have enjoyed and participated in another year of musical treats. There have been some wonderful performances for all to enjoy and continued successes in music examinations and scholarship applications. Pupils have responded enthusiastically to an eclectic curriculum, and it has been delightful to see and hear creative ideas coming to the fore.

The Royal Russell Day festivities were a fitting showcase to bring another academic year’s achievements to a superb conclusion, and the musical performances by our Upper Junior pupils contributed to the success of this occasion. Special mention must also be made of the Spring Concert, which took place in the prestigious Fairfield Halls this year.

Music Cafés, Busking Events and Instrumental Soirées remain popular termly events, which enable all our musicians to gain valuable experience in performing to an audience and complement more formal performances such as the Summer Serenade Concert. The School Orchestra has also enjoyed meeting for weekly rehearsals and tackling some increasingly technical but fun pieces, expanding their impressive repertoire.

Good-natured, musical competitiveness came to the fore via the annual Upper Junior House Singing Competition. Congratulations to York House, who were the triumphant winners in this event.

The Junior Choir have remained a strong and steadfast component of the Music Department, leading the singing in our Christmas Carol Service. They have risen to the vocal challenges of concert performances throughout the year, and there have also been several other opportunities for the Choir to contribute to and enhance our school community events, most notably at the Harvest and Remembrance Services.

We are extremely fortunate to have a talented team of Visiting Music Teachers, who pass on their artistry and talents to our pupils and add a wonderful vibrancy to our Junior School. A recent addition to our team is our new drum teacher, Mr Senior, who quickly settled into the dynamics of the Royal Russell Junior School musical team.

Many thanks to our Visiting Music Teachers for preparing our pupils so well, both for school events and examinations; we very much appreciate their input and dedication. Thanks are also due to all staff who assist with musical events and, of course, to the pupils themselves for the hours of practice and all their efforts.

Russellian 2025

Media Department

This academic year has been as busy as ever in the Media Studies Department. Our GCSE and A Level pupils have created dynamic music videos and print-based marketing texts for their NEA. Our BTEC pupils have spent their time creating thrilling crime dramas and fashion photography alongside a daytime TV show.

Our resident Media Department production team, 1853 Productions, has led on a range of extracurricular projects from the annual Model United Nations conference to the Develop Croydon Conference to footage for the Royal Russell vs Harrodian cup final. For the Model United Nations conference, the Media team set to work live-streaming the event and creating an entertainment package of shows such as the ‘Lip Sync Battle’, ‘Taskmasters’ and ‘Beat the Chasers’ alongside advertisements for Giff Gaff, AirPods and the new season of ‘Love Is Blind’. Supporting social media content such as roving content on Instagram from the MUN event was also created and shared.

1853 Productions has also been hard at work shooting promos for ‘Chicago’ and ‘The Tempest’ for the Drama Department.

This year has seen a Media trip to the Young Stars of London charity event, where pupils worked backstage to create Instagram reels and interview the performers in addition to filming the live show.

Our Year 9 Film Club has been diligently working on a shot-for-shot remake of the most expensive music video ever made, ‘Scream’.

Russellian

Senior School Trips

Boulogne

OnThursday, a group of Year 8 pupils travelled to Boulogne for the annual French outing to Nausicaá, the beach and The Old Town.

Tehya:

In Boulogne, we visited the aquarium and went to the beach. It was great fun and very enjoyable

Katie:

It was the best trip ever. It was really fun when we got onto the beach and we ran around on the sand. It was great to have experience of talking French in real life!

Charlotte:

The French trip was very lively. We went to the beach and got ice cream and went to an amazing aquarium with loads of sharks and stingrays. The little town centre was very entertaining with all sorts of souvenirs available.

Food Preparation & Nutrition Trip to Sorrento

Our trip to Sorrento started early, with a 3am arrival at Gatwick. Once in Sorrento, we enjoyed a scenic drive through Naples, catching amazing views of Mount Vesuvius. Our first stop was a lemon farm, where we learned how the farmers grow special lemons to make Limoncello. We also learned how to make mozzarella; it was surprisingly simple and tasted amazing! Then we watched how they made coffee and visited a honey farm. This was interesting because it is something we drink every day. They showed us what it looks like before it is made into the drink we know. It was interesting that it is a family business passed down through generations, and they were the third generation to have owned the business.

They even continued their way of making the coffee, preparing it as they used to hundreds of years ago. We tasted local honey, which has a unique sweet and citrusy flavour. The favourite activity was visiting a prestigious pasta restaurant, where we watched a ravioli-making demonstration and made our own mozzarella ravioli. It was delicious! We also explored Sorrento and its historical sites and learnt how to make gelato. Of course, we enjoyed an evening out and eating pizza! At the end of our trip, we headed to Mount Vesuvius, where we hiked around the crater and saw steam rising from the ground. The volcano last erupted in 1944, making it both an incredible and historic experience. The trip was an amazing experience and one that we would highly recommend.

Written by Digby, James, Lucas & Santiago

Geography Trip to Naples

At the start of Half Term, 40 Year 8, 9 and 10 pupils and five staff set off to view the geographical wonders of the city and surroundings of Naples, Italy. What we did not expect was to experience some of the worst weather Naples has encountered in years. Our first visit was to the underground tunnels and caves beneath the city, which gave some respite from the rain. We learnt that the city’s population had first quarried the rock beneath the city to help construct their buildings. They then reused the caverns and tunnels to store water for the city and then finally turned them into air raid shelters in World War II.

The following day, we braved the rain once more to explore the spectacular site of Pompeii, buried in the 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius, which sits within the city’s boundary. Dinner that evening was self-made pizzas, which raised the spirits. On day three, the sun made a welcome appearance as we made a short ferry trip out to the island of Capri. After a boat ride around the island to look at its spectacular coastal scenery, we then undertook plenty of retail and ice cream therapy, travelling on buses that snaked up and down the roads that seemed to cling to the cliff edges.

Our final day took us around Herculaneum, another victim of the Vesuvius eruption, preceded a trek on the volcano itself to see lava flows and other evidence of the various eruptions it has had. Thank you to Mr Grindrod for organising and the other staff for making the trip so enjoyable.

A Level History Trip

On Friday 8 November, the ‘History in Action: Russia in Revolution’ study day proved an insightful outing for our A level historians. Attending pupils were invited to a flurry of lectures, providing expert insights into various aspects of Russian history, which aided pupils in their upcoming coursework unit, as well as a talk on exam advice with a leading expert from the exam board. Talks ranged from ‘Was Stalin a revolutionary?’ to ‘Nicholas II and the collapse of the Russian monarchy’ and were delivered by historians with a range of expertise, including Professor Dominic Lieven of Cambridge University.

Written by Joshua Chapman (Year 13)

Berlin

During the Half Term, GCSE history pupils had the opportunity to visit Berlin, bringing to life aspects of the course. Day one was a walking tour of Berlin, seeing the sights and the rich history embedded in the city. We went to the Reichstag, learning all about the fire that took place in 1933, the Topography of Terror Museum situated in the old Nazi Headquarters, which was full of documents and photographs, and finally the DDR Museum, giving us an insight about what daily life was like in Eastern Germany.

The second day included the German Resistance Memorial Centre and a visit to the Olympic Stadium, built in 1936, which was also extremely impressive and helped us to understand how the Olympics were used for propaganda purposes. Finally, we finished off the day with bowling, which was some much-needed relaxation after a tiring day!

On day three, we headed to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, and while walking through the camp, we learned about the forced labour, systematic persecution, and brutal conditions that led to the suffering and deaths of thousands. On the way to the Wannsee Conference

House, we stopped at the Platform 17 Memorial, which commemorated the train tracks on which Jews from Berlin were deported to camps and ghettos. In the evening, we went up to the top of the Reichstag, which gave us a stunning view of Berlin at night.

Even before flying home, we squeezed in some more historical sites, focusing more on the Cold War, and we visited the Berlin Wall memorial site, looking at the escape routes under the wall. We finished the trip with a visit to the Stasi Prison, highlighting the brutality that continued to take place even after the Nazis.

Throughout the trip, we reflected on the significant moments that shaped Germany’s past, from the rise of the Nazi regime to the fall of the Berlin Wall. Our visits to these historical sites not only enhanced our understanding of the GCSE history curriculum but also gave us a greater appreciation for the resilience and courage of those who lived through these dark chapters of history.

Written by Freddie Emerson (Year

10)

Eastern European Theatre

In February, Ms Chetinalp took pupils studying Russian for A Levels and EAL pupils to the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, where they enjoyed ‘The Three Sisters’ — a play written by Anton Chekhov, a Russian playwright.

The play explores the futility and disillusionment of life’s events, focusing on the decline of Russia’s upper class in the second half of the 19th century. Set in a provincial town, the three sisters long to return to Moscow, dreaming of a more meaningful, happy and fulfilling life, which unfortunately never happens. When we first entered the theatre, we were amazed by the vintage design of the historic stage and the beautiful live music playing in the background. The play was performed in the oldest theatre in London, which added a historical element to the experience and made it even more immersive. The actors did a brilliant job on stage, not only engaging the audience with the play’s serious themes but also incorporating humour that made everyone laugh. Their ability to balance the play’s deep, melancholic moments with light-hearted ones kept the audience captivated throughout the performance. We all witnessed a family drama unravelling in front of our eyes.

In summary, all the pupils who attended the trip had a wonderful time and gained a deeper appreciation for the historical context of Russia before the revolution, which aids our understanding of the literary analysis. The combination of a classic play, a historic venue, and an outstanding performance made it a truly memorable experience. We would definitely love to attend another play like this in the future.

Year 13 Music Trip

On Thursday, Y13 Mr Curror’s music tech cohort visited the famous Premises Recording Studio in Hoxton, the first 100% solar-powered music studio in London.

The pupils had a fantastic chance to experience and control a recording session with industry-leading equipment, led by the professional producers in Studio A.

After the recording session, the pupils also took part in a masterclass on mixing and mastering their finished tracks. The producers shared some invaluable tricks of the trade to get the best results from recording equipment.

Studio A has previously recorded many famous artists, including Amy Winehouse, Rihanna, Blur, Paul Weller, and Tinie Tempah, among others.

Written by Lilliana Bradbury (Year 12)

Year 8 Trip to Mallorca

In June, 30 excited Year 8 pupils and three staff members gathered, ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to sunny Mallorca. Spirits were high as we boarded our flight, and after a smooth landing in Palma, we transferred by coach to our hotel in the beautiful coastal town of Alcudia. After settling in, we enjoyed our first taste of the Mediterranean Sea with a refreshing afternoon swim, followed by a hearty dinner and an early night, ready for the adventure ahead.

The trip included a scenic hike to a remote beach, where our instructors had set up a welcoming camp. The days were filled with beach games, exploration, and cliff jumping for the brave-hearted. Highlights also included a thrilling speedboat ride along the coast and a coasteering adventure through an awe-inspiring cave formation, all under the watchful eye of our experienced guides. Each evening concluded with lively gatherings, including a tapas night celebrating achievements and strengthened friendships.

The final morning offered a chance to relax by the pool before heading back to Palma for last-minute souvenir shopping and the flight home. Pupils returned to the UK tired but smiling, with hearts full of memories. The trip was about discovering new places, being brave, building friendships, practising Spanish, learning about the local culture, and enjoying delicious food at local restaurants. ¡Gracias, Mallorca! Until next time.

Geography Trip to Dorset

Last week, the Year 11 geographers and the Geography Department’s teachers made the most of the unseasonably pleasant weather to spend three days on the Dorset coast.

On the way down to their PGL accommodation, the group stopped to view the textbook coastal landforms of Durdle Door arch and Lulworth Cove. Annotated sketches were produced, identifying key features and their causes, which was a great revision opportunity for Year 10 work.

The next day was spent on two beaches in Lyme Regis measuring their profiles and sediment characteristics. After well-deserved ice creams and/or fish and chips, the data was brought back to the study site classrooms and some analysis of the results was undertaken. The last day was spent in Weymouth, where the classes visited three different locations in the town to identify differences in land use and environmental quality.

Further analysis, hypothesis reflections and evaluations would take place back at school in preparation for their Paper 3 exam in the summer. Thank you to colleagues back at school for covering the lessons of the teachers on the trip.

Year 12 Politics Trip

On Wednesday 14 May, Year 12 politics pupils, accompanied by Mr Marlow, Mr Powell and Ms Dye, took part in a trip designed to make them aware of London’s rich political history. In the morning, pupils were guided by Mr Marlow around a series of sites in the East End of London, including the powerful Cable Street Mural, a tribute to the 1936 ‘Battle of Cable Street’, one of the defining moments in the UK’s proud tradition of anti-fascism. In the afternoon, pupils travelled to Parliament, witnessing both the Commons and the Lords at work and taking part in a workshop on election campaigns.

This trip will undoubtedly have given pupils a renewed appreciation of the value of democracy and an understanding of how Londoners from all backgrounds have stood up for both their political values and their communities.

Year 9 to STEM in Action at Legoland

We were thrilled to offer Year 9 pupils an exciting opportunity to take part in a Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) workshop at Legoland Windsor in May 2025. This unique trip was designed to bring classroom learning to life and provide a fun, hands-on conclusion to their Year 9 studies.

As well as exploring the theme park, pupils took part in a one-hour interactive workshop focused on real-world applications of physics, and business studies. Activities included designing and building a LEGO rollercoaster or creating an original business concept.

Throughout the day, pupils were challenged to think creatively, collaborate with peers, and apply problem-solving skills in a dynamic and engaging environment. It was a memorable experience that combined education and enjoyment in equal measure.

Bletchley Park Trip

In June, a group of 21 Year 10 pupils visited Bletchley Park, the historic site of Britain’s World War II codebreaking efforts and the birthplace of modern computing. We attended an engaging workshop on encryption and solved a range of puzzles. During our guided tour, we learned how people were recruited to work there, explored the original huts used by codebreakers, and discovered the significance of the Official Secrets Act. We saw various types of Enigma machines up close and visited the house where Alan Turing lived during his time at Bletchley. We also explored the AI Innovation Experience, where pupils tested their skills in identifying real versus AI-generated images. After seeing where Colossus was developed, we finished the day with ice cream and thoroughly enjoyed a fantastic educational trip.

Tate Modern

Here are some fantastic photos capturing Year 9’s visit to Tate Modern. The trip was a wonderful opportunity for pupils to engage in drawing, photography and creative thinking as they explored how we observe and interact with artwork in a gallery setting.

Russellian 2024

Year 7 Fieldwork Trip

After finishing all of our exams, the Year 7s went on a geography trip to Cuckmere Haven for a whole day. We took a coach and drove all the way up there, which took about one hour and 30 minutes.

We first decided to walk all the way down to the beach, and we learned how to describe the area and draw a sketch of a cliff. After that, we walked back up to do other fun activities, such as counting how many cars were going past us. This was made more fun because we tried to get as many cars to beep their horns and most of them did. We also did some word pictures, which is where you have to describe the area using just nouns and adjectives.

The final field work technique we did was an EQA. This involved ranking some environmental indicators on a scale from 1 to 5 at three different sites.

Thank you to all the staff for coming and helping on the trip.

Year 9 Innovators Visit Google London HQ

In June, 10 outstanding Year 9 pupils were invited to Google’s London Headquarters following their success in our recent Dragons’ Den competition.

The visit was generously hosted by our Royal Russell parent, an expert at Google, who helped make the day both insightful and memorable. Pupils explored one of the world’s most innovative workspaces, from vibrant offices to breathtaking rooftop views.

A highlight was a bespoke workshop led by Google experts, introducing pupils to the power of AI through Google’s Gemini product. They interacted with Gemini to create imaginative media, including images, short videos, and start-up web pages, learning how effective prompt writing enhances output quality.

Pupils also had an insightful discussion with the experts about careers in the technology industry and explored the ethical use of AI, including the importance of accurate sourcing and responsible content creation. Back at school, they applied these skills using the accessible version of Gemini to create visual reflections of their experience.

The visit was an inspiring insight into the future of technology and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.

Year 7 Trip to the Natural History Museum & Science Museum

The whole year group enjoyed an exciting day in the London museums. The day started with staggered departures from Lime Tree Quad to take public transport and reach the two famous museums via tram, train, and finally the Underground!

We all made it, and the behaviour of all pupils was exemplary. All of Year 7 had fun and discovered new areas of learning.

The Natural History Museum was extraordinary and full of amazing facts on the dinosaurs, for instance. A replica of the T.Rex was very realistic and instilled great fear in all of us when it started to move.

The Science Museum was really interactive, and the group particularly enjoyed the pods with questions and answers.

Overall, it was a great success, and we must thank all of the teachers who took each group to London to make this day possible. Thank you to Mr Bernardoni, Ms

Biology Wakehurst Place

On Monday, Year 12 biology pupils embarked on a trip to Wakehurst Place to complete required practicals in ecology. Pupils compared biodiversity in two different coppiced woodlands, considering abiotic factors involved. Random sampling techniques were used to gather data, using quadrats. In the afternoon, a belt transect was carried out to look at the distribution of specific plant species.

On the second day of our trip, we headed up to Kew Gardens to consolidate our knowledge on photosynthesis that we previously explored the day before. Our day consisted of taking part in a photosynthesis lecture, which involved practical elements of viewing the lower and upper sides of leaves under a microscope to identify the location of the stomata. We then rounded off the talk by walking around some of the beautiful gardens Kew has to offer to investigate how leaf temperature impacts a plant’s rate of photosynthesis. In the second part of our day, and with the weather on our side, we had free time to roam around the gardens, taking in the beautiful weather and scenery, making the most of the outdoors. In small groups, we explored the treetop walkway, visited the temperate and tropical greenhouses, finding many opportunities to take beautiful photos of Kew’s grounds (and ourselves!) Overall, we really did pack in a great mix of foundational knowledge and fun throughout the day!

Written by Elena Buckingham (Year

12)

Edmond Hasani-Guthrie (Year 7)

Walton, Mr Bowie, Mr Franklin, Ms Burgess, Mr Chapman, Ms Neagu, Mr Valerio, Ms Calvet, Mrs Collier, and Ms Conde.

Boarding Bowling Extravaganza!

Boarders’ Trips

Egg Hunt

Our boarders enjoyed an ‘Eggcellent Egghunt” organised by Latessa House. The pupils assembled on Friday night with the challenging task of collecting 3 chicks, all hidden amongst our quads. There was one bonus Easter bunny for one lucky boarder who found the tiny rabbit hiding near the library doors! A great time was had by all, lots of chocolate eggs were given out, and it was lovely to see our boarding community coming together and enjoying the warmer weather.

Bromley FC

Our boarders went to watch Bromley FC take on the mighty Walsall in March, in their quest for a playoff spot in League 2. We watched a very entertaining 2-2 draw and met Old Russellian Deji Elerewe.

Mountain Biking

The boarders kicked off their first boarders’ mountain bike trip of 2025 in March, making the most of the nicer weather. Despite the improved conditions, the nature of the trip meant that rain was practically guaranteed, drenching the trails for most of our ride. Still, we were delighted to be joined by some enthusiastic younger pupils from Oxford, Cambridge and Madden Houses.

What followed was a muddy, challenging and thoroughly enjoyable ride. We even scoffed at the Black run, a nod to our riding prowess, even if none of us could conquer its initial section. “Cardiac Hill” tested our fitness and technique to the limit, with only a few making it to the top without having to push all the way. One of the day’s highlights was hearing a pupil exclaim, “Why won’t you work?!” to his legs halfway up the climb.

We managed to circle most of Bedgebury in good time, though many of us joked that Mr Davies deliberately got us “lost” just so he could use his OS Mapping app—and then force us up another hill!

At the end of September, a group of boarders took a journey into Croydon on the mighty tram, rattling with enthusiasm. Their destination? The hallowed lanes of the Valley Park tenpin bowling alley. Under the fearless leadership of bowling trailblazers Mr Dobson, Mr Ward and Mr Bueno (who, legend has it, once bowled a perfect game blindfolded – or so he claims), the squad lined up ready for a showdown. Some bowled with the grace of ballet dancers, while others took a more ‘wrecking ball’ approach as pins scattered in all directions. The techniques on display ranged from textbook form to something more – shall we say – agricultural, but the enthusiasm was unmatched!

Special mention must go to Eric from LaTessa House, who reigned supreme with the highest score of the day – an achievement that earns him Kingpin status (excluding the staff scores, who – unburdened by modesty – casually sailed past 100 points each). All in all, the trip was a smashing success – literally – and fun was had by all, even if a few of the balls ended up in neighbouring lanes!

Yellow Spider

On Sunday afternoon, the Royal Russell Boarding Community took a trip to Yellow Spider for rock climbing and caving. The activity was a wonderful opportunity for boarders to step outside their usual routine, try something different and connect with one another.

From climbing vertical walls to exploring hidden tunnels in the caves, pupils displayed fantastic teamwork, perseverance and enthusiasm. For many, it was a chance to challenge themselves in a new way, and their efforts paid off with a sense of achievement and plenty of smiles.

We owe a big thank you to our skilled instructors, Ben and Liv, who guided the group with patience and expertise, ensuring everyone felt supported and confident throughout the afternoon. Their encouragement and energy made the experience enjoyable and memorable.

Duke Of Edinburgh Award

TheDuke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is one of the most respected and widely recognised youth development programmes in the UK. Designed to build resilience, leadership, teamwork, and self-motivation, the award encourages young people to push their personal boundaries, gain new skills, and contribute to their communities. Whether pupils are working towards their Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award, each level represents a significant personal achievement that supports both character development and future aspirations—be it further education, employment, or life in general.

At Royal Russell, the DofE Award continues to be the largest and one of the most vibrant co-curricular activities. Under the new leadership of Emma Burgess, who has taken over the programme this year, the award has continued to thrive and grow. Her enthusiasm and commitment have ensured a smooth transition, and the programme has gone from strength to strength.

We began the academic year by wrapping up the final elements from the previous year’s awards, culminating in a celebratory awards evening where the Headmaster presented Bronze and Silver certificates to our successful participants—a proud moment for pupils, parents, and staff alike.

A particular highlight this year was the invitation to Buckingham Palace to see some of last year’s Gold Award recipients formally recognised for their achievement. It was a truly special day, made even more memorable by the presence of Prince Edward, who congratulated the pupils personally. The atmosphere was inspiring and celebratory, a fitting reward for the hard work and dedication that the Gold Award demands. It was a proud moment for the School and a reminder of what is possible through perseverance and ambition. It’s an experience all our pupils should aspire to.

This year has also been a record-breaking one for enrolment:

• Over 90 pupils signed up for the Bronze Award

• 32 pupils for the Silver Award

• 12 pupils for the Gold Award

Once again, we continued our successful partnership with ‘School of Outdoors’, who provided outstanding outdoor training and expedition support across all levels.

Training began in earnest during January and February with in-school sessions, followed by the Gold participants heading to Oxfordshire in March for their outdoor training day. April saw the Silver group complete their training expedition in Ashdown Forest, while during the May half-term:

• The Bronze group undertook their qualifying expedition in the Box Hill area

• The Silver group completed theirs near the South Coast

• The Gold group travelled to Wales for their training expedition

To round off the year, the Gold group returned to Wales in June for their qualifying expedition—an impressive challenge that demanded significant commitment, preparation, and perseverance.

Across all year groups and award levels, the pupils have been outstanding. They’ve shown determination, teamwork, and a genuine sense of adventure. Many pupils commented on how much they’ve grown in confidence, developed new friendships, and discovered strengths they didn’t know they had. The DofE Award equips young people with life skills that extend far beyond the classroom and continue to benefit them long into the future.

We are incredibly proud of all our participants and are excited to see how the programme continues to grow under Emma Burgess’s leadership. The commitment shown by our pupils and the support of our staff and parents make the DofE Award a truly special part of life at Royal Russell School.

Senior School Annual Ski Trip

This year, 40 pupils from Years 8 to 11 embarked on a thrilling ski trip to Les Deux Alpes, France.

As soon as they arrived, the excitement was palpable. The accommodation was right in the heart of the village, meaning they could walk out the door and within five minutes be on the slopes—no buses or long walks required! The snow conditions were perfect, with fresh powder and clear skies, allowing them to get straight into action.

For beginners, it was an incredible opportunity to hit the slopes for the very first time. With expert instructors guiding them every step of the way, the pupils quickly picked up the basics of skiing—balancing, turning, and stopping—while the more experienced skiers explored the higher-level runs. After just a few days, the progress was impressive, and soon many of them were confidently tackling blue and red slopes. By the end of the trip, all abilities were skilled enough to tackle the famous glacier slopes right at the top of the mountain, which was truly breathtaking.

What really stood out on this trip was the sense of camaraderie. Pupils from all year groups supported one another, from cheering on each other as they conquered their first turn, to offering tips and encouragement throughout the week. It was clear that the trip wasn’t just about skiing—it was about bonding, creating memories and celebrating each other’s successes.

After an action-packed day on the slopes, there were plenty of après-ski activities to look forward to. Whether you were taking part in the legendary Mr Gallagher’s Quiz Night (where we found out just how competitive everyone is), bowling, Team Lazer Quest, or enjoying the whimsical Puppet Night Parade (Mr Davies’ favourite), there was never a dull moment.

The highlight for many was the Torchlight Procession, where the ski instructors lit up the mountain with torches as they skied down in a synchronised formation. The grand finale was a thrilling ski jump show. The pupils really enjoyed cheering on their instructors and it definitely gave some of them something to aspire to.

Looking back, it’s clear that this trip was not just about improving skiing skills—it was about making memories. From the rush of racing down the slopes, to the laughs shared over games and quizzes, every moment was packed with fun. Friendships and skills were developed; memories were created that will stay with the pupils for years to come.

Junior School Trips

Deen City Farm

This summer, Reception went on an exciting trip to Deen City Farm. The children boarded the coach with smiles and eager anticipation. During the visit, they had the opportunity to meet and gently stroke some of the smaller animals, including guinea pigs and bunnies. They then took part in a guided tour, where they fed some of the farm’s larger residents, such as cows, sheep and goats. In the afternoon, the children took part in a wellbeing workshop, showing great care as they made enrichment toys to keep the bunnies, guinea pigs and ferrets happy and stimulated. It was a truly memorable day filled with hands-on learning and kindness towards animals.

Arianna:

My favourite part was feeding the sheep. I loved stroking the bunny.

Leo:

I loved the picnic because we had all different kinds of sandwiches!

Naia:

I really enjoyed feeding the cow. It was called Brie.

Oliver:

My favourite part was learning about Hay Day and seeing the barn and the haystack.

Sianna:

I liked stroking the little animals because their fur was soft.

Bignor Roman Villa

Year 3, and some extra adult helpers, visited Bignor Roman Villa near Pulborough. It was a thoroughly interesting day, full of some amazing facts about how the Romans used the land and how the villa grew. We also travelled there via one of the first Roman roads, Stane Street.

We had a tour around the villa, which had Roman remains such as mosaics, baths and their underfloor heating system – we have a lot to thank the Romans for! We also had a go at some activities, such as grinding wheat to make flour, spinning wool to make yarn, writing using the Roman alphabet and playing Roman games.

Daniela:

I really enjoyed spinning the wool.

Sophia:

I liked the workshop because there were lots of fun things to do like making flour, learning Roman numerals and playing the game ‘Three Men’s Morris’.

Eva:

I enjoyed making the mosaics because I got to choose my own design. It was interesting to learn about what the mosaics were made of.

Hezakai:

I found it interesting to learn that the Romans didn’t sit down to eat, they laid down on long chairs!

Gasell:

I liked looking at the mosaics on the floors in the changing room next to the Roman baths.

Sofia:

I liked stroking the sheep because it was so bouncy.

Russellian 2025

Year 5 Trip to Bowles

In the Spring Term, 57 excited Year 5 pupils set off into the sunshine for their trip to Bowles. After a short journey, the group arrived and were greeted by Bowles leader, Emma. They had a brief tour of the site before heading to their dorms, where the first challenge awaited – making their beds!

Once settled in and after enjoying a delicious lunch, the children dove into a range of activities. From rock climbing and skiing to teamwork exercises, each experience pushed them to test their limits and take risks. While some children fearlessly tackled the ‘Leap of Faith’ and scaled the climbing wall like Spiderman, others faced their own personal challenges. Thanks to the encouragement and support from both their peers and teachers, everyone was able to overcome their fears, with big smiles reflecting their pride in their achievements.

The trip also offered many opportunities for the children to develop their teamwork and communication skills. Whether building rafts in the pool or perfecting their aim in archery, collaboration was key.

In the evenings, the children had a blast exploring the outdoors under the stars. They went on night walks, learned about constellations, completed a treasure hunt, and toasted marshmallows by torchlight.

Throughout the trip, the children showed exceptional kindness and consideration for one another, and we are incredibly proud of how they supported each other every step of the way. They returned home full of confidence, having achieved great things and forged lasting friendships.

Hever Castle

Year 1 had a fascinating, if rather soggy, trip to Hever Castle! The children used their ‘Curiosity’ Russell Powers, posing interesting questions for our guides; impressed Gayle in our ‘Think Tank’ sessions with their knowledge of the eating habits of the Tudors; and were congratulated by fellow visitors and staff at the castle for their ‘Resilience’ and enthusiasm for learning despite the weather!

Year 1 are currently using their ‘Creativity’ Russell Powers to collate their learning and memories of the day to prepare for their class assembly next Friday.

Well done, Year 1, and thank you to Mrs Parsons, Mrs Li, Mrs Pritchard and Mrs Waran for accompanying us!

Reception Fire Station Trip

Reception had a wonderful trip to Addington Fire Station. The children learnt a lot about what firefighters do to help us. They used the hose, went in the fire truck and looked at the equipment. It was a very special day, and we were proud of how well Reception represented Royal Russell.

Olivia:

I liked spraying the water out of the hose!

Kara:

My favourite bit was when the fire engine had the lights and siren on!

Carter:

I liked it when the water was going in the sky.

My favourite part was when I went in front of the fire engine.

Haris:

I liked sharing two sleepovers in a row with my friends and having the opportunity to face my fears with the different activities.

Jessica:

The Night Walk was really fun. I also liked working as a team in all the different activities and supporting each other.

Brandon:

My favourite activity was the Leap of Faith. I really liked doing a pull-up on the bar at the end!

Ellie:

I really enjoyed skiing. I liked learning new skills and using the ski lift.

Raife:

Wetland Centre

In May, Year 6 enjoyed a fantastic trip to the London Wetland Centre. The day was packed with exciting activities, including watching the otters being fed, taking part in a fun and exciting Wild Walk, and spending time in the adventure playground. The children also took part in an engaging workshop where they learnt about plastic pollution and discussed ways we can all help protect the environment. A huge thank you to all the parents who volunteered their time to help – we couldn’t have done it without you!

Year 6 Residential

Our Year 6 pupils recently enjoyed an unforgettable residential trip to Norfolk Manor Lakes! Over five actionpacked days, they immersed themselves in nature, taking part in a variety of exciting activities such as canoeing across the scenic lakes, mastering the art of archery, navigating through woodlands during orienteering sessions, and tackling challenging team-building exercises, like crate stacking and low-ropes courses. On the last evening, pupils gathered around the campfire, sharing stories and laughter under the stars.

This adventure not only fostered teamwork and resilience but also allowed our pupils to create lasting memories with their classmates. A big thank you to the staff who made this trip possible, and to the pupils for their enthusiasm and spirit!

Tower of London - Year 2

Year 2 had an exhilarating day during their recent trip to the Tower of London! The adventure began with a tram ride to East Croydon, followed by a train journey to London Bridge. The children were enchanted by the sights as they walked over Tower Bridge, filled with excitement about the day ahead.

Upon arriving at the Tower of London, the pupils were divided into two groups to maximise their experience. The first group ventured off to partake in the Great Fire of London workshop, while the other group explored the historic old wall and the fascinating animal exhibit, learning about the bears, tigers, lions and elephants that used to live in the Tower.

Inside the Tower of London there were so many amazing things.

A highlight of the day was the lunch enjoyed in a secret room that dates back to the 17th century, which truly transported the children back in time. During the workshop, the children had the opportunity to meet Sir John, who had travelled from 1666 to share stories of the past. The children enthusiastically acted out significant moments from the Great Fire, with several chosen to portray key figures, including Samuel Pepys and the Duke of York.

Jessica:

I really enjoyed playing the Duke of York and getting to wear a costume from hundreds of years ago!

The pupils also revelled in the chance to see the Tower’s famous ravens, with a collective sigh of relief that no one faced any pecking! This adventure not only reinforced their understanding of history but also created lasting memories for all involved.

We are grateful for the ongoing support from parents and look forward to more exciting outings in the future.

Hampton Court Palace - Year 4

Year 4 were transported back in time to the Tudor era when they visited Hampton Court Palace. The children marched through the grand gates of Hampton Court and gazed in awe at the incredible scale of King Henry VIII’s palace. Journeying through to the Great Kitchen, they saw where the food was prepared, smelt fresh herbs, and stood by a large roaring furnace. There, they learnt about the role of a spit boy - a 14 year old whose job was to rotate the meat in front of the fire. Sitting in King Henry’s seat in the Great Hall brought the concept of hierarchy to life as they imagined what it would be like to be king or queen and learnt about the musicians who would have played in the minstrel gallery.

We then had a workshop led by a costumed actress, who explained the different roles in Tudor society. Fortunately, some children were very enthusiastic to work at the court, and jobs were handed out to the most worthy. Commoners’ jobs included a pastry chef and a gong scourer (toilet cleaner). Some were yeomen, who protected the king; some were nobility; and some were the gentry — a page or maid for the queen.

We were so proud of the children, applying and extending their knowledge whilst showing excellent engagement and curiosity throughout. We all had a fantastic day at the palace.

Olivia:

I liked sailing because you could be with your friends and sometimes going fast and slow. We tried to avoid the floating island with an orange flat which we had nicknamed ‘Moving isle of the Carrot’!

Alexander:

The crate stacking was great fun and we had to work as a team to make it as high as possible but it was so wobbly.

Sam:

I really liked kayaking because I could go really fast and avoid others when playing tag.

Dylan:

I loved seeing the replica of King Henry’s crown. I couldn’t believe how sparkly it was.

Raphael:

I enjoyed going into the room with a portrait of Katherine Parr and seeing the interesting artefact.

Summer:

I liked seeing the amazing, patterned windows all around the palace.

Sebastian:

I enjoyed learning about some of the unusual spellings they used in Tudor times - wine was spelt ‘wyne’ and salt was spelt ‘salte’.

Elena:

Junior School Ski Trip

Junior School Ski Trip to Folgarida, Italy

Over the Easter holidays, pupils, parents and staff from Royal Russell School travelled to Folgarida in the Italian Dolomites for a truly memorable and actionpacked week. Each day brought glorious blue skies and sunshine, perfectly showcasing the beauty of the mountains and their scenic slopes.

On the slopes, the children demonstrated resilience, growing confidence and enthusiasm as they challenged themselves with the support of their excellent instructors. It was inspiring to observe their progress throughout the week, along with the pride and beaming smiles that came with their success. At the end of each day, they were eager to share which runs they had completed and which they hoped to conquer the following day.

Beyond the slopes, the children enjoyed a jam-packed activity schedule that included a movie night, swimming, exploring souvenir shops, a quiz, and a bingo night. The fashion catwalk activity saw children use their creativity to assemble outfits based on various themes using bin bags and tin foil. During this, we were lucky enough to witness Lionel Messi, a mushroom, and a ski pole all strut their stuff down the runway!

Over the course of the week, a real highlight was watching friendships form across year groups. From cheering each other on down the slopes to playing card games together, it was wonderful to see the interactions within our Royal Russell community. At the beginning of the week, children mainly sat in their year groups to eat; however, by the end of the week, Year 1s and 2s could be seen sharing jokes at tables with much older peers.

The trip was a magical experience, filled with laughter, achievements and lifelong memories. Thank you to all the children and parents on the trip - your partnership is truly valued, and we look forward to many more enriching experiences together.

EYFS – Joy, Purpose & Partnership

This year in Early Years has been filled with joyful learning, outdoor adventures and strong community connections. Rooted in child-led exploration and creativity, our approach continues to nurture curiosity, confidence and a love of learning.

Our parent and child Forest School sessions have been a real highlight. Families joined us to explore the woods and the garden together - planting seeds, building dens, making crafts and using tools. These sessions not only deepen children’s connection to nature but also strengthen family bonds and our wider school community.

We have introduced woodwork to our Early Years provision, giving children the opportunity to use real tools in a safe, supported environment. This has empowered them to think creatively, solve problems, and develop fine motor skills - all while learning how to take measured risks and work with focus and care.

Our Community Garden is thriving, with children planting, nurturing and harvesting their own fruit and vegetables. The excitement of picking our first summer lettuces and radishes - and tasting them back in the classroom - was a true celebration of patience, care and teamwork.

A memorable event was our Care in the Community concert, when elderly residents in the local community came to visit us in the School Hall. The children sang songs, played games and shared laughter with the elderly residents. The smiles and warm connections made that day showed the deep impact of bringing generations together through kindness and joy.

We welcomed back Rocky’s Farm this year, where children had the chance to meet and care for real animals right on our school grounds. Feeding goats, holding ducks and marvelling at chameleons brought so much excitement and offered rich hands-on learning experiences.

Celebrating our diverse community through dance was another key moment, as children learned dances from different cultures led by our parents. These experiences fostered inclusivity and helped children appreciate the richness of the world around them.

Throughout the year, the children have been supported to follow and develop their own interests and skills through Powerful Play. Whether they are investigating bugs outside, storytelling with friends, or building intricate structures with loose parts, we see play as the highest form of researchpurposeful, complex and deeply meaningful.

It’s been a year of wonder, growth and connection - one where every child’s voice has been valued on their unique learning journey.

Russellian 2025

Careers

Increasingly, Sixth Form pupils are interested in considering an apprenticeship route as an alternative to university and many like to keep their options open by applying to both routes in Year 13. Higher and degree apprenticeship applications are rigorous, and the most prestigious opportunities are often said to be as highly competitive as gaining a place at Oxbridge.

To support their application skills, we facilitated a mock assessment centre for interested pupils from across Sixth Form in November, run by our educational partners, InvestIn. This day-long, intensive activity, included group tasks, psychometric tests, interviews and presentations – all replicating the demands of a ‘real’ assessment centre. Two pupils who attended this training have gone on to secure highly competitive apprenticeship positions. We plan to run this as an in-house event next year such was its impact.

Applying their knowledge of science and modern foreign languages, two teams from Year 10 competed against other schools in March to design a hotel able to function in space, for an international consortium of investors. As well as building a scale model of their design, they

presented marketing plans and social media content to attract investors. Our Spanish-speaking team beat off stiff competition to win the award for the best-engineered design, using great language skills and creativity in their marketing plans too. This is the second time we have entered teams and the second time we have scooped first prize!

An extensive programme of guest speakers in our Careers in the Curriculum series continued throughout the year with talks on Careers in Science, Psychology, Pilot and Airlines, F1 Engineering, Law and Business. We also welcomed many Old Russellians who met with pupils informally to support career awareness, application preparation and in some cases, work experience.

Our annual highlight is the Higher Educational and Futures Fair and in May we welcomed our highest number of UK and international universities to meet with Year 10 and Year 12 pupils and families. Great Hall buzzed with their lively conversations and in our Library, families met with supportive parents, employers and Old Russellians, all eager to share the opportunities that exist in the broad range of industries they represented.

Food Preparation & Nutrition

The School year began with our enthusiastic Year 7 pupils diving into the world of Food & Nutrition. They were introduced to the essentials of kitchen safety and hygiene while developing foundational cookery skills. As the months progressed, their confidence and independence flourished. A highlight of the term was the annual Festive Decoration Project, where they showcased their creativity by designing and decorating a stunning array of chocolate oranges. The winning decoration, voted by all staff, was created by Eddie Morrell.

Over Half Term we organised a Food & Nutrition Trip to Sorrento, where pupils enjoyed scenic views of Mount Vesuvius, visited a lemon farm and learned how to make their own mozzarella. In Year 8, pupils explored how to adapt recipes and plan menus for individuals with specific dietary needs. They experimented with vegetarian dishes and alternatives like gluten-free flour and lactose-free milk. Their learning extended beyond the kitchen with a thought-provoking project on Morals & Ethics in Food, tackling questions such as “Are animals fairly treated in the food industry?” and “Could a vegetarian diet help combat global warming?” Each pupil planned and prepared a main course dish reflecting their chosen topic.

The Spring Term brought an exciting collaboration with the Junior School. Year 3 explored where food comes from and seasonality, culminating in a fun and educational session in which they made seasonal vegetable soup. They learned about kitchen safety, hygiene, and essential knife skills.

In the Summer Term, we welcomed Year 3 back to the Senior School kitchens for a special introduction to cooking. The focus was on the importance of a nutritious breakfast and maintaining energy levels. The pupils had a blast baking blueberry muffins—and even learned how to wash up properly!

Year 10 pupils have been honing their practical skills with a focus on dovetailing dishes and time management. Their dedication and planning were put to the test in an impressive end-of-term assessment: preparing a full threecourse meal with accompaniments in just three hours.

Russellian

Old Russellians

Sports Tournament

In May, the Old Russellians sports tournament featured a football tournament, a basketball match , and a T20 cricket match, followed by a BBQ and drinks in front of the Pavilion.

Old Russellians Committee Donation

The Old Russellians Committee has donated a digital cricket scoreboard to the School, in memory of Old Russellian Arif Ebrahim (1981–1984, Oxford), himself an incredibly talented cricketer. Small in stature, but at the crease, and in life, towering — Arif is still deeply missed by our community.

Old Russellians Return for International Women’s Day

On Friday 7 March, Royal Russell proudly celebrated International Women’s Day with an inspiring event featuring four accomplished women in sport. From Years 7 to 13, pupils gathered in the Auditorium to hear firsthand accounts of the challenges, triumphs, and journeys of women excelling in professional athletics.We were privileged to welcome Kellsey King, a Performance Psychologist at Crystal Palace FC; Katie O’Hanlon, a footballer at West Ham and Billericay Town; and Old Russellians Lucia Hart (2020–2022, Reade), a Sport

Management pupil and Fan Engagement Intern, and Beth Long (2017–2024, Reade), an International Netballer. Each speaker shared their unique experiences, providing valuable insights into the dedication, resilience, and hard work required to succeed in elite sport. The speakers emphasised the importance of mental strength, persistence, and the power of representation, leaving the audience both motivated and empowered.

ORs in Tokyo & Hong Kong

In October, we hosted a drinks reception at the Waterfall Bar, Grand Hyatt Hotel. It was a delightful evening, providing the perfect opportunity to catch up with Old Russellians, current families , and friends of Royal Russell. In February, some of our current and former parents, along with Old Russellians, enjoyed drinks together overlooking the Otemachi skyline, hosted by Victoria Deadman Gatt, Director of Marketing, Admissions and Engagement.

Russellian 2025

Ancient Greek Day

Year 6 really enjoyed their Ancient Greek Day in the Autumn Term. They had the opportunity to participate in a broad range of activities, including making Greek masks, re-enacting Athena’s Parade and finding out about artefacts. The children’s costumes were wonderful; thank you very much to parents for their efforts and support! The day was a fantastic launch for our Humanities topic of Ancient Greece.

Ria:

I enjoyed Ancient Greek Day because we got to dress up and see a real knife! I learned things that I never knew, like how children had to fight for themselves.

Caleb:

I enjoyed holding the artefacts and seeing the different types of weapons.

Charlotte:

I liked learning the history of the Greeks and seeing and holding the artefacts.

Lewi:

I enjoyed holding the artefacts and seeing the weapons.

Phoebe:

I liked learning about how the children went to school in Sparta.

Alexander:

Holding the artefacts and being dressed up made me feel like an actual Ancient Greek.

Ancient Egyptian Day

During our Ancient Egyptian Day, Year 4 pupils had an incredible time diving into the fascinating world of ancient Egypt. Through immersive role play, they explored the hierarchy system, learning how the Pharaohs ruled and the roles of priests, scribes and workers in Egyptian society. The importance of the Nile River was brought to life through interactive activities, demonstrating how it shaped daily life and farming. The children also enjoyed listening to and telling ancient Egyptian stories, discovering myths and legends about gods and goddesses.

In addition, the children used their creativity to design and draw their own original headdresses and took on the challenge of building pyramids using different materials. To top it all off, they played traditional Egyptian games, offering a fun and engaging way to experience the culture. The day was filled with excitement, creativity and hands-on learning that truly made the ancient world come alive!

Ayden:

I loved designing our own Egyptian hats because it was fun to do art with our teacher.

Emma:

I loved creating my own pyramids using Play-Doh, learning more about the use of pyramids and how and why they buried Pharaohs in tombs.

Emi:

I really enjoyed the show and one of my favourite parts was that we were ‘cursed’. This meant we needed to carry on our learning about the Ancient Egyptians!

It was such fun to sculpt our own

Alex L: I loved learning new things about the

Egyptians, and I really loved the

Vani:

pyramids!

Ancient

comedy in the show.

Theatre Society

The Royal Russell Theatre Society brings together an enthusiastic group who share a love of theatre, good storytelling... and usually some yummy pre-show snacks, including on one occasion some truly impressive doughnut creations!

Our outings began with ‘Hadestown’, a darkly atmospheric reimagining of Greek mythology’s Orpheus and Eurydice, all about love and resilience. As Hermes says in the show, “It’s a sad song, but we sing it anyway.”

Next came ‘Six’, where six women prove that they are so much more than just the wives of Henry VIII. “All you ever hear and read about, is our ex, and the way it ended, but a pair doesn’t beat a royal flush. You’re gonna find out how we got unfriended.” With its bold attitude and sharp humour, the empowering message and modern style always make this one of the most memorable outings of the year.

In ‘Mean Girls’, the Theatre Society swapped history for high school politics, watching Cady Heron navigate the world of cliques and cafeteria rules in a clever mix of comedy and catchy songs. Then came ‘Hamilton’, the blockbuster musical: fast-paced storytelling, diverse casting and unforgettable music. As King George memorably puts it: “You’ll be back” and I’m sure we will!

We were then transported into the chilling world of ‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’, a gripping prequel packed with drama, suspense, and jaw-dropping special effects. In contrast, ‘Les Misérables’ was a moving and classic experience that brought some pupils – and staff!to tears. Its timeless themes of justice, sacrifice, and hope were beautifully realised on stage: “Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.”

The year ended with a trip to ‘The Lion King’, a visually stunning and emotionally powerful celebration of life, family, and identity.

None of these experiences would have been possible without the incredible support of staff members, especially Mrs Pepperdine and Ms Smith, whose time and care help make each trip smooth, safe, and fun. Thank you to everyone who shared in these magical moments of live theatre!

Parents’ Association - The 1853 Society

The Parents’ Association (The 1853 Society) has once again brought the Royal Russell community together through a fantastic series of events. The year began with the Christmas Fair in November and continued with a variety of exciting gatherings, including R-Fest, social evenings and Sustainable Uniform Shop Coffee Mornings.

They also generously donated funds to a range of projects across the School, including the creation of our beautiful Community Garden, a new Tuck Shop trailer, a half-court basketball area, improvements to the Junior School playground and new netball dresses. Our huge thanks go to the Parents’ Association and all the volunteers who make these events possible — the Royal Russell community is truly grateful for everything you do.

Model United Nations

Model United Nations (MUN) is one of the most prestigious extra-curricular activities we have been offering at Royal Russell for 42 years. Open to all pupils from Year 6 to Year 13, this is an ideal activity to develop a wide range of skills, whether it is researching, debating, public speaking, negotiating, compromising, chairing or learning about important issues affecting our world. Once again this year, our pupils have had the opportunity to debate and chair in our two weekly sessions with Senior MUN and Mini MUN, as well as attending several conferences throughout the year and gaining valuable experience.

RRSIMUN:

For the 42nd edition of this landmark event at Royal Russell, we welcomed more than 500 visitors from 33 British and international schools, from California to Japan, joining the many Royal Russell pupils involved in the running of the conference. For four days, the campus became a vibrant site full of young minds ready to tackle the challenges of today’s world. Tahnee Dione and Lauren Silvera embraced the unique and valuable experience of being Judges in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that runs alongside the debates in Committees and General Assembly. Rohan Phillpot, Winnie Wang, Isaac Hayden, Emilie Marshall-Tate, Marcus Leung, Izzy Jones and Abraham Kawa fulfilled their role as Committee Chairs to a great standard, being both approachable and knowledgeable.

The Media Team, headed by Ella Redman and Lara Davis, produced some incredible videos and shows (MUN’s Got Talent, Opening and Closing Ceremonies), reflecting the technical and creative talents of our pupils. The Press team, under the guidance of Elspeth Gardiner and Katja Windle, created and published four editions of our MUN magazine, The Delegate, highlighting the key actors, themes, events and successes of the conference. Jasmine Rihal, Finlay Fowler, Emily Hayden de Carbonnières and Max Cufley played a crucial role as Heads of Secretariat, preparing tirelessly for several months to ensure the smooth running of the conference. And of course, our Senior Officers were a credit to the School, displaying fantastic leadership and diplomacy skills, a testament to the reach and purpose of MUN and the talent of our Russellians. Congratulations to Johan Prinsloo, our Secretary General, Raashmi Niranjan, Zoë Spellings and Uliana Tokolova, Presidents of the General Assembly and Emma Portman and Doris Vucinic, Presidents of the Security Council. All our pupils are to be commended for their constant enthusiasm, kindness and professionalism, symbolising perfectly our school motto, ‘Not for oneself, but for all’.

Reigate Grammar MUN:

We have started our MUN season at Reigate Grammar for their 28th one-day conference in early October. Johan Prinsloo, Tea Maria Gabara, Isabel Gironella, Emma Portman and Doris Vucinic successfully represented Japan whilst Abraham Kawa, Marcus Leung and Mahalea Mitchell represented Nigeria with equal panache. They debated pressing issues, including The Question of ensuring the prevention of genocides in conflicts, The Question of the colonisation of outer space and The Question of the protection of minority languages. Uliana Tokolova and Rohan Phillpot respectively chaired the Special Political Committee and the Environment Committee with impressive professionalism. Marcus Leung produced a very thorough and well-written resolution that was successfully debated in his committee, and he received the Highly Commended Delegate Award.

Haileybury MUN:

We concluded our MUN season with the residential conference at Haileybury College. All our pupils made the most of this experience and worked collaboratively and supportively throughout the conference. Zoë Spellings and Rohan Phillpot were absolutely exemplary in their positions as Chairs in the Economic and Social and Human Rights Committees, displaying true professionalism. Our delegates, representing Pakistan (Ehaan Nadeem, Johan Prinsloo, Logan Hatchwell-Wray, Thomas Grehan, Jamie McDowall and Marcus Leung) and the Netherlands (Oliver Bennett, the Ambassador, Zakariya Ali-Hughes, Dominique Shved, Joseph Venkatasami and William Watford) got actively involved in the debates in their committees and their hard work and enthusiasm led to a fantastically successful conclusion with several awards being given: Johan Prinsloo and Logan HatchwellWray received the Highly Commended Delegate Award, Marcus Leung received the most prestigious Award for Distinguished Delegate for the second consecutive year, and the Delegation of Pakistan received the Distinguished Delegation Award, the highest prize, collected by Ehaan Nadeem, their Ambassador.

Benenden MUN:

We pursued our 2024 MUN schedule at the one-day conference in Benenden School, where Johan Prinsloo and Uliana Tokolova excelled in their roles as Chairs in the Security Council and Historic Security Council respectively. Our delegates equally shone in their committees, with Ehaan Nadeem, Zachary Devlin and Raza Ali Jafri representing Brazil, Joseph Soya-Bongay, Rayhaan KufuorGray, Rishi Kamdar and William Watford representing Haiti and Thomas Grehan, Logan Hatchwell-Wray, Kira Diakiv and Zakariya Ali-Hughes representing Japan. Whether first-time or more experienced delegates, all pupils rose to the challenge in debating issues such as the Economic Impacts of the Brain Drain, The Question of mitigating the Protection of Aid Workers in Conflict Zones, or The Question of Supplying Weapons in Foreign Countries in Conflict.

Congratulations to all pupils involved throughout the year in the weekly debates and conferences!

Russellian 2025

Year 5 Primary Mathematics Olympiad 2025

In April, the School hosted the annual Year 5 Primary Mathematics Olympiad, involving 13 local independent and state schools. The young pupils from across the borough and beyond were enthusiastic and worked hard on the competition.

Congratulations to overall winners Croydon High, with St John’s C of E Primary runners-up and our own Junior School achieving 3rd place. The pupils were rewarded with some welcome refreshments and enjoyed a presentation from invited speaker Rob Eastaway, who entertained the pupils with a variety of mathematically based challenges.

A huge thank you to Mrs Smith, as well as our Sixth Form helpers, for coordinating the competition part of this successful event.

Economics Society

Economics Society is a new club to encourage pupil engagement with economic issues and provide opportunities for pupil leadership.

As the first President of the RRS Economics Society, Hayden Randall (Year 13) has discharged his duties with commitment and diligence. He led numerous activities including debates, presentations, and quizzes. A key highlight was his presentation entitled ‘A brief economic analysis of the Lorax movie’, which was brilliantly put together and delivered with wonderful enthusiasm and humour.

Abraham Kawa and Brandon Simons in Year 12 have now taken the reins as Co-Presidents of the Society. They are being supported by a strong team including George Bullock, Matias Portman, Ashley Cheung and Patrick Howe. Their contributions to date have included: group policy simulation games including one entitled ‘Defence Dilemma: Securing the UK in 2025’; quizzes on current affairs; debates on government education policies; a workshop on innovation and entrepreneurship; a Dragons’ Den style competition about futuristic product ideas; presentations on numerous topics including hyperinflation, taxation, and the economics of Christmas; and an interactive crisis policy challenge where pupils had to propose solutions as they took on the role of policymakers facing a major energy crisis.

Russellian