Stuff@SJB Spring Edition - 2025

STUFF

Dear Everyone,

Dear Parents, Carers, and Students,

As we come to the end of another busy term at SJB, I want to take a moment to reflect on all that has been happening in our school community and to wish you all a joyful and restful Easter break.

Lenten Fundraising Success

The past few weeks have been a hive of activity as our students and staff have engaged in various fundraising efforts for our Lenten appeal. While we do not yet have the final total, we know that our students have done an incredible job in raising funds for those in need. A special mention must go to Miss Dare and all the staff and students involved in SJB Strictly Come Dancing, which alone raised over £1,000! Congratulations to our talented winners, Rebecca and Erin, and a huge well-done to everyone who took part.

Exam Season Approaching

As we move closer to the summer exams, there has been a noticeable increase in work levels across the school. Our Year 11 and Year 13 students are in the final stretch before their GCSE, A-Level, and BTEC exams, and we recognise that this is a particularly stressful time for them and their families. Please know that they remain in our prayers. We encourage students to make the most of the Easter break by dedicating a minimum of three hours most days to revision. Parents, your support is invaluable - please help your child stick to their revision timetable, ensure they are taking regular breaks, reduce distractions such as mobile phones, and encourage high-quality revision techniques. A past paper remains one of the best ways to prepare!

Baby News!

We are delighted to share that we have lots of SJB baby news! Congratulations to our staff members who have welcomed new arrivals. Miss Ruffle and Mr Ali welcomed

baby Cecilia Rae, Miss Bates gave birth to baby Arthur, Mr Jewell became the proud father of baby Sophie and Mrs Wyatt baby George. We are also awaiting the news of the birth of Miss Saltari’s baby any moment.

Lent Liturgy

A heartfelt thank you to Mrs Hodgson and all who participated in our Lent Liturgy. It was a truly beautiful and reflective service, reminding us of the significance of this sacred season and preparing us spiritually for Easter. Safe Travels

We extend our best wishes and prayers for all those heading off on school trips next week, whether skiing in Italy or visiting Auschwitz. We hope you have safe journeys and enriching experiences.

Short Half Term After Easter

A quick reminder to all parents that the next half-term is incredibly short - just five weeks long - and includes two Bank Holidays. The first falls on the Monday of the week we return, so please do take this into account. Given we have such a short half term it is imperative we have the very best possible student attendance.

Easter Blessings

Finally, we wish you all a very happy and blessed Easter. May this time bring renewal, hope, and joy to you and your families.

“He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.” – Matthew 28:6

God Bless

James Granville Hamshar Headteacher

YEAR GROUP ROU N D UP YEAR 7

My favourite quote to describe this time of the year is by Christina Rossetti. She states that “Spring is when life’s alive in everything”. This is also a fantastic way to describe the energy and potential of our Year 7 community. We have now completed two terms but there are no signs of standing still. At SJB we never stop the quest to keep improving, learning from our mistakes and looking for progress not perfection.

This has been evident in everything that the children have achieved since January. In lessons the children have produced delicious chocolate cakes in Food Tech and they’ve expertly fashioned name plates out of wood in Design. Their attempts at creating ‘physical drama’ have been brilliant and a joy to watch as they work cohesively to create their scenes. Across all subject departments, in every lesson I have popped into, the children have been working with enthusiasm!

World Book Day costumes were magnificent and choosing the 3 prize winners was almost impossible. Therefore, it’s worth giving massive congratulations to our winners, Mason, Georgina and Arthur. Culture Day saw huge participation and the diversity of outfits and countries represented was amazing. We are so blessed to be part of such a wide ranging, interesting and respectful school family.

Our Pastoral Curriculum this term focused first on anti bullying. The response of the children has been

overwhelmingly positive, and a few of our year group were even brave enough to speak in a whole school assembly. We continued with study skills and discussed the best way to approach revision; something that our Year 11s and Year 13s are preoccupied with right now with their GCSEs and A Levels approaching. These skills have to start early and Year 7 will be well practiced by the time their turn comes!

The Year 7 contribution to extra-curricular clubs has been tireless this term. The Year 7 Music concerts were an absolute treat. Thank you to all the families who attended and gave support. I hope that you were humming songs from ‘Joseph’ for many days after the event like I was! Elsewhere, the girl’s netball teams continue to dominate and our boy’s football team are now through to the semifinals against Salesians. This will be a tough match, but Mr Black assures me that we are more than capable of taking them on and getting through to the final at Woking Stadium next term. Come on SJB!!!

Super Form has been as tense as ever. Miss Hughes is delighted that 7NHU are apparently the ‘Brains’ of the year group, winning the Super Form Quiz (although 7EGN were a very close second). In this last week of term we see the Basketball finals, with valuable points still to be earnt.

Thank you to all the children (and Form Teachers) who have helped sell sweets and cakes after school since the beginning of our Lent Fundraising drive and apologies to any parents who are dentists!

Year 7, Spring isn’t just a change in the weather. As the days stretch longer and nature bursts into life, you too have the chance to foster growth and bloom. Enjoy the rest, eat chocolate, put screens down and get outside.

We go again, for the final term in a couple of weeks!

Have a wonderful Easter holiday.

Mrs Alder

YEAR 8

It has been yet another incredibly busy and rewarding term for Year 8, with the year group consistently impressing us with their enthusiasm, drive, and positivity, both in and out of the classroom.

Back in January, Humanutopia offered our Year 8 students a powerful opportunity to reflect on their past experiences, consider where they are now, and learn how to use these experiences to shape their futures in a positive way. Shortly after this, we visited St Dunstan’s Church for our Reflection Days, where students enjoyed a full day of engaging activities centred around teamwork. On both occasions, Year 8 displayed exceptional behaviour and represented the school with pride, actively engaging in the activities and working collaboratively as a community. This term has also seen numerous sporting successes. There have been spectacular performances from Football, Basketball and Cross Country, among many more. It was also fantastic to see so many students embrace their love for reading by dressing up for World Book Day, as well as celebrating the beautifully diverse community we have at SJB on Culture Day.

Over the last few weeks, Lenten Fundraising has been in full swing, with Year 8 stepping up to the challenge of selling fizzy drinks. We’ve witnessed selling tactics that would make Alan Sugar proud and have raised a phenomenal amount for the school charities! As we look ahead, there’s so much to look forward to in the Summer term, most notably our Year 8 Residential trip to North Devon – we can’t wait to get down to the coast to enjoy a few days of surfing and adventure activities, and hopefully a bit of sunshine!

Year 8, you have worked so hard this term, and we are unwaveringly proud of you all. Enjoy a well-deserved, restful, and most importantly, fun Easter holiday with your families; we can’t wait to see you all in the Summer term.

By Miss Turner

YEAR 9

As we approach the Easter break, it’s time to reflect on what an incredible term Year 9 has had so far. From academic triumphs to meaningful experiences, our Year 9 students have continued to shine in every aspect of school life.

First and foremost, the Year 9 exams were a major milestone this term, and our students rose to the challenge in brilliant fashion. With determination, focus, and hard work, they tackled their assessments with maturity and dedication, showcasing the strong academic foundation they’ve built over the past few years. Their efforts have not only set a high standard for themselves but have also demonstrated their readiness for the academic demands of the future.

In addition to their academic achievements, Year 9 students have also been actively engaging with other areas of school life. One of the highlights of the term was the Careers Morning, where our students demonstrated real enthusiasm and curiosity. They took the opportunity to learn about the wide variety of career paths available to them and how they can begin shaping their future. The mature and thoughtful way they approached this event was commendable, reflecting their growing awareness of the world beyond school.

Speaking of the future, the process of choosing their GCSE options for next year has been a significant focus for Year 9. Our students have displayed a high level of maturity and diligence when considering their options, carefully weighing their interests, strengths, and long-term goals. It’s clear that they are approaching this next stage of their academic journey with seriousness and a clear sense of purpose.

In keeping with the spirit of giving, Year 9 has also made a fantastic contribution to our Lenten charities. Through their fundraising efforts, including the sale of nearly 300 cream eggs, they have shown great generosity and a strong commitment to supporting those in need. This initiative is just another example of how our students are committed to living out the values of kindness and compassion that are central to our Catholic ethos.

Beyond the classroom and charitable efforts, Year 9 students have also had the opportunity to broaden their horizons through school trips. A number of our students travelled to the battlefields of Europe, where they gained a deeper understanding of history and the sacrifices made during times of conflict. Additionally, a group of students ventured to Holland for the School Football Tour, where they had the chance to build teamwork, make lasting memories, and, of course, enjoy some football! These trips were not only educational but also a great way to strengthen the bond between classmates.

As we look back on the term, it’s clear that Year 9 has held exceptionally high standards for themselves. Their academic diligence, engagement with extra-curricular activities, and commitment to their faith and values are all things to be proud of. With 12 school weeks left before the end of the year, we have no doubt that they will continue to impress us with their hard work and dedication.

On behalf of the Year 9 team, we wish all our students a happy and restful Easter break. We look forward to welcoming them back, refreshed and ready to continue their brilliant journey.

By Mr Ali

YEAR10

This term has been an packed full of learning, extra curricular activities and opportunities to shine for Year 10. The year group continue to impress me every day with their commitment to their subjects and effort levels in the classroom. This term the year group have amassed just shy of 30,000 House Points, well deserved recognition for their hard work and efforts.

The Year 10s have been so fortunate to extend their learning beyond the classroom this term, with opportunities to go to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London, an enriching Italian trip to Florence, an unforgettable football tour for Utrecht, Holland and a trip to the theatre for Drama students to see Blood Brothers. Beyond their academic and extracurricular achievements, Year 10 played a vital role in the School’s OFSTED inspection. Their enthusiasm, commitment, and conduct shone through, leaving a lasting impression on the inspectors. Their contributions showcased the spirit of SJB, and I couldn’t be prouder of how they conducted themselves over the two days.

In addition to their studies and trips, Year 10 students have been working hard to support the school’s Lenten Fundraising efforts by selling raffle tickets. Their dedication to giving back and helping those in need has been commendable, and thank you to parents for helping us facilitate these fundraising efforts with your generous contributions.

As we head into Summer Term I encourage the Year 10s to continue to grab the opportunities to grow both in and outside of school with both hands. The Summer Term will no doubt continue to be busy, with SJB Day and Sports Day to look forward to after the Year 10 exam period. Have a wonderful, restful break, year 10. Recharge those batteries so you can come back full of enthusiasm and

By Mr Hacker

YEAR11

As we come to the end of the spring term, I want to say how proud we all are of the maturity, resilience, and focus you’ve shown since January. You’ve had mock results morning, coursework deadlines and practical exams and you’ve tackled them all so well!

Beyond the classroom, it’s been brilliant to see many of you taking part in unforgettable experiences. Over half term, students represented the school superbly on trips to Iceland and Holland. From exploring glaciers and waterfalls to competing in football matches abroad, you embraced the opportunities with enthusiasm, curiosity and great behaviour — exactly what we hope for from our Year 11s.

Now, as we look ahead to the final push, I encourage you to rest and recharge over Easter. This break is a chance to pause, reflect, and prepare for the final chapter of your journey. You’ve done so much already — keep believing in yourselves, and know that we’ll be with you every step of the way

By Mr Young

YEAR12

This term has been filled with exciting opportunities for our Year 12 students! A few standout moments include the engaging Aspire Programme, which has been implemented to help support our students in reaching their ambitions. The Year 12 Next Steps Evening was another memorable event, where students gained invaluable insights from a visitor from Birmingham University and two former students who returned to share their journeys of securing apprenticeships.

However, the true highlight of the term was the Strictly Come Dancing Fundraising Evening, organised by Miss Dare, one of our Sixth Form tutors. Year 12 students not only competed but also hosted and worked behind the scenes to ensure the event was a fantastic success, raising

substantial funds for charity!

We would also like to extend a huge thank you to all Year 12 students who have gone above and beyond this Lent to raise money for great causes.

As we approach the end of term, we would like to remind students that their mock assessments will take place in the first week back but also take this moment to wish them the best of luck! Use the Easter break wisely to revise and prepare—you’ve got this!

Good luck to everyone, and enjoy your well-deserved break!

By Mr Lenton

YEAR13

As we approach the final stretch of the academic year, the focus for Year 13 students are firmly focusing on the upcoming exams. This is a crucial time for our students, as they work tirelessly to consolidate their knowledge and ensure they are fully prepared for the challenges ahead. I have been continually impressed by the level of determination and focus that each student has demonstrated during these final months, and it is truly inspiring to see their hard work pay off.

In addition to preparing for exams, many of our students have already secured their next steps for the future, and I am thrilled to share some of their remarkable achievements. We have students who have received offers from prestigious companies such as Microsoft, BP, Barclays, and Surrey Police, which speaks volumes about their potential and ambition. These opportunities are a testament to their dedication, and I have no doubt they will thrive in these environments.

On the university front, we have students who have received offers for competitive and sought-after courses (42% of which are from Russell Group Universities!), including Law, Medicine, Zoology and Midwifery. These offers reflect not only the academic prowess of our students but also their commitment to making a real difference in their chosen fields.

I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of our Year 13 students. Their resilience and drive over the past two years have been remarkable, and I am confident that they will continue to excel in the exams and beyond. As we head into the Easter break, I encourage all students to strike a healthy balance between rest and revision. It’s

important to recharge, but also to keep the momentum going as we move closer to the finish line.

Wishing you all a productive and restful Easter break. Stay focused, stay motivated, and enjoy some well-deserved downtime!

By Mrs Harper

MILITARY CAREeRS DAY

This term, the Year 10 - 12 Military Careers Day at Sandown Racecourse offered students a unique opportunity to explore the diverse career paths available in the British Military. The day was kicked off with a special address from HRH Princess Anne, who highlighted the importance of service and commitment in the armed forces. Her inspiring words set the tone for an exciting day of discovery and hands-on experiences, highlighting all that the Military has to offer.

Students had the chance to engage with all three branches of the British Military—Army, RAF, and Navy—through a series of informative talks and interactive demonstrations. From trying out cutting-edge military equipment and vehicles through the ages, to experiencing high-tech simulation games, the event provided an immersive look

into the world of military careers. We even got chance to watch some of the horse racing that coincided with the day. The competition against a group of cadets was a fun highlight, pushing students to work together in a time pressured environment.

Most importantly, the day offered a chance for students to learn about the wide range of opportunities the British Military offers. Whether interested in a technical role, leadership position, or frontline service, the event allowed young people to gain valuable insights into the exciting, varied careers that lie ahead. It was a day filled with fun, learning, and the potential to inspire the next generation of military professionals. All students represented the school fantastically and it was a joy to see them getting stuck in and saying ‘yes’ to new experiences.

By Miss Paling

LENTEN FUNDRAISING

A Season of Giving and Generosity

This Lent, our whole school community has truly embraced the spirit of giving, coming together with energy, creativity, and compassion to support some incredible causes.

From our heartwarming Soup and Roll Day to the fun of Mufti Day, pupils and staff alike have been involved in a packed calendar of fundraising events—and we’re not done yet! With everything from car washes, cake sales, raffles, sweet, drink and chocolate stalls, shoe cleaning, and even Find the Bunny hunts, the enthusiasm has been nothing short of inspiring.

And there’s more to come! The excitement continues with activities running right up until Easter. Teachers have stepped up too—literally—as Mr Granville Hamshar, Mr McKenna, and Mr Kelly will be taped to the wall for charity, and the spotlight will shine on our brave staff and sixth formers as they take to the dance floor in SJB Strictly!

We are incredibly proud of the time, thought and love that our students and staff have poured into this. Every event is making a real difference to the lives of others, and it’s been amazing to see how much these causes mean to our community.

Here are the charities we’re supporting this Lent:

- The Lighthouse (Woking): Supporting local people in times of need through compassionate community projects.

- LinkAble: Creating opportunities and inclusive experiences for individuals with learning disabilities and

autism across Surrey.

- CAFOD: Providing global support to those living in poverty and standing up for justice.

- Charlie’s Promise: Raising awareness of the dangers of knife crime and working to protect young lives.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has already contributed. Your kindness and effort are already making a difference—and we can’t wait to see the final fundraising totals!

We are still fundraising, and it’s not too late to show your support. If you’d like to donate, please visit our JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/team/sjb

Let’s continue to make this Lent a season to remember. Thank you, Team SJB!

By Mrs Arfield

ART & DESIGN

This year, our Year 12 Fine Art students have taken part in numerous extracurricular art sessions with The Lightbox in Woking, The Royal Grammar School, Guildford, as part of their Outreach programme, and the Guildford 11-19 Partnership IMAG programme, which aims to provide more opportunities for Interested, Motivated & Able students in the Guildford area.

Lightbox Youth Collective

‘The Lightbox Youth Collective meets once a month at The Lightbox gallery in Woking. Each session focuses on a different discipline, such as 3D plaster art, monoprinting, lino cutting and printing, and embroidery. Often, a member of The Lightbox team or a local artist specialising in the materials and techniques guides us in creating our own artwork. This experience has greatly developed my artistic skills, as I have had the opportunity to experiment with new techniques that I wouldn’t normally try at home or school. Exploring these methods has also helped me to be more expressive in my artwork, as I don’t need to worry about achieving a perfect result since the work is not being assessed. A great perk of being part of the Youth Collective is receiving a membership card, which allows us to visit exhibitions at The Lightbox for free. This has really helped with my artist research, as I can see real artwork in person rather than just viewing it on a screen.’ Olga Siek

‘I got to meet a local embroidery artist and talk to her about her approach to her work, as well as share details about my A-level project. I think these experiences have

helped me to become more confident and creative in my artwork, without always worrying about the outcome and instead focusing on the process of creating.’

By Ella Baker , Year 12

Royal Grammar School Outreach Portrait Masterclass

Ella Baker had the opportunity to work with Andy Pankhurst, a portrait artist and tutor at The Royal Drawing School. He ran a portrait painting workshop at the Royal Grammar school in Guildford.

Guildford 11-19 Partnership IMAG programme Life Drawing Course

‘At RGS, we did a course in life drawing with live models. Over the four-week course, I managed to gain skills and methods that have improved the way I draw people. To help with positioning and proportions, finding parts of the subject that line up and drawing straight lines to connect them really helped—for example, the back of the foot might line up with the shoulder from the perspective seen in my drawing.’

By Joseph Bowles, Year 12

‘My time participating in the RGS life drawing sessions was a truly invaluable experience—one that has significantly boosted both my technical skills and artistic confidence. One of the most notable outcomes of this experience was how it enhanced my ability to use charcoal as a medium. I had always admired the expressive qualities of charcoal but had struggled with mastering its potential. However, the life drawing sessions provided me with an opportunity to explore this medium more freely, and I quickly became more comfortable with it. The ability to create dynamic contrasts and detailed textures using charcoal became a key takeaway from the course. Another major benefit of life drawing was the improvement in my ability to make quicker and more effective recordings of the human form. At first, the task of capturing a subject in a limited amount of time felt daunting. However, over the course of several sessions, I became more adept at breaking down the human body into its fundamental shapes, allowing me to focus on gesture and proportion rather than getting caught up in unnecessary details. This shift in focus greatly improved the fluidity and expressiveness of my work. What I initially thought would be a challenge turned into an exciting opportunity to push myself beyond my usual artistic practice. Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of freedom the sessions provided. Before joining the life drawing group, I had imagined that the sessions would be more teacher-led and structured, with each step meticulously guided by the instructor. However, they were much more open-ended than I had anticipated, encouraging us as artists to explore our own methods and approaches. This freedom allowed me to take risks with my work, experiment with new techniques, and express myself in ways that felt authentic and personal. Throughout the process, I produced a substantial amount of artwork that I am genuinely proud of. Each

piece felt like a step forward in my artistic journey, and I found myself growing both technically and creatively. The life drawing sessions were particularly beneficial for my character work, which is something I have been keen to develop further. The ability to accurately portray the human form, understand its nuances, and convey emotion through body language has been invaluable in improving my ability to draw and design characters for my A-level Fine Art Personal Investigation.’

By Tiago Decruz, Year 12

‘There were about 20 students from various local schools who took part in the RGS life drawing course. The sessions lasted for an hour and a half, consisting of four five-minute poses and one thirty-minute pose. During the process, we received support from the session leader whenever we needed it. She offered tips on improving our work, such as how to achieve better proportional accuracy, which I felt greatly helped develop my artistic skills. Furthermore, being in a room full of students with such diverse artistic styles was incredibly inspiring, as it motivated me to push myself and create better work.’

By Ella Baker

Diversity Committee

This term, our Diversity Committee has been busier than ever, bringing celebrations and important awareness-raising events to our school community. We focused on three exciting occasions: Chinese New Year, International Women’s Day, and Culture Day.

Chinese New Year

To mark Chinese New Year, Sophie Kok and Ella Dai put together an engaging presentation for tutor time, giving students a glimpse into the rich traditions of this festive celebration. From the significance of red envelopes to the importance of family feasts, they shared how millions across the world welcome the Lunar New Year. We also explored the fascinating legend of the 12 zodiac animals—how they raced for their place in the calendar and the unique personality traits linked to each one.

International Women’s Day:

For International Women’s Day, our students took the lead in delivering powerful and thought-provoking sessions across the school. Stephanie Jardim and Saniya Ibrahim presented an inspiring assembly to Year 7 and 8, highlighting why this day matters and celebrating the achievements of remarkable women throughout history. Meanwhile, Miss Brooks and the Diversity Committee visited Year 9 tutor groups to run an interactive session on gender inequality and stereotypes. Students reflected on how these issues affect their daily lives and ended with a meaningful discussion on the women they admire and are grateful for.

In Sixth Form, Sophia Wooley and Ella Dai created a compelling presentation featuring the voices of their

peers shown during tutor time. They shared what female students want others to know, alongside an insightful video interview with staff members about the importance of gender equality. The session ended with a call to action—encouraging everyone to play their part in accelerating progress towards equal rights and opportunities for women.

As always, thank you for Joella Minja and Ramona Ugowe who have done the graphics for the PC backdrops and posters that are displayed around the school during these events and the illustrations you see here.

By Mrs Ray

Culture Day

On the 27th March, students at SJB had the opportunity to get involved in our annual Culture Day. This is a celebration amongst students and staff where we are encouraged to wear clothing to represent aspects of our backgrounds. Organised by our Diversity Committee, we hope that students felt empowered to represent their culture and to ask about others.

We saw a range of cultures from all around the globe, granting students the opportunity to bond or connect with one another in both shared and new experiences. Alongside the dress up, as a school we presented our community with an assembly on the importance and celebration of culture day. Members of Diversity Committee spoke from their own experiences with their diverse backgrounds: Seven Hill, Sarah Gbajobi, Maggie Ladipo, Joella Minja, and me, following an inspiring opening from Mrs Ray about her experience as a past student at SJB and progressing onto becoming a teacher here: how diversity within SJB has developed in the timeline of her own experience. Sophie Kok and Joella Minja directed and created a video with the Diversity Committee (now posted on our social media) asking people about their backgrounds, what does culture mean and a fun fact about their culture. Students also participated in form activities created by the Diversity Committee that got students to think about multiculturalism and the importance of dispelling misunderstandings or myths surrounding stereotypes and multiculturism.

It was incredible to see the unified effort of our students, met with support and interest from another. Thank you to all students who got involved, and all parents who worked behind the scenes to allow your children to share part of their identity in such creative ways. Celebration of culture at SJB is not specific to one day, but an ongoing part of our school values and community.

By Sophia Woolley, Year 12

Florence & Tuscany

Year 10 and Year 13 ITALIAN Trip

During February 2025, sixteen Year 10 and two Year 13 students travelled to Florence in Tuscany for their GCSE and A-level Italian study trip to sample Tuscan daily life, practise their conversation skills and gain some unforgettable cultural experiences.

For some students, this was their first visit to Italy; a remarkable first day walking tour around historic Florence, climbing the Giotto bell tower and its amazing views across the rooftops, set the tone for an aweinspiring trip. Then onto a busy few afternoon of intensive language classes, followed by a stroll up to Piazzale Michelangelo with its breath-taking vista over

the Ponte Vecchio and Arno river at sunset. A chocolate tasting workshop, a tour of Pitti Palace and a visit to see David in the Galleria dell’Accademia were enjoyed by all. Meanwhile, an evening visit to a local pizzeria restaurant, tasting local Tuscan dishes was the highlight for many. The sight of students taking in the wealth of Renaissance art in the Uffizi gallery, meanwhile, provided many with unforgettable Italian cultural experiences.

Despite the wet and changeable weather, spirits were always kept high with lots of stories and anecdotes from students’ encounters. It was also such a pleasure to see so many students embracing the local Italian culture and trying their best to practise their spoken Italian in role play conversations! A particular highlight was ordering ice cream in a gelateria one evening – a great way to end a cold and memorable day. Students commented that they appreciated having plenty of free time to explore the local shops and sights which helped build their confidence, independence and resilience. During the weekend, a visit to Pisa and its famous leaning tower gave students more opportunities to practise their Italian bargaining skills in the market when buying souvenirs and sampling local street life in this beautiful town.

The feedback from all students was overwhelmingly positive – many came back with a taste for Italy and its food and couldn’t wait to return. For others, it was making new friends and sharing common languages experiences in a new culture. At the end of an intensive five day trip, every student had a different Tuscan story to tell and would recommend this study trip to others in future years.

By Mr Czepukojc

YEAR 9 YPRES Battlefields Trip

On Saturday 8th of March, the Year 9s set off for Belgium and France for their Battlefields trip.

Our first stop was Essex Farm Cemetery, which was the area where John McCrae, a Canadian doctor and soldier, wrote the famous poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ where we get the image of the poppy for remembrance. Here, there were predominantly British and Canadian graves, including the grave of a 15-year-old British soldier. He received the Victory Medal, the 1915 Star Medal and the British War medal, serving as a reminder of the cost of conflict and the loss of human potential war brings. We laid a wreath and listened to ‘In Flanders Fields’ before continuing our journey.

We arrived at Ypres in the afternoon. Our second stop was the Sanctuary Wood Museum, which contained many relics from the battlefield by Sanctuary Wood. We were able to walk through the trenches and through the claustrophobic underground tunnels the soldiers would use. In our case, we walked through in wellies and walking boots, but during the fighting it would’ve been

impossible to get through in wellies due to how muddy the trenches were.

Just before the sun started to set, we arrived at the Peace Village accommodation. Staying with us were St Dunstan’s College, a school who were practicing marching for the Menin Gate performance of the Last Post. In the evening, we got a chance to watch this performance which happens at 8pm every day to commemorate the soldiers who died in the Ypres Salient during WW1. After returning to Peace Village and having dinner, we had lots of activities to do in our free time and eventually retired to bed.

On the second day, we headed to the Notre Dame de Lorette memorial. This is the biggest French military cemetery, the final resting place of 42,000 French soldiers, half of them in marked graves and the other half unidentified in an ossuary beneath the Lantern Tower. The basilica is decorated with statues and mosaics with lots of plaques referring to the war or serving as memorials for individuals. We also visited the Ring of Memory monument, an oval ring wall of metal plates with the names of almost 580,000 soldiers who had died in the region. Many of us found soldiers with our surnames.

Later that day we visited Vimy Ridge, a Canadian memorial dedicated to the Canadian soldiers who fought and died in the First World War. It is located on a long, high hilla crucial strategic location during WW1 - and notably covered in craters and shell holes. We also had a chance

to walk through the reconstructed Canadian trenches which were uncomfortably close to the German trenches (grenade throwing distance). In addition to the trenches, we were taken through extensive tunnels. They were mainly dug to house passing soldiers and communication lines, but many were dug under German trenches with the goal to fill them up with explosives and subsequently blow them up. Unfortunately, this usually led to a massive crater acting as an obstacle for soldiers on both sides as the fighting continued.

In the afternoon we visited the Thiepval Memorial, dedicated to those missing in the Battle of the Somme. It has the engraved names of 72,173 officers who died between July and November 1916 but have no known grave. We laid a wreath here and we were able to search for relatives’ names in the memorial registers. It also has a small Anglo-French cemetery, containing 300 British graves and 300 French graves lying at the foot of the memorial. Each year on July 1st, a major ceremony is held at the memorial for the anniversary of the first day of the Somme.

From details provided by my family, I knew that my GreatGreat Uncle, Sergeant Alfred Vickers of the 11th Battalion Royal West Kent Regiment was buried at a small cemetery not far off our planned route. Taking a slight detour, we were able to stop at Bulls Road Cemetery to visit him. With help from my peers, we were able to find his grave and lay a small cross with the inscription ‘So Young, So Brave’ suggested by my Dad. This was very heartwarming as only two other people in my family have been able to visit him, and my grandparents were thrilled to see a photograph of the grave. (Thank you teachers + bus driver, for doing this for us!!)

We ended the night with bowling and arrived back at Peace Village to have dinner and sleep.

On our last day, we visited the Bayernwald trenches, wellknown because Hitler likely fought in them, as well as Tyne Cot cemetery, where we laid a wreath and our cadets read a poem, and Langemark cemetery. The Langemark cemetery is significant as over 44,000 German soldiers are buried here in a significantly smaller space than the Notre Dame de Lorette memorial, along with about half of these soldiers buried in a mass grave.

To end our trip, we went to Ypres town centre for some free time and were able to stop by the Belgian chocolate shop there. Then we headed back to our coach, got on the ferry, and went home. This trip was a wonderful experience as well saw so many beautiful landmarks and sights, but we also learnt so much and were able to reflect on this and show respect for the soldiers who fought and died in these wars.

By Lauren Vickers, Year 9

On the day of the globe theatre trip, I was filled with excitement. I knew the journey would be long, but worth it! We got dropped off further away from the actual theatre, meaning we could enjoy a nice walk (about 20 minutes or so) by the River Thames with our friends and have some small breaks in between to take photos and regroup, basking in the classic London scenery and cherishing this awesome day out.

When the theatre education department leaders took us to the inside of the building, it was like I stepped into a part of history. Although it was not the original building, it was an exact replica mirroring the past of one of England’s greatest writers, and it gave the impression that I could get the slightest glimpse of how extraordinary and impressive he was. From the way the building was painted to the open thatch roof, it made the acting inside seem all the more alive. As we looked at key scenes and characters written by Shakespeare in the acting workshop, I felt I gained an even better understanding as to what I had learnt in class, but acting these out right after we had visited the Yard, felt sensational as I thought about what one of the original actors in his time would have been like.

I am grateful for this wonderful opportunity given, and I would recommend it to anyone to take part in this workshop, or even better, watch one of the plays in the theatre itself!

By Melita Ruiz

Our English trip to the Globe Theatre was an unforgettable experience. The highlight for me was stepping inside the theatre and seeing its stunning design up close. Learning about its history, from its original construction to its reconstruction, made me appreciate how important it was to Shakespeare’s plays. The open roof and wooden structure created a unique atmosphere, making it easy to imagine what it would have been like to watch a play there in the past. Although the weather was slightly cloudy, it didn’t take away from the excitement of exploring such a famous and historic place.

One of the most enjoyable parts of the trip was the drama workshop. It was a great opportunity to bring Shakespeare’s words to life and engage with the language in a fun and interactive way. The workshop leaders made it really engaging, encouraging us to act out scenes and explore different ways to express emotion through movement and voice. It gave me a new appreciation for how actors perform on stage and how the Globe’s design influences their performances. Overall, the trip was both educational and entertaining, making me appreciate Shakespeare and theatre in a whole new way.

By Adalia Bastin

In January the whole of Year 8 had a visit from the organisation ‘Humanutopia’, with a focus on antibullying and thinking about choices moving forward. The day was jam packed, filled with dancing, reflection, hard work and positive changes.

In the first session the pupils stayed in their ‘comfort zones’ , reflecting on their past and helping them to understand why they are the person they are. The morning was a really great chance for the pupils to connect with their peers and the Humanutopia team, hearing stories from pupils they would not have even met before. The morning was a great reflection, helping them to understand eachothers’ past experiences even more, which some of our Year 8 students were brave enough to share. The Year 8s made the teachers extremely proud in this first session, showing love and respect to their peers who chose to reflect on their experiences with everyone.

The second half of the day, the students entered the ‘stretch zone’ which saw the students consider how the present can be so different as long as people behaved differently. This really got the pupils out of their comfort

zone too, as they were put into random groups. Some pupils even found out the names of people who have always been in their year group, they just hadn’t had the chance to meet them yet! The activities were highly engaging, with pupils building their trust with one another and working on positive interactions with people they have just met.

After lunch, the last part of the day ensued. This was called the ‘panic zone’. After a morning of deep reflection and working on our past and present selves, pupils began to think about who they wanted to be in the future. They thought carefully about what type of person they wanted to be too. The students discussed their dreams, hopes, goals and ambitions with one another. At the end of the day, students committed to making three positive changes to improve their future, with all having some achievable goals to work toward!

By Miss Duke

Clash of the Houses

The January term saw an exciting and energetic event at SJB as Year 7 and 8 students participated in the thrilling ‘SJB Clash of the Houses.’ Organised by the Extra-Curricular and House Team, the competition was filled with enthusiasm and team spirit, as students went head-to-head in a series of fun challenges and quizzes. The event not only provided a day full of

excitement but also gave students the opportunity to earn valuable house points for their houses. It was a fantastic showcase of collaboration and school spirit, and we can’t wait to host the next SJB Clash of the Houses.

By Miss Brooks

On Friday 7th February, most of Y11 took part in their Y11 into 12 taster day and gained some experience of what post-16 courses might look like and how Sixth Form life might feel.

YEar 11 into 12 @SJB

We started the day with an assembly and then students were able to go along to 6 subjects of their choice and see what A Level learning might look like and what the courses entail. It was really lovely to see the students getting some clarity of what might interest them in Sixth Form.

It is also always a highlight to see the Y11s come into the Sixth Form centre and be a part of the community for the day. We had doughnuts at break and the students were able to make use of the Sixth Form cafe at lunch; having lunch at a different time to many of their peers is definitely a new experience.

Teachers were really impressed with the attitude of the students and we really look forward to welcoming in the majority of them into Sixth Form in September.

At the same time, 22 students in Year 11 spent the day at Guildford College in the morning and Merrist Wood Col-

lege in the afternoon. At both Colleges students had the opportunity to find out about different vocational  post 16 courses offered at the colleges, tour of the campuses,  visit  different departments, talk to students and even got the opportunity to feed goats,  stroke horses and see the giant tortoises , birds and array of small animals in the animal management centre at Merrist Wood.

Feedback from the students who attended this day felt it had been helpful to see the variety of courses available, and learn  about the different entry and training routes, and the highlight for all  was spending time  with the small animals.

By Mr Petri

EXTRA CURRICULAR

Our extra-curricular activities have been buzzing with energy and achievements this term. The Chess Club recently travelled to Cobham to compete against fellow enthusiasts, showcasing their strategic skills and sportsmanship.

Back at school, our Sixth Formers have been inspiring younger students by hosting Geography and History club, igniting passion for these subjects.

The Crochet Club have been particularly active, crafting a variety of products for Lenten fundraising which will be on sale in the next few weeks. The Year 9 Drama Masterclass delivered powerful performances, masterfully conveying intense emotions. The extra-curricular team eagerly anticipates more incredible talent across all activities next term.

By Miss Brooks

YEAR 13 GEOGRAPHY TRIP CHINA

For Year 13, our recent journey to China was a vibrant, unforgettable snapshot into one of the world’s most dynamic and culturally rich nations. From the dazzling lights of Shanghai to the ancient grandeur of Beijing, every moment was packed with excitement, learning, and adventure.

Our journey began in Shanghai. After landing, we were instantly captivated by its towering skyscrapers and modern architecture. First on our priority list was some breakfast, so after being welcomed by Luna and Dexter, our tour guides, we headed out for some tasty street food. Next was a walk through the People’s Park where we saw the ‘Marriage Markets’ to the Bund. As we strolled along the riverbank, even in the rain, we marvelled at the view of the financial district. A daring ERA performance took us on a wild ride through acrobatics and gravity-defying stunts, and even though we were so tired from our actionpacked day, the ‘Globe of Death’ was incredible to see!

Over the next few days, we got to experience more of Shanghai’s contrasting sites like the traditional Chinese architecture of the Yu Yuan Gardens, and Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China and we even squeezed in a night-time River Cruise which capped off our time in Shanghai perfectly.

Next, we boarded China’s world-renowned bullet train to Beijing and in no time, we arrived in Beijing, a city steeped in history and culture, with a very different feel than Shanghai.

We wandered through the bustling Hutongs, where we tasted delicious (and not so delicious) local delicacies. A visit to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City was like stepping into another world—we were all struck by the grandeur of China’s imperial past.

The final full day of our adventure was, without a doubt, one of the most memorable. We set out for a hike on the Great Wall of China. As we climbed the ancient steps, with Luna blaring some Oasis, we had the Wall almost

to ourselves creating a surreal experience. But it was the volunteering at a local farm after our hike that became a highlight of the trip. Working together to plough the fields and restore the stone boundaries that had been washed away by winter rains, everyone pulled together as a team and the farmer was very grateful for our time. Beyond the sightseeing and exploration, what truly made this trip special were the moments of laughter and fun that bonded our group. From Tai Chi in the park to spontaneous dancing in the park (including a hilarious conga line), our trip was filled with fun and joy. The food was incredible, the culture was vibrant, and the sense of awe and wonder from the Year 13s was there at every turn.

This trip was an unforgettable journey: the memories, the friendships, and the lessons learned. A big shout out to the Year 13s, Mr. Birch and Mrs. Kenny, who made this incredible adventure possible.

By Miss Paling

PROBLEM COMPETITION

Design &TECHNOLOGY

Ijust wanted to say a massive congratulations to all students who’d taken part in this year’s Satro problem solving competition: Lucas Arfield, Joshua Blackman, Leo Cardillo, Seb Copeman, Christina Delos Reyes, Joe Duggan, Joshua Origgi Fernando, Amy Freda, Josh Hutchinson, Tomas Kowal, Sam Leahy, Anna Lucek, Hayley McAtamney, William Parmigiani-Donkin, Tatiana Rodriguez Casillo, Tiana Summerscales-Heard, Ed Willmott, Ethan Worrell. The premise of the competition was that teams from all over the South East were set a problem to solve, using only the materials provided, within a fixed time. Students got points for designing and their solution also had to consider the UN Sustainability goals, aiming for Carbon net Zero; so, any materials that they didn’t use were also points. The students showed excellent sportsmanship, conduct and having to work as a team, under pressure. We were elated when we won all our key stage categories as it meant that we could go to the finals as the full squad! Unfortunately, we didn’t take home the trophies for the finals, but I couldn’t be prouder of their contributions and their positivity on the night. They were a true reflection of our values and the spirit of SJB.

By Mrs Ray

Preparation and SJB Heat 1

On the 4th February, SJB held a Satro heat for KS3, KS4 and KS5 teams within our area. Each key stage was up against six other teams such as Woking High and Hinchley Wood School. Satro is a problem-solving challenge that focuses on STEM and tests our work skills.

Before heading straight into the competition, Fluor had arranged for a workshop with our teams to simulate what the actual competition would be like. It helped our team realise that we should keep our designs as simple as possible and to not overthink the task at hand.

This year, our unseen challenge was to create a vehicle, with the materials provided, that would launch a lego brick across the table when let go from a ramp. We had to first fill in a sheet with our initial ideas (earning us more points) then go into constructing our machine. The year 10 team managed to finish building with more than enough time to test and modify our first draft. This was very critical for our team since this allowed us to make sure our vehicle was in the best shape possible for the final judging. Eventually, time ran out and one by one each team presented their creations and after calculating our scores, the judges concluded that all three of our

teams from SJB came in first!

Taking part in this competition was honestly more enjoyable than I expected. The practice session we had beforehand was slightly stressful since it didn’t quite go so well, and I was expecting it to be the same for the actual competition. However, I feel that as a team, we were more calm and collected compared to the practice session and it allowed us to more effectively work together. I definitely think that Satro has helped me build up my teamwork abilities and it was genuinely such a fun experience!

By Christina Delos Reyes, Year 10

Satro Finals, University of Surrey

If I had to describe the finals in one word, it would be unreal. On the way to the university everyone in my team was talking about our strategy, trying to remember where we went wrong last time, and wondering who we were up against. When the competition started, we almost went crazy! 1 Hour and 30 minutes was not that much time to design and build something. The minutes flew by and before we knew it there was 5 minutes left on the clock, and we were only just coming to an end. Testing our contraption was terrifying! All the previous

checks and trial runs had gone somewhat smoothly but the panic was written on everyone’s faces. Would it break? What if it didn’t work like it should?

However, when the competition finally ended (unfortunately SJB had not won) nobody was unhappy. Yes, we hadn’t won 1st, 2nd or 3rd but all three of SJB’s teams had made it through to the finals. That in itself was impressive! It was such a fun experience, and I could not be more grateful for Mrs Ray who encouraged us every step of the way and made it possible for us to get as far as the finals!

By Anna Lucek, Year 9

The DT department are so proud to announce that Lucas Blagden and Carolina Gamlin gained the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship 2025! Over 1700 applications were made and only 379 candidates were awarded this prestigious scholarship. They have done so well to achieve this, completing a personal engineering project conducted over the summer, rigorous application, aptitude test and formal interview. The process is like applying for a job or university place and it’s hard to imagine completing this whilst also doing their day-to-day Year 11 work. They will now have access to network events, mentoring, online enrichment to name a few and will have the scholarship this September for the duration of their A’ Levels.

Carolina: “I look forward to the networking events to see all the people in industry as well as the possibility of a mentorship.”

Lucas: “I agree with that as well, having a mentor teaching you, advising you of what you can do, along with likeminded people you can connect with.”

Why did you apply for the Arkwright Scholarship?

Carolina: “I was very interested in Engineering and thought this would be a nice gateway to explore the world of Engineering.”

Lucas: “I wanted a real 1:1 mentor to try and advise me what I would do with my career and how the industry actually works.

Now you’re a scholar, what do you look forward to in the Arkwright Scholarship?

If you are a current Year 10 student, and are interested in Engineering as a future career, you can find out more about the process of applying to the Arkwright Engineering scholarship this summer term. I will deliver in your assembly and there will be a future parent/student talk with the Arkwright Liaison Officer.

By Mrs Ray

On the 16th January we were extremely lucky to have Marcel Ladenheim from the Holocaust Educational Trust Outreach Programme come and deliver a talk to all Year 9 and Year 12 students about his experiences of the Holocaust. Marcel spoke about how he went into hiding at the age of just two and was separated from him mother, father and brother. While Marcel was reunited with his mother and brother, his father was killed in Auschwitz. The students went on to discuss the ways that we could continue to remember these events in the future, as well as the importance of

continuing to be active in tackling antisemitism and racism in the world today. Hearing History from those who experienced it is a rare opportunity, and one that becomes even more valuable as we reached the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, with few survivors remaining to share their stories. The students were very touched by this experience, with many continuing discussions beyond school with their parents at home.

By Miss Brooks

A Visit to Our School by Martin Kosser: Inspiring Change and Empowering the Next Generation.

During the Spring term, we had the privilege of welcoming Martin Kosser, the father of Charlie Kosser, who has devoted his life to raising awareness about an important issue that affects young people across the UK: knife crime. Martin, through his charity Charlie’s Promise, is working tirelessly to break the cycle of violence and to empower young people to make positive life choices. His visit was not only an educational experience but also a powerful reminder of how community engagement and awareness can make a lasting difference.

The Story Behind Charlie’s Promise

Martin’s journey into the world of charity work began after the tragic loss of his son, Charlie. Charlie Kosser, a bright and promising young man, lost his life due to the violence of knife crime. In the wake of this devastating event, Martin and his family could have chosen to retreat into grief, but instead, they channeled their sorrow into action. The result was the creation of Charlie’s Promise, a charity dedicated to raising awareness of the consequences of knife crime and providing young people with the tools to make better choices for their futures.

The mission of Charlie’s Promise is clear: through education, awareness, and community engagement, the charity aims to break the cycle of knife crime and create a safer UK. By empowering young people with the knowledge, skills, and support they need, the charity hopes to reduce violence and make a positive impact on society.

An Eye-Opening Presentation

Martin’s visit to our school was nothing short of impactful. His presentation was candid and heartfelt, offering a unique perspective on the issue of knife crime from a parent’s point of view. He spoke openly about his personal loss, the challenges he faced, and the emotional journey that led him to establish the charity.

His words resonated with many of us, as he stressed the importance of understanding the serious consequences of knife crime—not just for the victims, but for entire communities.

Engaging with Students

After the presentation, Martin held an open Q&A session, where students were able to ask him questions about his experiences and the work of Charlie’s Promise. The room was filled with thoughtful inquiries, as students were eager to learn more about how they could make a difference. Martin answered each question with patience and kindness, emphasizing that even small acts of awareness and kindness can help prevent violence and create safer spaces for everyone.

A Legacy of Change

Ultimately, Martin Kosser’s visit to our school was a powerful reminder that one person can indeed make a difference. Through Charlie’s Promise, Martin has not only honored the memory of his son Charlie but has also sparked a movement that aims to prevent further tragedy from affecting other families. His message was clear: knife crime can be prevented, and the change we need begins with each of us.

As a school, we are proud to stand with Martin and Charlie’s Promise, and we hope to continue supporting the charity’s mission of building a safer, more aware, and empowered future for young people across the UK. Our students were so moved by Martin’s courage that they voted unanimously to nominate it as recipient of the funds generated through our Lenten fundraising efforts. If you’d like to learn more or get involved with Charlie’s Promise, please visit their website or follow them via their social media platforms:

Insta. @charliespromisecharity Facebook. https://www.facebook.com Website. https://www.charliespromise.org/

By Mr Kelly

ICELAND GCSE GEOGRAPHY TRIP

During February half term, we had the privilege of going on the Year 11 Iceland trip for geography. This was an amazing experience where we got to visit many beautiful and wonderful places (waterfalls), and even got to witness the Northern Lights. The week was full of activities and visits, one of the most memorable perhaps being the glacier hike we did on our first full day. We had a guide who walked us along the lake where the glacier used to reach and then up onto the ice. It was surreal to climb a glacier, and certainly an adventure we’re not likely to forget- especially considering how we were all drenched and freezing by the end of it! Another memorable activity was our visit to Reykjavik, where we watched the only live lava show in the world. This was truly fascinating as molten lava (around 1100°C) was pumped into the room where our host showed us its structure. The lava in question is re-melted lava from a significant eruption in 1918, and we learnt that lava stays hot for up to a century, which we saw firsthand when

driving through lava fields that were still steaming from eruptions that took place months ago. Alongside visiting countless waterfalls, we also had a walk through the rift valley, which is around 40km wide, and is the site where the Eurasian Plate and the North American Plate are moving apart at a divergent boundary and new land is forming in between. Due to this activity over thousands of years, a new place is forming, which is the Icelandic Plate. The rift valley was beautiful with panoramic landscapes of mountains and volcanoes. This really was an incredible trip, and one that was filled with so many experiences that we will remember for a long time, many of which I don’t have the space to mention. I would highly recommend this trip to any Year 10 geographers who are fascinated by geography and want to see its influence first hand in such an incredible country!

By Tabitha Ezzard, Year 11

SPORTS CLUB ROUN D UP

Term 2 Sports Clubs

Swimming Gala

We are thrilled to announce that our swimming team, achieved an outstanding result at the recent inter-school swimming gala. Competing against ten schools, our talented swimmers showcased their dedication and skill,

securing 2nd place overall. This remarkable achievement reflects the hard work and team spirit of our athletes. Congratulations to everyone involved, and thank you for your support!

Year 7 Sportshall Athletics

A team of Year 7 boys and Year 7 girls battled it out with other local secondary schools in this year’s district Sportshall Athletics event. The afternoon consists of an array event such as indoor shotput, standing long jump, vertical jump and speed bounce alongside traditional running races over vary distances. All the students worked extremely hard and both achieved top 3 finishes, as the girls secured 3rd place and the boys took 1st in the boy’s competition. This result meant both boys and girls teams qualified for the regional finals to be held at Guildford Spectrum. The girls team came 9th in Surrey out of 10 schools and the boys team came 5th in Surrey out of 10 schools. What an achievement for both teams! Exciting times ahead with the athletics season starting in the summer term.

Year 7 Girls Netball

Fresh faced, and new to the netball the circuit, the year 7 girls and made a BIG impression on the teams in the district. They won the rest of their games this term, 9-0 against Hoe Valley and 23-0 against Winston to name a few. Those outstanding scores has put them through the County Netball finals which took place at Cranleigh school on Tuesday 1st April. Prior to this, the team travelled to Heathside school and took on the locals schools in surrey in the district tournament . The girls had the opportunity to play some new teams and play some old faces. The girls demonstrated teamwork and resilience throughout and dominated most of their games. They went on to take home a bronze medal! Huge congratulations to Fran, Uzo, Eliza, Amelia, Esme, Anabelle, Amelia, Summer, Elsie, Maddie, Alice and Olvia. Thank you to our Captain this year Anabelle and Vice Captains Eliza and Esme, you’ve been brilliant role models and have demonstrated excellent leadership qualities.

Our year 7B team were also lucky enough to take part in the own district tournament this year. I think it’s safe to say the girls absolutely loved every second of it. The girls learnt new tactics and skills throughout their matches, and were grateful to gain some competition experience against other schools. They won 2 games, lost 2 and drew 2 games, which meant they placed 4 and just missed out on a medal which was gutting. Nevertheless less, they showed excellent teamwork and integrity throughout, well done ladies!

Year 8 Girls Netball

What a term the Year 8 Netball team has had. They have shown fantastic group cohesion, communication skills and have worked hard on their attacking and defending skills. A special game to mention was winning against HVS 13-2, which highlighted all the progress we have made as a team, and we played our strongest game yet. One more competition to mention is the Woking District Netball Tournament. They managed to place in the top

3 in their playing pool, and secured 5th place overall out of 11 Schools. I cannot wait to see what’s to come in year 9, this team is only getting better and better! Well done Cerys, Niamh, Lucia, Eva, Florence, Mia, Sophia, Chloe and Valentina.

Year 9 Girls Netball

This team has been outstanding this term! They get better and better every game they play. They have almost won every game this term and were so close to winning against their biggest competitor Tomlinscote with a score of 9-7 at the Woking district tournament. Their incredible performance and scores this term secured them a place at the Surrey County Netball finals which took place at Cranleigh school on Monday the 31st of March. The Year 9s were in the aspire league, and played Broadwater, Three Rivers, George Abbott, St Bede’s, Farnham and Salesian. They drew against

and a trophy. Congratulations Sam, Annabelle, Olivia, Alicia, Letisha, Sofia, Milli and Ava.

Year 10 Girls Netball

The Year 10 girls’ netball team faced some challenging games in the league this season. Despite those results, the team showed up to the district netball tournament with resilience, determination and finished 3rd overall. Year 7 & 8 Girls Football

Year 11 Girls Netball

With the Year 11 netball tournament having been played before Christmas, this gave us the opportunity to play some friendly matches over at Salesian. The girls played against Salesian, Winston and Chertsey High, coming out with some wins. It was a lovely way to finish off their Year 11 netball journey, always bringing a smile to people’s faces and showing true sportsmanship when they’re on the court. Well done girls.

Farnham but won against every other School. This resulted in them winning overall and winning medals

Year 7 Girls Football

The Year 7 girls’ football team had a great second half of their season for SJB, demonstrating developed teamwork and determination on the pitch. They secured two impressive victories, starting with a dominant 9-1 win against Chertsey High, showcasing their attacking prowess and solid defense. This was followed by a 4-1 triumph over Woking High, further highlighting their consistency and tactical discipline. Their efforts earned them a 4th place finish in the district out of 10 schools. While we do not progress to the finals at Woking Football Club, their performances this season have laid a strong foundation for the future. With continued dedication and hard work, the team can come back even stronger next year and push for a place in the finals.

Year 8/9 Girls Football

The 8/9s have had a fantastic term! Winning their first league game of 2025 with an incredible score of 4-1 against Chertsey High. This set the tone for the rest of this term and this team did not disappoint. They worked on formation, communication and tactics as a team. They really formed as a team this year and were working great together. Not only did they have a triumph against Woking high securing a 6-0 win, but they also came 3rd in the Woking District Football tournament. I am proud of their progress, and I am excited to see the Year 9s next year playing alongside the Year 10s.

Year 7 Girls Basketball

The Year 7 basketball team showcased incredible determination, resilience, and fitness at the second district basketball tournament. Their unwavering spirit and hard work propelled them to the finals, where they narrowly missed out on first place. Despite the close outcome, the team demonstrated exceptional skill and stamina, playing their hearts out in every game. Their journey is a testament to their dedication and passion for the sport, making the entire school proud of their achievements. Congratulations to the Year 7 team for their outstanding performance Year 8 Girls Basketball. Well done Esme, Emily, Cheryl, Carley, Maria, Olivia, Anabelle, Laura and Fran!

Year 8 Girls Basketball

The Year 8 basketball team impressed everyone with their exceptional dribbling skills and ability to learn and apply new techniques during the district tournament. Their hard work and dedication paid off as they showcased their improved abilities in each match. The team’s commitment to honing their dribbling and integrating new skills into their gameplay was evident, leading to some thrilling performances. Their sportsmanship and teamwork were also commendable, earning them a respectable 5th place in the district. Congratulations to the Year 8 team for their fantastic effort and growth!

Year 9 Girls Basketball

The Year 9 basketball team demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship and shooting prowess at the district tournament, securing victories in 3 out of their 4 matches. Their impressive shooting abilities, especially from star players Sofia, Milli, and Ava, were key to their success. The team’s commitment to fair play and their supportive attitude towards each other were truly commendable. Finishing in second place overall, they have made the school proud with their exceptional performance and exemplary sportsmanship. Congratulations to the Year 9 team for their fantastic achievement!

Year 10 Girls Basketball

Our Year 10 basketball team has had an incredible season, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and determination. Their hard work paid off as they competed fiercely in every match, showcasing their skills and sportsmanship. The team’s dedication and passion for the game have been truly inspiring. Their second round of district tournaments they came third. Congratulations to all the players for their outstanding performance and commitment!

Year 10 Girls Basketball

We had some really experienced girls with us and some new faces including Caitlin who played well all tournament and made some fantastic shots. They were playing against 4 other schools. Collingwood B team were the first school they faced, who turned up extremely late and left us standing and waiting on court. As they entered the sportshall quite flustered the game commenced. SJB were prepared and ready and that’s what lead us to the win in that game. We later played Collingwood A and BDB who we drew and won against respectively. Our only defeat of the day was against Woking High, who the girls have played many times and know they are a tough opposition. The girls finished the tournament in joint second place.

The girls basketball club also had a recent round of tournaments set up against Salesian school, they aim was to give every single girl who attended basketball club the opportunity to get some game experience and it was a huge success!

Boys Football

Year 7 Boys Football

The Year 7 football team has made an excellent start to the year, showing fantastic teamwork, determination, and skill on the pitch. From their very first game, the team has demonstrated a strong work ethic and a real passion for the game.

So far, they have put in some impressive performances, securing victories against Hoe Valley and Winston Churchill. They also put in a battling display against Woking High but narrowly missed out on a win in a closely contested match. Despite the result, the team showed resilience and sportsmanship, proving they are a force to be reckoned with this season.

The commitment to football across Year 7 has been fantastic, with over 40 boys regularly attending training

sessions. Their enthusiasm and dedication to improving their skills have been outstanding, creating a strong squad full of potential for the future. With a district semifinal in the pipeline, we are excited to see how the team continues to develop throughout the season. Well done, Year 7 – keep up the great work.

Year 8 Boys Football

The Year 8 boys football team have shown real progress this year by winning their group stages in the district league format through beating Hoe Valley, Winston and Woking High along the way. Having lost to Winston last year and beating them this year has shown some of the progress this talented team has made. Having won the league it meant we progressed into the semi finals of the District League, playing against second place on the other side of the draw who were Salesians. After a slow start and finding ourselves 2-0 down the team finally found its rhythm and got ourselves back into the game at 2-2. With more pressure piling on the Salesian goal and a few good chances to score, it was unfortunate that Salesian went down the other end and scored a breakaway goal that made it 3-2. After more sustained pressure we hit the bar and had another couple of good chances to win but it obviously wasn’t meant to be. It has been excellent having so many boys out to training each week so hopefully the numbers will continue into next season as we make it our mission to win the District competition with this talented team.

Year 9 Boys Football

Year 9 boys Football continues to be a hugely popular club, with great numbers in attendance week after week. The boys had two fixtures this term as they looked to go one better than last year and qualify for the semifinals of the district competition. Unfortunately, this year it was not to be again, as the boys lost to an in-form Woking High side 6-1, followed by an incredible 5-4 loss to Winston Churchill. Although the boys feel an overwhelming sense of disappointment, their progress this year and ability to win in the future should not be underestimated. I am excited to continue to work with the team as we look to grow and develop to challenge for the district league in Year 10.

Year 10 Boys Football

The Year 10 boys’ football team had a challenging but spirited term, showing resilience and determination despite some tough results. They started with an exciting 3-3 draw against Woking High, with some great attacking passages of play creating multiple opportunities, the boys felt hard done by to come off the pitch not having won. Following that result, the team faced a tough 5-0 defeat against Winston Churchill, where they struggled to find their rhythm against a well-organised opposition. Their final match against Hoe Valley saw another hard-fought battle, but despite their best efforts, they fell short with a 5-2 loss. Throughout the term, the boys demonstrated great teamwork, perseverance, and a positive attitude, and they’ll be eager to come back stronger next year.

Year 11 Boys Football

The Year 11 football team has had an outstanding season, maintaining an undefeated record throughout their matches. Their success began with a remarkable tour to Holland, where they won every game they played, showcasing their talent and teamwork on an international stage.

Back home, the team continued their winning streak in the district competition. They triumphed over both Woking High and Winston Churchill, further cementing their reputation as one of the top teams in the area.

Looking ahead, the boys are preparing for a district semifinal match against Heathside, which could see them reach their third consecutive district final—a remarkable achievement that speaks to their character and skill levels.

Year 7 Boys Basketball

It has been a fantastic term for the Year 7 boys Basketball team as they have had two district tournaments to build on their success in November. Both tournaments took place at SJB, as 2 teams competed again to represent the School. It has been brilliant to watch the boys progress and develop this year from Basketball novices, to a real team. Both teams competed hard, and in both tournaments the A team finished 3rd, whereas the B team progressed from an 8th placed finish to a 4th placed finish in the final tournament. This was a fantastic result and truly showed the progress the boys have made this year, as the A team finished 3rd overall in the district, and the B team finished 5th overall. I look forward to continuing the boys’ basketball journey as they look to better their results in the Year 8 tournaments next year.

Year 8 Boys Basketball

Our Year 8 boys’ basketball teams have had an incredible season, showcasing skill, determination, and teamwork at every opportunity. They dominated the district

tournaments, winning every single one they attended— an outstanding achievement!

Their success doesn’t stop there. The team has now progressed to the knockout stages of the Junior NBA, where they are determined to defend their title from last year. Their hard work and dedication have been evident, especially through their commitment to early morning training sessions. This year, it has also been fantastic to see so many players getting involved and making valuable contributions to the team’s success.

We are incredibly proud of their efforts so far and can’t wait to see how they perform in the next stage of the competition. Well done, boys!

Year 9 Boys Basketball

The Year 9 boys Basketball team has had a very busy term, playing four fixtures in the local district league. This year, the boys were placed into Pool A, alongside Collingwood, Hoe Valley and Winston Churchill. This is the first time the year 9 students experienced a complete four quarter game of basketball for SJB, having played in district tournaments in Years 7 and 8. The first game against Collingwood saw the boys win 48-28, with plenty of excellent, fast-paced basketball. The following week a closer fixture against Hoe Valley concluded in a nail-biting final quarter, but the boys held their nerve running out 62-57 winners. The final group game was against Winston Churchill, and another extremely close encounter finished with Winston taking the win by an even closer margin of 58-62. The boys qualified for the semifinals and faced a tough test traveling to Woking High. Unfortunately, this was where the season came to it’s conclusion, as a

Boys Basketball

very strong Woking High team took home the win and progressed to the finals.

I am super proud of their energy levels and progress this year and look forward to seeing them play more basketball in Year 10.

Year 10 Boys Basketball

The year 10 basketball team have had a successful season to date in the new format for this year with two tournament rounds to decide the top four teams who make it to the semi-finals. With good numbers attending club on a Thursday morning we were fortunate enough to be able to enter two teams into the competition. Round 1 saw 8 teams enter with the B-Team finishing 7th overall playing good basketball but just not scoring enough baskets to win the games. The A-Team smashed the group stages and semi-final playing impressive basketball but ran out of steam in the final against Woking High.

A similar pattern to round 2 with the B-team finishing 7th again and still playing good basketball but just not scoring enough baskets to win matches. However, the A-team played Woking High A i the final again but only losing to them narrowly.

The A-team finished second overall from the tournament rounds and qualified for the semi finals being drawn against Salesian in now a full court four quarters game. A tight game that ebbed and flowed but we got the win in the end 33-28 meaning a place in the final against Woking High or Winston, so we await news of our opponents after Easter.

Year 11 Boys Basketball

Another basketball team who has shown incredible dedication to training before school or even just through

a regular shoot around at lunch time in the sports hall. A lot of the boys in this squad have really shown their integrity as SJB students by not only playing basketball regularly but also helping at the year 7 & 8 basketball tournaments by coaching or officiating matches which is fantastic.

In terms of the season the team has played some fantastic basketball playing three matches which we narrowly lost by no more than 6 points so all incredibly close games. After getting a WO win against Woking High we are into the semi finals of the district with the chance to play against Winston again who we narrowly lost to earlier in the season, so here is a chance for us to put that right and finish the season on a high and show some of this hard work has paid off.

HOLLAND FOOTBALL TOUR 2025

During the February half term, our Year 9, 10, and 11 football teams travelled to Holland for an unforgettable tour. They trained at FC Utrecht’s academy, faced tough local opposition, and enjoyed some exciting cultural activities.

Each day, the boys trained with academy coaches at FC

Utrecht, refining their skills and learning new techniques. They also competed against local teams from FC Houten and FC Driebergen, gaining valuable experience from the tough competition.

Off the pitch, the boys had a blast bowling, taking a pancake cruise through Amsterdam, and touring the impressive FC Utrecht facilities. These activities provided a perfect balance to the football and helped build team spirit. The tour was also a fantastic opportunity for the boys to embrace a new culture, making lasting memories and expanding their horizons. We cannot wait to run this trip again!

By Mr Black

POLITICS A LEVEL TRIP HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT

On 27th January our Yr 12 Politics students went on a day out in London, visiting the Houses of Parliament and the Supreme Court. The day began with a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament, where students were able to enter the Commons Chamber, stand on the steps in Westminster Hall, and even see some MPs conducting interviews and preparing for PMQs as well as an original copy of the Magna Carta, the foundation of the UK Constitution. This was followed by a workshop where the students were able to have a go at creating their own political party and engage in their own hustings. They were then extremely lucky to have the opportunity to quiz the MP for Woking, Mr Will Forster, on his current role and plans. The students were extremely eloquent and posed some particularly

thought-provoking questions. After battling through the many protest groups in Parliament Square to everybody’s great excitement, the afternoon was spent visiting the Supreme Court where students had the opportunity to step inside a court room and see where important judicial decisions were made. This was a great opportunity for everybody to see what Politics looks like in practice and led to some great discussions about how they plan to increase their own participation in the future.

By Miss Clay

TWHAT'S MY LINE

his term, Year 9 students participated in an exciting and engaging game called “What’s My Line?”. Each group of students took turns asking yes-or-no questions to determine the job of a speaker, with the goal of guessing the line of work the speaker was in. By asking questions one at a time, students worked collaboratively within their groups to figure out the mystery job. With 11 different speakers sharing their experiences, students had the chance to learn about a wide range of careers, from scientific research to media and beyond.

The game not only tested the students’ critical thinking skills but also gave them valuable insights into the qualifications and skills needed for various professions. After the guessing game, each speaker provided a brief summary of their career, including the GCSEs and qualifications that helped them get where they are today, as well as what they enjoy most about their job. This gave the Year 9s an idea of the choices to make as they prepare for their own GCSEs and future career paths.

A big thank you goes to our guest speakers, whose time and contributions made the game a success! The

students were fantastic in their participation, asking thoughtful questions and working together as a team. It was a fantastic learning experience and an excellent way to help Year 9s consider their future career options. A special shout out to the group winners of each room and the overall winners with the most points.

‘During the game of ‘What’s My Line’, I learnt a lot about different career choices and job decisions. For example, I learnt many things about careers based on social media, manufacturing, IT and many other areas of work. I enjoyed learning about how people’s days vary and how different subjects and skills can get you really far. I learnt that you don’t always need qualifications to do the career you want to do and you can do it with other things like apprenticeships. This actually really helped me to understand and choose what path I’d like to go down and what kind of things I would like to study at GCSE and A-Level.’

By Sofia Mallia, Year 9