STUFF
Dear Everyone,
Dear Parents & Guardians,
Welcome to our nal newsletter for the year. Perhaps it is a sign of age, but to me, the academic year passes quicker and quicker with each passing year. Here we are as we begin another summer holiday.
The end of term is always lled with happiness and joy as many travel home and abroad, searching for some sun! However, the end of term is always tinged with a bit of sadness as we say goodbye to all Year 13 students who enter the adult world of jobs, apprenticeships, or further studies at university. We also say goodbye to several sta members, some of whom have had many years of Service.
Mrs Ambridge is going to RGS in Guildford, Mr Baidya and Miss Cantwell both are leaving to teach in central London, Mrs Green is joining All Hallows in Farnham, Miss Hort has been promoted to Director of Maths at Guildford County, Mr Newman (English) has been promoted to Assistant Headteacher at Blenheim High in Esher, Miss Phillips has also been promoted to Assistant Headteacher in Marlow, Mr Newman (PE) is taking up a full-time wellbeing role in Xavier CET, Miss MacMillan is joining St John’s independent school in Leatherhead, Mrs Fairclough is joining Epsom & Ewell School as their professional tutor, Mr Kenrick and Mr Thomas are both relocating to Hampshire and London respectively, Mr Evans has been promoted to Deputy Headteacher at St Peter’s in Guildford and nally our long serving caretaker, Mr Lucas, retires after 38 years at SJB.
We wish all those leaving every success for future endeavours wherever they go, and we thank them for their commitment to all of the students and sta in the SJB community.
Since writing, we have welcomed a few more SJB babies
into the community. Mrs McLaughlin welcomed baby Cillian in May, and Mr Evans welcomed baby Marley in June. We will have more SJB baby news to tell you about in December!
This summer, our Diocese celebrates 50 years of pilgrimage to Lourdes, and we have lots of students volunteering to take the pilgrimage to help the sick pilgrims. One of our school values is Service, and it is lovely to see so many students embodying this value in the Service of others. Myself, Mr Newman, Miss Sears, Mr Walker, Mr Ali and Mr Young will also be meeting them there, after cycling from SJB. We depart this Saturday at around 12.30 pm, so anyone who would like to come and see us at the start line is more than welcome. Anyone holidaying in the Chateaubriant, La Roche-sur-Yon, Saintes, Bordeaux, Mont-de-Marsan and Tarbes area, feel free to contact me, and I can let you know of our route to say hello on the way. We will keep you all updated via the social media pages, and the Just Giving link will be there for anyone wanting to contribute.
Parents, please ensure your son or daughter is correctly dressed in school uniform when we return, especially in girl’s skirts; this makes our rst interactions with the students in September far more positive. If your child is not correctly dressed, we will be turning them away at the school gates, so please ensure they are. Further information on all school uniform requirements is on the school website.
Good luck to all our Year 11 and 13 students awaiting their exam results. We know you have worked incredibly hard throughout the exam period, and we look forward to seeing you on results days.
With such a busy year and term, with numerous events, from Sports Day to our rst Summer Drama show, the end of term is de nitely needed for many students (and sta ). We wish you all a very restful and enjoyable summer holiday, and we look forward to welcoming your children back in September.
Thank you for your continued support; it makes jobs so much easier.
God bless.
James Granville Hamshar Headteacher
YEAR GROUP ROUN D UP
YEAR 8 YEAR 7
And just like that, it is the end of the academic year!
As I prepare for our nal ‘Year Group Assembly’, I’ve re ected back on memories and photographs I’ve collected over the last 12 months.
In September, 246 pupils arrived proudly wearing their SJB uniforms. They were excited to meet and chat with peers old and new, to learn new skills and subjects; determined to grab all the opportunities that SJB o ers. Worries about making new friends and getting lost were soon diminished and this wonderful cohort soon made an indelible mark on our community that remains outstandingly positive.
Year 7 continue to be the year group renowned for fantastic manners, smart uniform, kindness and a ‘can do’ attitude. Their sporting achievements have been o the charts and the PE department are thrilled!
The race to collect house points has never been so competitive and I look forward to handing the coveted SuperForm Trophy to the successful Form class at the end of this nal week.
Extra curricular trips this term to Hampton Court, Wintershall, Guildford and The Lion King in the West End, only enhanced their learning and sense of belonging. Our own musical concerts were a joy to watch, as the year group came together for a brilliant after school performance. As if their singing talents weren’t enough, the dance moves they produced at the Year 7 Silent Disco were certainly ‘entertaining!’
At the July Parents’ Information Evening last year, I promised to love your children and they have made it easy. They have made me laugh often and proud every day. Letting them go will be incredibly hard but I know that Miss Turner and Mr Birch will continue their journey with care and compassion as they continue to bloom into young adults.
Thank you, Year 7, for an absolutely fabulous year and to parents for your trust and unwavering support.
This Summer may God keep you all safe in your adventures and bring you peace in your relaxation.
By Mrs Alder
The summer term brings the end of our academic school year and the end to a year of growth and development for Year 8. It has been a pleasure to work with this year group and watch them continue to contribute so widely to our school community. At the time of writing this article, just under 80,000 House Points have been awarded to Year 8 students throughout the academic year. The hard work, commitment and resilience the year group have shown to their studies this year has been outstanding, and qualities which will be so important as they continue on their journey at SJB.
This term Year 8 have had two very di erent, but both extremely valuable visitors come to speak to them and work with them. Earlier in June the Rainforest Roadshow returned to SJB, where Jonathan came in to show the students his array of exotic animals, from praying mantis’ and tarantulas to snakes, students were given the opportunity to touch, hold and ask questions about the wonderful creatures on show.
A couple of weeks later the a wonderful team from Humanutopia visited Year 8 to deliver 3 sessions which gave the students an opportunity to re ect on experiences which have shaped their past, where they are at now and the aspirations they have for the future. The sessions were powerful and moving and gave the year group plenty to ponder and plan for their future. The team from Humanutopia were keen to comment on how wonderful the students were, how respectful they had behaved and acted and how much they enjoyed working with our students.
Year 8, it has been a pleasure to serve as your Head of Year this year. I have no doubt you continue to do great things at SJB in the very capable and reliable hands of Mr Ali. Parents, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support throughout the year. I hope you all have a wonderful summer holidays, and safe travels for those getting away this summer.
By Mr Hacker
YEAR 9
It is with a very heavy heart that I nish the school year saying good bye to my precious Year 9s! How far they have come since their rst few days at SJB*. Growing in both skills, resilience and con dence. I am certain that Mr Hacker will be delighted with how they start Year 10; we have been working hard in form times to prepare ourselves for Key Stage Four. On work day Wednesdays we have been talking about expectations moving forward, how to manage our homework and how to communicate with sta e ectively when we need to help. Despite the anticipation of their option choices, the students have continued to be diligent across their subjects. We have enjoyed especially enjoyed English where the students have started to explore ‘Romeo and Juliet’ as a GCSE text. This hard work has been evidence in both our exceptional nal monitoring and our nomination awards; ten students reaching over 500 nomination points! A special mention to our top nominated students of the year: Giselle S, Sara M, Rosie B, Jonathan D and Maya M!
Outside of the classroom we have been great role models to
other students; a huge well done to the following students who won our Year 9 Value awards in the celebration assembly last week:
Chelsea A. - RESPECT - For always standing up for what is right, respecting both her friends and the wider community.
Marco H- ASPIRATIONS - Won the Sparx Maths award and rivalled the Year 10 students in the Maths Challenge.
Simon F- INTEGRITY - Always does the right thing even when no teacher is watching, a kind friend and gives honest feedback on the football pitch!
Evalyn W- LOVE - Is always a positive force at SJB, and a consistently kind and fair friend. She is always dedicated to things she loves both inside and outside the classroom.
Freddy O- SERVICE - For continued commitment in helping out with the Drama tech and volunteering to help your friends at SJB Day.
Finally, a word of advice Year 9 as we all move forward next year to face new challenges, please remember to continue to strive for progress (not perfection) so that you can take small manageable steps towards the best possible outcomes at the end of Year 11. You will have a fantastic pastoral team ready to support you every step of the way, so reach out to your tutors if you ever doubt yourself. And
nally, thank you to everyone at home for your ongoing support throughout a busy year! Have a great summer, please return to us well rested in September!
By Mrs Bates
*p.s. Year 9 I thought you would appreciate photo evidence and a ashback.
You will be please to know your Year 10 photos will happen in the rst two weeks back!
By Mrs Bates
YEAR10
As we approach the end of another successful year at SJB, it’s a pleasure to re ect on the remarkable journey of our Year 10 students. This term has been lled with enriching experiences, personal growth, and outstanding achievements, setting a strong foundation for the pivotal year ahead. Our Year 10 students have enjoyed various trips this term,
each providing unique learning opportunities outside the classroom. One of the highlights of this term was our Re ection Day, a time set aside for students to contemplate their personal and spiritual growth, with some rapping thrown in. It was a fantastic day helping students to align their values with their actions and to support each other in their personal development.
The term also saw our Year 10 students undertaking their Year 10 exams, a critical step in their academic journey. Their dedication to their studies and their performance in these assessments have been commendable, showcasing their hard work and commitment to excellence.
As we wrap up this term, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the Year 10 students for their hard work, resilience, and enthusiasm. Your e orts have made this year truly special. To the parents, thank you for your unwavering support and encouragement.
Let’s take this time over the summer to rest and recharge, ready to return with renewed vigour for the challenges and opportunities that Year 11 will bring. I am con dent that with the foundation we’ve built this year, our Year 10 students will continue to excel and make us proud.
By Mr Young
Iam lled with immense pride and admiration as we bid farewell to our remarkable cohort of Year 11 students. This nal term has been a testament to their hard work, resilience, and unity as they concluded their main school journey.
A busy May and June indeed for the Year 11 as they set about completing their GCSE exams, and I am more than con dent that they will have performed brilliantly. Their dedication and commitment to their studies have truly paid o , and their results will be a re ection of the countless hours of revision and e ort they have invested. The success of our students is a collective achievement, and I am grateful to the sta and parents who have supported them every step of the way.
To celebrate their achievements, we organized the ‘SJB Colour Run,’ a vibrant and joyous event that brought together students and sta in a whirlwind of colour and laughter. It was a tting celebration of their hard work, allowing everyone to let loose and create lasting memories. Myself, Mr. Evans and Mr. GH however, feel like we were unfairly targeted and bared the brunt of the ‘celebrations’ as it were.
Most recently, we held the Year 11 Prom, an event that was incredibly well attended and enjoyed by all. The prom was a night of elegance, laughter, and celebration, where our students arrived in their nest attire, not to mention some of the extravagant and outlandish means of transport... We even had a wheelbarrow this year! It was heartwarming to see the camaraderie and friendships that have blossomed over the years, and the night was a perfect culmination of their time at SJB.
As we re ect on this nal term, I cannot help but feel proud of every single student. Their journey through Year 11 has been marked by perseverance, growth, and countless achievements. Whether they are moving on to our Sixth Form or embarking on new ventures elsewhere, I am con dent that they are equipped with the skills and values to succeed in whatever they choose to pursue.
I would also like to extend my thoughts and prayers to those students currently in Ecuador for the ‘World Challenge.’ This adventure is a unique opportunity for personal growth and global awareness, and I wish them safety and ful llment in their journey. May they return with new perspectives and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
To our Year 11 students, thank you for the memories and the legacy you leave behind. You have made us all
incredibly proud, and we wish you the very best in your future endeavors. Remember, you will always be a part SJB, and we look forward to seeing the amazing things you will accomplish.
With heartfelt congratulations and best wishes,
By Mr Ali
YEAR12 YEAR11
As we bring the nal term of Year 12 to a close, we re ect on a productive term, lled with remarkable achievements and heartwarming community spirit. Our students have showcased their talents, community spirit, and leadership in various events and initiatives, making us immensely proud.
One of the standout moments of this term was the inspiring assembly on SJB’s trip to Lourdes. Our Year 12 volunteers will be able to demonstrate huge amounts of dedication and empathy, traveling to support those in need.
Culture Day was another highlight, where Year 12s spoke brilliantly during assembly about their cultural experiences. Their insightful presentations and enthusiastic participation made the day a celebration of diversity and unity. We are grateful to all students for sharing their stories and enriching our understanding of di erent cultures.
Thank you to the Year 12 volunteers who played a crucial role in the Year 6 into Year 7 transition day. Their support and guidance helped ease the nerves of our incoming students, creating a welcoming and friendly environment for them to settle into.
We would also like to thank the volunteers who assisted during the Year 10 careers morning. Their e orts in accompanying professions, some of which are SJB alumni, provided invaluable insights to the Year 10s as they explored potential career paths.
The Next Steps programme has been immensely bene cial, thanks to the contributions of ex-students and university visitors. Year 12s gained valuable advice for their personal statements and honed their interview skills in a session held by Platform7teen. These experiences have equipped them with the tools to go into interviews with a greater understanding of how to make the best rst impression they can.
SJB Day was a resounding success, with the Sixth Form student leadership team taking charge of the BBQ and all Year 12s pitching in to sell doughnuts or strawberries and cream. Their enthusiasm and teamwork added to the joy and spirit of the day, creating wonderful memories for everyone involved. The money raised on the day will help all the Lourdes volunteers.
As we conclude this term, we hope all Year 12 students enjoyed their Sixth Form dinner dance, a well-deserved celebration of their hard work and achievements. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and especially thankful for their volunteer e orts, which embody the community spirit we cherish in our Sixth Form.
With the summer ahead, we encourage our Year 12s to review their work and ensure they are Year 13 ready. This preparation will be crucial as they gear up for their two days of mocks in early October.
Thank you, Year 12, for a fantastic term. We look forward to seeing all you will achieve in the coming year!
By Mr Lenton
YEAR13
Year 13 have now o cially nished their time at SJB, and we hope they have enjoyed the early start to their summer holiday. It was so lovely to see so many of them at our Sixth Form Dinner Dance a few weeks ago, and it proved to be a great send o for a great year group.
I would like to take this last opportunity to say how proud I am of they way they conducted themselves during the exam period, and that I am looking forward to celebrating with them on results day. On behalf of the sixth form team and all their tutors, we would like to wish all our Year 13s the very best of luck as they take up their places at university, begin apprenticeships, enter the world of work, and/or embark on exciting travels.
By Mr Newman
DAY SJB 2024 ®
On Friday 28th June the whole school celebrated the Feast of our school Patron with our annual SJB Day (a day in which we raise funds to support the sta and students from SJB that will attending the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes). As with all important events in our spiritual calendar we started the day in prayer, with a liturgy commemorating the life of St John the Baptist and were reminded of his values of truth, courage, integrity, and service, and the importance of them living on in our school community today. We also heard from our students and sta , who will be serving as helpers in Lourdes, about the signi cance of what they do to support the sick and disabled pilgrims whilst they are there and why Lourdes is such an important trip to them personally. Next, Mr Granville-Hamshar and Mr Kelly kicked of the festivities of the day with the long-awaited return of the in atable costumes…with
a slight twist this year. Watching a Sumo wrestler take on a unicorn was de nitely a sight not to be missed! A beautifully chaotic hour of fundraising ensued, and our school playground was transformed into a festival of food, rides, and homemade fairground attractions, not forgetting the ever-popular soak the teacher stall. Seeing the e orts that the sta and students had gone to in order to make the day so special really shows just what a caring and generous community we have here at SJB. Thanks to them all, and the support from our neighbours and families, we raised nearly £6,000 to help support our sta and students going to Lourdes. Not bad for an hour’s work! Well done everyone, we can’t wait for next years celebrations.
By Mrs Hodgson
humanu opia
Empowering young people to make positive change
In June 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, lled with singing, dancing, re ection, hard work and positive changes.
In the rst session the pupils stayed in their ‘comfort zones’, re ecting 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 re ection, 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 rst session, showing love and respect to their peers who chose to re ect 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 di erent as long as people behaved di erently. 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 re ection 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
Transition Trip GUILDFORD YEAR 7
On Wednesday 10th July, the Transition Groups went on a trip to Guildford as a reward for the hard work we have put in this year. Having spent the last few weeks planning everything we needed for the trip, we were ready to go!
We started the day by meeting in the hub and then we walked down to the train station. On the way, we had a bet as to which way was quicker (in the end we decided to go the longer way as Mr Rowan reckoned it was
actually faster). When we got to the train station, we got to learn how to use the train machine to get our tickets and then set o to the platform. After we had waited for 10 minutes, there was an announcement that the train was going to arrive on the other side of the train station... we had to run!
When we arrived in Guildford, we walked to the high street and we split up into small groups to go on a scavenger hunt for famous Guildford landmarks like: the clocktower,
the Alice through the Looking Glass statue,Tunsgate and Guildford castle.
After we’d completed the scavenger hunt, we went o to get our lunch from di erent places around Guildford (we chose M&S) and then walked across to do some bowling at Guildford Spectrum. Bowling was a lot of fun but Mr Rowan and Miss Turner didn’t want to join because they knew that they were really bad at bowling. After that, we went to Stoke Park where we ate our lunch on the grass while some of us played football and some of us wanted to go in the paddling pool (but couldn’t).
Finally, we walked back to Guildford train station where we had a chance to reload our sweet supplies from M&S but there was sadly only one cash machine so it took about ve minutes getting everyone out. This meant that Miss Turner and ve other people almost missed the train back but they just got in on time because the train was delayed. When we got back to Woking, we walked back the ‘long’ way again but got to stop and spend some time in the play park which was so fun.
Although we were a little tired from so much walking, we had such a fun trip and made many memories!
By Mr Rowen
SPORTS DAY 2024
On the 16th July one of the biggest events of the year at SJB took place, Sports Day 2024. When the races started everyone was cheering for their House in excitement to nd out who would come out on top. Would it be red, green, yellow or blue house?!
Competition was tight on Year 9 Boys High Jump, with Luca in yellow house battling with Alessio from blue house. Meanwhile, over on Year 10 Girls Javelin, Katharine in red house broke the school record with an impressive 26.40 metres, the old record was 21.19 metres. Massimo Blanco Montes in Year 7 broke the 800m with 2.27 seconds. Daniel Adjovi in Year 10 broke the 100m record with 11.05 seconds.
Some quote highlights of the day were:
“It was tough but you just need to pace yourself and power on through.” Dylan Brooks on 1500m
“What a race that was, but Maks was just too fast for me to catch, bring on next year.”Baxter White on 100m
A personal favourite quote of the day came from Mr Ali who said “I don’t want to big this up too much, but this might be the best day of my life.”
A special mention goes to the SJB Sparks cheerleaders who performed a routine out of this world. The crowd absolutely loved it.
Congratulations to the red house for winning Sports Day with 1281 points. A great day was had by all.
By Sean Miglio 7LHN
Music Events
On Wednesday 12th June, musicians in Years 7 to 9 participated in a singing workshop for secondary school choirs hosted by the Lambeth Music Service at Southbank Centre.
“The Southbank Centre workshop was an educational journey of music. It helped us improve our singing skills and taught us more songs like ‘Blackbird’. It also taught us a lot about diversity.”
“We enjoyed singing with other schools and creating music together. The performance at the end of the day to the members of the public was amazing!”
On Wednesday 26th June, musicians in Years 7 to 10 went to see the Lion King at Lyceum Theatre. They had a wonderful time listening to professional musicians play at the West End!
“The Lion King was an engaging and colourful musical with a variety of musical styles. This gave us more
inspiration to sing and play the songs in orchestra and choir with more enthusiasm and excitement.”
On Monday 15th July, SJB musicians performed in our Music Summer Concert. There were a range of styles played, from Waitress the musical to Johann Strauss! Junior and senior bands, choirs and orchestras contributed as well as solo and duet performers. Well done to all involved.
“Choir was an enjoyable club that helped us improve our singing. We sang many songs, old and new! The music we sang unites us together and gives us a higher love for music.”
“I love being part of the concert making music with my friends. The summer concert was really good fun and the solos were very impressive.”
By Miss Cantwell
Year 10 French trip to rouen
In early July 2024, fourteen Year 10 GCSE French students went on the visit to Rouen in Normandy. Before the trip, I was quite nervous to see how the interactions would be in terms of speaking enough French, but as soon as it started, from the passport checks forward, I already found myself using my French!
For our French language school, I was really surprised at how nice and engaging our teacher was and it wasn’t scary at all. The whole programme was in French and the skills we learned from our lessons helped so much. Teachers both from SJB and the school were supportive and encouraging about speaking French the whole time. Each day brought lots of activities which made the trip really fun, and there was never a time we weren’t doing something. We visited Rouen and its Fine Arts Museum,
Hon eur, Monet’s Garden in Giverny, went bowling and then nished with shopping at Cité Europe in Calais. Free time and plans for the day allowed everyone to venture out in their groups and this was what I think made the French trip so memorable because of how much we could interact and nd interest in the French environment!
Overall, Rouen 2024 was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and my personal favourite was visiting Monet’s Garden in Giverny. I really recommend for any eager French learners to take interest and consider this because it truly was more than I expected.
Beatrice Gobaliza 10CTH
Life of Chirst Wintershall
It must have been 2 of the hottest days so far this summer when the RE department took the Year 7s over 2 days to Wintershall to see the ‘Life of Christ’ with our very own Mr Bergin as Jesus. Set in the beautiful grounds of the Wintershall estate we journeyed through the Gospel narrative from the Birth of Christ, right up to his Ascension and Great Commission. It was a lovely way to nish this year of RE with the Year 7s especially as they have been immersing themselves with the new RE curriculum. Most importantly though it was a way in which they could come to know Jesus more clearly and truly re ect on the humanity and divinity of Him lived out
during His life.
One highlight I am sure the Year 7s would agree with was with the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes and the multiplication of these loaves ending up in the audience to many hungry stomach’s!!! To make the Gospel known is the very core of why we exist here at SJB and hopefully this experience has made the Gospel even more known to the Year 7s.
By Mr Budzynski-Seymour
Jungle Road Show Jonathon’s
Early in the summer term, our Year 8 Geographers experienced a thrilling educational experience as Jonathan’s Jungle Roadshow visited our school. The visit came after students had delved into studying rainforest animals and their unique adaptations in class, making the hands-on experience particularly enriching.
Jonathan spent two days at SJB, presenting to two classes at a time in the main hall. The excitement was palpable
as he showcased a fascinating array of animals, including insects, arachnids and snakes. Among the highlights were baby tarantulas and scorpions, leaf insects, and a glow-inthe-dark scorpion that captivated everyone’s attention. However, the stars of the show were undoubtedly the royal python (which the vast majority of students eagerly chose to hold) and the crested gecko that was able to clean water from its eyeball with its own tongue!
For many students, this was their rst encounter with holding a snake. Despite its glistening, wet-look skin, they were surprised to nd that it felt dry to the touch. The experience sparked curiosity and conversation, with numerous students commenting on how unexpectedly pleasant and exciting it was.
The visit from Jonathan’s Jungle Roadshow left a lasting impression on our Year 8 students. They thoroughly enjoyed the sessions, and the buzz of excitement lingered for days. We are already looking forward to welcoming Jonathan back next year for another adventure into the wild wonders of the rainforest!
By Mr Jewell
A Level Fine Art, Graphic Communication, and Photography
EXHIBITION
On Monday, 17th June, the A Level Fine Art, Graphic Communication, and Photography exhibition was held in the Art department. The event was well attended by students, parents, and sta , both past and present.
The exhibition featured a wide range of exciting and personal work. It was clear that each piece re ected the students’ dedication and e ort over the past year. It was great to see students sharing their work with family and friends, proud of what they had achieved. The evening was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to appreciate the talent and hard work of our students.
Parents and visitors enjoyed exploring the exhibition and admiring the quality and diversity of the artwork. The positive feedback was a well-deserved reward for the students’ e orts. The success of this exhibition highlights the importance of the Creative Art subjects in our curriculum, giving students a platform to express themselves and develop their creative skills. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported
Temi Awojobi A Level Photography with his parents
the event. Your presence made the evening special and showed the value of celebrating our students’ achievements.
The evening also served as a mini reunion, it was lovely to see some familiar faces and support from past SJB teachers and ex-students Al e Butcher (who studied A Level Art at SJB) and Shannon Doherty (who studied A
Level Fine art, now our Art and Design Technician).
We look forward to next year’s exhibition, which will feature work from our largest cohort to date in both Art and Photography, displaying work from over 30 students.
By Mrs Setter eld
Mrs. Petri (ex-Head of Photography), Miss Cox (ex-teacher of Art), Mrs. Da Silva Rowe (ex-teacher of MFL), and Mrs. Edwards (ex-teacher of Art, DT, and PSHE).
Miss Doherty and Mr (ex-student)
OTHe Apprentice Review FINAL
n Friday 5th July, 12 students from SJB partcipated in a real-life version of The Appren;ce to bring our A-Level learning to life against Salesians, St Peters, and St Andrews. The topic of the day was ‘cosmetics’. We had to design a product based on this theme and put our entrepreneurial mindset on to apply our business knowledge. The project involved creating a brand within a few hours and presenting it to judges with extensive business backgrounds.
Our team, inspired by the need to address a gap in the market, created a brand named Dermalyse. Dermalyse specialises in products for medical skin condi;ons, with a paricular focus on eczema. The concept was to provide not just relief but also care through personalised consultations with dermatologists. AOer these consulta;ons, customers would be referred to our range of products tailored to their speci c needs.
One of the products we developed was called “Soothe Me,” speci cally designed for people su ering from eczema. “Soothe Me” aims to provide immediate relief and long-term bene ts using natural ingredients to soothe and heal irritated skin.
With just a few hours to bring our vision to life, our team worked hard to develop a strong brand, a thorough marketing strategy, and a detailed nancial plan as part of our pitch. We also had to lm a promotional video which we had a lot of fun making.
We presented Dermalyse with an engaging presentation, we outlined our brand’s aims, target market, product bene ts, and long-term goals. The panel of judges asked a series of questions. These questions challenged us to think on our feet (Seven de nitely did) and provided us a real-life insight into the intricacies of launching a new business.
Despite the pressure, we all had a lot of fun that day! We gained valuable insights into the process of crea;ng and pitching a business, but we also learned the importance of teamwork, management, and e ective communication. Participating in The Apprentice was a trip I will never forget. It provided a hands-on learning experience that extended learning beyond the classroom, o ering practical skills and knowledge that is crucial in the business industry. My personal favourite highlight was the journey on the way back home singing a rendition of ‘Unwritten’ and many other songs and stopping o at McDonalds after a day of hard work!
We are all extremely thankful for the opportunity to participate and we truly thank Mrs Phillips for taking us all and Mrs King for coming on her day o to support us.
By Pearl Alighieri 12MHR
The Dermalyse Team: (LeO to right) Isaac Whidde], Mia Parks, Alexa Adams, So a Simpson, Sienna De Souza, Pearl Alighieri, Seven Hill
From the Regime team’s perspective, the opportunity to compete in such an amazing environment alongside other great business minds from our fellow schools: St Paul’s, St Peter’s and Salesians was a day to remember.
Despite missing out on a rst place position this year, the experience was without a doubt - priceless.
The day truly commenced after the adrenaline rush that followed the announcement of the challenge category –cosmetics! Arguably, this was one of the categories our team was hoping for and our (quite loud) reaction clearly re ected this. After much brainstorming we nally came up with our product’s name and purpose. Regime was a skincare set aimed at 16–25-year-old males who frequented the gym and sports clubs. We especially wanted to focus on gym goers who do not always have time to fully shower and groom themselves before having to rush oR to events and meetings directly post-workout. After researching the cosmetics market, we found that the men’s demographic was projected higher growth than the women’s and, considering this, we decided to target the male side more than the women’s for this exact reason.
Some coRees, pastries and other grazing later, and it had reached the time to lm our now notorious TikTok advertisement as required by the challenge’s speci cation. As my teammates will likely agree, bringing this to life was one of the many highlights of the competition day and is available to watch by simply clicking the link: Regime TikTok Advert. The behind the scenes and process of
lming it made this 29 second masterpiece by Evie Neary something for all to remember. Many amusing memories were made from the spritzes of body spray in the eyes to the fake running from the camera that all helped our vision come to life. This highlight was followed by a close second of the McDonald’s to conclude the day.
Although we faced some stress nearing the presentation deadline, it was something we all enjoyed and learned from. This competition allowed us to develop our presentation skills, teamworking, leadership, innovation, thinking on our feet and resilience From the pressured submission of the presentation slides and rushed rehearsal at the very last minute we were all able to learn something every step of the way.
We especially want to thank the business department who supported us in school and in the competition itself – as well as for giving us the chance to exhibit our individual talents and skillsets Mrs Phillips, Mrs King and Mr Hodges were indispensable to our success regardless of where we placed, and we are eternally grateful for the encouragement and advice we received. Our main goal (aside from winning) was representing SJB to the best of our ability and making our teachers proud by putting their lessons into action.
By Keira Borlagdatan 12LS
The Regime Team (left to right) Ciaran Dore, Sam Leahy, Mikey Okon Keira Borlagdatan, Evie Neary, Mickey Pretorius
TikTok - Link
Anything but a Backpack Day
Earlier this term, students participated in a unique and inspiring event: “Anything But a Backpack Day.” The initiative encouraged students to bring their school supplies in anything but a traditional backpack, all in support of raising money and awareness for children worldwide who lack the resources to a ord school equipment or a bag to carry their belongings.
The day was a resounding success, lled with creativity, laughter, and a strong sense of community. Students went above and beyond, showcasing their inventive spirit with a diverse array of items. Tra c cones, hamster
cages, tool boxes, and pet carriers were just a few of the imaginative solutions that lled our hallways.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the announcement of the winner. After careful consideration, the prize went to a student who ingeniously used a car tire to transport his school supplies. His creative solution not only impressed his peers but also underscored the day’s message of thinking outside the box and showing empathy for those in need.
“Anything But a Backpack Day” was more than just a fun event; it was a powerful reminder of the challenges faced
by many children around the world. By participating, our students demonstrated their commitment to making a di erence and supporting those less fortunate.
We are incredibly proud of our students for their enthusiasm and ingenuity. Their participation not only made the day enjoyable but also helped raise vital funds and awareness for a meaningful cause. Thank you to everyone who took part and made this day a memorable success!
I cannot wait to see what the day brings in 2025!
By Mrs Kern
From Textiles to Stop Motion
DT Club’s Creative Journey: From Textiles to Stop Motion
This term, our DT Club embarked on an exciting creative journey, diving into the world of textiles and animation. Our talented members started by mastering basic stitching techniques to craft practical and stylish felt mobile pockets. Each pocket was design for their own mobile and was adorned with imaginative decorations that showcased the students’ creativity.
Not stopping there, some of our enthusiastic members took their skills a step further by designing and sewing felt puppets. These charming characters, brought to life with simple stitches, were a testament to the students’ dedication and growing con dence in their craft.
The grand nale of our term was when we combined our love for textiles and storytelling by using the puppets in a short stop motion animation. This project allowed students to explore the basics of stop motion, turning their handmade puppets into animated stars.
The DT Club has had a fantastic term, lled with learning, creativity, and a lot of fun. We’re incredibly proud of all the hard work and imagination our members have poured into their projects. We can’t wait to see where their creativity takes them next!
By Miss Muscat
At St. John the Baptist School, we recently had the pleasure of celebrating Culture Day, an event that brought our diverse community together in a vibrant and educational experience. The day was a resounding success, showcasing the rich tapestry of cultural backgrounds that make up our student body.
The celebration began with several students speaking passionately about their cultural heritages. Their heartfelt presentations highlighted the importance of diversity and the need to educate ourselves to foster greater tolerance and understanding of all cultures. These inspiring speeches set the tone for a day lled with learning and appreciation.
Following the presentations, students had the opportunity to share more about their cultures within their form groups. This interactive session allowed for deeper conversations and personal connections, as students exchanged stories, traditions, and customs. It was a wonderful way to foster mutual respect and curiosity among peers.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, many students came dressed in their traditional cultural attire, showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of their backgrounds. The colorful and varied clothing added a visual celebration
of diversity, creating a lively and inclusive environment throughout the school.
Throughout the week, we were also treated to an array of delicious cultural foods, thanks to Lucasz and his dedicated team. These culinary delights provided a taste of the world, allowing students and sta to experience and appreciate di erent cuisines. The food served as a delicious reminder of the diverse cultures that enrich our school community.
Culture Day at SJB School was more than just a celebration; it was an opportunity to learn, grow, and strengthen the bonds within our school. We are proud of our students for their enthusiastic participation and for their e orts in promoting a culture of inclusivity and respect. This event has reinforced the importance of embracing diversity and educating ourselves to become more tolerant and understanding of one another.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to making Culture Day a memorable and meaningful event. We look forward to continuing to celebrate our diverse community in the years to come
Mr Granville Hamshar
Year 12
On Monday, 17th June, under a bright and sunny sky, our school embarked on an educational and inspiring trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon, the birthplace of the legendary playwright William Shakespeare. The day was lled with enriching activities that brought Shakespeare’s world to life for the students.
Our adventure began with a guided walking tour of the picturesque town. As we strolled through the cobblestone streets, our knowledgeable guide shared fascinating anecdotes and historical facts about the town’s rich heritage. The students were captivated by the well-preserved Tudor architecture and the charming atmosphere that transported us back to the 16th century.
One of the highlights of the tour was visiting Shakespeare’s school, the King Edward VI School. Our guide explained the rigorous curriculum of the time and how it in uenced Shakespeare’s works, adding depth to our understanding of his genius.
After lunch, we toured Shakespeare’s birthplace, a quaint and beautifully restored house on Henley Street. Walking through the rooms where Shakespeare grew up, the students were able to see artifacts from his early life, including his family’s possessions and period furniture. The tour detailed explanations about Shakespeare’s family life, his early inspirations, and how his upbringing in Stratford-Upon-Avon shaped his future career.
The nal segment of our trip was a workshop seminar on one of Shakespeare’s most renowned tragedies, “Othello.”
Held in a historic hall, the seminar was conducted by a team of experienced actors and educators from the Royal Shakespeare Company. The students participated in discussions about the themes, characters, and language of the play, gaining a deeper appreciation for Shakespeare’s craft. The hands-on activities and engaging presentations made the complex text more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
By Miss Ru e
SPORTS CLUB ROUN D UP
Term 3 Sports Clubs
KS3 ATHLETICS
The students who have attended Athletics Club have shown dedication, hard work and team spirit. There have been over 50 KS3 students attending the club, and it has been fantastic to see their progress. We are incredibly proud of all their e orts and determination at the District
Athletics event. The team came away with plenty of podium positions, and certi cates. Big congratulations to the following students for coming top 3 in their event:
Amaya Geddes – 3rd Overall in 100m
Nettie Temple – 2nd Overall in 1500m
JP Franklin – 2nd Overall in Shot Put & Javelin
Oliver Axtell – 1st Overall in Shot Put
CRICKET
Year 7 Boys - Have played 4 matches so far this term against Hoe Valley, Woking High, BDB and Winston, winning three and narrowly losing just one to Woking High. We had a chance to redeem ourselves as we play ed them again on Thursday 11th July in the district nal but sadly it was not meant to be! The club has been well attended on a Tuesday after school with 31 boys signed up and looking forward to getting the sports hall back after it’s exam use so we can make the most of the bowling machine and nets facility to enhance the club experience.
Year 8 Boys - Have shared the club with the Year 7 Boys on a Tuesday and it has been great to see so many new faces regularly coming along to play and learn more about the game. We are hopeful we can get one or two smaller sided games booked in before the end of term to give these boys an experience of playing a competitive cricket game and the opportunity to represent SJB on the sports eld.
Year 7&8 Girls - It has been great to see so much commitment from the girls this term. They’ve worked hard to develop their bowling and batting skills and thoroughly enjoyed their match against Winston. It was a great opportunity to play some competitive cricket and see what the ability is like in the some of the Woking District. We hope to build on this next year and draw more girls into playing cricket.
ROUNDERS
We have over 40 students coming to Rounders Club every week, boy and girls, from Year 7 up to Year 10. And every year the rounders team astonish us. This year our 7, 8, 9 and 10 girls teams all quali ed for the District nals. Each year group won all their qualifying matches comfortably. The Year 8, 9 and 10 team recently came face to face with the other school district nalist (Sir William Perkins School) where sadly all three teams were defeated. Nevertheless they demonstrated excellent knowledge of the rules and teamwork and unwavering resilience throughout.
Cheerleading: Each year the SJB Sparks cheerleading team seems to be growing in numbers and in talent. Very excitingly, the squad have been able to compete in two cheerleading competitions, which is a rst for SJB. These girls are committed to cheer and will put in the extra hours of training to ensure their routines are awless. The rst event was held at St Andrews in Leatherhead. The girls got to see rsthand what level 3 stunts and tumbling look like and they were blown away. They came back inspired to work harder and try new, more challenging stunts. This included learning how to perform an extension. [See picture below]. Our second competition was hosted by Kings International School. We took our squad of 35 to perform, and as always they put out an outstanding performance. We competed against Chertsey High, Kings and Heathside. Julia H in Year 8 won the best tumbling award for her beautiful execution on her straight back somersault. Isobel N and her stunt group entered the longest liberty competition (stunting a yer standing on one leg for the longest) and they came rst! Overall the squad placed in a very respectable second place.
KS4 ATHLETICS
The team attended the KS4 Championships Athletics, which took place at Sportsbox. The students gave 100% in every event they took part in. We managed to place 4th in a few events, but unfortunately did not get any podium winners. However, the students should be proud of their performance and how they represented SJB community.
TENNIS
This year we have seen huge numbers at Year 7 & 8 tennis Club on a Thursday after school with over 60 names signed up. The annual district tennis tournament was held at Heathside during the week beginning 24th June with the Year 7 competition on Monday, Year 8 on Tuesday, Year 9 on Wednesday and Year 10 on Thursday. The format of the competition is a doubles tournament with four teams entered (two boys and two girls), this year we managed to get all the spaces in the teams lled with 4 boys and 4 girls competing in every year group which was a fantastic achievement. There was some superb tennis played during the week and hopefully this will inspire the teams to come back next year to build on the success.
Year 7
Girls
SJB A- 7th place
SJB B- Winners 1st place
Boys
SJB A- 6th place
SJB B- 9th place
Year 8
Girls
SJB A- 2nd place
SJB B- 5th place
Boys
SJB A- 2nd place
SJB B- 8th place
Year 9
Girls
SJB A- 4th place
SJB B- 6th place
Boys
SJB A- 7th place
SJB B- 11th place
Year 10
Girls
SJB A- Winners 1st place
SJB B- 4th place
Boys
SJB A- 4th place
SJB B- 7th place
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY CLUB
In Physical Activity Club, the students have been able to use the brand new reaction wall which has been hugely enjoyable and instrumental in keeping these young students active and boost their con dence. They have also had to opportunity to improve coordination and balance through the use of the air track and trampette in problem solving games. These students have been dedicated members and had loved coming every Tuesday to this successful and fun club.
JUNIOR NBA BASKETBALL
Our talented Year 7 boys continued their great form this season by winning the junior NBA at K2 in Crawley. The boys only lost one game in qualifying and recti ed that loss in their quarter nal against Holy Trinity with a lay-up scored on the buzzer to win the game. On nals day, the boys won both games in convincing fashion and earned their Junior NBA rings!
By Miss Jepersen
CarEers @SJB
On Friday 12th July 2024, SJB welcomed around thirty local employers and representatives of public services to school to deliver a series of short, highly engaging and interactive careers discussions as part of the annual Year 10 “A Day in the Life” Careers Morning.
Students had pre-chosen the sessions they wished to attend. They listened attentively to short talks about the range of di erent entry pathways, training options, vocational courses and degree apprenticeships available to them from employers in our communities.
A key trend and focus was on how to develop work experience opportunities and the importance of strengthening students’ resilience and organisation at school to be able to work e ectively in small and large companies. The future role of hybrid working patterns and development of AI technology in our learning and jobs were keenly discussed.
Many Year 10 students asked insightful questions about salary expectations and training developments in the modern world of work, with some highly imaginative and original questions posed to spark curiosity! As the Careers Morning closed, it was evident that many Year 10 students left energised with a spring in their step when thinking about their next training pathways and future professions. Some even thinking about professions they had never previously considered.
A reminder that parents and carers can also have their
own Unifrog account linked to their child. You can research careers, attend webinars delivered by employers and universities to learn more about their opportunities, and compare pathways so you can support your child in making an informed decision about their next steps. To request your parent access, please email: r.czepukojc@ sjb.surrey.sch.uk
As always, please do visit the updated Careers pages on our school website -https://w.sjb.school/personaldevelopment/careers/ - a wealth of information from Local Market Information to Apprenticeships and upcoming events is at your ngertips to help parents and students with making informed choices about next steps.
By Mr Czepukojc
PROMYear 11
On Wednesday 3rd July 2024, the Year 11 students gathered at SJB for an incredible evening celebrating the end of their secondary school journey. The highly anticipated event was a resounding success, lled with elegance, laughter, and memorable moments. The marquee was transformed into a sophisticated casino, adorned with decorations that set a glamorous tone for the evening. The students arrived in an array of impressive out ts, showcasing their unique styles – well done to Grace Leonard and Reuben Trundle who won best dressed! Students also ensured they made a grand entrance, ranging from a horse to a limo, and from a sportscar to a wheelbarrow! The atmosphere was buzzing as friends and classmates reunited, ready to enjoy their night.
The DJ was providing the backing track for the night from the start, playing a mix of popular hits and classic tunes –ensuring that everyone had a chance to show o their dance moves (notably Franoy Vaz, James Grenade and Mr Ali!). Luckily, Mr Petrie was on hand all night to capture the evening’s highlights on his camera, photographing the entrances, the dancing, the laughter and the joy. Link to video
and a casino – expertly ran – with specially printed money just for the night.
The Year 11 Prom was not just a celebration of the students’ past achievements, but also a sendo to new adventures and opportunities that lie ahead. The success of the night was testament to the hard work and dedication of the prom committee, sta and volunteers who ensured every detail was perfect. The e ort meant that the evening will be remembered fondly by all who attended.
As Year 11 students bid farewell to this chapter of their lives here at SJB, we look forward to welcoming some of them back in Sixth Form, and also look forward to seeing what adventures others embark on. Here’s to your bright futures Year 11, you have been such an incredible year group – we will miss you!
By Miss MacMillan
Congratulations to our Prom King and Queen – Nico Cuva and Kylie Cheyne, and to all the others who won awards on the night! A shoutout to 11HMA too, for winning the highly sought after Form Cup!
In addition to socialising and dancing, students enjoyed various activities and entertainment options, such as a photo booth with fun props, allowing them to capture special memories,
DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITION
The doors to the annual Design and Technology (DT) Exhibition opened on Tuesday 18th June, celebrating the exceptional practical work of our A Level and GCSE students. This was our rst exhibition, and it o ered an inspiring glimpse into the creativity, innovation, and hard work of our young designers, makers and engineers.
The DT workshop was transformed into our gallery, featuring a diverse range of projects that spanned
various disciplines within design and technology. From playful graphics and design, crafted storage pieces and sustainable product designs, the students’ work demonstrated not only their technical pro ciency but also their ability to address real-world problems with thoughtful, creative solutions.
Students at A Level, select their own problems to solve and create nal products to answer those problems. Projects included encouraging people to take up hobbies, a portable leg rest for a paraplegic with clonus, making boot cleaning fun for children, encouraging safe cooking knife skills for young people, helping people with special educational needs and storage in small living spaces. At GCSE’s students were given three themes from the exam board that they had to explore and create their own design problems to solve: securing personal possessions, climate change and playing games. It was exciting to see a variety of imaginative projects from storage units, board games and card games, encouraging biodiversity and sustainable products to textile bags and books and organising systems.
The DT Exhibition not only celebrated the hard work and talent of our students but also underscored the importance of design and technology education. As we look to the future, it’s clear that the skills and creativity nurtured in our DT department will continue to play a crucial role in shaping a better, more innovative world. Congratulations to all the students this year. Well done on all your achievements and we hope for the very best outcome in the summer results. I would also like to say a tremendous thank you to the DT teachers, Mrs Armstrong, Mr Mander and Ms Muscat for their dedication, knowledge and passion for the subject has truly helped the students to realise their nal products and make it happen. Thank you also to Mr Birch, who helped and supported on the exhibition night. Here’s to next year’s DT students and we look forward to seeing even more innovative projects in the years to come.
By Mrs Ray
HamptonPalaceCourt
Year 7 History Trip
For our Hampton Court trip, we had to all be lined up at the leisure centre at an earlier time than usual.
I found it ghostly and surreal watching the other years and Year 7 group pass by; the surrealism was only a foreshadowing of the rest of the day. On the coaches, we were queued up in random groups ordered by our teachers into them.
After about an hours drive, we arrived at the grand entrance. My history class (7x4) looked in awe at the baroque gates welcoming you to the palace; Scotland’s unicorn and England’s lion guarding their king from usthe lowly commoners. Sir proceeded to lead us down into lines by class before he directed us past the hidden entrance of the gift shop toward the gardens.
The statues of Greek heroes, gods and goddesses were scattered throughout the rose garden between beautiful owers. When we got into the maze it was a minotaur’s labyrinth. I quite easily thought I was lost yet as I weaved through the narrow corridors I managed to escape onto our next journey. Behind Hampton Court, many events are hosted by a lovely lake owned by the palace and the baroque back of the palace; while it is breathtaking it breaks my heart that Tudor wonders were demolished to make way for it !
The palace is Hampton Court for a reason as when you enter from behind you can see a ower court where politics Henry latest marriage would have likely been discussed on many a serene walk. Past this, you enter clock court where I enjoyed studying the astrological
clock and the busts of Roman emperors long gone. We were stayed here for our workshop; an interactive lecture about the religious changes in the Tudor era. Next, we walked upstairs in the right corridor of the entrance to the actual palace building. Wow! This is the only word that can describe my feelings looking at Henry VIIIs private rooms where he would have been alone- one wonders what was he truly like? Finally, we caught a glimpse of Henry’s chapel where you could hear echoes of a man’s prayers to his God.
By Noah Turnball 7BP
Year 10 REFlection DAY
At the beginning of July, Y10 came together for a day of reflection to think about their journey so far here at SJB and where they want the future to take them. It was an opportunity to take pause, rest and spend some much-needed time together as a community. The day was filled with prayerful moments of reflection, creative tasks, meaningful group discussions and lots of fun including a ‘guess the tutor’ line-up and an epic battle of tug of war! But the highlight of the day for all the students had to be our guest speaker, Tolu (or Teelow as he is known in the music world), a Christian grime artist who just so happens to be a past student of ours. Tolu captivated the Year 10 audience with his testimony of how
faith has shaped his life, and talked about the challenges of staying true to who God has made you to be when you leave school, and the importance of fostering a culture of community! Teelow finished his morning in school with an outstanding performance of some of his music, where even the tutors were up out of their seats dancing! We are very fortunate to have past pupils who are willing to return to SJB and share their experiences with the current students; it’s so important for them to see the successes of those who have been sat right where they are now!
By Mrs Hodgeson
In the morning we visited Holme Farm – a charity transforming a farm into a hub for wellbeing, biodiversity, and community. The students had an introductory talk from the co-founder and then toured their allotments to see the vast amount of produce that is all grown and harvested seasonally and sustainably. Seeing the beehives, orchard and fields increased their appreciation of food provenance.
In the afternoon the students had a cooking masterclass in the professional kitchens at Gordon Ramsey’s Culinary School. The chefs taught the students how to make vegan pasta with a hand rolled/shaped finish along with tasty meatballs in a reduced red sauce. Chef Andrew and Chef Tarrant loved having them in the kitchen and complimented their culinary knowledge! I was very proud of them all, but Year 10 please don’t get used to have your
Well done Year 10 Foodies – you were a pleasure to take out for the day!
By Mrs Cunningham
