SJCS The Eaglet 2022

The Eaglet 2022

Artwork

Front cover: Phoebe Hearn (aged 7)

Back cover: Toby Fairley (aged 9)

Headmaster’s Introduction, page:

1 Martha Logan & Effie Thomson (both aged 9)

Geography, page:

31 Issy Drokov & Noah Roach (both aged 12)

Design Technology, pages:

52 Marina Kokelaar, Joshua Davidson, Nico Clarke & Pedro Fernandez Bruna (all aged 12)

53 Lexi White, Emily Grant, Johanna Hindmarsh & Poppy Marr (all aged 12)

54 Imogen Youngman, Riley Neville, Eloise Cross & Olivia Inglis (all aged 11)

55 Una Churchward, Stanley Brown & Charlie Lipscomb, Max Wickham & Joby Hastwell (all aged 10)

56 Millie Singh (aged 9) & Alice Allpress (aged 10)

57 George Bowsher, Olly Crossley, Charlie Smith & Dotty Gardiner (all aged 10)

58 Azaria Ajao, Philippa Bishop & Kasra Mohaddes (all aged 9)

59 Soraya Ahi-Eggo (aged 6) & Jemima Lucas (aged 8)

Maths, page:

67 Sixth Form Fibonacci Golden Ratio Spirals

Art, pages:

95 Imogen Fairley & Hanna Ghahramani (both aged 7)

Alyse Baines, Carmen Navarro & Eloise Halban-Taylor (all aged 10)

96 Stanley Brown & Harry Brown (both aged 10)

97 George Ducker, Emily Grant & Marina Kokelaar (all aged 12)

98 Amber Oates (aged 8), Jeannie Farquharson-Wood & Olly Crossley (both aged 10)

Arts Award, page:

99 Angelica Honey-Ward, Estelle Babar & Issy Drokov (all aged 12)

Inspiration, pages:

100 Vita Rainey (aged 11)

102 Cera Wong (aged 9)

103 Hannah Gibson & Una Churchward (both aged 10)

104 T2W (aged 6), Mercy Milton (aged 12) & Azaria Ajao (aged 9)

105 Lukas Knowles, Hugo Jerman & Max Crosbie (all aged 7)

106 Pedro Fernandez Bruna (aged 12), William Mills & Frankie Benstead (both aged 11) & Lottie Bowes (aged 9)

107 Angelica Honey-Ward & Emma David (both aged 12)

108 Cera Wong, Aline Halban-Taylor & Max Mansfield (all aged 9)

109 Betty Barnes (aged 9)

110 Anne Vinokurov (all aged 11)

111 Melissa French & Hugo Wells (both aged 11)

112 Olivia Inglis, Alice Lindsay Clark, Eloise Cross & Imogen Youngman (all aged 11)

113 Isabella Bishop & Vita Rainey (both aged 11)

114 Charlie Froggett (aged 12) & May Guttridge (aged 10)

115 Antigone Axon (aged 11)

116 Isobel Davies (aged 12)

117 Millie Trippett (aged 6) & Lottie Bowes (aged 9)

118 Bradley Kushman (aged 8) & Federico Di Franco (aged 12)

119 Johanna Hindmarsh (aged 12)

120 Cecilia Forsberg (aged 10) & Hugo Wells (aged 11)

121 Cera Wong (aged 9)

122 Will Dely (aged 11)

123 Poppy Slater (aged 8) & Ailin Allajbeu (aged 11)

124 Oliver Jerman (aged 8), Alice Allpress & Hector Douglas (both aged 10)

125 Johanna Hindmarsh, Poppy Marr (both aged 12) & Roksana Ghahramani (aged 11)

126 Issy Drokov, Ella Wigan (both aged 12), Louisa Egerton & Frankie Benstead (both aged 11)

127 Lexi White (aged 12)

128 Shemi Ayres (aged 10), Emma Fawcus (aged 8) & Ophelia Wright (aged 11)

129 Angelica Honey-Ward & Ellie Anderson (both aged 12)

130 Seth Fraser (aged 7)

131 Cera Wong (aged 9)

132 Hugo Wells (aged 11)

133 Isabel Keightley, Angelica Honey-Ward (both aged 12) & Roksana Ghahramani (aged 11)

134 Peregrine Brice (aged 9) & Jasper Fox Watson (aged 10)

135 Issy Drokov (aged 12), Eloise Cross & Ozzie Denman (both aged 11)

The Eaglet 2022

Headmaster’s Introduction

The 2021 – 2022 academic year was to prove as unpredictable as the previous two. The Covid pandemic had a further sting in its tail and, although the Michaelmas Term started with much hope of a return to some sort of normality, by November it was clear that we were not out of the woods. The challenges the pandemic threw at us were exemplified towards the end of the Michaelmas term when, for the first time in his long tenure, the College Director of Music, Andrew Nethsingha, was unable to conduct the annually-broadcast College Advent Service after falling ill with Covid. Several Choristers were also laid low, but the Choir battled on and the organ scholar, George Herbert, did a wonderful job in ensuring that the services continued as normal. Although the Lent term saw the School experience its first significant outbreak of Covid, there was, thankfully, a sense of returning to normality as restrictions eased in the Summer term and the busy schedule of events from the Parents’ Association Fun Day to trips week, the Summer Concert and Sports Day and Speech Day all went ahead.

In the future, those who read the Eaglet and wonder what life was like for a school in the midst of a pandemic will, I hope, be amazed at what was achieved by the wonderful community of St John’s and its children in particular. Although the pages that follow give a flavour of another extraordinary year for the School, I should like to highlight two historic moments here.

In October 2021, St John’s College announced that girls would join its world famous choir. The news was very positively received and the first three girls joined as probationers in January 2022. They were made up as full choristers before the end of the academic year, ready to take on a full role in the choir from September 2022.

Another historic move was the change of format to the School’s Sports Day and Speech Day arrangements. The tradition of holding these events on the same day had, of course, been

disturbed by the pandemic and this gave us an opportunity to review how these events were held. After undertaking research into the impact of prizes and In conjunction with research the School undertook into the impact of prizes and holding a consultation between staff, children and parents, the decision was made to try a new format, in which a whole day would be dedicated to sport, whilst Speech Day would take place on the final day of term. We were delighted to welcome the Master of St John’s College, Mrs Heather Hancock, as our Guest of Honour at Speech Day.

Throughout the pandemic, the School aimed to continue providing a breadth of opportunities to the children, including those which enrich our academic provision. The achievements of our Sixth Form Leavers which we celebrated on Speech Day were testament to the way in which those children had grasped those opportunities.

In writing for the recent Times Education Commission, Michael Morpurgo wrote the following:

At the heart of my concerns, as a teacher one way or another all of my life, has been that we have a system of education geared to the system, not the child and the teacher and parents and the school. Life is not a race, not a competition. It is for living, for finding your own voice, your self-worth, your own place in society.

At St John’s College School we are fortunate to have some independence from the education system but I wish there was more. Michael Morpurgo is right and I wish I could say, in all sincerity, to all of the children at St John’s, the words of Dr Seuss:

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”

Neil Chippington

Emotions for Learning (E4L)

E4L has been useful to me in so many ways. I remember the day of my first ever hockey match, I think it was against the Perse. I remember having lots of very nervous feelings and so I tried breathing in and out slowly, like we had been taught in E4L. I put my hand on my chest and just focused on the in and out of my breathing and I felt so much more ready and confident for the match. I ended up really enjoying it.

E4L comes into my life in so many ways, sometimes I use mindfulness and I don’t even recognise that I am using it until I feel much calmer. As you progress through the school, it is often helpful to have that perspective to be able to step back and take a look at the problem ahead of you and work through it. I am so glad that our school teaches E4L in such an understanding and helpful way. I will continue to use it even once I have left St John’s as it is so beneficial.

“On my E4L rainbow I wrote the emotion ‘happy’ as this reminds me of sunshine and positive feelings.”

Emily Shi-Gao (aged 6)

Vita Rainey (aged 11)

“Sometimes it can be tricky to express how we are feeling with words and sometimes it is easier to draw a picture to show the feeling instead. Artwork is relaxing and allows us to take some quiet time to focus on our feelings.”

Max Pearce (aged 6)

“When we do action stories it is important that we ask our partner’s permission to touch them.”

Wulfstan Aeberhard (aged 6)

“My class love action stories massages. We often start with ‘eye glasses’ which means drawing circles on my partner’s back. It is so relaxing.”

Harry Sapsed (aged 6)

“If I ever have a problem at school that I am struggling to solve myself I can ask a teacher or a friend for some help to sort it out and E4L helps you to be in control of your own actions.”

Cassidy Murray (aged 6)

“Sometimes it can be hard when you have an uncomfortable big feeling to know what to do. We read ‘Say How You Feel’ which really helped as part of our E4L lessons. We also painted feelings faces.”

Selim Emam & Zuzanna Zylak (both aged 6)

“Stilling helps me feel calm and relaxed. Sometimes you are so calm you forget you are in school!”

Theodora Addis (aged 5)

“Massages are very relaxing. If I have a worry at school, I can tell a teacher or someone in my safety circle and they can help me but as you get older you learn how to sort out problems yourself which is helpful.”

Oliver Yao (aged 6)

Play-Based Learning

In the Pre-Prep, a play-based approach to learning is used to provide an educational environment that reflects and supports the way children of this age learn. We aim to foster skills of independence, collaboration, problem solving, creativity and communication, create high levels of engagement and improve learning attainment. This approach is underpinned by the latest research on learning for young children, which demonstrates that children show improved attainment, wellbeing and learning dispositions such as creativity when learning through play. For example, studies have shown that learning through play leads to improved reading comprehension by age 11 in children who had been in play-based learning until the age of 7, and that it deepens conceptual understanding and language and communication skills.

I liked investigating the flotsam and trying to work out what kind of person had lost it on a beach. One of the boxes had some binoculars and an old writing pen along with some maps. I decided that this belonged to an explorer who had lost it on a journey, and so it had ended up in the sea.

Janson Zhu (aged 7)

I liked the box that looked like it belonged to a pirate as there were lots of gold coins, a little treasure chest with a key to open it and lots of maps. There were also some parrot earrings. All these things became flotsam when the pirate’s boat capsized!

Erik Maclennan (aged 6)

It was so exciting when we ‘lost’ a found unicorn! We created magical forest creatures in the Forest Garden after we read some books called The Night Box, The Moonlight Zoo and another one called Can You Keep a Secret? As it is coming up to the end of October, we made woven wands and wrote some dark poetry.

Elijah Borchert & James Hankey (both aged 6)

“We researched about the Montgolfier brothers and thought about what materials and designs would work best for our own hot air balloons.”

Monty Short (aged 5)

“In Forest school we used sticks which we weaved to make a fence in the Forest Garden. The weaving was quite tricky as the sticks were hard so you had to have strong fingers.”

Charlotte Labruyère & Jacob Shotton (both aged 4)

“I enjoyed visiting the Quiet Garden and looking at the fish. They were sleeping so we made sure not to touch the net to avoid disturbing them.”

Hassan Akoush (aged 4)

“We had a fire pit in Forest school. When there is a fire, you must make sure to stand back for safety and to walk around the outside of it.”

George Hacking (aged 4)

“We went to Wandlebury and dug for minibeasts in the woods. I found lots of woodlice and a snail hiding under logs.”

Francis Serjeantson (aged 4)

“Miss Miller told us about Midsommer which is something that her family celebrates in Sweden. We had our own celebration- made paper flower crowns and ate yummy strawberry cakes.”

Angus Hood (aged 4)

“We made porridge like Goldilocks in Discovery Time. We used oats and soya milk. I topped mine with lots of fruit. I like cooking, it is really fun.”

Alex Francis (aged 4)

“I did some sewing with some thread and fabric and carefully threaded beads on my sewing to make it even better.”

Katynke Macswiney (aged 4)

“At Wandlebury we went in the long grass with nets and scooped up insects hiding in the grass. We also went on a double decker bus!”

Maximilian Reinhold (aged 4)

“We learnt how to be safe by the fire in Forest school and we even cooked and ate our own popcorn! You could hear the corn popping.”

Jonah Borchert (aged 4)

“We grow raspberries at home which I love to eat and now we are growing vegetables here!”

Emily De Costa (aged 4)

Child-Led Learning

In Byron House, the older children continue to be motivated by choosing their own topic for one term each year. This year, subjects covered have included Sport, Metals, Zoology, Italy, China and Oceans. The children are given the freedom within the topic to further their learning in areas that interest them, and planning by teachers responds to this. As in previous years, high levels of motivation, engagement and involvement have been observed.

We considered why using sustainable electric cars (rather than petrol cars and scooters) and growing green walls are important for looking after our environment. We designed and made our very own sustainable cities, inspired by Jakarta which is a city that now has lots of sustainable management to try and clean up its environment. We used sustainable materials such as cardboard

Martha Gritten (aged 8)

We used books and Chromebooks to research about Italy and in particular areas we are each interested in finding out about. I learnt about different cities in Italy such as Pisa, which has a very old cathedral. I really enjoyed creating a poster with lots of different facts and drawings about the city and I can’t wait to go to Pizza Express to make our own pizzas!

Arya Wajid (aged 7)

We recreated our own tsunami using plastic tubs filled with water, sand and newspaper. We shunted all the water in the tub to one side really quickly which was lots of fun! We also discovered that areas hit by tsunamis that do not have natural buffers such as plants and coral reefs end up having lots more damage. More homes and buildings are completely destroyed in comparison to areas that do have natural buffers, because these absorb some of the wave energy. I used newspapers to act as a buffer in my tsunami recreation.

Rufus Bowsher (aged 8)

“We looked at the Industrial Revolution and how Steampunk originated from Victorians merging with industrialisation and futuristic sci-fi. We brought in metals and created models with their own characteristics.”

Penelope Aeberhard & Clarissa Pilato (both aged 8)

Mindfulness & My Mind

Mindfulness is part of the culture at Byron House. At Senior House, I learnt how beneficial it can be to life, both in and out of school. What I love about mindfulness is that there are so many aspects to explore. You can choose which technique you prefer, such as petal breathing, 7-11 and finger breathing. I use mindfulness in stressful or busy situations. I recently sat a mock Maths exam that I was worried about and whilst I was waiting for my paper I used the FOFBOC technique to calm and prepare myself for the exam. This not only boosted my confidence but also allowed me to focus on my Maths paper. I will definitely be continuing to use mindfulness as it has helped me tremendously.

Vivian Knight (aged 12)

Part of our .breathe mindfulness course involved ‘puppy training’ which trains your brain to keep concentrating and to focus on a Maths sum or an English question rather than letting your mind drift off and get distracted by something else. This technique has really helped me in many different lessons.

Sophia Wickham (aged 10)

“Mindfulness helps me to be more considerate of others and my surroundings. It also allows me to be more conscious of my own actions and emotions.”

Ruben Hastwell (aged 8)

“Mindfulness is useful because it allows me to be more self-aware and helps me to be more caring towards others.”

Katie McMullen (aged 8)

“Mindfulness helps to you self-calm when you are angry, nervous or have an overwhelming feeling. The breathing techniques help to relax your body.”

Megan Munro (aged 10)

“Having the .breathe mindfulness sessions have been really useful as you learn about how your brain works. The techniques help to settle the mind and encourage you to be in the present.”

Clara Lynn (aged 10)

“Finger breathing is calming and it is so easy to learn, you can use it anywhere.”

Philippa Bishop (aged 9)

“We have learned how to breathe calmly when we are stressed in .breathe, as well as learning how the brain functions in different areas.”

Penny Trippett (aged 10)

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is amazing, it really stimulates you for the next day. It lets you work on your awareness, resilience, integration and focus. Tai Chi means supreme ultimate system. I think it is really useful as a life skill and I’m so happy that we do it.

Ethan Hayes Fernández (aged 10)

“Tai Chi settles me and calms me down from an exciting game of ‘it’ outside at school.”

Sophia Wickham (aged 12)

Aiden Wee (aged 8)

Walter Mackenzie (aged 8)

Alanis Vermande (aged 8)

“I really enjoy Tai Chi. We got shown lots of different movements which were fun to try and master.”

“I enjoyed Tai Chi as it was a good way to let off some steam.”

“In Tai Chi we practised calming down and learnt how to connect our minds and our bodies.”

Mindsets for Learning

I used the imaginative crow mindset during Art when we were studying works by the artist Henri Rousseau with our jungle and rainforest pieces. I was imaginative in the way I created lots of different brush strokes and textures on my background using lots of tools such as a fork to create lines.

Leo

Blyth (aged 7)

“I enjoy using the ‘focusing’ and ‘persevering’ mindsets in Multisports club as you get to run around on the field with friends and learn something different from our normal sport lessons whilst remembering to concentrate on skills too.”

Saffron Bentley (aged 6)

“I find the ‘linking lions’ mindset helpful for my learning as it helps to connect ideas. For example, when we learnt about the different religions in Africa. I linked new facts to the knowledge I already had.”

Blake Carver (aged 8)

“I was a ‘persevering parrot’ when we learnt to stab our food with our forks and cut with our knives. I practised this on my roast beef at lunch today! It worked and I was happy.”

James Marshall (aged 4)

Challenge by Choice

Having different challenge levels when we do questions in Maths really helps me when I feel that something is quite tricky. Starting on the lower challenge questions helps me better understand what we are doing. Challenge by choice is a good way to get out of the learning pit.

Jemima Lucas (aged 8)

I think challenge by choice is a very good learning mechanism as it is always adapted to your current learning level (you can choose which one is most suitable for you), and this compatibility and self-devised learning experience is usually not met by most other pre-set or allocated tasks. It usually won’t be too easy or too hard as you are in control of the level.

Sean Wang (aged 12)

“Challenge by choice has always been a helpful aspect of St John’s because, when I want to challenge myself, I will do the hardest level but it is always my own choice to do so.”

Bron Sims (aged 11)

Harry Brown (aged 10)

“The green level is easy, pink is middle and blue is harder. I find this helpful in Maths because it helps me to decide whether I am ready for a challenge.”

Sixth Form Poetry Evening

I’ve been preparing for Poetry Evening by keeping my poem in my bag and trying to learn it whenever I have a couple of minutes spare. Sometime when I stand up to recite it my mind blanks for a bit but I will hopefully remember it on the day.

George Fox (aged 12)

The preparations for Poetry Evening started almost a month prior, when we all wrote our poems and tried to memorise them before the rehearsals started. Everyone wrote incredible poems but the memorisation part was somewhat lacking. On the day of the event and with a lot of help and encouragement from our teachers, we managed to put everything together. Poetry Evening was the last group performance that we did as Sixth Form and, even though we faced a lot of challenges along the way, the final product turned out to be a very fun experience for us and I think quite an enjoyable experience for the audience. The whole process has been one of my most memorable experiences at St John’s and I’m sure I’ll never forget what I learned that evening.

Milton Saibrosa (aged 12)

Preparing for the Poetry Evening was great because our class poem was really fun to perform and it’s more like a play script which meant it was easier to become a character. The process of rehearsing on stage has been really fun.

Lexi White (aged 12)

“I think it is good preparation for remembering things that will be important for your next school or even a job. I also think it is a good end to the term with everyone doing their part.”

Elliot Munro (aged 12)

“I enjoyed the book swap because it meant that most of the books would be reused rather than ending up on a landfill.”

Isabelle Lazarus (aged 10)

Senior House Literary Festival

I enjoyed being able to sit and listen to a variety of authors who had written such contrasting books and came from different places.

I liked all the author talks but my favourite was Ross Welford because he did so many magic tricks. We made up an exciting story with him too.

“Elle McNicol’s talk was inspiring as we need more books that reflect neurodiversity in as positive a way as possible.”

Maxwell Mansfield (aged 9)

Millie Singh (aged 9)

Basak Dogan (aged 10)

Byron House Book Week

My favourite part was Book at Bedtime because it felt all snug. It was like having a midnight feast with a fire and all my friends.

William Stephenson (aged 7)

Ross Welford’s talk was the funniest. He really entertained me, especially when he asked Magnus to find The Railway Children book hidden in a pink bag. It was magic!

Naiara Hayes Fernández (aged 7)

I enjoyed dressing up as a palaeontologist on dress as a book character day as I love dinosaurs and this is what I want to be when I grow up. I had an encyclopedia and binoculars as part of my costume.

Diniz Patil Soberano de Oliveira (aged 4)

“I loved the way Kevin Crossley-Holland wrote and talked about ancient things. It was amazing how he spoke in Anglo-Saxon.”

Arindan Roshan (aged 6)

“In Ross Welford’s talk I learnt that books are not just to be read but can also be used to create magic.”

Arthur Elliott (aged 7)

“There were just so many books to choose from big books, thin books, fat books, even encyclopaedias!”

Henry Ali (aged 6)

Young Shakespeare Company Perform ‘Romeo and Juliet’

Romeo and Juliet was set in Verona, Italy in the 1590s. The play was acted by professional actors playing multiple parts and six children volunteers. The actors were able to play multiple roles by switching costumes and also changing their postures and voices. The play was heart wrenching and tragic, especially when the audience sees Romeo poison himself just as Juliet wakes up but can’t do anything about it. This creates more of a connection with the audience because it pulls them in. When Juliet noticed that there was no way out of the mess she was in she felt trapped, so grievously ended her life. I learned that sometimes people do very dangerous things just for love. Some are so blinded by the passion they experience for someone that they are willing to take their life over rather than lose that person. I enjoyed the part where Mercutio stuck an ice cream on Juliet’s cousin’s head because I thought it made him look like a grumpy unicorn!

Roksana Ghahramani (aged 11)

“I enjoyed how they made some of the parts more modernRomeo’s friend Mercutio had headphones. I liked how modern day pop music played in the background when characters were introduced.”

Emre Tunc (aged 11)

“I loved watching the cousins come in Romeo’s cousin was kind and slightly cool, but Juliet’s was strict and moody.”

Antigone Axon (aged 11)

“I had the chance to be Lord Montague which was very fun. It was so loud when the families had to chant Shakespearean insults at each other!”

Ozzie Denman (aged 11)

Debating

I really enjoy Debating club because it helps to develop the skill of public speaking which can help with future careers. There are two or three speakers with one rebutter. The speakers give the points, evidence and explanation, while the judge gives a score at the end to determine whether the Government or the Opposition has won. For me rebutting is very enjoyable because it is satisfying when you give your rebuttal for the Opposition’s points. You can choose to be a judge with the teacher and I’ve been lucky enough to be judge twice. I noticed when you first judge a debate you tend to give more points for the fluency of the point as well as the evidence. It is a great club to take part in and I’d love to have the opportunity again soon.

(aged 10)

Charlie Smith

“Our House debate was the harder one. We were debating that we should rate teachers. I was not one of the people that actually debated, but it was still a good experience”

Ben Sawtell (aged 12)

“Taking part in debating has helped my confidence and speaking skills. Performing in front of a group is hard but the teachers are supportive and offer really helpful tips.”

Vivian Knight (aged 12)

Classics

Latin Play

We started by brainstorming ideas as a class and eventually came up with a story. It was great to be able to actually invent a story we wanted to perform, rather than just being given one. There were so many ideas, but in the end we were able to put together a good plot about the gods playing a game using the mortals found in the Cambridge Latin Course as characters.

After coming up with a story, we translated it into Latin. This was a challenge as we were limited to Book 1 vocabulary and grammar, but it was a really amazing experience and great to put our own words into Latin whilst fully understanding their meaning. We had lots of rehearsals and rewrote parts so our finished product was as good as it could be. I have performed lots of plays before, but never one in Latin (or one I had helped write), so it was very exciting and helped us all expand our knowledge of the language whilst also having fun!

The final performance was amazing; I especially liked the electric guitar music we used and how we adapted the characters. Watching the plays performed by other schools who were competing was really interesting; it was great to actually understand the language they were speaking and what they were saying. Then it was our turn and we did really well! All the practice paid off and I think it also helped that we had written the play so we knew and understood the words we were saying and were therefore able to act well. After feedback the judges announced that we had won! The whole class (and teachers!) were super excited and it was a fantastic way to end such an incredible experience. I feel like my understanding of Latin has really improved and everyone had such a great time along the way!

Johanna Hindmarsh (aged 12)

“Writing a script in Latin was a brilliant way to expand our knowledge and vocabulary, whilst also being a fantastic chance to put our current Latin skills to use. It was challenging to write it in just simple Latin, as the rules of the competition stated we must only use vocabulary from the first CLC book.”

Issy Drokov (aged 12)

Greek

Greek club has been a really good experience as it is so interesting to learn about a language that was the basis of many modern languages that we use today and some of which we are learning in school. It is so much fun to learn a language with different characters or letters. Greek definitely helps you access other subjects and it helps understand derivatives.

Zoe

Loose

(aged 11)

“It has been really good fun learning all about the Greeks and their ancient culture. We usually start by learning verbs and writing sentences in Greek then, my favourite part, have some baked goods to enjoy while we read Greek books!”

Mattia Nicholson (aged 11)

Museum of Classical Archaeology

The Museum of Classical Archaeology is a huge room filled with plaster casts of statues from all over the world. When we walked in I thought, wow, it’s got so many statues and so many are nude! We learnt abut the Roman and Greek myths. My favourite cast was Athena goddess of wisdom with her owl and bearded snake next to her. The best part about the trip was drawing the sculptures. The Museum is a useful resource for children because you can learn so much about Ancient Civilisations all in one room!

Olly Crossley (aged 10)

I found out that the statues were not real but plaster copies. We saw two massive statues of Hercules and Athena. I discovered that they had 600 statues but only 450 on display. Our tour guide told us interesting facts about the Romans and the Greeks. We got a booklet and one of the pages told us to find a statue to draw; I decided on Publia Maximina, a very pretty woman.

Evie Oates (aged 10)

“I liked Artemis the best because she had a deer by her side and I loved her story (and she had clothes on). It is a great Museum as you can see statues without travelling around the world to do so.”

Hannah Gibson (aged 10)

The Flying French Theatre Company

All the children in Forms 5 and 6 had the chance to listen to French to help our languages. The Flying Theatre Company visited St John’s and it was set in the style of the Tour de France which was really fun to watch and listen to. The theatre company used language which discussed health, fitness, body parts, travel, sport, family, directions, food and hobbies. It was also really funny so you wanted to keep watching to see what was going to happen next. It was a really good way to test our level of French and to see how much we could understand. The performance also had music and dance and some children even got up on stage and helped out!

Wilson

French Projects

I have really enjoyed doing a project based on a famous French person of our choice. We had the task of researching about their lives and their careers. Finally, we recorded a podcast where we spoke about them or, if we felt like it, pretended we were interviewing them. I thoroughly enjoyed looking into the life of Eric Cantona.

Lucas

Chau (aged 12)

Hobson (aged 12)

Queen’s College, Oxford, Anthea Bell Translation Prize

In the Summer Term of Form 5, my French set took part in a translation competition run by Queen’s College Oxford. For the competition, I had to translate a passage which I found really fun. You really had to immerse yourself in the language and the poem to get to the true meaning and feel of the text. It was a really good feeling when I was told that I had won because I felt that I did my best and I was happy with the result. I was the Area winner for the East of England, French Level 2 and I am excited to have been put through to the National Competition.

Kieran McGurran (aged

11)

“I loved doing the Anthea Bell translation in French because it has enabled us to test out our French. I love learning French because you can converse with other people who speak the same language.”

Zoe Loose (aged 11)

French Fair

The French Fair was so successful and so exciting to be part of. It was enjoyable researching which French stalls we would run and being surrounded by different year groups created a sense of community. I enjoyed speaking French and it was good to practise our phrases. I’m very happy that we raised so much money for charity whilst having the chance to speak French in such a fun way.

I talked to customers in French and practised what I’m learning. It was fun setting up the stalls and actually running them. We were doing this for Médecins Sans Frontières, a charity that goes around the world with doctors, to treat people in war zones. We managed to raise an incredible £900. I think this would be good for future generations of the school to do.

“The French Fair raised over £900 for charity! I really enjoyed seeing happy faces everywhere and people having such a great time whilst also speaking French!”

Jasper Fox Watson (aged 10)

Olly Crossley (aged 10)

Antonia Clode-Baker (aged 10)

History

1940s Wartime Day

I really liked the afternoon of the 1940s day when we were given some money and a rationing card and pretended to buy food with them both. However, I do not think I would have liked the limited food that was available because of rationing in the 1940s, as I think I would have been bored of eating the same things every day. I feel very lucky this isn’t the case nowadays and we have a wide range of food to choose from.

We all sat in the hall and imagined that we were in a classroom from the 1940s. We talked about the money that they used before the pound came in which included sixpence and shillings. Lessons were quite similar to our lessons now except that they used ink to write not pencils or pens and the teachers were a lot stricter and there were no computers and no internet!

Aiden Wee (aged 8)

“We visited lots of different stalls and were given money to spend at each stall to buy food plus a rationing card. We could ‘buy’ food such as iced buns and sandwiches. Some of us got to take control of a stall and help sell the products. It felt quite realistic.”

Ruben Hastwell (aged 8)

Barnaby Hill (aged 8)

Roman Invasion

In Roman times they wrote on wax tablets instead of paper. I wrote my name on a wax tablet using the Roman alphabet which was quite tricky and much slower than writing on paper. As well as having a different alphabet the Romans also used different ways of writing their numbers. I really liked learning the Roman numerals.

Maria Watson (aged 7)

We discovered some different artefacts that the Romans used in their everyday life such as Roman coins. I wanted to work out how much Roman coins would be worth in today’s money but this was quite tricky. I enjoyed making the olive oil lamps the most.

Babak Mohaddes (aged 7)

Roman day was good fun as we got to find out lots of interesting facts about what the Romans did and how they lived their everyday lives. I liked looking at the Roman mosaics and writing my name in Roman letters on the wax tablets. It was fun to dress up like a Roman for the day.

Imogen Fairley (aged 7)

“News was spread about a Roman invasion and we got to take part in a battle formation. If I were a Roman, I would have enjoyed being a gladiator the most as they could fight.”

Edward Rowstron (aged 7)

Victorians at Stibbington

“We learnt the types of lessons children had in Victorian schools and how strict the teachers were! My favourite part were the actual History, Maths and English lessons and learning to write with ink. I enjoyed the day but I would have hated being a Victorian child!”

Daniel Pretorius (aged 10)

Tudor Christmas

I really enjoyed my mum doing the leather working. The trick was not to bash the hammer too hard or it would go through the leather. I made a bookmark with my initials on it. The candle-making was really fun because I liked working with wax. You could make it into so many different shapes and sizes. The best bit was the feast because you got to eat a lot even though you had just had lunch!

Finnbar Macswiney (aged 9)

“We had a Tudor banquet to celebrate Henry’s new Queen! We were courtiers and servants at the feast.”

Julian Cameron (aged 9)

Geography

FSC Epping Forest

I learnt that the water flows quicker over stones than deep water. I really enjoyed seeing all the things that we’ve learnt about in Geography lessons in real life. I saw the different types of mud and soil in the v-shaped valley by the source and meanders in the river in Loughton. However, there was an excess amount of fly tipping in Loughton and generally a lot of litter and this could be harmful to the wildlife in the forest and river.

Maxim Pullan (aged 12)

I liked going to Epping Forest. I particularly liked going in the river and measuring the velocity, width and depth. We also looked at the meanders and how they affected the velocity. Now I know that the River Debden Brook is a tributary to the River Roding which flows into the Thames. We also learnt about how much water was in the different parts of the drainage basin at different heights of a hill and how it affects the soil and this all reinforced what we are learning in class.

Alicia McDonnell (aged 12)

“I learned that there is also runoff underground, which was very interesting. My favourite part was wading through the river and feeling the force of the water.”

Harley Parvin-Chambers (aged 12)

“The trip proved most of my hypothesis correct - pebbles get smaller and the river gets deeper and wider.”

Milton Saibrosa (aged 12)

Wandlebury Country Park

I really enjoyed weaving and toasting bread which had been made as it would have been in olden times. Going to Wandlebury was really fun and I would love to go back and repeat the day. I also really liked learning about the Iceni tribe and practicing aiming and throwing a slingshot. I had lots of fun with my friends and wish I could do it again.

Alyse Baines (aged 10)

I loved making the bread, although the smoke got in my eyes and my face which was extremely hot. It was all worth it. I really enjoyed making the bread flat as it tasted more crunchy that way. I also enjoyed walking in the moat and learning that the Iceni queen who probably visited Wandlebury was amazing!

Hector Douglas (aged 10)

“I liked the weaving and the slingshot was really fun. I also liked cooking the bread as it tasted really nice. I learnt about the geography of the park on the walk and I liked seeing the pictures of the skeletons and learning about what Wandlebury used to be used for.”

Carmen Navarro (aged 10)

“I really enjoyed everything about Wandlebury. Walking in the moat and using the catapult made me feel like a Celt warrior and I also enjoyed making the bread and cooking it to eat fresh.”

Jasper Fox Watson (aged 10)

“I liked learning about the ditch and going down it. I also liked learning how to make bread and grinding wheat.”

Harry Sadler (aged 10)

Shimpling Park Farm

“It was really fun. We learned about wheat and went for a lovely walk in the morning. In the afternoon we saw the farm vehicles. My favourite part was the seeing baby lambs.”

Lottie Bowes (aged 9)

“I loved going to Shimpling because it was so interesting to look around the farm and learn how it was run and about the different vehicles they use. The lambs were so cute!”

Alice Allpress (aged 10)

“I liked seeing some sheep. I enjoyed the whole day a lot. I learnt that flies can sometimes kill sheep. The best part was the tractors - they looked really interesting.”

Dileep Kainth (aged 10)

“I loved the little baby lambs and, even though my dad is a farmer and runs his own farm, I have learnt loads. I never knew combine harvesters cost so much money!”

Violet Egerton (aged 9)

Earth Sciences Trip to Iceland

My favourite thing on the Iceland trip was the Lava Show. I loved watching the lava do satisfying things like melt ice, burn paper and shatter. I also enjoyed this one the most because it was warm! Second was the Secret Lagoon because the water was just so warm and lastly was our trip to the burger factory. This was great mainly because I love burgers, and it was delicious, and surprisingly filling. I had a great time that day and in the burger factory I got to ring a bell and increase the population (on the board) of Iceland by one. It was a rare occasion because out of all the 60ish people in that restaurant, they chose me. Only about probably one person is born every hour in Iceland so it was an honour to do this.

Adam Ahmad (aged 12)

“My highlights were the glacier walk, the Flyover and the hot springs. It was really cool to see how everything worked and experience all the views. The only disadvantage was the sulphur smell. You get used to it though!”

Emma David (aged 12)

“I loved the glacier walk, the Secret Lagoon and the Flyover. I learnt that the further you get from the city the cleaner the water gets. I loved the Iceland trip!”

Isabella Bishop (aged 11)

Religious Studies

RS & Philosophical Debates

We all got to debate and share our opinions on the abortion debate. We got divided so that half of the class was debating for abortion and the rest were debating against. I found it really interesting because you got to hear different people’s opinions on the situation. Some people had to debate for a side that they didn’t necessarily agree with, which might have caused them to change their opinions after looking at the situation from a different point of view. I think that debating in school is really important as debating is a key aspect of life and these debates are great preparation for our careers.

Lucas Mudkavi (aged 12)

Harley Parvin-Chambers (aged

World Religions

At the Hindu Synagogue we learnt about Hindu weddings, ceremonies, and Saṃsāra. Hindu weddings are a lot different from a Christian wedding where the bride wears white and not red like in a Hindu wedding. There are a lot of different ceremonies like the naming ceremony and when you shave toddlers’ hair, which is an important custom in Hinduism, as the ritual of shaving one’s head allows you to be closer to god, demonstrating a total submission. The Saṃsāra circle is where Hindus believe that there is birth, child, adult, old age, death, and then reincarnation or you go to god.

Harriet Elend-Warner (aged 10)

“We tried Chinese calligraphy using special inks and brushes and took part in a lion dance. I have learnt so much about Chinese New year.”

Mila Thomson & Freddie Bennett (both aged 7)

I really loved the Hinduism talk. I found out that Hindu families have traditional recipes that grandparents pass down through generations. I also liked the story about ‘The Three Brothers’ as it links to class because we have discussed several already.

Georgina Clode-Baker (aged 10)

“Diwali is the festival of light. We drew things on the floor with sand. They were beautiful.”

Charlotte Labruyère (aged 4)

“The whole experience was both interesting and thought provoking and was a truly memorable debate for all of those involved.”

12)

We visited the Buddhist Centre and learnt about various rituals, concentrating on taking part in a calming meditation session. The meditations are aimed at learning how to focus your mind. We also had the chance to find out about Buddhist symbols and learnt all about the life of a Buddhist monk.

Hector Douglas & Richard Li (both aged 10)

When we visited St Giles’ Church, Dr Maxwell told us about the different parts of the church. The nave comes from the Latin word ‘navis’ meaning ship because, if you looked up, it looks exactly like the hull of a ship. The pulpit is the part of the church where the sermon, or Christian message, is delivered during a service.

“We created our own Buddhist sand mandalas which symbolise healing. At the end we destructed them as this shows that nothing lasts forever.”

Bertie Banks (aged 10)

“We visited the Cambridge Mosque which is eco-friendly and has a combination of Islamic and English architecture.”

William Collins (aged 9)

“During Diwali houses are decorated with marigolds. These yellow flowers are like the sun and show positive energy.”

Erik Maclennan (aged 5)

Sam Tagger (aged 9)

Philosophy

We have had different debates each lesson on a variety of topics. I really enjoy Philosophy because the focus can start as a visual. We were each given a card and we made a design with our group and discussed why each one was beautiful. This lead to thinking about what defines beauty and if a person with full make-up was beautiful.

Alex Kuppen (aged 10)

Philosophy in Sixth Form has been very interesting and useful. In my opinion, the most interesting lesson that we had was about syllogisms; it was a very good lesson because we all got to create our own syllogisms and listen to other people’s theories and opinions. Having these lessons and learning to be flexible is incredibly useful in life for whatever you choose to do and I will remember most of the things I learned in Philosophy lessons because of how important they are.

Milton Saibrosa (aged 12)

This term we have done lots more Philosophy and it has been really interesting. We have had lots of debates and discussions and have learnt how to form a balanced opinion about something. Recently we discussed Plato’s Cave and if it is better to know ‘the truth’ or to just live your normal life. It was great to hear what everyone had to say and to listen to people build on their arguments to understand the concept. Philosophy helps us think in different ways and understand ideas better and in more depth than we would otherwise. It is really important to help us form opinions and prepare us for the future.

Johanna Hindmarsh (aged 12)

“I liked the debate about syllogisms. It was interesting because we were trying to make syllogisms with our own statements.”

Bertie Denison-Smith (aged 12)

“A recent debate was that a train is coming down a track and you can’t control it. On one track there is one worker and on another there are five. Which track would you go on?”

Bertie Banks (aged 10)

“In Philosophy we have been debating about whether conjoined twins should be separated. It was fascinating finding out people’s different views.”

Max Wickham (aged 10)

“Recently, we learnt ‘Ergo’ which means ‘therefore I think’ in Latin. This thought-provoking story is about a chick who is asking big life-affirming questions before he hatches, such as, ‘am I the world?’. It has lovely simple illustrations yet provokes very real questions.”

“The discussions are challenging and make your brain hurt in a good way!”

Penny

For me, Philosophy is the best Thursday afternoon lesson as it is all about sharing your ideas and points as well as listening to and evaluating other opinions. It is similar to the Debating club which I had huge privilege to attend. However, in Philosophy you are encouraged to explore viewpoints and it is not about winning points.

Charlie

“I really liked when we discussed “What is art?” because there were mixed opinions and the lesson was quite controversial. I love how my teacher lets us go to one side of the classroom or the other to vote.”

Mei Mei Noble (aged 10)

Vivian Knight (aged 12)

Smith (aged 10)

Trippett (aged 10)

Charities & Community Links

Harvest & Eco Competition

After the Harvest Assembly we helped organise all the donations that were going to be transported to the local Food Bank. There were so many food packages in lots of different boxes which will be given to those who are in need. We felt proud that, as a school, we have helped make sure that others are not going to bed hungry.

I picked flowers from my garden at home and pressed them to create a unique artwork. I am really proud of my work as I won a Highly Commended certificate.

Toby Ali & Raffaele Sarno (both aged 8)

Toyah Panigrahi (aged 8)

Christmas Jumper Day for Jimmy’s

We got to wear our Christmas jumpers to school to get into the festive spirit and, more importantly, to raise money for Jimmy’s Night Shelter. I really enjoyed seeing all my friends in their bright jumpers as it made me feel very ‘Christmassy’. It is really important to think of others who may not have a home to go to for Christmas or much to be cheerful about.

Katie McMullen (aged 8)

Christmas Donations for Care Homes

After school broke up for Christmas we drove around care homes delivering the Christmas presents that had been donated. We haven’t been able to see the residents at school for such a long time so it was quite sad to only be able to wave through the window but they were so happy to see us. We are both so glad to be members of Charities Committee as it felt very special to be able to spread some joy to the residents at Christmas.

Isabella & Philippa Bishop (aged 11 & 9)

Love in a Box

We are really lucky at Christmas to get lots of presents but there are some children who do not get any which makes me feel incredibly sad. Love in a Box makes sure that these children can also have a present at Christmas time and it makes me feel good that I can make them even a small bit happy.

Florrie Toner (aged 7)

Festive Concert for Care Home Residents

It was so nice singing to the Senior Citizens again after such a while. Normally they would come to the school but sadly this year we were not able to because of Covid. I am so happy I did sing because throughout the pandemic they haven’t been to many places due to keeping safe or done anything so it is so nice to cheer them up and make sure they have a happy Christmas.

Isobel Morbey (aged 11)

We organised this online because Senior Citizens are at more risk of Covid, so we didn’t want to put them in danger. I think it was a great idea because they are probably a little bored and now they have something really cheerful to do!

Roksana Ghahramani (aged 11)

Happy Hat Day for Comic Relief

We had Happy Hat Day at school to help raise money for Comic Relief and for people in Ukraine; I wore my Minecraft hat. It made me feel good to know that I was able to help someone who is struggling and to help make their life a bit easier or even bring a smile to their face.

Imogen O’Reilly (aged 8)

That day was my baby brother’s birthday and my hat was inspired by him so I wanted to make it look like a birthday cake. I knew Ukraine was in a lot of trouble and needed more support and it was going through a really rough time, so I wanted to help try and give the Ukrainian people a better life.

Cera Wong (aged 9)

“I made my hat out of bright colours in our Art lesson so it would stand out! It was a great day.”

Seth Fraser (aged 7)

“For Happy Hat Day I made a dinosaur hat out of cardboard which had yellow spikes on it!”

Max Elborne (aged 4)

Grow a Pound for Humanitas

I decided to sell some small sunflower plants as part of my Grow a Pound. I really enjoy gardening which is why I thought this would be a nice idea to help raise money for charity and do something that I love at the same time.

Freddie Dolan (aged 6)

To help raise money for Humanitas I painted some eggs with lots of pretty patterns and then sold them to some of my friends and family. It felt really good to be able to do something good for charity and I am already thinking about what I can do next year.

Calla Brittain (aged 4)

“I put up a stall outside my house and sold decorated eggs and cakes which I had baked. Luckily, it went well!”

James Hankey (aged 6)

Byron House Summer Fair

In our dance lessons we learnt a country dance which we practised lots so that we would be ready to perform it to all the parents and children at the Summer Fair. I was quite nervous to perform it as sometimes we would forget some of the last-minute changes, like who leads the line off after the circle part, but we all managed to work together and perform it perfectly on the day!

Torsten Farquharson-Wood (aged 7)

“We did a parachute display for our parents. I was lifted up through the middle of the parachute and poked my head out of the top at the end of the display. I loved it!”

Jacob Shi-Gao (aged 4)

Senior Citizens’ Summer Garden Party

When the Senior Citizens came to visit, I made sure they felt welcomed and helped them to walk to the marquee. They sat down together around big tables whilst we chatted to them offering them some sandwiches, tea and cakes. I think they enjoyed getting to spend some time with us at school.

Hattie Kelly (aged 9)

It is really important that we have events such as Afternoon Tea for the Senior Citizens because it is good and important to care for others. It was fantastic that we could have this event so they could relax and listen to our music as this is not something they have not been able to do for some time.

Alicia McDonnell (aged 12)

“We sang songs to the Senior Citizens who came to visit us at school. I think they all really enjoyed as when they were listening to us perform, they were all smiling and gave us a big round of applause.”

Peony Piotrowski (aged 7)

Support for Ukraine

Money raised by St John’s for Humanitas has also gone towards the charity’s Ukraine Appeal. Their team has been working day and night to buy and transport medical supplies across the Romanian border to a regional hospital in the country. Most of the medication has then been distributed by train to the hospitals that are in war zones. Since their work began, 150,000 people have arrived in the town that Humanitas has travelled to as people have been forced to flee their homes because it is too dangerous to stay. In their latest convoy, the charity took hygiene products, food and home ware for these families that are now living in schools, community halls and churches. Last year, St John’s raised money for humanitarian aid for Ukraine with a bake sale and a book sale. St John’s is also currently sponsoring three Ukrainian children with their education at our school.

“At St John’s we are incredibly fortunate. With the recent war in Ukraine it was really good to be able to support those who are going through this by raising money with a cake sale at school. This money will be used to provide food and shelter and important items needed.”

Tom Bennington (aged 9)

Odd Socks Day for Anti-Bullying Week

“I wore a fluffy rainbow sock and a black sock. Wearing odd socks helps us remember that everyone is different.”

Benedict McDonnell (aged 5)

International Outreach

SJCS Nanjing, China

St John’s’ international outreach programme, which aims to share the school’s philosophy with others, is now in its fourth year with the steady growth of the Nanjing nursery school, for children from two to six years old. The Nanjing team of loving, creative and energetic teachers have fully adopted the St John’s E4L ethos and are determined to give young Chinese children an educationally positive start in life by using the ‘St John’s Way’ to develop the children’s best selves.

The bespoke architect-designed buildings and landscaping has been created very much with the St John’s ethos in mind, linking in the indoor and outdoor spaces, with 12 main classrooms, 3 Individual Needs classrooms, Music and Dance studio, Library, Art Studio and Science and Construction rooms. The school boasts an outside handcraft area, floral gardens, pottery workshop, wood workshop, as well as an indoor mini kitchen housed in the large, sunny Dining Hall. In the past year, one of the highlights has been the successful introduction of parent and child rowing activities, as well as the use of a Forest School within walking distance from the Nursery.

Ayensuako School, Ghana

The School continued its strong support for the charity, Humanitas, continuing to provide financial support for Ayensuako School in rural Ghana and, this year, also supporting the charity’s work in Ukraine. Various initiatives have taken place across the year to raise funds, with the most significant being the children’s ‘Growa-Pound’ initiative which raised over £4,000 during the Easter holidays.

St John’s has been working with Humanitas for over six years, helping initially to fund the building of a school in Ayensuako, a small and isolated rural community. Over the years, St John’s’ continued support has helped the school in Ghana to expand and provide more facilities for children who would otherwise not have access to an education. This year, 8 children from a local orphanage in Ayensuako joined the school. Not only have these children lost their families, they have also been living in difficult conditions with very little opportunity to learn or to play. When learning and play become a luxury, a child’s world shrinks and they grow into adulthood too quickly.

Environmental Awareness

Eco Committee

“This is designed to raise awareness of issues affecting our planet in school and beyond. We are aiming to cut food waste by measuring how much goes into the bins each day, recycling more and saving energy.”

Alyse Baines (aged 10)

I submitted an entry for the National Trust’s free tree programme on behalf of Eco club. A term later, an email arrived saying that we had been accepted and the trees arrived three weeks later. All the members of Eco club planted the trees with Tom, the gardener, in the Quiet Garden. Tom showed us how to plant the saplings and then we got to plant the rest ourselves. I enjoyed planting the trees because I liked knowing that I had done something to help the environment.

Inese Khaled (aged 9)

Climate Ambition at Stowe

I was a member of the St John’s team for the Stowe School Winton Cup. We took part in lots of different debates in connection with the climate, such as whether petrol cars should be banned. The theme for the session was ‘Climate Ambition’ and we had to think creatively about key climate issues. A guest speaker gave a talk about sustainability. We also did some linking between climate change and religion, as well as artwork that encouraged us to feel and think about climate change. By the end of the day, I learnt so much about climate change and, more importantly, I learnt to look at this issue in different ways.

Eloise Halban-Taylor (aged 10)

Earth Day

We watched a programme by Sir David Attenborough on life in the sea as for Earth week we have been leaning about how humans are littering in the ocean and harming fish and other animals that live there. We also read some books about looking after the earth and being kind to our planet. It is important that we try and take care of our earth and all the plants and animals that live on it.

Selim Emam (aged 6)

We read a book on sustainability called The Girl who Talked to Trees which is a story about a girl whose best friend is a very old oak tree which is in danger. This book reminded me of how important trees are for the health of everything in the world. I am borrowing this book to read again at home as I enjoyed it so much!

‘Climate in Action’ ~ The Big Draw

We took part in the Big Draw which, this year, focused on the theme of making the change with climate issues and was all about protecting and saving our environment. I enjoyed it especially because we had the chance to do something fun as we got to sew an important message, our own message, about saving our earth.

Sam Wickett (aged 6)

Dotty Gardiner (aged 10)

Lackford Lakes Nature Reserve

I discovered that when food is imported from far away countries it has much higher food miles which is bad for the environment. If ingredients have come a long way, they may have a heavy carbon footprint. We grow apples here in Britain, but they have a journey of 10,133 miles from the USA.

Toby Ali (aged 8)

At the Nature Reserve we thought carefully about how we could protect our environment more and care for our planet in a sustainable way. I liked the water lesson as it reminded me that I need to use less water. If I am in a bath or brushing my teeth I could save water by just getting a mug and putting water in it.

Isabella MacLean (aged 8)

Greener Week

Pupil Forum decided to organise a Greener Week in school in which we were encouraged to think about how we can be more environmentally aware. We should think about this and act now to improve the earth and look after the environment by turning lights off, thinking about how we travel to school and food waste.

Megan Munro (aged 10)

“It is important for us to be more environmentally aware because if one person doesn’t do anything and relies on everyone else, then we aren’t going to get anywhere. Don’t just want change, act to make it happen.”

Eloise Halban-Taylor (aged 10)

WWF Wild Wisdom Sustainability Challenge

It felt amazing to take part in such a prestigious international competition against people from all over the world. We had to answer twenty questions based on geographical and ecological topics such as protecting marine biology and global warming. We even had a message from Sir David Attenborough reminding us all that we must save our planet. We both did well in the leader board ranking and, most importantly, we had fun!

Poppy Marr & Lucas Hobson (both aged 12)

Environmental Traffic Survey

It was a really fun Thursday afternoon session. We went out to roads near to school such as Grange, Madingley and Clarkson roads and counted the amount of cars, bikes, pedestrians and other forms of transport that travelled through each road during this time. Then we turned the information into data. Most petrol and diesel cars cause a bit of air pollution due to carbon monoxide fumes, so I think we should plant more trees on roads to make them more eco-friendly. I also found litter on the ground. If people could just love the environment that we’re living in more, it would be great.

Nature Trip to the Mill Pond

“We went to the Mill Pond and took our sketch books and did some drawings of what we could see there. I drew a thistle. We thought about how important nature is to the world.”

“We weaved crowns from fallen willow leaves and thought about nature and the world around us.”

Charlotte Egerton (aged 6)

Wilson Chau (aged 12)

“If people could just love the environment that we are living in more, it would be great.”

Ernesto Weis Kaufmann (aged 6)

Science & STEM

I really like physics projects in Science but I think the chemistry ones we did were even better like when we used iron filings and sulphur to make iron sulphide. Even though it was a relatively simple project I still found it really fun and interesting how the magnetic strength drops when the iron and sulphur joined into a compound.

Mei Mei Noble (aged 10)

Recently in Science we have been doing experiments on carbon dioxide and seeing what the effects are when we react with certain acids with lime water. Limewater can be used to detect carbon dioxide. If carbon dioxide is bubbled through limewater then it turns from clear to cloudy or milky in colour.

Lottie

Dely (aged 12)

“We have been learning about the planets and our solar system so it was fascinating to have a talk from a scientist from NASA as it added to what we already knew.”

Heyan Patel (aged 7)

We learnt how to use micro:bit computers in Science to monitor how dirty the water in the pond was. A micro:bit is a device with many uses which is designed to be programmed to be anything you want.

11)

We had a lesson on eye dissection to take a closer look at the different components of a lamb’s eye. We were mainly looking at certain parts of the eye such as the cornea, iris, lens, optic nerve and retina. We didn’t have to be as cautious as we might have been in other dissections but we had the option to wear gloves and goggles.

Kangqi Gong (aged 11)

“I find it so interesting that little particles can make up big things like sky scrapers.”

Elias Brown (aged 10)

My favourite Science project was when we got to dissect a heart because I liked seeing what we had learnt about actually happen in real life. It was satisfying using a scalpel as I’ve never used one before.”

Zion Pommells (aged 11)

“We looked at flower parts with a microscope and dissected it. This was fascinating as we saw the four main parts of a flower: petals, sepals, stamen and carpel.”

Abigail Lock (aged 6)

Mattia Nicholson (aged

Kings Dyke Nature Reserve

On our Science trip we got to try lots of different activities which all linked to nature. I really enjoyed the nature trail as we walked around and tried to identify lots of different plants, insects and animals that we could see in the habitat. I learnt and saw so much.

Fergus Douglas (aged 7)

I really enjoyed the bird watching part of the trip as I like bird watching in my spare time. We went into a hide so that we wouldn’t scare the birds and had to be very quiet. We saw lots of different birds, including king fishers and swallows.

Lukas Knowles (aged 7)

One of the best activities was fossil hunting which we did after we were told how fossils were formed over a long period. I found lots of ammonites which are common fossils to find - they sort of look like a spiral snail shell. Unfortunately, no one found any bigger fossils.

Hanna Ghahramani (aged 7)

“Our Nature Reserve trip was a very exciting day. We did lots of different activities such as fossil hunting and bird watching. We also got to do some pond dipping and I even found a stick insect.”

Aniket Sinha (aged 7)

The Silverstone Interactive Museum

We sat in seats and then the screen changed and the floor moved so it felt like we were really driving a Formula One car. We learnt all about the science and engineering behind what makes these cars so fast compared with a normal car. We also went through a really dark tunnel! It was very loud just like the Formula One cars are in real life. It was such a fun trip and we learnt so much.

Benedict McDonnell (aged 5)

National Science Quiz

We didn’t really decide who was better at what, we just allocated subjects for each individual to study. The hardest part is always when you aren’t quite in the place you want to be and are just about to give up but you need to keep pushing yourself to carry on. Nobody was negative during the quiz. We decided on an answer together and if we got it wrong then we just moved on to the next question. When we were correct, a wave of joy just flowed over you. Getting the correct answers with my teammates kept my spirits lifted. It has helped my Science knowledge, as after every question the Chairman would explain the answer and tell us even more facts. One question I remember was ‘Which imaging system is used in hospitals and utilises sonic waves with frequencies above the range on the human ear?’ We all thought is was X-rays until the two Third Formers said they had been learning about this in Science and that it was ultrasound, so we did a last minute change and got it correct. That summed up teamwork.

Kevin Ke (aged 10)

“We got to touch a real-life racing car tyre and also got to wear a real race helmet, which was exciting. We learnt about safety and also about how friction affects the tyres.”

Ayla Alt-Richter (aged 5)

“We worked well as a team to figure out the answers. It really helped us to do well and to get more answers correct. I think our collaboration was very good and it certainly helped us to be successful.”

Ethan Hayes Fernández (aged 10)

STEM Investigations

In one of our rotation of STEM sessions, we were set the challenge of designing a boat out of Lego which would float on water successfully. This was quite tricky at first as Lego is fairly heavy so if we used too many bricks with the wrong boat design it ended up sinking!

Walter Mackenzie (aged 8)

We had designed our bridges on the computers using The Bridge Designer program. Then we built our bridges in the lab and were challenged to hold a small toy car to test if they were strong enough and well-built so that they could hold the weight. If the bridges were not strong and they dipped in the middle a red light would flash meaning that you were out of the competition. Although I didn’t win my bridge was still very strong as I used paper splints and reinforced this with paper glue and lolly sticks.

Harry Dixon (aged 8)

“We had a map to help us find our way around Senior House but I still got lost! I am looking forward to all the experiments we will be doing in STEM.”

Jemima Lucas (aged 8)

“With the tower challenge I quickly learnt that a strong structure needs a stable base.”

Poppy Slater (aged 8)

After we had created our design using a program on the computers, we talked about what we were going to make our bridges out of and what materials we could use to ensure that they are strong and will hold a toy car without collapsing. The strongest materials to make bridges out of the materials available were paper sticks and splints.

Emma

Fawcus

(aged 8)

“We worked as a team and were challenged to create the tallest tower. Although our tower was strong, we did not win as our base was not the most sturdy.”

Ruben Hastwell (aged 8)

Design Technology

Acrylic Pen Tidies

We have only just begun the project but it’s been really fun so far. We started practising how to work with the acrylic, which involved cutting holes in it, melting it and then bending it. Now we’re onto the design stage. We’ve all been sketching ideas and coming up with creative ways to make our pen tidies. The brief for our project was to design it with the theme of animals or insects which added some restrictions but it also made us think outside the box and think more laterally.

Noah Roach (aged 12)

Charlie Froggett (aged 12)

Felix Emerson (aged 12)

“We got to bend, cut and drill the acrylic into different shapes.”

“You only get one piece of acrylic so you have to think incredibly carefully about your design before you start!”

Wooden Clocks

After we finished our clock project we reflected on how we could have improved on the process. I think I could have been neater when colouring but having a theme was helpful as I would have spent longer deciding which design to use. We started with a brief and then researched ideas to create a mood board, before using CAD to design our clocks. After they were cut out with the laser cutter we painted them then, when we had an end product, we evaluated them.

Hugo Rudd (aged 12)

“Working through the design process helps you to structure your time and ideas.”

Alice Tomlinson (aged 12)

“Designing with a given theme has pushed me to go outside of my comfort zone, which is something I wouldn’t normally do. It has increased my skill level and confidence.”

Alicia McDonnell (aged 12)

“I enjoyed the anticipation of designing our clocks on the computers and waiting for the outcome when the wood was cut by the laser.”

Hugo Lauze (aged 12)

Memphis Boxes

The difficulties I faced in the Memphis box project in DT were the finger joints. It was hard to get them to fit at first and took a lot of sanding. The way that I got around this was by using my finger to guide the saw to shave bits off. What would take five minutes with a sander only took five seconds when using the saw!

Theo Whiting (aged 11)

My orthographic projection drawings were successful but I learnt that you have to be very precise when you are measuring out your pieces onto wood. If you don’t, they won’t fit together properly so you need to use an engineer’s ruler and a carpenter’s square. I faced difficulties when I was measuring out my pieces onto wood because sometimes it is hard to transfer the measurements accurately from your orthographic projection. I decided do make a boat for my box.

Emre Tunc (aged 11)

“I learnt how to use a jigsaw when cutting the wood accurately. I can’t wait to get to the painting stage!”

George Gibbes (aged 11)

Fairground Rides

After we had come up with our Fairground Ride design we started to make the sturdy base stage. We then concentrated on constructing our actual rides by turning our 2D images into 3D models. Through the making and the painting stages I learnt all sorts of different skills, like learning how to solve problems, think logically and have a positive mindset. There are lots of things that go wrong with DT projects but making mistakes is learning and that is how you improve.

Chace Carver (aged 10)

“It was very fun painting the jets and making a roller coaster. We learnt that solving problems is all part of the process. One of the biggest things we had to overcome was the conveyor belt - we spent ages on it until finally we fixed it! We were so happy we had done it.”

Elias Brown (aged 10)

“I loved making the fairground rides because I learnt so many new skills such as making gears and pulleys. This project was all about teamwork and communicating and it was so fun.”

Harriet Elend-Warner (aged 10)

Matching Games

“I am really proud of the matching game I made because getting the LED parts to work was tricky at first.”

Eniya Zhang (aged 9)

Shadow Puppets

“I have enjoyed helping other people and also making and decorating my own game. It was good to be able to decide which theme we wanted. I found the circuitry tricky at times but I felt proud of my game at the end.”

Alice Labruyère (aged 9)

We made our very own shadow puppets inspired by traditional Chinese ones. We used black card and cut out some parts of the card and covered them with coloured cellophane as we wanted the light to shine through. I cut out the bushy part of my tree and used green cellophane to cover it. This made the shadow look really effective behind the screen.

“In our last DT lesson we got to use our shadow puppets behind the screen to tell the story whilst the rest of the class watched. We even had popcorn and squash while we watched!”

Magnus Moore (aged 7)

Zebbie Halban-Taylor (aged 7)

Cushions

I have learnt that in DT things can go wrong but this helps you learn. I learnt to use tools such as a sewing machine and a jigsaw. DT teaches you to never give up and to keep persevering because there is always a way through.

Kevin Ke (aged 10)

“I have learnt how to use a different stitch on the sewing machine and I have enjoyed being able to sew around shapes.”

Megan Munro (aged 10)

“I can now use a sewing machine which is something I have never done before and which I now love!”

Olly Crossley (aged 10)

Motorised Vehicles

I am proud of all the projects I have made this year in Form 3, including the motorised vehicles. After we made the base for our vehicles and added the wheels we learnt how to make the circuits to make our cars move. I have enjoyed using wood to create structures.

Kasra Mohaddes (aged 9)

“We got to test and race our motorised cars on Green Court which was really exciting to see if they worked and went in a straight line!”

Lottie Bowes (aged 9)

“I enjoyed making many different models and learning new skills for the vehicles.”

Peregrine Brice (aged 9)

Wind-up Stories

“My wind-up character was a bee which I made from cork that I coloured in yellow and black stripes with acrylic pens. I attached the bee to the reel with string. We learnt how to make the winding mechanism.”

Wanyan Zhou (aged 6)

“I liked creating the background of my wind-up story as we got to use lots of different materials such as paint, glitter and other materials from the jars.”

Freddie Dolan (aged 6)

Dizzy Dowels

To make our Dizzy Dowels we first had to create the frame by carefully measuring and cutting wood using the hacksaw. We measured and cut one A-frame first and then made two upper frames which we attached to the A-frame to make the structure three-dimensional. The next step was to make our circuit which included a battery holder wired to a switch and a motor which would make our dowels spin, I found the wiring of the circuit the trickiest part.

Farid Emam (aged 8)

Computing

When coding Beebots you have to make sure you press the ‘X’ button before entering your new code, otherwise it will remember the previous code and the Beebot will not complete the maze successfully. I love coding in my spare time and I often use block coding at home to programme characters to move.

Arjen Singh (aged 7)

I did a course on Artificial Intelligence as part of my Thursday Afternoon choices. I found it really interesting because I like learning about computers and how they work. It was really fun because we had lots of different activities to do. I enjoyed the coding the most because it was amazing to see your creation working correctly.

Alice Sutcliffe (aged 11)

“I have learned how to use Scratch and then answer questions to check my accuracy. Understanding programming will help us in the future.”

Cecilia Forsberg (aged 10)

“I learnt a very useful skill on the iPads which was how to take a photo and upload it to Google. It is so quick!”

George Hood (aged 6)

“We have learnt how to use Logo. Coding is important for all of our futures.”

Zain Sheikh (aged 9)

I really look forward to our Computing lessons and I love using the Beebots. It’s fun to code them and see where they end up! We are learning all about algorithms and when we input the directions and movements to the Beebot they move. You have to use precise instructions which is also what you would need for more complicated algorithms too.

Grace Lambert (aged 8)

Micro:bit club is one of the best clubs because we get to use the computers to practice progamming which is something I really enjoy and want to develop my skills in. A micro:bit can be programmed to be a digital watch, fitness tracker or a games console. It has 25 LED lights and two programmable buttons. I would recommend this club to anyone interested in programming.

Bradley Kushman (aged 8)

First, I built a structure out of six Lego bricks. I wrote down step by step instructions or an algorithm so that I could tell someone else how to create the exact same shape with the six Lego bricks. I wrote my algorithm on the iPad and gave it to some else in my class to follow to see if my instructions worked.

Sasha Bautin (aged 6)

“We learnt how to use micro:bits; they are plugged into the computer. We programmed them and created our own games.”

Lily McMullen (aged 9)

Digitally Enhanced Learning

“I enjoy using the ‘Book Creator’ app on the iPads. This amazing app allows you to record your own story and you can add your own photos too.”

Stella Millward (aged 5)

The use of Chromebooks is really helpful in a technologyevolving world. Using these is preparing us for the future and they are especially useful in subjects such as Science. They can be used to do complicated calculations and find out information that would be harder to find in books.

Maxim Pullan (aged 12)

“Chromebooks and iPads really help reduce paper.”

Daniel Wicks (aged 12)

We wrote poems about the ocean and recorded us reading them using an iPad app. These recordings were played in our class Assembly in front of our parents so we didn’t have to worry about reading them ‘live’! It worked well.

Edward Fawcus (aged 6)

We use iPads to help with our learning. Recently, we were taking pictures of different shades of green that we found in the Forest Garden. We also use them to research facts which can further our understanding too.

Ailee Kushman (aged 6)

It is important to understand technology as it helps you to work quicker and makes you more confident when working online, researching information for projects and exams. You can use Chromebooks in nearly every lesson in school. These are valuable life skills to have.

Leo Smith (aged 12)

“I used iPads in Art lessons to research a French artist called Sonia Delauney and I use my Chromebook in Science to hear notes. It has helped by displaying images too.”

Adrian Ng (aged 10)

“We use iPads for lots of different things, such as practising our letter formations and phonics.”

Maximilian Reinhold (aged 4)

Sports Psychologist, Helen Davis, gave us a talk about motivation in sport and our lives in general. The talk was very inspiring and really helped with my self-confidence. It will also be helpful for upcoming sports fixtures against other school and the stress of exams. Listening to Helen talk about working with Olympic athletes gave a really interesting insight into how we can improve our self-motivation and achieve our goals in a positive way.

Ernest Gardener (aged 12)

I loved the air boat DT project. I used my knowledge of boats to make sure that none of the mechanisms got wet and broke. It was quite nerve-racking during the race Finals. I couldn’t believe it when I won! Everybody’s boats were so amazing and I thought I might lose but I was happy I didn’t.

Imogen Youngman (aged 11)

I enjoyed the air boat race very much and it has probably been my favourite project. I dedicated many lunchtimes to finishing my boat. We were tasked with designing and creating a boat which could make it from one end of the pool to the other. Mine was based on a catamaran design and I used polystyrene and wood. I had attached two rudders to the front with the glue gun but they fell off! It turned out it was a lot better without them.

Zahaan Socha (aged 11)

Enrichment Afternoons

“I loved learning new Spanish words and finding out about the culture. We learnt about numbers, letters, food, Christmas, subjects and classroom objects.”

Isobel Morbey (aged 11)

“I loved rehearsing for Drama as we had a long stretch of time to focus on improving our performances and work as an ensemble.”

Marina Kokelaar (aged 12)

“I enjoyed Music composition as we created our own pieces and also adapted famous ones like ‘Silent Night’ and more modern music.”

Amelie Kirk (aged 11)

“I loved learning German. I didn’t know how easy it was to learn another language! My favourite part was learning colours.”

Olivia Inglis (aged 11)

“I especially liked playing tag rugby because the sun was out and we learnt new skills and there wasn’t a winner or a loser.”

“Making a prosthetic hand in our STEM afternoon was incredible as the fingers and thumb moved when you pulled the string!”

Una Churchward (aged 10)

Opposite page: DT Air boat race

This page, top left: Form 3 Art trip to The Backs; above left: DT STEM session to create a bionic hand; top right: Form 6 Art project & bottom: tag rugby

Safiyya Ahmad (aged 10)

Extra-Curricular

Sugarcraft club was really fun as we had the chance to make things, such as miniature animals and objects. Once we created a mini vegetable garden with tiny little vegetables! Another reason that I love the club is that I get to be with some of my friends after school.

Carmen

Navarro

(aged 10)

“In Multisports club we do lots of different types of sports and we often play fun games like moving between spots or throwing and catching tennis balls. I would recommend this club to anyone who loves playing games outside with their friends.”

Bridget Baker (aged 5)

“My favourite club by far is Computer Control and Electronics. We build and programme robots and then we arm them and fight other people. We also make remote controls for them.”

Dev Patel (aged 10)

“I really like playing tennis so I joined Mini Tennis club at school so that I could enjoy one of my favourite sports with friends.”

Harry Dixon (aged 8)

“In Sewing club we practice different types of stitches using a real variety of fabrics.”

Oliver Jerman (aged 8)

“Calm club is really useful as it helps me relax and take some quiet time out of the school day, which is often extremely busy.”

Aliyah Auty (aged 7)

Top: Eco club; middle: Invitation Art club & bottom: Rowing club

I enjoy it when the younger children are so immersed and excited about a book that you become super excited too, even if you don’t read picture books anymore. I think they really benefit from reading these books because it’s an important life skill as it helps you to connect with other people and makes you a kinder person. My favourite empathy-boosting book is Last: The Story of a White Rhino (Nicola Davis) which helps us feel empathy for our planet and the creatures that live here.

Roksana Ghahramani (aged 11)

Top left: Cubix club; middle left: Empathy club; top right: SJCS Strictly & bottom: Byron House Field Run

“In running club we get to play different games. Some weeks we do shorter, faster sprints and other times a slower run for a longer distance. It is something I love doing alongside my friends.”

Tilly Denman (aged 8)

Parents’ Association

In the speech that I made at the end of last year, I mentioned that the lingering presence of Covid had very much created a sense of Groundhog Day. Fortunately, despite its ever-present threat this past year, the PA has been able to hold all of its regular events, except Evensong.

We started the academic year with a successful Macmillan coffee morning in the Boarding House which raised nearly £1,200. The excitement of being able to socialise in person with friends old and new over coffee and cake, obviously made people feel extremely generous!

As the nights drew shorter, Covid began to rear its ugly head again and we feared our much-anticipated Fireworks event might become a victim. But luckily, no new restrictions were enforced ahead of time and we managed to squeeze the display in just before a fresh wave! Demand was significant and, with a record-breaking 900+ attendees, an uplifting display was put on that managed to lift everyone’s spirits!

This page, top: Fireworks Night & bottom: Macmillan Coffee Morning. Opposite page, top: Fun Day & bottom: Summer Garden Party

Come the beginning of 2022, despite the emergence of Omicron, with some incredibly hard work and just a bit of luck, we managed to pull together a storming Lent Event – a Wild West themed Hoedown. People line danced the night away, braved the rodeo bull, won some fabulous prizes at the casino table and munched their way through delicious burritos. It definitely felt good to be able to party the night away again! Organising all this in 5 short weeks required a gargantuan effort, and I’d like to thank all those involved in pulling it together!

The Summer term saw the return of the much-missed Family Fun Day. Amazingly, the weather was perfect and we were joined by more than 600 people who ran for fun and for trophies, had their bakes judged by Fitzbillies, drank Pimms till we ran out and bounced through the afternoon. This event alone required more than 50 volunteers, so if you helped out in any way, we all really appreciate your efforts.

To finish the year we held the PA’s annual Garden Party on a beautiful, sunny evening in July. Guests were entertained by Ollie Lepage-Dean’s Rednotes band and feasted on delicious canapes provided by Catering and ably served by Senior House children. This year we have been raising funds for the Castle School for Special Needs, just up the road. We have raised £11k for them which is an amazing amount and will no doubt make a significant impact. So thank you all once again for everyone’s support and generosity!

PA Chair, Nicole Holmes

Pupil Responsibilities & Pupil Forum

I was in charge of the register of signing all the children whose parents brought their dog to pick them up in and out. As Pupil Forum agreed that this would only be for 20 minutes after school, I also made sure that I counted everyone out at 4:20. It was a very fun thing to have organised as lots of people have dogs and stroking dogs make us feel happy, so I think everyone enjoyed it. I hope we can do it again next year.

Florence Reed Herbert (aged 7)

We decided that it would be a good idea to have a ‘bring your pet to school’ day because so many people have pets. We, as a Pupil Forum group, decided that we would only have dogs and other pets’ photos could then be uploaded onto the Padlet. It was a really exciting event to take part in and help organise.

Imogen Fairley (aged 7)

“My mum told me that when she was at school, they had a day where everyone could bring in their pets. I thought that this would be something that all of Byron House would enjoy, so I brought it up at Pupil Forum. We all talked about it and decided that this would be a great event for us to do too!”

Cirse Macswiney (aged 7)

I enjoyed being given the responsibility to show prospective parents and their children on a tour around Byron House because it gave me the opportunity to see some of what the other classes were up to. I especially enjoyed watching the Tai Chi class. It also makes you feel proud to be at this school!

Xavier Ahi-Eggo (aged 8)

“I like having the responsibility of being a Helping Hands monitor at lunchtime. I also enjoy the fact that the younger children feel they can approach me in the playground if they need help.”

Katie McMullen (aged 8)

“I am a Forest Garden monitor. I like having this responsibility as it means that I get to help push the younger children on the swing.”

Reuben Bennett (aged 8)

“I felt proud to have been chosen to represent the school and take parents on a tour.”

Emilia Laakkonen (aged 8)

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

I really enjoyed seeing the massive cake with the Union flag on which Chef Richard made for the Jubilee. It was a fun afternoon as we spent it outside with our friends having a picnic and listening to lots of songs from all the different year groups. It was very special as it is not something we do normally.

Albert Gibbeson (aged 8)

“We made flags for the Jubilee party and coloured them in red, white and blue. I liked waving mine.”

Ida Nichols (aged 5)

“We made and decorated our very own crowns, just like the Queen, in discovery time which we then wore to the party. I decorated my crown with feathers and glitter.”

Emily Da Costa (aged 4)

“We sat on blankets outside our classroom whilst we ate our food at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee party. It was like we were having a picnic! I really enjoyed doing something special to celebrate the Queen.”

Rafe Sheikh (aged 6)

Boarders

I really enjoy boarding because it gives me a chance to hang out with my friends and to make new ones. This is my third (and final) year full-boarding and it’s really fun to finally be at the top of the Boarding House and have more responsibility. We do lots of fun things together: baking, arts and crafts and basketball, and I have even, after 5 years, improved a tiny bit at football! We can decorate the dorms with our own things like photos, fairy lights and other decorations which makes it cosier and everyone feels more relaxed in their dorms. Boarding often means that you learn about things that you have in common with your friends. For example, my friend and I bonded over our love of Hamilton; we’re even going to the same Senior School.

Ella Wigan (aged 12)

I really enjoy boarding because I get to hang out with my friends. It also lets me experience what boarding is like because I am going to boarding school next year. I have lots of fun with my friends and we do interesting activities, including sports, arts and crafts and baking. One of my friends full-boards and I really enjoy seeing her and chatting with her. She has lots of fairy lights and pictures in her room which makes it really cosy. There’s a really nice atmosphere in the Boarding House because everybody is really kind and fun to be around.

Isabel Keightley (aged 12)

Sam Smith (aged 10)

Kevin Ke (aged

“You always feel welcome and never feel like you are alone. There are friends and staff around you to make your time there a happy one.”

Joshua Davisdson (aged 12)

“Your friends in the House become your family and you will stay together for the rest of your life.”

10)

“Having younger children in the House is great because you learn to be a role model if you are older.”

“There is always something fun to do in the Boarding House after school, something for everyone.”

Martha Gritten (aged

8)

“I really enjoy life in the Boarding House because everyone is so kind and welcoming and it has amazing facilities. It is like a massive sleepover with all of your friends and everyone makes you feel welcomed.”

Ingrid Birchall (aged 8)

Choristers

St John’s College Choir

What a busy year it has been for the Choir! Everyone returned very enthusiastically for what we hoped would be a ‘back to normal routine’ in October. We were delighted to welcome the new Junior Organ Scholar, Alex Trigg, along with Hamish MacGregor and Carlos Rodríguez Otero (Tenors), Henry Montgomery (Bass) and Probationers Arthur Cobb and Aiden Wee.

Two weeks into the Michaelmas term, the College made the exciting announcement that women and girls were to be admitted to the Choir. At the start of the Easter Term, we were joined by Nina Vinther (Alto), along with Probationers Ingrid Birchall, Amelia Crichton-Stuart and Martha Gritten. The Michaelmas Term started very positively. The latter part of the term was, however, severely hampered by Coronavirus, with several Choristers and the Director of Music testing positive in the few days leading up to the live Advent Carol Service. George Herbert, the Herbert Howells Organ Scholar, very ably stepped into the breach with two days’ notice to conduct the services, with former Organ Scholar, Joseph Wicks, returning to play the organ. George also conducted the Christmas concert which took place in Chapel a few days later. The Choir travelled to Birmingham Symphony Hall for a concert; unfortunately this was cancelled during the rehearsal owing to concerns over contact with a Covid case. Uncertainty over pandemic-related travel restrictions also caused us to cancel the Christmas tour to the Netherlands and the Easter tour to Sweden.

In October 2021 we were belatedly able to hold a very moving ‘Final Evensong’ for all those singers who had left the Choir 15 months earlier, at a time when the pandemic made Chapel services impossible.

The Advent Carol Services contained two commissions (one postponed from the previous year) by Cheryl Frances-Hoad and Helen Grime.

The Lent Term started with three days of recording, and included three special services – the candlelit Epiphany Carol Services, the Bach Cantata Evensong with the St John’s Sinfonia and the Lent Meditation.

Four days of recording preceded the start of the Easter Term. There then followed a busy period of broadcasts – the BBC Radio 3 Choral Evensong was broadcast live on Wednesday 4 May, with a recording of BBC Radio 4 Morning Worship being made the following day (broadcast on Sunday 8 May). Classic FM Facebook also live-streamed Evensong on Thursday 12 May.

We have also had a full year of joint Evensongs with other Choirs – Clare College Choir at the end of the Lent Term, and St John’s Voices and King’s College Choir during the Easter Term. It was a particularly joyous occasion to welcome back the very enthusiastic children’s choir from St John the Divine Church in Kennington in June.

Three albums have been released this year: The Tree – a compilation of live recordings in which I shared the conducting with former Directors of Music Christopher Robinson and David Hill. The final tracks on the album were recorded during the Choir Association Reunion Evensong held in July 2019 to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the consecration of the Chapel. Over 500 people were present, including Choir, Choir Alumni and Congregation – it was a big sound! The second in the series of recordings by alumni musicians was Schubert’s Die Schöne Müllerin, performed by Iestyn Davies, accompanied by Joseph Middleton. This was the first commercial release of the song cycle by a countertenor. Following on from the success of the live Ash Wednesday album, Eastertide Evensong, a live recording from May 2018 was released in April.

Choir Alumni who have been recognised this year include Hugh Cutting, who was the first countertenor to win the prestigious Kathleen Ferrier Award, and Andrew Carwood, Director of Music at St Paul’s Cathedral, who was awarded the MBE for Services to Choral Music in the New Year’s Honours List.

My thanks go to everyone in the Chapel & Choir Department, and to Neil Chippington, Simon Kirk, Steve Glitherow, Sarah Bailey and the Boarding House staff for their support during yet another year severely hampered by the pandemic.

As with every year, sadly we have to say goodbye to several Choir members: Francis Bamford, Tom Butler, Richard Decker, Alec D’Oyly, Alex Hopkins, Hamish MacGregor, Euan O’Connor, Alex Trigg, George Vines and Nina Vinther, and Choristers Adam Ahmad, Felix Bamford, Joshua Davidson, George Ducker, Lorenzo Granado and Lucas Nair-Grepinet. We thank them for their contribution to the Choir and send our very best wishes for the future.

Andrew Nethsingha (Director of Music)

I am a Chorister and the experience of having people from school as well as the Choir in Chapel watching Evensong was quite unusual, especially when no one was allowed in for 15 months. It was great to see the Chapel full with so many familiar faces. I enjoyed watching how the people around me reacted when they entered this incredible building; they were so amazed at how big it is but as Choristers we are lucky enough to sing in here all the time.

Caspar Johnson (aged 11)

For the Chorister football game we had a new, all inclusive system. This consisted of four teams for the four quarters of the game, which ensured that everyone participated and the play time for everyone was kept similar. In the game, we were weaker in attack than King’s and only scored one goal. The end result was 5 versus 1 to King’s but all in all I think we played well and had a good time!

Lucas

Nair-Grepinet

(aged 12)

It has been very fun to rehearse in Chapel because the acoustics really resonate and transform your sound. My favourite thing about rehearsing is when you can get fully involved as well. I also enjoy it when the Director of Music asks the Choir questions that you can answer. Getting involved in the Choir is so fun and I am enjoying the experience so much.

Angus

Crichton-Stuart

(aged 11)

Joint Evensong with the Choir of St John the Divine, Kennington (c) Stephen Stokes

George Ducker (aged

Advent Service

This year for Advent it was very strange for me as I had come down with a very bad cold and I couldn’t sing. I found out what it’s like to listen to a service from the perspective of the congregation. I really enjoyed it though because of how new it was to be listening rather than singing. I was still sorry that I couldn’t do it but altogether it was a very good experience.

Caspar Johnson (aged 11)

Epiphany Service

This term held one of the most important and exciting services of the year. Singing in the Choir gives you lots of opportunities and this is one of the best. In the Epiphany Service we sing lots of different styles of music. This year it was great to sing with some amazing musicians who played the harp and the flute. When all the parts are put together in a piece it always sounds and feels amazing. The start of the Service is completely magical! The Chapel is dark and when we are singing the Introit, the Chapel slowly gets lit up by candles one by one. When the Service is finished the feeling is indescribable because it finishes quite grandly and then the organ starts playing very loudly as we process out. I loved singing in and being part of the Epiphany Service and would highly recommend becoming a Chorister at St John’s College Chapel.

Sam Smith (aged 10)

Album Recording

My highlight of being in the Choir this year has been the CD recordings. Firstly, it was fun to spend three days recording some fun music, such as Howells’ St Paul’s and Westminster Services as well as some smaller anthems. It was also fun to sing for myself as my voice started to change.

Felix Bamford (aged 12)

“I have especially enjoyed being in the Choir in Sixth Form as recently my voice has properly matured and it is now better than ever. I have also loved helping the younger Choristers too.”

12)

I have really enjoyed being a boarder and one of the first girls to be a member of the Choir. As a Chorister, we have lots of extra music practices and choir practices which are most days after school and in the mornings before school. I like taking part in the services; recently we performed in the traditional Ascension Day with all the other Choristers and we climbed to the very top of the tower and sang from there which was a real experience. I am looking forward to when I am ‘made up’ which means I will no longer be a Probationer but a full Chorister. I feel very honoured to be one of the first girls accepted into St John’s College Choir.

Martha Gritten (aged 8)

“I really enjoy singing and taking part in the Choir because I can get set goals to aim to achieve and get better. I also like singing in the Choir because it involves boys of all ages so the younger boys get to know the boys from Forms 5 and 6.”

Sam Smith (aged 10)

I moved to St John’s so that I could have the opportunity to be a Chorister in the College Choir. I really enjoy the responsibilities that come with being a Chorister as it feels really special to be part of such a world-famous Choir. Although being a Chorister involves a lot of extra music practices and taking part in lots of services at the weekends and after school, I am really enjoying it and am very much looking forwards to being ‘made up’ in a special service which will mean I am officially a proper Chorister!

Ingrid Birchall (aged 8)

“You get to sing well-known classics and you get a huge repertoire. You also connect to others while singing because you know that they are expressing something close to what you are too.”

Kevin Ke (aged 10)

“I am really enjoying my time in the Choir as it is a great opportunity for learning and being surrounded by music as I grow up.”

Charlie Lipscomb (aged 10)

Music

Services in Preparation for Christmas

I felt really proud to be able to sing as part of the Choir for the Christmas Services in Chapel. My favourite song was the last one we performed with the Choristers and Senior House Choir, I Saw Three Ships. As the Service was live streamed, my brother was able to watch me singing in his classroom.

Lucas Taylor (aged 7)

If there is one thing I really enjoy, it is performing solos as a Chorister, so it was really sad for me when my voice broke last November. Solos always made me feel right at the heart of the performance, and I would be buzzing afterwards. Although my voice broke, I could still sing bass, so you can imagine my joy when asked to sing a solo in the Christmas Services. I Sing of a Maiden is a poem or carol written in the Middle Ages; it was lovely to sing it, and not miss out being part of everything in my final year. Thank you to Mr Kirk for helping me practise and making it happen, and of course, Mr Nethsingha for everything that I have learnt (it was a lot!) in my four years as a Chorister.

Adam Ahmad (aged 12)

“I got to stand in one of the pews and sing like the Choristers. This made me feel very professional.”

Barnaby Hill (aged 8)

“I enjoyed playing the organ at the Christmas Services. Learning the pieces and investing time into practice paid off massively when I had the opportunity to perform them.”

Lorenzo Granado (aged 12)

“Singing together with all the Choirs was something I will never forget.”

Olivia Inglis (aged 11)

Remembrance Day

Before we started playing The Last Post we were afraid that we might mess up, but as soon as we began we were absolutely fine! It is such a huge responsibility and honour to perform before the minute’s silence on Remembrance Day to commemorate those who have fallen for our country. Before we started, I could sense everyone looking at us and waiting for us, but they were all watching us out of respect for those who died for peace.

Maddie Phelps (aged 10)

I loved performing the The Last Post in front of Senior House. It was so very nerve-racking due to all the people watching me on the Piazza. Hundreds of faces watched me play a piece on the trumpet. On the other hand, it was a very enjoyable experience. Learning one of the most well-known pieces that almost everyone in this country has listened to. It was such an honour to be given the opportunity to do this and also to perform this at Byron House the year before.

Nico Clarke (aged 12)

Magnus Cleevely (aged 9)

“We had a minute’s silence to remember the soldiers who have died in wars. My Great Grandfather fought in the War.”

Mura Micu (aged 8)

“I really enjoyed playing ‘The Last Post’ for Remembrance Day. It was fun but petrifying at the same time as I wanted to get it right. I was doing it with three other people and I was the youngest. I was told I might be the youngest trumpeter ever to do the ‘Last Post!’”

Christmas Brass

My favourite thing about playing at this event is how, with brass, you get such rich music which comes together and makes a really wonderful sound. Everyone has to do their bit in a band and it is really interesting to hear how the carol developed as we have been practising it.

Vita Rainey (aged 11)

“We did a performance in the Piazza where we played Christmas carols and Christmas songs. It was so festive.”

Daniel Pretorius (aged 10)

It was an amazing experience to hear everyone’s instruments come together. Everyone was in sync and it was a very collaborative concert to be a part of. I was also a part of the Big Band and I am so glad everyone got to listen to us.

Antigone Axon (aged 11)

“At the end of the Christmas Brass I felt very proud of myself as there was a really big audience watching from outside of the Drama Studio. I played the flute and it was a great festive way to finish the term!”

Safiyya Ahmad (aged 10)

Jazz in the Piazza

It is such a huge privilege for me to play the synthesizer in the amazing band that is Rednotes. Jazz in the Piazza this year was a thrilling experience. It was quite nerve-racking at first, but everyone loosened up because our teacher, Mr Lepage, is so fun to work with; his enthusiasm is infectious and the music we play is so good. The atmosphere in the Piazza was relaxed and it was great to experience everyone enjoying the music. Some of them even started clapping along once they had finished eating their melting ice lollies in the summer sun. As a Chorister in the College Choir, it is great to have the opportunity to experience other genres of music, especially at such a high level. The girls who were singing transformed the performance and made it a very memorable one. My personal favourite was Ghostbusters

Angus Crichton-Stuart (aged 11)

Maddie Phelps (aged 10)

Class Music

We have been listening to all types of music which has inspired us all when composing our own songs. We also wrote blues songs which was so cool, and we always listen to each others; we even had concerts to perform our compositions.

Amelie Kirk (aged 11)

For our Music composition project we brainstormed ideas about the situation in Ukraine, then compiled our thoughts together into similar themes and added other lines to make the music sound better. We added another verse and, in the end, everyone had contributed at least a couple of lines and often more. Afterwards, we went through a variety of chords to see which ones we liked the most and which ones sounded best and fitted the theme. We had a base tune throughout but continued to adapt.

Hugo Wells, Ugo Ibeanusi & James Lockhart (all aged 11) & Sebastian Parkinson (aged 12)

The latest project we did in Music was probably the most fun! We had to compose music for a BBC ‘Our Planet’ intro and we had to create different sounds and beats for each section according to what was happening in that moment, such as crashing waves or a shoal of fish or a barrel wave. It was really fun having creative freedom over which instruments we used and effects we wanted to create for our piece.

Noah Roach (aged 12)

“Our composition involved lyrics about our frustrations with Covid.”

George Gibbes & Zion Pommells (both aged 12)

“I have really enjoyed composing because we get to do it with a couple of friends and we come up with really good songs.”

Zac Navarro (aged 12)

“We had a lot of fun as tango is an interesting dance and we could choreograph our own routines.”

Informal Concerts

I joined the choir at Byron House to help me improve my all-round musicality as I also play the drums, which I love. One of the highlights of being part of the choir is getting the chance to sing so many different songs with other children and also being able to sing in concerts to show what we have been learning. I would certainly recommend joining the choir if you enjoy music as much as I do!

I played a clarinet piece in the Music Showcase Assembly so that all the younger children could hear what it was like. I felt good after I had finished. I hope that some children might be inspired to take up the clarinet. I also play the harp and would love to play this in a concert as it is a more unusual instrument which some children might not have heard before.

Joshua Evershed (aged 6)

Martha Gritten (aged 8)

I really enjoy playing my harp in concerts as not only do I get to perform, but it is also a chance to get to see my friends perform with their instruments. There are so many different types of instruments that you can learn at St John’s and there is one to suit everyone! Concerts are a relaxed way to practice the pieces that you have been learning about in lessons.

Cleodie Kornicki (aged 6)

“I really enjoy music and learning to read music and playing the harp. I would tell anyone wanting to play an instrument to have a go as it’s lots of fun and it also means that you can perform in a concert.”

Blythe Weller (aged 7)

“Before a concert I practice the piece on my trombone so that I can do my best and try not to make any mistakes. After a concert I always feel really proud of my performance.”

Penelope Aeberhard (aged 8)

“I have played in many concerts at St John’s and have enjoyed them all. I usually get a little nervous beforehand but calm down as soon as I start playing.”

Anna Tomkinson (aged 12)

Summer Concert at West Road

Recently, I had my last concert at West Road, five years after my first, in Form One. My piano solo, which I played in front of a large audience, will stick with me forever and I often reflect on the excitement and trepidation that I felt before and during my performance, as well as the joy after it. I was so happy with the positive reception of my rendition and the praise I received from the audience afterwards. Because it was the last concert at West Road for me and my entire year group, I felt quite emotional during it; and, while I did not cry, some of my peers did, especially those in the audience watching friends perform their music for perhaps the last time.

I thoroughly enjoyed the privilege to play in more ensembles at West Road than I had ever before, and I felt blessed to be part of the team spirit that came with each one. Seeing the younger years play their instruments in each rehearsal and finally in the concert, reminded me of when my peers and I were in that position; I hope each one can benefit from music at St John’s as much as I have.

Lorenzo Granado (aged 12)

At the Summer Concert, I performed in the large symphony orchestra, the smaller chamber orchestra, Stradivarius strings, and the harp ensemble. The rehearsals for each of these were fun and interesting. It was an amazing moment in the symphony and chamber orchestras when all of the different parts merged together and created the beautiful music! The music sounded even richer with the fantastic acoustics of the West Road Concert Hall. On the night of the performance, I was very excited. This only happens once a year but recently has been even less because of Covid. At the end of the performances, I felt absolutely thrilled with how well it all turned out, and I loved every second of it. I am sure everyone involved loved it too.

What I love most of all about my instruments is the sound of them. Lots of instruments sound very nice, but for me there is just the feeling of calm with the harp, and the sound of the violin always makes me feel happy and content. Of course, depending on what song is being played, the violin and harp can give you a whole range of emotions from happy to sad, or even frightened!

Milo White (aged 11)

That performance will never escape my mind. The image of my hand and the strings, the words, ‘Whoa oh oh Sweet Child O’Mine’, and the vigorous clapping will never leave me. One minute to go and I was in the wings with my guitar at the ready, a whole flock of butterflies panicking in my stomach. A voice in my head was saying, ‘Don’t mess up, Don’t mess up….’. When I walked onto the red-lit stage, I suddenly felt less nervous: the sight of the friendly, clapping crowd released some tension inside me. After checking the amp controls (I had promised Mr Kirk it wouldn’t be too loud!) I gave the nod to my good friend, Daniel (acting as my trusted technician) and away we went. Initially the clapping was completely and utterly out of sync with the guitar so I had to keep it together and everyone eventually got it. When I did the Slash style guitar move I loved it when everyone did an ‘oooh’. It was so incredible performing in front of 500 people. In the end I feel that it all went well and I am very grateful to St John’s, and in particular to Mr Kirk, for the amazing opportunity.

Maxim Pullan (aged 12)

I have been learning the cello for less than a year and have never played in St John’s symphony orchestra before. The orchestra is enormous. I played in third desk and as soon as we started to play, I felt like everyone was looking at me. The part that I really enjoyed was when the audience stood up to sing the National Anthem. It was a wonderful moment to feel that everyone in the room was taking part. Also Sprach Zarathustra was incredibly loud and I got to do a tremolo for the last 8 bars which was a lot of fun.

Amelia Crichton-Stuart (aged 9)

“I really enjoy Music; it is one of my best subjects so I always look forwards to performing in concerts or in Chapel. Even though, as a Chorister, I sing in Chapel all the time, performing at West Road was very different because the stage is much bigger and the audience is a lot closer.”

Arthur Cobb (aged 8)

“I sang in the Byron House Chamber Choir and played my violin as part of the orchestra. I like being a part of the orchestra because each instrument has their own sheet of music but when we all play at the same time it sounds amazing!”

Lydia Lipscomb (aged 8)

Music Examination Results

Michaelmas Term

ABRSM Practical Exams:

* indicates distinction

Samuel Ji 1 Piano

Henry Skillings 1* Piano

Maddie Phelps 3 Piano

Lena Knowles 1 Piano

Richard Li 2 Piano

Isobel Morbey 4 Singing

Lydia Lipscomb 1 Flute

Lent Term

ABRSM Practical Exams:

Safiyya Ahmad 5 Flute

Shemi Ayers 1 Piano

Nicholas Garcia 1* Oboe

Nicholas Garcia 4 Piano

Isobel Davies 5 Flute

Harry Dixon 1 Guitar

George Ducker 5 Piano

Kangqi Gong 5 Piano

Lorenzo Granado 8* Piano

Alice Labruyère 1 Oboe

Charlie Lipscomb 1* Horn

Alice Manning 3 Flute

Kieran McGurran 5 Violin

Anna Tomkinson 8* Piano

Lily Walpole 4 Descant Recorder

Hugo Wells 2 Piano

Summer Term

ABRSM Practical Exams:

Shemi Ayers 2 Trombone

Bertie Banks 2 Trombone

Tom Bennington 3* Piano

Angus Crichton-Stuart 7* Violin

Cindy Di 1* Piano

Cindy Di 3 Violin

Maya Drokov 1 Descant Recorder

Farid Emam 2* Piano

Jeannie Farquharson-Wood 1 Trombone

Emma Fawcus 1 Oboe

Kangqi Gong 1* Flute

Lorenzo Granado 7 Violin

Martha Gritten 3* Clarinet

Lucas Nair-Grepinet 6 French Horn

Samuel Ji 2 Piano

Kevin Ke 7* Violin

Lucy Keightley 4 Oboe

Henry Lambert 1* Trombone

Riley Neville 2 Piano

Adrian Ng 4 Piano

Gabriel Ng 5 Piano

Hugo Rudd 4 Alto Saxophone

Henry Skillings 2* Piano

Henry Skillings 2* Violin

Arthur Toner In Double Bass

Maria Watson 2* Piano

Wanyan Zhou 1* Piano

ABRSM Performance Exams:

Aiden Wee 4* Piano

Angus Crichton-Stuart 8* Piano

Trinity Digital Exams:

Martha Gritten 2* Clarinet

Toby Fairley 2 Clarinet

Lucy Sawtell 3 Flute

Trinity Practical Exams:

Tommy Kokelaar 4 Trumpet

Isabella Bishop 2 Trumpet

Daniel Pretorius 1* Trumpet

Caspar Johnson 1* Trumpet

Megan Munro 1* Harp

Zahaan Socha 3* Piano

ABRSM Performance Exams:

Eleanor Anderson 4 Piano

Isabella Bishop 3 Piano

Antonia Clode-Baker 2 Piano

Melissa French 4 Singing

Ugo Ibeanusi 3 Double Bass

Arthur Manning 3 Double Bass

Mei Mei Noble 2* Piano

Milan Patel 1 Violin

Ari Roshan 2* Piano

Trinity Digital Exams:

Milo White 6* Violin

Trinity Practical Exams:

Reuben Bennett 2 Cornet

Blake Carver 2* Cornet

Nico Clarke 5 Trumpet

Lukas Knowles In*Piano

George Leslie 2* Drum Kit

Alice Lindsay Clark 2 Trumpet

Dev Patel 1 Orch percussion

Maddie Phelps 5 Trumpet

Daniel Wicks 4* Tuba

ABRSM Performance Exams:

Azaria Ajao 3 Piano

Felix Bamford 6* Piano

Isabella Bishop 2 Singing

Georgina Clode-Baker 1 Piano

Gabriel Gritten 6* Piano

Marina Kokelaar 5 Piano

Alex Kuppen 3 Piano

Kieran McGurran 7* Piano

Evie Oates 3 Singing

Caspar Parvin-Chambers 1* Piano

Ari Roshan 1 Singing

Trinity Digital Exams:

Olivia Inglis 3 Violin

Emmanuel Mba 2 Viola

Eliza Robson Brown 7 Violin

Trinity Practical Exams:

Megan Munro 2 Harp

Florrie Toner In*Piano

Rockschool:

Nilan Huria 1 Electric Guitar

Maxim Pullan 5* Electric Guitar

ABRSM Grade 5 Theory Exams:

Felix Bamford 5*

Joshua Davidson 5

George Ducker 5*

Nicholas Garcia 5

Gabriel Gritten 5

Kieran McGurran 5*

Lucas Nair-Grepinet 5

Aiden Wee 5*

Seascapes

We learnt about the Cornish artist and fisherman, Alfred Wallis who spent a long time painting the sea. He didn’t actually have any training and only started to paint when he was 70 years old. Sometimes he used bits of driftwood that he found on the beach and he would paint scenes on these bits of wood. We did the same in school outside and we made all of our smaller scenes into one giant one. We also painted on to cardboard.

Ivan Popov (aged 10)

When we were painting on wood we were all in our own worlds but laughing together as well. The atmosphere was calm, happy and joyful. I thought it was a really cool concept and I loved learning about how Alfred Wallis painted, seeing as he didn’t have many resources.

Eloise

Halban-Taylor

(aged 10)

“I liked doing Alfred Wallis paintings. I learnt how to do different brush strokes.”

Arthur Toner (aged 10)

“My friends and I had so much fun painting the wood outside the Art Studio in the style of Alfred Wallis. We used toothbrushes to make a giant patch of green paint that we called ‘seaweed’.”

May Guttridge (aged 10)

Treasure Caskets

In Art we had fun designing and creating our clay treasure caskets. My favourite part was when we were designing our slabs because we thought about different repeating patterns and I could then stamp designs on each of my slabs. We also chose which colour we wanted to glaze our caskets and we are waiting for them to be fired to see how they will turn out. Art is fun because there is always something exciting to explore which makes it extra fun.

Alex Kuppen (aged 10)

“I enjoyed making our treasure caskets because I loved cutting the squares for the walls, creating the casket shape and imprinting the design.”

Daniel Pretorius (aged 10)

Wire Dog Sculptures

I enjoyed modelling the dog sculptures because it was really fun to paint them and put different materials on them. Lots of people made the pet dogs that they had at home and others made dogs that they liked as a breed. It was a very fun project as we had the chance to use wire cutters and shape the wire to either a dog’s head or the whole body. It was fun adding the characteristics.

Tighe Westfall (aged 12)

George Gibbes (aged 11)

“To create the shapes we used wire and mod roc; it was fun learning how to use these.”

Imperial War Museum Duxford

The Art trip to IWM Duxford was a very helpful experience and we kept developed the artwork that we created there when we returned to school. It was really fun painting and drawing with our friends, looking at the World War One trucks and memorabilia and having realistic objects to base our artwork on.

Maks-Eamon Prempeh & Milton Saibrosa (both aged 12)

We have been studying war artists and their art, mainly the works of Paul Nash. We drew or painted a few preliminary pieces before the Duxford trip and, at the museum, we drew different models that were on display. There was an engaging variety of references and we had the entire school afternoon to draw with charcoal or pencil on larger pieces of paper than usual.

During the IWM Duxford trip a few friends and I looked around the exhibits and while we were looking we also draw some of the artefacts on display. My favourite one was a katana from the Japanese side of World War One. Right at the end of the trip we studied the planes and it was amazing how close we got to them.

Nico Clarke (aged 12)

Sean Wang (aged 12)

Peacock Feathers

In Art we have been painting peacock feathers. This links to our topic of zoology as we have studied peacocks. First, we drew the feathers by looking at photos of real ones and using our eyes to draw what we could see rather than letting our brains take over and drawing what we think they would look like. After we had finished the drawing, we used paint to add colour. Some people used realistic colours like blue and green and some people used completely different colours to come up with their own design for the feather.

Silk Screening

We created paintings inspired by the French artist, Sonia Delauney. She was known for her vivid use of colour and her bold, abstract patterns. We used inks to paint onto silk which was a new experience for us. The artist also concentrated on fabrics and textile design.

Hannah Gibson (aged 10)

“Silk painting inspired by Delauney has been fun as the artist used a lot of contrasting colours and semi-circles in her abstract work.”

Clara Lynn (aged 10)

Hebe Banks (age 8)

Arts Award

My inspiration was the German photographer Andreas Gursky. What I found it really interesting that Andreas didn’t come from an opulent family. He grew up in Dusseldorf, Germany and used to be a taxi driver. He had no idea of what to do for the future, but his friend Thomas Struth persuaded him to study under the seminal photographers Bernd and Hilla Becher. His first photo was a picture of a stove and people started to really think positively about him because of his “eye for finding the smaller elements of a composition.” His work would then appear in photo shoots with famous people, like Steve Shore.

William Simpson (aged 12)

“I enjoy acting because it can help you to understand other people more as you need to use empathy to act convincingly as well as studying how people react. You end up being able to read body language well which is a useful life skill for all areas.”

Ella Wigan (aged 12)

“I decided to take part in the Arts Award because it was such a great opportunity and it encouraged me to create so much more of my own artwork.”

Angelica Honey-Ward (aged 12)

Inspiration

Happiness

Down to the riverbank’s soft mossy hollows, Follow the sun rays and sing to the swallows,

Dance with the wind, see where it leads you, Talk to the moon with her stars shining new, Converse with the hedgehogs, get mud on your sleeves, Try catch the sky by climbing the trees,

Grab at a handful of bright golden leaves, Walk in the twilight, attempt to believe,

Find a unicorn horn, an elephant tusk, Run with the sun till it sinks down to dusk,

Dive with the dolphins in a lapis blue sea, Swim with the starfish, try not to leave,

Call out to black midnight, ‘I am not alone’, Trust in your strength to always guide you home.

Marina Kokelaar (aged 12)

A Little Bit of Both

City and Countryside meet, Old and new converge, Bustle and calm intersect, As man and Nature come to terms.

I look around to see towering colleges, chapels, All from centuries ago, City centre, market square, Filled with the smell of food.

Cambridge is the place of harmony, All sorts of people and lifestyles, Meeting points for everything, Buildings each with personality, Reminiscent of times gone by, Intricate connections of walking routes, Delicate bridges coming of age, Graveyards with butterflies, Energetic atmosphere filling the sky.

I live in a house on a main street, Small, but cosy and warm. I cycle to school every day, Watching the scenery, Watching the people.

Cambridge is a good place to start a life.

Vincent Sprik (aged 12)

Life in Cambridge

Lived here all my life, Surrounded by colleges and universities, Ancient buildings hiding old stories and secrets, Peaceful punts gliding along the river.

Unknown alleyways, cobbled streets, And little cafes and shops, The buzzing excitement of the market square, And peaceful churches all around.

The early morning frost covering King’s Chapel meadow, The cakes and tarts in the window of Fitzbillies, The lions guarding the Fitzwilliam museum, And jumping in the river at Grantchester.

Walking on the Backs with all of my friends, Seeing students laughing and talking, Starting a new life in Cambridge, Will that be me someday?

Eliza Robson Brown (aged 12)

I tie time to a willow tree, As its grip tightens, I travel back, back, back across time.

I see my toys thrown on the floor, My brother and sisters playing on the moor, My mother in the kitchen, the kettle boiling, The vines on our wall endlessly coiling, The smell of cinnamon strangling the air, But then time begins to tear, Racing back at bullet speed, I stand beside our willow tree.

Antonia Clode-Baker (aged 10)

Under the Sea

Waves skipping onto the shore dragging shells back into the deep.

Wind whistling and growling. I am underwater hearing the muffled distant callings of the creatures.

The sun glows through the dancing waves lighting up the seabed below.

Rose coloured coral waving at the passing turtles as I dive down.

Estelle Babar (aged 12)

Turtle

Turtle can swim far and fast, Under the water swimming past, Replying to his friends underwater, Swimming deep, deep, deep, Turtle swims happily by himself, Leaping, splashing, diving, Eating kelp.

Janson Zhu (aged 7)

Xenophobia

Sorry you can’t stay here, We’ve asked you to go, Sorry it’s not our choice, But you’re dirty and you’re slow.

We’ve been told not to let you in, Don’t care how far you’ve come, Sorry it’s not our choice, You’re different and it’s wrong.

I’m afraid you don’t belong here, We’ve made it quite plain, Sorry it’s not our choice, We look at you with disdain.

What on earth would people say? A foreigner in our land, Sorry it’s not our choice, We’re just not your fan. I’m afraid we’ll have to send you back, But it’s really good for you too, Sorry it’s not our choice, No-one here would accept you.

Off you go, quick as you can, Before word gets out you’re here, Sorry it’s not our choice, You have nothing to fear.

So goodbye, cheerio, Get on your bike and go away, Sorry it’s not our choice, But travellers just can’t stay.

Vita Rainey (aged 11)

Borrowing

I flew south, like a message from far away, I shone over fields with pride, Bringing more surprises with every day.

But I also held desire, Bringing out sweetness, For others to acquire.

I have that sought-after quality, Collected by the innocent, and stolen with no honesty.

Poppy Marr (aged 12)

Trees

Twisted dark warped gnarled wood, Creaking old hollow roots, Mossy leafy branches running around, Octopus tentacles weaving over grime, Lost trunk hidden by vegetation, Huge Jurassic bark encased in secrets, Deadly branches swinging over head, Dancing in the wind, Chilly air rushing past.

Barnaby Hill (aged 8)

Shimmering white bark, silver birch, Sunlight shining through emerald leaves, Dim shadows lurking near trees, Leaves like jagged Roman spears, Autumn leaves, scarlet like flames, Chirping birds, calm and peaceful, Bumpy tree trunks, like rocks, Magical sap, pouring like honey.

Arindam Roshan (aged 8)

Sparkling bark on silver birch, Pointy leaves like jade spears, Ebony shadows flickering through trees, Sun shining through emerald green, Gnarled trees like jagged precipices, Calm and peaceful, relaxed feeling.

Leo Barron Humphry (aged 8)

The Sound Thief

A sound thief tiptoed into school carrying a sack, he stole the music of the piano, The rustling of the leaves, The gliding whoosh of the purple aeroplane, The floating silence of the pink lilies, The booming of the rumbling storm.

Tara Roshan (aged 5)

A sound thief tiptoed into school, He took the sound of birds tweeting happily, Crows croaking loudly, Rustling crunching golden leaves, Growling loud engines, And the creaking squeaking door.

Crispin Sinclair (aged 5)

A Rooftop Date

The roses stand proud and prickly, As we eat our buns quickly, The only thing left are the crumbs on the plate, What more could you want on a rooftop date?

The stars shine bright, And we are drenched in moonlight, We are each other’s life-long soulmate, What more could you want on a rooftop date?

As the moon sinks down to rest, A new day begins, better than best, And we dart through the portal of Lovers’ Gate, What more could you want on a rooftop date?

Alyse Baines (aged 10)

City Aura

The city is always chaotic. Citizens constantly looking for something to do. People brushing past me, However as they pass I feel like I know everything about them.

Vibrant colours glow from people, Depending on their personality. And as people do different deeds, Their colours change, Or sometimes blend, Making new colours

One person is not sure about what he wants to do. He radiates white. I see all of these colours on other people yet I cannot see them on myself.

It’s almost as if I speculate so much on others that I have forgotten about me.

Lucas Mudkavi (aged 12)

My Kite

My kite likes to bring me to candy land, Doing loopety loops all the way there, My kite dances through the sweet silky night sky, My kite twists and turns with the wind swiftly, Through the evening sunset with a million colours, My kite swirls in the purple, shiny, crystal-coloured mystical sky.

Hanna Ghahramani (aged 7)

My kite celebrates in the light bright night sky, With his delightful crystal clean turquoise and scarlet friends, My kite is as shiny as a blue diamond and as strong as titanium, My kite swifts, shuffles and sways, With an invisible immortal soft Indian wind, My kite has a smooth light momentum.

Heyan Patel (aged 7)

My kite dances over forests of green, Over seas of blue in the wind as it flies, It flies through the trees in the tropical jungles of flowers, My kite joined by other kites, They fly through a waterfall of peace, Bringing hope with it, My kite is as dainty as a butterfly, They fly up until they see white, They go into a peaceful place, Where they fly and bring peace to the world.

Leo Blyth (aged 7)

Cinema

The lights faded into darkness, Conversations withered away, As the screen lit with light, As ads passed and movie started.

Everyone on the edge of their seats, Shots fired, explosions echoing, And Bond escaping death, Once again

I was giddy with excitement as we left, Talking about it all the way home, The best film I have seen in a long, Long time.

George Fox (aged 12)

The Starry Night (Inspired by Vincent van Gogh)

The artist sees the magnificent milky blue sky in all its glory. Blue sea horses swim among a forest of glistening diamonds, An enchanted herd of suns graze mysterious indigo hills. Beyond the bushes, black flames rise like elves’ ears, Silky golden flares dash deliriously across the horizon. Cold silver winds sweep over the metallic church, Frigid weather traps the iced-out city, while overhead the heavens are ablaze.

Reda Chebli (aged 11)

Night Skies

It was midsummer evening the skies so pure and radiant it was now the sweetest hour of the twenty four we sat around the fervent fires the flames dancing up into the sky as the sun rested its eyes the skies, soft and still as red jewel colours leaked from the horizon the thorn field, cut and shorn forests a deep, luscious green and the moon yet to rise.

Lottie Dely (aged 12)

The Night

Yellow to blue to black, Light slowly fading, Darkness kidnaps the sky, Star Holes stabbed in the roof so that we can breathe, Letting brightness in, As the light goes out.

Streetlights fight against dark, Clutching at the last straws of the day, Not letting the night take over, But the darkness always wins.

Mark Chesterfield (aged 12)

Magical Night

Night is a secret never to be told, Soft as a fox’s paw, Magical, as it swishes through the stars, Covering the world like a big, black blanket.

As dark as space, Like an exploring black cat, Exploding into the jet black sky like a bomb.

Darkness dances with the whirling wind, Bouncing from tree to tree, Fast as a cheetah, Stomping its feet.

Swoosh, swish, swash, THUMP, THUMP, THUMP.

As the shining crescent moon swings through the pitch black sky, Soft, silver moon.

The trees drop their leaves to the bumpy, grey ground. As they reach up to grab the stars, Shining like golden glitter.

Crunch, crunch.

Growl.

The Night

Yellow to blue to black, Light slowly fading, Darkness kidnaps the sky, Star Holes stabbed in the roof so that we can breathe, Letting brightness in, As the light goes out.

Streetlights fight against dark, Clutching at the last straws of the day, Not letting the night take over, But the darkness always wins.

Mark Chesterfield (aged 12)

Emily Shi-Gao, Erik Maclennan, Cordelia de Graaf-Rose & Ailee Kushman (all aged 6)

Night of Darkness

Night likes to hide things in a big, black blanket, Night is a peaceful secret, Night surrounds me with cold, gloomy air, Night falls softly like a blackbird’s feather.

Darkness runs quickly around you like a mouse, It steals the light, Spying on the sunlight, Dancing as they switch places.

Darkness scares me.

Lonely…

Creak, crack, crackle, TAP, SCRATCH, RIP.

The stars glitter like the shining sea, Dazzling like the moon, Shimmering to share light, The crescent moon smiles back at them.

The trees reach out to grab the shining, silver moon, The wind sways the leaves, Underneath I smell damp leaves, And the scent of rainwater.

TICK, TOCK, TICK.

The door goes CREAK, And the monster takes a gasp for air…

Sam Wickett (aged 7) & Cassidy Murray, Selim Emam & Elijah Borchert (all aged 6)

The Victory Moon

The sky lies still, Holding small chunks of stars, In his dark navy chest, And the moon stays shining, As shooting stars skip gaily by.

Stirring blue to black, Dawn to dusk, Night to morning, A galloping cycle, Light meets dark as colours of a painting, Blend on the canvas of the sky.

The sun falls and the moon rises . and stands atop the podium, Covered by a blanket of glossy white.

Hugo Ware (aged 12)

Stars

The stars looked down on me

I reached out to them

Nothing

The moon rose over the sun

Closing daylight

Into luminous space

A spectacular echo

Roamed the forest

Howls and chirps

Eyes closed

Head spaced

Isobel Davies (aged 12)

Which Wild One?

Look at the stars, They are luminous lights, Look at the stars, As they twinkle like tiny diamonds.

Look at the trees, As they ominously tower over fields and towns, Look at the trees, The great Willows with their overhanging branches

Look at the hills, With the great waterfalls sparkling in the moonlight, Look at the hills, The lush green grass swaying in the breeze.

Look at the villages, little lights in the houses, Look at the village, All is quiet.

Listen to the wind, How it whispers like fairies, Listen to the wind, How it carries secrets beyond our understanding.

Look out of the window, At the moonlight streaking across the lawn, Look out the window, Look out at the night and see this beauty.

Lily Walpole (aged 11)

My Favourite Things

Frosty winter mornings, And faint pink clouds, Scattered behind the early birds All flying in crowds.

Blood-red cinnamon candles, lit daintily on tables, late night drives on the motorway, and stroking horses in the stables.

Biking home from school, As the chilly wind flows, Lifting the leaves into a whirlpool, as the autumn’s sunlight glows.

All these little, memorable moments, Can brighten up my day, Make me smile, pause a while, Lift my spirits, come what may.

Anna Tomkinson (aged 12)

The Coming of Autumn

The hazelnut scented air of autumn, The whipping wind from the north, The squirrels that scamper over the grass, Gathering nuts for their long sleep.

Great tall trees scrape the sky, As the green leaves turn to gold, The splash under your feet of the muddy puddles.

The sun that’s lying on the horizon, With its strong orange glow, The foggy haze that rises, Sending shivers down my spine

The juicy autumn fruits, On the thorny blackberry bushes, In the early morning, The grass is covered in dew.

And here is Autumn, with its shorter days, Its longer nights of dark, Its golden brown leaves, That line the gravel path.

Eadie Harrison Straughair (aged

11)

The Beauty of Winter

Snowflakes with their intricate patterns

Float down to the ground

I notice the beauty of winter

Which before I had not found

I used to think November

Was just a prelude to the dark

But now I see the joy of it

As I sit, so cold in the park

Christmas lights shine bright

To make us all feel jolly

Every house decorated

Every door hangs a holly

I imagine opening presents

Hidden beneath the tree

The ugly grin on my face shows

I am as happy as can be

The Earth is so very pretty

In its crystal white gown

It looks just like a queen, Wearing a golden crown

Lucas Hobson (aged 12)

Skiing

Massive, blinding sun, reflected by light, whipped cream snow, Green mountain trees grow tall, creating obstacles for skiers, “Viens ici!” cries a man in a warm winter’s coat, He helps me on to the t-bar with my dad, Dad hugs me.

I feel warm inside, despite the despicable cold, We glow, in the colourless sky. I know that in this bubble of happiness, Worries disappear, They are there of course, But my power surrounds them, They don’t seem so bad anymore.

I look up and see the sky, The edge of a mountain, And a big yellow sun.

We ski down, hearts thumping, pounding, Snow stinging our faces, Filling us with determination to get to the bottom of this never ending mountain

Eloise Halban-Taylor (aged 10)

Skating

I clapped my hands, As mother wrapped me up warm. She put on my coat, To protect me from the storm.

We rushed out of the house, And skipped down the road. We reached the North Pole, And our pace gradually slowed.

I put on my skates, They didn’t fit quite right. Then mother helped me up, And squeezed my hand tight.

We entered the ice, And I held onto the wall. I gradually let go, But soon had a fall.

Mother picked me back up, And I steadied myself. She led me to the side, And I grabbed the hand of an elf.

We all skated together, As light as the clouds. I spun and I turned, And we flew away from the crowds.

Poppy Marr (aged 12)

The Shepherd

The star is bright and clear, Such light in the dark of the ominous sky, But I sense that joy is very near, A newborn begins to cry, My feet are sore, Yet the light of God fills me.

I hold the bundle that is the Christ child, Such innocent eyes cause my heart to leap, The new mother lies against the hay, Her face is calm and young, And in my arms I hold such hope.

Emily Grant (aged 12)

Wild Flowers

At the top of the hill

In a field

On the side of the road

Everywhere you go Wild flowers appear.

They’re sprinkled like fairy dust They sway like a boat

They spread like butter on a brown piece of toast They fill up empty spaces You might find a patch of Queen Anne’s Lace.

As it starts to grow dark I look ahead and make a cluster of Buttercups for my bed.

Amira Srouji (aged 10)

The Most Amazing Sound

Big, bold orange brush strokes dancing in the air, Smooth, sweet notes like marshmallows, As tension builds, the orange deepens, And the chapel begins to glow.

The crescendo, immersive as the artist’s strokes quicken, The taste, overwhelmingly beautiful and delicious, The air begins to swell and thicken, The climax hits and the air implodes, As a whole bucket of notes is thrown.

In an instant, the world stops still.

The sound, so fragile and sensitive, Sparking lights from conductor’s fingers.

If only a pin was dropped, the glass would shatter, And the light explode.

Lucas Nair Grepinet (aged 12)

Ballet

Skimming skirts, Fluttering in the air. Rippling silk, Flowing through the sky. Swirling and swaying, On pointed toes, leaping and jumping, As I fly.

Melodious orchestras, With swelling strings, Whistling woodwinds, And sharp percussion.

Light and life and joy mesh together, Exhilaration outweighs exhaustion, I am free.

Melissa French (aged 11)

Dream Day

I wake up this morning in the sky and know that today is going to be an AMAZING day!

I rush through the sky and to my surprise, My two best friends are on a cloud, having their breakfast!

So I have my breakfast. Fifty tons of the best chocolate in the world melts in my mouth.

Today, it’s snowing smooth and silky ice, Yet the sun is smiling happily. So I play in the soft ice cream snow for a while.

I whoosh through the air on a magic carpet, Until I land in Disneyland, With a seventy scoop ice cream in one hand, And a massive stick of apple-flavoured candy floss in the other, I dizzy around on roller coaster rides and Ferris wheels, Until I spot an aeroplane.

I go skydiving while I munch what’s left of my chocolate, And read Dogman while the Star Wars theme song plays loudly.

So back to my candy floss bed and my marshmallow pillow, I dance on top of my twenty one unicorns, And I laugh and sing karaoke with my best friends.

I drift off to sleep on my candy floss cloud, Dreaming about the day and the adventures I’ve had.

Clara Lynn (aged 10)

Theme Park at Night

The melody of the stop-start wheel

Tasted of sweetened salt on my tongue

The yellow, indigo crowd smelt of new pages and malicious letters falling onto the bright ground

Toys screamed through the glowing eyes of children As the smell of burning plastic brushed them away Swooping lights dragged through the humming dark sky As roller coasters jingled like golden coins

Lexi White (aged 12)

Snake Scare

When I am scared I stay awake, And lie on my bed thinking of my fear of snakes, Trying to rub them from my slithering head.

In my mind I run away, Slither then the bite it comes quick, But It will come and haunt me again, The clock carries on to tick, tick, tick.

I cannot wait to open my eyes, When the sun will rise, I thought that dream was just a mistake, But then I heard the hiss of a snake.

Elliot Munro (aged 12)

Cat Out of the Window

Cat out of the window, What do you see?

Trees swaying in the breeze, A log sinking in a muddy bog, A bat as black as ink, Leaves falling off the trees, Spikey leaves like thorns, Moon and stars shine like jewels.

Wanyan Zhou (aged 6)

The Reluctant Poet

The anger of writing, Spreads red across the page, Like a spilt glass of sorrow.

It devours the innocence of the paper, Ripping and destroying it, You can smell the destruction falling slowly.

As the tears dripped and blurred, The words drowned, Nothing was saved.

She scrunched up the paper, Threw it in the bin, Steel smell of old blood.

But suddenly the yellow flashed and blazed, As the pen flowed through the words, Beauty of the writing, Wonderful to see.

And the girl cried tears, happy ones now, But the words did not drip or blur, They stayed strong and proud, and the message stood clear.

Martha Sangster (aged 12)

Life of a Teenager

Waking up feels like facing your fears, You’re tired and half a sleep, Knowing that you should have gone to bed earlier, You’re up and running around the house, The sharp transition from sleep to stress, Like warm water to cold.

You take the same route to school, It feels like you’re out playing a film, But there’s always a twist, The film changes, but I’ve seen this one before.

Tired, Sad or happy, I go to bed, When I sleep, It’s like rewinding the film, Ready for tomorrow.

Federico Di Franco (aged 12)

Sea Seeker

Swim deeper, pearl seeker, Fly higher and higher, You want treasure, pearl seeker? I will show you treasure.

Listen, seeker, to the sound of the seal, See its flash-flicker water glimmer, This, seeker, is treasure.

Walk, seeker, see your footprints on the sand, Hear the hiss of the foam-horse waves as they fill your prints with shells, This, seeker, is treasure. Come, seeker, to the water’s edge, Feel the fleeting shining droplets as they soar high into the air, Rarer and more precious than diamonds, This, seeker, is treasure.

So swim higher, sea seeker, Fly back to your sun, You know treasure, sea seeker? I have shown you treasure.

Marina Kokelaar (aged 12)

Reasons to be Cheerful in Uncertain Times

So many good things, like family, pets, friends to spend time with, and stunning sunsets.

The beauty of nature, the trees and the flowers, cliff tops and oceans, I’ll stay here for hours.

There’s art and there’s stories, memories to share, to have lots of fun with the people you love, and to laugh without a care.

All the opportunities, at work and at school, the things that we do with them, the way we seize them all.

Johanna Hindmarsh (aged 12)

Where Next?

They ask me where next I will go.

I tell them that I do not know.

What should I do?

In this white-walled room, With doors that speak a couple of words, A future held within each verse

Although it might seem overwhelming, I’m drawn to one, and only one, It speaks to me, like a shining light, Guiding me from darkness,

A horse dappled with mist-like grey, Saddled, awaiting my presence, Prepared to venture with me Through forests and fantasy lands

As we walk, I write. Each canter-beat a story. A ribbon of ink-blue words, flow like a river from my pen.

That’s when I understand. That’s when I see.

They ask me where next will I go

I tell them that I know.

Issy Drokov (aged 12)

Kindergarten: Whoops-A-Daisy Angel

“I liked being the donkey and saying my lines. My favourite line was ‘My hooves are killing me!’”

Mia Fairburn (aged 4)

“I loved being the star and I really enjoyed wearing my silver star costume because it made me feel really happy. It was so shiny!”

Evelina James (aged 4)

“I really enjoyed being a snowflake and I loved the song that we sang about them flying around the room.”

Max Elbourne (aged 4)

“It was really funny when Whoops-aDaisy Angel crashed into the stable and said ‘ouch!’”

Diniz Patil Soberano de Oliveira (aged 4)

T1: Babushka

I liked my part because it was so funny and I love laughing! It was funny when everyone laughed because I had to laugh.

Charlotte Holly

(aged 5)

“I loved being in ‘Babushka’ because I was an angel and I had real magic. All the songs made me want to dance! It was so much fun being up on stage and seeing everyone smiling at us.”

Max Brown (aged 5)

“It was so fun being on stage and we all had our own characters to play. I loved my part.”

Hamish Pearson (aged 5)

“I liked being a mouse and I loved my outfit. We learnt lots of great songs for ‘Babushka’.”

Millie Fisher (aged 5)

T2: The Ginger Man

I really enjoyed playing the King as I could be really angry with other people bringing presents to the Princess, which was very fun to do. In the play we also got to perform our dance which we have been working on in our Dance lessons and sing lots of songs which we had learnt in our Music lessons. I really liked getting to sing, dance and act in one play even though there was lots to remember!

Joshua Evershed (aged 6)

I loved playing one of the chefs who bakes ginger in the bakery. It was hilarious when Ginger tried to escape but he couldn’t run away very well so kept falling over. I liked how, throughout the play, Ginger had to try and run away from all the different characters who he came across because he smelt so good they wanted to gobble him up!

Wanyan Zhou (aged 6)

“I was the Head Robber and it was funny when I kept saying, ‘Not you, him!”

Sasha Bautin (aged 6)

“It was fun when the Merry Men kept singing the Robin Hood song when I was trying to talk!”

Isaac Shotton (aged 6)

Form 1: The Bumblesnouts Save the World

“I liked that the message was about looking after and protecting the world.”

Eiji Varian (aged 7)

“One of the best parts was when all three classes came together and performed.”

Maria Watson (aged 7)

“My favourite part was when Arthur said, ‘We’re looking for cuddles!’ as it made everyone laugh.”

Aniket Sinha (aged 7)

“The best part of being a tree cutter was when we felled the trees and learnt our lesson to protect the environment.”

Ranvir Tammineni (aged 7)

Form 2: The Circus

Our class topic was about sports so the play involved our class performing scenes connected with sports in the circus. I liked how we got to come up with the scenes ourselves in our Drama lessons in groups. My group created the ‘fastest man’ act to make it look like we were running at lightning speed. The rest of our class cheered in slow motion as we ran around the stage.

Raffaele Sarno (aged 8)

Our drama piece was about how rejected scrap metal animals on a rubbish heap get rediscovered. We painted cardboard with metallic paints so that it gave a metal look and then in our groups they fitted together in order to make up a whole animal. In my group we all made parts of an elephant.

Lydia Lipscomb (aged 8)

“I found ‘The Lion King’ music emotional because it was from our T2 production which was cancelled because of Covid and it reminded me of everything we’ve been through as a whole year group.”

Poppy Slater (aged 8)

“The drama was about being bold and breaking free and that’s what we went through after lockdown.”

Tilly Denman & Isabella MacLean (both aged 8)

Third Form: Cinderella

I was one of the Ugly Sisters in Cinderella and my part was very funny as I learnt some comedy drama skills to make my character over the top. I was performing my role with Toby who was another Ugly Sister and it helped with teamwork a lot. I loved the makeup because it was so crazy and I didn’t want to take it off! Before the play I was very excited and felt energetic and afterwards it felt like the play had taken no time at all, like no time had passed in the wings. It was a great feeling to have been part of this play.

Arthur Griffiths (aged 9)

My character was funny, ignorant and loved to eat. What I learnt while playing this character was just to have fun and not to hold any of my energy back. My favourite scene was when Henry sang the Smelly Feet Blues as all three classes were on stage together and it was really fun and energetic. It was really hard to hold all my energy in the day before. I just wanted to get on stage! I was a bit sad when it was over because it would be the last time we did it on stage.

Claudia Mudkavi (aged 9)

“I played Alexa the Clock and I liked how I wore a cool white jacket. I had to tell what the time was - 11.59. I had to remember all my lines. And I did.”

Dileep Kainth (aged 10)

Fourth Form: The BFG

I was the Bloodbottler, one of the giants. I was nervous at the start but as we got through the play I felt more confident. The scene with the RAF and Army General was hilarious as they were a really good comedy duo and had perfect comic timing. In the evening show we had our makeup done to make our characters even more realistic. The funniest part was when the helicopters pulled me away from the land. I have gained so much confidence throughout the process and I now know that you can not do anything without teamwork.

Elias Brown (aged 10)

“I was proud of the role I played and felt I was doing the scene well with everyone else.”

Amira Srouji (aged 10)

“I felt as if I was in a magic world in Giant country, looking for children to eat.”

Ivan Popov (aged 10)

“I learnt to act with my whole body to portray a character and express feelings.”

Arthur Toner (aged 10)

Fifth Form: Bugsy Malone

I have loved rehearsing the play so far and trying on the costumes and seeing everyone wearing sparkly dresses and suits. I am so excited to use the splurge guns even though it is going to be really messy and we are going to get it everywhere. I can’t wait for the performance!

Louisa Egerton (aged 11)

This year we are doing the play Bugsy Malone and I have been really enjoying the rehearsals and seeing it come alive with the extra work we have all been putting into it. From the costumes and lighting to the splurge guns, we have all been working so hard. I have loved taking part because it is a great way to join together as a year group and I have loved every rehearsal, especially the one where we tried out some costumes and added in the element of splurge and custard pies. I can’t wait for the actual show because all the work will be worth it and I hope the audience will love it. I’ve loved it.

Zoe Loose (aged 11)

“I am really enjoying ‘Bugsy’ because it is so fun being in a musical entirely designed for children. Also the lights and the costumes are so cool. The best part is using the splurge guns!”

Amelie Kirk (aged 11)

“I have truly enjoyed ‘Bugsy Malone’. It has been the greatest play I have ever participated in. I am Benny Lee and part of Dandy Dan’s gang. I’m so happy I get to splurge people with custard. It’s going to be so fun I can’t wait.”

Zahaan Socha (aged 11)

The Bugsy auditions were amazing. Seeing everyone singing and taking part myself was a real thrill. As a dancer and singer in Bugsy I have been needed for many rehearsals. The rehearsals are the highlight of my day and Mr Clarke and Ms Harris have really brought the stage to life with the acting and choreography.

Olivia Inglis (aged 11)

“I am looking forward to being custard-pied by seven gangsters in front of adults and children in Byron House and Senior House!”

Ozzie Denman (aged 11)

“So far I’ve enjoyed painting the set because it is amazing to think that everyone will see our work on the stage as well as the performance. I’m looking forward to being splurged (hopefully).”

Alice Sutcliffe (aged 11)

“My favourite part about rehearsing the musical ‘Bugsy Malone’ has been getting together with the people from my year, and having so much fun doing it together. It will be a memory that I will look back on and go, ‘That was great!’.”

Angus Crichton-Stuart (aged 11)

Sixth Form: Leavers’ Shakespeare Plays

This year we are doing Twelfth Night for our Shakespeare play, and I got the role of Duke Orsino. It was really enjoyable playing this lost-in-love character. I can’t wait to perform this for real in the Summer term.

George Ducker (aged 12)

Twelfth Night really was an ideal finale of our journey at St John’s. It really captured the character of our year - funny, dramatic, playful and sometimes over the top. All of us loved each and every rehearsal leading up to the play which, I think, turned out to be a great success. For me it was during the crazy time of Common Entrance and Music Scholarship preparation, and provided a time in the week to take a break, relax and have fun with my friends. I will never forget walking out onto the ‘stage’ by the tree with a huge wig and a leather jacket slung over my shoulder as the song Staying Alive played. It was a truly hilarious and memorable experience, epitomising the energy and fun that Mr Clarke injects into drama at St John’s. Twelfth Night was the perfect ‘curtain draw‘ to our St John’s journey, bringing everyone together through Shakespearean comedy and paving the way for the sense of tragedy we all feel at the thought of saying goodbye to each other and St John’s.

Lucas Nair-Grepinet (aged 12)

“I was cast as Macbeth, therefore I had to speak a lot of Shakespearean! It is interesting how the English language has changed over the past few hundred years but many words come from Shakespeare.”

Lucas Hobson (aged 12)

Sixth Form: Passion Play

Learning and rehearsing the Passion Play has been both fun and interesting. I play the role of Eusebius in the High Council. I think being in the High Council is one of the best parts in the play because Eusebius is an outspoken character and in the role I have to show strength and anger. When I have left St John’s, I will remember the fun we had rehearsing.

Alice Tomlinson (aged 12)

I realised that you need an understanding of what’s going on in each scene; without that, the whole performance just falls apart because you don’t know what emotions to portray or body language to use. When you start a play you can have some fun with how you create your character and approach it. new l

Noah Roach (aged 12)

The Passion Play is definitely one of the most memorable experiences that I have ever had in St John’s. Every rehearsal we discover another way that the lines could be interpreted and, as we go through the play. We learn more about the characters and their attitudes.

Lucas Mudkavi (aged 12)

BBC Documentary Filming Day

After a couple of practices it felt more normal and I was able to sit in front of the camera and feel fine, though it was a bit alarming because the camera was right in front of my face and it felt a bit odd! The improvisation, such as the duels, were super fun and I didn’t feel nervous at all doing those! It was an amazing day, and I’ll remember it forever!

Marina Kokelaar (aged 12)

The filming was one of my absolute favourite experiences. When I was told I’d been chosen to film with the BBC I was delighted. As I was reading, I had to learn a few paragraphs from the first book, Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone. We walked to St John’s College Chapel wearing blazers and gowns. The director asked if it were possible to learn half of one of the lines in about 10 minutes. I said yes, but I was nervous all the same. We walked over the Bridge of Sighs to a colonnade and while I was being filmed the cameraman cracked a hilarious joke, he said, “We might have some hair continuity problems”, because in the wind my hair flapped during the shots!

Milan Patel (aged 11)

I don’t think I will forget that moment. An opportunity had come up to audition for a BBC episode but all I could hear was the opportunity to be a Hogwarts student for a day. I learned my first set of lines. I chose Draco Malfoy. When Saturday morning came to audition, I let my heart run wild. It was difficult to calm myself down playing quidditch and building a world of potion making with dry ice. Suddenly our uniforms with their bright red blazers became the Griffindor kit.

In our eyes, the College was now Hogwarts. I focused hard as I stared down the big camera lens and was told how to stand. I imagined I was Draco, Hagrid, Harry as I spoke my lines. We sat quietly and waited between filming. Together we played Harry Potter games and cast spells in those courtyards. It is a day I will hold in my deepest memories.

Frankie Benstead (aged 11)

Sport

Rugby

My best moment of a rugby match was when I scored four tries in a match against Kings! It feels good to be playing fixtures against other schools after a long time because it makes me feels good to know that I am part of a team. I have better understanding of the game and I think that me and my team have progressed well over the course of the term.

Emre Tunc (aged 11)

I really enjoyed playing the first rugby match, it was such a good experience. The match also gave us a chance to test our teamwork and skills against another school who we had never played before. The coaches encouraged us from the sidelines and reminded us what we had learnt in training.

Blake Carver (aged 8)

Mattia Nicholson (aged 11)

“I have really enjoyed finally playing full contact rugby which we have not been able to do for two years.”

Hugo Rudd (aged 12)

“Rugby lets me release my emotions on the pitch and it gives me something to struggle with.”

Jack Borno (aged 12)

“It feels amazing when you cross the line and score a try and you know you are contributing positively to your team.”

“I enjoy playing rugby against other schools, and to experience being part of a team, whether you win or lose. It is a great feeling to represent St John’s.”

Tighe Westfall (aged 12)

“I love the adrenaline of scoring. Playing rugby is a great way to let out anger and use strength, as well as being a great team sport.”

Bertie Denison-Smith (aged 12)

“My first rugby match was amazing. I really enjoyed the competitive atmosphere. I love playing rugby as it is fun to play in the same team as my friends.”

Joshua McGrory (aged 8)

“I enjoy that rugby allows you to run like a full-speed train. Adrenaline pumps through your body like a shotgun.”

Maks-Eamon Prempeh (aged 12)

Hockey

“I’ve enjoyed the team spirit when we have played against other schools as we are always encouraging our teammates and helping them move forward.”

Megan Munro (aged 10)

“I enjoy playing hockey because it gives everyone a chance to lay and put in their full effort. My hockey highlight would have to be when I tripped over and scored a goal while sitting on the floor.”

Ella Wigan (aged 12)

This was the best hockey experience I have ever had! I loved all the drills we did to help us in the match. It was so much fun playing on the astro turf that the Olympians also played on. At the end of our hockey masterclass we had the chance to watch a match with Haileybury against Oxford which was great because we saw pros play which was amazing and we got some good tips. I am so grateful I had the chance to go.

Hannah Gibson (aged 10)

This was one of the best days of my life as going to the Olympic Park in London to play hockey has been a dream of mine for a long time. I have seen GB men and women play hockey there before but I hadn’t played there since. The part I enjoyed the most was playing the matches and, even though we drew 2 and lost 2, I really enjoyed the experience. The masterclass was incredible because we were learning from amazing hockey players and that is what I want to be when I am older. Watching Haileybury play was an inspiration as the passing was so quick and accurate and the goalie was phenomenal.

Evie Oates (aged 10)

One of the most important mindsets that I think you need to use when playing hockey are focus to see where the ball is and take it in a clear channel to score a goal. Another is to enjoy the fact that whatever happens you could always have fun with your team. At the County Competition we did lots of dynamic stretches like lunges and one called ‘feed the chickens’ at the start and the end of the tournament to keep our muscles warm. One of the many highlights of the event was when our team all pulled together and we started scoring goals consistently which meant we kept being successful with our games.

Isobel Morbey (aged 11)

“At the County competition we watched the ball carefully and passed accurately which enabled us to score goals which was great!”

Lexi White (aged 12)

Our season started off with the County Championship. We won all of the group stage matches apart from the final one which we lost to The Perse. This meant we progressed to the Semi Finals. We beat St Faith’s convincingly but then once again lost to The Perse in the Final.

Our next tournament was the Regional IAPS. We played some good hockey in the group stages once again. This time though we won all our games and finished top of our group. We won the Quarter Finals against Chigwell 2-0. But we lost the SemiFinal by a lot. This meant we went into the 3-4 Play Off. This was against Bedford. We played probably the best we played all day against them and won 4-2, this meant we came third. A good achievement as it meant we had qualified for the Nationals at Haileybury College.

We started off well at the Nationals beating Culford 3-2 but we then proceeded to loose the next three games. We ended up finishing fourth in our group meaning we had to play in the Plate.

We won our first game, then lost in the Semi Finals. Our third and fourth match never happened because Gresham’s didn’t show up. Nothing really went our way from the way we played to the referee’s decisions. But at the end of the day, 13th in the country is a excellent achievement.

Our final tournament was the England Hockey In2 Hockey Regionals. In the group stages we played well scoring some class goals along the way. We won our group. Our next match was against St Faith’s in a decent match we won 4-1. This put us in the top group. We started the group playing some brilliant hockey winning our opening game 3-0. But from here this went slightly downhill. But we kept trying to the final whistle and still managed to score a couple of goals along the way. We finished third in our Region. A great achievement.

“The most critical part of playing hockey is your mindset.”

Finn Maclennan

(aged 11)

Ben Sawtell (aged 12)

I have learnt more about being a goalkeeper in hockey and we have been to the county torment which we came 2nd and were beaten by one team twice in and IAPS which we came 3rd in and were beaten once. It was such a great experience.

Hugo Rudd (aged 12)

I have just got back from playing in the IAPS tournament in hockey. We came 3rd in the whole tournament out of 18 teams i think! It was such great fun. Now we’re in nationals for our school which is just crazy to me that we’re representing our school nationally! We came 2nd in the County Tournament and qualified for Regionals! These tournaments are so much fun, mainly because we get to develop our skills as a team.

Noah Roach (aged 12)

Before stepping out onto the astro I felt a bit nervous but as soon as the whistle blew we started using the techniques we had practised in lessons such as blocking, attacking and dodging players. Our teamwork definitely improved because we learnt to trust each other and look for where people were in good spaces.

Harry Brown (aged 8)

“We came away from the season with 3 medals and came 11th in the country from the IAPS.”

Nico Clarke (aged 12)

“We played well as a team in our first hockey tournament. We have been working on v drags dribbling and passing to each other in training and we used all these skills.”

Marley Fernandez-Piras (aged 8)

“My team represented the school at the hockey IAPS and County Championship and I tried my best to be a good defender.”

Arthur Manning (aged 9)

Netball

We had a netball tournament at Uppingham School. We won two of our matches so we made it into the Quarter Finals. In the end we got knocked out by Witham Hall but it was a close match. We learnt a lot of new skills and worked well as a team to persevere and make it through to the next round. I play County netball outside of school and I’ve made a lot of new friends. It’s good to work in a different team and use different tactics and skills.

Ellie Anderson (aged

12)

Playing netball at St John’s is so much fun but also entertaining. As soon as you walk onto the pitch you are in a collaborative and determined mindset. In tournaments, we get to test out our skills and find out which things we are best at and worst. Netball requires your full physical ability but also your mind. We are taught to not only have a high physical level but also be clever and think through our netball. With the right skills we then apply this to a match situation. The teachers really help me strive for the best.

Vivian Knight (aged 12)

I took part in the IAPS tournament and we won two games and lost two. It was a lot of fun and, although it was quite competitive, we aimed for the best and worked together as a team really well. In between the matches, we would discuss and share our ideas on how to do even better or deal with the problems we had faced that we might come to again. When we lost one of our matches we made sure that it wouldn’t bring us down and kept trying our hardest. After the tournament, we were exhausted but we kept in mind that our hard work had paid off.

Anna Tomkinson (aged 12)

We have been working on learning lots of new netball skills including footwork. In netball you are not allowed to move your feet when you catch the ball so we have been learning how to pivot with the ball by keeping the second foot we landed on completely still. I have loved playing against other schools in matches as it is a chance for us to use the skills we have learnt in lessons, as well as how to work well as a team.

Poppy Slater (aged 8)

“We came 5th out of 12 teams at the Haileybury Netball tournament. It felt so important playing to represent St John’s. ”

Momoka Varian (aged 9)

“It was great fun taking part in the Haileybury Netball Tournament as I got to know all the girls better and I felt proud to play for the school. It was a big achievement coming 5th too.”

Claudia Mudkavi (aged 9)

“Although we do not have set positions in netball I really enjoy playing shooter as I like feeling proud when I score a goal. In our first tournament I felt so proud as our team won 4 out of 5 of our matches.”

Emma Fawcus (aged 8)

“I am not a tall person but I still love netball. The atmosphere on the coach to matches is amazing. Early netball on a Monday has really boosted my confidence.”

Olivia Inglis (aged 11)

My favourite position to play is a shooter as I enjoy scoring goals for my team. I have enjoyed learning lots of new skills such as different types of passes to quicken the pass of passing. We practice our chest passing to a partner at the start of lessons to get better and quicker at passing accurately.

Jemima Lucas (aged 8)

We took part in IAPS at Uppingham, and I had a lot of fun. We played lots of schools from around the region. I’m a shooter and learned how to get free in the D and never stop moving to get the ball. Even if you’re loosing, you can’t give up because it can turn around so quickly, so if you’re down a few goals just try your hardest to get them back and stay competitive.

Eliza Robson Brown (aged 12)

Swimming

Although it was nerve racking, waiting there for my name to be called out, the IAPS Competition was so much fun. I did the butterfly and the medley individual race. It was so fun competing against the other houses and we worked so well together. I was in Beaufort, and the best part of it was to cheer on each other in the race, and to be cheered on by my team. Everyone, in all houses, was so supportive of whoever was swimming. We did so well, and I loved to do it and can’t wait to do it again.

Antigone Axon (aged 11)

“Getting the chance to take part in the IAPS Swimming Competition made me feel so proud and that I was a good enough swimmer to represent the school.”

Betty Barnes (aged 9)

“The atmosphere at the house swimming is epic. Everyone gets competitive. Doing backstroke when you can see everyone cheering on the sidelines really gives you speed.

Olivia Inglis (aged 11)

Cricket

School cricket was really fun and the team played so well. There were many highlights throughout the season but one that stands out the most was our game against Haileybury because it was a really close game and it came down to the finale overs which was so exciting. Also, playing for the County this summer has been a fantastic experience. The main aspect of cricket I love is hitting the ball in the middle of the bat- there is not better a feeling.

Lucas Mudkavi (aged 12)

“I have loved our cricket matches because of the great sensation of working as a team.”

Max Wickham (aged 10)

“I love playing cricket and was in the A team which was great as it meant we could use a hard ball. It was so much fun that I joined a cricket club outside of school.”

Hattie Milton (aged 10)

Cecilia Forsberg (aged 10)

“I love taking part in cricket club because I love this sport and it is one I want to get better at and this really helps.”

Evie Oates (aged 10)

“Whenever I made a mistake or felt nervous in a match I would take deep breaths which helps.”

Athletics

To qualify for Nationals you first have to go through the qualifying rounds for me this was in Bedford. My event was 800m. This meant my race was later in the day. Despite this I felt reasonably calm as I stepped up to the start. I ran a good race and was first for a decent amount of it.

I was overtaken in the final two hundred metres. I ran a time of 2:13 and came second qualifying for the nationals. The national final was held at the Pringles stadium in the Midlands. When I arrived I was shocked by how busy it was. My race ended up being delayed by quite a lot. This wasn’t great as it meant I warmed up way too early. Although it didn’t really matter as I felt ready for the race. I was the second of two heats. I pushed myself really hard and finished third in my heat. There was an agonising wait as the results across both the heats didn’t come out immediately. Finally they came out and I had come third across both heats. It felt great; though it was an even better feeling as I was given my medal on the podium.

Ben Sawtell (aged 12)

I won the 600m, was in the Final of the 100m and was also part of the relay team. I felt an amazing sense of achievement after I won my race and I really enjoyed the fact that all my friends and the rest of the St John’s team were cheering for me when I was running as this encouraged me to do even better.

Isabella MacLean (aged 8)

“I made the Finals of the 75m. I enjoyed the race as I like the fact I get to compete against others who are also very fast.”

Rosie Brown (aged 8)

“At the Stowe Athletics was really fun to take part in and I managed to keep going when others were conserving energy! I took part in the 1500m and 800m.”

Frankie Benstead (aged 10)

Sports Day

It was very exciting to get to do races that started when the gun was fired. This was the first time I had witnessed races starting on the gun as the Pre Prep one starts with a whistle.

Lucas Taylor (aged 7)

Just like many other occasions, Sports Day has been an amazing way to diversify my time in Form 5. I have largely enjoyed the sports day vastly due to the slight changes and additions as well as the skills put to test such as critical and strategic thinking and risk taking. In my opinion, the new event selection really helps create stronger bonds with peers in your house as you have to choose events depending on the strengths of each other’s peers. The new events feel very fresh and creative and look very fun and enjoyable to partake in. Either for it to be all the different events and occasions that have been held this year to the teaching and learning that partakes in the classrooms. The community of this school is so supportive and welcoming from the teachers and staff who are so caring and supportive and this was shown on Sports Day.

Kangqi Gong (aged 11)

I liked how Sports Day was a whole day event and that all my family came to watch. We set up chairs around the field and brought lunch with us. It was also exciting that instead of badges you got a medal if you came first, second or third.

Florrie Toner (aged 7)

“I was proud of my performance in the 200m and really enjoyed watching all my friends when I wasn’t racing.”

Ani Reddy (aged 8)

“I enjoyed taking part in the ball throw which was new for me because in Pre Prep this is not an event you can do, it was fun.”

Mila Thomson (aged 7)

“I liked taking part in the 600m race which I managed to win a medal for!”

Leo Batton Humphrey (aged 8)

Pre Prep Sports Day

I liked that some of the older children at Senior House came to the Field to watch our Sports Day and to cheer us on when we were doing our races. They were all smiling, clapping and cheering for all of us when we crossed the finishing line.

Henry Ali (aged 6)

“The older children gave us our badges at the end of each race and they were all so encouraging and kind, which I liked.”

Sam Wickett (aged 6)

“I loved all the races but the straight race and the relay were my two favourites as I got to run really fast!”

Hasan Akhoush (aged 4)

“The sack race was great fun but quite challenging to jump with my feet together!”

Henry Watson (aged 5)

“I liked giving the older children high fives once we had finished our races.”

Sebastian Garstang (aged 4)

“I enjoyed the egg and spoon race. It was quite challenging to keep the egg balanced on the spoon!”

Reika Varian (aged 4)

Benjamin Knowles (aged 5)

“I liked the dressing up race as it was funny having to run around in a silly hat”

“I liked the relay race as we worked together as a class to pass the baton to one another.”

Stella Millward (aged 5)

“I liked the mini hurdles race, we had to run as fast as we could over them.”

Arty Blair (aged 5)

“I liked the race where we jumped over the rope balancing on the cones.”

Angela Yang (aged 6)

“I liked taking part in the races but I also enjoyed watching the older children compete in their events that we cannot do yet, like the tug of war at the end of the day.”

Lucas Taylor (aged 7)

Field Runs

Doing the Field Run is one of my favourite things to do in the morning. I find it a great way to take my mind off things that are distracting me and it makes me focus my attention on my over arching goal, to get a PB. I enjoy the feeling of the frosty ground beneath my feet in the morning because it helps me relax and it allows me to let my thoughts roll in and out of my head. Originally I joined to help get fit, but now I realise that there is so much more to it than just running, there is motivation to keep going, even on the brink of your energy, there’s the pain you have to go through to reach your goal and there is the fun of being part of the Field Run community. There is a mental challenge that I must overcome every time, and that challenge is can I do it, but there is support from Mr Millward and Will so I overcome that challenge every time.

George Gibbes (aged 11)

I do Parkruns in Coldham’s Common which is 2km and also football out of school so I do a lot of running in my spare time. Field run is great as you are running for your own personal best. I also do running club which has helped me with my sprinting and general running techniques.

Alexander Holmes (aged 9)

Cross Country

“The cross country was great fun as you were racing against the teachers and it was a different set-up from normal as there was a moving finishing line. The morale was great and you got motivated by the teacher with the flag enabling you to do better.”

Maxim Pullan (aged 12)

Sailing

A group of sailors took part in the IAPS Sailing Competition at Weymouth in the Summer term. I sailed a RS Zest with Martha and it was so windy that day that we were not allowed to use the jib as it would be too dangerous. We came 4th as a boat but we came 3rd as a school which was a great achievement. Also, we were one of three boats that did all three races and did not capsize! Due to it being so windy we only did three out of four races that we were supposed to do but it was still a great experience and my last sailing competition at St John’s.

Hugo Rudd (aged 12)

Squash & Fives

I love playing squash and Fives because it is so active as we take part in lots of tournaments at the centre. We have played Eton Fives (where you hit the ball against the wall with your hand) and rugby fives and the best part is that you learn about the history of each game as well as how to play each game too. With Eton Fives, the court is shaped like chapel court at Eton.

Jeannie Farquarson-Wood (aged 10)

Rowing

I love doing rowing club because it is a time where I can relax and practise getting my technique right. I find it really fun but you also have to apply yourself to the training part on the ergos. My advice for anyone who wants to join is to expect to work hard and have fun learning something new. You can be very independent when rowing and you can also do little races with your friends.

Alice Tomlinson (aged 12)

Activities Week

Second Form Grafham Water Trip

We went to Grafham Water for our trip. When we were there, we split into groups and took turns to do archery and kayaking. I really enjoyed the trip but I especially liked the archery as on my first go I managed to hit a bull’s eye which is the smallest circle right in the middle of the target.

Farid Emam (aged 8)

Kayaking was my favourite part of the trip. I really enjoy water sports so this was such a fun activity to do with my friends. After we had finished our session we were allowed to jump into the water if we wanted to because it was such a hot day. I decided that to jump in and it was quite cold but it felt really nice.

Barnaby Hill (aged 8)

“I enjoyed both activities but I found the kayaking particularly fun as we were in groups in boats and had to work together to paddle in a straight line. I also found fossils.”

Xavier Ahi-Eggo (aged 8)

“The trip to Grafham Water was great fun. I enjoyed getting to spend some time with my friends from the other classes and doing activities with people who I might not normally get to work with in class.”

Emilia Laakkonen (aged 8)

Third Form Staycation

We had an amazing time in the swimming pool, do you know there is a disco in there? But the Captain Fantastic Disco was the best. There were bubbles, dancing, and a lot of disco games and we had our make-up and nails done. On Friday we learnt circus skills and, much to our surprise, unbelievably we had an ice-cream. We were so excited when the ice-cream van turned into the car park! I had a Mr Whippy. It was super! The Staycation was the best school week I have ever had in my 10 years, this week was exciting, and incredible.

Eniya Zhang (aged 9)

I really enjoyed the puzzles we did when the Happy Puzzle Company came to school. It was quite challenging but in the end, if we worked together, we did it. The hardest bit was the tube challenge as, at the start, I felt like there was no answer! We had pizza in the Piazza and we got to go in the pool and have a party

Aline Halban-Taylor (aged 9)

“My favourite part was the high ropes at Woburn. They got higher and higher and I think the highest was about five metres. The zip line at the end was fun. I also liked the sea lion show where it did a load of tricks.”

Caspar Parvin-Chambers (aged 9)

“The high ropes were quite wobbly and you had to jump across one platform to another. It was super scary at times but was brilliant fun.”

Philippa Bishop (aged

9)

Fourth Form Rockley Trip

Rockley was an amazing experience and I really enjoyed all of the activities and water sports we had the chance to do. The evening activities were very fun. We did everything from a quiz night to crabbing. My favourite activity was pico sailing where we sailed a two person boat. I also really enjoyed Drascombe sailing as it was like a pico but bigger.

Charlie Lipscomb (aged 10)

Rockley was special. We made memories and had fun. We went kayaking which was great - it was my favourite activity. We played a lot of games on the kayak like a country conquer and ‘Simon Says’ but if you fail you fall in the water. We went to a floating box big enough for about 30 people to fit on and we had fun with the people who were paddle boarding. We also experienced pico sailing, pirate boating and we went on the catamaran.

Harriet Elend-Warner (aged 10)

“I liked pico sailing because the boat is nice and small and you can have the most freedom as you don’t have to worry about capsizing. Kayaking was great because you paddle around until you get beached! Then you have to squelch through the horrible brown mud.”

Daniel Pretorius (aged 10)

Fifth Form Jurassic Coast Trip

I really loved caving in particular, it was so interesting and it was really fun. Abseiling was scary but it was really great once you got going. I really enjoyed Ravenstor, the food was nice, the activities were fun and I had a great time with my friends.

Imogen Youngman (aged 11)

The first day we did a rotation of activities including climbing wall and abseiling and team building activities. The second day, we did some weaseling (fitting through small holes in rocks), rock climbing and more abseiling. The rock climbing was amazing because I love that feeling of accomplishment when you get to the top of the rocks. The third day, we did ‘small holeing’, abseiling and caving. Small holeing is fitting through small holes in caves, it was very fun and must have been terrifying to the people with claustrophobia! In caving, we went down into this cave that used to be an old mine. It was very cool and we learnt loads about all the little cave systems in the Peak District. The last day we went on a treasure hunt and I won a piggy bank.

Caspar Johnson (aged 11)

Louisa Egerton (aged 11)

“My favourite part was when we went caving and squeezed ourselves through small holes. It was one of my best trips ever.”

Zahaan Socha (aged 11)

“This trip taught us lots of new things and it pushed us out of our comfort zones. It was such a cool experience.”

New Faces

Grace Killoughery Gap Year Student (Byron House)

Lucy Allen Individual Needs teacher

Cristina Harrison-Pena Gap Year Student (Art)

Harry Guthrie Gap Year Student (Music/Residential)

Ollie Brown Resident Gap Assistant

Kate Gawthorpe Byron House Teaching Assistant

Heidi Bibby Learning Support Assistant

Lisa Graves HR & Compliance

William Kunz Learning Support Assistant

Isabella Lewis Gap Year Student (Senior House)

Ben Knight Gap Year Student (Byron House)

Hannah Miller Class Teacher

Claire Moir Gap Year Student (DT)

Will Taylor Gap Year Student (Sport)

Ruth Tricker

Byron House Secretary

Leavers

Activities Week Trips

The Ardèche trip was amazing, by far my favourite and the most memorable trip of my time at St John’s!

We gathered at school on Saturday afternoon. Mr Harding was screaming amongst the throng of mothers, fathers, luggage and kids, Mr Taylor was looking lost and Mr Clarke was being Mr Clarke. Our flight was delayed and some of our luggage was lost, which meant we arrived at the campsite at around 5 in the morning, 2 hours before our first activity and after having had no sleep for 26 hours. I was absolutely exhausted, but we were all so happy just to be spending time together on our last trip.

My friends lent me clothes and we just had so much fun. We went caving and climbing, and swam in the pool at the camp, and we made friends with children from another school who were also staying there. Then, there was the descent. We canoed about 26km in 2 days, with aching sunburnt shoulders. I was so relieved when we reached the end as we stepped off our boats, but that relief was tainted by the realisation that Ardèche was also coming to an end. I will never forget this trip, my friends, the hard work and the best of times.

Jack Borno (aged 12)

The Ardèche week was incredibly fun, absolutely the best residential trip at St John’s. The challenging two day canoe trip down the river was both exhilarating and rewarding. At the same time the tranquil hours at camp were a welcome break from pressures and obligations in England. Everyone loved the instructors too, like ‘Mole-man’ who would go ahead during caving and then later pop around the corner to say ‘hello’.

Lorenzo Granado (aged 12)

“I had a really great and memorable time in France. I enjoyed having time to try all the varieties of fun activities, and getting to spend a full week with my friends.”

Isobel Davies (aged 12)

“This trip was by far the best school trip. I really enjoyed the Acrobranch which is like Go Ape because I like zip lining through the trees and all the climbing.”

Hugo Rudd (aged 12)

“The Ardèche was highly enjoyable, informative and fun. We did caving, an obstacle course, wall climbing and went down dozens of metres-long zip lines!”

Sean

Wang (aged 12)

“I have hugley enjoyed being in the Ardèche this year it was loads of fun and brought our year group together more. The best part was the descent where we spent two days canoeing down the river in pairs, although it was tiring at times, it was a great trip.”

“It was really fun to try all the activities and spend time with everyone in the year group.”

Theo Logan (aged 12)

“Filming and taking photos in the Ardèche was so much fun as the scenery was so incredible.”

Noah Roach (aged 12)

George Leslie (aged 12)

Although Choristers aren’t able to join the annual Sixth Form trip to the Ardèche, Mr Glitherow, our House Master, organised some amazing activities for us, the remaining Choristers. We played golf, went go karting, saw Top Gun at the cinema and ate at Five Guys. We also went to an Escape Room and Ninja Warrior UK in Milton Keynes, as well as indoor snowboarding and indoor sky diving. My favourite activity was the go karting! All in all, we didn’t do too badly. We also had the whole Boarding House to ourselves for a few days, which was fun.

Joshua Davidson (aged 12)

I have hugely enjoyed being in the Ardèche this year as it was loads of fun and brought our year group together more over the week in France. The best part was the descent where we spent two days canoeing down the Ardèche river in pairs and. Although it was stressful and tiring at times, it was a great experience and a fantastic trip.

George Leslie (aged 12)

“Apart from slight sunburn there really wasn’t a bad thing about our Ardèche trip. The caving, climbing, zip lining and obstacle course were all amazing.”

George Fox (aged 12)

“The weather was so warm and my partner and I came second overall in the descent. The disco at the end was really worth it.”

Mercy Milton (aged 12)

Leavers’ Programme

We were given the challenge to make a car that would travel the furthest from a ramp out of just pasta! It was really fiddly because the pasta kept snapping but it was quite funny to see other people getting stressed and watching my car crash off the ramp!

Ella Wigan (aged 12)

“The tennis competition was great just being outside and it was really warm, which made it hard when you were playing but at the same time it was great taking part with all of our friends.”

Lexi White (aged 12)

“The Shakespeare plays were really fun because we performed them in the willow tree and partying was part of the play! We had so many laughs doing the dances.”

Martha Sangster (aged 12)

“The money workshop was interesting as it taught me how to handle money sensibly and about different jobs and earning power.”

Dillon Beyers (aged 12)

I have been at St John’s for nine years and have made so many amazing friends. The teachers and the community are all so kind. I will be sad to leave as it has been such a fun experience but I have great memories too.

Emma David (aged 12)

I will always remember the Sixth Form play. It was a wonderful experience, with the whole year group just after returning from the holidays, all united to produce the play. I still can distinctly remember Mr Clarke’s face when we finished, full of joy, triumph, and close to tears. I felt so happy as well, and you could see this with the others, and even the audience.

Vincent Sprik (aged 12)

“Going on the scavenger hunt around Cambridge was great as we had some freedom to be independent and it was a chilled environment.”

William Simpson (aged 12)

Sixth Form Leavers’ Destination Schools

Bedford School

Leo Smith

Comberton Village College

George Ducker

Culford

Elliot Munro

Eton

Lorenzo Granado

Lucas Nair-Grepinet

Harrow

Felix Bamford

King’s School, Ely

Adam Ahmad

Joshua Davidson

Isobel Davies

George Fox

Ernest Gardiner

Winston Knight

Hugo Lauze

King’s School, Ely cont’d.

Theo Logan

Hugo Ware

Oundle

Dillon Beyers

Bertie Denison-Smith

Johanna Hindmarsh

Angelica Honey-Ward

Isabel Keightley

Ella Wigan

Royal Hospital School

Hugo Rudd

Sancton Wood

Emma David

St Mary’s School, Cambridge

Lottie Dely

Mercy Milton

Stephen Perse Foundation

Estelle Babar

Federico Di Franco

Pedro Fernandez Bruna

James Gleadle

Marina Kokelaar

George Leslie

Zac Navarro

Gabriel Ng

Maxim Pullan

Maks-Eamon Prempeh

Martha Sangster

Stoke College

Charlie Froggett

The Leys

Eleanor Anderson

Nico Clarke

Alicia McDonnell

Lucas Mudkavi

Noah Roach

Eliza Robson Brown

Ben Sawtell

The Leys cont’d.

Anna Tomkinson

Alice Tomlinson

Lexi White

The Perse Upper

Jack Borno

Mark Chesterfield

Issy Drokov

Emily Grant

Felix Emerson

Lucas Hobson

Vivian Knight

Poppy Marr

Harley Parvin-Chambers

Milton Saibrosa

Vincent Sprik

Sean Wang

Daniel Wicks

Uppingham

William Simpson

Sixth Form Leavers’ Awards

61 Form 6 boys and girls are leaving for Senior Schools. 19 awards were achieved as follows:

Adam Ahmad Music Scholarship

Ellie Anderson Sports Academy Programme

Felix Bamford Music Scholarship

Joshua Davidson Music Scholarship

Lottie Dely Creative Writing Scholarship

Bertie Denison-Smith Dedicated Athletes’ Programme

Lorenzo Granado Music Exhibition

Johanna Hindmarsh Academic Scholarship

Isabel Keightley Oundle Scholarship

Lucas Mudkavi Drama Scholarship

Lucas Nair-Grepinet Music Exhibition

Gabriel Ng Academic Scholarship

Martha Sangster Sport Scholarship

Ben Sawtell Sport Scholarship

Anna Tomkinson Music Scholarship

Theo Logan Academic & Drama Scholarships

Lexi White Drama Scholarship

Ella Wigan Oundle Scholarship

Where a child has gained an award in the same discipline for more than one school, only the award for the destination school is recorded.

King ’s Ely

The Leys

Harrow

King ’s Ely

St Mary’s

Oundle

Eton

Oundle

Oundle

The Leys

Eton

Stephen Perse Foundation

Stephen Perse Foundation

The Leys

The Leys

King ’s Ely

The Leys

Oundle

Head Boy’s Address on Speech Day - Milton Saibrosa

When I first stepped into St John’s, my first thought was something along the lines of “I wonder what I’m having for lunch today?”.That thought was also repeated when Mr Chippington told me and Johanna that we’d be Head Boy and Girl. It was quickly followed, however, by “Oh boy, there is a mildly important speech that I need to write now!”

But in all seriousness, one of the quotes that I will always think back on is ‘It’s not the school that makes the pupil but the pupil that makes the school’. But these past four years at St John’s have made me realise that quote is wrong. If a school is an incredible school, with incredible teachers, incredible staff and an incredible community of parents then it’s not a question of the pupil making the school, it’s actually a case of the school with the pupils making memories and friendships and achieving so much together.

I was given the task of thanking all the teachers in my speech, and even though it sounds like a very simple task, it is probably one of the hardest things that I’ve done in my whole life and trust me Sixth Form had to canoe 29km down the Ardèche gorge with the wind pushing against us and an angry French man shouting behind us. The thing that made this thank you speech incredibly difficult was the fact that if I was to say everything that I wanted to say this wouldn’t be speech day, it would have to be speech week. So I tried my best to condense everything but I’m sure that if you ask Sixth Form or anyone that has been at St John’s they would all talk for hours about the amazing teachers that we were so lucky to have from KG to Form 6.

All the way back in Summer term of Form 3, there was a huge problem that I faced, a problem so massive that if it hadn’t been solved I don’t think I’d be standing here today; I didn’t know how to play cricket. Now, this problem might have actually solved itself after I went to my first cricket lesson, at the minor cost of looking completely lost and possibly being hit in the face by a ball because I was standing in the wrong place. But what happened that Tuesday afternoon was quite unexpected. Maks (who many of you know) spent most of his lunch time explaining the basics of cricket to me. Now we are good friends, but back then we had only talked to each other a few times and yet he gave up his own time to help a new student. This story shows how welcoming the St John’s community really is and even now, if you ask any member of St John’s for help they will grant it with a smile.

My second anecdote is already well known among nearly every member of the St John’s community and that is Mr Clarke’s unbelievable determination in the past year when it came to Sixth Form. First, there was The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe which no one thought was going to happen but Mr Clarke never gave up and even though it was only in Form 6, we did it. Then there was the Passion Play; he had to pay attention to Chorister schedules, other clubs and our mildly impressive lack of attention during rehearsals. He managed to deliver the play perfectly as if there weren’t any obstacles. Finally, in this past term, he directed not only the Latin play that went on to win its competition but he also directed Twelfth Night , went on the Ardèche trip, directed the acting parts of our poetry evening and ran golf club every single Monday. I think that if I was to take one inspiration from my time at St John’s, Mr Clarke’s determination would be on the top of the list. The final story that I think should be mentioned isn’t one that there is a lesson to learn from, but simply a story that demonstrates the friendships between the teachers and the pupils of this school.

When we were on our gruelling canoe trip down the Ardèche gorge, Mr Carter and Mr Cobb capsized (definitely because of their own mistakes). And for some reason on the following day, Mr Carter and his new partner Mr Harding were determined to get revenge. When we met, the teacher duo started off by immediately abandoning their ship and attempting to capsize us. They failed. But with some back up they eventually succeeded (if anyone questions Mr Carter and Mr Harding about this they will deny capsizing because they’re a bit sore from such a bad loss). Now as this speech comes to a close, I hope that no one fell asleep and everyone got a small glimpse of how absolutely incredible St John’s College School really is. So thank you to all those who have taught, inspired and encouraged us and thank you to my peers in Sixth Form. Let’s all put our hands together for all the teachers, staff, children and parents of this amazing school.

Head Girl’s Address on Speech Day - Johanna Hindmarsh

Finally, thank you to Catherine, Ruth and the admin team who make sure everything is running smoothly. You are always on top of things and it is a huge reassurance to know that you are there to talk to if we are ever unsure where we are meant to be, have lost something, need to make a call home…you get the idea; it is great to have someone happy to help if we come across any of these problems, and we do. I don’t know how you all do it, so thank you again.

St John’s allows you to push yourself and be in control of your learning. There are so many opportunities in all subjects so you can really pursue the thing that you are passionate about, whether this is an academic subject, art, DT, drama, music, sport, there is no limit to what you can do and challenge yourself to go further with. Looking back, it is amazing how far we have all come in our time here.

The variety of sports means everyone can find something they enjoy. For me, this is rowing - a sport that is particularly enjoyable in the summer which is lucky because I have no cricketing abilities whatsoever. I think we’ve been forgiven for the boat that we broke the front of. The words: ‘The boat’s cracked, it’s going to sink’, will always stick with me. Thank goodness we managed to get back to the boathouse before we were completely in the water.

I will always remember the teachers and everything they have done. Mr Carter for his definitely purposeful mistakes, Miss Grant for her incredible baking and sense of humour, Mrs Downer and Miss Kohler for the fantastic Art and DT here. Mrs Taylor is I think the only teacher that I have made cry - in a good way I hope! And thank you to Mr Thompson, for putting up with all of my questions! I would also like to give a special thank you to all the Byron House staff for looking after us and teaching us so well. In particular, Mrs V, who was lucky enough to teach me twice!

I remember being in Form 3 and listening to the Head Girl and Boy make their speeches, thinking ‘Wow, they’re old’. Back then Sixth Form seemed like such a long way away and I could hardly imagine myself leaving St John’s. Standing here now I realise that the seven years I have been here have gone by incredibly fast, though very eventfully, and I am so lucky to have this opportunity to reflect on all the amazing things that have happened.

First, however, I would like to thank some of the people that really keep the school running. Thank you to the kitchen staff, who daily provide us with delicious lunches so we are ready for the afternoon ahead. By midday, the whole school is completely starving, so we are all so grateful for what you do. Another big thank you must go to the maintenance, cleaning and gardening teams. I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but it’s a huge help coming into school each morning and seeing that everything is tidy and in working order. Thank you also for driving the minibuses. It can’t always be easy, especially when we are singing very loudly in the back of the bus!

Trips week is a very exciting part of the summer term. With fantastic activities, time with friends, and the beautiful places we visit. This year, the Ardèche was no exception and everyone seemed to have a great time, despite the lack of sleep and baggage; it just showed how we could all work together as a year group and help each other through. A big thank you to Mr Harding for organising this trip and the rest of the Leavers’ programme which has been a brilliant few weeks!

Another very enjoyable trip was Edale in Form 3, where my dorm carried out some very memorable mindfulness practices before bed - a now famous line being: ‘what colour are your tracksuit bottoms?’ Something we all still talk about today. I have also really enjoyed performing lots of different plays at John’s. Our Shakespeare plays, Macbeth and Twelfth Night were really interesting to work on, and it was great to try and understand the language used as well as just performing. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, our Fifth Form play, was also one of my favourites, along with our winning Latin play! In my time here, I have played such a variety of interesting parts ranging from Lady Macbeth to a dancing wardrobe!

So, as I reach the end of my time here, I know that all the bonds we have made, all the lessons we have learnt, will last a lifetime, and so will our memories of St John’s. In the words of Dr Seuss: ‘Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened’. And how lucky we are that this has happened, and will always be part of us. Now, we go forwards, to all the new adventures ahead.

Leaving Staff

I was attracted to the post of Head of English at St John’s for many reasons. I was aware of the school’s reputation as having a nurturing and creative environment. I was not disappointed when I came for interview in 2019 - staff and pupils were very welcoming and I knew that I would enjoy the challenge of taking on the leadership of a core subject in a prestigious Cambridge school.

The first two terms at St John’s were such a joy. I loved the variety of teaching opportunities, in both English and the enrichment programme on Thursday afternoons. I especially enjoyed the chance to develop schemes of work in the department, to include a range of new fiction texts and creative activities. I am especially proud of the pupils who took part in poetry and creative writing competitions. I have fond memories of Book Week and visits from the Young Shakespeare Company,

Unfortunately, a lot of my time at St John’s was punctuated by the trials and tribulations of Covid. This was, without doubt, the most challenging time of my 26 year teaching career. I did learn a lot about online teaching and adopted lots of new practices. I will never forget watching an outstanding talk from the novelist, Onjali K Rauf, with over 300 of us on a zoom call!

I enjoyed so many aspects of my time at St John’s. The colleagues I worked with are so dedicated and kind, and the pupils an inspiration. Their musical endeavours and artistic talents never failed to impress me. I was so proud to organise the Spirited Arts competition in 2021 as part of my role as acting Head of RS.

I decided to take a step down from full time teaching at the start of 2022. The plan was to take some time off and look after myself and my family more. I ended my time at St John’s with an incredible residential trip to Iceland - probably the best memory to leave with! I am now running my own business as a private tutor and enjoying having time to exercise more, to sing in a choir and to volunteer for our local youth group.

Thank you for three wonderful years at St John’s. I have made some friends for life and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work in this school.

I arrived at St John’s in September 1990, just as Kevin Jones became headmaster. In those days, BH was co-ed up to age 7, then girls only until they left at 11. I was appointed as teacher of the ‘bulge’, an extra class created to accommodate a large intake in Form 2. It was my third teaching role. I had just spent 2 years commuting to London to work at the CLSG - teaching from 9 yr olds to A level students. As you can imagine, I was desperate to swap the delights of the 7:06 to Liverpool St for an easy walk to Grange Rd.

When I came for interview here, I remember Kevin asking me how I felt about learning to use computers, which were just being introduced in school. I think even then I sensed that ICT was never going to be my thing, but I lied through my teeth and assured him that I would pick it all up very easily. I must have come over as being very enthusiastic because I was assigned to assist in teaching some computing lessons. All my colleagues, and any children I have taught who are reading this, will not be surprised that I was hopeless. But, looking back on those early days, what is extraordinary - given the amazing things that the children do with computers now - is that I remember having a discussion with the ICT teacher about whether we should be purchasing computer mice; we both felt that they would be way too tricky for the children to use and that the idea simply wouldn’t catch on.

I was more successful in teaching other subjects: among other things, English for a long time, Maths for a very long time, and Latin, of course. I was Head of 4th and 5th forms for a few years and then Head of Department, but what I have really loved is the classroom teaching and the interaction with the children.

Working at St John’s has certainly not been without its stresses. But I truly believe that we have in our staff here the most supportive, compassionate, friendly and professional there ever could be. I owe such a lot to so many, but I really must single out my team-mates in the Classics Department - thank you for being brilliant. And I’d like to thank all the staff for being not only fantastic teachers of my children, but also the best colleagues and friends I could have wished for. I have lost count of the number of times in the staff room that I have laughed so much that I could hardly catch my breath. I shall treasure those and many other moments. I am not entirely sure yet what retirement holds for me but I do know that I am looking forward to finding out. Term-time travel surely has to be somewhere high on the list, and I am planning a move to ‘the other side of the desk’, to learn a new language. Whatever I do, I will never forget St John’s – thank you all.

Elaine Atkin Head of English

Clare Taylor

Latin Teacher

To all the students and staff I had the honour of working with at St John’s, thank you! I know having only served 1 year at such a wonderful school was not ideal, but during my time I felt like a true, accepted member of the amazing St John’s community. Everyone, from the wonderful maintenance and cooking staff, to the teachers, coaches, and outstanding Individual Needs Team, and not least of all, the most engaged students I’ve had the pleasure to work with at St John’s helped make me a better educator and individual.

I’m now teaching at a small Catholic school located in Boulder, Colorado. I feel blessed to have found such an opportunity, not least because the school is located directly next to the mountains. I am working as a 5th grade teacher for a classroom of 18 kiddos. They thoroughly enjoy my “Britishisms” as I teach various subjects such as Maths (called Math here). I constantly share stories about St John’s and my other teaching adventures in England. Everyone enjoys hearing about how incredible St John’s students are, and what a positive environment it is.

Outside of teaching, I’ve begun working on hosting my own trail race event with the support of OMM (Original Mountain Marathon) and a number of other elite trail athletes in Colorado. Although a big task, I’m excited about the opportunity.

I truly miss everyone at St John’s, and I’m excited to hear about all of your adventures and accomplishments over the next few years. Thank you again for being an all around, awesome community! Until we meet again.

Daniel Taylor Head of Learning Support

Faisal Babar Bursar

Karen Close HR & Compliance Officer

Charlotte Dyer Byron House Receptionist

Georgie Thorpe English Teacher

Emma Luck Registrar

I have been in the same class as some of my friends since the age of four and I’ve built so many strong friendships and become so close with so many. The year group has really come together in Sixth Form and we have created a friendly environment for us all. It will be so sad leaving many people but we have made strong memories that will stay with me forever.

Ellie

Anderson

(aged 12)

“As soon as I enter St John’s I feel at home. It is a shame that I have to leave but I am sure my experiences will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

Lucas Mudkavi (aged 12)

“What I will miss the most about being at St John’s is the people that surround me and the positive impact they have given me as we are all very close and I will miss this feeling.”

Angelica Honey-Ward (aged 12)

“I will miss all my friends and everyone who has had an influence on my life at St John’s.”

Joshua Davidson (aged 12)