The Eaglet 2025

Head Teacher’s Welcome

It is with great pleasure that I share with you the 2025 edition of The Eaglet, our annual celebration of pupil voice, creativity, and achievement at St John’s College School. This publication offers a vivid and heartfelt glimpse into the many highlights of the 2024–2025 academic year, moments that have delighted, inspired, and amazed us all.

Even during my first term here at St John’s, I have already witnessed the academic rigour, collaborative spirit, and creative energy that define our extraordinary school. I have been struck by the children’s curiosity, their kindness, and their joyful engagement with every aspect of school life. It is a privilege to be part of such a vibrant and caring community, and I look forward to all that lies ahead in the remainder of this academic year, and beyond.

Within these pages, you will discover the breadth of our curriculum and the depth of engagement that characterises life at St John’s. From scientific investigations and musical performances, to sporting triumphs and acts of kindness, The Eaglet reflects the energy, purpose, and joy that run through our school. It is a testament to the children’s courage to explore, their ability to express themselves with clarity and humour, and their deep sense of connection to one another.

At St John’s, we believe that education is not simply about acquiring knowledge, it is about nurturing the whole child. We are proud to be a place where children are known, valued, and encouraged to thrive. Intellectual enquiry, academic curiosity, and a genuine love of learning lie at the heart of every child’s experience here. Equally important is the sense of belonging and care that permeates our school; a close-knit, compassionate environment where creativity flourishes, friendships deepen, and every voice matters. We hope this edition brings you as much joy as it has brought us in compiling it. It stands as a tribute to the remarkable young people who fill our school with life, laughter, and learning and to the shared values that make St John’s so special.

Sarah Wright

Emotions for Learning (E4L)

“When we do stilling it helps us to feel calm, relaxed and lets us focus on what is coming up next in our day at school.”

Elisabeth Less & Phoebe Evershed (both aged 6)

“In Kindergarten, we love to give compliments to each other. We might tell a friend they’ve been kind, made us smile, or helped us feel happy inside. It’s a lovely way to show we care and to spread kindness around the classroom.”

Alfie Stone & Caleb Cheung (both aged 5)

Bottom left: Stilling & bottom right: Action Story (Peer-to-peer massage)

E4L is really powerful because it teaches us how to stay calm and solve problems peacefully. Each year, since Kindergarten, we’ve discovered new ideas in our E4L sessions, like how to understand our feelings, make good choices and talk things through. We always explore different topics and it helps us know what’s right and how to be kind to others.

Ren Pearson (aged 7)

E4L means talking about feelings and learning how to understand them. We talk about what makes us happy, sad, angry, or worried and how to deal with those feelings in a kind and calm way. It helps us know how to be a good friend, how to solve problems and how to make good choices. E4L is a time when we can share our thoughts, listen to each other and learn how to look after ourselves and others.

Fionn Ramsay-Stubbs (aged 7)

“We made joy jars and wrapped them in coloured tissue paper. They had a light inside. We now have lots of nice thoughts from friends in them.”

Arabella de Graaf-Rose (aged 7)

“Action Stories are when you gently massage your partner to help them feel calm and relaxed. Sometimes it feels soft, sometimes a bit firm and it can even make you feel warm and happy inside. It’s a kind way to show care.”

Caspian Griffiths & Hattie Sykes (both aged 5)

Top: Action Story (Peer-to-peer massage)

Play-Based Learning

At St John’s Pre-Prep, we embrace a play-based approach to learning that reflects how young children naturally explore, discover and grow. Rooted in the latest research, this approach fosters independence, collaboration, creativity, problem-solving and communication while promoting high levels of engagement and improved learning outcomes. Play provides a safe and stimulating environment where children can test ideas, deepen understanding and build essential learning dispositions such as curiosity, resilience and imagination. It offers a rich variety of experiences that strengthen neural connections and support physical, cognitive, social and emotional development. Crucially, our approach balances child-led discovery with adult-initiated and adultled activities, ensuring every child is nurtured, challenged and inspired.

“A polar bear came into our classroom and left giant footprints everywhere! Its claws were enormous. I learned that polar bears are white so they can camouflage in the snow.”

Dashiell Samuel (aged 5)

“Greg Bottrill visited and I made an aquarium of mermaids. There are sunlight ripples on the water, jellyfish, a mermaid castle and stones for my play project.”

Josephine Aeberhard (aged 6)

“The most exciting thing about Goldilocks porridge making was that I controlled the oven, a real oven. I can now tell my mum how to make it at home. I put in honey and chocolate flakes, it was delicious.”

Jonny Plugge (aged 5)

Child-Led Learning

Our SEPS project was magic! It was really fun because we could research independently and there was so much more freedom which helped your learning. I also liked choosing cool backgrounds and images for our project. It was rewarding working in a group because you could balance the work and share ideas but also people could work on their own for a time then come back to the group.

Jing Jin (aged 10)

Learning about architecture has been really exciting. I loved discovering how buildings are made, especially the materials and insulation used to keep them warm. We looked at blueprints too, which were different from what I expected. I’m really looking forward to researching the new ‘landscraper’ Google UK HK in London and also Cambridge Children’s Hospital to explore how design can shape the way we live and learn.

Antoine Khoury-Machool (aged 9)

I loved making our moving bats! I also learnt about push and pull forces. The UV lights made the bats glow, and we discovered that the glue gun was fluorescent, we wondered why. I challenged myself to make a baby bat with glow-inthe-dark eyes.

Alba James (aged 7)

“Artist, Kat Vandal, visited and inspired us to create our own Pop Art. She makes super fun art using old toys like ball-pit balls, teddies and balloons. We also saw retro video games at The Centre for Computing History.”

Maximilian Reinhold & Alisa Iarokha (both aged 8)

“We loved creating our journey sticks. We chose colours based on which continent or country our dragons came from. We thought about the temperature and landscapes found there and the country’s flags. We even wore sparkling capes!”

Edward Cook & Mikey Jenking (both aged 7)

We made (and ate!) our own pizzas! We kneaded the dough a lot and made the whole thing from scratch. We also sent cards to our Italian pen pals. We actually wrote in Italian! We sent them to an Italian school and they’ll write back in English and we can get to improve our Italian too. It was such a fun project!

Callie Hacking & Ariane Thomson (both aged 8)

Our WOW Day was so great as we made Venetian masks. Everyone in the class created such interesting and imaginative designs. We painted on the eyes and lips and made a fan in a circle. Some had feathers with gold on the edges. We learnt a lot of history, especially about how the Venetians created masks for wearing at their Carnival. The masks are still made today and are a symbol of the city.

Charlotte Labruyère & Theodore Hedden (both aged 8)

I loved exploring the Sea Life Centre and seeing the sea creatures being fed and also playing on the beach afterwards. I learnt that turtles cannot see very well and they eat jellyfish and they can get confused between plastic bags and jellyfish. A new fact for me is that stingrays and sharks are related as their skeletons are made of cartilage instead of bone.

Saffron Bentley (aged 8)

Mindfulness & Tai Chi

“Tai Chi made my soul feel calm.”

One time I felt really angry and annoyed, and my mum told me to take a deep breath. I sat on my bed and slowly took ten deep breaths. I still felt upset but my thoughts were calmer and I started to feel like I could solve the problem. Mindfulness helps because we count our breaths and learn how different parts of the brain work when we are stressed. When I did breath counting, I didn’t want to open my eyes and my mind just drifted slowly away from everything around me. I really liked that peaceful feeling.

Lanark Hamilton (aged 9)

“In Tai Chi, my body felt calmed down and my mind was trying to remember everything and focus on the movements. It was peaceful.”

Ryah Woolfson (aged 9)

Roopkatha Adhikari (aged 9)

I find hand-breathing techniques in mindfulness really helpful for calming my mind and body. Sometimes I get really excited and start moving a lot. I use mindfulness when I feel panicked, too excited, sad, worried, or scared both at home and at school. It really helps me.

Isabella Graham (aged 10)

“Mindfulness helps me get to sleep and calm down and relax. I find it very useful.”

Abigail Lock (aged 10)

“Learning deep breathing mindfulness techniques has helped me a lot to calm down my brain when I feel stressed.”

Mura Micu (aged 12)

Mindfulness helps me feel calm and focused. We sit up straight, close our eyes and count our breaths while the timer runs. It’s a way to train our minds to slow down and think clearly. Our teacher makes it even more interesting by asking big questions like, “What is concentration?”. There’s no right or wrong answer, so we get to explore our thoughts. Once, she showed us a picture of Goldilocks and asked what choices she could have made differently. It helped us practise pausing to think before acting, which is at the heart of calm and thoughtful mindfulness.

Arabella Kamyar (aged 9)

“Executive Functions help us plan, organise and manage our actions, thoughts and behaviours.”

Penelope Tandy (aged 12)

Mindsets for Learning

Being a Flexible Flamingo means having a flexible mindset. It’s about adapting when things don’t go exactly as planned. Like when I was making a bracelet and wanted a silver bead but there weren’t any left. Instead of getting stuck, I chose a white one and carried on. Being flexible helps us stay calm, solve problems and keep going even when things change.

Arthur Giegerich (aged 6)

Executive Functions have really supported my learning. I enjoy exploring ideas and skills that we don’t always cover in regular lessons as it makes the experience feel different and special.

“When we were in T1 I was drawing a picture of the Titanic and felt stuck. All my friends helped and we connected loads of pages together to make one big Titanic. We were all Collaborative Crabs!”

Angus Hood (aged 8)

Ingrid Birchall (aged 12)

Challenge by Choice

I used Challenge by Choice in a Geography lesson where I had to research information online. As I answered the question, I learnt even more by reading and exploring the answers on Google. I love Challenge by Choice because it lets you teach yourself while you work and it’s a great way to deepen your understanding as you go.

George Henty (aged 12)

“Challenge by Choice stretches my thinking and helps me learn. It gives me more independence on my learning as I can move up a level if it feels too easy and will be more challenged.”

Jemima Lucas (aged 12)

“If you are finding a task hard you can go for green, pink if you think you can manage and blue if you want to challenge your learning more.”

Angela Yang (aged 10)

English

Kimba Poetry Day Workshop

“Even when things didn’t rhyme, it sounded like they did. The poems were fun to listen to because the sounds matched in a cool way.”

Hamish Pearson (aged 9)

“I loved how creative Kimba was, using some of his favourite foods to put in a poem.”

Beatrix Cleevely (aged 9)

“I liked the way Kimba used different tones, with expressive highs and lows, to make his poems really engaging and interesting.”

Ryah Woolfson (aged 9)

“Kimba really made the poems come to life. He was so energetic when his voice changed.”

Tara Roshan (aged 9)

“I particularly like how Kimba added actions and how fast he said each of his poems.”

Ayla Alt-Richter (aged 8)

“I loved the rhythm of the poems.”

Mia Fairburn (aged 8)

Sixth Form Poetry Evening

My poem was about the utter beauty and endless majesty of space. I originally wrote it for the ‘Wonderverse’ Poetry Competition and really enjoyed writing it and then getting to perform it too on Poetry Evening.

Amir Jambor-Sadeghian (aged 13)

My poem was about dancing on stage. I really like this poem and felt connected to it because it is something I love doing and I will carry on doing after I leave St John’s. Going through the process of writing it, making it the best it could be, practising it and performing it, was such a great experience. The group poems were also really fun to perform.

Claudia Mudkavi (aged 12)

“My poem was about the importance of friendship as I’ve been friends with people at St John’s since I was four.”

Philippa Bishop (aged 12)

“I based my poem on growing up and maturing. I was so excited to recite it.”

Aline Halban-Taylor (aged 12)

“Mine focused on hockey because I love field hockey a lot! Our joint poem was ‘Chocolate Cake’ by Michael Rosen.”

Basak Dogan (aged 13)

Book Week

I really enjoyed the Book Fair this year because there were so many books. Norfolk Children’s Book Centre always have the right book for you! There was a really wide range of graphic novels, which was great.

Evelyn Austen (aged 11)

I really liked A.F. Harrold’s talk because he was just so funny. I enjoyed how there were lots of different authors to inspire us and they all wrote about different things and had something different to offer.

Theo Leslie (aged 10)

“I loved the diverse range of costumes - they took time and dedication to make!”

Heyan Patel (aged 11)

“I loved Book Week because it was cool to see all the authors, especially Robin Stevens because she writes my favourite book series.”

Cara Brown (aged 11)

“I really liked the author A.F. Harrold because he was incredibly funny. I agree with him that you should have more than one pudding!”

William Stephenson (aged 11)

Top: Science writer & children’s author, Isabel Thomas & middle left: Poet, writer & performer, A.F. Harrold

Book Week was so much fun! We got to dress up as different book characters and celebrate stories together. My whole class came dressed as Minions and our teacher joined in as Gru which made it even more hilarious and memorable. We also took part in a book swap, where I discovered a really good book I hadn’t read before. During Book Week I read loads as it gave me the time, space and energy to really enjoy reading. I am already so excited to do it all again next year!

Clarissa Pilato (aged 12)

Young Shakespeare Company

I really enjoyed Twelfth Night as the actors explained the plot very well. My favourite part of the play was when Sebastian came to Illyria after the shipwreck. I also really enjoyed watching Sir Toby Belch and Sir Andrew Aguecheek play tricks on Malvolio. It was very easy to follow because, when there was a particularly tricky part, the actors paused and explained it. The actors were very nice and inclusive.

Joshua McGrory (aged 12)

I thought the Twelfth Night production was really funny and a great way to spend the morning. I found Sir Toby Belch the funniest because he used funny body and facial expressions which helped him act out his character. They were all great actors and really showed their love of drama. I also love drama and I thought they produced their plays really well. My favourite bit was when we had a dance party. Me and my friends did the conga! Some parts of the play were challenging to follow because it was written in Shakespearean verse but the performance was thoughtfully staged to help us understand as much as possible. The actors were warm, confident and clearly well prepared, which made the whole experience enjoyable and engaging.

Isabella MacLean (aged 12)

“I loved how the actors included the crowd so we were involved and how they performed in a pantomimic way. My favourite part was probably the part where Olivia found out that the twins had been tricking her and she had got married to someone who wasn’t really real.”

Imogen O’Reilly (aged 12)

“I enjoyed taking part in House debating as everyone was so supportive.”

Erik Maclennan (aged 10)

House Debating Competitions

Debating is such an important skill to learn. You have to come up with breakthrough points and arguments that your opposition cannot deny. It also teaches you how to work with people who you might not usually work with. Furthermore, critical thinking is very important in this scenario because you have to think fast and strong as a rebutter.

Eniya Zhang (aged 13)

I really enjoyed coming up with our debates and opinions in our team. Even though the actual debate was quite nervewracking, everyone was so supportive and kind. I learnt how to listen carefully, think on my feet and explain my ideas clearly even when I felt nervous.

Cicely McDonnell (aged 13)

“House debating introduced an exciting and competitive element, allowing us to strengthen our rhetorical skills and confidence in public speaking.”

Peregrine Brice (aged 13)

Classics

“My favourite part by far was the directing and acting as you could see how our ideas had developed. We started using the black flags to create large waves, boats and even labyrinths. It was really fun and I would jump at the opportunity to do it again.”

Mattie Newitt (aged 13)

‘Ludi Scaenici’ Latin Play

The Latin Play was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The best bit, of course, was when the judges announced that we had won which made the prize of Celebrations and meringues Mr Clarke gave us taste extra good!

Nicholas Garcia (aged 13)

I enjoyed the Latin Play very much because I liked going to the Perse. I was Theseus so I had a lot of lines to learn but I still enjoyed the process of making, rehearsing and finally performing the Latin Play to an audience.

Caspar Parvin-Chambers (aged 13)

“I had the job of drumming which was extremely fun to do as I already play orchestral percussion. Myself and Emmanuel created all of our music in twenty five minutes!”

Henry Skillings (aged 13)

Museum of Classical Archaeology

We visited the Museum of Classical Archaeology at Cambridge University where we explored a collection of replica Greek and Roman statues. We had the chance to sketch some of the sculptures, looking closely at the shapes, details and expressions. The Museum holds around 450 plaster casts, so there was lots to see and learn about ancient art and history.

Vincent Carvalho (aged 13)

Greek

I have really enjoyed taking part in Greek club because we got to learn one of the ancient languages and explore Greek myths. The myths are always fascinating and give us valuable knowledge about history, storytelling and human nature.

Farid Emam (aged 12)

Greek club was my favourite because it offered an opportunity to explore something we don’t usually cover in regular lessons. It also helped us improve in other languages such as Latin. Greek connects with many modern languages and deepens our understanding of how they work.

Oscar Thomson (aged 11)

“Studying Greek has been a fascinating experience, from learning the alphabet and basic vocabulary, to understanding key grammar rules and finding out about historical and cultural information.”

Toby Ali (aged 11)

“It has given me an insight into Ancient Greek civilisation and Homer’s ‘Odyssey’, which tells the story of Odysseus’ long journey home after the Trojan War.”

Amir Jambor-Sadeghian (aged 13)

Modern Foreign Languages

French Culture Trip

“We went to France and the trip was so good. We learnt how to make mayonnaise, now my cooking has definitely improved! We milked goats, which is the first time I have done that!”

Morgan Jeremiah (aged 12)

“The ferry was the best, it was so nice having the sea breeze. The weather was really sunny and warm, we stayed in a château which was really cool. We made crêpes at the château. I loved visiting the chocolate factory.”

Rufus Bowsher (aged 12)

“The trip to Château du Broutel was really fun and it still maintained a real learning experience by us speaking French to locals every day.”

Mateo Fairén-Gallego (aged 13)

I enjoyed the goat farm the most as it was fun and showed us exactly how hard it is working on a farm! My other highlight was the food as it was so nice having French pasties first hand. I also loved the field activities as it was great exploring the large area with friends and seeing the French countryside.

Mura Micu (aged 12)

French Plays

I really enjoyed performing our French plays because all the props were so cool. We learnt more French and also had the chance to perform them all to Form 3.

Zebbie Halban-Taylor (aged 11)

I enjoyed performing in the French play as it developed my speaking skills and I liked choosing my part. It was fun watching them all come together and I was proud of the outcome.

Mila Thomson (aged 11)

I loved how dramatic my character was and my favourite line, “Impossible, impossible...grrrr!”, was so melodramatic that I found it hilarious. I really enjoyed directing the plays ourselves and choosing our own characters. Everyone’s performances were funny and helped us improve our French. Babak’s mooing was absolutely brilliant!

Lottie Cross (aged 11)

“The plays promoted not just our French but also our Drama skills by making us really use our facial expressions and body language whilst also speaking in French.”

Florrie Toner (aged 10)

“They plays were such a good way to learn new vocab in the most fun way.”

Arthur Elliott (aged 11)

Queen’s College, Oxford, Anthea Bell Translation Prize

I was really pleased when I found out I had been awarded a Commendation for my translation in the Level 1 competition of the Anthea Bell Translation Prize. I genuinely enjoyed the challenge of translating the text and the title of the poem was La Tour Eiffel One of the best parts was getting to work on a longer piece, translating from French into English, which helped me stretch my skills. Some French words were given to you as suggestions and were there to help you understand the text.

Taking part also meant I could compete alongside my classmates and other pupils across the country, which made the experience even more exciting. I felt proud to see my name on the certificate, it was a great moment.

Emma Fawcus (aged 12)

Romans & Celts

Roman Day was the best day ever at school as there was so much to do! I enjoyed all the activities and my favourite was ink making. I ground up salt, charcoal and water with a pestle and mortar. Then I wrote my name in Roman on papyrus using the ink I made. I loved finding out who the traitor was as we went around questioning everyone and, eventually, we caught them!

Francis Serjeantson (aged 8)

History

“I learnt that the Romans conquered the Celts as they had a more organised army. I enjoyed dressing up as a Roman.”

Charlie Zhou (aged 8)

“I learnt not to go in the woods if you are a legionary because the Celts may be spying on you as they hide in trees. My bag belonged to a traveller. I love the topic of Romans.”

Amber Liang (aged 8)

Victorian Fayre

“I liked the authentic music. The Fayre seemed very realistic as everyone acted in a Victorian way and had dressed in period outfits.”

Florence Reed Herbert (aged 11)

“I thought it was really fun because we got to sell things we liked. I bought a toffee apple, licked it and loved it!”

Aliyah Auty (aged 11)

“We ran a ‘Whack a Rat’ stall which was energetic and fun! We also had cakes; a chocolate one and a Victorian sponge.”

Elliott Hoyland West (aged 11)

“We sold humbugs and sherbert lemons. You could also guess how many marbles were in a jar to win two gingerbread men or a few sherbert lemons.”

Singhé Ato (aged 11)

“I really enjoyed the Fayre because it was a really nice atmosphere. The stalls had great prizes and inventive games to play like ‘Splat the Rat’, arm wrestling and skipping.”

Freddie Bennett (aged 11)

“The Victorian Fayre was good and I enjoyed running my mulled apple juice stall. We raised money for charity too.”

Ambrose Cleevely (aged 11)

“I really liked seeing different people’s houses and testing the old-fashioned dip pens with ink. We had horses like hobby horses that we played with.”

Chloe Zhang (aged 9)

1940s Stibbington Wartime Day

It was really fun and interesting and very different from what I expected. I thought all evacuees would be sad but actually they loved it! Since only small parts of London had grass, the countryside was amazing for them. We used old-fashioned ink pens and my handwriting was great, it barely splatted. The desks even had foldable tables inside, which was quite nice. We got pretend gas masks and climbed under our tables to put them on.

Ophelia Redpath (aged 9)

“That school was nothing like St John’s! They used canes for punishment and Mr Stamford even sent people to the corner and whacked them with one. I definitely want to stay at SJCS but I wouldn’t mind having those old ink pens!”

Toby Singh (aged 8)

I liked the part with the train, my father was a Lord! The old toys made us laugh. They pushed sticks under rings to roll them along and there was a monkey toy that did flips! We also saw old Spam cans from the war....luckily, we just had a normal modern lunch. One of the most interesting things was the post boxes. They were painted with a special kind of paint that would change colour if there was gas in the air, to warn people nearby during a gas attack.

Daniel Howarth (aged 9)

Tudor Christmas Day

I really enjoyed taking part in our Tudor Christmas Day as there were plenty of workshops to try out like embroidering handkerchiefs, quill writing, leather bookmarks, money pouches, painting miniature lockets and candle-making. I was a ‘peasant’ and it was fun serving everyone food at the feast.

Avery Senior (aged 10)

I loved making candles, gold necklaces and bars of soap. The most interesting thing I learned was that the Tudors cut down the largest trees in the forest and let them burn for the twelve days of Christmas. It was great fun trying out Tudor jobs and crafts. It was really fun being a slave!

Angus Chaney (aged 10)

“I really enjoyed finding out Tudor facts, making lockets, pouches, candles and the apothecary. I loved writing my name in a Tudor style and visiting the surgery. It felt pretty real!”

Theo Leslie (aged 10)

“Tudor Day was amazing! I even made my own soap, shaped like a rugby ball and added different scents to it. I learnt so much about how people lived in Tudor times and it made our learning feel real.”

George Stepanov (aged 10)

“Embroidering handkerchiefs was calming and a beautiful thing to do. Dressing up brought everything to life.”

Phoebe Sheffield-Barnes (aged 10)

Geography

FSC Epping Forest

We learnt about the ecosystem there and also about the Field Study Centre. We then studied the soil types and how the upper course to lower course of the river affected them. After that, we went to measure some parts of the river and we took the velocity, the depth and the width. It was a very fun and interesting day. Prior to our trip we had learnt about the different ways of transportation and erosion. We also did some background work on Loughton Brook such as the size of the drainage basin and the geographical background of the surrounding towns and areas. It was very useful to have some knowledge already before we arrived.

“I found it particularly interesting looking at the shape of rocks and how, as you go downstream, they get smoother as they have been eroded by the force of the river.”

Arthur Griffiths (aged 13)

“I liked going on the walk through Epping Forest and seeing the different forms of turf, such as the London clay. Using the auger to dig into the ground was very fun.”

Alfie Tucker (aged 13)

“I enjoyed collecting the research when we were in the river and seeing the forest around Loughton Brook. I learnt about different types of permeable and impermeable rocks and where you find them.”

Effie Thomson (aged 13)

Martha Logan (aged 13)

Shimpling Park Farm

I liked feeding the lambs because they were so quiet and playful. I learnt that organic farms do not use chemicals on crops or anything else. In Geography we are learning about different types of farming, crop rotation, the farming year cycle, machinery, coppicing, livestock, soils, sheep, weed control and all about organic farming.

Max Pearce (aged 10)

I loved feeding the baby lambs. They were cute and fun. They stayed in a warm, sheltered pen. We also got to help make their new home. We filled it with hay and checked the fence for holes to make sure they were safe.

Freddie Dolan (aged 10)

“My favourite part was making the loaf because it only took four ingredients. Also, they use wood chip to heat buildings instead of using oil.”

Aiden Menzie (aged 10)

I loved feeding the little lambs and making the birthday bread. The lambs were so cute and tiny and I remember when one came up to me to drink the milk but ended up spilling it all over himself! Alice, the owner of the farm, called one of the lambs Fatty Bombatty, which I thought was really funny. The bread we made was very healthy because we only used yeast, flour (which we ground ourselves), salt and water. I learnt that organic farmers have a much harder job than other farmers because they can’t use anything artificial. They were even using wood chips to make their electricity. It links to Geography because we found out where the farm was on the map and then talked about how they managed to be sustainable.

Penelope LaBonte (aged 10)

Iron Age Experience

At Celtic Harmony we learnt loads about Geography and History without even always realising it! We found out how Iron Age people chose where to live like near rivers for water and forests for wood. We saw how they used the land to grow food, build homes and make tools. It made us think about how the environment shaped people’s lives. We also talked about maps, natural resources and how the land looked different back then. It was like stepping into the past and seeing how geographical factors helped people survive.

Ava McCune (aged 9)

“Did you know roundhouses were super smart? People in the Iron Age built them in round shapes so the wind didn’t blow them over! They used things from the land like wood and straw and they made a fire in the middle to keep warm. The smoke went out through a hole in the roof, which is a clever design.”

George Hacking & Cosmo Ford (both aged 8)

We really enjoyed learning about Italy in Geography. We looked at maps of Italy and Britain to compare the mountains and the seas. We found out that Italy’s mountains are much taller and the darker brown on the map showed the highest parts. We also learnt that the sea is lighter blue near the land because it is shallow and darker blue further out where it is deep. It was exciting to discover how Geography helps us understand the shape of the land and sea.

Brianna Menzie (aged 7) & Max Elborne (aged 8)

Religious Studies & Philosophy

The philosophical debate we had about the Matrix was the most interesting for me because it made me keep wondering if we were all in the Matrix and were being controlled for entertainment in another world! The questions were very open and I really enjoyed talking about this particular subject.

Ari Roshan (aged 12)

We have learnt all about ethics. I have found all of our ethical debates very interesting. One of my favourites was when you were a famous professor and, as you were walking to work, you had to face multiple decisions and you had to decide morally what to do.

Bryony MacLeod-Jones (aged 11)

I really enjoyed visiting the Cambridge Gurdwara and learning all about Sikhism. It was interesting to find out about their traditions, history and how they worship. I liked finding out that everyone is welcome in a Gurdwara and that they serve free food to anyone who comes, which is called Langar. It made me think about kindness, equality and helping others. It was a really special visit and I learnt so much.

Lukas Knowles (aged 11)

“RS and Philosophy are interesting subjects as they both allow deep thought about faith and perspectives other than your own.”

Magnus Moore (aged 11)

“These subjects have made me reconsider aspects of my life as they have taught me to think about things more deeply and to put worries into perspective.”

Blake Carver (aged 12)

We have been debating whether humans are good stewards to the planet or not and it is really interesting because there are so many different arguments for both sides. It makes you really question what you might believe yourself.

Ingrid Birchall (aged 12)

In Philosophy, we have been exploring the idea that our brains might be controlled by computers like we are living in a simulation or being influenced by artificial systems without even realising it. We have also been thinking about how AI is becoming more powerful and how it might shape the way we think, make decisions, or even understand reality. It has made us question what is real, what is artificial and how much control we really have over our own minds.

Penelope

Tandy (aged 12)

I enjoy debating and discussing topics in RS and Philosophy because everyone has different opinions and views on the chosen conversation. Sometimes your decision seems obvious but, when you delve deeper into a subject, your opinion can completely change.

Freddie Holly (aged 11)

Opposite

The fact I most enjoyed learning during our Synagogue visit was that no one is allowed to touch the Torah, the Jewish holy scripture. The Torah scroll might get damaged, so it is unrolled carefully and a special pointer is used instead to protect it.

Imogen Fairley (aged 10)

“We learnt that Christians celebrate Eucharist as a memorial of the death and resurrection of Jesus because of his words at the final meal he shared with his disciples.”

Lucas Taylor (aged 11)

“Visiting the Cambridge Mosque made everything we had learnt about being a Muslim come to life. We saw Islamic patterns on the walls in the Prayer Hall.”

Cirse MacSwiney (aged 11)

“Debating philosophical issues really puts my brain to the test!”

Mura Micu (aged 12)

“I really enjoy learning to have an open mind and seeing opinions from different perspectives.”

Imogen Fairley (aged 10)

“One of the most interesting philosophical debates was, ‘is this a chair and how do you know?’. It made us think more deeply and also helped us learn how to create and share opinions and listen to others.”

Santa Ivaskeviciute (aged 12)

Learning about world religions

in RS has been really interesting, especially Sikhism. When we visited the Cambridge Gurdwara, we discovered the 5 Ks and other Sikh traditions. We even tried on a turban and saw the Guru Granth Sahib, their holy book. We also visited the Buddhist Centre in Cambridge.

Aliyah Auty (aged 11)

Bottom left: Cambridge Buddhist Centre & bottom right: St Giles’ Church

Charities & Community Links

“I entered the Harvest Competition with a really weirdly shaped tomato which was fun to do even though I didn’t win.”

Clarissa Pilato (aged 12)

Charity Events

I find it quite fun being a part of Charities Committee where lots of people across the school are doing something for good. At Harvest we displayed all the food that had been brought in for the Foodbank. I feel inspired to do even more for charity. For the competition I made a Mr Potato Head, which I enjoyed. It was so sweet watching the younger children enter the competition. When I was in KG I entered a sunflower and I was so happy when I won!

Poppy Doodson (aged 9)

I entered the Harvest Competition with my Mr Potato Head Bunny because I thought a bunny was quite a harvest-like animal. It had corn stabbers for ears, a candle holder for the nose and toothpicks for whiskers. I felt proud to come second. We brought in food for charity. It is very important and kind to help others by donating to the Foodbank.

Rekia Varian (aged 8)

I brought in food donations for the Cambridge Foodbank and also took part in Love in a Box as I think that helping people who do not have as much as we do is something really big and important that a lot of people should be doing. If we are a giving community, then we should always help each other.

Harriet Dunkley (aged 11)

“Everyone deserves to feel special and treasured in life.”

Beatrice Chowdhury (aged 10)

Harvest Competition

I feel strongly that living such a lucky life is something that is not as common as people might think. It is really important that we, as a school, continue to help those who are in poverty and in need by donating to charity. We do a lot to support different charities and one of the most fun is Christmas Jumper Day as everyone is wearing their favourite festive jumper....the staff too!

Aniket Sinha (aged 11)

I wanted to be in the Charities Committee because it is really fun and a great way to meet new people. Most importantly, you get to organise events to raise money for charity, which is something I care about. I wanted to join the Committee to help others and be kinder to the world. Events like Love in a Box, our Harvest collection for the Foodbank and cake sales help people all around the world.

Maria Ferrari (aged 10)

“It was a privilege being asked to take part in the Power House Games. It was a brilliant experience to learn so many inclusive sports and to try them all in such a fun way.”

Archie Lindsay Clark (aged 13)

that something small from us can make a big difference to someone far away.

Eve Fraser (aged 10)

“Other people cannot always be as lucky as us so it is good to know that we could be helping them live better lives. Baking is a nice way to show kindness and to share.”

Avery Senior (aged 10)

Love in a Box is a really fun way to help other people. It is basically like Christmas shopping for someone else and who doesn’t love that? It is a free opportunity to help people in need and try to cheer them up. It feels good to know

Christmas Jumper Day

Love in a Box

Senior Citizens’ Parties

I was really excited to be chosen for the Charities Committee. One of the best parts was helping at the Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party. It was so much fun talking to everyone. They told me stories about their lives and I got to share things about mine too. One lady said her husband had been to South Korea, which was really interesting! It felt special to be part of it and I really want to do it again.

Gyuwon Lee (aged 9)

I joined Charities Committee because I love making other people happy. I love seeing cans of food that all the kind people want to give to the Foodbank. It will be a big help to the charities that we are rasing money for. I learnt that there is always someone better and someone worse than you, so you cannot compare yourself to others, instead try to better yourself for your own sake.

Charlotte Labruyère (aged 8)

“Our choir sang Christmas songs for the Senior Citizens when they came to school for the party. They clapped after each song! It felt magical to share our music and make the visitors so happy.”

Fionn Ramsay-Stubbs (aged 7)

“I felt good inside for helping others.”

Toby Singh (aged 8)

I found all the House events really entertaining because of the commitment that everybody made to each one and to raise money for important charities. I think the House events are very special because they raise money for charities and they create a fun-packed atmosphere for everybody.

Oscar Thomson (aged 11)

I took part in all the House charity events because raising money helps others who have less than we do. These events are a great way to give people money for essentials like food and clothes. I feel really happy knowing we can make a difference.

Theo Singh (aged 10)

I loved taking part in the Beaufort bake sale because I made a yummy vanilla sponge cake shaped as a pony! I was absolutely ecstatic when I saw my cake selling and raising money for Cancer Research.

Poppy Slater (aged 12)

“I love all the House charity events that our school has done so far. It’s great fun for us children to help organise but it is also great to know we are helping charities as we have fun.”

Isabella MacLean (aged 12)

“The baking for Beaufort’s charity fundraiser was really fun and enjoyable. Me and my brother made very spooky cupcakes that everyone ate.”

Penelope Aeberhard (aged 12)

“All the House charity events have been so much fun and have raised a lot of money. My best was the Beaufort cake sale as we got to eat cake in class!”

Florence Reed Herbert (aged 11)

Top & middle: House charity events & bottom: Byron House Summer Fair

We found the skin of a tiny praying mantis which looked just like a see-through bug suit! We explored around the pond with magnifying glasses, searching for creatures hiding in the water. Then we scooped up pond water with a bowl and we thought we spotted a leech. We even saw one little fish swimming around. We also spotted a water boatman gliding across the top of the pond like it had tiny oars.

William Kilsby & Herman Wirkus (both aged 7)

“Exploring the cardiovascular system has been fascinating. Dissecting a real heart was especially memorable and it made everything we’d learnt come to life. Seeing

the

actual structure helped me visualise how the heart works far more clearly than diagrams ever could.”

Tilly Denman (aged 12)

Science & STEM

We have learnt about the different states of matter, solids, liquids and gases and how their particles behave. We also explored some lesser-known states, like nonNewtonian fluids. These are really interesting because they don’t act like normal liquids or solids. Sometimes they flow like a liquid but, when you apply force, they behave more like a solid. It was fascinating to see how materials can change depending on how we interact with them.

Kathryn Hornbuckle (aged 10)

I loved learning about the butterfly life cycle because we have real butterflies in our classroom. We even voted for their names, mine is called Flutters. One butterfly is always a bit behind the others and, in the other class, two are still chrysalises. I drew a Blue Morpho butterfly from Latin America. It has eye spots on its wings to scare animals and it rubs its legs to make a hissing sound to frighten snakes. Butterflies are so clever.

Helena Mosher (aged 7)

It has been fascinating to explore big questions about planets, stars and the solar system. I especially enjoyed learning about the sun; it is a star made mostly of hydrogen and helium and it is currently about halfway through its life cycle. It was exciting to visit the space dome and see a projection of the night sky. It helped us understand how stars form, burn and eventually fade and made me curious about what might happen billions of years from now.

Magnus Moore (aged 11)

“There’s always something new and exciting to investigate. Every lesson helps us ask questions, test ideas and discover how things work in the real world.”

Cirse MacSwiney (aged 11)

We experimented with growing crystals to understand how solids form from saturated solutions. It was fascinating to see how temperature, concentration and time affected the shape and size of the crystals. It helped us learn about reversible changes and how molecules arrange themselves into structured patterns.

Peony Piotrowski (aged 10)

We have been studying electromagnetism and how forces and particles behave. One of my favourite experiments was crushing drink cans using heat and water. We heated the air inside the can so the particles spread out, then quickly placed it in cold water. The air cooled and contracted, causing low pressure inside and the higher pressure outside crushed the can! It helped us understand how temperature affects particles and how pressure works in real life.

Leo Blyth (aged 10)

I have particularly enjoyed the sports science project. We learnt about the human body, Hooke’s law, extension, velocity and force. It is really eye-opening to know that the human body can do so many things.

Alice Labruyère (aged 13)

“Puberty was fascinating to learn about as I found out what will happen to my body when I grow up.”

Oliver Yao (aged 10)

“At the zoo we saw light-pink flamingos. Baby flamingos are grey or white when they hatch, and they become pink after eating krill and other food that has colour in it.”

Oonagh Kornicki & Lindsay Li (both aged 6)

We explored magnets and tested which ones were the strongest using bar, ball and ring magnets. We checked how many pages each magnet could pull through or how many paperclips it could hold in a line. The crane lifter magnet was the strongest!

Cecily Bennett & Jean-Francois Gobbato (both aged 8)

Science is really fun because of the range of experiments. It was interesting when we heated copper sulphate over a Bunsen burner to see the chemical change. The blue crystals lose water and turn white, forming a super saturated solvent.

Arjen Singh (aged 11)

“My favourite topic was learning how rusting works. I found it really interesting to see how metal changes over time and what causes it to rust.”

Olivia Burr (aged 11)

National Science Quiz

Taking part in the Quiz and getting ready for it really helped my knowledge grow. Everyone had different Science strengths, so we could learn from each other while practising. Some people were great at forces, others knew loads about electricity or space. Each question taught us something new, even if we didn’t get it right. Our teacher helped us prepare with quizzes and practice questions and the dramatic music during the Quiz made it feel exciting and tense like a real game show!

Jasmine Francis (aged 11)

“Taking part in the Science Quiz was a great experience; I enjoyed competing as part of the St John’s teams.”

Alexander Mosher (aged 9)

We played a game where we acted as decomposers, omnivores, or primary producers. Each group had different rules and producers could only collect green cards, which made it harder for them. The cards were spread around the Forest Garden and, depending on your role, you could pick up different ones. It helped us understand how animals have different chances in the food chain and how some have more access to energy than others. It was fun and made Science feel real!

Andrew Stephenson (aged 7)

We learnt loads of cool things during National Science Week. We got messy making slime, which was one of the best parts! We added colour, glitter, fragrance and even glow-in-the-dark powder. The PVA glue made it super stretchy and, once, it even stuck to the ceiling! We made lava lamps by pouring in water, then baby oil, added food colouring and dropped in an effervescent to make bubbles. We added glow-in-the-dark powder to those too. Every time we changed the method the result was different. It was exciting to test and discover new things. Science is awesome!

Alba James, Stacey Zhou (both aged 7) & Ella Pearson (aged 6)

STEM

For our first STEM session we learnt about orienteering and map reading and we got to look around and see what there is at Senior House. I also got to learn where things are and got to investigate the labs. I also loved the treasure hunt and finding all the hiding places. I think STEM is all about making things, experimenting and discovering how the world works.

Benedict McDonnell (aged 9)

“We used vitamin tablets to make a small pot explode when we added water. We monitored how long it took for the pressure to force the lid off. The pressure of the gas escaping downwards gave the tub a big push upwards.”

Crispin Sinclair (aged 9)

“Doing STEM is awesome. We got to try and solve some questions and complete a treasure map. We have also tested materials in the bridge challenge and used Bridge Designer on the computers. We found out what makes famous bridges strong.”

Teddy Morbey (aged 9)

STEM is one of my favourite things to do! We learnt about Isaac Newton’s three laws of motion, which was really cool, especially when we did special experiments and fun quizzes to help us understand them. We designed and built bridges and mine came fourth place, I was proud of that! It was exciting to test how strong they were and to see how science and engineering work together. STEM makes learning feel like an adventure.

Beatrix Cleevely (aged 9)

STEM is my favourite lesson because I am keen on Science, investigating and learning new techniques. The bridge project was really interesting as you found out what tactics other teams used, then tried them yourself! It felt great building the bridges. I already knew how to use a micro:bit but I learnt even more and improved a lot. I discovered that bridges are supported by a combination of strong foundations and structural elements like piers, trusses, or cables that transfer the load to the ground. I’m really excited to do STEM again next term!

Henry Watson (aged 9)

“We learnt how rockets launch using Newton’s third law of motion as, for every action, there’s an equal and opposite reaction. When the rocket pushes down with force the ground pushes back with the same force, sending it upward.”

Edward Sheffield-Barnes & Arthur Mason (both aged 9)

Form 2 STEM & bottom: Form 6 STEM workshop with the RAF Outreach Team

Design Technology

Soft Toy Prototypes

We are making soft toys in DT and it is such a fun and creative project. I am making a fuzzy giraffe and I can’t wait to see what it looks like when it is finished! Lucy helped me use the sewing machine, which was a bit tricky at first but I got the hang of it. I have learnt how to pin fabric, sew carefully along the lines and stuff the toy to make it cuddly. It is really exciting to turn your own design into something real that you can hold.

Peony Piotrowski (aged 10)

We are learning how to use a sewing machine in order to make a soft toy. I really like using sewing machines as it is so satisfying when you make something yourself that turns out well. I am making a watermelon soft toy and I can’t wait for it to be finished so I can enjoy it!

Bryony MacLeod-Jones (aged 11)

“We have learnt how to use the sewing machines and each one has a different name! We are making soft toys.”

Joshua Cooke (aged 11)

“We have designed our soft toys and we are now learning how to sew by hand and also on the sewing machines. We have just learnt how to sew on pockets!”

James Marshall (aged 11)

Fairground Rides

Our Fairground Ride project was really exciting because it brought together so many different skills. We used design thinking, teamwork and problem-solving to build a working Ferris wheel. It was especially fun applying the skills from our Skills Passport, like measuring accurately, using tools safely and planning our design step by step. We are proud of what we created and how we worked together to make it move!

Singhé Ato (aged 11)

I really loved making our Fairground Rides with my partner. We created a ride that spins in the air. The seats on the ride have animals on them and we named it the ‘Landscape Rider’! It was helpful working in a team as you could think through any problems together and also share ideas about what to do next and what would look the best.

Lucy Bennington (aged 10)

“I love DT. It is a way to express yourself mentally and physically whilst being creative. It is mentally soothing for the brain.”

Bertie Bowes (aged 10)

Electric Vehicles

I loved making our electric vehicles as we had the chance to customise our cars the way we wanted with our own designs, whilst also learning new design skills. At the end we raced them and it was interesting to see which ones went in a straight line.

Eve Fraser (aged 10)

“I loved designing and creating our own vehicles. I have learnt how to wire and also how to solve problems on my own.”

Cordelia de Graaf-Rose (aged 10)

“I really love everything about DT. My vehicle project is going well and I am learning how to connect the motor to make it move.”

Vincent James (aged 10)

Top left: Catapults; middle left: Dizzy Dowels; bottom left: Shadow Puppets: top right: Pneumatic Animals; middle right: Puppets & bottom right: Astromech Droid Inspired LED Desk Lamp

Ergonomics & Chair Design

My favourite DT project was designing and making our ergonomic chairs. It was fun because you got to make a mini you and a chair for your mini you. It was challenging to attach all the parts but it meant that, when I came across a problem, I decided to have the most positive mindset I could and to keep going and this worked and I felt proud.

Cecilia O’Donnell (aged 10)

“I enjoyed testing different chair structures and learning how to do weaving. It was fun to see which designs were strong and worked best.”

Sam Wickett (aged 10)

Ball Mazes

“I loved designing my ball maze and getting it laser printed. I drilled the holes myself and made it look amazing with my decorations.”

Soraya Ahi-Eggo ( aged 10)

“It was exciting to make my own ball maze. I learnt how to use a drill safely and carefully.”

Henry Ali ( aged 10)

Marine Life Clocks & Enterprise Initiative

We created wooden clocks with a marine background or some kind of ocean element. For the design part we used CAD/CAM, which stands for Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing. After they had been cut on the laser printer and painted we then sold them at Charities Morning and all the money raised was donated to the Blue Marine Foundation.

Mateo Fairén-Gallego (aged 13)

“My clock design is an orca on a wave with varnish, giving it a nice wood effect.”

Henry Bessemer Clark (aged 12)

“Our clock project was extremely fun as we learnt 2D Design on the computers and painted our unique clocks.”

Kasra Mohaddes (aged 13)

“I made a jellyfish clock as the theme was ‘marine life’ combining technology to design the clock faces and creativity to paint and decorate them. We got to use the laser cutter!”

Alice Labruyère (aged 13)

£300 was raised at the Form 6 clock sale at Charities Morning for Blue Marine Foundation

Digitally Enhanced Learning & Computing

Using the iPad really helped me with my Mercury crater project. I researched how big the craters were and found out that some are so huge they could fit all of England inside them! I used the iPad to find a map of England and then edited the image to place it inside a picture of the crater. It was a great way to see the scale and made my learning feel more real and creative.

Shepard Caws (aged 8)

We’ve been learning how to design and build our own websites on a favourite topic or hobby. It has helped me understand the structure and function of web development, which could be useful for future careers in tech. I am also starting to see how AI can support website creation like generating content, improving user experience and automating tasks.

William Stephenson (aged 11)

Top: Form 4 team awarded second place at Rotary Cambridge Coding Competition & bottom right: Form 6 trip to Bletchley Park

“Our Computing lessons and clubs have helped me so much in life as previously I barely knew how to program an enhanced project or work a micro:bit! Now I enjoy devoting a lot of my time to coding because of these lessons.”

Theo Singh (aged 10)

We learnt the importance of digital wellbeing and the skills and techniques of how to be safe online and learnt about our digital footprint. Computing and PSHEE lessons teach us how to have a healthy relationship with technology so that we can learn about our mental, physical, social and emotional health.

Emma Fawcus (aged 12)

The most enjoyable Computing lessons were when we studied programming. We learnt, not only the basics of computing, but also some higher difficulty projects including making interfaces. One of these was making a working calculator display that was also functional.

Kasra Mohaddes (aged 13)

We are working on designing our ball mazes which we will then create in DT. First, we are designing them on the computers with Tech Soft and our designs will be laser printed before we can paint and decorate them.

Zhu (aged 11)

“We learnt how to spot scam messages and understand what makes them suspicious. It’s helping us get ready for the future so if someone sends us a message we will know how to tell if it is real or fake.”

Benedict Xin (aged 12)

“Being taught how to stay safe online is a key thing that has helped me when using social media.”

Penelope Aeberhard (aged 12)

Janson

Maths

Using Cuisenaire rods really helps our Maths. They are colourful blocks that help us understand numbers in a fun way. Each rod is a different size and colour, so it is easy to see how numbers fit together. We have used them to learn about addition, subtraction, times tables and even fractions. When we line them up, we can compare lengths and see which numbers are bigger or smaller. They are great for problem-solving too, sometimes we change the rods to test different ideas. It is like building with Maths and it helps us to think in pictures!

Aubrey Elliott & Alisa Iarokha (both aged 8)

National Maths Successes

When I started at Senior House I had a lot more opportunities in national competitions to show my ability. In Form 3 I competed in the Primary Maths Challenge and the Junior Maths Challenge, which is unusual for Form 3 to take part in, since it is aimed at Forms 5 and 6. So, when I found out I had got into the bonus round of the Junior Maths Challenge, I was really thrilled.

When I come across more complex areas of Maths, I often break the question down into lots of smaller questions which are easier to answer and then I put it all together to get a final result. Particularly in competitions like the Olympiad, breaking a question down is very important since they have a lot of steps and you can’t just skip to the answer, since most of the marks are given to working.

I think the most interesting and challenging question I have come across was the last question of last year’s Olympiad paper. You were given that the factors of 2025 added to an odd number and then had to work out the smallest number above 2025 with a sum of odd factors. This just bamboozled me and, with the time ticking, I I just put some working down which got me more marks than you would get for simply putting an answer.

I prefer open-ended questions where there is a whole new world of answer possibilities, since there is often much more you will learn and it tends to cover more areas of Maths, whereas single-ended answers tend to be based on one area and you don’t learn as much.

When I have upcoming tests or competitions, I tend to do some of the past papers since it gives you an idea of what you are doing and shows you your weaknesses, so you can cover them which for me was shapes. My dad also really helps me with preparing and helping me focus on my weaknesses.

In the future, Maths is probably key to all jobs, in sport the stats, business, science and lots more, since the amount of things that Maths covers is vast.

St John’s has definitely played a crucial role in helping me move forwards in Maths by offering countless opportunities in competitions to show my ability, which has definitely helped me. Competing in the Olympiad definitely helped me recognise my weaknesses and my strengths much more clearly. St John’s has given me a lot of extension opportunities so, even if you finish, there is always something more challenging to tackle.

Ari Roshan (aged 12)

The moment when I was awarded the certificate was awe-inspiring because I was surprised about the second round. My teacher helped me a lot by talking through the tricky theorems and questions. The challenging questions are like steps towards a higher level. My most inspiring Maths project in school was drawing maps because physically writing and reading bearings is quite an engaging way of learning and we would remember it better.

Eniya Zhang (aged 13)

National Maths Quiz

“I really enjoyed taking part in the Maths Quiz because the questions were hard and they were designed to challenge you. You had to think fast and give accurate answers. We worked well as a team and had lots of fun!”

Naiara Hayes Fernández (aged 11)

“In the Maths Quiz we had to solve problems rapidly as a team. Some of us were great at shapes, others were quick with mental arithmetic. We helped each other and used everyone’s strengths. It made me better at solving problems.”

Peony Piotrowski (aged 10)

Creating mandalas helped us learn all about lines of symmetry in Maths. You had to concentrate really hard to make sure each part matched. It felt great when it worked and it was a excellent challenge trying to get two lines of symmetry. We also used mirrors to explore how shapes reflect and match across a line.

Nina McShane & Archie Morbey (both aged 7)

In the Junior Maths Challenge I was so pleased when I was awarded a Gold certificate. It was a really fun and quite demanding challenge and you had to think logically and use all your skills. Next year I will try not to make many mistakes so I can make it through to the next round.

Leo Blyth (aged 10)

I took part in the Junior Maths Challenge and enjoyed the chance to test myself. I was doing it two years early and I managed to achieve a Silver certificate. I was very proud of myself and I enjoyed the experience. I think it will really help to improve my Maths skills in the future.

Freddie Holly (aged 11)

“We made our own trump cards with different measurements. I really enjoyed making them and I learnt new units of measurements too.”

Eve Fraser (aged 10)

“I appreciated the Challenge by Choice option in Maths; it encouraged me to stretch myself and deepen my understanding.”

Naiara Hayes Fernández (aged 11)

“I love learning about algebra as it is so interesting!”

Maya Drokov (aged 11)

In our capacity lesson, we used big tubes and water to measure how much each could hold. We predicted, tested and recorded amounts in litres and millilitres. It helped us understand how different containers hold different volumes and how to measure accurately. Learning by doing made it much easier to remember.

Chloe Zhang & Harvey Williamson (both aged 9)

The Junior Maths Challenge was loads of fun and I count myself lucky that I got to take it as I was one of only five Form 4s who attempted the Challenge. I really enjoyed practicing for this and I received help from my Maths teacher and my parents. I am really grateful to them all for the support. I think it was due to this that I then got a Gold certificate in the Challenge, which was a huge personal accomplishment.

Alexander Cooper (aged 11)

Enrichment Afternoons

“I enjoyed watching the robotic dog. It was so cool seeing all the different things it can do! I liked it when it leapt in the air.”

Emily Shi-Gao (aged 10)

We have had several lessons on life skills, like research techniques, which have really helped me improve my projects. They were especially useful in Geography, where I used referencing to make my bibliography stronger. I know these skills will be helpful when we start our History projects too.

Ari Roshan (aged 12)

“I loved the astrophysics talk. Professor Dunkley told us about cosmology, which means she understands how the universe began and how it has changed over time. It is like trying to figure out the biggest mystery ever!”

Heyan Patel (aged 11)

“It was really fun trying out rugby as I enjoyed this sport a lot. When we progress to tackling it will be even better.”

Cassidy

Murray (aged 10)

“I am glad I opted for Spanish during Thursday Afternoons as I have learnt so many new words and phrases.”

Emma Fawcus (aged 12)

“Our Art trip to IWM Duxford was really important as our next project was about conflict.”

Archie Formston (aged 13)

Opposite page, top: Boston Dynamics Robotic ‘Dog’ talk; middle: Kettle’s Yard; left: Maths workshop & bottom: Astrophysics talk with Professor Dunkley OBE FRS

Top: Sports Outreach; middle: Art trip; bottom: Bletchley Park & right: IWM Duxford

Co-Curricular

“In DT club we are making a mini powered treadmill. We are learning how to make the material go round as quickly as possible.”

Lukas Knowles (aged 11)

“I love Chatterbooks club because it gives you a chance to read and discuss books that everyone is reading. You can talk about authors too.”

Mila Thomson (aged 11)

I enjoy our Strictly club because it is really fun learning how to do all the different dances. At one point we got to lift our partners and they went really high in the air. It’s also really great when you can perform in front of your parents and at the Byron House Summer Fair. I find it cool meeting new people from different year groups.

Max Brown (aged 9)

“Calm club lets me relax. We play little games and meditate and do challenges that let us speak about our feelings to each other.”

Amber Liang (aged 8)

“I love being part of Rednotes because I get to play my electric guitar with the band!”

James Marshall (aged 11)

“I love Python Programming!”

Top left: Computer Control & Electronics; right: Chatterbooks

Middle: Mandarin & bottom: Micro:bits

Sasha Drake (aged 10)

We made dragon egg bath bombs and some had loads of glitter! When we added water they fizzed and bubbled because of a chemical reaction between the citric acid and bicarbonate of soda. This reaction produced a gas called carbon dioxide, which made all the bubbles and fizzing. Even though we couldn’t see the gas, we saw the fizzy foam it created. Science club is amazing, next time we are making slime!

Theia Monteiro & Francis Serjeantson (both aged 8)

“I like Art club because I want to be a fashion designer when I’m older. I am always inspired by the different designs and ideas.”

Noa Martinez Forbes (aged 7)

“Tabletop Games is my favourite club because we can bring in our own games and share them and you can talk while you are playing.”

Laila Khaled (aged 10)

“Chess club lets me meet new people who I haven’t maybe spoken to as much in the playground. You play different opponents.”

Andi Zhang (aged 8)

Top: Byron House Art; middle: Science & bottom: Chess

My favourite club is definitely athletics as I like doing all the different types of events and improving my skills. I particularly like the teamwork and sportsmanship involved in the relay. The club helped me prepare for athletics competitions and we won the Girls’ relay! We were so excited and it is the achievement I am most proud of this year.

Cecilia O’Donnell (aged 10)

“My best club is Lego because I love Lego! You get the freedom to build and I have friends who build with me in the club.”

Hugo Leslie (aged 10)

Strictly Come Dancing is my favourite club because we get to learn lots of new dances and different styles and also information about the history and culture behind these dances. I also enjoy it because everyone there also loves dancing and wants to have fun.

Cirse MacSwiney (aged 11)

“I love Football club as it is noncompetitive and you can just play with friends from all abilities.”

Henry Bessemer Clark (aged 12)

Top: Junior Art; bottom right: Book Café & bottom left: Cricket

“My favourite club is Field Run because I do it with my best friends and it is good for my health and fitness too!”

Max Crosbie (aged 11)

“I

love Table Tennis club because it has allowed me to improve my skills in a fun way.”

Top left: Book; bottom left: Tennis; top right: Lego & bottom right: Sewing

Aiden Menzie (aged 10)

Parents’ Association

This year has marked a transformative chapter for the St John’s College School Parents’ Association (SJCS PA), with exciting developments, innovative fundraising and joyful community events that have brought families together and deepened our collective impact.

We are proud to announce that the SJCS PA is now officially registered as a charity. This milestone opens new avenues for funding and strengthens our ability to engage with the wider community. The transition required significant time and dedication, and we extend heartfelt thanks to our Treasurer, Preeya Patel and Secretary, Caro Plugge, whose commitment made this achievement possible.

Among our new initiatives is the launch of the SJCS PA Vinted account, a creative way to turn pre-loved clothing into charitable contributions. In just three months, this platform has raised over £500. We encourage families to continue donating quality items— clearing wardrobe space while supporting a great cause.

Thanks to the efforts of last year’s committee and the generosity of our community, we were able to donate an impressive £16,852 to our chosen charities this winter. This reflects the heart of our mission: to give back meaningfully and consistently.

October’s Macmillan Coffee Morning raised over £1,000. Small adjustments to the event’s timing and setup enabled more members of the SJCS community to attend, making it one of our most inclusive gatherings to date.

Top: Summer Garden Party; bottom left: Fireworks Night & bottom right: Fun Day

Our Fireworks Event dazzled over 800 attendees and raised £3,600. Guests praised the show as “better than the one Cambridge puts on,” and Chef Richard’s team delighted all with their catering, selling nearly 400 hotdogs among other treats!

Our hand-made Christmas wreaths adorned the school before heading home with their proud creators. Special thanks to Heather Pearson for hosting this joyful (and glitter-filled) evening. Once again, we organised the Christmas Jumper day and Card Sale: These festive fundraisers showcased children’s artwork and gave jumpers a second life, raising nearly £1,000.

Our Spring Lent Event took the form of a lively Quiz Night, hosted with wit and charm by Will Evans. Thanks to Team Bishop’s seamless coordination, nearly 100 attendees enjoyed an evening of laughter and learning, raising over £1,000. One guest captured the spirit perfectly: “I would vote for an annual Quiz Night! It really brings people together in a lovely, fun way.”

This year’s Fun Day featured an assault course, bouncy castle, welly wanging, bake-off, and fun run. By going fully cashless and shifting to an earlier schedule, we improved flow and family experience. Enhanced food options and a revamped bar helped us raise £4,200. June’s Evensong and children’s tea party welcomed over 200 attendees and beautifully captured the spirit of St John’s. For those who haven’t yet experienced Evensong in the chapel, it’s a weekly treasure not to be missed.

We closed the PA calendar with our beloved Garden Party, a warm and welcoming event to greet new families and bid farewell to our departing Form 6 pupils and parents. A fitting finale to a year of connection, celebration and community.

Parents’ Association Chair, Kelly Hathaway

Top & right: Fun Day & bottom left: St John’s College Choir Evensong and Children’s Tea Party

“I love having a buddy. We play lots of games. We both go climbing together a lot and we climbed so high. We went to the very top of the climbing frame.”

Caspian Griffiths (aged 5)

Pupil Responsibilities & Pupil Forum

Being a buddy is not only a big honour it is also really fun! It helps us learn how to be responsible and look after others. It is a great way to get ready for the future and become the best we can be for Form 3. We are learning how to be kind, helpful and confident leaders and also how to talk, get to know and help the younger children too.

Benedict McDonnell (aged 9)

“At Pupil Forum, having a place to make our voices heard is really important. I’ve learnt to express my opinion in front of others and I have really enjoyed it.”

Crispin Sinclair (aged 9)

Having your voice heard is so important. Children make up the majority of the school and many of the decisions made affect us directly, so it is vital that we communicate how we feel and share what is most important to us, things adults may sometimes miss or not fully understand. If we can have a say, then we will feel much more a part of this wonderful community.

Afi Hussain (aged 13)

St John’s Got Talent Show

“We did a Christmas dance, it was so much fun to invent the choreography and to learn to work as a team and to compromise.”

Penelope LaBonte, Helena Parkinson & Florence Phillips (all aged 10)

We both do ballet outside of school, so we did a character ballet routine. It was really fun to work together on it as we are in different classes, so this gave us the chance to dance together and prepare the routine. There aren’t many people in school who do ballet so we felt really proud to show our friends. We were proud to get to the Finals! Next year we will do a girls’ year group dance.

Blythe Weller & Sophie Holmes (both aged 11)

“We took turns leading the choreography, then Ms Harris helped us with the details. It felt like a great achievement because we won the Golden Shamrock. We really enjoyed working together with all our friends.”

Form 5 ‘Stick Season’ boys

“Eurovision night was brilliant fun as we stayed up until 10pm. The atmosphere was amazing!”

Bertie Bowes (aged 10)

Boarders

I am a Chorister in the St John’s College Choir and I board almost every day in term time. Boarding is an incredible experience where you make friends and create memories which you never forget. We sometimes do movie nights where you can eat sweets and watch a movie with your friends. We have amazing staff and a truly incredible matron. I highly recommend boarding!

George Henty (aged 12)

I am a Chorister so I board full time at the Boarding House. I find it really fun because you get to hang out with your friends, play ping-pong and pool and also watch movies. I also really enjoy sharing rooms with my friends because it feels like a sleepover which is really fun!

Ingrid Birchall (aged 12)

The Boarding House is really special because it makes you feel safe, happy and playful. The breakfast was really yummy and made me feel excited and joyful.

Chloe Zhang (aged 9)

It is a really cheerful place in the Boarding House and all the staff and children always make you feel really at home. It is really easy to make new friends because everyone is just so kind.

Finley MacLeod-Jones (aged 9)

I love the Boarding House because you get to hang out with your friends but you are not in school. You can share dorms with your friends and the atmosphere is calm and friendly.

Jing Jin (aged 10)

“I love being a boarder in the House as I feel as though I am in a supportive group who will always pick me up when I fall. Boarding teaches you how it feels being away from home. The Boarding House staff are always there to help and guide you.”

Rafe Sheikh (aged 10)

Boarding is so much fun. I love the variety of activities we do like field, games at Senior House and all the calmer choices like crafting and baking. I love it mainly because it feel as though we are one big family.

Evelyn Austen (aged 11)

Choristers

A Year with St John’s College Choir

The 2024–25 academic year marks the first full return to normality for the Choir, with the reinstatement of its established schedule of services, tours, recordings, new commissions, broadcasts, and wider activities.

At the start of the academic year, we welcomed new members to the Choir: Sarah Reid, and Anna Morgan (altos); Milo Coker, William Collison, and James Gardner (tenors); George Akka, Simon Hall, Edwin Hughes, Rufus Jasko, and Oliver Morris (basses). Six new probationers joined the ranks of the trebles.

Before full term began, the Choristers gave a Cushion Concert, warmly received by local children and their families. During the Organ Trials, and amid strong competition, a new Organ Scholar was appointed to begin in October 2025, with another for October 2026 (subject to A Levels).

The Choir began services on the first day of term, entering a typically busy Michaelmas schedule: seven Choral Evensongs per week, three services of Compline, two Requiem Masses (Fauré and Duruflé), and the iconic The Advent services included two specially commissioned works: What child is this? by Russell Pascoe, and The Annunciation by recent Cambridge graduate Helena Paish. As has been the case since 1981, the second service was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 to a global audience.

The term concluded with a sold-out Christmas concert in Chapel. Following a short break, the Choir embarked on a European tour, performing in three major cities. In Budapest, they performed in the stunning Müpa Budapest Béla Bartók National Concert Hall. In Munich, they sang to a full house at the Prinzregententheater, before concluding in Hamburg with a concert at the prestigious and architecturally impressive Elbphilharmonie.

Rev’d Dr Andrew Macintosh, former Dean of Chapel, in a service that was deeply moving. Also before term officially resumed, the Choir undertook recording sessions in the Chapel.

The Epiphany Carol Services, lit by candlelight, were well attended by the College community during the first weekend of term. On 29 January, Choral Evensong was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3, marking the final ‘official’ use of the Mander organ, which had served the College since 1994.

February saw the beginning of a significant new chapter: the Chapel’s largest organ project in a generation. Running until May 2026, the project involves highly specialised work, including the removal of the Mander organ, structural restoration of normally inaccessible areas of the Chapel, and the installation of historic 1889 Father Willis pipework, integrated with new chests, winding, and actions by Harrison & Harrison Ltd.

The organ’s visual appearance will remain unchanged, with the organ case by John Oldrid Scott being preserved. The Cymbelstern and the famous ‘Trompeta Real’ stop will also be retained. A Viscount Regent Classic digital organ has been installed to ensure the continuity of services during the project. Later in Lent Term, the Choir undertook recruitment activities for new Choristers and Choral Scholars, and welcomed back alumnus Sir Simon Keenlyside for a performance of Vaughan Williams’ Five Mystical Songs . The term also featured the premiere of a new work by Sarah Henderson, a Bach cantata Evensong and the annual Lent Meditation service.

The Choir reconvened (albeit extremely early in the morning) to travel to the United States for a concert tour from 30 March to 15 April. The tour began in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with an emotionally charged memorial concert for Andy Larson, a 14-year-old singer who was a huge fan of the Choir and died tragically in a car accident in 2018. After a brief stop in Chicago, the Choir continued to Texas for performances in Austin and Dallas to packed audiences. After a busy start to the tour, The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, was a muchappreciated moment of respite, surrounded by nature and welcoming students. After recharging in Sewanee, the Choir performed in Memphis, exploring the musical heritage of Beale Street and the birthplace of blues and rock ‘n’ roll, before a whirlwind stop in Atlanta, singing in the beautiful St Philip’s Cathedral at the invitation of its distinguished Johnian Director of Music, Dale Adelman.

The final stop was Siesta Key, Florida, where the Choir sang for a Palm Sunday service and a concert. Glorious sunsets and warm weather provided a fitting end to a memorable tour, which was met with standing ovations throughout.

Easter Term included a Children’s Evensong, a Bach cantata Evensong, the May Concert, joint services with the Choirs of Trinity and King’s Colleges in their respective chapels, a new commission by emerging composer Anna Semple and the annual Choir Association Garden Party.

After Graduation services and a brief break, the Choir returned for its summer residency. This included a residential programme for prospective choral scholars and recording sessions at Ely Cathedral – a temporary venue necessitated by the Chapel organ works. The cathedral’s magnificent setting offered both a new acoustic and a beautiful visual backdrop for audio and video recordings.

Lament & Liberation, the first album by the Choir of St John’s under Christopher Gray’s direction was released in May to excellent reviews.

A Christmas album, O Holy Night, is scheduled for release in the UK in October 2025. As the year finished, we bid farewell to outgoing Choir members, thanking them for their contributions and wishing them well with their futures.

Christopher Gray (St John’s College Choir Director of Music)

“The last Advent broadcast for me was last December. Advent Services are possibly the highlight of the Chorister year. I remember feeling a sudden rush of emotion as the Choir sang the descant to the closing hymn of the Service and I knew that this was a moment to remember.”

Nicholas Garcia (aged 13)

Christmas Choir Tour to Budapest, Munich & Hamburg

I love going on tour with the Choir! In America, we went to so many different places. I especially liked Florida because we got to swim in the sea. All the venues on our tours are superb. We had TVs on all the planes! My second favourite place was Memphis as we went to B.B. King’s and Graceland - there was just so much music! In Chicago, I was surprised by how many skysrapers there were.

Marshall (aged 11)

Being a Chorister is so much fun and Choir feels like the one time when you can just be, you don’t have to focus on anything else apart from the music. No matter what songs we learn, I love all the different music we sing and all the people and choirs we have met on tour and in Chapel. Singing with others makes it feel really special, especially when we all come together and the sound fills the space. I would definitely recommend being a Chorister. We have been on two amazing tours, one to Europe and another (a longer one) to America. In Europe, we sang in beautiful churches and cathedrals, explored historic cities and shared music with new audiences. Every concert felt different and I loved seeing how people reacted to our singing. In Florida I loved going to the beach as the weather was amazing. We ran through sprinklers with our clothes on and it was so much fun, even though we all got completely soaked!

Evelyn Austen (aged 11)

James

Easter Choir Tour to the USA

“I absolutely loved our tour to the USA! We got to visit so many places and sing in amazing cathedrals.”

Martha Gritten (aged 12)

I feel extremely lucky to be a Chorister in the St John’s College Choir as it is great, fantastic and fun. Singing six times a week is a wonderful experience. We have the chance to sing big, energetic pieces, which makes the week even more exciting. We also went on two incredible tours this year, and the second was to America where we visited Chicago, Grand Rapids, Austin, Dallas, Atlanta and Florida. On the days when we didn’t have concerts we would swim at the beach or in the pool, walk around the city we were in and enjoy fantastic meals. We sang with all our joy in grand churches, adapting to the different acoustics.

When we sing services in Chapel we sing old music about God and it creates a very peaceful atmosphere where people can sit, listen, or pray. On some services we sing Cantatas, mostly by Bach. I enjoy singing Bach because it helps me learn more German. The acoustics in the Chapel are excellent and really suit more ancient music. I also enjoy singing pieces like the Chichester Psalms, which are joyful and energetic. Sometimes we have an orchestra play with us too. It is amazing having an orchestra play just as it was done three hundred years ago. We sing in English but also in French and Latin. Being a Chorister is fantastic!

Felix van den Bos (aged 11)

Being a Chorister in the St John’s College Choir is great and my biggest highlights of the year have been the USA tour, the Bach Cantata, and our Eurovision night. When we landed in Chicago we drove for just one hour before having to take shelter in a restaurant because of a massive storm outside! Just three days later, we were singing in a concert with the Grand Rapids choir, which felt really special.

On tour in Florida I had the biggest burger I had ever seen... about half the size of my head! The whole tour was an incredible experience and I feel so lucky that we got to visit so many cities, perform in amazing venues and have loads of fun with our friends too. I will never forget singing in such huge spaces and hearing the applause echo all around us.

Bertie Bowes (aged 11)

“I loved the acoustics in all the venues and I loved going to the beach in Florida and watching the sunset whilst playing football.”

Amelia Crichton-Stuart (aged 13)

Photos courtesy of Isabelle Freeman, St John’s College Choir Cambridge & St John’s College School Boarding House staff

Music

Services in Preparation for Christmas

I felt nervous and excited before the Services in Preparation for Christmas. The Chapel was so beautiful and echoey and every sound carried, so we rehearsed a lot to get our singing just right. I really enjoyed being part of the choir and hope to join the Senior House Chamber Choir one day.

Daniel Howarth (aged 9)

“It was exciting being able to play the ‘Lament’ by Andrew Reid on the organ before the Christmas Services began.”

Phoebe Sheffield-Barnes (aged 10)

Remembrance Day

This year was the second time that I have played the trumpet for Remembrance Day at school. I was really excited when I was asked because it is an honour to help remember the people who fought for us. I knew the two pieces from last year so I practised for a couple of weeks and my teacher really helped me by running extra sessions in break time. I was a bit nervous and apprehensive beforehand but also excited. It is important that we remember the soldiers as we need to honour people who have given up their lives so our lives would be better. It was very good of them, they were mostly young people who were probably scared but they fought through it. I am in awe of their great courage. Afterwards, I felt very happy that I had been able to do my part in remembering these great men and women.

Blake Carver (aged 12)

Festive Brass

“I always look forward to performing in Piazza Brass as I have the chance to play with both Rednotes and also Big Band too. It also gets everyone ready for Christmas.”

Martha Gritten (aged 12)

Jazz Concerts

I have had the chance to perform in so many different concerts throughout this year, as well as perform in the St John’s College Choir too. I have loved performing at the Jazz Evening, Brass Evening, Wind Evening and Strings Evening and lots of lunchtime concerts. Our West Road Summer Concert is coming up soon and I am so excited as we perform on a big stage in a huge hall. The chance to perform in different places really help as I want to be a musician. Jazz in the Piazza was good as the atmosphere was so much fun and everyone was enjoying the BBQ lunch and the music on a hot day.

James

Marshall (aged 11)

Top: Jazz Evening with King’s Ely; middle & bottom: Summer Jazz in the Piazza

Class Music & Concerts

I was really excited to have the chance to perform an Organ Recital at Little St Mary’s Church in Cambridge. It was such a wonderful opportunity to be able to play that particular organ and in front of an audience too. I found it really exciting and memorable to perform the organ not just to people I know. This year I earned a distinction in my piano diploma, which was one of my proudest achievements.

Amelia Crichton-Stuart (aged 13)

What makes Music lessons so interesting is that we are making particular music for some scenes in our Romeo and Juliet Shakespeare play. It has been fun, as well as challenging, as I have never attempted to compose my own music before but it will be rewarding hearing it when we are performing in the summer.

Archie Formston (aged 13)

I really enjoyed learning about the loop pedal. You press it once to start recording, then press it again to stop and it plays your music back. It keeps looping the sound and you can add more layers by pressing it again while it is playing. It was so cool to hear my voice build up into a full song!

Sam Wickett (aged 10)

“Our Music lessons have focused on how to compose and they have inspired me to write my own piece. It is going really well.”

George Henty (aged 12)

“We composed Argentinian tango pieces and I’m proud of how mine turned out.”

Joshua Cooke (aged 11)

I loved being part of Bluenotes and it has been amazing to be in a band and to perform at so many concerts. I loved the fact that I could use my saxophone more and I would (hundred percent) recommend being part of a band!

Evelyn Austen (aged 11)

“My favourite Music lessons are when we move with flags at a slow to fast pace depending on the beats of the music played.”

Arjen Singh (aged 11)

“I enjoy taking part in ensembles, orchestras and concerts. Music brings such happiness to me.”

Abigail Aisin-Gioro (aged 12)

“I was excited performing at the Guitar Evening concert as I played in a group, as well as a solo on my guitar.”

Babak Mohaddes (aged 11)

I really enjoyed learning about the American musician, Leonard Bernstein, who wrote music for big shows. It was interesting to find out that he died only five days after announcing that he was retiring.

Maria Watson (aged 11)

I enjoyed making Indian music using a website called Noteflight. The task was to create three staves: one for bass (like cello, bassoon, or double bass), one for percussion and one for the main tune (guitar or electric guitar). When we listened back at the end, it sounded really cool and definitely had an Indian feel.

Jing Jin (aged 10)

I love being in Chamber Choir! We get to come into school early with our friends and sing together and it feels special. Before I joined, I hadn’t sung that much but now I sing quite a lot of the time. Last year we sang The Holly & The Ivy, and in the Summer Concert, some of us sang the high part and some sang the low part. I sang low. I have learnt so much, like staggered breathing and how to sing with more control. I’ve even started learning piano and musical words like mezzo forte! At the beginning, our choir sounded a bit messy but now it is beautiful. We have practised loads, worked really hard and got up early and it is all paying off.

Laurie Summers (aged 9)

I have performed in an Informal Lunchtime Concert singing Eidelweiss. At first I was really nervous but my dad came to watch and everyone clapped at the end and I felt extremely happy. These concerts give you the confidence to stand up and perform in front of an audience. In Music lessons we have been learning about tango and staccato notes. We have explored the rhythms and patterns that make tango so lively and we have composed our own pieces in Noteflight. It was exciting to hear how different everyone’s music sounded. We also had the chance to try the dance ourselves, which helped us feel the beat and understand the style even more.

“I’ve learnt the song ‘Just Another Star’ in T2 Choir and it’s helped me understand how important teamwork is. We’ve practised a lot and now we sound so different - like real singers! It feels amazing to sing together.”

Rowan Whaley (aged 7)

Samantha Platings (aged 11)

I play two instruments and have music lessons in school. I also sing two to three times a week outside of school as well. I really enjoy music in general and all the different aspects of it. I play the violin and piano. We have been composing music for our Shakespeare plays. It has been really interesting because we were all assigned scenes to create and it came together so well.

Emmanuel Mba (aged 13)

We have been learning about the Atlantic Slave Trade and how it connects to music. When people were taken from Africa, they brought their songs, rhythms and instruments with them. Even though they were treated really badly, music helped them stay strong and tell their stories. That music slowly changed and grew into things like gospel, jazz, and hip-hop, which we still listen to today.

Vincent Carvalho (aged 13)

I really enjoy being part of Senior House Chamber Choir because it helps me improve my voice and it is always good to practise my singing. I find that singing helps me concentrate and stay focused.

In our Music lessons I have benefitted from learning about the Atlantic Slave Trade as it shows that music does not always originate from a place of happiness. I think this is crucial to know.

Ari Roshan (aged 12)

We have been learning how to compose in Music and have used the Garage Band app where we could play virtual instruments, record performances and mix tracks. We also went into the Piazza to record some natural sounds from outside to add to our piece.

Isabella MacLean (aged 12)

Summer Concert at West Road

When I walked on the stage I felt the nerves as usual but I felt more confident as I knew exactly what was going to happen and I was ready. We performed a song in Chamber Choir which was a folk tale, we also sang a piece with Byron House Chamber Choir which was a really memorable moment. Singing with them reminded me of how, once upon a time, I was them and I looked up to the older choir.

Alice Labruyère (aged 13)

Singing in this year’s Summer Concert was an amazing experience. I rehearsed so much to prepare for the performance. It was amazing to be up on stage with all these people watching and the music in my ears. I was really sad when it was over because it was my last Rednotes performance but I was really happy and proud as well because I had many great years of singing opportunities at St John’s.

Aline Halban-Taylor (aged 12)

Every year the school comes together to perform at West Road Concert Hall and this year was even more special as I was asked to sing a solo! It went very well and I was so grateful and happy that Mr Kirk, Ms Harris and the whole of the music team helped me prepare and feel confident. It turned out to be the most amazing concert and the memory of this West Road evening will stay with me forever.

Toby Fairley (aged 13)

I really enjoyed playing the Beethoven Emperor Concerto in the West Road concert because it was such an incredible opportunity to be able to play a solo and be accompanied by an orchestra. During the evening I also performed with Rednotes and I played in three different orchestras.

Amelia Crichton-Stuart (aged 13)

“It was so exciting looking out from the stage at the Summer Concert.”

Roopkatha Adhikari (aged 9)

“Performing a solo was such an incredible experience and having the opportunity to perform with a real orchestra was amazing.”

Magnus Cleevely (aged 13)

I really enjoyed watching all the performances. I loved listening to Rednotes as the band played really well and every year they have amazing singers and songs. I also loved singing with Chamber Choir. The songs were really fun to sing! I enjoyed performing with Byron House too and it was cool to think that, just three years ago, I was in that choir myself. I loved watching it all with my friends and having a late night, it made the whole thing even more special. I also liked the solo piano with the violins and the solo trumpet with the violins as it was very classical and elegant. I also really liked the electric guitar band because it was something different from usual.

Naiara Hayes Fernández (aged 11)

A loud cheer came from the crowd. The song was finished. This is how it always feels. People supporting you. Never letting you down. It excites me. Makes my whole body tingle. Shimmering, telling me that I belong somewhere. In music. On. Off. On. My fingers moving around, playing notes in a tune. Swap. Now I am playing a rhythm. Playing as an ensemble makes me feel connected as a group and I love that.

Arya Wajid (aged 11)

I was in seven pieces and I was most looking forward to performing with the soloist because usually there are only grown ups in it but this time I accompanied one of the soloists on flute. It was such a proud moment.

James Marshall (aged 11)

Music Examination Results

ABRSM Practical:

Henry Ali In Piano

Ayla Alt-Richter 1 Flute

Clara Blyth 4 Oboe

Magnus Cleevely 5* Singing

Beatrice Chowdhury 1 Cello

Selim Emam 2 Violin

Toby Fairley 5* Singing

Archie Formston 4 Alto Saxophone

Jasmine Francis 4 Violin

Isabella Graham 3 Oboe

Phoebe Hearn 4 Oboe

James Jeremiah 1 Descant Recorder

Jing Jin 7 Piano

Laila Khaled 1 Violin

Benjamin Knowles 1* Cello

Finley MacLeod-Jones 1 Violin

William Marshall 1* Descant Recorder

Felix van den Bos 1* Cello

Ryah Woolfson 1 Violin

ABRSM Practical:

Alexander Cooper 3 Piano

Aline Halban-Taylor 2 Cello

Nicholas Garcia 7 Oboe

Henry Lambert 4 Trombone

James Marshall 1 Violin

Florence Reed Herbert 4 Violin

Aniket Sinha 2 Piano

Laurie Summers 2 Piano

Felix van den Bos 2* Cello

Reika Varian 1 Piano

Maria Watson 5 Piano

Magnus Xin 3 Cello

Harold Zheng 3 Piano

ABRSM Practical:

Ayla Alt-Richter 2 Flute

Evelyn Austen 2 Piano

Lucy Bennington 1 Flute

Elijah Borchert 3 Bassoon

Vincent Carvalho 4 Cello

Cindy Di 6 Piano

Nicholas Garcia 8 Piano

Daniel Howarth 1 Piano

Marla Hudack 1 Violin

Samuel Ji 4 Singing

Laila Khaled 1 Flute

Antoine Khoury-Machool 4 Violin

Benjamin Knowles 2 Cello

Amber Liang 5 Piano

Tilly Manning 2 Violin

Emmanuel Mba 5 Viola

Diniz Patil Soberano de Oliveira 2 Piano

Kit Summers 1 Violin

* indicates distinction

Benedict Xin 2 Bassoon

Oliver Yao 2 Guitar

Zuzanna Zylak 1* Cello

ABRSM Performance:

Cara Brown 3 Singing for Musical Theatre

Angus Chaney 1 Cello

Amelia Crichton-Stuart 5* Cello

Poppy Doodson 2* Singing for Musical Theatre

Amber Liang 1 Cello

Bryony MacLeod-Jones 4 Cello

Bryony MacLeod-Jones 4* Piano

Kasra Mohaddes 3* Cello

Florence Reed Herbert 3* Singing

Nancy Reed Herbert 1 Singing

Ari Roshan 5* Singing

Tara Roshan 2 Singing

Emmanuel Mba 5* Piano

ABRSM Performance:

Singhé Ato 2* Cello

Ingrid Birchall 7* Piano

Beatrix Cleevely 1 Singing for Musical Theatre

Aline Halban-Taylor 4 Singing for Musical Theatre

Caspar Parvin-Chambers 3 Piano

Clarissa Pilato 4 Singing for Musical Theatre

Ari Roshan 4 Piano

Poppy Slater 4* Singing for Musical Theatre

ABRSM Theory:

Arthur Cobb 5

Trinity Digital:

George Hood 1 Guitar

Jacob Shi-Gao In Violin

Stacey Zhou 1* Violin

ABRSM Music Medals:

Tilly Manning Silver Violin

Rockschool:

Alexander Mosher In Guitar

Trinity Digital:

Alice Labruyère 3 Singing

Emily Shi-Gao 1* Violin

Chloe Zhang 1* Violin

Trinity Practical:

Oscar Churchward 1 Clarinet

Benjamin Knowles 1* Piano

Rockschool:

Hugo Leslie Debut* Guitar

James Marshall 3* Guitar

Lucas Taylor 3 Singing

Felix van den Bos 3 Guitar

Henry Watson 2 Cello

Maria Watson 4 Flute

Zuzanna Zylak 2 Cello

ABRSM Performance:

Amelia Crichton-Stuart ARSM Diploma* Piano

Martha Gritten 5* Alto Saxophone

Lena Knowles 4 Piano

Amber Liang 2 Cello

Alice Manning 5 Flute

Theo Taylor 1 Singing

ABRSM Theory:

Abigail Liu 5*

ABRSM Music Medals:

Lily Brereton Bronze Violin

Trinity Digital:

Alice Inglis 3* Voice

Lena Knowles 4 Clarinet

Alice Labruyère 3* Voice

Gyuwon Lee 4 Violin

Jacob Shi-Gao 1 Violin

Trinity Practical:

Magnus Cleevely 8 Trumpet

Cindy Di 3 Singing

Lukas Knowles 3 Trumpet

Abigail Lock 3 Trumpet

William Stephenson 2* Tuba

Rockschool:

Hugo Leslie 1 Guitar

Summer Term 2025

Lent Term 2025

Michaelmas Term 2024

Art

Hurvin Anderson

When we studied the British painter Hurvin Anderson we learnt about abstract art and adding nature into our paintings. First, we went around school and took photos on the iPads of areas and textures. Then we learnt how to edit those photos before printing them out. We then traced them and added our own textures. Hurvin Anderson’s own landscape work is colourful, abstract and vibrant. I really enjoyed this project as it wasn’t like the style I would normally chose to do.

Cicely McDonnell (aged 13)

“I enjoyed experimenting with the masking tape and paints and seeing the different effects.”

Henry Bessemer Clark (aged 12)

Dragons

We have been creating our own dragons in Art and have used multiple images to inspire us by looking at dragons from around the world and different cultures. We have used colourful inks, acrylic paints, coloured pencils and so much more. I love Art because it lets my creativity shine.

Samantha Platings (aged 11)

I found the dragon project really fascinating because you could use such a range of materials such as wire, fabrics, wool, mesh and different paints like watercolours and acrylics.

Singhé Ato (aged 11)

“We thought about composition and the position of our dragon on the paper. It is important to highlight the main features of our dragon and I made sure to show off the wings.”

Magnus Moore (aged 11)

“We have used a variety of dragon images to help inspire us with our own designs so that we can get lots of ideas to put into our own artwork.”

Florence Reed Herbert (aged 11)

“The freshness of the paper, the vibrancy of the colours both feel so nice.”

Arya Wajid (aged 11)

Vincent van Gogh

I have loved painting sunflowers in the style of van Gogh as his work has so much colour and texture. I have learnt do use small brush strokes with acrylics and to make petals look realistic. I am so pleased with my work.

Bryony MacLeod-Jones (aged 11)

“I think my art skills are developing because I am learning to experiment more, mix colours and be bolder.”

Seth Fraser (aged 11)

“I learnt that when you are painting a leaf, don’t just use one green, mix up your own.”

Blake Carver (aged 12)

Richard Serra

We learnt about Richard Serra in our architecture topic. He makes huge sculptures that curve and twist and they made us think about space in a different way. We looked at how his art changes how people move around it and feel inside it. It was fun developing our own ideas and designing buildings inspired by his work. Everyone’s creations were different and it was exciting to explore shape, balance and how things stand up.

Millie Fisher & Miracle N’ukanwason (both aged 9)

“Learning about the American sulptor, Richard Serra, made us think about how buildings can feel, not just look. It was fun developing our own ideas and building something that felt exciting to walk through.”

Marla Hudack & Arabella Kamyar (both aged 9)

Art is a subject where you can really express yourself and this is a lovely feeling. You also get praised for ‘mistakes’, as they are a way of learning and developing your own style. We have studied William Blake using microscpes and then used inks to create our paintings.

Phoebe Sheffield-Barnes (aged 10)

“Art is the best subject in the world. You get freedom to develop your own style and learn about artists.”

Hugo Leslie (aged 10)

William Blake

Claude Monet

I love Art because we got to work by the pond, filled with different animals and creatures. We based our paintings on Claude Monet, the artist who created Impressionism. We were inspired by his famous colourful sunsets.

Rafe Sheikh (aged 10)

“Learning about Claude Monet and the Impressionists has been really fun. Painting outside by the pond like Monet would have done and creating watercolours was such a good experience.”

Joshua Evershed (aged 10)

“I felt so calm painting outside by the Quiet Garden.”

Soraya Ahi-Eggo (aged 10)

“I loved the pond painting because I learnt some new brush strokes and it improved my painting skills a lot.”

Emily Shi-Gao (aged 10)

Inspiration

A Star Lullaby

I see a sky blanketed in milky stars, Glowing and glinting in the vast lonely expanse of space.

Glimmering, hundreds of soft tiny diamonds: Soft and smooth, Shivering quietly like fireflies clustered around a lantern in the raw gloom.

Far away. Cold. Calm.

Milky stars drift silently, Soothing the universe to sleep. So far away. So cold. So calm.

Toby Fairley (aged 13)

A parliament of owls swoop silently in the moonlight, Gliding through the silent forest, Hunting mice and frogs.

Laurie Senior (aged 6)

Moonlight

Gold Lion

The title given to me is Gold Lion.

I imagine a heaven of hope that hides between the cracks of clouds,

I feel like a vine which dangles between the trees and the flowers,

I think of peace and calm floating above the clouds, I wonder about a strong jungle, thick and pure, I am a brave king, waiting on his strong throne.

Bridget Baker (aged 9)

Ella Sinclair (aged 6) Night Time

Gorillas

A pack of wolves howls mysteriously into the dark forest where bats flutter and foxes plunder.

A band of gorillas, Black like a storm cloud, Climbing quickly through the green trees.

Jamie Inglis (aged 5)

Leopard

Crouching in the shadows, A dappled coat of golden yellow and black rosettes of the darkest night, Muscles ripple in her taunt, coiled body. She’s ready to spring, A fearsome predator, All small enough to be eaten fear her, As should you. She stalks through the jungle, Killing her prey with a single bite. How mighty. How stealthy. How lethal.

Change

Change will happen. How do you know that you won’t like your new self? Anything can change, Nothing will stay the same, So give it a chance

But...

I have to be brave, I do not understand change, I like how I am.

Grace Kilsby (aged 10)

Harriet Dunkley (aged 11)

The Person That I’ve Become

A cloud of smoke mystifies me as I blow dust from a pictureand a girl with ginger hair and an innocent smile gazes up at me with wonder in her eyes. Different. New.

She carries a pink balloon and she is covered in confetti sprinkles of magenta and rose. Her eyes twinkle with joy. And pride. And wellness.

A ribbon bow is tied into her hair which is braided and bowed with clips and pins. Just like mine.

Like I used to.

Joy-glossed eyes, Burning with hope, Glints of glitter sparkle in them, Beaming out and searching, Searching into the future, Seeking to find, To find maturity.

A part of me wonders, A part of me longs to know if she would be happy, If she would be satisfied, If she would truly love the person that I’ve become?

Aline Halban-Taylor (aged 12)

What Is It?

What is it?

A speckle of white voyaging across furious waves, Solitary. A single note.

One, two, three. There are more.

A small tune of simple notes, Guiding the way.

Seventeen, eighteen, nineteen. A humble melody, Charming the salted breeze. Curious flecks of ice, Scattered.

Is that a curl of blue?

A brilliant twizzle of solidified sea, icing this floating mystery.

I grab a net but it is just out of reach. Almost there, A feather’s distance away.

Just before the gurgling waves swallow it up, It drifts into my net and I slowly lift it up.

A creature of myth, An unknown figure, A silhouette of strangeness.

Alice Labruyère (aged 13)

Summer Is...

Summer is a bright beach ball bouncing through the sky held up by the clouds

Summer is rays of warmth caressing my face

Summer is the green grass swishing from side to side

Summer is butterflies fluttering through flower beds bees buzzing around bursting with pollen

Summer is fragments of light scattered through leaves the perfect summer’s day

Cicely McDonnell (aged 13)

A Water Haiku

I stand on the hill, Alone, watching the sunset. This moment savoured.

I think about this, Looking at the horizon, Seeing the ocean.

And so, even though I don’t know how much I want to do this, I leave.

I pack up my bag, With my eyes full of regret, And go to the hill.

I leave the hill then, For the last time in this life, and I walk down there.

I can’t trust myself, But go to the sea, for once and for all, right now.

Once I’m standing there, I realize my fate is not Being in the depths.

I balance myself, And plunge into the water. And yet I can’t stay.

I find out, down deep, I need to sink to new depths, But these are not them.

Emmy Hedden (aged 12)

Butterfly

Intricate, delicate, She flickers through forests, over fields, Whispering wings like paper of the brightest hue. She flutters, flitters onto your outstretched palm, Dainty, stretching out and feeling.

Pinks and purples, Greens and blues, Aquamarine and cobalt, Rust and champagne, The brightest orange, the darkest black, Sunset and midnight, together as one. Then she closes her wings, Like hands in prayer.

Bryony MacLeod-Jones (aged 11)

Butterflies

Swallowtail butterflies with dangly tails, Drinking nectar from snowflake flowers of Milk Parsley.

Lemon-yellow Brimstone butterflies fluttering around chalky yellow, shocking pink, blackberry purple roses.

Large White caterpillars nibbling cabbage leaves greedily, Bright, Christmas Red Admirals and Peacocks, With vibrant violet eye-spots for protection from predators, Soaring higher.

A multi-stem Silver Birch sapling with tear-drop leaves, lighter than apple green, And bumpy chrysalises hanging from the twigs.

William Pattrick (aged 7)

The Seasons

Outlined trees tucked white, Bitterness lingers above lakes’ mirrored mountain.

Lily’s springing bright, A honey-golden mantle wrapping its pollen.

Grass falling in cracks, Beaches full to the brim, Heat overcoming.

Full trees covered brown, Leaves hanging at their hinges, Ready to twirl down.

Felix van den Bos (aged 11)

Whispering Haikus

Whispers on the breeze, Dancing leaves beneath the sky, Moonlight paints the seas.

Stars begin to blink bright, Crickets sing their evening song, Night-time calls us near.

Mountains stand so tall, Echoes of the world asleep, Peace in quiet’s grace.

Jayden Ng (aged 11)

A Whisper

A whisper drifts through the air, Soft as moonlight, silent as prayer. It tells a story, within the night, A tale of longing, and once in sight it weaves through us with quiet grace, Leading us back to its original place.

Toby Ali (aged 11)

The River

The river is a horse, its mane flying wild, Thundering through the fields, kicking up stones, Galloping past a child standing at the bend, Rushing past the people, on a race of its own, Never stopping, always moving, Always moving, never stopping.

At winter’s breath, the river stills, The horse is sleeping, The icy wind chills, And a patter of skates, The whizz of blades, A frozen body, Waiting for spring.

All too soon the icemare cracks, Winter’s grip is broken. Then, jumping with the waterfall, And cascading down the cliffs. Never stopping, always moving, Always moving, never resting.

Maria Watson (aged 11)

The Nightmare’s Heart

Darkness engulfed the skeletal structure, Shadows loomed in turrets of old, Crumbling stonework groaned and ruptured, Hiding eldritch items from years untold.

Abyssal crimson grew from the frames of shattered windows forgotten by time, The cobblestone walls glowed with flames, Shining like hellfire, or flaming divine.

The red pulsing light grew steadily brighter and brighter still.

Then the beating of drums, At the nightmare’s heart.

Peregrine Brice (aged 13)

A Walk Through The Cemetery

The echo of my footsteps haunted me, Crunching through the long dead grass, I saw the branches wrapped around the yew tree

And heard the unsettling hooting of the owls.

Pale figures drifted in that ghostly garden, And my heart skipped a beat, They were all dressed in their best, Dancing through the sky so blue.

Voices echoed throughout that vast cemetery, Chattering as if it were an ordinary day, They all looked so happy and merry, Yet it felt as if they were far, far away.

Alice Manning (aged 12)

The Blitz

Inside the Blitz, the Anderson shelter, Inside the Anderson shelter, the scared boy, Inside the scared boy, the painful memory, Inside the painful memory, the injured father, Inside the injured father, the courageous soldier, Inside the courageous soldiers, the dead body, Inside the dead body, the bitter enemy, Inside the bitter enemy, the Blitz.

Harvey Williamson (aged 9)

Blurs

The little bird that pecks vigorously on the cobbled street beneath the black pole among the colourful smears of rambling legs, Takes off.

Kasra Mohaddes (aged 13)

Wisdom Joy

The title given to me is Wisdom Joy.

I feel like colourful flowers, as happy as can be,

I look like an intelligent happy emoji on a phone,

Ready to show what I can do, I am a prosperous smile, lighting up the world,

I am confetti, exploding colours sprinkled on a cake.

Sophie Seeruthun (aged 9)

The Match

Two forces of nature, Two grand armies ready to attack, Battlefield of blood, sweat and aggression, Dark, gloomy clouds blue and black, Poised in formation, Ready to make the first move, Ready to strike, a platoon of infantry, An army packed with artillery, Eyes glaring, Shoulders squaring, Jaws taught, Fists clenched, Hearts pounding, Heads tilted.

On a field dark and gloomy the clouds black and blue. This day. This cold Autumn day. And to kick it off, the whistle blew.

Alfie Tucker (aged 13)

Ball To Nose

The ball burst off the bat, Slicing through the cricket net, With power and precision, A red streak at the edge of my vision.

Turning around. ‘CRACK!’

Hot red dripped down my face, Shattered glasses littered the floor, And blackness tried to claim me, Eating at the edges of my vision,

“Close, so close.”

Consciousness about to end with every passing moment, Collapse is inevitable but withstandable, And pain overcomes my brain.

Sebastian Weller (aged 13)

Blank Space

A blank page sits in front of me, A voice in my head going round in circles, Trying to think, Think of An Idea.

It feels like white clouds are killing ideas in my head, Like lightning is running in squares and triangles. Thunder crashes around, The pitter patter of rain interrupting my train of thought. Then it stops. Silence.

Inese Khaled (aged 13)

The Fearsome Volcano

Everyone is so fascinated by me, No one cares that I may be sleeping, My pressure builds like the walls of a house, I bubble like a hot tub, No one knows when I’ll flip my lid, Ignorance is bliss.

I feel an explosion coming on, I am a bottle of shaken soda, I sound like a million balloons popping, I am a fire breathing dragon scorching my prey, My blankets of ash cover the sky like a nightmare, As blood seeps through my giant cut, Go lava, go!

My work is done with a last almighty ROAR! See you in 100 years.

Emily da Costa (aged 7)

Dreaming

I’ve been dreaming day and night about the Milky Way.

I’ve been dreaming day and night and I’ve been thinking of you.

There are so many places to discover, There are so many things for us to do.

Come on, come on, I dream about our future and the days ahead.

So take my hand, lets go: Where shall we start?

We will discover so many places, and we’ll reach the stars that shine so bright.

James Marshall (aged 11)

Flicker

I have a dream,

A lonely flicker rekindles every night, It hovers on the edge of my mind, Delicate, just beyond reach, A quiet pulse in the darkness, It flickers like a forgotten memory, Telling stories with no words, Leaving a warmth that lingers, Every morning, it slips away, But every night, it finds me again, A fragile light waiting to be seen, A fragile light waiting to be seen.

Caspar Parvin-Chambers (aged 13)

How To Skip Class

Miss, can I go and get a drink?

If you must.

Miss, can I go to the toilet?

If you must. But next time go at break. Miss, can I eat the rest of my snack?

If you must. But don’t get crumbs on the carpet.

Miss, can I go to KFC?

If you must. But haven’t you just had lunch?

Miss, can I please never come to school again?

If you must but ask someone for an education. Miss, can I make an atomic bomb and let it off in the library?

If you must, but don’t be too long.

Miss, can I go to a military base and fly a fighter jet?

Certainly not! Get on with writing your poem!

Theo Taylor (aged 10)

Friendship

Illuminating your path like glow worms, Helping you along when the journey gets tangled, Endless eruption of giggles buzzing like bees in lavender, Or lazing once the pollen is collected, Sharing secrets.

Midnight Candy Kitten whispers making lifelong promises of faraway lands, And birthday treats, A golden thread woven so tightly that time cannot fade.

Philippa

Bishop (aged 12)

Tropical Tea

The scent brushed over me, There was no queue to deny my urge and the choice was beautiful:

Honeydew Shake took me to exotic Thailand, Taro Milk Tea took me to the euphoria of Taipei, Coconut Milk transported me to the sizzling beaches of balmy Bali, Special Guava brew to the tropics of Goa, and finally the Mango lassi landed me in the namaste of the bustling streets of Mumbai.

The flavours, oh, how many memories they brought back.

The boba, stirring itself to sleep at the bottom of the cup looked like a Solar System within itself, As if each bubble had a story to tell, The first sip was heaven, The scent a radiating fresh, mellow breeze.

Abhinav Bole (aged 13)

Down

Up, up and up the hill. That’s not what you were expecting, is it? But don’t worry, the top is near, Edging closer and closer with every pedal.

Here we go now, the brow of the hill draws me to a halt, To catch my breath and prepare for the descent.

All set, I heave my weight forward, And slowly but steadily build up speed, Pedalling in sixth gear, although there’s no need.

For the hill sweeps me away, And washes me down to the bottom.

Nicholas Garcia (aged 13)

Layers Of The Ocean

The Epipelagic is the top, She’s crystal clear and full of fun, She brings joy and peace to everyone.

The Mesopelagic is a bit shy, She dreams in the shadows, Letting darkness roam free.

The Bathypelagic switched off the lights, She snatched the Titanic, She only lets a sprinkle of sunlight pass.

The Abyssopelagic is always mysterious, Spreading darkness, With bioluminescence lighting this underworld.

The Hadopelagic is deep, deep sleep, She is lonely and unexplored, She is the god of the underworld.

8)

Sea And Sky

The wind is strong, pulling at my jacket, whipping my hair across my face. The sand is pale and smooth but cold under my shivering feet.

Waves rush forward, Then shrink back, Always moving, The foam clings to the shore like death’s embrace.

Seagulls cry circling high, Their voices lost in the roaring wind. Seaweed twists into evergreen ropes, Washed up by the tide.

There are no other footprints here, just me and the sea and the sky.

Harold Zheng (aged

Effie Thomson (aged 13)

The Wonder Of My Mind

Ripples thunder across the sea, Feathers crash down, I crumble away into tiny fractals, Into Neverland.

Sparklers crackle and fizzle inside me, Clicks and snaps and thuds, Float then sink, Decibels clang and stroke, They drum like heartbeats.

Splashing puddles, And shimmering cornfields, Under bridges, sitting on horses, Wishing wells with coins glistening below, Streaks of cloud, Memories flood like the tide.

Numbers Spiral, Letters question, Demanding and unreachable, They drown me, burst me, Voices murmur, threatening. A blizzard swarms around me, Blurring my face, leaving my emotionless outline, A grey scribble.

Words vanish Leaving me with colours, Pictures, Questions. I think in sparkles, And no one else can see them.

Alice Labruyère (aged 13)

Serenity

Pink waves ripple in the dampening light of the salty sun. Hazy clouds reflect on the morphing surface of the sea.

My feet step on purple sand, As stars brush the looming night sky. The aroma of orange light overwhelms me and a magnificent small boat floats in this ocean of wondrous serenity,

I am at one with the azure of my calming sea.

Inese Khaled (aged 13)

My Planet In A Pickle Jar

A thin, gurgling brook flowing slowly, Bubbling gently through the rainforest, Soft, gentle music played by a beautiful harp, Rose pink cherry blossoms swaying in the graceful wind, Lovely, amazing coral reef in the stunning dim light, The taste of candy red strawberries in summer, Fast flowing gigantic crashing waterfall, An ancient, enormous horse chestnut tree rocking in the gentle breeze, Tiger-orange starfish dancing over a sky-blue rock, A gorgeous, scented rose waiting to be picked.

Alba James (aged 7)

My Planet

A large, graphite Great White shark, Swooping in the cyan ocean.

A blue-tongued skink, With coffee-coloured scales and violet claws.

A lemon shark, coloured gold, With sharp pearly teeth.

Fiery dragon, with breath that smells like pineapple latte.

Jacob Cheung (aged 7)

Nain’s House

The feel of love as I walk in through the door, The lullaby of the news in the background, Welcoming arms that surround me with love.

Pictures fill the house with memories, and faces from long ago.

Wafts of deliciousness embrace me and candles flicker like dancing stars, Crisp cotton, lace and glasses in preparation for the feast.

Laughter, love and happiness, Warmth from the Aga brings comfort, And calming memories are made.

Alice Allpress (aged 13)

Solar Eclipse

Silence. Our gaze follows the slow slider of the moon. The magnificent sun’s golden rays bathe us in their full glory, In a split second it is there, the moon is an inky dot, swallowed by the luminous glow, outlined in liquid gold, a ring moulded by time and place and the union of space.

Zhang (aged 13)

Eniya

A Father’s Love

The moment I saw you everything changed. So small and fragile, A pristine snow flake, Delicate yet holding the power to transform my world.

When I touched your miniature hands, I felt a sense of purpose, A depth that I never knew I had.

Your tiny fingers curled around mine, and, in that instant, nothing else mattered.

For you have captivated me, Entangled me in your deep blue eyes.

13)

Davi Saibrosa (aged

Drama

Opposite page: Form 6’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’

KG: Whoops-A-Daisy Angel

“I played God. I like acting, sometimes I am acting at home too. I can’t wait to do more plays!”

Ada Hudack (aged 5)

“I will know my lines for one hundred years.”

James Brereton (aged 5)

“I’m a snowflake. It’s cold being a snowflake. I like being on stage, I really like bowing.”

Alfie Stone (aged 5)

“I liked it when the shepherds were waking up and going back to sleep.”

Alexander Shivareddy (aged 6)

T1: Babushka

There were so many funny bits in Babushka and, even though I had seen it lots before, I nearly fell off the bench because I was laughing so much when Babushka was chasing all the animals out of her house!

Sheena Jones (aged 5)

“The whole of the nativity was my favourite part. I was an angel and I dressed in white.”

Marina Arena (aged 6)

“It was so much fun when everyone danced and when they played the air guitars on the stage. I loved it.”

Leo Dolan (aged 6)

T2: Peter Pan

“It was really funny when Peter Pan flew in the air like magic and when Captain Hook stuck his tongue out!”

Robbie Gomersall & Ajai Gumman (both aged 7)

“It was fun being a mermaid, playing, combing our hair in the lagoon and lounging on the rocks. We only liked Peter Pan!”

Maya Ristea (aged 7)

“I loved performing our dance because it was packed with bold, powerful movements that made us feel confident and full of energy.”

Lulu Nashaat (aged

8)

Form 1: Roman Britain Rewritten

I loved it when all of Form 1 sang the final song together, it was such a powerful moment. The song was all about Boudicca and the Celts and we sang about battles, bravery and standing up for what is right. I felt so proud of us because we were telling a real story from history through music. It was loud, strong and full of energy, just like Boudicca herself. Singing it together made me feel like we were part of her tribe!

Theodore Hedden (aged 8)

I really enjoyed performing the big fight scenes because there were so many moves to remember and it felt exciting to act it out. We had to stay focused and work together to get the timing right and it made the whole performance feel dramatic and full of energy.

Kate Dunkley (aged 8)

Form 2: WW2 Drama, Dance & Music

At first, I thought World War Two was quite a complicated topic but the play helped me feel far more interested. I really liked doing the dance as it made the learning more fun! Behind the scenes, we practised some hard moves but I enjoyed learning them. We started with the flight motif way back in Michaelmas and now I feel proud of how much we have learnt. Dancing helped me understand the story better!

Beatrix

Cleevely (aged 9)

I really liked how emotional the play was as it made the story feel real. When we performed it, I felt like I was part of something important. We had to show feelings with our faces and our movements and that helped me understand the topic more. After the play, I felt proud of us. I think we did such a good job!

Stella

Millward (aged 9)

“We didn’t rely on props, colourful costumes or staging. We had to really be motivated by the language and the words through dance, expression and movement.”

Millie Fisher (aged 9)

Third Form: Snow Queen

I was the Robber Maiden which meant I was in charge of a gang of robbers. It was pretty hard because I was talking to the robbers or Gerda and it was my normal reaction to turn and face the person I was talking to but I had to face outwards and talk to the audience. It was really fun getting all the make up put on our faces and hair gel in my hair. I even got a black eye!

Cassidy Murray (aged 10)

“I was a Sprite and we were the Snow Queen’s followers and army. One of my favourite parts was when Mrs Mac was the snowman and was dancing to the snowman song.”

Kathryn Hornbuckle (aged 10)

“I liked the hilarious bit where Erik had to get so many parcels and get very annoyed.”

Elijah Borchert (aged 10)

Form 4: Fantastic Mr Fox

I loved being a part of Fantastic Mr Fox. Mr Evans did an amazing job producing this incredible and funny play so credit has to go to him although, I think us pupils of the school did an outstanding job as well. We made it funny and energetic, which is what a play is all about. Doing plays helps a lot in a lot of areas but the one which stands out is teamwork. Teamwork is a fundamental skill to have and can help you in almost everything. In the play I was a rat and it was awesome! We got to dress up in gangster-like costumes and rock around as if we were the kings.

Freddie Holly (aged 11)

I liked being a chicken because it is quite an unusual part to play and it was fun. I also liked the face paint. I liked that our scene was quite funny and I enjoyed the crowd laughing. I learnt that you need to learn your lines early to be able to focus on the acting. Afterwards I felt nice and relieved and happy and proud of myself and also very tired.

Cormac

Hamilton (aged 11)

“I learnt about lighting and the importance of body language. Afterwards I felt very happy.”

Samantha Platings (aged 11)

“One of my most memorable moments was the encore on the last performance because that was the last time we would do that dance ever again.”

Leo Barron Humphrey (aged 12)

Fifth Form: The Wizard of Oz

I really enjoyed playing the Tin Man and I felt this particular play took me on a journey which taught me lots of new drama skills. I learnt things like heavy, light, direct and indirect. These words describe how your character acts on the stage and we learnt about different personalities of characters which I feel really helped me to impersonate the Tin Man.

Ari Roshan (aged 12)

Taking part in The Wizard of Oz was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I learnt so much, not just about responsibility, but also about teamwork and pride. It gave me a real sense of accomplishment and brought our year group closer together. I loved every moment of the play, but my favourite was when we all danced and sang during the encore.

Blake Carver (aged 12)

I really enjoyed doing the play. I was Dorothy and I loved every stage of achieving the play. It really joined the whole year group together. The backstage really built our teamwork. It was so fun performing for Byron House seeing them join in. I wish we could do it all over again.

Clarissa Pilato (aged 12)

“The most important lesson I learnt was you’ve got to face your fears and try your hardest. Before I went on stage I was really nervous but I did it!”

Harry Dixon (aged 12)

“It was so much fun! Everything about it was great. I loved being taken down the yellow brick road! I also loved being a Jitterbug, as it was so much fun doing all the dances.”

Daphne Jerram (aged 11)

“Being part of our Shakespeare plays has been such a different experience as the language is so new to us!”

Aline Halban-Taylor (aged 12)

Sixth Form: Shakespeare Plays

“I have really enjoyed working on the Shakespeare production as it was a real bonding experience and we always found ourselves laughing and enjoying every bit of it.”

Elizabeth Diggle (aged 13)

“I enjoyed performing our Shakespeare plays as I had the chance to take on the role of Nick Bottom and I had a lot of fun playing this part, especially as a donkey!”

Alfie Tucker (aged 13)

Sixth Form: Passion Play

In the Passion we learnt to react and collaborate with each other more than we have ever done before. It is possibly the most challenging play I have done as you have to show and imagine emotions that you have never felt. The Passion Play shows the force acting can have on people.

Alice Labruyère (aged 13)

The Passion Play is an incredibly moving and intense play. This year, I was lucky enough to get the part of Jesus. It is an experience entirely different from any other play, allowing you to really express emotions convincingly through your acting.

Nicholas Garcia (aged 13)

“The

sheer concentration and passion displayed in this production is enough to reduce the most hard-hearted of adults to tears.”

Peregrine

Brice (aged 13)

The Passion Play journey really showed me the importance of how silence, breathing and your reactions mean just as much as the actual performance.

Manning (aged 12)

Alice

Sport

“It was an amazing feeling winning our last ever rugby match playing for St John’s.”

Lorcan Hamilton (aged 13)

Rugby

I have loved representing St John’s throughout the rugby season and working together as a team. Were are proud to have been unbeaten in contact for three years. My favourite moment was in the last minute of the match against Culford, we were winning and we tackled them into touch just before the final whistle. It was such a memorable moment for us as a team.

Toby Ali (aged 11)

One of the standout moments was finishing the rugby season unbeaten. I remember the feeling of beating everyone. We felt invincible. I felt really proud of playing for St Johns, I really like playing as a team. I enjoy playing team sports rather than single player sports mostly because when we win we win together and when we lose we lose together and I feel like all of my teammates feel exactly the same way as I do.

Harry Dixon (aged 12)

Rugby in Form 6 introduced new game play features such as contested scrums and hand-offs. These allowed us to implement further tactical skills and get more physically involved- and indeed ferocious- within the game itself.

Peregrine Brice (aged 13)

“There is nothing like the feeling in rugby, or any team sport, of the final whistle blowing and knowing you are undefeated throughout the whole season.”

Leo Barron Humphrey (aged 12)

“What makes a good team.....? Everybody needs to be passionate about that sport, what their role is and to play their part the best they possibly can.”

Lukas Knowles (aged 11)

“One of my best rugby moments of the season was when I ran the entire length of the pitch and scored a try from our try line.”

Emeliano Fregonese-Nazarov (aged 12)

“Rugby has made me brave, has given me confidence and I have made friends.”

Ethan Messenger (aged 11)

“This year’s sport has been really fun because we had plenty of victories and only some losses. It was really fun particularly in the rugby season because I felt that we worked really well as a team and really enjoyed it.”

Farid Emam (aged 12)

Hockey

“It was a great experience going to the IAPS Hockey Tournament with the As. We worked so hard as a team to use the skills we had practised. We came fourth in the Round Robin!”

Grace Lambert (aged 12)

I like both hockey and netball but hockey is my favourite because we play more matches. We have played teams like St Faith’s, King’s, Stephen Perse and the Perse and they were all really friendly and great at hockey. Fixtures help us practise teamwork and learn new skills, like the V-Drag, where you pull the ball in and quickly turn it to the other side. After matches, we celebrate both teams and serve muffins to our visitors. Playing matches is the best part of sport because it is fun, exciting and helps us get better together.

Grace Malyon (aged 9)

“In all our sports we learn the importance of teamwork. At the end we do three cheers for everyone and choose one player of the match. I’ve been it once. I’m better at scoring in hockey as it has a bigger goal than netball!”

Saffron Bentley (aged 8)

“I love hockey! The best moment was when we won the Final for the Plate at the IAPS Tournament.”

Cara Brown (aged 11)

“I loved representing St John’s at both hockey tournaments. The sports staff were very supportive throughout and helped me improve my skills a lot.”

Alice Manning (aged 12)

“I really enjoyed going to the IAPS Hockey as the goalie as we won the Plate and were so happy!”

11)

My favourite hockey moment was during the House matches because, at one point, I ran up the right-hand side of the pitch and I smacked a beautiful shot right into the goal! It was such a rewarding feeling. Our team also had the chance to play at both the IAPS and the County tournaments and both were amazing experiences to play against other schools and different teams and also to try out our skills and work well as a St John’s team.

Cirse MacSwiney (aged 11)

One of my best moments was when I was picked to be in the

against seven other schools. I felt happy and a mixture of feelings.

my other highlights is when I ran up the pitch and scored the winning goal

King’s. My team all smiled which was nice.

I had an amazing time at our first hockey tournament; it was an awesome experience. I love playing centre mid-field because you get to score goals. I feel so good when I am playing as all my focus is on the ball. What makes a good team is encouragement from your teammates and having fun.

“The most exciting sporting event has been the IAPS Hockey Tournament. It was exciting being with such an encouraging team. When we stepped out onto the astro after discussing our team tactics we were ready. Although we didn’t qualify, the experience was great.”

Isabella MacLean (aged 12)

“I enjoyed going to the County Hockey Tournament because we had the chance to play against lots of other schools and meet so many new people. I went as a goalie and I really enjoyed every moment I was there.”

Martha Gritten (aged 12)

Blythe Weller (aged

Hockey Tournament

One of

against

Beatrice Chowdhury (aged 10)

Lara Denman (aged 10)

One of my standout moments in sport was after a tough tournament at County Hockey. I hadn’t played my best but my friends were really comforting and kind and I felt so lucky to have teammates who understood. I believe it is our strong friendship and togetherness that makes our team so special.

Blake Carver (aged 12)

We were at Bedford for the IAPS and everyone was excited. We were representing St John’s nationally, so we felt proud and ready to rise to the occasion. Our first match was against Bedford and we knew that they were a good, strong side. I thought I would be disappointed if we lost but, really, it was just so fun to go to Bedford with my friends and play hockey together.

Toby Ali (aged 11)

I have really enjoyed my last hockey season at St John’s. It is my favourite sport and it was been so much fun and rewarding playing with the year below. It was also an incredible experience being able to go to the IAPS Hockey Tournament with my team and represent St John’s. We had a great time but also we made it to the Cup!

Archie Lindsay Clark (aged 12)

“I love the support that your team and the supporters on the sidelines give you. They will cheer you on even when your team isn’t winning.”

Selim Emam (aged 10)

“I have loved having fixtures and representing the school. The teachers are the best at always helping and motivating.”

Jack Slater (aged 10)

“My favourite sporting moment this year was during the IAPS when we beat Spratton Hall 3–1 which meant we got through the group. Hockey is such a team game and very similar to football, which is my favourite sport.”

Leo Barron Humphrey (aged 12)

“What I enjoyed most about hockey was competing in big tournaments and playing alongside my friends as we supported one another to finish strongly.”

Seth Fraser (aged 11)

“Team stands for: T for trying, E for energy, A for ambition and M for memories.”

Max Crosbie (aged 11)

Netball

“Playing in some of the matches was great because you got to meet other people from different schools. Another highlight of playing in Form 5 is you play a different type of netball to what you’re used to.”

Martha

Gritten (aged 12)

I have enjoyed netball this season because now that we are in Form five we take a step up and, instead of doing B-netball, we now do seven-aside. We also get to play with Form 6 which is fun because you will make friends that you might not have had before and be in a team with new people. I think having good communication will help build a solid and strong team.

Penelope

Tandy (aged 12)

“I really enjoyed playing netball matches, especially away matches. One of the best parts is playing as a team with my friends.”

Imogen O’Reilly (aged 12)

Playing netball at St John’s is so much fun as we are a strong team and our game has really improved since we started playing fixtures together. At our last match against the Perse, we practised dribbling around defenders and learnt how to play competitively but fairly. I love that we all get to join in, no matter our skill level. At our age, we don’t split into A, B or C teams, so no one feels left out. I usually play Centre but at Netball club we switched positions so everyone had a turn. This helped me get better at passing and to understand the whole game. We cheer each other on, help when someone forgets their position and always celebrate together. Even when matches get cancelled (like the last one when their pitch flooded) I always feel proud to represent my school. I can’t wait for Thursday’s fixture!

Stella Millward (aged 9)

I love netball as it is a really fun sport and I also got picked for the County trials. When I found out I felt so proud of myself. I love it when my team does well as we are all incredibly supportive of each other. It is important to show good sportsmanship as it shows you care for your teammates.

Tilly Manning (aged 10)

The thing that makes your team the strongest is friendship and enjoyment. When representing St John’s you feel proud when you win matches and also the happiness of being at St John’s makes you want to do the school proud. Netball club is so much fun because of all the laughter and playing mini netball matches.

Penelope Aeberhard (aged 12)

“One of my achievements was to get into the A team in netball and this year I got moved up in this team so I have accomplished my goal!”

Santa Ivaskeviciute (aged 12)

Cricket

Sport, whether it is hockey, netball or cricket, means everything to me because when you play you can just forget about everything else going on in your life and you also get to meet lots of really nice people who also love sport and want the same outcome as you. You want the very best for your team.

Lucy Sawtell (aged 13)

I went to the Cricket Festival and it was a blast! I loved every part of it. We all worked so hard as a team and it paid off as we won all our matches apart from one but that didn’t bring us down as we were so happy we had won four!

Cirse MacSwiney (aged 11)

“My best moment was when I was diving forward to catch the ball and nearly dropped it but it rolled around my chest and I managed to catch it!”

James Hankey (aged 10)

“When I play cricket with my team I feel as though they are driving me forward.”

Jayden Ng (aged 11)

“I have a better sense of teamwork and perseverance from playing cricket and sports. What makes a good team is a sense of trust in your teammates.”

Helena Parkinson (aged 10)

“My team took part in the cricket tournament and we were there all day! It was a great to experience playing against the other schools.”

Angus Chaney (aged 10)

Cross Country

We were really proud to represent Cambridgeshire at the Anglian Schools Cross-Country. The course at Woodbridge School was really tough, with lots of hills and tricky ground to run on. We kept going and finished strongly, showing grit and determination. It was such an exciting and amazing experience for both of us.

Grace Lambert & Isabella MacLean (both aged 12)

“After the House cross country some of us went to Netherhall to do a cross country race which was really fun. We then got to advance on to Oundle. It was a really rewarding experience.”

Imogen O’Reilly (aged 12)

“I love running every Friday before school in Field Run with my friends as it is all about your own personal best time.”

Arthur Elliott (aged 11)

“This event is all about being a team player and helping your House.”

Poppy Slater (aged 12)

World Kart Racing Champion

This year I have raced in MicroMax - a Rotax engine class for 8-12 year olds. My dream was to win a ticket to and compete as part of Team UK at the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals (the Rotax world championship event) in Sarno, Italy. The Grand Finals are only open to the winners of various national championships and certain international races from around the world, with 36 tickets available globally for my race class. I won my ticket at Le Mans, in July. There is a kart track right beside the famous car circuit. It was my first ever international race. I came out on top and was crowned RMCIT (Rotax Max Challenge International Trophy) Champion.

The Grand Finals were the week before half term, and what a week it was! It was a week of ups and downs. On the first day of practice we were dead last, with engine issues. Day two was better, thankfully. Working with fellow Team UK drivers, I was quickest in the 5th session. Unfortunately, a sudden downpour just before qualifying and a mistake on wet tyre pressures meant I qualified 18th, a real disappointment.

The results from the heats meant I lined up P10 for the pre-final. I knew a solid result would give me a better starting position for the final. I concentrated on making progress through the pack and finished in P3, at the head of a train of karts, after the front two pushed away.

After points from the heats and pre-final were added together, I qualified to start P6 (of 36) in the final. I got a good start, but a red flag at turn 1 on the opening lap caused a full restart. At the restart, the driver in front moved across early, costing me the tow. But I kept with the front pack and took the lead on lap 4. I tried to push away with fellow Team UK driver Austin Oman, but the tow brought the pack behind back into play and I was shuffled down to P4 on lap 8. With my head down I worked my way back to the front with one and a half laps to go. A solid defence allowed me to keep the five karts immediately behind at bay, taking the win by just 0.07s and with it the Rotax MicroMax World Championship title! It felt amazing.

Joshua Cooke (aged 11)

Karting photos courtesy of Matteo Segata

Sports Days

“The dressing up race was so much fun!”

Francesco Ferrari & Theo Jones (aged 6)

“I felt happy when the older children gave us our badges. They were really kind and made it feel special.”

Bethany Nixon (aged 6)

“The big children helped us at the end of each race and we did high fives!”

Charlie Mentlak & Matthew Ferreira Cartwright (both aged 5)

“The relay was fun! We all cheered each other on and had to concentrate when passing the baton. It felt great to run fast and be part of a team.”

Hannah Knowles & Iris Carver (both aged 7)

My last Sports Day at St John’s will be the most memorable because of the tug of war (an event only participated in by Form 6). The atmosphere from the crowd surrounding us was incredible. Following this excitement, tension only heightened when (very slowly) each House was called, fourth place, third place and still Gunning had not been called. My Gunning friends were full of excitement and anticipation as Gunning was placed second!

Kasra Mohaddes (aged 13)

My most memorable moment from my last St John’s Sports Day was when Mr Chippington announced that Beaufort had won and, as I am House Captain, I got to go up and collect the trophy. I really felt proud and a sense of achievement that all our hard work had paid off.

Philippa Bishop (aged 12)

I am most looking forward to the relays because I find them really fun as it is a massive team effort. The 800 metres will also be pretty fun too because I like running long distances. However, the event I am most nervous for is the high jump because everyone else is also really good. I hope Gunning win!

James Hankey (aged 10)

“The best moment was holding the trophy up in the air when Beaufort won!”

George Morbey (aged 13)

“I am so excited because we get to compete for our Houses. My favourite event is the 200 metres.”

Henry Ali (aged 10)

“My

favourite race was the Girls’ relay as we were all racing for each other and we ended up getting a school record!”

Lucy Sawtell (aged 13)

Football

I loved representing St John’s at the IAPS Football Tournament. There were seven teams and we came second! I felt really happy when I was told I was going. I enjoyed the day and would definitely do it again.

Jasmine Ji (aged 11)

It was really fun competing in the IAPS Football Tournament and working as a team. It felt great to score goals and be part of a group that were very good at supporting and encouraging each other. It was also really exciting to get into the Final and, although we lost, I think everyone played with amazing teamwork and sportsmanship throughout. I am really incredibly proud that we were awarded second place and I definitely had a fantastic time. It makes it even more special as football is not our main termly sport.

Harriet Dunkley (aged 11)

Squash & Fives

Squash and Fives has let me explore new sports that I haven’t done before and it has been a really good experience. I especially enjoy Fives as it is quite a physically challenging sport to play but it massively improves my hand-eye coordination. The gloves are a bit stinky though!

Elliott Hoyland West (aged 11)

“I have enjoyed squash as it is a fun and challenging unique racket sport with an excellent instructor. This sport will improve our skills in other similar sports as we become more skilled.”

Antony Aldred (aged 11)

Swimming

I really enjoy swimming club because it gives me a chance to swim before school and to improve my strokes and techniques with my friends. I also enjoy taking part in competitions and representing the school.

Alexander Cooper (aged 11)

“I took part in the IAPS Swimming Competition and I came first in my heat for Butterfly!”

Cassidy Murray (aged 10)

“I represented St John’s in the IAPS National Swimming Championship at the London Aquatic Centre. I was proud that I did well in the 50m freestyle.”

Effie Thomson (aged 13)

Athletics

I went to the Wilberforce EAPS and the Stowe Athletics Competitions. At Wilberforce, I took part in three events: high jump, 800m, and the 4x100m relay. At Stowe, I competed in two events. I really enjoy going to athletics competitions outside of school because it’s a great way to challenge yourself, show what you can do and represent the school with pride.

Selim Emam (aged 10)

At the Wilberforce Athletics Competition I participated in the long jump which was a great experience to improve my skills and to compete against people from other schools. We also won our relay heat and went on to the Finals and won! At Stowe, the Junior Girls also won and I felt so proud.

Lara Denman (aged 10)

“I loved taking part in the Stowe Athletics Competition and being supported by my teammates when I did the high jump. At St Faith’s, I took part in the 75m hurdles and also the relay.”

Theo Stephens-Uddin (aged 11)

“I took part in an athletics tournament and I realised that St John’s has made me really notice that I love athletics and now I run for County all because of the school!”

Jack Slater (aged 10)

St John’s Equestrian Team

Cambridgeshire Tennis Championships

I took part in the U8 Cambridgeshire Tennis Championships. I play tennis every day apart from Mondays and Thursdays. I have a few coaches. I started playing tennis a year ago and I feel proud of my achievement. Tennis makes me feel so happy. I have a dream that one day I will play at Wimbledon. I felt so excited when I became Champion. I played six others in the tournament and became Champion. I felt nervous on the morning of the tournament but then I felt more confident. My coaches were proud of me and said congratulations and I used some E4L techniques to help with my nerves. I will also take part in the Orange Ball Tournament which is on a bigger court. I have friends at my tennis club who are really nice.

Claire Nghiem (aged 8)

Weymouth Sailing Competition

“We had a great day at the IAPS Sailing event in Portland Harbour. The race committee managed to get four races in during the day in light winds. We sailed some tactical races but, at times, the wind went very light and every manoeuvre counted. We finished 14th out of 33 and were the first boat from the East of England!”

Arthur Griffiths & Henry Lambert (both aged 13)

Going to equestrian competitions and winning (or losing) is a really cool thing to do, especially as I have represented St John’s. I get to do this with my friend and it’s really fun to experience it together. It makes me really proud to know that I am doing it for the school because I get to ride while doing my best for SJCS.

Aline Halban-Taylor (aged 12)

“At first I was nervous because I only completed once before with my new pony Flash. Getting through to Hickstead was a very delightful feeling. I enjoy showjumping because I love horses and I love jumping. It’s a special connection.”

Reika Varian (aged 8)

Rowing

I enjoy the rush of the boat gliding across the water when I am rowing and the thrill of speeding down the bends. The Bumps was exhilarating to watch as we learnt about a new form of rowing and the many techniques that come with it.

Amir Jambor-Sadeghian (aged 13)

Rowing is a unique sport. It feels special to go to the Lady Margaret Boat House and be able to row on a normal school afternoon. Whoever I am rowing with I feel like we belong and my rowing classmates and I have become a big team. It fills me with happiness that I get to do a fun sport and improve on it with help from the rowing coaches.

Alice Labruyère (aged 13)

The Indoor Rowing Regatta was very fun and I really enjoyed the fun atmosphere as it was an amazing bubble of positive vibes. The race was only a friendly but it was very enjoyable to create a new personal best.

Sebastian Weller (aged 13)

Trips Week

Form 2 Grafham Water Trip

“At Grafham Water, we had an actionpacked day! We built our own rafts, went kayaking across the lake, cycled through the trails and tackled the assault course. It was exciting, challenging and loads of fun from start to finish.”

Bridget Baker & Ophelia Redpath (both aged 9)

Form 3 Staycation & Caythorpe Court Trip

My favourite activities were definitely raft building and archery. Raft building was amazing because we got to swim in the water which was warm but, because it was a clay lake, your feet could easily get stuck to the bottom.

Oscar Churchward (aged 10)

It was one in a lifetime experience to be at the Staycation 2025! We did activities like pool discos with lights, games on Green Court and more. In our classrooms there were spas in 3M, construction in 3F and arts and crafts in 3B. I loved it all!

Cleodie Kornicki (aged 10)

The Staycation was great. In the morning we had a pool disco and a table tennis tournament plus three zones, then we had a barbecue lunch before going down to the fields to have even more fun!

Alexander Mosher (aged 9)

Everybody was bursting with excitement because we had never ever been away on a trip where you slept with your school before. It was amazing! I really enjoyed breakfast because the bacon was the most amazing food on earth. I loved the trapeze, raft building and problem solving.

Maria Ferrari (aged 10)

We zoomed on the zipwire and the trapeze at Caythorpe. My favourite activity was definitely the rock wall and abseiling. The first time I went on the rock wall I was scared so I came down but the second time it was super fun and I got all the way to the top which I was proud about.

Cordelia de Graaf-Rose (aged 10)

“I really enjoyed going to Edale because all my friends were there and the activities were the best. When we had to go I was really sad because I wanted to do everything again!”

Cara Brown (aged 11)

Fourth Form Rockley Trip

Form 4 Edale Trip

I really enjoyed having a bit more freedom, we got to go moorland orienteering by ourselves to fetch numbers and letters. It was fun to work as a team but then we got lost and a ram charged towards us, which I will never forget! Edale was an amazing trip and I loved all the activities especially weaseling as afterwards we got 5 star quality ice cream. The whole trip was so fun, dorm time, activities and I loved spending more time with friends.

Naiara

Hayes Fernández (aged 11)

Edale gave us a chance to do things that you wouldn’t ordinarily do in school. All the food was amazing and my roommates were all really nice. We abseiled off a bridge, over a river, so if you were lowering yourself, then you could stop, and admire the amazing view from that suspended position. Weaseling was my favourite activity as there were naturally formed holes between boulders and you had to squeeze through them.

Singhé Ato (aged 11)

Form 5 Rockley Trip

“Rockley was really fun. I liked going wind sailing and kayaking. I loved going in the sea. We played sports and had a beach BBQ. The breakfast was especially delicious as we got scrambled eggs and bacon.”

Felix Garstang (aged 11)

“It was actually really hard to capsize, I wanted to as it was funny!”

Rosie Brown (aged 12)

“Rockley was really fun especially the sailing, which was my favourite part. The water wasn’t deep, only up to my knees, and I learned how to sail there. The beach BBQ was delicious, and it was so fun to be around my friends.”

Reuben Bennett (aged 12)

“My favourite activity was the huge stand-up paddle boards. It was my first time being on a big one and second time sailing. I loved it, I want to go back.”

Barnaby Hill (aged 12)

Leavers

“Kayaking down the Ardèche revealed some of the most astounding and unreal landscapes I have yet seen. It was a wonderful experience.”

Peregrine Brice (aged 13)

Ardèche Trip

I found the kayaking really fun and that we spent time with different people and all connected. We had the chance to jump a 5m jump from the rocks into the river. I did it and I am proud that I pushed myself to do something brave that turned out to be really fun. I’ve made fantastic memories including simple things like looking at all the ice cream flavours and packing a barrel of belongings to bring in the kayak. This trip really highlighted the magic of the community feel of our year group.

Alice Labruyère (aged 13)

“I will always remember the SJCS karaoke sessions, not just on this trip but the ski trip too!”

Aline Halban-Taylor (aged 12)

“My most memorable experience was ziplining across the river at the Accrobranche. I also enjoyed kayaking down the Ardèche Gorge.”

Caspar Parvin-Chambers (aged 13)

“I loved jumping off the rocks after the kayaking because it was so much fun and exhilarating too.”

Archie Lindsay Clark (aged 13)

“The river descent was one of the most memorable moments. The rapids pumped the adrenaline!”

Mateo Fairén-Gallego (aged 13)

“Standout moments were kayaking under the spectacular cliffs and ziplining over sublime scenery.”

Alfie Tucker (aged 13)

“I remember ziplining through the treetops and over the river only to get stuck halfway along the line!”

Sam Tagger (aged 13)

I absolutely loved the trip! It was really fun and I have lots of great memories that I will cherish forever. One of my favourite was when me and Lizzie were cliff jumping and she forgot to hold her nose so she asked me to remind her next time! I also loved when we were in the kayak and were just singing songs down the river, which was really lovely.

One of the most memorable moments of the whole trip was the high ropes. They were so much higher and seemed more dangerous than the ones I had experienced in the UK. I also loved the moment when me and Harrison had finally figured out how to work as a team on the kayak, make it to the front and watch the sun dip over the still calm water.

Henry Skillings (aged 13)

Libby Dunton (aged 13)

“I will always remember my time at St John’s as the best chapter in my life.”

Mudkavi (aged 12)

This trip, our final trip at St John’s, was the best part of the Leavers’ Programme for me. I really loved the river descent, particularly because we had the opportunity to jump off the rocks and into the water below. Camping under the stars was an experience I am not sure I will ever have again.

Arthur Griffiths (aged 13)

“My main memories from my time at St John’s are the treasured moments with my friends.”

Allpress

Claudia

Alice

(aged 13)

My highlight on the trip was kayaking down the gorge over two days. We all had so much fun on the water! On one of the stops we were able to jump off a cliff. The instructor said, ‘5, 4, 3, 2, 1’ and I jumped! I was very scared but afterwards I was so happy that I had overcome my fear of heights and had jumped into the water below. I won’t forget this moment.

Lena Knowles (aged 13)

Kayaking was the main activity I enjoyed the most because it was really fun learning new skills and it was a funny experience getting the kayak stuck on a rock! Another fun time was splashing Mr Carter! Karaoke was also memorable because we all got together to sing songs as a year group.

Alice Allpress (aged 13)

“I enjoyed the activity when we visited the massive cave and learnt about how it had been formed.”

Davi Saibrosa (aged 13)

“We had so much fun kayaking down the river and we laughed so much. We even went backwards a few times!”

Momoka Varian (aged 13)

“The views from our kayak were beautiful and also when we had the chance to zipline too.”

James Blazeby (aged 13)

Sleeping in a tent with my friends and on the floor was a really memorable part of this trip. Although the river descent was quite tiring it was also nice to jump into the water as it was so hot. The high ropes were invigorating as I achieved lots of climbs and I started out by saying I wasn’t going to do anything but I ended up experiencing it all.

Theo Oren (aged 14)

“I loved the kayaking because we got to swim and float in the river during the breaks. The cliff jumping was nerve wracking at the start and incredible at the end.”

Abhinav Bole (aged 13)

“One of the most memorable moments was when me and Alice managed to capsize Mr Carter and also when our whole year sang ‘Mystical Magical’ in the karaoke.”

Effie Thomson (aged 13)

“The highlight was the kayaking as me and my partner cruised down the river bellowing songs at the top of our lungs followed by a night spent sleeping under the stars.”

Elizabeth Diggle (aged 13)

Leavers’ Programme

“I loved the Leavers’ Programme, especially the treasure hunt around Cambridge as it meant we could walk around town with our friends and search for objects and places.”

Zain Sheikh (aged 13)

“The Leavers’ Programme has been so fun and packed with different activities. I especially enjoyed the trip to London Zoo, as well as performing under the willow tree for our Shakespeare plays.”

Cicely McDonnell (aged 13)

“I loved the African Drumming day as the leader was so fun and made it memorable.”

Alice Manning (aged 12)

“I loved seeing the cute penguins diving into the water and zipping around during our trip to London Zoo.”

Sam Tagger (aged 13)

I will never forget my time at St John’s as it has been the best nine years of my life and I have made some lifelong friendships. All of the teachers and pupils have always been so kind to me and I know I will miss everyone so much but will come back and visit.

Philippa Bishop (aged 12)

I loved the Animal Encounters experience and the trip to London Zoo. I enjoyed both of these because I love animals and we got to hold and pet exotic animals and some that we had never seen before. We also learnt so much about their habitats, whether they were endangered, and their food.

Basak Dogan (aged 13)

“I really liked our time at Box End Water Park as I loved all the inflatables and the paddle boarding.”

Henry Skillings (aged 13)

“I will always remember the great sense of community, friendships and kindness in the school. All the teachers are so helpful and want you to do your best.”

Basak

Dogan (aged 13)

“I will always remember my St John’s friends and the joy and happiness I have felt at this school.”

Libby Dunton (aged 13)

“I loved the Scavenger Hunt around Cambridge as we got to visit so many places and use clues to help us.”

Claudia Mudkavi (aged 12)

“I really enjoyed the Tennis Tournament because I won the solo and the doubles which I was proud of. It was great playing against so many different people.”

Harrison Cathcart (aged 13)

I loved learning some self‑defence because it was interesting and felt really useful as it taught me practical moves and gave me more confidence if I ever need to protect myself. The trip to the water park was brilliant because it was so hot we could just relax in the water. On the inflatables we kept tackling each other and falling in, which made everyone laugh. Of course it became boys versus girls, so it was extra competitive and great fun at the same time.

Libby Dunton (aged 13)

“The Water Park was refreshing as it was such a hot day! It was also fun as we played a big game of tag on the inflatables.”

Archie Formston (aged 13)

“The Leavers’ Programme was a really fun and memorable way to end our time at St John’s with the whole year group experiencing it together.”

Arthur Griffiths (aged 13)

Sixth Form Leavers’ Destination Schools

Bedford

Harrison Cathcart

Archie Formston

Bishop’s Stortford College

Philippa Bishop

Chetham’s School of Music

Amelia Crichton Stuart

Gresham’s

Alice Allpress

Harrow

Nicholas Garcia

Hereford Cathedral School

Emmanuel Mba

Keswick

Tom Bennington

King’s School, Ely

Martha Logan

Sophia Sun

Sam Tagger

Effie Thomson

Oundle

Elizabeth Diggle

Alice Inglis

George Morbey

Davi Saibrosa

Henry Skillings

Zain Sheikh

Radley

Henry Bessemer Clark

St David’s College

Finnbar MacSwiney

St Mary’s

Cindy Di

Claudia Mudkavi

Stephen Perse Foundation

James Blazeby

Abhinav Bole

Magnus Cleevely

Toby Fairley

Mateo Fairén Gallego

Arthur Griffiths

Lena Knowles

Alice Labruyère

Maxwell Mansfield

Florence Wicks

The Leys

Aline Halban Taylor

Archie Lindsay Clark

Alice Manning

Cicely McDonnell

Sebastian Weller

Perse Upper

Peregrine Brice

Basak Dogan

Perse Upper continued

Libby Dunton

Alexander Holmes

Amir Jambor Sadeghian

Inese Khaled

Kasra Mohaddes

Mattie Newitt

Caspar Parvin Chambers

Lucy Sawtell

Alfie Tucker

Momoka Varian

Eniya Zhang

Trumpington Community College

Theo Oren

Uppingham

Henry Lambert

Sixth Form Leavers’ Scholarships & Awards

The following scholarships and awards were achieved and, in italics, are those the pupil has accepted:

Academic:

Nicholas Garcia (Harrow)

Inese Khaled (Stephen Perse Foundation)

Peregrine Brice (King’s Ely & Stephen Perse Foundation)

Amir Jambor Sadeghian (Stephen Perse Foundation)

Kasra Mohaddes (Stephen Perse Foundation)

Mattie Newitt (Stephen Perse Foundation)

Momoka Varian (Stephen Perse Foundation)

Eniya Zhang (Stephen Perse Foundation)

Art:

Alice Allpress (Gresham’s)

Sophia Sun (King’s Ely)

DET:

Davi Saibrosa (Oundle)

Dance:

Claudia Mudkavi (St Mary’s)

Drama:

Peregrine Brice (Stephen Perse Foundation)

Magnus Cleevely (Stephen Perse Foundation)

Drama:

Aline Halban-Taylor (The Leys)

Arthur Griffiths (King’s Ely & Stephen Perse Foundation)

Claudia Mudkavi (St Mary’s)

Music:

Magnus Cleevely (Stephen Perse Foundation)

Cindy Di (St Mary’s)

Toby Fairley (King’s Ely & Stephen Perse Foundation)

Nicholas Garcia (Harrow)

Emmanuel Mba (King’s Ely)

Henry Skillings (Oundle)

Sport:

Archie Lindsay Clark (Gresham’s)

Emmanuel Mba (King’s Ely)

George Morbey (Oundle)

Lucy Sawtell (The Leys)

Effie Thomson (King’s Ely)

Henry Lambert (Uppingham)

Harrison Cathcart (Bedford)

Head Girl’s Address on Speech Day

For five years I have been under the protection of St John’s, and what a five years it has been! Henry will thank the teaching staff, however there are a few other people without whom the school simply could not function and who I would like to give a special mention to, on behalf of us all here today.

Firstly, I would like to thank the catering department for their excellent variety in foods that has helped both students and teachers prepare for the daily attack on afternoon lessons. From the strawberries and cream at the Sports Day tea to the focaccia in the bread basket which I often find myself subconsciously walking back to, thank you for keeping us well fed.

Secondly, I would like to praise the cleaning staff for keeping the school a beautifully clean and hygienic place for us to learn. I am told that next year the cleaners will be granted emergency permission to tidy Mr Carter’s desk as, in my opinion, this is the messiest place in school!

Next, I would like to thank the maintenance and gardening staff for keeping the school grounds homely and pristine despite the vegetable garden coming under fire from footballs going over Green Court fence and the willow tree slowly losing a branch or two from games of Manhunt at break times. You have saved us from some despicable malfunctions and have provided us with a stage for the Shakespeare plays. Thank you.

Lastly, I would also like to thank the school’s administrative team including the unflappable Catherine, Ruth, Jo May and Emma Ford Barnes. I sometimes hear my parents say that it is like a part time job as they try to keep up with who is doing what club or activity in our family. Imagine coordinating 400 children and their parents, some unwell on this day, others on another, all performing different instruments. You reunited us with our homework and PE kits when we forgot them at home, you rearranged our music lessons, you found a late space for us in Waiters and you called our parents to check we got home. Thank you.

Albert Einstein said that, “Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything learnt in school.” As I leave St John’s and move onto a new chapter in my life, much of the wonderful knowledge learnt in lessons will inevitably fade. But memories, memories will grow fonder.

I have loved buddying younger students, trying to beat Miss Yip at the Mini Crossword, and the funny times we had in Python Programming club. I will also remember my first chicken leg dissection with Mr Thompson, which was the very last lesson on a Tuesday. Little did I know a few hours later a rather similar chicken leg was placed on my dinner plate next to some lovely green beans.

Another fond memory was in the airport on the way back from the Ardèche watching some of the boys in my travel group learn that you are not allowed to take Lynx Africa through security. Then subsequently learning that to use the can up you really did have to spray a lot of people. Which may or may not have included some less willing contributors including me, my friends, our teacher and the people upwind of us in the queue.

On the sports pitches, I am particularly proud of our rare victory over the Perse but, much more than winning, I will take away the team spirit we shared in all our games. Spare a thought for the minibus driver who had to endure the spirited U13 Girls’ hockey team sing Unwritten all the way home from a match after finding out that it was Miss Feely’s favourite.

This Summer term has been a magical ending to our years at St John’s – the Ardèche days were so hot we floated down the river rather than canoed and met the furry caterpillars that seem to get everywhere.

We know that we will encounter many challenging moments after we leave the protection of St John’s, but they are moments for which we have been well prepared. Thank you Mr Chippington,for your leadership of this very special school over the last decade and your part in preparing us.

I am excited for the future and being able to build on what St John’s College School has taught me. But as I start on this next chapter I will take with me the words of the Beaufort family motto, Souvent me souvient: I will remember you often.

Mattie Newitt (aged 13)

I remember sitting here in the audience a few years ago, thinking this was probably the most boring part of the whole year, so I’ll try to keep it brief…..wink wink. And now, standing here, it’s the only thing I can think about and I am most definitely not bored. Quite the opposite! It is now that I can properly reflect on our time here at St John’s, on how much we’ve grown and the kind of people we’ve become. The maturity, the responsibility, the humour — it’s honestly impressive. And we should all take a moment to recognise this achievement in ourselves as individuals and in each other. And we have become probably the best Form 6 in the history of this school.

Since joining T2, I’ve made a myriad of memories over my seven years at this school. That’s over half my life, and the half I’ve enjoyed the most. I’d like to give a massive thank you to all the teachers and teaching assistants. You’ve worked your socks off, not just to help us learn, but to help us grow, to keep us be motivated, to notice when we were struggling, and to always bring out the best in us. You’ve challenged us when we needed challenging, encouraged us when we doubted ourselves, and celebrated with us when we have succeeded. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better set of teachers.

There are so many paths you can choose to follow at St John’s — whether it’s academic subjects like Maths and English, or Sport, Music, Drama, or something else entirely. What makes this school so special is that whatever direction you take, the teachers are right there behind you, ready to support you to the fullest. They believe in what you can achieve — sometimes before you believe it yourself. There really is no limit to what’s possible, as long as you’re willing to put the work in.

When moving up to Senior House in Form 3, we were met with the wonderful buddy system, which really helped us find our way around and settle in. Leaving the familiar world of Byron House and stepping into something totally new can feel entirely daunting, but the school has this completely sorted. Senior House has been a welcoming, supportive, and kind environment that makes the change feel exciting instead of scary. It’s one of the many ways St John’s quietly looks after you, and it makes all the difference.

The school plays have always been one of the highlights of the year, but I’ll never forget the day we were putting on Cinderella in Form 3, or more accurately, a couple of hours before the dress rehearsal for the younger years, when I somehow managed to end up in hospital. Not exactly the dramatic role I was hoping for! One moment I was thinking about jacket potatoes, and the next I was being told I couldn’t go on stage that afternoon because I’d been knocked out and needed to be checked for concussion. What stood out most, though, wasn’t just how quickly plans changed, but how everyone stepped in, calmly, kindly, and without fuss. Lines were covered, scenes were adapted, and the play still went ahead with only minor hiccups. I was disappointed to miss it, of course, but I was incredibly proud of my friends who put in an amazing effort to carry the play forward. That day showed me what real support looks like.

I know that all of us Leavers have different strengths and interests but for me, sport here at John’s will always play a huge part in my memories of SJCS. I’ll never forget standing on the bitterly cold Oundle pitch having just played our final rugby match in Form 6, watching the sunset over the trees. But for me it’s not just been rugby. It’s cricket on the field, athletics at

Head Boy’s Address on Speech Day

Wilberforce Road, rowing, swimming galas, football matches, and even cross country in the rain. Sport at St John’s has given us so much more than exercise. It has taught us the values of teamwork, leadership, determination and passion. So, to the entire Sports Department, I would like to say a huge thank you for the coaching, the encouragement, the patience and for pushing us to be our best, even when we didn’t think we had anything left to give. You were always there to lift us.

As we get ready to leave St John’s, there’s a real mix of emotions: excitement and uncertainty, pride, and sadness too. For many of us, this school has been our brilliant home for such a long time, and leaving it feels a bit like stepping off a very familiar road and into the unknown. But thanks to everything we’ve experienced here, the people we’ve met, the friends we’ve made, the lessons we’ve been taught, and the values we’ve grown up with. I know we’re ready. We’re leaving not just, each and every one of us, having reached our academic potential, but with an ingrained understanding of kindness, confidence, curiosity, and courage. So to everyone who’s been part of our journey thank you. We’ll carry St John’s with us, wherever we go.

And finally, to the next Head Boy and Head Girl, good luck. You will be stepping into a role that is full of opportunities, surprises, and moments you will never forget. Enjoy it, make it your own, and always know that the school community is right behind you. I know you’ll do a brilliant job. And in the words of A.A. Milne: “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

Thank you, St John’s. We are very, very fortunate to have known you. And remember – Once St John’s, always St John’s. Henry Lambert (aged 13)

Artwork Credits

Front cover: Eiji Varian (aged 11)

Back cover: Poppy Slater (aged 12)

Design Technology pages:

44 Magnus Moore, Bryony MacLeod-Jones & Blake Li (all aged 11)

45 Kathryn Hornbuckle & Beatrice Chowdhury (both aged 10)

46 Oscar Thomson (aged 11), Crispin Sinclair (aged 9) & Form 1 Shadow Puppets

47 Henry Ali, Wulfstan Aeberhard & Jing Jin (all aged 10)

49 Mateo Fairén-Gallego & Eniya Zhang (both aged 13)

Art pages:

84 Maxwell Mansfield, Lena Knowles & Basak Dogan (all aged 13)

85 Samantha Platings (aged 11) & Theo Singh (aged 10)

86 Zebbie Halban-Taylor, Heyan Patel & Arjen Singh (all aged 11)

87 Lanark Hamilton (aged 9)

88 Sam Thomson (aged 9), Maria Ferrari, Laila Khaled & Cordelia de Graaf-Rose (all aged 10)

89 Grace Kilsby, Cassidy Murray & Jing Jin (all aged 10)

Inspiration pages:

90 Sophia Sun (aged 14)

91 Max Crosbie & Maya Drokov (both aged 11)

92 Lily Brereton & Jean-Francois Gobbato (both aged 8) & Mary Sutcliffe (aged 12)

93 Archie Formston (aged 13) & Sophia Sun (aged 14)

94 Alice Inglis, Peregrine Brice, Toby Fairley & Alice Labruyère (all aged 13)

96 Antony Aldred (aged 11) & Archie Lindsay Clark (aged 13)

97 Alice Allpress & Arthur Griffiths (both aged 13) & Naiara Hayes Fernández (aged 11)

98 George Morbey (aged 13) & T2W

99 Peregrine Brice (aged 13), Walter Mason & Bethany Nixon (both aged 6)

100 Toby Fairley (aged 13), Wulfstan Aeberhard & Blake Li (both aged 10)

101 Babak Mohaddes (aged 11) & Abigail Lock (aged 10)

102 Florence Wicks & Eniya Zhang (both aged 13)

103 Davi Saibrosa (aged 13)

104 Alice Labruyère (aged 13) & Sasha Bautin (aged 10)

105 Alice Allpress (aged 13)

106 Jemima Lucas & Grace Lambert; Tilly Denman, Arthur Cobb & Ari Roshan; Clarissa Pilato, Xavier Ahi-Eggo & Joshua McGrory; Santa Ivaskeviciute (all aged 12)

107 Effie Thomson (aged 13)

108 Bertie Bowes (aged 10)

109 Eiji Varian & Felix van den Bos (both aged 11)

110 Kathryn Hornbuckle, Phoebe Sheffield-Barnes, Oliver Yao, Henry Ali, George Hood & Max Pearce (all aged 10)

111 Eiji Varian (aged 11)

112 Sophia Sun (aged 14)

113 Martha Gritten & Poppy Slater (both aged 12) & Vincent Carvalho (aged 13)

114 Calla Brittain (aged 8)

115 Timothy Liu (aged 8), Daniel Howarth (aged 9) & Alice Labruyère (aged 13)

116 Maria Watson (aged 11) & Wulfstan Aeberhard (aged 10)

117 Sophia Sun (aged 14)

118 Cera Wong (aged 13), Will Plugge & Crispin Sinclair (both aged 9)

120 Alice Inglis (aged 13)

121 Imogen Fairley (aged 10), Blythe Weller, Elliott Hoyland West & Samuel Ji (all aged 11)

122 Cara Brown & Lucas Taylor (both aged 11)

123 Barnaby Hill & Alex Lam (both aged 12)

124 Sophia Sun (aged 14) & Alice Allpress (aged 13)

125 Maria Watson (aged 11)

126 Alice Allpress (aged 13)