Japanese Exchange with Keio
Year 8 Netball Tour to Condover Hall
A word from the Head of 11-18
Stephen Ward
Having been away from school for a while, I have enjoyed catching up with the myriad of different activities, trips, competitions and the like that have been taking place over recent weeks.
It is testament to the huge variety of interests and talents of both students and staff that we can read in this edition of the newsletter about outstanding achievements in Olympiad competitions across Mathematics, the Sciences, Linguistics and Informatics, alongside excellence in Sport (particular congratulations to the U15 Girls’ football team, who will now contest the ISFA Shield National Final), prowess in music, with our Year 7 to Year 10 students performing Soloists' Concerts and much more besides.
With our Year 13 and Year 11 students heading off on study leave not long after the start of next term, it is the time of year when our current student leadership team from those year groups hands over the reins to the incoming team, selected from our current Year 12 and Year 10 students. I have been extremely impressed with the incredibly strong field of applicants for these important roles and it has been a very difficult task to make the final selections, but I know that the team, led by our new Heads of School Phoebe C and Conor G, will do a superb job over the coming 12 months.
It is also heartening to see Year 12 already engaging so impressively with the opportunities available to them as they prepare to take up the mantle from Year 13 – whose university application outcomes this year - including, but not limited to Oxbridge - have been truly outstanding. The recent Careers and University Event exemplified this, offering a rich variety of talks and interactions with universities and professionals, including alumni and parents, designed to broaden horizons and deepen understanding of the many pathways ahead. We are fortunate to have such a well-supported and well-informed programme to help students in navigating these exciting choices.
Stephen Ward Head of 11-18
Stephen Ward
Latest news
Year 12 Physics Trip
Year 12 physicists enjoyed the opportunity to visit Emmanuel College, Cambridge and the Cavendish Labs in February. They found out about life at University, investigated circular motion and used university equipment to measure a value of local gravity.
The Stephen Perse Knitwits
The Stephen Perse Knitwits have been creating a range of wonderful things, but particularly have been focusing on making hats for babies at the Rosie Hospital.
They use a traffic light system of red, amber, or green hats to immediately identify the health of the newborns and level of care needed. This has led to a reduction in neonatal ICU admissions, so it is a great local cause to be supporting with students’ creative endeavours!
Seeking Governors: Stephen Perse Foundation
Stephen Perse Foundation is partnering with Nurole, the leading board-level search specialist, to find new Governors. You can find out more and apply here. To arrange an informal conversation or in case of any other queries, please contact huching.mao@nurole.com
Year 7 to Year 10 Soloists Concerts
Students in Years 7 - 10 have had the opportunity to take part in Soloists’ Concerts in recent weeks, and in total over 40 students have performed to appreciative audiences of their parents, friends and teachers. A wide range of instruments and styles of music have been played or sung, and it has been delightful to listen to students performing in their very first school concert, as well as continuing to hear the development of our more seasoned performers.
Year 12 Music Scholars Trip to Steinway Hall and Wigmore Hall
On 20 January, a group of Year 12 A Level Music students and Music Scholars visited Steinway Hall and Wigmore Hall in London. At Steinway Hall, students were given a tour of the piano showrooms and workshops, and some students participated in a masterclass with Martin Roscoe, one of the country’s leading pianists.
Another group of students visited Wigmore Hall and watched an exciting concert by the Juilliard String Quartet.
Year 10 Geography Trip: CB1 Fieldwork and Regeneration Evaluation
The Year 10 Geography students visited CB1 in March to survey the differences between the regenerated and non-regenerated areas. The theory says that regeneration should have improved the local area’s environment. But real life has a tendency to make a mockery of theory so it is important to carry out a number of different methods to comprehensively test it. Through conducting environmental quality surveys alongside photo analysis and, of course, the dreaded questionnaires, the students will make their own minds up about whether or not the environment has actually changed for the better.
Year 9 Drama and Theatre Production of ‘Pieces of Mind’
By kind permission of YouthPlays
For our Year 9 Production Director Mrs Deborah Foote chose ‘Pieces of Mind’, a collection of one act plays, all of which focused on the complex theme of teenage mental health. The collection was originally commissioned through a programme called Mind Matters which brought together playwrights, theatre educators and young people; each play explores a different topic in a creative and sometimes surprisingly humorous way, offering a teenage perspective on some of the very real and often quite serious anxieties and pressures that they face in the modern world. Our production featured one additional script written by cast member Amina T. The audience were introduced to depressed superheroes struggling to get out of bed, runaway phones, giant spiders and a whole host of thought provoking metaphors for mental health issues, such as the feeling that you are stuck at the bottom of a deep well or surrounded by a flock of ever-circling birds. The audience were invited to consider and empathise with recurring themes such as the anxieties teenagers experience surrounding ‘fitting in’ or living up to the expectations of other people. The fabulous and talented cast of performers were supported behind the scenes by an experienced team of Year 10-13 theatre technicians, led by Mrs Charlotte Cooper and Miss Olive Seidler. Props, costumes and spider animations were created by Year 9 backstage students and Year 12 and Year 13 Theatre Backstage Enrichment students.
Junior Classical Reading Competition
By Year 10 student, Alec L
The Junior Classical Reading Competition, held on the 5 March at The Leys School, was a resounding success.
Competing against other local schools from Cambridgeshire, students from Year 7 to Year 10 orated their passages spectacularly, not only winning two of the three categories, in addition to receiving two highly commended awards, but also fostering a spirit of togetherness between the year groups as they encouraged one another to do their best.
It was also wonderful to see the love for Classics demonstrated by all of the students attending the competition, and we hope that they will continue to further this as they progress through the school.
Additionally, it was fabulous to witness how students were able to appreciate Latin and Ancient Greek as languages rather than simply codes, a skill which then also earned them special commendation on behalf of the Classical Association from one of the judges, Dr Rosanna Omitowoju, who works at the University of Cambridge.
Finally, I would like to sincerely thank all of the teachers involved in the competition and in preparing the students, as without them, this success would never have been possible.
Therefore, I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks, first and foremost, to Mrs Jones for creating amazing resources for the students to learn from and for always providing invaluable tutoring, as well as Mr Audis, Dr Cresswell, and, last but not least, Miss Whitelaw, for their unwavering support and encouragement.
It was also wonderful to see the love for Classics demonstrated by all of the students attending the competition.
Year 10 Holocaust Memorial Day
By
Year 10 student, Dylan C
On Monday, 3 February, Year 10 had an off-timetable day of lectures and talks to learn more about the Holocaust. This year was particularly significant as Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
The Holocaust was the genocide perpetrated by the Nazis, headed by Adolf Hitler, where they systemically murdered over six million Jews across Europe, primarily through the use of ghettos and extermination camps. On January 27, 1945, the Red Army (USSR) troops liberated the largest and most notorious concentration camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau. They were shocked by the sheer scale of the Nazis’ crimes against Jews, disabled people, and other Untermenschen they had sought to eliminate from Adolf Hitler’s plan for a Unified German Reich. Such people were sent to purpose-built killing centres called death camps, to be worked into the grave, or killed by SS troops if they were considered physically or mentally unfit. When the troops liberated Auschwitz, only a few thousand prisoners remained as most of the surviving prisoners had been taken away on death marches. Soviet soldiers found the corpses of about 600 prisoners who had been shot by the withdrawing SS or who had succumbed to exhaustion. Seven tonnes of human hair were also found.
The first session was a series of three informative lectures conducted by the Heads of Geography, History, and Religious Studies to explain the geographical, historical and religious context of the Holocaust. Among the topics discussed was the Final Solution, the Nazis’ plan to systematically eliminate the Jewish population across the European continent, which led to the establishment of extermination camps in German-occupied territories.
Afterwards, the School was fortunate enough once again to welcome Eva Clarke to tell the incredible story of her and her mother’s survival of the Holocaust. Eva began her talk by describing her mother and father’s imprisonment in the Theresienstadt ghetto in German-controlled Czechoslovakia, and finished with her miraculous birth on a coal truck outside the Mauthausen concentration camp.
Eva then took questions from students on a range of topics, from the rise of the far-right and Holocaust denial to her life in England as a survivor speaker of the Holocaust. Eva stressed the importance of education, especially as at the 80-year mark, many of the survivors of the Holocaust have passed away, so it is vitally important that the future generations are informed about her story, and the testimonies of other survivors. The story of Eva’s mother is immortalised in a book titled Born Survivors by Wendy Holden.
The penultimate session was on the Reserve Police Battalion 101, led by Major Wilhelm Trapp. They were a group of ordinary soldiers who were ordered to conduct an ‘Aktion’ in a ghetto called Jozefow. It is estimated that 1,500 Jews were murdered in one night in July 1942 by the Battalion. We were asked to debate what motivated ordinary men to carry out such hideous crimes. Finally, there was an ethics discussion, asking questions about whether all Nazis must be equally blamed for their involvement in the genocide, or whether some were just following orders given to them.
The School was fortunate enough once again to welcome Eva Clarke to tell the incredible story of her and her mother’s survival of the Holocaust.
Big History Day
By Noah F, Phoebe C, Emily W, Conor G, Lewis F and Daisy B
It was 10am on a Saturday morning and the hall was abuzz with visitors from Cambridgeshire and the surrounding area. Students from Saffron Walden County High and Hills Road, not to mention teachers from Royston and Newport all gathered to hear from three famous historians invited to share their expertise by the local branch of the Cambridge Historical Association and Stephen Perse Cambridge in partnership.
1483
By Year 12 students, Phoebe and Conor
The first talk of the day could not have started the Big History Day any better. Nathen Amin delivered a fascinating insight into the year of 1483 in incredible detail. A witty and engaging speaker, he chronologically explained the accounts of this year, focusing on Richard III’s rise to power, whilst weaving in other interesting stories. With plots, betrayal and violence, in Nathen’s words 1483 was one of the most, if not the most, significant year in shaping British history. He concluded the talk by hinting at the rise of the first Tudor, Henry - but that was for another talk, about another year.
Russia
By Year 12 student, Lewis F
The next talk, delivered by Professor Christopher Read, focused on the often overlooked aspect of culture and propaganda in the early years of the Soviet Union under Lenin. It was truly impressive to see the level of detail that Professor Reed went into, highlighting all methods of Soviet propaganda from the most basic ‘mobile propaganda units’ to overly complex structures that ultimately never come to fruition. What truly stood out to me was the extent to which the Soviets tried to coerce their people to
accept their ideology through nonviolent means. In a regime otherwise commonly characterised by violence and totalitarianism, this came as a particular shock to me and made me reconsider my understanding of the Soviet Union as a whole.
Katja Hoyer
By Year 12 student, Noah F
After a talk on Lenin’s Russia, Katja Hoyer took the stage. Her recent book, ‘Beyond the Wall’ an international best seller, on the history of East Germany has been widely acclaimed for its revisionist interpretation of the period. What really spoke to me personally was her passion for the topic she spoke about as well as the information that she provided. The efforts that East Germany went to in order to create a relatively positive standard of living was astounding to me, whether that be investing millions into Vietnam in order to foster a coffee industry or importing one million Levi’s denim jeans. Ultimately, the talk left everyone with a profound new understanding of East German history.
Huge thanks to all the History Department who have put in long hours to organise this for all students in Cambridgeshire and Essex together with members of the Cambridge Historical Association, most notably Sean Lang.
Japanese Exchange with Keio: From School Days to Sightseeing
By Frau Freeman & Mme Webster
Our four Keio scholars took part in the return leg of the Japanese Exchange over February half term, spending several days going to Japanese school and lessons, alongside a variety of excursions and fabulous experiences.
From Year 10, Campbell, Kay and Thibault, along with Ash from Year 13, delivered introductory presentations in Japanese to the exchange school’s staff room as well as participating in many activities. The very first activity was a tour of the school and a chance to admire its beautiful view of the snow-capped Mount Fuji. Our students had a chance to try out Japanese calligraphy, experience their exchange partners’ lessons, such as Maths, history and geography, as well as developing their Japanese conversational skills.
The first school day involved a tea ceremony with our students dressed in yukata, traditional dress. They enjoyed learning about the official procedures in such a ceremony and afterwards had a chance to make their own matcha tea with traditional materials. This certainly helped with the nine hour jet lag!
Matcha tea continued into the following day when the group went to Kamakura and more specifically to the Hokokuji temple and its bamboo forest. They had front row seats to the bamboo forest, were served with a cup of freshly made matcha tea with some small sweet treats, to sweeten the tea.
Walking through Kamakura in the winter sun and towards the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine, we were lucky enough to experience a Shinto wedding ceremony taking place.
Soon after we walked down Komachi Street, full of street food and souvenir shops. Plenty of time to
peruse the wares! We had already enjoyed a delicious meal with local specialities, such as shirasu, and unagi - Japanese eel.
Another highlight was a joint day trip with their partners to Asakusa, older Tokyo, with the Sensō-ji temple. We checked out our fortunes (omikuji) with the fortune-teller. Not all of them were positive - so the negatives were firmly tied onto the thin metal bars outside the temple. All our fortunes turned for the better - as we had a hands-on okonomiyaki session in a local restaurant, which was both educational and delicious! This was quickly followed by a painting session with small kimekomi boxes out of Paulownia wood at Hakochō. Finally we walked over to the Tokyo Sky Tree, which is 643 metres high. We ascended it in no time at all reaching the 450 metres high gallery. The views of Tokyo and the mountains on the horizon were breathtaking. We all felt a wobble - was it the wind swaying the tower or our jet-lag?
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Departure day came much too fast and there were tears at the airport. Close friendships had been forged between the families in the UK and Japan with the promise that these connections would stay for many years to come. The students came to the conclusion that through the exchange they had learned so much more about their partners’ day-to-day lives than any trip could offer. Having the locals showing you round, telling you about their traditions and ways of life, was so special and unique. The students found they had many things in common and many were planning to return one day.
Year 10 student Campbell said: “This exchange was a truly life changing experience and an incredible honour to be able to participate. This exchange allowed me to witness brand new aspects of Japanese culture I could have never imagined and gave me experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. Getting to experience school life was fascinating and spending an evening on the black sand beach of Enoshima was magical.”
Year 13 student Ash said: “The exchange was a completely new experience for me. I was a bit nervous being so far from home but in the end I enjoyed myself enough to forget about my worries. Not only did we get to experience life in school, but we also got to spend time being a tourist and having fun. My favourite part of this trip was definitely spending the afternoon on the beach of Enoshima with all the other exchange students. In the end, we all left with not only better language skills, but also lifelong friends and memories.”
Year 10 student Thibault said: “The Japanese exchange was an unbelievable opportunity. From learning about their culture, trying new foods, speaking
Japanese and meeting new people. Every aspect of the trip was amazing, even the long train journeys. Showing them around Cambridge was also a great memory knowing they experienced it with me. Finally I’ve made a friend for life and will look forward to meeting them again in the future.”
Year 10 student Kay said: “My favourite part of the exchange programme was when our exchange partners took us to a beach near Enoshima during sunset. There, I was able to take many beautiful pictures of Mt. Fuji and set off fireworks at night. We did a lot of sightseeing in Tokyo, as well as Kamakura and it was a really nice experience. I enjoyed taking classes in Japan as I was able to meet new people and get more insight on the culture there. By going on this exchange, I was able to make a lot of new friends and I made memories that I know will last a lifetime.”
Interested in learning Japanese?
Mrs Browning has started the next cohort of students with the Japanese after-school course every Thursday. This is aimed at any Year 9 & Year 11 students who would be interested in taking part in Keio 2026. Students from other year groups are more than welcome to attend - only enthusiasm for learning Japanese is required!
The experience of immersing myself in French culture and developing my language skills was invaluable."
Students' Immersive French Adventure in Nice
By Sandrine Parente, Head of French
Fifteen students and two members of staff, Mme Parente and Mr Wigington, embarked on a cultural and linguistic trip to Nice for five days during February half-term. Nice, the capital of the French Riviera, was the perfect place for our students to practise their language skills and immerse themselves into the French culture in a relaxed atmosphere due to its Mediterranean climate and Italian influences.
Our students enjoyed visiting the old city of Nice and strolling along the famous Promenade des Anglais. This famous street is always adorned with blooming flowers and offers a wonderful view of the Baie des Anges and the coastal beaches. Students had the opportunity to watch the breathtaking and unforgettable Nice Carnival. They were part of the famous ‘Bataille des fleurs’, the parade of the floats decorated with flowers such as roses and mimosas. They plunged into the theme of ‘King of the Oceans’ which was an exceptional experience of the depths of the sea, where mermaids, mythical creatures, flamboyant corals and marine conservation were celebrated.
Students had the opportunity to visit the city of Cannes, its old and picturesque city Le Suquet, a world away from the glamour of the city’s beaches, boutiques and film festival. The highlight was Monaco and its stunning views, luxurious lifestyle, the Prince’s Palace and the world-famous Oceanographic Museum with its Sea Turtle Odyssey.
Another exciting town to visit was Antibes and the glass factory in Biot which invented bubble glass. The day was so beautiful in Antibes that we all stopped to have a pancake or a waffle or an ice cream just before lunch!
Every morning, in a language school, our Year 10 and Year 12 students had tailor-made lessons. They developed and practised their speaking skills with
native speakers mainly throughout the week and discussed a range of topics. Often, the lessons introduced cultural elements about the sites we were about to visit. This was really helpful for our students as it developed their understanding of French culture.
In the evenings, students stayed in a French host family accommodation to have an immersive experience. They got a sense of belonging by becoming part of a local family, they experienced authentic local life and improved their French language skills. Students learnt to manage their time, navigate by themselves in the unfamiliar city of Nice, organised themselves and learnt how to be responsible. It was an enriching experience all round!
One Year 12 student said: “I had an incredible time on the Nice trip because the experience of immersing myself in French culture and developing my language skills was invaluable. The five days in the south of France gave me the chance to meet new, interesting people, as well as trying some amazing French food. With the French language lesson each morning, I found myself learning more about specific phrases and new vocabulary, which I put to use when I returned to my host family at the end of the day. In addition to the morning lessons, trips to Cannes, Antibes and Monaco were certainly highlights of the week. Of course, the art, beaches and landscapes did not disappoint! Thank you so much.”
A Year 10 student said: “The host family were very welcoming and were happy to speak slowly enough to understand them. The lessons at the language school were helpful and they have made me feel more comfortable in my French speaking. Our trips to other cities on the south coast were also very good, especially our trip to Monaco. I would recommend the trip to anyone looking to improve their communication skills whilst enjoying French culture.”
Olympiad Success
UK Linguistics Olympiad
We recently received the news that our Sixth Form students who participated in the first round of the Advanced Level Linguistics Olympiad succeeded in being awarded three Golds, three Bronzes and three Certificates of Participation. This is fabulous news and unprecedented in our recent UKLO entries.
The three students with the Gold Awards have been invited to participate in Round Two and we wish them all the very best with the next set of challenges!
Name Year Award
Raye K Year 12 Gold
George D Year 13 Gold
Alfie C Year 12 Gold
Eric F Year 12 Bronze
Rohan A Year 13 Bronze
Clara B Year 12 Bronze
Ollie J Year 13 Participation
Dorrian T Year 13 Participation
Lewis F Year 12 Participation
The Linguistics Olympiad is a blend of code-breaking skills alongside linguistic aptitude with a massive dollop of perseverance and critical thinking. Students this year had to contend with challenges involving describing colours across many languages (Bassa,
Bété, Ejagham, Karajá, Matsés, Apinaye, Tsafiki, Seri, Guambiano, Teribe, Tlapanec, Yakan, Amuzgo, Hebrew), as well as logic puzzles for proto-Basque, SENĆOŦEN, Cherokee and Egyptian. Lesser known languages were certainly on the menu du jour and moreover one of UKLO’s desires is to keep endangered languages alive.
We are awaiting the Intermediate Level results for Livia B, Sara G, Saskia S-H and William C. These will be nationally released shortly. Their challenges involved Icelandic and Armenian.
A massive congratulations to all involved! These were complex problems which the students threw themselves into. One of the best quotes from UKLO’s website and the motto to propel our students forward will surely be: the more you do, the better you get!
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Physics Olympiads
Our students have achieved remarkable success in the British Physics Olympiad Round 2 and the British Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad (BAAO) Round 2.
In the British Physics Olympiad Round 2, George D demonstrated exceptional proficiency, earning a Gold award and placing him among the top 33 students nationally who tackled this highly challenging paper. Rohan A achieved a very commendable Silver award.
In the British Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad (BAAO) Round 2, George D continued his outstanding performance, attaining a Gold award and ranking within the top 17 students nationally. His achievement has earned him an invitation to the prestigious BAAO national team selection camp in Oxford this Easter. Rohan A also excelled, achieving a Bronze award and placing within the top 83 students nationally.
Both George and Rohan, Year 13 students, performed exceptionally well to reach this advanced stage of these highly regarded national science competitions.
Biology Olympiad
February saw our students excel in the prestigious Biology Olympiad, achieving outstanding results. Year 13 students Charlie S and Emma B earned coveted Gold awards, qualifying them for the highly competitive selection round for the British team at the International Biology Olympiad. In this rigorous stage, they will analyse and interpret a scientific paper, demonstrating their advanced understanding of biological concepts. We extend our best wishes to Charlie and Emma as they pursue this remarkable opportunity.
Further demonstrating the strength of our biology students, Year 13 students Etta SB-B and Manuela J achieved Silver awards. Notably, Year 12 students Amelia R, Dillon F, and Dylan McG also garnered Silver awards, an exceptional accomplishment given the competition's focus on Year 13 level content.
Maths Olympiad
Congratulations to Kseniia S (Year 11), Rohan A (Year 13), and George D (Year 13) for their outstanding performance in the Maths Olympiad Round 1! All three students earned a Distinction award, with Rohan A achieving the top score in our school.
British Informatics Olympiad
Students recently participated in the challenging British Informatics Olympiad, a competition that demands advanced programming skills to solve complex problems. We eagerly await the official results. In separate news, we are delighted to announce that Kseniia (Year 11) has been invited to the selection round for the European Girls' Olympiad in Informatics. This is a significant achievement and we wish her the best of luck.
The UK Chemistry Olympiad
The UK Chemistry Olympiad presented students with a stimulating and demanding paper this year, featuring a diverse range of questions. Topics spanned the energetics of explosives used in clay pigeon shooting cartridges, the chemistry of epoxides and resin formation, and the synthetic pathway of agarwood's distinctive aroma.
The paper, designed for Year 13 students, saw exceptional performance from our participants. Three students achieved Gold awards. Notably, two Year 12 students narrowly missed Gold by a single mark, demonstrating their impressive aptitude. In total, our students earned 3 Gold, 6 Silver, and 2 Bronze awards.
Special recognition goes to George D and Rohan A, whose Gold awards placed them in the top 27 and 36, respectively, out of 16,200 entries. George D has been invited to the UK team selection camp at the University of Nottingham for the 2025 International Chemistry Olympiad. Rohan A narrowly missed an invitation by a few places, a testament to the highly competitive nature of this stage.
FamilyNightQuiz GUILD GIVING DAY
WEDNESDAY 30 APRIL 2025
Doors open from 6:30pm, Quiz from 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Rosedale House Dining Room (entrance via 5 Brookside)
You are warmly invited to join us for a fun Family Charity Quiz Night as part of the Guild Giving Day activities raising funds for the Stephen Perse Guild Opportunities Fund.
Team sizes: up to six in a team, or you can elect to sign up and be added to a collective team.
Refreshments: many thanks to Holroyd Howe, for providing drinks and canapés.
Entry Fee
There is no entry fee for the Quiz, but we are asking everyone to make a gift according to their means to the Guild Opportunities Fund via the Giving Day website from 8:00am on Wednesday 30 April until 8pm on Thursday 1 May.
BOOK HERE
Art Department Update
Students exhibit Artwork at Kettle’s Yard
The Exhibition ’Paint What Matters’ showcased work from schools in Cambridge and had an opening celebration on 26 February at Kettle’s Yard. The Visual Arts staff and students attended the opening evening.
The following students represented different year groups and styles of Art being created here at Stephen Perse Cambridge.
Still Life, Year 7, Ava G
Still Life, Year 7, Genevieve M-S
Still Life, Year 7, Sophia R
My City, Year 8, Bronte M
My City, Year 8, Sophie S
Natural World, Year 10, Layla S
Natural World, Year 10, Lindy C
Identity, Year 11, Hanna W
The Environment, Year 11, Elin B
Year 12 and 13 A Level Art and Textiles trip to London
By Year 12 student, Amelia H
The Tate Modern showcases contemporary artworks that are often conceptual, engaging multiple senses such as sound alongside their visual appeal. Many of these pieces have been created in recent years, reflecting modern artistic trends. In contrast, the Courtauld Institute features historical and classical artworks, spanning from the medieval period, offering a glimpse into the rich artistic heritage of the past.
At the Tate Modern I personally responded to Untitled (A Map of the British Empire in America), 2021 by Firelei Báez the most because I found that the large scale caught my attention. I found the way that Báez captured the effect of the water very interesting and the large vibrant natural forms resonated with the final piece I have created. The painting has inspired me to experiment with different techniques in order to enhance my exploration of contrasting texture. I really enjoy the vibrant contrasting colours as they make the painting powerful and memorable.
At the Courtauld I responded to Vase of Flowers, 1881 by Claude Monet because the floral still life resonates
with my exploration of natural forms within the project of Transformations. I found his use of thick paint very interesting in creating texture to convey the effect of the petals which is something I have been learning to experiment with.
I found the trip extremely beneficial as it was fascinating to see artwork first hand after creating my own so far in the A Level course. By viewing artworks in real life I was able to gain a better understanding and appreciation of the different techniques that artists use in terms of creating texture and how scale plays an important role in the presentation of a piece. I really enjoyed creating sketches directly from the original artwork as I was able to study each piece in a great amount of detail. It was also very useful being able to see information next to each piece as it provided me with a deeper understanding of the concept of the artwork and the artist's intentions. It would have inspired Year 13 who had just received their exam title ’Union’.
Year 11 Art/ Textiles/ 3D Design GCSE Trip to London
A trip for Art, Textiles and 3D Design Year 11 GCSE students was planned to coincide with the release of the GCSE Art and Design exam paper. The theme this year is ‘Gathering’ and so to inspire students to consider what this meant to them and inspire their exam project, students were able to visit two contrasting museums in London, The Moco Museum in Marble Arch, a new gallery in London highlighting well known contemporary artworks by Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Yayoi Kusama, Banksy, Damien Hirst, KAWS, Jeff Koons, Marina Abramović and the more traditional V&A showcasing the Decorative Arts from a variety of cultures and historical periods. It was a good opportunity to record observations firsthand through photography and drawing and this was collated onto a double page of sketchbooks.
As the trip coincided with the Japanese exchange programme it was a pleasure to be able to take the Japanese exchange students and staff on this trip.
Year 12 and Year 13 Figure and Life Drawing Workshops
Year 12 and Year 13 were given the opportunity to have a day workshop exploring figure drawing. It was a wonderful creative day where Year 12 and 13 were able to work together in the Sixth Form studio in the VAC.
The sessions were led by local artist Clio Lloyd-Jacob and we are grateful for her continued association with the school. After school students were able to select if they wished to continue into a life drawing session using a model.
Year 13 Visit the Curwen Print Studios
Each December Year 13 students are fortunate to be able to attend Print workshops at the Curwen Print Studios near Haverhill, funded by Stephen Perse Cambridge and The Alper Trust. This year Frank, Emilea and Lola attended in the first week of the Christmas holiday.
Year 13 student Emilea said: “We learnt letter press and created various designs with text overlapping letters and symbols to suggest different shapes and faces. We also used the printing presses and experimented with drypoint etching. Personally I found drypoint etching the most interesting technique as I could create a lot of depth and atmosphere with the black ink and etching plate. With the printing presses there were two types, a large rolling press that transferred ink across the metal plate to paper and then a flat print press with a roller to press the ink into the paper directly underneath. With the large rolling press we created abstract ink splatters and wavy lines to then be transferred across creating dynamic designs which I later used as backgrounds for the etching print.” Year 13 student Frank said: “I had a fantastic time exploring various different printmaking
techniques at the Curwen during the course I took there. From the intricate process of drypoint etching onto plastic to the bold textures of letterpress and the detailed precision of screen printing using photo exposure, each technique provided a unique and interesting way to create images. It was great to see how different methods produced such diverse outcomes, allowing me to develop my skills and gain a deeper appreciation for printmaking as an art form. The studio itself was also inspiring, with a diverse collection of prints on display, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of past and present artists. The experience has definitely broadened my artistic perspective, and I look forward to incorporating these techniques into my own work.”
DofE - Focus on Skill
by Mr McAlinden, Head of Outdoor Education
For the DofE Skill section participants need to choose an activity that will allow them to prove they have broadened their understanding and increased their expertise in a chosen skill activity.
It must not be a physical activity (for example horse riding), as this would come under the DofE Physical section.
The broad spectrum of skill activities available is huge, and we have DofE participants doing a wide variety of activities, some examples include:-
● Music
● Drama
● Theatre Tech
● LAMDA
● Art
● Computing
● Learning to Coach Sport
Did you know that the technology company IBM gives free access to IBM SkillsBuild, which allows you to choose from hundreds of professional technical courses, all of which could be used for your DofE Skill.
Find out more here
There are also a number of Approved Activity Providers (AAP’s), who offer really good Skill section activities.
Check out the link here
Students should look for impactful opportunities around them – this can be in person or online.
Exploring the Brecon Beacons: A Weekend of Adventure
By Matthew Cowley, Assistant Head of Outdoor Education
On a crisp, sunny weekend in early March, a group of students from Years 7 to 11 set off for an exciting trip to the Brecon Beacons in South Wales. Our home for the weekend was a cozy hostel near the Talybont Reservoir, where we warmed up by the fire and enjoyed hearty meals after days spent treking through the rugged landscape. Saturday’s challenge was a scenic horseshoe hike around Pen y Fan (886m), South Wales’ highest peak. Students took turns navigating, leading different sections of the route, and supporting each other along the way. Teamwork was key, not just in decision-making but also in capturing the perfect photos for parents and social media. An unexpected detour led us down a boggy hillside and through a woodland straight out of a fairy tale before we made it back to the hostel in time for a well-earned dinner. Sunday’s hike began straight from our doorstep, winding through dense woodland and along a prickly, overgrown path before opening onto clearer trails. Our goal was the summit of Tor y Foel, where we were rewarded with breathtaking views stretching across the landscape, including the peaks we had conquered the day before. With tired legs but a strong sense of accomplishment, we returned home already looking forward to our next adventure.
Students had the opportunity to compare course offerings and teaching styles, gaining valuable insights to inform their university choices.
Year 12 Careers and University Event: A Day of Discovery and Guidance
By Allison Curry, Head of Guidance
Year 12 students have been actively engaged in careers and university preparation throughout the term, culminating in our successful annual Careers and University Fair on Wednesday, 5 March.
A copy of the programme can be found here.
The day began with a series of insightful 30-minute presentations from leading universities, including Durham, Newcastle, Nottingham, Lancaster, and UEA. These sessions covered crucial topics such as applying to competitive universities, student finance, crafting compelling personal statements, and choosing the right course. We are particularly grateful for the continued collaboration with these institutions, who recognise the value of in-person interactions with our students in an era increasingly dominated by virtual recruitment.
The fair also featured presentations from a diverse range of universities, including Manchester Metropolitan, Oxford Brookes, Essex, and the University for the Creative Arts. Students had the opportunity to compare course offerings and teaching styles, gaining valuable insights to inform their university choices. These presentations also served to highlight key questions students should consider during their university research.
A vibrant pop-up careers fair, featuring over 40 collaborators from universities and local companies, punctuated the day. We extend our sincere gratitude to all participants, including parents, alumni, and colleagues, for their invaluable contributions. Companies like AstraZeneca provided unique insights into diverse career paths within the biotech industry,
while Cancer Research UK offered information on gap year placements and the benefits of industrial years. Students were encouraged to engage actively, exploring how their chosen degree could open doors to a variety of career opportunities and building valuable networking skills.
In the evening, students and parents attended a highly informative Question and Answer session featuring Mr Mike Nicholson (Director of Recruitment, Admissions and Participation, University of Cambridge), Professor Alexander Routh (Deputy Chairman of the Board of Governors and Professor of Colloid Science, University of Cambridge), and Mr Marc Rothera (Strategic Lead for Science, Engineering, Business and Law Apprenticeships, Anglia Ruskin University), alongside university representatives and Stephen Perse Cambridge UCAS advisors. Mr Matthew Rudd, Head of Oxbridge Applications, provided insights into the competitive application process, while Marc Rothera highlighted the growing popularity and success of degree apprenticeship programmes. Mrs Paris, Head of Sixth Form, concluded the session by reviewing in more detail for parents the school's extensive university application support processes.
The Year 12 Careers and Guidance programme continued with four online breakout sessions on 12, 14, 18 and 27 March, facilitated by parent and alumni volunteers. These sessions offer students a unique opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of various career paths and university experiences, providing upto-date information and valuable contacts.
We look forward to sharing a comprehensive overview of these events as we begin the UCAS and overseas university application process later this term, with applications to be completed between September and December.
Sport Update
By Charlotte Wells, Director of Sport
Year 8 Netball Tour to Condover Hall
Seventeen of our Year 8 students recently took part in an exciting three-day netball tour at Condover Hall in Shropshire. The tournament gave them the opportunity to compete against both school and club teams from across the UK, testing their skills and teamwork in a highly competitive environment.
Both teams performed brilliantly throughout the tournament. Team 1 finished in joint second place, demonstrating impressive determination and teamwork, while Team 2 secured 5th place out of the seven teams in their category—an achievement to be proud of!
Beyond the netball court, the students enjoyed a range of outdoor activities, including zip wiring, high ropes, rock climbing, and laser quest. In the evenings, they let their hair down at a silent disco, making memories with teammates and new friends.
Overall, it was a fantastic tour filled with sport, adventure, and plenty of fun. Well done to all the players for their hard work and enthusiasm!
Stephen Perse Cambridge Fencers Shine at County Teams Competition
Stephen Perse Cambridge recently hosted the first County Teams fencing competition since Covid. It had a record number of attendees. Over 65 fencers and 22 teams took part in a full day of competition and there were some fine performances from our students.
There were U12, U14 and U17 categories and Stephen Perse Cambridge fielded four teams, two of them from the Junior School and two from the Senior School. It was great to see the enthusiasm from our younger teams and they showed enormous potential.
Particular congratulations go to our boys senior team who won silver in the teams competition. Huge congratulations to Sebastian H, Loic H and Iñigo MN.
Football Roundup: U15 Girls Football Team Secures Place in National Final
History has been made! Our U15 girls football team have secured a place in the national football final for the first time in the school's history after a fantastic 2-0 victory over Woodhouse Grove in the semi-final of the ISFA Shield.
The semi-final was no easy feat, with the squad embarking on a long overnight journey to West Yorkshire before stepping onto the pitch for one of the biggest games in the school's footballing history. Despite the travel, the girls started brightly, creating a number of chances while keeping Woodhouse Grove’s opportunities to a minimum.
After a tense first half, the teams went into the break at 0-0, knowing that control of the game would be key in the second half. The team responded brilliantly, dominating possession and continuing to carve out openings. The breakthrough finally came 18 minutes from time, when a lovely team move was finished off by Elsa D. The result was sealed in style as captain Alice E weaved her way through the Woodhouse Grove defense before calmly slotting the ball into the far
corner, confirming our place in the national final. The team has been outstanding throughout the competition, showing incredible teamwork, determination and skill. We are immensely proud of their achievement and with the final set for 1 May, the excitement is building—we simply cannot wait!
In other footballing news, our District Cup campaigns are in full swing across all Senior School teams. A standout performance came from our Year 9 boys team, who delivered a dominant display to defeat Coleridge 5-0, comfortably booking their place in the next round.
As the term draws to a close, the football action continues, with plenty more district fixtures and festivals ahead. Best of luck to all our teams as they push for success!
Tennis Triumph: Students Honoured with County Awards
Congratulations to two of our students who have been recognised for their achievements in County tennis. Millie H was awarded the Geraldine Booth Cup in recognition of commitment and dedication to the county team. Nathan B was awarded the U14 Comberton trophy for the Players’ Player in recognition of commitment, sportsmanship and supporting others at County training.