Stephen Perse Cambridge Principal's Newsletter Issue 26 December 2025
Romeo & Juliet
Sixth Form Cabaret
Barcelona Bound: Our Student Squad Takes on Spain!
A word from the Head 11-18 Stephen Ward
As the weather gets colder things have certainly been hotting up at school with a vast array of events and activities taking place in the run-up to Christmas.
Alongside excellence in academic competitions from Classics to Mathematics, there have been outstanding achievements in sport, both team and individual, concerts galore, culminating in the main autumn concert in November and much more besides. The senior play, which this year was ‘Romeo and Juliet’, and the carol service at Great St Mary’s Church, are firm fixtures in the calendar at this time of year and as ever neither failed to deliver.
Away from the hustle and bustle, our Year 13 students have been quietly finalising and submitting their university applications. Following the huge success last year, many have received invitations to interview at Oxford or Cambridge while offers have already started coming in from a whole range of universities. We wish all those who are applying this year the very best of luck.
It is always a pleasure to see the school community come together and we aim to meet as a whole school from Year 7 to Year 13 in assemblies at least a couple of times each half term. We did so in poignant fashion for our annual Remembrance Assembly when the History Society did a wonderful job of leading us in marking this occasion.
Our end-of-term assembly, following on from the ever-popular House Talent competition, promises to be a rather less solemn affair, but always proves to be a fitting final act before the Christmas break with everyone heading off in high spirits.
And on that note, I wish you all an enjoyable and restful Christmas break, and all the very best for the new year.
Stephen Ward Head 11-18
Stephen Ward
Latest News
Hockey Champions Head to Nationals
The U16 Girls Hockey team has successfully retained their Regional Champions title, securing their place at the National Finals for the second year running.
The team delivered an outstanding performance at the regional tournament, dominating the competition and remaining completely undefeated. This exceptional display of skill, teamwork, and determination saw them secure their well-deserved spot on the national stage.
Leading Historians Bring Russian History to Life for A Level Students
Year 13 History students were afforded a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of 20thcentury Russia by attending the conference, "History in Action: Russia and Revolution," at the Emmanuel Centre in London. The event was specifically advertised for A Level students but featured a lineup of world-class historians, transforming a typical study day into a masterclass in revolutionary history.
The school congratulates the team on this monumental achievement, which highlights their commitment to sporting excellence.
Students spent five hours immersed in lectures delivered by eminent academics, including Professor Robert Service, Professor Christopher Read, and Professor Polly Jones. The historians addressed a pivotal period in Russian history, spanning from the final years of the Romanov dynasty right through to the Khrushchev era. The packed schedule covered topics central to the Year 13 historians' course, including the decline of Tsarism, the nature of the Russian Revolution, the ideology of Lenin, Stalin as a revolutionary, and Khrushchev process of Destalinisation.
All five lectures were immensely useful for our OCR A Level course on Russian history in the period 18551964 and the trip was enjoyed by all who attended.
Year 13 Winter Formal
This year's Sixth Form Winter Formal was held at the Clayton Hotel, Station Road on Friday 21 November. 110 Students from across years 12 and 13 attended.
The event was organised by the Social Events committee and particular thanks go to Year 13 student Mia R for organising it so beautifully. After a formal dinner with all the Christmas trimmings you'd expect, there was plenty of time for dancing to help everyone get ready for the party season ahead.
Year 11-13 Mathematical Competition for Girls
This is a new competition this year run by the UKMT. It is a shorter answer sister competition to the Olympiad for girls and we had some fantastic entries. Particular congratulations to Zoe J and Katie W for their distinctions and to Mouboni D for her merit.
Latest News
Psychology Department Hosts Insightful Talk on Cognition and Brain Science
The Psychology department were delighted to welcome Dr Daniel Mitchell from the University of Cambridge MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit who visited to speak to the students about his work as a neuroscientist.
It was fascinating to hear about the research that he and his colleagues carry out, and the technology involved. The talk was very much appreciated by all who attended.
Sixth Form Student Lydia K Publishes 'My First Fruits'
Sixth Form student Lydia K is the author of ‘My First Fruits’, a colourful picture book for preschoolers designed to inspire a love of languages from an early age. Reflecting on her passion, Lydia said: “I have always been fascinated by the world of languages, evident in my subject choices at both GCSE and A level.
When Polyglot Kids gave me the opportunity to be a part in ‘My First Fruits’ series, putting forth my mother tongue was a brilliant idea to educate anyone who is willing to learn Greek, a language which has influenced so many other modern languages today.”
We’re so proud to see our students celebrating their languages and creativity – a reflection of the vibrant international community here at Stephen Perse Cambridge.
Spud Club Starts Growing Global
By Wayne Talbot, Conservator
Our eco-enrichment gardening programme ‘Spud Club’ is growing global as our latest project gets its first international partner.
We have presented our latest veg growing experiment ideas to Pontiac High School Illinois who run similar eco-enrichment programmes to ours. After hearing our ideas the Pontiac student group said they wanted to join us.
Starting with the humble spud each school will be using the same growing techniques including a ‘Potatower’ and seeing which produce the best yield.
This is the start of a long term project. The establishment of this co-operation provides us with real world and project problem solving experience that will grow to explore other crop types and hopefully other partners. If any parents are interested, please do get in touch with us. We’re always happy to talk spuds (and other vegetables) conservator@stephenperse.com
Image: Students from Pontiac Township High School USA meet with Wayne Talbot, Eco-enrichment Lead
We have presented our latest veg growing experiment ideas to Pontiac High school Illinois who run similar eco-enrichment programmes to ours.
Latest News
Blocfest Climbing Competition
By Matthew Cowley, Assistant Head of Outdoor Education
One of our students recently entered his first climbing competition at Rainbow Rocket in Cambridge. This is a national competition taking place at several venues around the country.
Year 10 student Jamie B said: “Blocfest is a climbing event that I took part in, which took place on 8 November 2025. I climb at a local and friendly level, and consider myself not a bad climber. Blocfest is a fairly high-level competition to do as your first one but I was up for the challenge and it was definitely a challenge. The competition was over 25 boulders (or routes) many of which were extremely challenging and one scored points depending on how many attempts it took you to finish the route. I completed a few, but to be honest found many of the routes very difficult. I truly learnt how amazing high-level club and national climbers are as they were able to do routes with ease that I struggled with.
It was generally a fun, but humbling experience. I realise now if I want to properly compete rather than just having fun I need to train harder!”
Year 9 Girls into Physics
Cambridge Experience
By Susan Passmore, Head of Physics
A small group of Year 9 girls enjoyed their trip to Murray Edwards College and the new Cavendish Laboratories in November. They were introduced to life at Cambridge University and the college system, followed by a series of practical and theoretical physics challenges in structural engineering.
Wacky Socks, Serious Talk: Anti-Bullying Week
By Shaz Rahman, Deputy Head Pastoral (11-18)
Anti-Bullying Week was celebrated across school. The initiative was designed to raise awareness and empower students to take positive action against bullying.
Highlights and Activities
The week kicked off on Monday, 10 November, with the popular Odd Socks Day. Students wore their wackiest mismatched socks to celebrate individuality and respect for differences. All non-uniform donations collected will support the Anti-Bullying Alliance charity.
Focused sessions were held throughout the week:
• Year 7: Students participated in dedicated PSHE Form time during the week, focusing on core anti-bullying principles and developing foundational knowledge for healthy peer relationships.
• Year 8: Continued their term-long focus with PSHE sessions, discussing scenarios using bespoke resources provided by the Anti-Bullying Alliance.
• Year 10: Tutor time was dedicated to practical scenario analysis, helping students formulate effective, positive responses to difficult situations.
• Assemblies: Several year groups also held assemblies on the topic.
Ongoing Resources and Support
While Anti-Bullying Week is an annual highlight, our dedication to student wellbeing and mental health is continuous. Students were encouraged to utilise the excellent resources available in the Senior School Library, which include the Wellbeing Corner (housing informative booklets from the school’s counselling service) and the Stephen Perse Cambridge Senior Mental Health and Wellbeing Library List for curated physical books on resilience and mental health.
While Anti-Bullying Week is an annual highlight, our dedication to student wellbeing and mental health is continuous.
Christmas Carol Service Cover Competition
The Visual Arts Department ran a House competition to design the cover for the 2025 Carol Service programme cover.
Well done to Year 9 Nefeli T in Cattley House for her winning design used on the cover and to Year 9 Carmen SD in Sutherland House as the runner up. There were some very creative and resolved entries this year.
Selin S Year 8
Maeve C Year 8
Manvi S Year 9
Elsa P Year 8
Shanaya H Year 8
Cordelia B Year 9
Selin S Year 8
Toby W Year 9
Georgina M
Sixth Form History Society Students Lead Remembrance Assembly
By Natalie Stanley, Head of History & Politics
On 11 November our school community gathered for a thoughtful and moving midmorning Remembrance Assembly to honour those who have served and sacrificed in times of war and conflict.
The assembly was hosted by our prestigious Sixth Form History Society, who focused their presentation on the development of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and its enduring symbolism of national remembrance.
Students led the event with readings and reflections that highlighted the importance of remembering the past and valuing peace today. A powerful performance of The Last Post and a two-minute silence provided a moment for everyone to reflect quietly on the courage and sacrifices of others.
We are incredibly proud of our students, particularly the members of the History Society, for the respect, empathy, and maturity they showed throughout the assembly. Their thoughtful contributions reminded us all of the enduring significance of remembrance and the role young people play in keeping that message alive.
Students led the event with readings and reflections that highlighted the importance of remembering the past and valuing peace today.
Music Department Update
By Matthew Rudd, Director of Music
Year 7-13 - Autumn Concert
Almost 100 students took part in the Autumn Concert, which featured performances by many of our instrumental ensembles: String Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Saxophone Quartet, Big Band and Symphony Orchestra. It was particularly pleasing that such a large number of Year 7 students were involved, performing in their very first Autumn Concert.
The diverse range of items in the first half included ‘Tequila’ and ‘Uptown Funk’ (Big Band), three tunes from Shakespeare’s England (String Orchestra), American folk song potpourri (Wind Ensemble), ‘Someone to Watch Over Me’ and ‘Solitude’ (Saxophone Quartet) and blues band (Brass Ensemble).
The Symphony Orchestra performed the whole of the second half, and in between spirited renditions of Bizet’s ‘Farandole’ and Weber’s ‘Oberon Overture’, Ruby C in Year 13 was the magnificent soloist in a fine performance of Weber’s ‘Bassoon Concerto’.
Year 10 - 13 Great St Mary’s Lunchtime Concert
Later in the same week as the Autumn Concert, the Chamber Orchestra visited Great St Mary’s for our termly lunchtime concert there. In addition to a fabulous performance of Mozart’s well-known ‘Symphony No. 40 in G minor’, chamber music groups from within the orchestra treated the audience to a programme which included Mozart’s ‘Divertimento’ (Wind Quintet), Shostakovich’s ‘String Quartet No. 8’, and ‘Café 1930’ by Astor Piazzolla (for violin and piano).
It was particularly pleasing that such a large number of Year 7 students were involved, performing in their very first Autumn Concert.
Artist Ian Murphy Inspires Sixth Form Drawing Workshop
By Rachel Bloomfield-Proud, Head of Visual Arts
On 9 October, Sixth Form students were lucky enough to take part in a drawing techniques workshop, led by well-known and celebrated artist Ian Murphy.
Over the course of the day, students learned about the artist’s process of working from initial sketchbook drawings, to larger scale experimental works on paper and finally to oil painted canvases. Students commented that it was really helpful and inspiring to have in-depth teaching over the whole day where they learned about building textured backgrounds, overlaid with dripped inks and pen drawings. Their outcomes were fantastic!
An Inspirational Day with Professor Forsdick
By Mme Parente, Head of French
What an inspirational and eye-opening day we had in September, with Professor Charles Forsdick, who delivered three outstanding talks to our students.
A leading modern linguist from the University of Cambridge, Professor Forsdick is a Fellow of Murray Edwards College, holds the prestigious Drapers Fellowship for French, and serves as the Lead Fellow for Languages at the British Council.
In one of his enriching sessions, he shared with the Sixth Form students and the 1881 Society his research on French colonialism, focusing on figures such as Toussaint Louverture and Victor Segalen. He spoke about his travels to Haiti, which deeply inspired his work, and discussed his publications, including Travel in Twentieth-Century French and Francophone Cultures and Transnational French Studies. His insights into history, literature, language, and identity were both intellectually stimulating and deeply personal.
Professor Forsdick’s visit was truly inspiring. His passion for French, languages, research, and global engagement left une marque indélébile on all of us.
Reading the Bande Dessinée
On 22 October 2025, some of our Sixth Form students attended a second lecture at Murray Edwards College, Cambridge, delivered by Professor Charles Forsdick and titled Reading the Bande Dessinée (BD). The talk offered an exceptionally rich and engaging exploration of the BD, highlighting both its historical depth and its continuing cultural significance within and beyond the Francophone world. A particularly compelling part of the lecture focused on translatability, how BD sits between art and text, requiring translators to consider not only words but also design, layout, and cultural codes. Using The Stranger (L’Étranger) as an
example, Professor Forsdick demonstrated how the translation process is as visual as it is linguistic.
The historical dimension of BD was also striking. Comics in France often engage directly with national and colonial histories, educating readers on the Second World War, the colonial experience, and the French penal history of places such as Cayenne. Professor Forsdick also highlighted BD from Haiti and the Caribbean, exploring how it addresses the legacies of Atlantic slavery and recovers hidden histories.
The lecture examined the cultural prominence of BD in Francophone life, noting iconic characters like Tintin and Astérix, whose symbolism extends far beyond entertainment. The discussion also considered institutions sustaining BD, such as La Cité internationale de la bande dessinée et de l’image in Angoulême, and the everyday vocabulary, bédéthèque, bédéiste that reflects its deep integration into French culture.
It was a memorable evening that celebrated both the artistry and politics of the bande dessinée, leaving the audience with an appreciation of why comics matter.
History Trip: Exploring Berlin’s Past and Present
By Year 12 students, Harry S, Seb H and Toby R
We arrived at the incredibly early time of 5am at Trumpington to travel to the airport, where we met our guide. This first day of the trip encompassed the flight from Stansted and involved sightseeing around the centre of Berlin.
Upon arrival, after leaving our luggage at the hostel, we walked around Berlin’s political centre - we saw the Reichstag, United Nations office, and other embassies and governmental buildings.
After exploring the city centre, where we tried the famous ‘Currywurst' for the first time, we visited the Memorial to the Roma and Sinti, a memorial to political prisoners, and most importantly, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. There was a powerful and moving atmosphere as we walked throughout the monument, which our guide told us about, which encouraged some reflection on the tragedies of the Nazi regime and the victims of the Holocaust.
In the evening, we enjoyed a delicious chicken dinner, which was a nice end to a reasonably busy first day. Our accommodation at the hostel was also very pleasant - it was comfortable and well-organised by the teachers and guide, providing everything we needed for a relaxing stay.
On day two, we woke up bright and early and drove by coach for an hour or so to Sachsenhausen concentration camp. There, our guide told us about how the first few camps were set up in 1933 and how they were designed to scare the public as well as punish political opponents, and who was first imprisoned there. As we looked around the appalling living quarters of the prisoners, we were also told that often, many more people died of disease and starvation than by being killed by the Nazis.The last, most notable stop on our tour was Station Z, which was used as a gas chamber
in the middle of WW2. We learnt that the Nazis would send the enemies of the state from other countries they’d conquered to Station Z, and would disguise the room as a shower block, before killing them. For everyone there, it certainly was a sobering moment, and laid out the true cruelty of the regime, whilst also serving as a monument to those who died in that room. After a hearty lunch at the cafe nearby, and a quick visit to the bookshop, we pressed on to Wannsee.
Our next part of the day was spent at Wannsee House, which is where high profile Nazis decided ‘The Final Solution to the Jewish Question’, which was to install gas chambers in numerous concentration camps. We had a good look around, and whilst the room where the meeting happened itself was closed, it was still fascinating to look around a house with such a history, and learn about the different people who attended the meeting there. We also paid a visit to the Topography of Terror, a museum about how the Nazis controlled the state, as well as taking a nighttime trip back to the Reichstag building, and scaling up to the dome. The view was incredible and we got to learn a little about parliamentary history too!
We had dinner that day at a lovely pasta restaurant and went back to the hotel to enjoy our extra hour of sleep that evening (since the clocks were going back). On our final day, we woke again nice and early to spend the day learning about post-war Berlin and the divide between East and West.
Our first stop of the day was Bernauer Straße to visit the Conrad Schumann memorial and to learn how the GDR separated the East and West in heavily populated areas like this one. There we learned about Conrad Schumann, a young East-German guard who dared to jump over the barbed wire fence that separated the East and West. The photographer Peter Leibing was there and took the famous photo which would go on to symbolise the defiance against the East German regime.
After the memorial we went down the street, occasionally stopping to see the plaques on the floor to memorialise escape attempts made before the housing block got demolished. Our guide told us about Tunnel 57, which is when students dug a tunnel to help 57 people cross over from East to West Berlin.
Finally, after about an hour of tram riding and a 10-minute walk we reached the Stasi prison where people were sent to get information from them. Our tour guide for the prison, Andreas Ott, was very knowledgeable about the prison and its methods as he had spoken to many who were previously on remand there which allowed him to be very informed
Overall, we had a great time. We’ve learnt so much from our guide, not just about the general history of the city.
on the subject. We learnt that the Stasi often heavily relied on psychological torture to get information out of the prisoners, and designed prisons and the treatment there in order to break the spirits and minds of those imprisoned there.
Overall, we had a great time. We’ve learnt so much from our guide, not just about the general history of the city. What interested a lot of us on the trip was the stories of certain people in these times; it was fascinating to see how the actions of leaders like Ulbricht, Stalin and Hitler impacted everyday people. Of course, another major highlight was spending time with each other, and also the food, which was certainly delicious!
We want to thank Rob, our Anglia Tour Guide, for taking us around the city and giving us such insightful information and knowledge we can take forward in our future historical studies. We would also like to thank Mrs Stanley, Mrs Sefton and Ms Kedie for coming with us and organising such an amazing trip.
Paul Janssens leads screen printing workshop in the Visual Arts Department
By Rachel Bloomfield-Proud, Head of Visual Arts
Local artist Paul Janssens made a repeat visit to the Visual Arts Department on 17 November 2025, having first visited when he officially opened the Summer Exhibition back in June 2025.
He led a workshop introducing Year 12 and Year 13 to a technique he uses in his own artmaking, whereby he uses procion dyes to paint directly onto silk screens and then prints the image directly onto paper using a binder.
This was a useful method to inspire both the Fine Art and Textile A Level students. They were able to work spontaneously with the media to ‘see what happens’.
We are very grateful to Paul for leading the workshop as the students created wonderful artwork which will be integrated into current coursework projects.
Students Conquer Peaks in Stunning Eryri Camp Adventure
By Matt Cowley, Assistant Head of Outdoor Education
Camp Adventure in Beddgelert - Eryri
After a late arrival at the campsite, we woke to the mountains painted in brilliant autumn colours. The weather turned out to be perfect for our hike. Fellow walkers on the trail told us about the sunshine waiting at the summit, though the clouds above us made it hard to imagine.
We ascended steadily, breaking through the mist to emerge onto a sun-lit ‘island’ above the sea of clouds. The view was breathtaking, a new experience for everybody. We enjoyed our lunch along a ridge, basking in the sun's warmth. After a quick photo stop at the summit, we began our descent, passing several waterfalls along the way.
That evening we relaxed in the picturesque village of Beddgelert, enjoying pizza, ice cream, and a cozy night at the campsite.
On day two, an atmospheric, wind-still autumn morning greeted us. Taking turns, students guided the group to the glass-like surface of Llyn Dinas, then walked up to and across Grib Ddu to Nantmor. As the sun warmed the valley, the low clouds lifted, revealing sweeping vistas of the Irish Sea.
Modern Languages Update
By Claudia Freeman, Head of Modern Languages
Spotlight on heritage language learner clubs!
There are many opportunities here for students to engage with modern languages at all levels. We run a broad variety of clubs and to support our multilingual students, we run heritage learner clubs in various languages.
These clubs focus on languages spoken at home; however, they are open to all students to take part, especially for those looking for some extension, stretch and challenge! Included also in this spotlight are further enrichment opportunities at Sixth Form level.
German Heritage Learners Club
By Dr Walton-Jordan, Teacher of German
In the German Heritage Club, there is a mixture of year groups presented, as well as a variety of language knowledge and use at home. From Year 7 to 11, we have a really varied programme of reading picked by the students (teenage fiction like ‘Hanni und Nanni’), discussions about topics of interest in German, as well as seasonal crafts for the upcoming advent and Christmas season.
To support students about to take their GCSE exams (early or in Year 11), we include diagnostic work like the Goethe Institut DAF tests at suitable levels (A2, B1) to gauge readiness for the exams. Typical exam tasks are included on a ‘little and often’ basis, without losing the general character of a fun enrichment session. We regularly speak in German whilst playing ‘Mensch ärgere dich nicht’, a boardgame designed to foster calm resilience in the face of defeat!
French Heritage Learners Club
By Mme Parente, Head of French
The French Heritage Learners’ Club brings together a vibrant mix of students from KS3 to KS4, creating a dynamic environment where learners deepen their understanding of the French language, culture, and literature. Throughout this term, students have explored a rich variety of literary topics that have expanded both their linguistic skills and cultural awareness.
One of the highlights has been the study of Victor Hugo. Students read and analysed the poem Demain, dès l’aube, while also exploring Hugo’s life which allowed them to appreciate the emotional depth of his poetry.
The club also delved into the studying of the short story La Parure by Guy de Maupassant. Through discussions about it and the life of Maupassant himself, students gained insight into themes such as social status, materialism, and realism in French literature.
Another engaging project has been the exploration of calligrams through Guillaume Apollinaire’s Poèmes à Lou. Inspired by Apollinaire’s artistic fusion
of poetry and visual form, students created their own French calligrams. This is an activity that not only strengthened their creative expression but also deepened their connection to the language.
Our students are currently deep into the glamorous and complex world of Marie- Antoinette! In connection with the V&A exhibition, they are studying MarieAntoinette au château de Versailles, analysing her life and major influence on French fashion. We are thrilled that some of them will get to see her story by attending the exhibition in London in March 2026!
Our students are currently deep into the glamorous and complex world of Marie- Antoinette!
Modern Languages Update
Continued
Mandarin Heritage Learners Club
By Qingqing Guo, Head of Chinese
The Chinese Heritage Club is a welcoming and vibrant community for students with a Chinese background who want to stay connected to their heritage and continue developing their language skills. Our members come from a wide range of levels, and we provide personalised support, suitable learning materials, and guidance to help everyone progress at their own pace.
The club is also a popular choice for students preparing for Mandarin exams, especially those who are not currently enrolled in a Mandarin class. Through engaging activities, speaking practice, essay feedback, and tailored exam strategies, members make the most of every opportunity to improve.
Chinese Calligraphy and Craft Club
The Chinese Calligraphy and Craft Club is a warm, creative space where students come together to explore and appreciate Chinese culture. Throughout the year, members learn about and celebrate traditional festivals such as 春节 (Spring Festival),
中秋节 (Mid-Autumn Festival), and 端午节 (Dragon Boat Festival). These celebrations often include making traditional festive foods, creating art, and taking part in calligraphy and painting activities.
Students enjoy expressing themselves artistically while discovering the meanings and stories behind each tradition. More than just a club, it’s a lively community where culture and creativity flourish side by side - where every meeting offers a chance to connect with Chinese heritage, build friendships, and share the joy of artistic expression.
More than just a club, it's a lively community where culture and creativity flourish side by side.
Spanish Heritage Learners Club
By Ms de la Vega, Teacher of Spanish
In the Spanish Heritage Club, we invite keen linguists of all ages and backgrounds to explore the Spanish-speaking world through authentic materials such as short stories, films and newspaper articles on current affairs.
We also look at regional variation in Spanish language across the Spanish-speaking world, familiarising ourselves with different accents, everyday vocabulary and idiomatic structures. Some students may also benefit from this club to help them prepare for Spanish language exams including the DELE (B1/B2 level), GCSE and A Level.
Russian Heritage Learners Club
By Mrs Sands, Head of Russian
In the Russian Club there is a chance to learn Russian as a beginner as well as for Russian heritage learners to hone their linguistic skills.
Last term Mrs Sands took students from the Russian club to apply their newly learnt vocabulary in an authentic context - they went to a Ukrainian pop-up cafe, Borsch to go, to buy food and drink.
Their interactions were in Russian and they enjoyed the chance to speak and respond to questions in Russian, as well as enjoy the special delicacies!
Sixth Form Cabaret
By Becky Jones, Drama Assistant
This year’s Sixth Form Cabaret, coordinated through the enrichment programme by Becky Jones with Year 12 and 13 students Azize, Emily, Naomi and Daisy, was truly a twinkling affair.
The event raised over £600 for the Cambridge Community Kitchen, a charitable collaboration between The Lockon, local businesses and organisations, and independent volunteers, that aims to tackle food poverty in Cambridge, by providing hot, hearty, vegan meals for those in need. The charity has reported that our fundraising efforts will enable them to provide 700 meals for local people.
Performers and audience members dazzled in their ‘Starry Night’ themed attire, and the Senior School Hall was unrecognisable, having been transformed into a glittering night sky, with a canopy of fairy lights, a glowing moon and delicately decorated tables creating a magical atmosphere. With a sparkling selection of treats and mocktails for all to enjoy (including, back by popular demand, the most indulgent night sky-themed chocolate brownies, baked by alumna Phoebe), the audience was catapulted into outer space for the evening.
The line-up of Year 10, 11, 12 and 13 students, including solo singers and instrumentalists, rock bands, commercial dance troupes and a stand-up comedian, performed to a packed house. Compères Flora and Nico delighted the audience with their charming rivalry, and expertly steered us through the evening’s programme. Once again, our Sixth Form stars shone brightly, delighting the audience in what will surely be a night to remember.
Library Update
By Iayat Riaz, Head Librarian 11-18
In our efforts to mark National Poetry Day, the Senior School Library has been very fortunate to host our visiting poets, Mark Grist and Lewis Buxton, who helped to celebrate the magical gifts of poetry with our students in Years 7 and 8.
Mark Grist - Year 8s
Mark captivated our Year 8 students with an ‘engaging and energetic’ performance of rap poetry that incorporated themes like boardgames and tasting mouthwash, elements of which our students found to be effortlessly comedic in both style and delivery.
Our students were absolutely riveted by Mark’s approach to writing poetry in a ‘non-boring way’ and felt that ‘he also taught us how to write poems’ in a fun, engaging manner, particularly through his modern rap battle interpretation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth
Overall, staff and students were delighted to kick off our National Poetry Day celebrations with Mark Grist, who served as an ‘excellent guest speaker’ and delivered a fabulous performance that certainly captured the attention of everyone present.
Lewis Buxton - Year 7s
Lewis enthralled our Year 7 students on National Poetry Day with the energy and enthusiasm he brought, demonstrating an ‘absolute understanding of younger people’ in his talk, which inspired many of our students to begin writing their own poems. Our Year 7s simply declared Lewis to be ‘amazing’ in his delivery style and were particularly touched by the thoughtful suggestions that Lewis offered when all Year 7 students at the Senior School were treated to specially curated poetry workshops designed to encourage them to ‘try and write our own poems.’
Lewis’s ‘pacy, interactive’ approach to teaching enabled our students to successfully embrace their creative poetry-writing tasks with fluency. This transformed the outlook of our students who appreciated that ‘everyone could get involved’ in writing poems, inspiring many of our students to enter the school’s annual poetry competition.
Both Lewis and Mark felt that our National Poetry Day celebrations this year were a great success, and remarked: ‘The students were fantastic and asked lots of questions!’ Staff across the Senior School echoed this sentiment, with one teacher commenting:
‘I’ve really enjoyed the energy in the room - the poet’s absolute understanding of younger people and his clear pleasure in sharing their company. The children are buzzing and interacting so enthusiastically with him. Even an hour in, they’re still so engaged. During one rap-style poem, they began tapping and stamping their feet in time - they’re clearly loving the rhythm and joy of language.”
As ever, we are deeply grateful to all the poets who visited the Senior School and gave our students the opportunity to shine, encouraging them to unlock their imaginations and to allow their creativity to flourish through the expressive power of poetry in the English language.
Lewis’s ‘pacy, interactive’ approach to teaching enabled our students to successfully embrace their creative poetry-writing tasks with fluency.
Library Update
Continued
In Conversation with Sam Dalrymple, HistorianYear 10-13
The ‘In Conversation with Sam Dalrymple, Historian’ symposium enabled a range of our students from Years 10 to 13, and staff specialising in multiple academic disciplines, to learn about the 1947 Partition of India and to understand how Modern Asia, as we see it today, was carved out of what was once the British Empire. Graduating from Oxford University as a Persian and Sanskrit scholar, Sam’s research has taken him across the world, principally in Central and South Asia, with aspects of his work, particularly his Lost Migrations project, exhibited at the Smithsonian and the V&A.
Our students, in particular our History Scholars, felt that Sam’s talk at the symposium ‘shed a fresh light’ on the topic of the 1947 Partition of India and found it to be incredibly ‘eye-opening’ given the lack of attention devoted to the subject within the national curriculum. Mohan G (Year 10) felt that the symposium was ‘inspiring and informative and very relevant to me because the history of migration after the Partition of India affected my family, just like those he showed in his talk.’
Our staff, who soaked up Sam’s insightful perspectives, felt that the talk was ‘delivered in an engaging and authoritative, yet unpretentious, way,’ therefore enabling staff and students to gain a deeper understanding of the historical complexities of Partition, which continue to shape the foundations of Modern Asia, in an accessible manner. The cross-disciplinary engagement sparked a lively discussion, allowing students to explore current tensions between Pakistan and India, particularly the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict, through a historical lens previously unexplored in their studies.
All students who attended the ‘In Conversation with Sam Dalrymple, Historian’ symposium received signed copies of Shattered Lands, Sam Dalrymple’s debut work of non-fiction, providing them with a valuable resource to further explore the complicated legacy of the 1947 Partition of India. The symposium not only enriched their understanding of Modern Asia as we see it today but also sparked ongoing curiosity and dialogue across multiple academic disciplines, leaving a lasting impression on both staff and students alike.
Classical Reading Competition
By Matilda S, Year 11 pupil of Latin and Greek
This year’s Greek and Latin reading competition was very successful for the school, and an extremely enjoyable experience all round. Multiple students, from Year 10 to Year 13, were given passages from classical texts, which they learned and practised in the run up to the competition. We were given lots of guidance from the Classics department, as well as time to practise one-on-one with teachers, which was extremely useful. Before the actual competition, we were allowed to explore the Classics Faculty’s cast gallery.
The competition began with a Latin prose reading from Pliny’s letters, describing the famous eruption of Mount Vesuvius. All the competitors were extremely skilled and spoke excellently, but especially Amnay B (Year 10), who achieved second place thanks to his expression and fluency. The Latin verse, a poem by Catullus, was similarly well-read, and a pleasure to listen to. Melissa F (Year 11) was awarded second place in this category, a very well-deserved reward for her fantastic reading. In the Greek reading, the prose was a passage from Xenophon, detailing the surrender of the Athenians to the Spartans. In this category, first prize was awarded to Alec L (Year 11) for an enthralling and highly skilled reading, which was very worthy of first place. I personally participated
in the Greek verse, and although it was frightening, I found it a greatly enjoyable experience. We were reading a section from Sophocles’ Electra describing a chariot race. Molly R (Year 11) was awarded second place for an amazing, confident performance, and I achieved first place.
There were also multiple winners in the Sixth Form for the senior passages. Marina K (Year 12) was awarded second place for an incredibly entertaining performance of a section of Virgil’s Aeneid, spoken with enthusiasm and fluency. Elliott S (Year 13) performed a flawless section of Herodotus with confidence, earning him a well-deserved first prize for Senior Greek Prose, and Clara B (Year 13) recited a section from Homer’s Odyssey brilliantly, resulting in second place. Although they did not win a prize, special mentions are also deserved for Astrid OM (Year 10), Henry G (Year 10), Saskia SH (Year 13) and Grace N (Year 11), who put lots of time and effort into learning their pieces, and performed well on the night. Of course, this couldn’t have been done without the amazing Classics Department and all of the teachers who helped us before the competition. It is amazing to be given these wonderful opportunities, and I believe that everyone had an extremely enjoyable time.
Romeo and Juliet
By Helene Barrell, Head of Drama and Theatre
It has been an absolute pleasure to direct this term’s production of Romeo & Juliet. This was a very ambitious production but I knew from the outset that the incredibly talented cast, band and crew would rise to the challengeand they certainly did not disappoint!
Our interpretation of Shakespeare’s well-loved and most famous love story was set in 1960s Verona, with the suggestion that the houses of Montague and Capulet were rival mafia families - rich, powerful and self-obsessed. We also took inspiration from the paparazzi’s modernday fascination with celebrity dynasties, staging the opening tableau of the two families like a Vanity Fair front cover photo shoot. Theme music from the hit television series Succession complemented this and was used throughout as a recurring motif. Our production also incorporated several contemporary songs, played live by a student-led band, and dance routines expertly choreographed by regular contributor Karen Revill of The Maple Academy of Performing Arts. These added to the party atmosphere of the Capulet’s masked ball; they also replaced some of the dialogue at moments of high emotional intensity, such as Romeo & Juliet’s secret marriage and the scene where Juliet takes the fateful sleeping potion. Personally, I like to think that Shakespeare would have approved of these creative choices.
We had so much fun rehearsing this show and I could not be more pleased with the final performances. I am incredibly proud of everyone who performed on stage or contributed behind the scenes: the ensemble acting was superb throughout (special shoutout to Jack O’C and Saffron in the title roles!), the live music and dance routines added a contemporary twist without detracting from Shakespeare’s wonderful text, and the set, props, costumes and lighting all looked absolutely stunning.
I would like to give particular thanks to the Year 13 students who were involved in the production: to musicians Jack B and Jason for coordinating the band and arranging the music; to Raye for her versatile performance as the Mayor, band musician and vocalist; to dancers Mia, Ela, Kate and Saoirse for their beautiful ballet dancing; to Flora for her portrayal of the cold-hearted Lady Capulet; to Azize for contributions both behind the scenes and on stage; to Daisy and Analena for their contributions to the set and to tech; and finally, to Charlotte, Emily, Kiara, Chelsia and Saskia for their help behind the scenes. They will all be very much missed next year!
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the staff who worked with me on this show and supported behind the scenes - Deborah Foote, Jessica Ciantar, Charlotte Cooper, Becky Jones and Olive Seidler.
Developing Essential Talents: The DofE Skills Section
By Russ McAlinden, Head of Outdoor Education
The Duke of Edinburgh's (DofE) Award is a cornerstone of our co-curricular programme, fostering crucial life skills, confidence, and resilience in our students. While the Volunteering, Physical, and Expedition sections often capture the spotlight, the Skills section is arguably the most personal and impactful element, dedicated to nurturing individual interests and talents.
What is the Skills Section?
This section challenges young people to commit to an activity over a set period (3, 6, or 12 months, depending on the Award level) to broaden their understanding and increase their expertise in a chosen skill. It’s an opportunity for students to delve deep into a passion, learn something completely new, or hone an existing talent.
The fundamental aim is not just to perform an activity, but to show commitment and progression. This structured learning helps participants develop self-motivation, planning, and dedication - qualities highly valued by universities and employers alike. The time spent on a skill is time invested in personal growth and future employability.
Sparking Personal Growth: Activity Examples
The beauty of the Skills section is its incredible breadth. It truly allows for a personalised journey, encouraging students to think beyond the classroom curriculum. The only requirement is that the activity is non-physical (as that belongs in the Physical section) and takes place outside of core school hours.
Examples of DofE Skills include:
• Creative Arts: Learning to draw or paint, trying photography, or exploring cake decorating.
• Performance & Music: Mastering a musical instrument (like the guitar or piano), improving singing, or taking up scriptwriting.
• Life & Digital Skills: Developing expertise in coding or web design, taking an intensive First Aid course, or learning advanced cookery.
• Learning & Collecting: Studying a foreign language outside of class, researching archaeology, or building expertise in astronomy.
Finding the Perfect Fit
We encourage all DofE participants to choose something they are genuinely passionate about. This ensures they maintain commitment throughout the required months.
To help students explore the vast possibilities, the DofE organisation provides an excellent online resource. We encourage students and parents to check out the DofE Opportunities Finder for inspiration and accredited providers:
If you have any questions about an activity's suitability, please email adventure@stephenperse.com. Let's celebrate our students' commitment to lifelong learning and personal development!
Sports Update
By Charlotte Wells, Director of Sport
Our latest sports roundup is a celebration of incredible achievement and commitment across an array of sports. We have had lots of success, with our students excelling in both individual and team competitions.
We have seen fantastic National, Regional, County, and Cup success, a true testament to the talent and hard work of our athletes. The students have continued to work with commitment and their energy and spirit were further boosted by an amazing sports tour, which provided invaluable experience and team-bonding.
With a packed and busy schedule of fixtures running throughout the season, there is no time to rest.
Rosie Continues GB Pathway Success with Double Bronze
GB pathway athlete Rosie R achieved a significant milestone in October at the LPJS Cambridge Sword national ranking competition. Competing successfully across both the U14 and U17 age categories, she secured two bronze medals. This strong performance saw her climb to a highly impressive number four in the current England U14 rankings, marking her continued excellent progress on the national stage.
This strong performance saw her climb to a highly impressive number four in the current England U14 rankings.
Rosie R
Cricket update
Congratulations to Neel K and Cillian H who have been retained in the EPP programme for the 2026 season.
Baggy Caps were awarded to the following players for 100s
• Dhrona I (112).
Baggy Caps were also awarded for Five-for taken
• Megan L (5 for 11)
• Cillian H (5 for 41)
Top Cricket Award for Neel K
Year 10 student Neel K was the recipient of the Overall Boys Player of the Year for Cambridgeshire Cricket. Huge congratulations to Neel!
Year 9 Dhrona Selected for County Cricket EPP
Year 9 student Dhrona I, has been selected for the Cambridgeshire Emerging Players Program (EPP) with the Cambridgeshire Cricket Board.
Dhrona earned this opportunity after multiple selection trials, having been nominated for the same by his county age-group coaches and following a highly successful U13 county season.
Neel K
Dhrona I
Barcelona Bound: Our Student Squad Takes on Spain!
By Louise Cresswell, Teacher of PE
What an unforgettable October half term!
Fifty of our students traded their school desks for Spanish sunshine as we jetted off for a thrilling five-day sports tour to Barcelona. From panoramic city views to walking the hallowed grounds of football giants, it was an action-packed adventure.
The Ultimate Training Grounds
This wasn't just a sightseeing trip; it was a deep dive into the heart of Spanish football excellence. Our students got to train with the pros at two legendary academies:
• FC Barcelona's Famous La Masia: Imagine training where icons like Lionel Messi and Aitana Bonmatí honed their skills. Our students got a firsthand taste of the training that creates world champions. The sessions were truly "thought-provoking and a beneficial learning experience," as Tolga (Year 10) described.
• RCD Espanyol: Training with the Stars! Our visit to Espanyol was also a huge hit. We had an incredible session here and got a unique insight into Spanish football culture. Our students were training right alongside the Ladies 1st Team, the Men's 2nd Team, and the Men's U23 teamsa truly inspiring sight!
The impact was clear
Year 10 student Joanie said: "Training at La Masia was amazing! The coaches were really helpful, and I learned loads about pressing, passing, and playing smarter."
Year 9 student Magnus said: "It was very good and I think I improved my knowledge of the game a lot while I was there."
It was a high-quality, eye-opening experience for everyone. We also toured the FC Barcelona Museum, taking in the club's phenomenal history and seeing their massive trophy haul.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive about both the coaching and the environment:
Year 10 student Viola said: "I thought it was a very good training session and they focused on each skill very well which helped me improve."
Year 10 student Thomas said: “The training was very good and the stadium was very cool and interesting.”
Year 10 student William said: “It was very fun and interesting.”
The stadium tour was a massive highlight. Students got to go into the changing rooms and walk out through the player's tunnel to the pitch side:
Year 9 student Rowan said: "I thought the training was very fun and the stadium tour was a highlight of the trip!"
Year 9 student Yuqiao said: "The stadium was very cool and interesting and the training was very good. Also being able to see the Espanyol U23 train was nice."
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It wasn't all about football! We also got to experience the culture and history of this beautiful city:
• Montjuïc Mountain: Our first stop gave the students a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city - a perfect welcome to Barcelona.
• 1992 Olympic Stadium: We visited the historic stadium, currently the temporary home of FC Barcelona. We also had a fantastic time at the adjacent Olympic Museum. The students loved seeing equipment and artefacts from the '92 Games and testing their own athletic prowess, seeing how fast they could run, how high they could jump, and challenging their reaction times.
Close Matches & Great Sportsmanship
The trip culminated in some exciting friendly matches against a local Spanish club. We had four competitive teams (one girls' team and three boys' teams) who played with brilliant spirit and sportsmanship. The games were played in good nature and some were incredibly close, a fantastic demonstration of skill and teamwork from all involved.
The Ultimate Highlight!
When asked for their top moment, the students were unanimous: it was the collective experience of sport and camaraderie!
"The Espanyol stadium tour and playing in and watching the fixtures.” Jonah (Year 9)
• "The matches, watching and playing in matches, and training with the teams." Thea (Year 10)
• Training with Barcelona." Zain (Year 8)
“
• The girls fixture and supporting the other teams during their matches.” Chloe (Year 8)
A huge well done to all 50 students who represented our school with pride, enthusiasm, and a fantastic attitude. From the excitement of La Masia to the close matches and the stunning views, it was truly a trip of a lifetime!
Sports Update
Year 12 Athlete Sophie J Achieves National Tennis Success
During the recent half-term break, Year 12 athlete Sophie J delivered an outstanding performance at her latest major tennis tournament. Competing in Corby, she successfully won her second 18U national title, marking a significant milestone in her competitive career and demonstrating her commitment to the sport.
U16 Netball Team Crowned County Champions!
Our U16 Netball team achieved outstanding success, being crowned County Champions after winning every single game throughout the tournament. This dominant performance secured their qualification for the Regional Tournament in January. Congratulations also went to our U14 Netball squad, who played extremely well and finished the tough competition in a highly respectable 4th place overall.
Save the date - Netball Tournament
We are excited that in partnership with London Mavericks, we will be hosting a netball tournament on Saturday 10 January 2026 at Stephen Perse Cambridge. This promises to be a fantastic day of competitive netball, bringing together teams within the local area to showcase their skills and passion for the game. A wonderful way to kick off the netball season.
Bella Secures Place at National Gymnastics Finals
It is with great pleasure that we share news of an outstanding achievement by one of our students, Bella. Following a strong qualifying performance at a local event back in July, Bella earned a coveted spot in the Independent Gymnastics Affiliation (IGA) Southern Region Finals.
The competition was fierce, with Bella competing against top gymnasts from across the Southern region, including competitors from Sussex, Devon, and Dorset. She performed brilliantly across all four disciplines, demonstrating skill and precision on the uneven bars and high beam, and exhibiting real strength during her floor routine and vault.
While narrowly missing out on individual medals, Bella’s consistent scoring across all events secured her an impressive 5th place overall. By finishing in the top six, she has successfully qualified for the prestigious IGA National Finals in Milton Keynes. We commend Bella on her dedication to training and her excellent performance throughout the competition.
News Flash! Bella Shines at the National Finals!
We are absolutely thrilled to update you on Bella’s phenomenal performance at the IGA National Finals in Milton Keynes.
• Bella achieved an incredible 4th place overall at the national level, narrowly missing the bronze medal by just 0.4 points.
• She secured 5th place on the beam and bars, and 4th place on both the floor and vault.
• This outstanding result means Bella is officially the 4th best 11-year-old gymnast in the entire country!
Congratulations to Bella on this truly exceptional achievement!
