In this week's Roundup:
Head Student's Welcome | The Week Ahead | Key Term Dates | Noticeboard | Photo of the Week
Nursery & Junior | Senior & Sixth Form | Submit a Story
A message from
Rich Jones, Head.
My oldest and closest friend has been a constant, and occasionally slightly annoying, part of my life since we were 15 years old. We initially bonded over his love, and my utter disdain, for Mike Oldfield and Tubular Bells, the fact I vaguely knew where his house was, our mutual interest in looking windswept and interesting and our equally unsuccessful attempts at romance.
We’re both now in our 50s and our concerns are rather less lofty: bills, mortgages, music, our age, our health, exams (we both work in education), work pressures and trying to find decent holiday destinations. He is increasingly interested in gardening. I am increasingly interested in swimming.
Thankfully, he lives a couple of hours away, but we still see each other every holiday and, most alternate Saturdays, we’ll speak on the phone for an hour or so.
Strangely, it turns out that this is becoming rather unusual in our society.
I recently read an article arguing that many friendships, particularly male friendships, struggle, not because people no longer care about one another, but because they no longer have a “third thing”. The friendship itself is not always enough to sustain a regular connection. What often binds people together is the shared task, project or challenge sitting alongside the relationship itself.
My sense is that before, people built friendships while doing something together: playing sport, making music, building things, supporting a team or band, travelling, working alongside each other, volunteering, arguing over terrible bands from the 1970s. Friendships often grew sideways rather than directly. You did not sit opposite each other, earnestly discussing feelings every week. You walked, trained, repaired, lost, won, cooked, camped, got things wrong and laughed at each other along the way.
Increasingly though, modern life seems to remove those spaces. Many friendships are now maintained through the occasional meme, Instagram reel or YouTube clip sent late at night, rather than through shared experience. The connection remains … connected through shared amusement or a reconstructed reality. At the same time, loneliness is rising sharply, especially amongst young people, particularly post-COVID. It seems we are, paradoxically, more connected technologically and often less connected personally. Odd.
That is partly why I was so pleased this week seeing the photographs and hearing the stories from the recent Duke of Edinburgh expedition and the Junior School Isle of Wight trip.
What struck me was not simply the activities themselves, but the collective experience around them. The cooking in the rain. The getting lost. The problem-solving. The carrying of bags for one another. The exhaustion. The inside jokes that will now probably last for years. These are the moments where friendships are often formed most deeply because they are built indirectly through shared endeavour.
I think schools sometimes underestimate just how important this is. Education is obviously about learning and outcomes, but it is also fundamentally about helping young people learn how to exist alongside others meaningfully. Many of the strongest friendships young people will ever make are not formed sitting silently on phones next to each other, but while attempting something difficult together.
That is one of the reasons I value trips, productions, sport, outdoor education and clubs so highly at St Chris. They create the “third place” and the “third thing”. The place where conversation happens naturally rather than artificially. The shared task that quietly builds confidence, trust and belonging without anybody really noticing it happening.
It is found in a robotics team pitching for more funding, a local Beaver group visit, modelling for an A-Level Art project, a heated politics debate, a collaborative maths task, a geography field trip, welding sculptures in 3D design, organising a cultural celebration event, a Junior School games fixture, a small revision group or even a huge game of tag on the field. All I have seen this week.
In a world increasingly designed to keep people comfortable, indoors and algorithmically entertained, there is something profoundly important about getting young people out into the world together: muddy, tired, slightly challenged and deeply connected.
My friend still listens to Tubular Bells, mind you. Every version of it. Repeatedly. Friendship, sadly, does have its limits …
Celebrating KS3 Reading
A Whole School Commitment to Literacy.
We are delighted to celebrate the fantastic reading progress made by our Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9) students this academic year.
Over the past year we have continued to place literacy at the centre of school life and embed it across the curriculum. Whether it is through targeted intervention,
Company Time Reading, Drop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R), Literary Week, Sparx Reader, literacy-focused tutor activities, or the wider promotion of reading across departments, students have been encouraged to develop not only their reading ability, but also their confidence and enjoyment of books and learning.
The impact of this collective effort is becoming increasingly clear.
Across Key Stage 3
Our Autumn to Summer reading assessment data shows strong progress across all year groups, with students making significant gains in both reading age and Standard Age Reading Scores. Importantly, many students have also maintained secure reading levels, reflecting increasing consistency, resilience, and confidence in their reading skills.
- 58% of students improved their Standard Age Reading Score
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21% of students improved their reading age
These outcomes represent much more than statistics. Improved reading ability supports students across every subject area, helping them to access the curriculum more confidently, develop stronger comprehension skills, and build the independence needed for future success.
New Senior School Club: Natural Dyeing
This term we launched an exciting new after-school club focused on natural dyeing, giving students the opportunity to explore sustainability, creativity and practical skills through hands-on learning.
The club introduces students to the full natural dyeing process from start to finish, while also encouraging thoughtful conversations around sustainable alternatives within textiles and design. Students are involved in every stage of the process, from preparing the soil and growing dye plants to selecting fabrics, preparing materials and dyeing cloth.
So far, the group has experimented with marigolds and black walnut husks, producing a range of beautiful and distinctive natural colours. A special mention goes to Isla and Poppy for their enthusiasm, commitment and willingness to learn throughout the term. We would also like to thank our Sixth Form Community Service volunteers for their support in preparing the growing beds.
The club is keen to welcome new members after half-term. Students interested in finding out more or checking availability of spaces are encouraged to contact Lizzy in Art ( lizzy.ansticebrown@stchris.co.uk)
Help Us Grow Sustainably
The club is currently expanding its collection of garden tools and would be very grateful for any spare tools families may be able to donate to help us reduce waste and support a more sustainable approach. Any items can be dropped off at Main Reception.
Tutorial Tuesday
The Journey into STEM
On Tuesday 19 May, Dr Damaris Bennett visited St Chris as a guest speaker to talk with IV Group (Year 10) and Sixth Form students interested in pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate study in STEM-related subjects: science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
A doctor of immunology and medical writer, Dr Bennett began by exploring the broad purpose of STEM disciplines: to deepen our understanding of the world, identify problems and seek meaningful solutions. She also challenged a number of common misconceptions about studying STEM subjects, including the idea that students must know their exact career path from the outset or that STEM offers little room for creativity. In reality, she explained, STEM pathways can lead in many different directions and often require highly creative thinking and problem-solving.
The talk went on to explore the experience of studying STEM subjects at undergraduate and postgraduate level, as well as approaches to Oxbridge interviews. Dr Bennett encouraged students to embrace intellectual curiosity and genuine interest in their subject areas - qualities she noted are strongly reflected in St Chris students.
She concluded by discussing the relationship between scientific research and public policy, using the COVID-19 vaccine rollout as an example. Students were particularly interested in her distinction between scientific evidence itself and the policy decisions made in response to that evidence. While scientific research aims to establish objective understanding through reproducible findings, policy decisions often involve interpretation, judgement and wider societal considerations. Dr Bennett also spoke about the importance of communicating scientific uncertainty clearly and honestly in order to maintain public trust.
The session concluded with a thoughtful Q&A, during which students and staff asked further questions about her PhD, careers in STEM and encouraging more women into science-related fields. Students also enjoyed the opportunity to look through Dr Bennett’s doctoral dissertation afterwards, which prompted plenty of further discussion among our Sixth Form scientists.
Notices
Whole School
IMPORTANT - A Reminder About Safety on Barrington Road
Please can we ask all families to continue taking extra care on Barrington Road at drop-off and pick-up times.
Over recent weeks, the School has received a growing number of concerns regarding driving along the road into school, including vehicles mounting pavements, blocking walkways and travelling too quickly for the conditions. Barrington Road is a narrow public road and can become particularly congested at busy times of day, making patience and consideration especially important.
Families are asked to:
- drive extremely slowly when approaching and leaving school
- avoid stopping or parking in ways that obstruct pedestrians, pushchairs or wheelchairs
- take particular care around corners and narrower sections of the road
- allow extra time in the mornings and afternoons to avoid rushing
The vast majority of families already approach this carefully and thoughtfully, and the School is grateful for that support. However, it only takes a small number of unsafe decisions for somebody to be put at risk.
Following half term, staff will also be visible on Barrington Road at key times to help reinforce safe and considerate driving.
Thank you for helping to ensure that children, families, neighbours and staff can arrive at and leave school safely.
Summer AquaBoost
We are delighted to confirm the return of our Summer Holiday AquaBoost sessions this August, offering swimmers aged 3+ to adults the opportunity to maintain confidence in the water and continue developing their technique over the summer break.
The programme runs across three separate weeks in August, with each week bookable individually. Sessions take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings in small groups based on age and stage, helping swimmers build confidence and make progress in a supportive environment.
Swimmers can choose between a focus on breaststroke and butterfly development or front and back crawl technique, while younger and beginner swimmers will work on water confidence and independent travel skills.
Families can book one, two or all three weeks to fit around summer plans. Further information, including dates, pricing and booking details, can be found in the attached letter
Share Your St Chris Story
We are looking for parents who would be happy to support the School by sharing their positive experiences of St Chris with prospective families.
As you will know from your own experience, choosing a school is a significant decision, and hearing directly from current parents helps others understand what it is really like to be part of our community. You might like to talk about how your children have grown during their time here, what you value most about the School, or how St Chris has shaped your family’s experience.
These short filmed conversations will be informal, relaxed and take very little time. They will be coordinated by Catherine Spark-Hall, our new freelance Marketing & Communications Manager, and may be shared on the School website and social media channels to help future families learn more about life at St Chris.
If you feel you could help to support the school in this way, we would be very pleased to hear from you. Please contact Catherine via Catherine.SparkHall@stchris.co.uk
Student Research Project
Students India Gower, Maya Anderson, Sadie Robb and Orlando Knowles are currently carrying out a student research project as part of their IGCSE Global Perspectives team project, exploring the question: To what extent should students be able to express their political views?
The group are inviting students to complete a short survey to support their research. Responses will only be viewed by the students involved, alongside teachers Lizzie Hedderson and Charlotte Leeke, and any published findings will remain anonymous.
The students would be very grateful for support with their research and participation in the survey.
Donations Needed for the I Group Tombola at St Christopalooza
I Group (Year 7) are hosting a tombola stall at St Christopalooza on Saturday 20 June, and would be very grateful for any donations from the school community.
Suggested items include:
- Unused toiletries (for example, liquid soap, shower gel or deodorant)
- Soft toys (in good condition)
- Board games and puzzles
- Second-hand children’s or adult books
- Chocolate and wrapped sweets
- Small new gifts or novelty items
- Unopened stationery sets or craft kits
- Brand new items of clothing or accessories
If you are able to contribute, please drop donations at Mulberry Building or Main Reception.
Thank you very much for supporting I Group and helping make the stall a success.
Nursery and Junior School
Extreme Reading Competition
The Junior School launched its exciting Extreme Reading competition during Morning Talk this week, inviting pupils from Nursery to D Group (Year 6) to get involved.
The challenge encourages students to think creatively about where reading can take place. Whether it’s while climbing a tree, visiting the beach, enjoying a picnic, playing football, exploring rock pools or even shopping at the supermarket, the possibilities are endless. Students simply need to take a photograph of themselves reading somewhere unusual or imaginative and send it in to be entered into the competition.
Entries will be judged across four age categories, with both a winner and runner-up receiving book vouchers.
The Competition closes on Friday 5 June, giving students plenty of opportunity to capture their most adventurous reading moments over the half-term break.
Please send your entires to your calss teacher. We look forward to seeing all the imaginative and inspiring places that reading can take our Junior School students!
Senior School and Sixth Form
Appropriate Dress for School
It seems that warmer weather is finally on the way, and I’m sure we are all looking forward to it after a long winter.
As we enter the final half-term of this academic year, may I please remind you that, while we do not have a formal dress code at St Chris, we do ask that students dress appropriately for school. There have been a few occasions this term where we have needed to speak to students about their clothing choices.
I would also like to take this opportunity to remind families that clothing with camouflage print is not permitted in school.
May I ask for your support in reinforcing these expectations with your children over the break.
Thank you for your continued support.
Alistair Phillips
Assistant Head (Pastoral) & DSL
Summer Ball 2026 - Tuesday 30 June
This year's Summer Ball for V Group, Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth (Year 11 to Year 13) students takes place on Tuesday 30 June at the Broadway Hotel, Letchworth.
The event starts at 6.30 pm with arrivals on our ‘red carpet’ outside the hotel, where parents are welcome to take final photographs before they depart. We then move inside to the Broadway's Art Deco ballroom, where we will enjoy a sit-down meal and dessert buffet followed by speeches, dancing, a professional DJ plus other entertainments. Soft drinks will be provided throughout the evening, and the event end at 10.30pm.
Dress for the evening is formal, and the theme is A Night Under the Stars.
All students who wish to attend the Ball must have booked and paid for their place and completed the consent form by Monday 1 June.
Please find full details in the letter below
External Events & Activities
Letchworth Festival (30 May - 30 June 2026)
The annual Letchworth Festival runs over five weekends and four weeks and is packed with family-friendly events and shows. You can find the full schedule at www.letchworthfestival.org. Some events need to be booked in advance, so please do check. Just a small selection of the things going on are:
Opening Day (Saturday 30 May) Leys Square: see a Chinese Lion Dance, Bollywood and Bhangra - and take part yourself in our workshops that also take place during the day.
Fun, Fitness and Football weekend (Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 June)
- On the Saturday there will be a range of games and sports in the town centre, including a football panna cage to mark the start of the 2026 World Cup. Over at Norton Common in the afternoon is the Double Decked Skate Jam, which includes free skateboarding lessons.
- On the Sunday, the giant inflatables land in Howard Park!
Space weekend (Friday 12 - Sunday 14 June) - we celebrate the year of the Artemis II space mission with a series of space-themed activities.
- On Friday evening TV presenter and space fan Dallas Campbell comes to Letchworth Settlement to talk about space exploration and his book Space Journal.
- On Saturday the Astronomy Society brings their telescopes to Leys Square and a Mobile Planetarium arrives at St Francis' College on Broadway, with shows every 30 mins from 9am (book in advance to guarantee a place).
- On Sunday 2001: A Space Odyssey is on at the Broadway Cinema, part of a special Kubrick season of films selected by our young film programmers.
- Find Out More
Also on Saturday 13 June is Glast-Wynd-Bury, the popular and FREE family-friendly music festival in The Wynd.
Arts and books Weekend (Friday 19 - Saturday 20 June)
- Friday 19 June: we welcome fantasy/comedy author Jasper Fforde to Letchworth Library who will talk about writing and his popular series of books.
- Saturday 20 June: The Wynd will be filled with outdoor painters as Art in the Wynd returns; Broadway Gallery will be stacked full of local community art; and Letchworth Open opens.
- Plus as part of the 'Year of Reading', children's poet Joshua Seigal will be performing live in David's Bookshop and Letchworth Library.
- Find Out More
Comic Con (Saturday 27 June) - the final weekend sees several events taking place, the most eye-catching of which is Comic Con. Get into costume or just wander around spotting characters, browsing stalls full of comics/games/fantasy goods. There are many, many activities to take part in too!
Calling Artists & Skaters: Boards and Brushes
Boards and Brushes at Letchworth Festival
The Mighty Creatives and the Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation are inviting local young people, artists and skaters aged 16+ to get involved in “Boards and Brushes”, a youth-led project taking place as part of the Letchworth Festival Skate Jam on 6 June.
The project will see local artists customising skateboards live during the event, with young people leading the planning and organisation throughout. The organisers are currently looking for up to five artists to take part, as well as skaters interested in getting involved.
The deadline to register is 28 May. Further information can be found here: Discover Letchworth Youth Collective
Careers Newsletter
Edition #31
This week’s Careers Newsletter includes opportunities linked to creative industries, gaming, apprenticeships, university preparation and international study, alongside guidance exploring future careers, freelance work and the evolving world of AI and digital technology.
Highlights include:
- National Freelancer Week and resources exploring careers within the creator economy and freelance work across the creative industries
- News on the UK formally rejoining the Erasmus+ programme from 2027, opening up future opportunities for students to study and work across Europe
- Skill City, an immersive careers platform exploring AI, branding, digital skills and the future workforce
- Recorded university guidance webinars covering Russell Group universities, clinical and health professions, and researching university options
- A creative sector apprenticeships webinar featuring employers, application advice and insights from current apprentices
- Advice around “side hustles”, self-employment and understanding tax responsibilities linked to freelance and additional income streams
- A careers spotlight on railway signalling, exploring the responsibilities and skills required within this safety-critical transport role
- A live author talk with bestselling writer Soman Chainani discussing politics, leadership and the process of becoming an author
- A gaming and AI session with Dr Llŷr ap Cenydd exploring lifelike creature design, animation, virtual reality and artificial intelligence in gaming
- University preparation resources from Southampton Solent and UCAS, including support around exam stress, results day and preparing for Freshers’ Week
- Employer and university spotlights featuring Bupa and the University of Surrey
- A world spotlight on studying in Argentina, including information about university costs, language requirements, visas and the academic calendar
Read the full Careers Newsletter below. If you have any further questions about Career Related Learning at St Chris, please contact Lizzie Hedderson.
7-Minute Safeguarding Briefing
Children Affected by Domestic Abuse
This week’s safeguarding briefing focuses on children affected by domestic abuse and the important role that schools and boarding communities play in recognising and responding to safeguarding concerns.
The briefing explores the many forms domestic abuse can take beyond physical violence, including emotional abuse, coercive or controlling behaviour, intimidation, financial control and online abuse, and highlights the significant impact these experiences can have on children’s emotional wellbeing, mental health, relationships and educational outcomes. Particular attention is given to the understanding, now recognised within the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, that children affected by domestic abuse are victims in their own right, even where they may not directly witness physical incidents.
The briefing also outlines some of the possible indicators staff and parents may notice in children affected by domestic abuse, including anxiety, withdrawal, emotional dysregulation, changes in behaviour, difficulty concentrating, friendship issues and increased distress around weekends or returning home. It also explains the role of Operation Encompass, the national safeguarding partnership which enables schools to receive information from police following domestic abuse incidents where children may be affected.
As with all safeguarding work at St Chris, the focus is not on making assumptions or creating alarm, but on ensuring that staff remain professionally curious, informed and able to respond sensitively and appropriately to concerns, recognising that trusted relationships and consistent support can make a significant difference to a child’s wellbeing and sense of safety. Please click on the link to read the briefing.
For further information about safeguarding at St Chris, contact Alistair Phillips, our Designated Safeguarding Lead: Alistair.Phillips@stchris.co.uk
SAFEGUARDING BRIEFING: CHILDREN AFFECTED BY DOMESTIC ABUSE
The Week after Half Term
Nursery & Junior School
- Tuesday 2 June: H Group (Year 2) PSHE Parent Forum
- Wednesday 3 June: E Group (Year 5) Ancient Greece Workshop; G Group (Year 3) Trip to Lydia's House; D Group (Year 6) PSHE Parent Forum
- Thursday 4 June: J Group (Year 1) PSHE Parent Forum; Junior School Photographer - class photos
- Friday 5 June: Nursery PSHE Parent Forum
Senior School & Sixth Form
- Wednesday 3 June: III Group (Year 9) History Trip to Bletchley Park
- Thursday 4 June: UCAS Discovery Day
- Friday 5 June: IV Group (Year 10) Geography Fieldwork Residential to Norfolk
- Saturday 6 June: IV Group (Year 10) Geography Fieldwork Residential to Norfolk
- Sunday 7 June: IV Group (Year 10) Geography Fieldwork Residential to Norfolk
Summer Term Diary
| Monday 8 June | Year 2 (H Group) Trip to Woburn |
| Tuesday 9 June | LAMDA Exams |
| Wednesday 10 June | LAMDA Exams |
| Thursday 11 June |
LAMDA Exams Academic, Pastoral & Education Committee |
| Friday 12 June |
Year 6 (D Group) Trip to Sealife Centre LAMDA Exams |
| Saturday 13 June | LAMDA Exams |
| Monday 15 June |
F Group (Year 4) Visit to Eco House Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Examinations Junior School LAMDA Showcase IV Group (Year 10) Food Mock Practical Exam |
| Tuesday 16 June |
Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Examinations IV Group (Year 10) Food Mock Practical Exam I - IV Group (Years 7 - 10) Lower School Play Junior School Open House |
| Wednesday 17 June |
Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Examinations I - IV Group (Years 7 - 10) Lower School Play G Group (Year 3) Residential Trip to Thriftwood |
| Thursday 18 June |
Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Examinations G Group (Year 3) Residential Trip to Thriftwood II Group (Year 8) Science trip to Cambridge Safeguarding & Boarding Committee |
| Friday 19 June |
Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Examinations G Group (Year 3) Residential Trip to Thriftwood H Group (Year 2) Camp Out GCSE & A Level Art & 3D Design Exhibition |
| Saturday 20 June | St Christopalooza |
| Monday 22 June | I Group (Year 7) Transition Day |
| Tuesday 23 June |
I Group (Year 7) Transition Day Sports Award Evening |
| Wednesday 24 June |
I Group (Year 7) Transition Day District Athletics Senior School Summer Concert |
| Thursday 25 June | Junior School Sports Day |
| Friday 26 June |
Reception (K Group) Trip to Hitchin Museum Senior School Sports Day |
| Monday 29 June |
Nursery Sports Afternoon V Group (Year 11) Transition Day Senior School LAMDA Showcase |
| Tuesday 30 June |
V Group - Upper Sixth (Years 11-13) Summer Ball IV Group (Year 10) Mock Interviews |
| Wednesday 1 July |
Nursery Trip to Willows Farm Senior School Open Day E & F Group (Years 4 & 5) |
| Thursday 2 July |
World Challenge Build Up Day |
| Friday 3 July | 1200 noon Term ends for Senior School |
| Sunday 5 July |
Upper Years LSP Departs for Barcelona Food & Culture Upper School LSP Departs for Geneva STEM Upper School LSP Departs for Verona, Milan & Lake Garda Upper School LSP Departs for Pinecroft Extreme (Yorkshire) II Group (Year 8) LSP Departs to Yorkshire Dales & The Lakes III Group (Year 9) LSP Departs to Morzine |
| Monday 6 July |
I Group (Year 7) LSP Departs to the Opal Coast Upper School LSP Departs Devon Watersports |
| Tuesday 7 July |
Junior School Gathering LSP trips |
| Wednesday 8 July | LSP trips |
| Thursday 9 July |
D Group (Year 6) final 'Morning' Talk and Afternoon Tea for Parents Upper School LSP returns from Barcelona Food & Culture Upper School LSP returns from Geneva STEM Upper School LSP returns from Verona, Milan & Lake Garda I Group (Year 7) LSP returns from the Opal Coast |
| Friday 10 July |
II Group (Year 8) LSP returns from Yorkshire Dales & The Lakes III Group (Year 9) LSP returns from Morzine Upper School LSP Pinecroft Extreme (Yorkshire) returns Upper School LSP Devon Watersports returns 1200 noon Academic Year ends |
Nursery & Junior
This week in the Junior School has been filled with exploration and collaboration both inside and outside the classroom. From Nursery learning new knot-tying skills in Forest School to K Group (Reception) enjoying a well-earned pyjama and popcorn celebration, every year group has embraced opportunities to learn, reflect and work together.
Across the school, pupils immersed themselves in a wide range of activities including audiobook production, nature studies, elderflower cordial making, creative English lessons, scientific investigations, statistics projects and mock elections. Forest School sessions continued to inspire teamwork, resilience and independence, while classroom learning encouraged thoughtful discussion, problem-solving and growing confidence across the curriculum.
From J Group (Year 1) through to D Group (Year 6), pupils have demonstrated enthusiasm, perseverance and a real sense of community throughout the week. Read on below to discover more about each year group’s highlights from another busy and rewarding week in the Junior School.
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D Group (Year 6) |
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D Group (Year 6) have enjoyed a rich and varied week of learning across the curriculum. In science, the students explored the school grounds searching for living organisms as part of their work on classification. They will soon use their findings to create classification keys using the knowledge they have built over recent weeks. In English, D Group (Year 6) have continued studying Holes by Louis Sachar, impressing staff with their thoughtful analysis of themes, characters and plot twists. Their enthusiasm for uncovering connections within the story has been wonderful to see. Maths lessons this week focused on statistics, with the students learning how to interpret and create dual line graphs using data linked to their own interests. Topics ranged from football league positions and car sales trends to Spotify streaming statistics and YouTube growth predictions, resulting in highly engaging and personalised learning. In PSHE, D Group (Year 6) explored democracy and elections by creating their own political parties and manifestos during a mock election activity. They also reflected on wellbeing and mental health through the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’, sharing ideas creatively and even practising mindfulness through cloud watching. Alongside all of this, the students have continued to demonstrate excellent independence, resilience and responsibility in their approach to homework and learning. |
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E Group (Year 5) |
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E Group (Year 5) combined science and creativity beautifully during this week’s Forest School session. Pupils planted garlic cloves in the kitchen garden while learning about the fascinating ways plants reproduce asexually through runners, bulbs and tubers. It was an engaging introduction to how plants can create clones of themselves without needing a partner. Afterwards, E Group (Year 5) headed into the orchard, where the students demonstrated excellent creativity, resilience and problem-solving skills through a variety of self-directed outdoor activities. The session showcased impressive teamwork and curiosity as the pupils explored, built and experimented together. In PSHE, E Group (Year 5) discussed the importance of volunteering within the local community. Working in groups, the students explored a range of local organisations, including the Garden House Hospice, Letchworth Food Bank, the Heritage Foundation and Letchworth Arts and Leisure, developing their understanding of how different groups support the wider community. |
| F Group (Year 4) |
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F Group (Year 4) have enjoyed a busy and exciting week filled with creativity, teamwork and thoughtful discussion. In Forest School, the children were introduced to using a bow saw to cut firewood safely, learning how to protect their helping hand with a glove before confidently trying the skill themselves. F Group also continued developing their zip wire project, working collaboratively to improve its design, safety and movement. Elsewhere in the forest, imagination flourished through a busy flower shop and homemade charcoal face paint creations. During reflection time, F Group (Year 4) spoke thoughtfully about enjoying the freedom to create, explore nature and learn more about plants and animals. In PSHE, F Group (Year 4) began their Growing and Changing unit by discussing the importance of respectful and supportive conversations. Using the ROCK acronym (Respect, Openness, Confidentiality and Kindness) alongside the children’s own ideas, the class worked together to create their own F Group ground rules for discussion. F Group (Year 4) are also looking forward to an exciting upcoming visit from a children’s author and illustrator as part of their Famous People topic. The students have already begun preparing thoughtful questions about life as a successful author. |
| G Group (Year 3) |
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This week, G Group (Year 3) enjoyed a lively and highly interactive English lesson focused on main and subordinate clauses. Through discussion and movement-based activities, pupils became increasingly confident in identifying how subordinate clauses can be positioned at either the beginning or end of a sentence. Their learning was inspired by The Night Gardener by The Fan Brothers, a beautiful story exploring how kindness, creativity and hope can transform a community. In Forest School, G Group (Year 3) gathered elderflowers to make their own elderflower cordial after enjoying some previously made by H Group (Year 2). The session also included many favourite outdoor activities, from swinging and wheelbarrowing to den building and pond exploration. The students were delighted to spot familiar pond skaters alongside a newt during their adventures. |
| H Group (Year 2) |
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H Group (Year 2) have been working incredibly hard on their Kenya lapbooks as part of their Africa topic. The students thoroughly enjoyed researching facts using iPads and carefully selecting their favourite information to include in their beautifully organised fact pouches. In Forest School, H Group (Year 2) embraced the signs of spring by collecting elderflowers from the front lawn to make elderflower cordial using a traditional recipe. The students also explored the orchard and pond habitats, linking their observations to their recent Science learning. There was plenty of excitement as they searched for wildlife, spotting earwigs and even hearing about the first pond snail seen in the pond this season. |
| J Group (Year 1) |
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J Group (Year 1) have had a wonderfully busy and creative week filled with digital learning, outdoor discovery and thoughtful discussion. In computing, the children transformed their English stories inspired by Lost and Found into audiobook presentations. After photographing and cropping their illustrations, they used Keynote to create slides and add voice recordings, developing a range of digital skills along the way. During Forest School, J Group (Year 1) checked on the impressive growth of their broad beans, learnt how to tie overhand knots and began practising the first stages of tying shoelaces. The children were fascinated to examine an abandoned wasps’ nest and discover that wasps make their own paper. The session ended with pond dipping, apple tree climbing and spotting the first tiny apples forming in the orchard. During their Journeys Topic lessons, J Group (Year 1) explored Kenya, discussing housing, tribes, washing traditions and African animals, while using atlases to locate the country and continent. To conclude their Journeys topic, the children also shared thoughtful discussions about environmentally friendly travel, debating topics such as walking, electric cars and the environmental impact of submarines. Great discussions and reasoning! |
| Reception (K Group) |
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This week, K Group (Reception) celebrated filling another class pom pom jar with a very special reward, a 'pyjama and popcorn' day. Pupils arrived at school full of excitement in their pyjamas and thoroughly enjoyed watching popcorn being freshly made in the popcorn machine. There was great fascination as the popcorn quickly burst into the bowl, and everyone enjoyed choosing between plain, salty or sweet maple syrup toppings. The cosy day was rounded off perfectly with a short Paddington story, making for a memorable and relaxing celebration together. The last few weeks K Group (Reception) have been taking in turns to have their lunch in the main dining room as part of their transition activities in preparation for the move up to Year 1 (J Group) in September; taking in all the sights, sounds and smells and getting used to making those important lunchtime menu decisions....! K Group (Reception) also spent time in the vegetable garden planting cucumbers, tomatoes and beans, while helping with plenty of watering ahead of the warmer weather forecast next week. The students were fascinated to look closely at oak saplings and discover how they had grown from tiny acorns. In the orchard, they enjoyed catching tadpoles and observing how their legs were beginning to grow. The session was rounded off with plenty of swinging, climbing, dancing and relaxing outdoors together. |
| Nursery |
| Nursery embraced the return of rainy weather during their first wet Forest School session in months, making shelters before getting stuck into learning how to tie knots. The students quickly found creative uses for their new skills, with some making bows and others creating leads for their much-loved stick dogs. One student proudly invented their own knot to tie up their stick dog after taking it for a walk, while another enjoyed observing friends before joining in with even more activities themselves. It was a wonderfully collaborative and imaginative session full of practical learning and outdoor exploration. |
Senior & Sixth
Introduction to Sixth Form
On Wednesday, IV Group (Year 10) were welcomed into the Sixth Form as part of their PSHE unit on career-related learning and future pathways.
The afternoon began in the Theatre during Company Time, where IV Group students joined the Lower Sixth for their much-loved weekly quiz, created by Flora, Head of Politics. Working in mixed year-group teams, students competed across rounds covering general knowledge and subject specialisms, with prizes on offer for the winning teams. It was wonderful to see the IV Group so enthusiastically involved and beginning to experience the atmosphere and community of Sixth Form life.
While scores were being calculated, students moved across to the Sixth Form Centre for a scavenger hunt designed to help them explore the space, build teamwork skills and chat informally with Year 12 students about life in the Sixth Form. The activity sparked plenty of conversation about future choices, subjects and next steps, all enjoyed alongside a well-earned snack of croissants and refreshments.
It was a lovely opportunity for students to spend time together across year groups and gain a first-hand insight into the opportunities, independence and community that Sixth Form study at St Chris offers.
Robotics Season
The new robotics season is underway and St Chris continue on our path towards world domination! This season we will be fielding an elite V5 team headed up by a III Group (Year 9) student Bart, ably supported by engineer Henrik and programmer Alex.
Additionally, we will be fielding two VIQ teams featuring the now veterans Leo and James and joined by members of D Group (Year 6) who will be moving up to the Senior School in September. As ever, Robotics continues to be supported by our wonderful Upper Sixth, in particular Thomas and Daniel, but while they are deep in the zone with their A-Levels, we are lucky enough to have the support of Neil (parent) and Anders (Governor and parent), who have a passion for robotics and engineering that is only matched by the students!
I Group History Trip
Last week, I Group (Year 7) travelled to Hampton Court Palace to begin their new Tudor unit of learning. Despite the rain, students enjoyed exploring the palace and discovering more about Henry VIII, the Tudor court and the religious changes that shaped the period. The visit provided an engaging introduction to the topic and brought their classroom learning to life through first-hand experiences of one of England’s most significant historic sites.
Luton Town FC Academy success!
Archie (III Group/Year 9) has been on trial at Luton Town FC Academy over a 10-week period. It’s been a massive commitment and very intense - training nine hours a week, plus fixtures all over the country at the weekend.
Archie has now been offered a two-year contract at the club - huge congratulations!
V Group (Year 11) Study Leave
Exam season is in full swing and we are so proud with the way our V Group (Year 11) students have been approaching their GCSEs. The school has put a number of initiatives in place to support them including dedicated study spaces, early morning exam breakfasts, wellbeing sessions and of course snacks! A large percentage of the year group have been choosing to come in every day, despite being on Study Leave, in order to access their teachers and the resources available to them and we have been impressed with the mature and committed way they are engaging.
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