In this week's Roundup:
Head'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.
Not every day at work offers the chance to indulge in one of my more peculiar interests, but Monday turned out to be one of those rare moments.
During this week’s Senior School Morning Talk, I found myself talking about Jaws — yes, I’ve probably mentioned it far too many times by now. But bear with me, there’s method behind my Monday explanation.
I’d just finished reading a fascinating book about psychology and its relationship with political power in the 20th century, which included an interview with a psychologist. He argued that, if we're not careful, we could blindly go through life without ever truly exercising genuine free will, such are the forces that cultivate our decisions and opinions.
Scary stuff.
Now, I’m not trying to turn this into a grand conspiracy theory, but it got me thinking: we are constantly being nudged, shaped, and influenced by external forces—politicians included—who know how to guide us into adopting beliefs and behaviours that feel like our own, but in reality, they've been carefully curated for us. So, even when we think we're making independent decisions, we’re often unknowingly steered in a certain direction.
And that’s where Jaws comes in.
I used the film’s iconic beach scene during the Morning Talk to show how Steven Spielberg, a master manipulator (in the best way), used colour, editing, props, and other techniques to subtly influence my emotions. When I first saw that scene, I didn’t consciously decide to be scared, enthralled and anxious—I was simply guided to feel that way, all without realising it at the time. That’s the power of effective manipulation.
But it’s not just cinema I explained. It’s everywhere. This is what I said to the Senior School.
“By the time we stepped out of the house this morning, we’d likely already been subtly influenced by outside forces—corporations, politicians, social groups—playing a part in how we think, feel, and act. We don’t always realise it, but the way we dress, the music we listen to, the programmes we consume, and even the opinions we hold have all been shaped, often without our conscious consent.
We all fall victim to these unseen forces, far beyond scary plastic Great Whites.
Take the layout of a supermarket, for example. Most of us probably visited one over the weekend. It’s all carefully planned to get you to spend more money on certain brands.
You know how you always have to walk through certain aisles to get to the exit? That’s no accident. The longer you stay in the store, the more likely you are to make impulse purchases.
And then there’s the fresh produce section. Ever wonder why it’s always right at the entrance? It's because the store knows that by loading up your trolley with healthy fruits and vegetables first, you’ll feel better about grabbing those “guilty pleasures” later, without feeling too guilty about it.
Supermarkets also know that our decision-making power has limits. Research (done by a large UK supermarket company) has shown that after about 23 minutes in the store, our ability to make rational decisions starts to decline, and we shift to more impulsive, emotional choices. So, what’s placed further down the supermarket, around about the 20-minute mark? All those irresistible items like chocolate, crisps, alcohol, cakes, frozen ready meals and sugary drinks — just when your willpower is at its lowest. Not a coincidence.
And then there’s the constant rearranging of items — things like eggs and milk that get moved around regularly. It’s designed to make you wander through more aisles and, inevitably, pick up a few extra items along the way.
Even the colours in a supermarket are chosen to manipulate us. Red, for example, is a colour associated with urgency. So, what colour do most sale signs and discount stickers use? Red. It creates a sense of "I need this now!" even though there’s no real danger at all. It’s all part of the carefully crafted marketing strategy to get you to act quickly.”
I think a few were quite surprised.
Now, here’s the thing that I love about our school: we actively encourage our students to question everything they see and hear, and to critically evaluate the messages they’re exposed to. Independent thought and critical inquiry are at the heart of everything we do here. It’s why our Debate Club is so popular, why our robotics programme is thriving, and why critical thinking is a significant feature of our academic curriculum.
I am incredibly proud to be the Head of a school that doesn’t just accept things at face value but encourages students to ask the awkward questions, challenge the perceived truth, and look beyond the surface to uncover depth.
In a world full of invisible forces trying to shape our thoughts and actions, our vision is a little clearer: we want to help our students recognise those forces and make informed, independent choices. To think critically, to act consciously, and to always question the world around them.
Because in the end, that’s the true power of education. Now, back to that shark swimming around Amity Island…
Notices
Junior School
No Clubs Next Week
A reminder that next week, as it's the last week of term, there are no after school clubs running in the Junior School. If you would like to book your child in for After School Care (which runs until 6.30pm) please email jswraparound@stchris.co.uk.
Clubs for next term are currently being finalised and will be open for booking from Wednesday 9 April. We will communicate the list of clubs ahead of this date.
Parents' Circle - Preloved Stall
Next Monday 31 March from 3.15 - 4.15 pm, there will be 'Preloved' stall located outside the Junior School main entrance. All parents are welcome to donate and/or buy. If you have any PE kit, swimming gear, shinpads, boots, wellies, Forest School kit plus anything else related to school that you would like to donate, please drop them at the Junior School Office in the "Preloved" stall box. All funds will go towards a charity chosen by the Eco Concil (yet to be decided).
Community Litter Pick
The community litter pick that we had been planning with the Parents' Circle has unfortunately had to be postponed from next week until the start of the summer term. We will be in touch with a new date as soon as confirmed.
Green News
The charity the Eco Councillors have chosen this term for the money they are raising is the WWF, as "it protects all wild animals, not just rhinos or pandas" as one Councillor put it.
Every Monday is now Switch Off Monday in the Junior School as we work to reduce the amount of wasted electricity and our carbon footprint, and to encourage everyone to adopt good green habits.
Senior School
II Group (Year 8) PSHE Morning
On Friday 25 April, II Group (Year 8) will take part in a PSGE drop-down morning which covers some of the relationships and sex education elements of PSHE.
Lizzie Hedderson is sending further information about the day to parents and guardians - please keep an eye out for the letter in your inbox.
You may like to discuss this topic with your child both before and after the day. Please do look at the resources available on The Wellbeing Hub to help with discussions at home, particularly in the Resources section about Friendships and Relationships.
Please let Lizzie know if you have any questions by emailing lizzie.hedderson@stchris.co.uk
National Pool Lifeguard Qualification
Our National Pool Lifeguard Qualification will be running from Monday 14 - Friday 18 July 2025 for students who will turn 16 on, or before Friday 18 July 2025 and may be looking for some part-time, flexible employment as a Lifeguard at St Chris to fit around their academic studies.
Course details and contact information can be found on the link below. . We have a 100% pass rate and offer a limited number of funding options for St Chris students to support them in accessing the course (this must be applied for and confirmed in writing prior to starting the course).
Whole School
Message from the Parents' Circle
The Parents' Circle would like to get a wider awareness amongst parents about the plan to use funds accumulated in the Parents' Circle account over the last few years post-COVID. The poll, which contains more details about the plan, can be found below:
St Chris Musicians Play Hitchin
Next Thursday 3 April the St Chris Jazz and World Music Ensemble, plus featured guest singers and the school Rock Group, are performing at Club 85 in Hitchin.
The concert is a tribute by the band to some of the greats of Reggae and Dub, but will also feature classic R&B, Soul, Jazz and Blues songs, performed by some of the wealth of talented singers amongst the St Chris students.
Doors are at 7.00pm, live music starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are available on the door and are £12.50 for adults and £7.50 for students on the door. Under 16's need to be accompanied by an adult. All profits go to the charity One Tree Planted.
Recycled Fashion Show Exhibition: 14 March - 3 April 2025
If you are visiting Letchworth in the next few weeks please do pop down to The Letchworth Settlement to see the exhibition of costumes and photographs from the show. There are some incredible costumes on display and a huge amount of time, effort and creativity has obviously gone into their creation.
The exhibition is open to the general public from Friday 14 March to Thursday 3 April (last week of term) at the following times and entry is free:
- Saturday 29 March: 10.00am - 12.00pm
- Monday 31 March: 9.00am - 5.00pm
- Tuesday 1 April: 9.00am - 5.00pm
- Wednesday 2 April: 9.00am - 5.00pm
- Thursday 3 April: 1.00 - 5.00pm
Wellbeing Hub
Teachers and parents from St Chris are empowered to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people through an innovative online platform provided by The Wellbeing Hub. Parents and guardians can sign up to use The Wellbeing Hub using the button below. We do encourage you to look through the extensive resources available, including podcasts, online courses, events and Q&As.
Further information can be found in a letter from Lizzie Hedderson, Assistant Head (Pupil Development and Wellbeing) here.
Register for the Wellbeing Hub
Webinar: Wednesday 2 April at 9:30 am - Adolescent issues for autistic teenagers with Prof. Tony Attwood, International best-selling Author and Clinical Psychologist specialising in Autism Spectrum Disorders 
The Week Ahead
Nursery & Junior School
- Monday 31 March: K Group (Reception) Mummies Tea (2.45 - 3.15 pm), Parents' Circle 'Preloved' stall (3.15 - 4.15 pm) outside the Junior School main entrance.
- Tuesday 1 April: K Group (Reception) Trip to Storytelling Centre Stratford; G Group (Year 3) Morning Talk 'Cakes around the world'
- Thursday 3 April: J Group (Year 1) Morning Talk postponed, E Group (Year 5) Isle of Wight Parents' Meeting at 3.30 pm
- Friday 4 April: Easter Egg Hunt; Spring Term ends at 1200 noon
Senior School & Sixth Form
- Saturday 29 March: GCSE Art Exam Preparation
- Monday 30 March: GCSE Art & Design Exam; Lower Sixth (Year 12) A Level Geography Fieldwork Day
- Tuesday 1 April: GCSE Art & Design Exam
- Wednesday 2 April: Film and Philosophy Screening
- Thursday 3 April: Club 85 Music Performance
- Friday 4 April: II Group (Year 8), III Group (Year 9), and Lower Sixth (Year 12) reports issued; Spring Term ends at 1200 noon
The Summer Term Ahead
| Monday 21 April |
Bank Holiday Monday |
| Tuesday 22 April |
Staff INSET Day GCSE 3D Design Exam |
| Wednesday 23 April |
First day of Summer Term GCSE 3D Design Exam A Level Photography Exam |
| Thursday 24 April |
GCSE 3D Design Exam A Level Photography Exam J Group (Year 1) Morning Talk |
| Friday 25 April |
GCSE 3D Design Exam A Level Photography Exam II Group (Year 8) PSHE Drop Down Day |
| Sunday 27 April | F Group (Year 4) Residential Trip to Bawdsey Manor, Suffolk |
| Monday 28 April |
F Group (Year 4) Residential Trip to Bawdsey Manor, Suffolk A Level Art Exam IV Group (Year 10) Mock Exams |
| Tuesday 29 April |
F Group (Year 4) Residential Trip to Bawdsey Manor, Suffolk A Level Art Exam IV Group (Year 10) Mock Exams |
| Wednesday 30 April |
F Group (Year 4) Residential Trip to Bawdsey Manor, Suffolk A Level Art Exam IV Group (Year 10) Mock Exams Duke of Edinburgh's Awards Evening |
| Thursday 1 May | IV Group (Year 10) Mock Exams |
| Friday 2 May |
K Group (Reception) Morning Talk IV Group (Year 10) Mock Exams Lower Sixth (Year 12) Geography Residential - Flatford Mill Senior School Open Morning |
| Saturday 3 May | Lower Sixth (Year 12) Geography Residential - Flatford Mill |
| Sunday 4 May | Lower Sixth (Year 12) Geography Residential - Flatford Mill |
| Monday 5 May |
Bank Holiday Monday Sixth Form Gold DofE Practice Expedition to Snowdonia |
| Tuesday 6 May |
Sixth Form Gold DofE Practice Expedition to Snowdonia IV Group (Year 10) PSHE Drop Down Day A Level 3D Design Examination |
| Wednesday 7 May |
Sixth Form Gold DofE Practice Expedition to Snowdonia A Level 3D Design Examination A Level Food & Nutrition Practical Exam |
| Thursday 8 May |
Sixth Form Gold DofE Practice Expedition to Snowdonia A Level 3D Design Examination A Level Food & Nutrition Practical Exam |
| Friday 9 May |
V Group (Year 11) and Upper Sixth (Year 13) Final Day before Study Leave III Group (Year 9) Bronze DofE Training Campout |
| Saturday 10 May | III Group (Year 9) Bronze DofE Training Campout |
| Monday 12 May |
V Group (Year 11) and Upper Sixth (Year 13) Study Leave starts E Group (Year 5) Trip to Isle of Wight |
| Tuesday 13 May |
E Group (Year 5) Trip to Isle of Wight Lower Sixth (Year 12) Geography Fieldwork Day |
| Wednesday 14 May |
E Group (Year 5) Trip to Isle of Wight Film and Philosophy Screening |
| Thursday 15 May | E Group (Year 5) Trip to Isle of Wight |
| Friday 16 May |
E Group (Year 5) Trip to Isle of Wight IV Group (Year 10) Mock Reports issued |
| Monday 19 May | Monte (Nursery) Trip to Willows Farm |
| Tuesday 20 May |
G Group (Year 3) Trip to Living Rainforest IV Group (Year 10) GCSE Drama Devised Performance |
| Wednesday 21 May | IV Group (Year 10) Parents' Consultations |
| Thursday 22 May |
H Group (Year 2) Canal Trip III Group (Year 9) PSHE Drop Down Day |
| Monday 26 - Friday 30 May | Half term holiday |
| Wednesday 4 June | III Group (Year 9) Trip to Bletchley Park |
| Thursday 5 June | II Group (Year 8) Illustrated Children's Book Workshop |
| Friday 6 June | IV Group (Year 10) GCSE Geography Residential Weekend - Norfolk |
| Saturday 7 June | IV Group (Year 10) GCSE Geography Residential Weekend - Norfolk |
| Tuesday 10 June |
Senior School Sports Day |
| Wednesday 11 June |
Junior School Sports Day I Group (Year 7) Trip to Hampton Court Palace II Group (Year 8) Science Trip (TBC) LAMDA Examinations |
| Thursday 12 June |
LAMDA Examinations Sports Award Evening |
| Friday 13 June |
LAMDA Examinations IV Group (Year 10) Silver DofE Practice Expedition |
| Saturday 14 June |
IV Group (Year 10) Silver DofE Practice Expedition III Group (Year 9) Bronze DofE Qualifying Expedition |
| Sunday 15 June |
IV Group (Year 10) Silver DofE Practice Expedition III Group (Year 9) Bronze DofE Qualifying Expedition |
| Monday 16 June |
Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Exams |
| Tuesday 17 June | Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Exams |
| Wednesday 18 June |
D Group (Year 6) Trip to Sky Studios Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Exams G Group (Year 3) Residential to Thriftwood |
| Thursday 19 June |
Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Exams G Group (Year 3) Residential to Thriftwood |
| Friday 20 June |
Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Exams G Group (Year 3) Residential to Thriftwood |
| Saturday 21 June | St Christopalooza Summer Celebration |
| Monday 23 June |
E Group (Year 5) Trip to Woburn Safari Park LAMDA Showcase |
| Tuesday 24 June |
GCSE & A Level Art & 3D Design Exhibition I Group (Year 7) Transition Day |
| Wednesday 25 June | I Group (Year 7) Transition Day |
| Thursday 26 June |
I Group (Year 7) Transition Day Junior School Transition Day I-III (Years 7-8) Lower School Play |
| Friday 27 June |
I-III (Years 7-8) Lower School Play V Group (Year 11) to Sixth Form Transition Day |
| Wednesday 2 July | E & F Group (Years 4 & 5) Early Transition Event |
| Thursday 3 July | V Group - Upper Sixth (Years 11-13) Summer Ball |
| Friday 4 July |
H Group (Year 2) Morning Talk I-III Group (Years 7-9) Reports Issued Lower Sixth (Year 12) Mock Reports Issued Senior School ends at 1200 noon for LSP Week |
| Saturday 5 July | II Group (Year 8) LSP to Yorkshire and Lake District |
| Sunday 6 July |
II Group (Year 8) LSP to Yorkshire and Lake District III Group (Year 9) LSP to Morzine |
| Monday 7 July |
LSP Week in Senior School I Group (Year 7) LSP to Les Vosges II Group (Year 8) LSP to Yorkshire and Lake District III Group (Year 9) LSP to Morzine IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Geneva IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Naples |
| Tuesday 8 July |
LSP Week in Senior School I Group (Year 7) LSP to Les Vosges II Group (Year 8) LSP to Yorkshire and Lake District III Group (Year 9) LSP to Morzine IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Geneva IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Naples |
| Wednesday 9 July |
LSP Week in Senior School I Group (Year 7) LSP to Les Vosges II Group (Year 8) LSP to Yorkshire and Lake District III Group (Year 9) LSP to Morzine IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Geneva IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Naples |
| Thursday 10 July |
LSP Week in Senior School I Group (Year 7) LSP to Les Vosges II Group (Year 8) LSP to Yorkshire and Lake District III Group (Year 9) LSP to Morzine IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Geneva IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Naples |
| Friday 11 July |
1200 noon Academic Year ends I Group (Year 7) LSP to Les Vosges II Group (Year 8) LSP to Yorkshire and Lake District III Group (Year 9) LSP to Morzine |
Reading Roundup
Reading Newsletter - Spring Edition 2025
Welcome to our termly newsletter all about reading at St Chris which we hope will help you support your child with their reading at home. Read on to find out about:
- Top tips to support reading and comprehension skills
- Book recommendations for inspiration
- Student book reviews
- Literary Festival roundup
- An interview with author Tova Friedman
- Examples of creative writing by our students and
- How to get in involved with the St Chris magazine...
If you have any further questions about literacy at St Chris, please contact Amy Anderson (Head of English and Senior School Literacy Lead)
Careers Newsletter
Edition #5
Our weekly Careers Newsletter has a different theme and excellent links to further information to help students explore careers they might be interested in. It features up to date Labour Market Information, an Employer Spotlight and a University Spotlight. We encourage you to explore this resource with your child to help spark careers conversations at home.
If you have any further questions about Career Related Learning at St Chris, please contact Lizzie Hedderson.
Nursery & Junior
|
Monte (Nursery) |
|---|
|
The Nursery students have been exploring the grounds, looking for signs of spring. We noticed blossom on the trees and that the daffodils were now flowering. We took a walk to Arunwood, where James explained that the birds have started to lay eggs as the weather is getting warmer. We saw blue duck eggs, white chicken eggs and were even lucky enough to find some pointy, speckled eggs from the turkeys! Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Stay and Play session in K Group (Reception) and for joining in with the Easter Egg hunt! |
| Reception (K Group) |
|
This week in maths we have been exploring 3D shapes and their properties. We printed with 3D shapes to see what 2D shapes made them, and we explored if the shapes stacked, slid, or rolled. |
| J Group (Year 1) |
|
This week in Forest School, we learned to tie two sticks together securely with a reef knot. Several of the students are getting familiar with tying generally, and so they were all up for having a go or helping each other. It's great for their dexterity, confidence, and problem-solving skills. Some of them later used this new skill in their play. Ask them at home to help you secure something to something else, and they may well surprise you! |
| H Group (Year 2) |
|
This week, H Group jumped into the enchanting world of Cats by Andrew Lloyd Webber! We had fun creating our very own Jellicle Cat, bringing our unique designs and personalities to life. Lyn is very proud of the work produced by H Group in their recent PE lessons. The students have been learning about balances and self-evaluating their progress. They each independently came up with feedback as to how they could improve their performance, showing great understanding about what makes a good balance. |
| G Group (Year 3) |
|
Ths week we had a lot of fun making 3D models of some of the European landmarks. The students have all been very creative and resourceful with their ideas. Our second group of students went to the Veggie Centre in the Senior School and made some delicious pizza! |
| F Group (Year 4) |
|
F Group worked on a science task this week, where we reminded ourselves of the seven groups of invertebrates and then used a classification key to work out which group some creatures belonged to. In English, we started our work on Aesop's Fables. We discussed what a fable is and the fact that it has a very important message at the end of it - a moral. The students worked in groups to watch a version of a fable and then read another version of it. They will be deciding how they will present their fable to the class. Will the other students be able to identify which moral fits with each fable? Louise has shared the PowerPoint about the upcoming LSP to Bawdsey Manor on Class Dojo. If you have any questions, do give her a shout. If you weren't at the meeting, your child has a paper copy of the kit list - please look out for these in their reading folder. Save the date...Our class Morning Talk next term is on Friday 16 May. |
| E Group (Year 5) |
|
This week in art, the students have been working on Greek theatre masks! We also had part two of our Greek cookery and food tasting experience. This week was sweet dishes. The students made honey cakes in the Senior School Vege Centre to bring back to class and share, and they also tried traditional Greek orange peel and figs in syrup! Half the class also had Forest School this week (with the others taking part next week). We started out by transplanting some strawberry plants into the vegetable patch in the kitchen garden. Each Junior School class grows a vegetable, and E Group are usually in charge of the strawberry bed. We filled in the gaps, watered everything well, and they promised me they would remember to water them during the next few weeks and months until we harvest them. |
| D Group (Year 6) |
|
This week our D Group students have had an incredible week on their LSP in York where they have:
It’s been a brilliant adventure with lovely weather, and the students have had a fantastic time. |
| U10 Football |
|
On a bright, sunny Wednesday afternoon, our U10 football team won 7-0 against Sandon. The real highlight of the match was the enthusiasm shared by both teams. Our students demonstrated great teamwork, scoring some fantastic team goals, while our visitors showed great spirit and determination throughout. Parents applauded the effort and sportsmanship displayed by both teams. At the final whistle, our captain for the day, Chester, presented the visiting teacher with flowers and a gift for her retirement. The staff member wanted her last ever fixture to be against St Chris, as she loves the atmosphere, encouragement, and respect shown by our teams. Well done U10 for a great performance! |
| Primary Schools Relays Swimming Gala |
| Last Friday, our Junior swimmers (Merrie, Ronnie, Ria, Milan and Frankie) took part in the ESSA Primary Schools Relays Gala. They entered the heats of both the 4x25m freestyle and mixed stroke relays and qualified for both finals, where they finished 5th in both. All swimmers did brilliantly: legal strokes, clean takeovers, diving in (including Milan going off the high block) and coping well with the larger (8-lane) setting of the Watford pool. Whilst a medal would have been wonderful, and did look possible during phases of their races, they were competing against more experienced club swimmers. It was a great evening and they all showed lots of potential to build on when they move up into the Senior School. (Ronnie is already planning his training schedule before the District Gala on 30 January 2026!) |
Senior & Sixth Form
A Level Biology Practical
This week, two Upper Sixth (Year 13) Biology students made lactose-free milk by immobilising enzymes into beads and then running the milk over them. The enzymes break the lactose down into glucose and galactose sugars making it safe for people (and cats) who are lactose intolerant! The practical was a good way to apply their recent content lessons learning all about the uses of immobilised enzymes.
Boarders' Saturday Trip Paintballing Trampolining
The boarders were somewhat dismayed to find out there was an early breakfast and departure for their trip last Saturday - but were nonetheless very much looking forward to paintballing each other, and staff! The trip arrived as planned, only to discover that the venue had suffered a large fire overnight destroying equipment, huts and boundary fences.
A quick contingency plan was needed, so they went to Gravity at Stevenage Leisure Park to trampoline for the morning. (As well as being fun, bouncing is good for fitness and a great workout for the calf muscles - especially for the older staff participating!) Disaster was averted and the boarders had a great time bouncing and dancing, once the venue turned the music up and the lights down ...
Boarders will get another opportunity to paintball as soon as the venue is up and running again.
Final Match for Senior Football Team
It was the final game of the season for our Senior Football Team. We unfortunately could not maintain our winning momentum after beating Sherrardswood 11-1, and lost out 3-1 to a strong Fearnhill team. There were lots of positives to take from the game and we look forward to being even stronger next season.
A special thank you to our Year 13 and Year 11 leavers: Ted (c), Masa, AJ, Will and Zach who have contributed so much to football at St Chris over the last few years.
Peer Mentor Training
At the end of last week our Year 12 (Lower Sixth) students took part in Peer Mentor training, to enable them to help provide support to students in lower years of the school. In this session, they undertook Mental Health First Aid training.
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