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.
I was a truly terrible woodwork student. I mean truly terrible.
My early creations lacked focus and I seemed more interested in the process of bashing, breaking and smashing than following any kind of instruction or design. Over time, concern grew — among teachers and, more worryingly, even my own mother contacted the school— about my use of machinery. Eventually, I was strongly encouraged to stay away from anything with a sharp edge, such were my limitations and general clumsiness.
My various ‘projects’ were dutifully sent home and I forcibly placed them on full display in the living room. I remember one ill-fated attempt to carve a wooden fish. It was meant to be a leaping Scottish salmon; what I produced looked, according to family and friends, more like Jabba the Hutt.
Enough was enough. My final piece of coursework — a pair of decorative bookends — actually turned out rather well. They were intricately designed, patterned and polished. I dropped them off for assessment and left the workshop quite pleased with myself.
Two hours later, I was called in to see my Head of Year. There were questions about the design. Serious questions. They doubted the veracity of my craftsmanship. I was outraged — absolutely apoplectic — and demanded to know why no one thought I was capable of such a dramatic leap in ability. Nobody can put limitations on my development, I decreed.
My Head of Year calmly explained that on the base of both bookends were my older brother’s initials, carefully carved in… along with the date.
Oops.
I made myself scarce pretty quickly after that.
To this day, Gavin (who leads the St Chris 3D Design department) still looks uneasy when I visit — and perhaps with good reason.
Watching our 3D Design team bring over the A Level projects for moderation this week reminded me, again, of that long-ago embarrassment. But more than that, it was a joy to witness such skill, creativity and craftsmanship. I had a quiet look through all the pieces one evening — the tables, models, lights, lamps and even dogs — and was struck by the detail. The thought. The care. The absolute attention to the tiniest of elements.
It reminded me of a phrase I often return to: “A great cabinet maker finishes the back of the drawer.”
It’s a quiet but powerful idea. A metaphor for care, integrity, and craftsmanship. The acknowledgement that true quality is found in the unseen parts — the ones no one may notice — but which still deserve the same attention as the polished front. It’s about doing the right thing even when no one’s watching. It’s about standards, not shortcuts.
And that’s what I saw in those projects. And — I’d argue — that’s what we should always be aiming for in the work we do as a school.
The Holy Grail for many in education is often the academic outcome: the grade, the letter, the number achieved on a sweaty June morning in a sports hall. But to me, that’s the front of the drawer. The polish on the handle. At St Chris, we are in the business of building the whole cabinet — including the back of the drawer. Creating rounder, fuller, more robust designs.
Yes, grades matter. But so do integrity, curiosity, questioning, exploration, kindness, and a self-driven ambition that isn’t skewed by a single digit.
I contacted my brother this week to ask if he remembered the infamous bookends. He sent back a photo — they still sit in his office at the University of Leeds. He says he often shows them to his postgrads as a lesson in academic integrity.
Then, apparently, he tells them his little brother is now a Headteacher...
St Christopalooza
Saturday 21 June, 12.00 to 2.00pm
We’re looking forward to welcoming you to our annual summer celebration, St Christopalooza, tomorrow.
Due to the high temperatures forecast (up to 32°C by mid-afternoon), we’ve made the decision to slightly shorten the event to keep everyone safe and comfortable.
New Timings:
- 11.00am – 12.00pm – Students set up their stalls
- 12.00pm – 2.00pm – Event open to all in the St Chris community
- 2.00pm – 2.30pm – Pack down and home time
All of our hot weather precautions remain in place – including a splash zone, shaded stalls, refill stations and a first aid tent. There will be an ice cream van onsite (cash and card accepted) and water points for everyone to top up their bottles.
We kindly ask that students and guests wear/bring:
- Hats
- Sunscreen
- Water
- A pop-up shelter or parasol if you have one. Families are also welcome to bring camping chairs, picnic blankets etc, to enjoy the afternoon.
Event Parking
- Parking is available in the main school carparks.
- Once full, overflow parking will be in the field accessed via Muddy Lane - directions: https://w3w.co/clubs.smile.fine
- Carpark attendants will be there to guide you.
Parents' Circle Stall at St Christopalooza
Thank you to all those who have volunteered for the Parents' Circle stall tomorrow to help serve cream teas, hot drinks, candyfloss and popcorn. Please find the parent rota below or click this link to view.
12.00 to 12.30pm
- Holly French
- Naomi Gerard
- Zoë Rolt
- Lucy Margolius
12.30 to 1.00pm
- Rachel Barker
- Sam Oxley
- Zoë Rolt
- Jamie Jones
1.00 to 1.30pm
- Lucy Fisher
- Camilla Hamilton
- Alexander Downer
- Haider Mawji
- Nima Paidipaty
1.30 to 2.00pm
- Lisa Nyquist
- Annabel Gillham
- Lisa Kuruvatti
- Ben Twiston-Davies
- Emma Hyman
Notices
Senior School & Sixth Form
A Level Exam Results Day: Thursday 14 August
A Level Results will be available for students to collect on Thursday 14 August from 8.30 am until 4.00 pm. Staff will be available between 8.30-10.30 am to offer advice. Results can be collected in person or given over the telephone (01462 650850). Results not collected on the day will be posted first class. Details regarding the appeals process and access to scripts will be included with statement of results. Lastly, please note that if students wish another person to collect their results on their behalf (including their parents), permission for this needs to be given to the School beforehand by the student.
GCSE Exam Results Day: Thursday 21 August
Please be advised that the GCSE results day is on Thursday, 21 August from 8.30 am until 4.00 pm. Results can be collected in person or given over the telephone (01462 650850). Results not collected on the day will be posted first class. Staff will be available between 8.30 - 10.30 am to offer advice. Details regarding the appeals process and access to scripts will be included with statement of results. Lastly, please note that if students wish another person to collect their results on their behalf (including their parents) permission for this needs to be given to the School beforehand by the student.
Save the Date! Students Vs Alumni Football Tournament
Friday 19 September 2025; Arrive for 3.30pm for a 4.00pm kick-off
We’re delighted to share an early heads-up for one of the highlights of our Autumn Term calendar – the return of the Students vs Alumni Football Tournament for those students leaving Sixth Form or V Group this summer.
Join us pitch-side as our current students face off against St Chris alumni in a friendly 7-a-side tournament filled with energy, team spirit, and a touch of competitive flair.
The event promises more than just football, with a barbecue, time to reconnect with old friends and staff, and all proceeds going towards our bursary fund, it's a brilliant way to celebrate the strength and generosity of our St Chris community.
Whether you're keen to play or prefer to cheer from the sidelines, we’d love to see you there.
Whole School
Astro Rejuvenation Work 23-27 June
An update from Paul Armstrong, Operations Manager
We’re pleased to let you know that from Monday 23 to Friday 27 June, work will begin to give our Astro turf a much-needed refurbishment. This exciting improvement will breathe new life into a much-loved space for our students and also enhance its use within our external lettings programme.
To carry out the works safely, a section of the site will be cordoned off as a secure compound area, which unfortunately means the skate park will be inaccessible during this time. Access to and from the compound will be through the fire lane gate (between Lady Barn and The Cloisters), and this will be supervised at all times.
All contractors have submitted their DBS numbers in advance, and photographic ID for the project foreman will be verified on Monday morning for our Single Central Record.
The project will be overseen by myself or Jack Lucas throughout the week.
We look forward to unveiling the updated Astro soon!
You're Invited! The St Chris Art & Design Show 2025
Join us on Tuesday 24 June, from 6.30–8.30pm, for an evening celebrating creativity and talent at the St Chris A Level and GCSE Art & Design Exhibition.
From 3D Design to Photography, Fine Art to Textiles, our students have been busy producing an incredible array of work across:
🧵 Textiles
📷 Photography
🎨 Fine Art
✏️ Graphic Communication
🖌️ Art, Craft & Design
🔧 3D Design
The exhibition will be held in the Art Department and Social Library — just follow the signs when you arrive!
📍 St Christopher School
Barrington Road, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3JZ
10% Discount from our PE Kit Supplier
SWI are offering 10% off all PE orders online placed from Wednesday, 25 June until midnight on Tuesday, 1 July. Use code: SAVE 10. Extended returns until 12 September. Perfect for getting a head start on back-to-school shopping and saving money!
Our full PE Kit list for each year group can be found on our website here: stchris.co.uk/clothing
Our official PE Kit Suppler is SWI School Wear, shop via the button below.
🎭 Free LAMDA Taster Sessions - w/c 30 June 2025
Does your child love performing, storytelling, or speaking with confidence? Now’s their chance to give it a go!
We’re offering free LAMDA taster sessions during the week beginning 30 June. Open to pupils from F Group (Year 4) to Upper Sixth (Year 13), these sessions are a brilliant way to explore the world of performance and public speaking in a supportive, confidence-building environment.
LAMDA at St Chris includes:
🎭 30-minute Acting lessons – Solo, Duo or Group
🎤 30-minute Public Speaking – Solo sessions
To find out more or to book a taster, please get in touch:
📧 sue.scottdavison@stchris.co.uk
Sue Scott Davison
Teacher of LAMDA and Performing Arts
Wellbeing Hub
At St Chris, we’re proud to empower our staff and families to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people through The Wellbeing Hub — an innovative online platform offering expert guidance and practical resources.
Parents and guardians are warmly invited to register for access via the button below. Once signed up, you'll find a wide range of support at your fingertips — including podcasts, online courses, live events, and Q&A sessions with leading professionals in the field.
To help you make the most of the platform, a monthly round-up will be delivered directly to your inbox, highlighting the latest and most relevant content.
For more details, please read the letter from Lizzie Hedderson, Assistant Head (Pupil Development and Wellbeing), linked here.
Register for the Wellbeing Hub
Resources
- Webinar: Navigating challenging behaviour in ASD and ADHD with Clare Price, Mental Health Specialist, Clinical Supervisor and CBT Therapist.
- Blog: Why children thrive with clear boundaries and how to set them
- Podcast: Why do children misbehave? Practical strategies for parents and carers
and much more...!
Barracudas Summer Holiday Camp!
Monday 28 July - Friday 22 August | For children aged 4½ to 14
Barracudas Holiday Camp is returning to St Chris this summer!
With over 80 exciting activities to choose from each week – including swimming, motorsports, archery, dance, drama, arts & crafts, an aqua slide and so much more – there’s truly something for everyone. Children can tailor their own day across six activity sessions!
⏰ Standard hours: 8:30am–5:30pm
🌅 Optional Early & Late Clubs: 8.00am–6.00pm
💥 Exclusive school discount: Save £20 on a full week or £4 per day with code HSCP25
🔗 Book now: www.barracudas.co.uk
Spaces fill quickly, so don’t miss out – a summer of fun awaits!
The Week Ahead
Nursery & Junior School
- Saturday 21 June: St Christopalooza
- Monday 23 June: E Group (Year 5) Trip to Woburn Safari Park
- Thursday 26 June: Junior School Transition Day
- Friday 27 June: K Group (Reception) Morning Talk; H Group (Year 2) Camp Out
Senior School & Sixth Form
- Saturday 21 June: St Christopalooza
- Monday 23 June: Senior 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; Lower School Play 'Alice in Wonderland'
- Friday 27 June: V Group (Year 11) to Sixth Form Transition Day; Lower School Play 'Alice in Wonderland'
Summer Term Diary
| Monday 30 June |
K Group (Reception) Trip to Ashwell Springs Senior School Stage and Screen Concert |
| Tuesday 1 July | Junior School Summer Gathering |
| 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 IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) Golf LSP to Boston |
| 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) STEM LSP to Geneva IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Naples IV Group (Year 10) Elite Sports LSP to Loughborough Lower Sixth (Year 12) LSP to Paris IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) Golf LSP to Boston |
| 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) STEM LSP to Geneva IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Naples IV Group (Year 10) Elite Sports LSP to Loughborough Lower Sixth (Year 12) LSP to Paris IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) Golf LSP to Boston |
| 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) STEM LSP to Geneva IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Naples IV Group (Year 10) Elite Sports LSP to Loughborough Lower Sixth (Year 12) LSP to Paris IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) Golf LSP to Boston |
| 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) STEM LSP to Geneva IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) LSP to Naples IV Group (Year 10) Elite Sports LSP to Loughborough Lower Sixth (Year 12) LSP to Paris V Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) Golf LSP to Boston |
| 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 Lower Sixth (Year 12) LSP to Paris IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) Golf LSP to Boston |
| Saturday 12 July | IV Group - Lower Sixth (Years 10-12) Golf LSP to Boston |
Careers Newsletter
Edition #14
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
| Student Success |
|---|
| Congratulations to D Group (Year 6) pupil Clara, who was awarded Player of the Year at her football club’s end-of-season presentation. Her coach praised her commitment, resilience, and perseverance throughout the year – well done, Clara! |
| Monte (Nursery) |
|
Monte (Nursery) children had a joyful morning exploring the outdoors barefoot, learning to navigate natural risks like prickly leaves, sticks, and tiny creatures. The children experimented with ropes and pulleys and hoisting buckets into trees. A surprise awaited them at the pond, which had mysteriously dried up, prompting even more curiosity and investigation. On Thursday afternoon, Monte’s Sports Afternoon brought sunshine, smiles, and plenty of energy! With the sun beaming down, hats and shady spots were essential as the children took part in a range of lively events, from beanbag races and mini hurdles to sprints and the ever-popular egg and spoon race. There was even a turn for the parents, who joined in the fun with great spirit and enthusiasm. The highlight for many was cooling off in the sprinklers—pure joy on a warm summer’s day! A huge well done to all the children for their brilliant effort and sportsmanship. |
| K Group (Reception) |
| K Group (Reception) had a wonderful day out this week on their visit to Wicken Fen. The children were full of excitement as they explored the wetlands, spotting dragonflies, birds, and all sorts of mini-beasts along the way. |
| J Group (Year 1) |
|
J Group (Year 1) made the most of a sunny Forest School session with a barefoot walk, carefully identifying natural hazards like nettles and brambles before setting off. Tilly said she felt like a “cave woman” climbing a tree barefoot, finding she could grip better with her toes—a discovery echoed by several children. Although there was disappointment that the pond had mysteriously drained, the group listened for grasshoppers and enjoyed refreshing elderflower cordial in the shade. |
| H Group (Year 2) |
|
H Group (Year 2) had a wonderfully muddy and hands-on Forest School session this week as they harvested the potatoes they planted back in March. The big question we were all keen to answer was: how many potatoes does one potato plant produce? After making our own predictions, we discovered a simple but powerful truth — just like people, every plant is different! Some produced just four potatoes, while others surprised us with more than twenty.
Back in the classroom, H Group have been busy designing and crafting brilliant vessels and spaceships—imaginative creations that are out of this world! |
| G Group (Year 3) |
|
There’s been a real buzz in G Group (Year 3) this week as the children set off on their much-anticipated residential trip to Thriftwood. Wasting no time, they leapt straight into their first adventure – climbing, zip lining and axe throwing! With the sun shining and spirits high, every child showed brilliant courage and enthusiasm as they tackled the heights. A big well done to all for getting stuck in and supporting one another. We can’t wait to hear more from their time away! |
| F Group (Year 4) |
|
It’s been a reflective week for F Group (Year 4). In their topic lessons, the children explored the life and impact of Mahatma Gandhi, discussing powerful ideas like non-violent protest, peaceful resistance, and civil rights. Words such as activist, racism, and independence helped shape thoughtful conversations, as the group considered what Gandhi’s legacy means today. In Forest School, the children embraced a barefoot walk, and everyone joined in! They found that careful observation kept their feet safe, and that climbing trees was even easier without shoes. Dream garden designs continued to take shape, and despite the mystery of the vanishing pond and the sticky heat, the children enjoyed some calm, creative moments in the shade. This week also marked Water Safety Week, and the group impressed in their swimming lessons, congratulations to all who earned certificates for their efforts. To end the week on a delicious note, the children took part in a soda bread baking session in the Vege Centre. We hope you enjoyed their tasty creations at home! |
| E Group (Year 5) |
|
It’s been a wonderfully varied week of learning in E Group. In maths, students have been getting to grips with units of measurement, while in English, they’ve been crafting imaginative fantasy short stories filled with creativity and character. In computing, the classroom turned into a game studio as pupils designed their own adventure games using PowerPoint—complete with choices, challenges and interactive elements. Science lessons have taken a botanical turn, exploring plant reproduction, and in art, the children have been inspired by Aboriginal styles to create striking, symbolic paintings. |
| D Group (Year 6) |
|
D Group (Year 6) had an exciting day out at Sky Studios in Elstree this week, where they experienced the magic of TV production first-hand. From working behind the cameras to presenting in front of them, the children took on roles as producers, scriptwriters, directors and presenters. It was a brilliant opportunity to explore media, storytelling and teamwork in action. The students returned buzzing with enthusiasm. |
Senior & Sixth Form
St Chris Sweep the Board at Golf Match!
Last Friday saw a fantastic afternoon of golf at Letchworth Golf Club, where our more experienced players competed in a friendly match against other schools. St Chris entered two teams: our talented younger players from I–III Group (Year 7 – Year 9); (Massimo, Ed, Alex, Dom and India), and a strong team from V Group (Year 11) (Theo, Dillon, Josh, Alfie and Robert) – many of whom took a well-earned break from GCSE revision to join the event.
Both teams played brilliantly and kept things tight across the 6-hole, Par 3 course. In the end, it was the younger team who just edged ahead, scoring 2 under par, closely followed by the V Group’s 1 under par. That meant a clean sweep for St Chris – coming 1st and 2nd overall!
Well done to all players for their skill and sportsmanship. It was a joy to see such enthusiasm for the game, and the younger players pushing their older teammates to bring their best.
I Group Show Team Spirit in District Rounders Tournament
I Group (Year 7) put on a brilliant display of teamwork and determination in this week’s District Rounders Tournament, despite being short-handed, with just 6 players instead of the usual 9!
The team pulled together impressively. Isla was rock-solid at 4th post, taking key catches; Anya fielded confidently from the left; Elizabeth made smart decisions as backstop and at bat; Josh bowled superbly, even into the setting sun; and Polly, Libby and Josh all made strong contributions with the bat – with Libby growing in confidence game by game.
Their results were admirable: one win, two narrow losses where they picked up points, and one tough game against a full Priory team. Despite the odds, they gave their all and showed real potential for next year.
Well done to all involved – a true example of resilience, teamwork, and St Chris spirit.
IV Group Trip to London School of Economics Generate Hub
On Wednesday, the IV Group (Year 10) enjoyed an exciting trip to the LSE at their Generate Hub on Lincoln's Inn Fields. We began with a careers and enterprise quiz on the coach, complete with lollypops for winning answers, to get our brains into gear for learning about entrepreneurship.
Once we arrived, our first session was about what makes us unique and gives us a cutting edge. The students were encouraged to do some self-awareness mapping; to consider what are their core values, strengths, growth areas and unique traits. Then to consider how they can use these traits to stand out in the age of AI. The speaker reminded us how important it is to fail and encouraged us to embrace failure as apart of our journey into being resilient.
The second session was a panel of two entrepreneurs from the LSE Generate Hub. They explained how the LSE has helped them with their start-up businesses and to develop the entrepreneur skills they need to succeed. First, we heard from PingChen the founder of CybPass, an AI cybersecurity business. He told us about his learning journey and coming to the UK as an international student, embracing new adventures. Then Chardee spoke to us about her start-up, Persian Kitchen, specialising in high end dips. It was fascinating to hear about her gap year, followed by an initial career in investment banking and then a pivot into following her passion for food.
Our students asked superb questions: What was the hardest part of starting your own business? What inspired you? How much of your success is down to luck or skill? How do you create growth for your business?
In the final session, we were joined by Fed who set up an app called Yarn which builds story books for children with their families. The three Founders then gave our students a challenge, a real life problem to solve for their business, which they wanted the students fresh and creative ideas to help fix. The students worked in groups to come up with solutions which they then presented to the whole group at the end.
We were really impressed with how well the students engaged with the sessions and the opportunities presented to them. It was an inspiring day and I look forward to having more conversations with the students about their career goals in the future.
LSE have a Bootcamp Summer School and the details can be found on the Careers Newsletter. The flyer says for 16+ but they are opening it to our IV Group students, even if they are not yet 16.
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