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 rather enjoy my Thursday mornings at the moment.
I spend them in the Junior School, seeing colleagues, chatting with parents and, most importantly, visiting classrooms to watch learning unfold. Being with the younger end of our school gives me energy, a dose of humour and warmth, and a lot of information too.
Yesterday I learned that saltwater crocodiles have 64 teeth; that Katie is terrified of snakes; that trains are better than swimming; that vegetables make sense, but sweets taste better; that blue is the best colour; that the FA Cup is actually a monster; and that cousins once removed are the best relatives there are. Oh, and that I am a giant, not a smelly one, thankfully, but a giant all the same.
I was treated to some dances and an excellent impression of a steam train going in circles. To see such freedom, expression, and excitement about learning, while the children were utterly able to be themselves, was a joy.
As I watched, I was reminded of my own childhood “creative productions” inflicted on long-suffering relatives.
There was my solo re-enactment of the Battle of Britain (apparently lasting twenty minutes and which largely involved me running around the living room with my arms like wings), my reworking of the Nativity where there was room in the inn, and a talk on Second World War weaponry, all of which were low points. My beleaguered parents endured the lot until, finally, the curtain came down on my one-man The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I played every part, including Aslan and Lucy, and somehow decided my grandfather’s wheelchair made an excellent Mr Tumnus. After breaking three plates and my mother’s patience by using the wheelchair as a battering ram during the battle scenes, my father stood up and announced he couldn’t take any more. The Jones Family Improvised Theatre Experience ended there, abruptly and without applause.
I thought about that yesterday, watching those children at ease, seeing our staff encourage and get involved in their learning explorations. It made me proud that we have a school where curiosity is valued, not only in the Junior School but right across St Chris.
Why are expressive and creative pursuits so popular here? Why is STEM growing ever larger? I think it’s because we don’t limit students to direct or singular answers. We encourage that spirit of exploration, whether as a train, a Komodo dragon, a scientist or an artist. The “why” is always central, but so too are the questions that follow: if I just… what if I try… that doesn’t seem right…
When writing The Chronicles of Narnia, CS Lewis saw, aside from the Christian symbolism, that through challenge and adventure we become something better, something more. Perhaps that is what we are doing too.
Lewis once said:
“Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the work. In the end, the legacy that matters won’t be what you built in the world. It will be who you raised, and whether they felt safe, seen and loved in your presence.”
I may not have captured that spirit, fully, in my eight-year-old largely improvised adaptation, but I see it alive in the way our pupils question, create and care for one another every day. That is the real work…
Have a brilliant half-term. Take time to pause, recharge, and come back ready for the next chapter…
Wellbeing Update
Sign Up for the 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 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.
WELLBEING HUB LOG INRegister for the Wellbeing Hub
Wednesday 22 October
Webinar: Why every teenager needs a parrot with Alicia Drummond, Therapist and Founder of The Wellbeing Hub - a guide to help parents navigate the fine line between letting teenagers go and keeping them safe.
Notices
Whole School
Road Safety at St Chris
The safety of our students is our top priority. We kindly ask all parents, carers, and visitors to take extra care when arriving and leaving the school site. Please drive slowly, be mindful when turning or reversing, and only park in designated areas.
Parking and Pick-Up on Fridays
We wanted to let our community know that we’ve listened carefully to the feedback about parking and pick-up on Fridays. We understand that this time can feel particularly busy, and we are working on a plan to help ease the congestion during this period.
We’ll share the details of this plan in the first week back after half-term, when Simon Holmes, Operations Director, will also write to all parents with more information.
Half Term Fun in Herts & Beds
We’re pleased to share an early look at a What’s On Guide for children’s activities taking place across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire this October half term.
The guide has been put together by Muddy Stilettos and includes plenty of ideas for family days out, local adventures and things to do during the school holidays.
Barracudas Half Term Activities; 27-30 October
Barracudas Activity Camp is back at St Chris this October half term, running from 27–30 October, for children aged 4 to 14.
Floating Sound Bath at St Chris
Join Claire White of Heart Led Sounds for a calming floating sound bath in our swimming pool.
- Dates: 19 October, 9 & 23 November, 7 December
- Time: 4.30pm–5.45pm
- Cost: £45 per session, or £191.25 for all five (15% discount)
During the session, you will float on a mattress while listening to crystal bowls, gongs and chimes
- Come and float effortlessly on a blow up mattress
- Listen to harmonic sounds designed to help you relax
- Great for stress reduction, lowering anxiety, and having time to reflect and refresh yourself
- No experience necessary, you will be made to feel very welcome
Claire White – 07702 110939
EMAIL CLAIRE TO BOOK & MORE INFORMATION
20% off All PE Kit Orders - Limited Time Only!
From Monday 27 October - Sunday 9 November save 20% off our St Chris PE Kit by using the code SAVE20 at the checkout.
Community Swim Update
A reminder that our Community Swim sessions do not run over the school holidays. The final session will take place on Sunday 19 October and sessions will return from Tuesday 4 November.
K-Pop Demon Hunters Performing Arts Workshop
We’re excited to share that Theatre Train will be hosting a K-Pop Demon Hunters Performing Arts Workshop on Saturday, 1 November, open to children aged 4–18.
This fun and energetic workshop is perfect for students who love singing, dancing, and performing. It’s a wonderful opportunity to build confidence, develop new skills, and express creativity in a supportive environment.
Nursery & Junior School
Junior School Joins the “Cut Your Carbon” Campaign
Throughout November, our Junior School will be taking part in the Cut Your Carbon campaign — a nationwide initiative that encourages small, meaningful actions to help reduce our carbon footprint.
Lydia will launch the campaign with an assembly on Monday 3 November, introducing pupils to the challenges and ideas behind this important project. Later that day, each child will bring home a ‘Six Challenges’ sheet, designed for families to complete together during the month.
At the end of November, we’ll tally our collective efforts and share how much carbon our community has saved — a brilliant way to see the power of our combined actions.
Find out more about the campaign here: cutyourcarbon.eco-schools.org.uk
Senior School & Sixth Form
Sixth Form Information Evening - Recording
Thank you to all our V Group (Year 11) students who joined us for our Sixth Form Information Evening last night. If you were unable to make the evening please find a link to the presentation below:
National Pool Lifeguard Qualification – December 2025
We’re pleased to confirm that our National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) course will run from Monday 15 December - Friday 19 December 2025.
This is a fantastic opportunity for pupils who will be aged 16 or over by 19 December and are interested in gaining a valuable qualification that can lead to flexible, part-time employment alongside their academic studies.
We’re proud to have a 100% pass rate on this course, and once qualified, successful candidates are welcome to apply for lifeguarding roles at the St Chris Swimming Pool.
Further course details and contact information can be found on the poster. A limited number of funding options are also available to support St Chris students wishing to take part.
To book your place please email abi.watson@stchris.co.uk
Senior School LSP Information Evening - Recording
Last Tuesday we held an information evening about the residential trips we will be offering in the final week of the summer term. Videos of the presentations can be found below. The Lower School video is for the I, II and III Group (Years 7 - 9) and the Upper School video is for the IV Group, V Group and Lower Sixth (Years 10 - 12).
Students in the lower years will go away as a whole year group. Students in the upper years have a choice of destinations.
Please watch the video relevant to your child and encourage them to watch it as well.
When you are ready to book you will find the trips in the 'What's On' section of My Evolve. When you book onto a trip you will also be asked to pay a deposit. We have not limited the number of places on any of the trips so please do not feel you need to rush to get booked. The deadline for booking on to all LSPs is 4.00pm on Friday 7 November.
If your child does not book onto an LSP, then after this deadline we will assume that they plan to come into school during LSP week for the programme of activities that we will provide.
Lower School LSP Video
Upper School LSP Video
The Weeks Ahead
Nursery & Junior School
- Monday 20 October - Friday 31 October: Half term holiday
- 3 November: School begins for second half-term
- Tuesday 4 November: Netball Match at St Francis' College
- Wednesday 5 November: JS Parent Rep Meeting; Nursery Trip to Wimpole
- Thursday 6 November: Nursery & Junior School Open House
- Friday 7 November: F Group (Year 4) Trip to the British Museum
Senior School & Sixth Form
- Monday 20 October - Friday 31 October: Half term holiday
- Thursday 30 October: Chicago rehearsals (in half term)
- Friday 31 October: Chicago rehearsals (in half term)
- Monday 3 November: School begins for second half-term
- Tuesday 4 November: IV Group (Year 10) Parents' Consultations
- Wednesday 5 November: II Group (Year 8) Trip to London Docklands; III Group (Year 9) Football vs Nobel (away); U11 Girls' Football (home)
- Thursday 6 November: IV Group (Year 10) Football vs HBS (home); Senior Football vs Fearnhill (away)
- Friday 7 November: III Group (Year 9) Gothic Tales Performance
- Saturday 8 November: 3D Design Saturday SHED
- Sunday 9 November: Chicago Technical Rehearsal 1
Autumn Term Diary
| Monday 10 November |
Lower Sixth (Year 12) Art Trip to Tate Britain IV Group (Year 10) Football vs Fearnhill (home) |
| Tuesday 11 November | District Cross Country (away) |
| Wednesday 12 November | II Group (Year 8) Basketball vs KTS (away) |
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Thursday 13 November |
U11 Netball vs St Francis (away) I & II Group (Years 7 & 8) Football vs HBS (home) |
| Saturday 16 November | Chicago Technical Rehearsal 2 |
| Monday 17 November | Chicago Dress Rehearsal 1 |
| Tuesday 18 November | Chicago Dress Rehearsal 2 |
| Wednesday 19 November | III Group (Year 9) Basketball vs KTS (home) |
| Thursday 20 November |
Junior School Book Fair Illustration Workshop Chicago Performance 1 II Group (Year 8) Football vs Priory (home) Senior Basketball vs Nobel (away) |
| Friday 21 November |
Junior School Book Fair Chicago Performance 2 |
| Saturday 22 November |
Robotics Competition - Coventry Chicago Performance 3 (matinee) Chicago Performance 4 (evening) |
| Monday 24 November |
Junior School Book Fair Lower Sixth (Year 12) Politics Conference V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams Senior Basketball vs HBS (away) |
| Tuesday 25 November |
Junior School Book Fair V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams |
| Wednesday 26 November |
V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams II Group (Year 8) Basketball vs Barnwell (away) |
| Thursday 27 November |
V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams A Level Psychology Conference III Group (Year 9) GCSE Options Information Evening |
| Friday 28 November |
Lower Sixth (Year 12) Creative Process Lecture Deadline for Bursary & Art Scholarship Applications V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams |
| Saturday 29 November | Robotics Competition - London |
| Monday 1 December | V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams |
| Tuesday 2 December |
Nursery & Junior School Open House V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams |
| Wednesday 3 December |
V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams Early Years & KS1 Nativity 1 I & II Group (Years 7 & 8) Rugby vs KTS (home) |
| Thursday 4 December |
V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams Early Years & KS1 Nativity 2 Community Christmas Tea III & IV Group (Years 9 & 10) Rugby vs KTS (home) |
| Friday 5 December | V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams |
| Monday 8 December |
Flu Vaccinations (catch up session) V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams |
| Tuesday 9 December |
V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams Senior School Christmas Concert |
| Wednesday 10 December |
V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams II Group (Year 8) Pantomime Trip Junior School Gathering III Group (Year 9) Basketball vs Marriotts (home) |
| Thursday 11 December |
V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams I Group (Year 7) and Sixth Form (Years 12 & 13) Ice Skating Junior School Gathering Senior Football vs KTS (away) II Group (Year 8) Football vs Barclay (home) |
| Friday 12 December |
V Group (Year 11) Practical GCSE Mock Exams Last day of Autumn Term 2025 - term ends at 1200 noon |
| Monday 15 December to Monday 5 January | Christmas Holidays (school closed) |
| Monday 5 January | Staff INSET |
| Tuesday 6 January | First day of Spring Term |
Careers Newsletter
Edition #7
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.
Please see Edition 7 below. If you have any further questions about Career Related Learning at St Chris, please contact Lizzie Hedderson.
Exploring the EPQ
In today’s Morning Talk, our Year 13 students gave an engaging insight into their Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), sharing their research topics and reflections on the process.
The EPQ is an independent qualification that allows students to explore a subject of personal interest in depth, developing valuable skills in research, critical thinking, and project management. It’s highly regarded by universities and employers alike, as it demonstrates initiative, curiosity, and the ability to work independently.
Our students spoke thoughtfully about what they had learned through their projects, from refining their ideas to presenting their findings, and inspired younger students to consider taking on the EPQ in the future.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM
Nursery & Junior
| Junior School Read with the Librarians |
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Our 'Read with the Librarians' sessions have been such a wonderful success that we’re delighted to announce they will now take place every day. If students would like a calm and quiet start to their morning, they are warmly invited to pop into the Library to enjoy a story and some peaceful reading time. We look forward to seeing you there! |
| U11 Netball Success! |
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Yesterday, our Junior School U11 Netball team took part in a festival at St Francis' College and what an afternoon it was! The students played with fantastic teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship, winning all five of their matches. It was wonderful to see their hard work and training pay off on the court. A huge well done to the team for representing St Chris so brilliantly! |
| K Group (Reception) |
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The curiosity of our Reception students has been truly inspiring this week. They noticed the spiky stems of flowers and the prickly edges of leaves, delicate spiders’ webs, berries for the birds, and the soft seeds of grass at the end of the season. It was a joy to explore these signs of the season together and share in their sense of wonder. |
| J Group (Year 1) |
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During this week’s Forest School session, Year 1 students had a wonderful time creating leaf art on the front lawn. Using sycamore, ash, apple, and cherry leaves, they worked both collaboratively and independently to craft beautiful circles and intricate patterns. Their creativity and teamwork made for a lovely autumn morning outdoors. |
| H Group (Year 2) |
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Year 2 have been delving into the fascinating history of the Penny Black stamp. Students created detailed press prints to capture the intricate design, then wrote letters and made their own clay wax seals; carefully selecting colours to match the tone of their messages. At Forest School, they roasted sweet chestnuts over the fire, comparing them to conkers (or horse chestnuts) they had found. Students noticed that the sweet chestnuts were smaller and flatter; a great opportunity to practise their observation skills. |
| Group (Year 3) |
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Last Friday, Year 3 enjoyed an exciting trip to Anglesey Abbey, where they spent the day exploring, bug hunting, and building dens. The students showed curiosity, teamwork, and plenty of enthusiasm throughout the visit. Back at Forest School this week, they continued their autumnal theme by roasting chestnuts on the fire; carefully reminding each other of the fire safety rules they’ve been learning. |
| F Group (Year 4) |
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Year 4 began the week with a digital twist as they trialled LCD writing tablets in place of traditional whiteboards and pens. Students enjoyed experimenting with this new way of working, and the tablets proved a great success in class. Later in the week, at Forest School, students roasted sweet chestnuts on the fire and compared them with the conkers they had collected during their visit to Anglesey Abbey. |
| E Group (Year 5) |
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Year 5 students have been learning about the phases of the Moon — and what better way to understand them than through a little hands-on (and delicious) science! Using Oreo biscuits to model the lunar phases, they explored waxing and waning crescents and even the elusive waxing gibbous. Learning has rarely tasted so good. |
| D Group (Year 6) - Trip to Sky Studios |
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On Thursday, Year 6 enjoyed an exciting trip to Sky Studios in Elstree, where they stepped into the world of television production. Students took on roles both in front of and behind the camera, from presenting and filming to editing their very own news report. It was a brilliant opportunity to develop teamwork, communication, and creativity, while getting a real taste of what it’s like to work in a professional studio environment. |
Senior & Sixth
Swimming Gala
We had a wonderful hour of swimming on Monday 13 October, as our I & II (Year 7 & Year 8) group swimmers took part in the rescheduled gala against King James Academy, Royston.
The competition was close, with some brilliant races throughout the event. We’re thrilled to share that all of our swimmers achieved personal best times — with several also securing Bronze, Silver, or Gold standard swim times!
Every swimmer gave it their all, and the support they showed for one another made the event even more special. It was a great display of determination, encouragement, and spirit — well done, everyone!
Exploring Science Through Baking
As part of their Science learning on Cells, students were encouraged to explore and extend their understanding beyond the classroom. Leo and Darcie in I Group (Year 7) took this challenge quite literally — heading to the kitchen to combine science with baking!
U16 District Badminton Champions!
A huge congratulations to our Under-16 Badminton Team has won the District Tournament today! This outstanding achievement is made even more impressive as all our team members are under 15 years old, competing and winning against players one year their senior. Their hard work, determination, and teamwork truly shone through on the court. With this victory, the team now advances to the County Finals in December, where they will proudly represent our school at the next level of competition.
A huge congratulations to Ed, Felix, Albie and Dominic for this fantastic accomplishment.
Senior Sporting Success!
We’ve had a brilliant week of sport at St Chris, with fantastic performances across all age groups.
Our I/II Group (Year 7 & Year 8) basketball team played their first game in the Year 8 District Basketball League against Priory School. It was brilliant to see so many new faces in the squad, and the team’s hard work and determination paid off with an impressive 25–16 win.
On Wednesday, our IV Group (Year 10) basketball team travelled away to face a strong and experienced Priory side. After falling behind by 10 points in the first half, our players showed tremendous resilience and teamwork to fight back and claim a 30–26 victory. Their progress over the past few years is a real credit to their effort and commitment.
To round off the week, our Senior Football team faced local rivals Highfield. This year’s squad is one of the strongest we’ve seen at St Chris, and they demonstrated their quality with a dominant performance — keeping a clean sheet and securing a 2–0 win.
Animal Encounters at Arunwood
Today students had a wonderful opportunity for students to spend time with the animals and enjoy a calm, hands-on break in nature. The gates were open for all to come and go freely; feeding the ducks, meeting our new pigs Frazzles and Crackles, and saying hello to Echo, our new gecko, as well as the ever-curious sugar gliders.
It was lovely to see so many students connecting with the animals and enjoying the sense of care and calm that Arunwood brings to our school community.
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