The Roundup - Edition 80

Senior & Sixth

Making a Spalsh: Emily Carter Represents Yorkshire in National Underwater Hockey Championships 

Congratulations to IV Group (Year 10) student Emily Carter, who spent her half-term representing Yorkshire in the National Underwater Hockey Championships.

For those unfamiliar with the sport, underwater hockey - sometimes called Octopush - is a fast-paced, team game played on the bottom of a swimming pool. Players wear fins, snorkels and masks, and use small sticks to push a lead-weighted puck across the 2m or 3m deep pool floor, aiming to score goals in the opposing team’s goal. It requires agility, teamwork with six players in the pool per team, and impressive breath control, as players are constantly diving and resurfacing for air.

Emily, who trains with St Alban's adults team and the GB U19 women's team,  was selected to play for the Yorkshire “Lasses” in this year's women's national competition, competing in the second division. Her team performed brilliantly, finishing third overall.

Emily, who plays as a forward, was the top goal scorer for her team - and secured a dramatic finish by scoring the winning goal in the final 20 seconds of their last match.
Teams from across the country took part, including sides from Plymouth and even the Orkney Islands, where the sport is part of the school curriculum and every pupil learns to play.

We are immensely proud of Emily’s achievement - both for her skill in the pool and her dedication to representing her region at a national level.
 

Half Term Swim Trip to Jersey

A fantastic time was had by all our D Group (Year 6) and I & II Group (Years 7 & 8) who took part in the bi-annual Jersey Swim Trip over half term. Staying once again at The Merton Hotel, the group enjoyed excellent hospitality, delicious buffet meals and plenty of fun in the hotel’s Aquadome pool - including learning new tricks during a FlowRider bodyboarding session!

The Le Mourier Company provided expert coaching throughout the week, helping every swimmer make real progress in their stroke techniques, dives, turns and stamina. Alongside their training, students also took part in a range of aquatic adventures, including water polo, stand-up paddleboarding and SCUBA. Every participant successfully completed their Powerboat Level 1 course, which even included steering a boat around the bay and rescuing “Bob” in a simulated man-overboard exercise!

Away from the water, there was still plenty to explore. The group visited Jersey Zoo (the Durrell Conservation Centre), the stunning 800-year-old Mont Orgueil Castle in Gorey, and took part in an exciting night-time Airsoft session at Valley Adventures.

Congratulations to all our swimmers for their passion, perseverance and politeness throughout the week. Max, our Le Mourier group lead, said:

“They were an absolute delight and a credit to themselves and the School – truly one of the best groups of youngsters I’ve had the pleasure to meet. I’m already looking forward to the next time!”

Maggie and Jenny, the St Chris staff accompanying the trip, wholeheartedly agree. Roll on 2027!

Year 8 Visit the Docklands Museum 

On Wednesday, our II Group (Year 8) pupils enjoyed a fascinating History trip to the Docklands Museum to explore how the area was shaped by the British Empire.

They spent the day delving into the stories of London’s trading past, discovering how to build bridges, learning about World War Two shelters, and even coming across a mummified cat among the exhibits!

It was a day full of discovery, curiosity, and hands-on learning.

Anti-Bullying Week - Morning Talk 

In today’s Morning Talk, Alistair (Assistant Head, Pastoral & Boarding, and Designated Safeguarding Lead) spoke to students about Anti-Bullying Week and the power of language — both in how we speak to others and to ourselves.

He encouraged everyone to be mindful of negative self-talk and reminded us that kindness starts within. Alistair set the whole school a simple but meaningful challenge: to recognise one positive thing about ourselves every day.

Tora's Masterclass with Jenny Saville at the National Portrait Gallery 

Earlier this year, the National Portrait Gallery ran a competition inviting students to submit their art portfolios to be reviewed by leading contemporary artists. From the many entries received, a select few were chosen to take part in an exclusive masterclass — and we’re thrilled to share that Tora (Lower Sixth) was among them.

Tora was selected by renowned artist Jenny Saville for a 1:1 session during the Anatomy of Painting workshop in June, and was the only GCSE-level student chosen, with the rest already having completed their A levels.

During the session, Tora shared her artwork, received personal feedback from Jenny, and was encouraged to study the works of John Singer Sargent to explore light and colour in greater depth.

“It was amazing to talk about painting with Jenny herself — and I even got a signed book at the end!”