Welcome from the Head
Dear Parents
Welcome to this week’s newsletter. I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Half Term – next stop, Christmas!
Today we gathered as a whole school at 11:00 for Remembrance Day, the first time we have been able to do so for a number of years. In addition to the prayers, Last Post and minute’s silence, I read an excerpt from the Headmistress’s Report of 1943. Miss Ethel Edwards wrote:
“A shortened summer holiday that year brought us back to school just in time for the bombing of London. It was, of course, a most difficult time for everybody. Our numbers began to drop as more and more girls were taken out of London, and after the fire on 20 September they fell away even faster.
“Most of the time in school was spent in the shelters, and often we wondered if we should get the girls home before blackout and the night raids began. Our very lowest attendance was 130, but what a 130 it was! The lack was in quantity not quality. After broken nights – often having been turned out for time-bombs – they came to school in the morning quite unperturbed, though sometimes slightly soiled from having lain down in the road at the whistle of an approaching bomb. At prayers, they were as calm and collected as though nothing unusual had occurred, and when the inevitable alert sounded, they shrugged their shoulders, picked up their books and descended to another day’s work in the shelters. They showed courage and self-discipline of a very high order and were an inspiration to all of us who had to deal with them.”
A worthy reflection on the hardship faced by students in the war years, but nonetheless testament to the indomitable spirit of JAGS students.
Amidst a flurry of events and Inter-house Sports competitions over the past fortnight, it was a pleasure to welcome Year 10 parents for our rearranged Welcome Evening. Other highlights included our first major concert of the school year, with the massed choirs and orchestras performing in the Autumn Concert on Wednesday evening. The Head Girl team also thoroughly enjoyed joining with the Student Leaders from the six other Dulwich Estate beneficiary schools for an afternoon of reflection on their leadership journeys, and shared experiences with those who hold similar roles in schools across the sectors.
It is a busy time of year for our Admissions Team as we invite our 11+ candidates for their Welcome Mornings; we love meeting the next generation of JAGS students and the spark and enjoyment they bring to these sessions. We also wish the best of luck to all external candidates sitting their 16+ assessments this weekend for Sixth Form entry into JAGS; it will be a pleasure to welcome you.
You may well have seen the news that a Bank Holiday has been announced on Monday 8 May for the King’s coronation and so there will be no school on that day. This does mean that a number of Mondays are now affected by term dates and Bank Holidays, so please be assured that we will review the impact of this on curriculum provision.
Please could I remind all parents who drive their daughters to school to be considerate of residents and road users, especially cyclists, and to avoid parking or dropping off where they are not permitted to do so. This is extremely important for both the safety of our community and to ensure the strength of our relationships within the local community.
Last minute preparation is taking place for the JPA Quiz Night and the Staff Quiz Team have been training hard! A huge thank you in advance to our fantastic JPA for all their work to host such an entertaining evening ahead tonight.
With best wishes
Mrs Alex Hutchinson
Head
Dates for your Diary
- Tuesday 15 November – 6pm Year 12 Parents’ Evening (Online)
- Monday 21 November – 6:30pm Senior Strings Concert
- Wednesday 23 November – 7pm Oxbridge Support Information Evening
- Thursday 24 November – 7pm Parent Speaker: Natasha Devon
Reporting Absences
A reminder to all parents to use this form to report absence in the Senior School due to illness or to request absence for appointments. This form can also be found on our Contact page.
Introducing
Faye Freeman,
Teacher of Mathematics
What was your last role?
I previously worked at Graveney School as a Mathematics teacher as well as a Head of Year, where my focus was predominantly in a pastoral context. I also led The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as well as acting as a youth mental health first aider.
What attracted you to work at JAGS?
A motto I tend to live by and promote to the pupils is to ‘work hard and be kind.’ I vividly recall being sat in the Head’s office and mentioning this in my interview, only to see a similar phrase on the wall! It was then I knew this was a place that aligned with my ethos.
As I walked around the school, and the more I learnt about JAGS, I grew to love the community atmosphere that is present throughout every part of the school.
I knew I wanted to work in a school which believes in the holistic pupil and has a focus not only on the academic opportunities but also the co-curricular activities.
What kind of student were you?
I loved being involved at school. I played a lot of netball and was part of the school dance group. I am excited that I can continue my passion of netball here at JAGS and help coach the Year 7 Netball team.
What do you want to achieve in your time here?
I want to have a positive impact on the pupils I teach. I would love to inspire them in their mathematics and create a love for the subject and its beauty.
Key Stage 3 Update
As you will read in the Sport section, KS3 students have been taking part in their Inter-house competitions following the return to school.
House Spirit is so important at JAGS and the loyalty that each student feels to their house is evident in events such as these. Despite the rotten weather a good time was had by all and I look forward to seeing the scores when the final events have taken place.
Next week we will be taking part in another round of collaboration events with Dulwich College. Preparations are well under way for the Science and Sustainability/Eco events and it will be a real pleasure to welcome 150 of the Dulwich boys to site next Wednesday and Thursday. We will, of course, be giving you a full report after the events.
Finally, many KS3 musicians were out in force for the Autumn Concert. They have made the KS3 staff team extremely proud, not just in their stunning final performances but in the effort and hard work that went into preparing for this event. Very well done to everyone who took part!
Myfanwy Bournon, Head of KS3
Key Stage 4 Update
KS4 came back from Half Term well rested and ready to go. Departmental trips to Venice and Iceland had been much enjoyed, and we received some superb feedback from the staff who ran the trips about how fabulous the students were! Year 10 have been involved in Inter-house Sports this week, and last week received a visit from Inner Drive, where the focus of the talk was very much about the distractions of mobile phones and importance of sleep. The talk was fantastic in establishing how brilliant these devices can be, but also encouraging our students to be better at drawing boundaries when using them.
The whole of KS4 enjoyed a fabulous assembly delivered by our Botany Gardens Manager, Sally Rendel – she told us about the rich history our school grounds have and has encouraged students to get involved in the outdoor life of the school. We are working towards broadening our school experience and look forward to further collaborations with these beautiful outside spaces.
It was also wonderful to see students from Years 10 and 11 perform in the Autumn Concert – so much talent and commitment shown to the various musical ensembles, and I was very proud to hear the range of musical offering during the evening.
Anna Jones, Head of Key Stage 4
Sixth Form Update
Magical school trips to Iceland, Venice and Paris over Half Term were enhanced further by the fantastic contributions of the Sixth Form community to their success. Teachers returned not only with wonderful tales of sights seen (such as the awesome Northern Lights) but also the exceptional attitude, maturity and enthusiasm of the Year 12 and 13 students. Such wonderful role models!
Mat Weeks, Head of Sixth Form
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University admissions
Some students were also involved in university admissions tests over the Half Term break. I know the students would like to thank the staff for coming in to facilitate them. Many students have taken part in ‘Friends of JAGS’ practice interviews over the last week – over 50 so far – with the majority taking place last Saturday. Every year Liz Allan finds a wide array of willing volunteers who are prepared to support our students and we are very grateful (as are the students!). We wish all applicants continued success as the process continues.
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Life Skills
The new Half Term started with a bang for the Year 12s as they participated in the Life Skills Company’s ‘Vital Skills for Sixth Form and Beyond’ session. Their feedback was very positive and we all took delight in seeing Chanelle’s juggling skills as she demonstrated the challenges involved with time management. She did very well! And it was great to see Year 12s joining their Year 13 colleagues in the Autumn Concert on Wednesday evening.
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Head Girls
Yesterday, the Head Girl team presented the first of their Civil Discourse assemblies which stemmed from a student leadership course they attended with their peers from other schools. It focused on ‘cancel culture’ and Gaby, Jenna and Emily expertly discussed a range of serious and sometimes challenging issues in a sensitive and engaging way.
Some students were also involved in university admissions tests over the Half Term break. I know the students would like to thank the staff for coming in to facilitate them. Many students have taken part in ‘Friends of JAGS’ practice interviews over the last week – over 50 so far – with the majority taking place last Saturday. Every year Liz Allan finds a wide array of willing volunteers who are prepared to support our students and we are very grateful (as are the students!). We wish all applicants continued success as the process continues.
The new Half Term started with a bang for the Year 12s as they participated in the Life Skills Company’s ‘Vital Skills for Sixth Form and Beyond’ session. Their feedback was very positive and we all took delight in seeing Chanelle’s juggling skills as she demonstrated the challenges involved with time management. She did very well! And it was great to see Year 12s joining their Year 13 colleagues in the Autumn Concert on Wednesday evening.
Yesterday, the Head Girl team presented the first of their Civil Discourse assemblies which stemmed from a student leadership course they attended with their peers from other schools. It focused on ‘cancel culture’ and Gaby, Jenna and Emily expertly discussed a range of serious and sometimes challenging issues in a sensitive and engaging way.
Remembrance at JAGS
In recent weeks JAGS has taken a number of steps around the school site to honour the memory of the fallen.
In anticipation of our school-wide Remembrance Day events, Archive Prefect, Rachael (Year 13) read through some of the material relating to JAGS students’ experiences during WWII.
Currently on display in the library, are the original and a copy of a letter written to Corinne Barton, a former Head of History at JAGS, by Brenda Havenhand who was evacuated from London in 1939.
Rachael also noted the write-up in the 1946 James Allen’s Girls’ School Magazine of the harvest camps to Ashton Keynes, in Wiltshire. Photographs of JAGS students at the camp in 1945 sit alongside a copy of the 1946 magazine.
It has been wonderful to see the interest of our current students in these and a number of other items, including the 1942 whole school photograph and Head Mistress’s Report of 1943.
Follow the link below for Rachael’s first-hand description of what she uncovered:
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Archive Prefect
Brenda was sent to Walthamstow Hall at the beginning of WW1, when JAGS had its first
evacuation. She and her sister, Pamela, stayed with multiple families there, and had lessons
at the Hall. After a quiet period, with no bombings, the girls returned to Dulwich, however were evacuated again in the summer of 1940.
This time they were sent to Devon, and
Brenda and her friend Dorothy stayed with two different families. In letters to her parents
she writes about trips to the seaside with teachers and a bomb raid that happened nearby,
meaning that she and her friend had to go to the shelter.
After staying in Devon, she describes how she was sent to Regis Grammar School, where she was taught by male teachers and worked with boys for the first time. A short while after that, she returned to Dulwich, where school life continued for the students, although they had to carry gas masks and many lessons were conducted in the bomb shelter. She describes this as a happy time, and mentions a farming camp in Aston Keynes, Wiltshire, which she visited with Anita Brookner and other JAGS girls in Upper Sixth (Year 13). There, the JAGS girls were taught how to work the fields, and the trip was greatly enjoyed, with a midnight feast or two.
Brenda was in the school library when Miss Edwards, the Head Teacher, came into the room
to announce that the war was over.
Brenda was sent to Walthamstow Hall at the beginning of WW1, when JAGS had its first
evacuation. She and her sister, Pamela, stayed with multiple families there, and had lessons
at the Hall. After a quiet period, with no bombings, the girls returned to Dulwich, however were evacuated again in the summer of 1940.
This time they were sent to Devon, and
Brenda and her friend Dorothy stayed with two different families. In letters to her parents
she writes about trips to the seaside with teachers and a bomb raid that happened nearby,
meaning that she and her friend had to go to the shelter.
After staying in Devon, she describes how she was sent to Regis Grammar School, where she was taught by male teachers and worked with boys for the first time. A short while after that, she returned to Dulwich, where school life continued for the students, although they had to carry gas masks and many lessons were conducted in the bomb shelter. She describes this as a happy time, and mentions a farming camp in Aston Keynes, Wiltshire, which she visited with Anita Brookner and other JAGS girls in Upper Sixth (Year 13). There, the JAGS girls were taught how to work the fields, and the trip was greatly enjoyed, with a midnight feast or two.
Brenda was in the school library when Miss Edwards, the Head Teacher, came into the room
to announce that the war was over.
Art
Paris
Art students from Years 12 and 13 greatly enjoyed a recent trip to Paris.
Pupils spent an excellent few days exploring the French capital and soaking up the city’s rich history and culture.
From Musée d’Art Moderne to Monet and the Mona Lisa, they were inspired by the full range of art and architecture the city had to offer and have returned with their sketchbooks full and ready for the term ahead.
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Day 1 highlights
First stop, Musée d’Orsay. Fantastic to see the permanent collection alongside Kehinde Wiley’s contemporary look at portraiture. Strolling through the vast Impressionist gallery like Parisian flâneurs also gave us ample opportunity to spot flâneurs in paintings.
Next, a winding walk alongside the river Seine in the sun brought us to the Musée d’Art Moderne and Palais de Tokyo. The latter showcasing some incredibly inspiring and thought-provoking contemporary work.
An excellent day of art, walking, drawing and thinking, with a few very necessary pit stops for Orangina and weird and wonderful French crisp flavours… Pizza Pringles were a highlight amongst Year 12 and 13.
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Day 2 highlights
A chocolat chaude and a couple of croissants is an excellent way to start the day, and with that we made our way to L’Orangerie. To our delight we found more than just Monet – although always exciting to see the Water Lilies in the flesh! The Sam Szafran exhibition, full of stunning studies of the artist’s studio, enormous plants and winding staircases, soon had students scribbling away in their sketchbooks.
Another beautiful walk through the streets of Paris took us to Gallérie Lafayette. We went for views and architecture but the delights of Parisian shops may have tempted a few…
Last stop for the day was the Louvre, while the Mona Lisa’s infamous wink may draw in the crowds, Year 12 and 13 found inspiration in everything from artefacts to architecture.
In the evening we gathered up sketchbooks and reviewed photos, such a delight to see their work!
First stop, Musée d’Orsay. Fantastic to see the permanent collection alongside Kehinde Wiley’s contemporary look at portraiture. Strolling through the vast Impressionist gallery like Parisian flâneurs also gave us ample opportunity to spot flâneurs in paintings.
Next, a winding walk alongside the river Seine in the sun brought us to the Musée d’Art Moderne and Palais de Tokyo. The latter showcasing some incredibly inspiring and thought-provoking contemporary work.
An excellent day of art, walking, drawing and thinking, with a few very necessary pit stops for Orangina and weird and wonderful French crisp flavours… Pizza Pringles were a highlight amongst Year 12 and 13.
A chocolat chaude and a couple of croissants is an excellent way to start the day, and with that we made our way to L’Orangerie. To our delight we found more than just Monet – although always exciting to see the Water Lilies in the flesh! The Sam Szafran exhibition, full of stunning studies of the artist’s studio, enormous plants and winding staircases, soon had students scribbling away in their sketchbooks.
Another beautiful walk through the streets of Paris took us to Gallérie Lafayette. We went for views and architecture but the delights of Parisian shops may have tempted a few…
Last stop for the day was the Louvre, while the Mona Lisa’s infamous wink may draw in the crowds, Year 12 and 13 found inspiration in everything from artefacts to architecture.
In the evening we gathered up sketchbooks and reviewed photos, such a delight to see their work!
History of Art / Italian
Venice
Years 11, 12 and 13 History of Art and Italian students had a wonderful five days in Venice.
We were staying in a Renaissance palazzo just by the Grand Canal and arrived by water to beautiful sunshine!
Our first evening was a stunning after-hours visit of San Mark’s Basilica – the mosaics were breathtaking; were we actually in heaven? Over the course of the trip, we visited countless amazing artworks and saw the extraordinary Ai WeiWei exhibition (part of the Venice Biennale) in the church of San Giorgio Maggiore.
We also went out to the Venetian Lagoon and visited the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello – all in beautiful sunshine! An unforgettable trip with some of the most beautiful works of art and architecture we had ever seen.
Rachel Dow, Head of History of Art
Follow the links below to hear more about pupils’ experiences:
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Daisy (Year 13)
Although I had already been to Venice when I was younger, it felt as though I was seeing it for the first time. Now older, I could notice and appreciate so much more, and really see that the whole city is a work of art in itself. My favourite part (although it’s very difficult to choose) was when we visited the Basilica San Marco on the first night. We had the privilege of being the only group there, and because it wasn’t mobbed with tourists, the atmosphere was incredible. They turned off all the lights so that it was completely pitch black, and then gradually brought them up so that the light spread out to every corner of the ceiling and made it all glitter. That was truly magical! Although I’m not a History of Art student, I feel as though I learnt a lot about the city’s artistic heritage, and I have a new appreciation for the Madonna and Child in painting and how fascinating the variations and interpretations can be. Overall, I loved being able to spend time in Italy and hear the beautiful language spoken naturally and natively.
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Florence (Year 13)
Visiting Venice was such a wonderful and fun experience. We were able to appreciate so many different aspects of the city; its artistic beauty, historical significance, the language, the effects of tourism on the city and, of course, the food!
I particularly enjoyed visiting the old Jewish ghetto, as it had a completely different atmosphere than the rest of the busy city; it was much calmer and felt more lived-in. It was really rewarding to be able to practise speaking Italian with locals and see everyone’s confidence with their skills grow during the trip.
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Kate (Year 11)
We recently went in an amazing trip to Venice – a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience Italian culture and eat a lot of delicious food!
The landscape was incredible wherever you were in Venice, it is an extremely unique place.
Since it was also a History of Art trip, we had the chance to visit art galleries and intricate churches, my favourite was the Accademia Museum and the Basilica of Santa Maria dei Frari.
The trip also improved our fluency and confidence when speaking in Italian, as we had to use our communication skills to complete a scavenger hunt around Venice which involved talking to multiple locals! It was such a wonderful trip and I already want to return as soon as possible.
We are very grateful to all the teachers who made this trip possible, it couldn’t have happened without their patience and kindness to us all.
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Isabela (Year 13)
At the famous Basilica San Marco we were greeted by an inconspicuous side door, but just beyond it we got our first glimpses of the gold mosaics on the ceiling in the entrance hall.
It was after-hours so we were the only people there. After spending some time decoding the mosaic work, analysing the art and iconography, we were taken into a pitch black void and led to some seats.
We sat in suspense waiting for something to happen when slowly the lights began to turn up and we were introduced to the most breathtaking domed basilica covered in elaborate gold mosaics.
The sheer height of the ceilings made us wonder what an engineering feat it must have been at the time.
Not only were we in one of the most important buildings of the Renaissance, but we were treated to experiencing it all for ourselves.
Anyone could tell we were mesmerised because the room had gone silent as we all admired the artistry that had gone into the decoration of the basilica: the geometric tiled floor, the mosaic domes and the sculptures that top the high altar. It was the perfect ending to a full and eventful first day in the picturesque city of Venice.
Although I had already been to Venice when I was younger, it felt as though I was seeing it for the first time. Now older, I could notice and appreciate so much more, and really see that the whole city is a work of art in itself. My favourite part (although it’s very difficult to choose) was when we visited the Basilica San Marco on the first night. We had the privilege of being the only group there, and because it wasn’t mobbed with tourists, the atmosphere was incredible. They turned off all the lights so that it was completely pitch black, and then gradually brought them up so that the light spread out to every corner of the ceiling and made it all glitter. That was truly magical! Although I’m not a History of Art student, I feel as though I learnt a lot about the city’s artistic heritage, and I have a new appreciation for the Madonna and Child in painting and how fascinating the variations and interpretations can be. Overall, I loved being able to spend time in Italy and hear the beautiful language spoken naturally and natively.
Visiting Venice was such a wonderful and fun experience. We were able to appreciate so many different aspects of the city; its artistic beauty, historical significance, the language, the effects of tourism on the city and, of course, the food!
I particularly enjoyed visiting the old Jewish ghetto, as it had a completely different atmosphere than the rest of the busy city; it was much calmer and felt more lived-in. It was really rewarding to be able to practise speaking Italian with locals and see everyone’s confidence with their skills grow during the trip.
We recently went in an amazing trip to Venice – a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience Italian culture and eat a lot of delicious food!
The landscape was incredible wherever you were in Venice, it is an extremely unique place.
Since it was also a History of Art trip, we had the chance to visit art galleries and intricate churches, my favourite was the Accademia Museum and the Basilica of Santa Maria dei Frari.
The trip also improved our fluency and confidence when speaking in Italian, as we had to use our communication skills to complete a scavenger hunt around Venice which involved talking to multiple locals! It was such a wonderful trip and I already want to return as soon as possible.
We are very grateful to all the teachers who made this trip possible, it couldn’t have happened without their patience and kindness to us all.
At the famous Basilica San Marco we were greeted by an inconspicuous side door, but just beyond it we got our first glimpses of the gold mosaics on the ceiling in the entrance hall.
It was after-hours so we were the only people there. After spending some time decoding the mosaic work, analysing the art and iconography, we were taken into a pitch black void and led to some seats.
We sat in suspense waiting for something to happen when slowly the lights began to turn up and we were introduced to the most breathtaking domed basilica covered in elaborate gold mosaics.
The sheer height of the ceilings made us wonder what an engineering feat it must have been at the time.
Not only were we in one of the most important buildings of the Renaissance, but we were treated to experiencing it all for ourselves.
Anyone could tell we were mesmerised because the room had gone silent as we all admired the artistry that had gone into the decoration of the basilica: the geometric tiled floor, the mosaic domes and the sculptures that top the high altar. It was the perfect ending to a full and eventful first day in the picturesque city of Venice.
Mathematics
Rob Eastaway lecture
The Mathematics Department recently hosted a Southwark Schools’ Learning Partnership (SSLP) lecture for Core Maths students.
Mathematician and author Rob Eastaway delivered an engaging talk to Year 11 and 12 students on the use of mathematics in decision-making across a variety of contexts – from HS2 to The Million Pound Drop.
Drama & Dance
Following two great sessions this week and last, the Year 10 theatre company, In the Wings, is in full flow building their ensemble before rehearsals start for this year’s chosen play. With lots of opportunities to perform, design and participate backstage, In the Wings is a great space to bring your creativity and passion for drama to life! We can’t wait to see how the company develops.
The newly formed Encore Dance company enjoyed an excellent workshop with award winning dance company Motion House. Motion House create Dance Circus Productions that tour extensively across the globe with rave reviews. JAGS students were joined by Dulwich College across a wide range of ages, all of whom tackled ambitious choreography and lift work. A lot of fun was had by all.
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Stage Door
Stage Door offers an exciting opportunity, exclusively for our Year 9 pupils, to form a dynamic theatre company! Weekly workshops will delve deeply into the work of well-known theatre practitioners, exploring an array of exciting theatre techniques, in a safe and stimulating environment.
The year will culminate in a summer show, where all the members of the company will have collaborated in writing, designing and performing in the final production.
Contact Emily.brook@jags.org.uk if you would like to be part of In the Wings (Year 10) or Stage Door (Year 9).
Stage Door offers an exciting opportunity, exclusively for our Year 9 pupils, to form a dynamic theatre company! Weekly workshops will delve deeply into the work of well-known theatre practitioners, exploring an array of exciting theatre techniques, in a safe and stimulating environment.
The year will culminate in a summer show, where all the members of the company will have collaborated in writing, designing and performing in the final production.
Contact Emily.brook@jags.org.uk if you would like to be part of In the Wings (Year 10) or Stage Door (Year 9).
Sport
The past two weeks have seen our first round of Inter-house sporting events take place and despite some less than ideal weather conditions, the pupils have all performed incredibly well across their chosen sports.
From a choice of Badminton, Cross Country and Netball, pupils each picked one sport this Half Term in which to compete.
Pupils decide amongst themselves who will play each sport to ensure that all three sports are equally strong and represented to try and compete for maximum points.
So far, the competitions have come down to just a few points and the following houses have won each year group:
- Year 7 – Clarke
- Year 9 – Holst
- Year 10 – Holst
The Year 8 competition is due to take place on Monday 14th November.
Michael Golding, Director of Sport
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Zoha’s 10k triumph
During the October Half Term, Zoha (Year 11) competed in her first ever 10k road race. She describes her experience below:
A thundery Sunday morning – there was only one thing to do. No, not embrace the dry of the indoors but head out to Lloyd Park for a 10k. Being my much anticipated first 10K, I’d imagined setting out on a gloriously sunny day in my Croydon Harriers vest but alas, the rain and thunder would have to do.
After 300 people desperately sought salvage under the few trees lining the start, we set off. Splashed by cars whizzing down the road, we cruised up many hills (and luckily many downhills too!) until finally, 42 minutes later I arrived at the finish and was greeted by a medal, some much needed dry clothes, and a second-place prize awarded by four-time Olympian, Donna Fraser. Despite the unwelcome conditions, it was a race in which I thoroughly enjoyed and one which has opened me up to the world of distance road running.
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Megan’s European Biathle
Fellow Year 11 pupil Megan, has recently competed for GB at the European Biathle, in Marathon Greece. Megan was part of a team of five pupils from across Great Britain selected for this event and finished a very creditable 6th place. Megan ran 1200m, swam 200m and then ran another 1200m with no break between each discipline!
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National Biathlon Finals
On Thursday 24th November, we are due to host a qualifying round for the National Biathlon Finals. If your daughter is interested in participating in this event, please look out for the JAGSPost that will be coming out at the start of next week. The Biathlon is a swim and a run, but with a rest in between. Pupils of all abilities (in both swimming and running) are welcome to compete.
During the October Half Term, Zoha (Year 11) competed in her first ever 10k road race. She describes her experience below:
A thundery Sunday morning – there was only one thing to do. No, not embrace the dry of the indoors but head out to Lloyd Park for a 10k. Being my much anticipated first 10K, I’d imagined setting out on a gloriously sunny day in my Croydon Harriers vest but alas, the rain and thunder would have to do.
After 300 people desperately sought salvage under the few trees lining the start, we set off. Splashed by cars whizzing down the road, we cruised up many hills (and luckily many downhills too!) until finally, 42 minutes later I arrived at the finish and was greeted by a medal, some much needed dry clothes, and a second-place prize awarded by four-time Olympian, Donna Fraser. Despite the unwelcome conditions, it was a race in which I thoroughly enjoyed and one which has opened me up to the world of distance road running.
Fellow Year 11 pupil Megan, has recently competed for GB at the European Biathle, in Marathon Greece. Megan was part of a team of five pupils from across Great Britain selected for this event and finished a very creditable 6th place. Megan ran 1200m, swam 200m and then ran another 1200m with no break between each discipline!
On Thursday 24th November, we are due to host a qualifying round for the National Biathlon Finals. If your daughter is interested in participating in this event, please look out for the JAGSPost that will be coming out at the start of next week. The Biathlon is a swim and a run, but with a rest in between. Pupils of all abilities (in both swimming and running) are welcome to compete.
