JAGSnews

It is an exciting time for digital learning at JAGS. This week sees the launch of the Senior School’s Digital Impact Review – a far-reaching assessment of the outcomes and lessons learned over the last year, during which all students in Years 7-12 received integrated laptop/touchscreen devices. The review combines insights from parent and student surveys, student focus groups, staff working parties, lesson observations, and leadership learning walks to provide a clear picture of the transformational impact a full digital learning platform has had for our students, while at the same time detailing how we have safeguarded the integrity, humanity, and authenticity of the JAGS classroom to ensure that our learning remains grounded in independent thought and real interpersonal connection.

Our focus now turns more directly to the challenges and opportunities of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Later this year, we will be launching our AI Charter and AI Curriculum, to explain how our evolving curriculum is preparing Senior School students to flourish in the AI-powered world of the future. As part of that project, I am inviting all Senior School parents to participate in a survey on ethical use of AI in education.

As a school community, we are all grateful to our CCF students in Year 13 for curating an origami poppy display as an Act of Remembrance. Connie, ably supported by Heidi and Sofia, ensured that poppies made by students during form time were beautifully displayed at Student Reception. This new initiative complemented the school’s Act of Remembrance, at which Sofia, Connie and Imogen read, the Madrigalists sang, and Emily (Y12) played The Last Post on the trumpet. We thank them all.

The fortnight since we returned from half term has been packed with activity: volunteering at our well-attended 16+ Application Day for external Year 11 students, an Economics trip to the Bank of England, a Model United Nations workshop, the glorious Autumn Concert, Kinesis dance show, and a Biology in Action trip (with a little The Traitors watching!). Each event showcased the talent, curiosity and enthusiasm of our Sixth Form community.

This huge range of activities takes place alongside excellent academic progress, discussed at the Year 12 Parents’ Evening this week, and university applications, as Year 13 begin preparing for interviews. Most importantly, success (however defined) and fulfilment are being achieved while our students remain kind, have fun, and take responsibility for themselves and support others on their #SixthFormJourneyTogether. Well done to them all.

Mat Weeks, Head of Sixth Form

In recent years, the JAGS Dance programme has gone from strength to strength, growing into a vibrant and vital part of school life, with an ever-increasing appetite across all year groups.

Last Thursday’s dance show, Kinesis, proved to be a wonderful celebration of how far the students have come, showcasing their creativity, commitment and sheer joy in performance.

The evening featured a dynamic and diverse programme of performances from House Dance, Encore Senior Dance Company, Ignite Junior Dance Company and Year 7 Dance Club, as well as a section of student-choreographed solos, duos and small groups.

These behind-the-scenes pictures provide a glimpse into the energy and hard work that went into making the evening so special.

Our Year 12 and 13 artists enjoyed four inspiring days in Copenhagen, immersing themselves in Denmark’s vibrant creative scene. Despite the weather not being on their side, spirits were high as students explored world-class galleries and architectural landmarks.

Highlights included visits to the Danish Architecture Centre, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Copenhagen Contemporary, and Galleri Susanne Ottesen, where they had the rare opportunity to watch an artist at work on a radical new exhibition.

The city’s architecture, galleries, and public spaces sparked incredible sketchbook work and lively discussions about how art, design, curation, and the concept of hygge shape the world around us. Of course, no trip to Copenhagen would be complete without sampling Danish pastries!

We are delighted to announce that the JAGS Development and Alumnae Relations Department (DAR) has been nominated for the IDPE Development Award 2025 in the Ambition and Progress category.

This nomination celebrates the innovative ways we have strengthened connections within our alumnae community and advanced opportunities for engagement and support since the department was formed in 2022. Through creative initiatives, meaningful reunion and networking events, and a commitment to fostering lifelong relationships, our team has worked hard to collaborate with the JAGS community and ensure that JAGS alumnae remain an integral part of our school’s story.

This recognition is a testament to the spirit of our community and the dedication of everyone involved, including Karen Doyle (Head of Development & Alumnae Relations), Penny Lofthouse (Events & Alumnae Relations Officer), Sydney Sherman (Development & Alumnae Relations Officer), and Gabe Kellett (Database & Gifts Officer). This achievement would not have been possible without the support of so many in the JAGS community – thank you.

We are proud to be considered for this award and look forward to continuing our mission to build a vibrant, connected alumnae network and fundraise for our life-changing bursary provision, reflecting the values and ambition of JAGS.