Welcome from the Head
Dear Parents
Welcome to this week’s newsletter – our final newsletter of 2025 and one which comes full of festive wishes at the end of term!
So many activities have kept us so entertained for the past fortnight, with Christmas jumpers, Christmas lunch, Winter Wonderland, gingerbread houses, and the staff Christmas Entertainment. I learnt my lesson from last year’s performance to choose a short Christmas song, as time curiously slows down when lip-syncing to Mariah Carey in front of a packed auditorium of students!
Our sincere thanks go to the Music and Drama departments at this exceptionally busy time of year. Following the drama highlights mentioned in the previous newsletter, this newsletter reflects the breathtaking Senior Concert at Southwark Cathedral, which showcased an extraordinary range of vocal talent, and our lively Christmas Concert here in school. With church services at St Barnabas on Tuesday afternoon, I have no doubt all performers are ready for a well-deserved rest.
Please do see my separate End of Term letter which contains further updates from across the school.
It only remains for me to wish you and your families a wonderful Christmas and New Year, to thank you all for your fulsome support of our school, and to say how much we are looking forward to seeing all our students back in school on Monday 12 January 2026.
With best wishes,
Mrs Alex Hutchinson
Head
Dates for your Diary
- Monday 12 January – Spring Term begins
- Wednesday 21 January / Thursday 22 January -7pm – Y10 In The Wings Performance (Prissian Theatre)
- Friday 23 January – 7pm – PopFest (VWA)
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.
Additionally, when informing a teacher of any health issues your daughter may be facing, please remember to cc our School Nurse team on Nurse@jags.org.uk.
Travelling to JAGS
We kindly ask that visitors and parents do not wait on either side of East Dulwich Grove or its side roads, including Great Spilmans.
Second-hand Uniform Sales
Second-hand Uniform Sales will take place between 7:45am and 8:30am in the VWA on the following dates:
- Friday 6 February 2026
- Wednesday 4 March 2026
- Wednesday 13 May 2026
- Wednesday 3 June 2026
Please note these are student-only events. Both cash and card payments will be accepted.
Key Stage 3 Update
By the time this newsletter goes out, the corridors at JAGS will be emptying, all kit will have gone home to be washed, and the pupils will have exchanged their Christmas wishes and final goodbyes for the term. It has been a magical run-up to Christmas with staff entertainment, Winter Wonderland, multicultural stalls, and fabulous turkey lunches.
The girls have worked hard this term, and it has been a genuine pleasure to read their end-of-term reports.
There have been lots of trips for KS3 students, and I’ve heard some fantastic stories about their time at the German Christmas markets, Japan House, and Salamanca. JAGS really embraces the study of Modern Foreign Languages, and this is all brought to life in the MFL singing assembly at this time of year. For those of us who don’t know the words, we’ve warbled and la-la’d our way through songs from each of the six languages. However, the girls seem to know all of them and sing along with great gusto.
All that remains is to wish you all a very restful and relaxing holiday and a very Merry Christmas – if you celebrate at this time of year.
Myfanwy Bournon, Head of KS3
Key Stage 4 Update
As always, it has been an exceptionally busy term! Well done to Year 10 for seamlessly transitioning into KS4. You have shown great maturity as you begin your GCSEs. Year 11, your approach to your first mock exams has been exemplary, and you seem focused and ready for the next exam period when we return.
Over the past couple of weeks, we have been treated to so many wonderful performances. A huge well done to all KS4 students who participated in Twelfth Night, the Advent Carols Concert at Southwark Cathedral, and this evening’s Christmas Concert. A special shout-out to the Year 11 students in Little Shop of Horrors, who managed to squeeze in their first mock exam before stepping onto the stage. What a feat!
KS4 has not just been shining in the performing arts. We are incredibly proud of Martha (Y11), who was crowned Under-17 Biathle World Champion last week. What an amazing achievement!
Hannah Dodson, Head of KS4
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Festive fun
There is a festive feel in the air, and it has been lovely to see so many smiles and laughter as students enjoy end-of-term activities. The KS4 Elf on the Shelf has returned with his mind-bending Christmas riddles, and the KS4 team are impressed by how quickly they have been solved each morning.
It was fantastic to see everyone having fun at Winter Wonderland, raising money for charity. A special mention goes to the Year 11 students who had the privilege of pie-ing me for charity – I could smell shaving foam all weekend!
Thank you all for your hard work, energy, and enthusiasm this term. Have a wonderful festive break, and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
There is a festive feel in the air, and it has been lovely to see so many smiles and laughter as students enjoy end-of-term activities. The KS4 Elf on the Shelf has returned with his mind-bending Christmas riddles, and the KS4 team are impressed by how quickly they have been solved each morning.
It was fantastic to see everyone having fun at Winter Wonderland, raising money for charity. A special mention goes to the Year 11 students who had the privilege of pie-ing me for charity – I could smell shaving foam all weekend!
Thank you all for your hard work, energy, and enthusiasm this term. Have a wonderful festive break, and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
Sixth Form Update
In the words of Brenda (or Mel and Kim!) as they rocked around the Christmas tree, a wish for us all:
“Everyone dancin’ merrily / In the new old-fashioned way”
Our students, on their #SixthFormJourneyTogether, embody that last line in all they have accomplished this term. As is customary, they have leaned into the school community as School Prefects, Subject Prefects and leaders of societies. New traditions have also taken hold, such as the Co-curricular Fair, the Multicultural Celebration Lunch and a better-than-ever Winter Wonderland – all of which rely on the commitment and creativity of Sixth Form students.
Like all Year 12 groups before them, the newest members of the Sixth Form community grasped the nettle and conscientiously got to grips with the demands of A Level study, while also embracing ‘the new’ by optimising their learning using new devices.
Mat Weeks, Head of Sixth Form
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End of year performances
We have also been treated to amazing performances from Sixth Form students in the Advent Carols at Southwark Cathedral and in Little Shop of Horrors at Dulwich College, with a special shout-out to Eliza I and Anna P for performing in both musical extravaganzas (and we’re pleased to say they still had a voice left for the school’s Christmas Concert!).
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UCAS
University interviews for Oxbridge, Medicine, Dentistry and VetMed are in full swing, and some offers have already started to come in. At the time of writing, we have sent off 103 UCAS forms (which must be a record – well done, Mrs Allan!). Very well done to everyone for giving your best, as ever!
It was also a joy to welcome back the Class of 2025 as they collected their exam certificates.
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Christmas Scavenger Hunt
It wouldn’t be Christmas in the Sixth Form without festive-themed scavenger hunt fun, ably organised by Dr Parrish and Ms Barnes. Well done to 12C and 13C for winning the Year 12 and Year 13 hunts this year.
Back to Brenda – we wish you a wonderful holiday period with:
Voices singing, let’s be jolly
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Rockin’ around the Christmas tree
Have a happy holiday
We have also been treated to amazing performances from Sixth Form students in the Advent Carols at Southwark Cathedral and in Little Shop of Horrors at Dulwich College, with a special shout-out to Eliza I and Anna P for performing in both musical extravaganzas (and we’re pleased to say they still had a voice left for the school’s Christmas Concert!).
University interviews for Oxbridge, Medicine, Dentistry and VetMed are in full swing, and some offers have already started to come in. At the time of writing, we have sent off 103 UCAS forms (which must be a record – well done, Mrs Allan!). Very well done to everyone for giving your best, as ever!
It was also a joy to welcome back the Class of 2025 as they collected their exam certificates.
It wouldn’t be Christmas in the Sixth Form without festive-themed scavenger hunt fun, ably organised by Dr Parrish and Ms Barnes. Well done to 12C and 13C for winning the Year 12 and Year 13 hunts this year.
Back to Brenda – we wish you a wonderful holiday period with:
Voices singing, let’s be jolly
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Rockin’ around the Christmas tree
Have a happy holiday
AI Charter
We close the term with the launch of our Senior School AI Charter and AI Curriculum, which can be accessed online HERE. The Charter sets out our values and expectations around AI use within our school community, while the AI Curriculum explains how all subjects in the Senior School curriculum are helping to prepare students to thrive in an AI-powered world of the future.
We especially encourage parents and students to read pages 1-3, which set out our core commitments around AI use in school. The process of creating this document involved extensive work with students, parents, and staff to establish a set of shared values around AI use; we are hugely grateful to everyone who gave up their time to contribute their views.
Parent Power 2025
We are delighted to share that JAGS has once again featured prominently in The Sunday Times’ Parent Power 2025 rankings, reflecting the hard work, dedication and achievements of our students and staff.
The 2025 table has revealed:
Among all girls’ schools nationwide:
- Top 10 for A Level grades at A*/A
Among all-through (4–18) girls’ schools:
- Top 6 for A Level grades at A*
- Top 6 for A Level grades at A*/A
- Top 7 for GCSE grades at 9/7
Head Alex Hutchinson said: “We are thrilled to see JAGS recognised among the top-performing schools in the country. Providing an all-through education allows us to nurture every stage of a student’s journey and we always cherish the privilege of shaping the young minds of these exceptional learners. Our success further highlights the unique advantages of a single-sex education for girls which fosters confidence and ambition. We are proudly committed to creating an environment where girls can excel without limits.”
Music
Advent Carols at Southwark Cathedral
We were delighted to welcome so many members of our community to Southwark Cathedral for our Advent Carols Concert.
Our choirs delivered powerful and breathtaking performances in this iconic setting, creating one of the truly memorable highlights of the festive season here at JAGS.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and to our outstanding Music Department for making the evening so special.
MFL
MFL Christmas Assembly
Christmas at JAGS wouldn’t be complete without the MFL Christmas assembly, and this year’s event once again proved why.
Year 7 embraced the tradition with gusto, while Year 13 made their final appearance a memorable one. A fitting finale to a term filled with hard work and festive cheer!
German
Christmas Markets Trip
We departed JAGS bright and early on the morning of Friday 28 November to begin our annual Christmas Markets adventure. Although rain was falling when we arrived in Aachen, students and staff still enjoyed the historic and beautiful Christmas market in the town centre. A special highlight was the regional speciality of printen – delicious variations of gingerbread covered in chocolate.
On Saturday, we explored the Christmas markets, department stores, and the Haribo flagship store in Bonn, before moving on to the small town of Monschau as the sun began to set. Monschau remains one of the most picturesque and atmospheric Christmas markets in Germany, and we took plenty of photos while enjoying its festive offerings.
After a fun-filled evening featuring a quiz and an in-house disco organised by the Year 11 students, we left Germany on Sunday morning after a hearty breakfast and enjoyed a smooth journey home. The students were brilliant this year – extremely helpful and organised – and our weekend in Germany certainly put everyone in the mood for the upcoming Christmas celebrations!
Arvind Arora, Head of German
Italian
Collaboration with Dulwich College
Our Year 10 and Year 11 Italian students enjoyed an exciting collaboration with students from Dulwich College, diving into two hours of immersive language activities. The session featured dynamic speaking tasks and a lively cultural quiz, giving students the chance to communicate entirely in Italian.
Throughout the event, students honed their speaking, listening, and writing skills, worked in teams, and explored diverse topics—from culture and geography to history and Italian sports.
The atmosphere was vibrant, with smiles all around—it was clear everyone thoroughly enjoyed the experience! This collaboration not only strengthened linguistic abilities but also fostered cultural understanding and new connections.
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Virtual Exchange
We were delighted to continue our much-loved Italian tradition this term, as JAGS students once again spread Christmas cheer during a virtual exchange and sing-along with students from Scuola Media A. Manzi in Bergamo, Italy.
This annual link-up, which has now been going strong for a decade, provides a wonderful opportunity for our students to put their Italian skills into practice while connecting with peers from another country.
We were delighted to continue our much-loved Italian tradition this term, as JAGS students once again spread Christmas cheer during a virtual exchange and sing-along with students from Scuola Media A. Manzi in Bergamo, Italy.
This annual link-up, which has now been going strong for a decade, provides a wonderful opportunity for our students to put their Italian skills into practice while connecting with peers from another country.
Spanish
Stephen Spender Prize
We are thrilled to share that Willa (Y9) has been commended in the Stephen Spender Prize for Poetry in Translation 2025 for her English translation of Delmira Agustini’s Spanish poem Al claro de luna (Uruguay, 1924).
This prestigious competition, run by the Stephen Spender Trust in partnership with Oxford University, attracts hundreds of entries each year – making Willa’s achievement truly outstanding.
Even more impressive, Willa completed this translation at the end of Year 8, during her first year of Spanish! Earlier this year, she was also named runner-up in the Oxford Flash Fiction Competition in Spanish.
Congratulations Willa!
Computer Science
Inspiring Digital Enterprise Awards
The Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award (iDEA), is an internationally recognized program designed to help people develop digital, enterprise, and employability skills.
We would like to congratulate the following students for achieving their Silver Awards: Emily (Y7), Isabelle (Y7), Lyla (Y8), Penny (Y8), Clea (Y8) Beatrix (Y8) Harper (Y10) and Anvi (Y10).
We would like to congratulate the following students for achieving their Bronze Awards: Amaya (Y7), Cindy (Y8), Aaliyah (Y8), Sanaa (Y8), Hetty (Y9K), Agnes (Y9), Eliska (Y10), Iyla (Y10) and Ella (Y10).
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CyberFirst Girls Competition
All students in Year 8 recently participated in this year’s GCHQ CyberFirst Girls Competition. This national competition aims to inspire girls interested in technology to pursue a career in cyber security.
The Best in School Team Award goes to the Kind Visionaries, with team members Hawa (Y8), Florence (Y8), Ola (Y8), and Alesha (Y8).
The Best in School Individual Award was presented to Cindy (Y8).
Congratulations to all teams for their outstanding performance!
All students in Year 8 recently participated in this year’s GCHQ CyberFirst Girls Competition. This national competition aims to inspire girls interested in technology to pursue a career in cyber security.
The Best in School Team Award goes to the Kind Visionaries, with team members Hawa (Y8), Florence (Y8), Ola (Y8), and Alesha (Y8).
The Best in School Individual Award was presented to Cindy (Y8).
Congratulations to all teams for their outstanding performance!
Charity
Winter Wonderland
The festive spirit was in full swing as Winter Wonderland returned to Holst Hall! A huge thank you to our amazing students and staff who came together to raise funds for the incredible work of Little Village.
Our Charity Club went above and beyond this year with so many creative stalls and fun games, supporting Little Village’s mission to help families with babies and children under five living in poverty across London.
Well done to all involved!
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Holst Charity Day
We are pleased to announce that the recent Holst House Charity Day raised an incredible £1,128.10 for Evelina London Children’s Hospital.
Thank you once again to our entire community for their generosity.
We are pleased to announce that the recent Holst House Charity Day raised an incredible £1,128.10 for Evelina London Children’s Hospital.
Thank you once again to our entire community for their generosity.
Gingerbread House Decorating Competition
Students also embraced the Christmas spirit with the return of the Gingerbread House Decorating Competition. It was fantastic to see so many working together and showcasing their creativity in this much-loved JAGS tradition.
Sport
What a truly fantastic Autumn Term it has been for sport at JAGS! The energy, commitment, and achievements of our pupils have shone brightly across every field, court, and pitch. With over 150 fixtures played, an incredible 400 pupils proudly represented the school in competitive matches – an outstanding testament to the depth of talent and enthusiasm within our community.
Beyond these fixtures, our vibrant co-curricular programme has inspired even more pupils to get involved, bringing the total number of pupils regularly accessing sport and physical activity to well over 500. This remarkable level of participation highlights the central role that sport plays in life at JAGS. We couldn’t be prouder of the spirit and dedication shown by our pupils this term, and we look forward to building on this success in the months ahead!
Michael Golding, Director of Sport
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Biathle
Huge congratulations to Martha (Y11), who was recently crowned Under-17 Biathle World Champion while representing Team GB in South Africa.
Biathle is a run, followed by a swim, and then a further run, with transitions also timed.
In the individual event, Martha finished the first run in 9th place, but a phenomenal swim meant she took the lead going into the second run. Martha ran strongly and held on to win the race, earning the title of Under-17 Biathle World Champion!
Martha also competed in the relay event (one male, one female) and achieved a very respectable 5th place. In addition, Martha’s Team GB teammates secured a team silver medal to accompany her individual gold.
We cannot express how proud we are of Martha and these incredible achievements. Well done!
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Cross Country
The Junior and Senior Cross Country teams travelled to Rugby at the start of December to compete in the ESAA Cross Country Cup National Finals.
The Junior team, made up of Ayra, Darcey, Lucia, Tamara (Y7), along with Cataleya and Skyla (Y8), ran incredibly well and finished in a very creditable 10th place in the National Finals. The highlight of this race was Skyla, who ran brilliantly and earned a National Runner-up medal.
The Senior team had unfortunately been plagued by injury and illness in the lead-up to the final, but despite not travelling with a full team, they still managed to secure a top-20 finish in the National Final. The team consisted of Clem, Honor and Zoe (Y11), along with Sophie (Y12).
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Sportsperson of the Term
Each term, the Sports Department, along with staff members who deliver PE co-curricular clubs, compile a long list of pupils from each year group who they feel are deserving of being crowned Sportsperson of the Term. The criteria for these awards are as follows:
- Good commitment to co-curricular activities
- Helpful in lessons / going above and beyond
- Any sporting excellence in lessons / co-curricular activities
- High levels of development / progression over the course of the term
From the long list, a shortlist is then created, and each teacher gets one vote per year group. The pupil with the most votes is then crowned Sportsperson of the Term for that specific year group.
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The shortlist
- Year 7: Scarlett F, Phoebe K, Chidera N, Sophie O’C, Lucia S and Nyla P
- Year 8: Sophie C, Abby E, Molly E, Suki M, Skyla O’B and Sophia V
- Year 9: Chloe A, Olivia C, Kayano F-B, Elin M, Sienna P and Anoushka S
- Year 10: Olivia C, Jessica E, Thalia S, Sophia H, Izzy W, Bethany W
- Year 11: Honor B, Zara K, Clem M, Jackie N, September P, Ethan W
- Sixth Form: Olivia A, Scarlett C, Ava J, Katie S, Ishika S and Annabel Tonkin
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And the winners are . . .
- Year 7: Lucia S
- Year 8: Suki M
- Year 9: Olivia C
- Year 10: Thalia S
- Year 11: Jackie N
- Sixth Form: Olivia A
Huge congratulations to Martha (Y11), who was recently crowned Under-17 Biathle World Champion while representing Team GB in South Africa.
Biathle is a run, followed by a swim, and then a further run, with transitions also timed.
In the individual event, Martha finished the first run in 9th place, but a phenomenal swim meant she took the lead going into the second run. Martha ran strongly and held on to win the race, earning the title of Under-17 Biathle World Champion!
Martha also competed in the relay event (one male, one female) and achieved a very respectable 5th place. In addition, Martha’s Team GB teammates secured a team silver medal to accompany her individual gold.
We cannot express how proud we are of Martha and these incredible achievements. Well done!
The Junior and Senior Cross Country teams travelled to Rugby at the start of December to compete in the ESAA Cross Country Cup National Finals.
The Junior team, made up of Ayra, Darcey, Lucia, Tamara (Y7), along with Cataleya and Skyla (Y8), ran incredibly well and finished in a very creditable 10th place in the National Finals. The highlight of this race was Skyla, who ran brilliantly and earned a National Runner-up medal.
The Senior team had unfortunately been plagued by injury and illness in the lead-up to the final, but despite not travelling with a full team, they still managed to secure a top-20 finish in the National Final. The team consisted of Clem, Honor and Zoe (Y11), along with Sophie (Y12).
Each term, the Sports Department, along with staff members who deliver PE co-curricular clubs, compile a long list of pupils from each year group who they feel are deserving of being crowned Sportsperson of the Term. The criteria for these awards are as follows:
- Good commitment to co-curricular activities
- Helpful in lessons / going above and beyond
- Any sporting excellence in lessons / co-curricular activities
- High levels of development / progression over the course of the term
From the long list, a shortlist is then created, and each teacher gets one vote per year group. The pupil with the most votes is then crowned Sportsperson of the Term for that specific year group.
- Year 7: Scarlett F, Phoebe K, Chidera N, Sophie O’C, Lucia S and Nyla P
- Year 8: Sophie C, Abby E, Molly E, Suki M, Skyla O’B and Sophia V
- Year 9: Chloe A, Olivia C, Kayano F-B, Elin M, Sienna P and Anoushka S
- Year 10: Olivia C, Jessica E, Thalia S, Sophia H, Izzy W, Bethany W
- Year 11: Honor B, Zara K, Clem M, Jackie N, September P, Ethan W
- Sixth Form: Olivia A, Scarlett C, Ava J, Katie S, Ishika S and Annabel Tonkin
- Year 7: Lucia S
- Year 8: Suki M
- Year 9: Olivia C
- Year 10: Thalia S
- Year 11: Jackie N
- Sixth Form: Olivia A
Careers
So you want to be. . . an Eye Surgeon?
Last Thursday, Mr Goyal joined us via a Zoom link to give a talk about his job as an eye surgeon. Mr Goyal, a consultant specialising in glaucoma and cataracts at St Thomas’ Hospital(and JAGS parent), delivered a captivating presentation followed by a Q and A session. He provided real insight into the life of an eye surgeon – both the work itself and its impact on his patients, their extended families, and him personally. We were also delighted to share the event live with six other schools in the SSLP.
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Student reflections
Sayuri (Y12): “Mr Goyal’s talk on his experience as an eye surgeon was incredibly helpful for future aspiring medics. He offered a fresh perspective on a branch of medicine and its importance in a person’s quality of life.”
Bethel (Y12): “Mr Goyal’s presentation about his career in eye surgery was very engaging and provided a wealth of important information about a career in medicine. He gave a holistic view of the profession, explaining how he manages a work–life balance, how he chose his specialty, and his journey through medicine. We also had excellent engagement from other schools, and Mr Goyal answered a wide range of questions, including offering advice for students interested in pursuing medicine.”
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InvestIN – Law
JAGS students regularly take part in immersive careers events hosted by our partner organisation, InvestIN.
Joanna (Y12) shares her experience of the InvestIN Law event:
“I really enjoyed taking part in the InvestIN Young Lawyer Programme. The experience gave me a clear insight into what a career in law involves and helped me understand the differences between solicitors and barristers. I found the sessions on career pathways and the structure of law firms very informative. It was very useful to hear about the day-to-day responsibilities of legal professionals and the pros and cons to consider when thinking about a career in law.
“One of the highlights was working on the corporate law case study, where we applied real legal principles such as ‘force majeure’ and the ‘doctrine of frustration’ to a contractual dispute. This showed me how legal theory is used in practice.
“I particularly enjoyed the murder trial simulation. It was an exciting experience where we were tasked with preparing arguments, cross-examining evidence, and deliberating as a jury. It allowed me to exercise my critical thinking skills in the way a lawyer would.
“Overall, the programme was engaging and well-structured. I left feeling more confident about the skills that are important to develop in order to pursue law, such as analytical thinking, communication, and networking. I would recommend this experience to other students interested in law.”
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InvestIN – Computer Science
Elizabeth (Y12) shares her experience of the InvestIN Computer Science event:
“I attended the InvestIN Computer Science Weekend in 2025, and it was both enjoyable and inspirational. At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect based on the website details, but on the day I was pleasantly surprised. We focused mainly on careers in the most popular sectors of the computer science industry and the skills needed for them.
“This was very helpful as it helped me realise which possible careers I might like to pursue in the future. We also discussed how to break into the computer science field and how to choose the best university for you. Overall, I would recommend the InvestIN weekend to anyone looking for information on how to reach their chosen career and meet like-minded people.”
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InvestIN – Essential Employability Skills
InvestIN also led a session to empower Year 9 students to identify their transferable skills that are essential in the workplace and to encourage them to think about the skills they have been developing through activities both in and out of school, as well as in their Curriculum Plus lessons.
Victoria (Y9): “I enjoyed the talk, and I learnt that 45% of jobs that will be around when I leave school don’t exist now, so transferable skills are really important.”
Ciara (Y9): “It was helpful to learn more about my personality type and how I work best.”
Amelie (Y9): “It was nice to know a bit more about what my strong skills are and some of my weaknesses.”
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Green Careers for Eco Week
Shyla (Y12): “During Eco Week, the Careers Committee hosted a stand at the Eco Fair to highlight opportunities in sustainable and environmentally focused careers. There were interactive quizzes to test students and teachers on their knowledge of eco-friendly career pathways. The event was a great success, with prizes on offer as well!”
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Careers in the Theatre Industry
This exciting SSLP Theatre Careers Workshop was attended by Year 9 students interested in exploring careers in the theatre industry.
The workshop introduced students to Maya Productions’ online careers toolkit, Inclusion Boost, which provides valuable insights into the real-life experiences of working in theatre. It features six inspiring professionals from global majority backgrounds in roles such as Artistic Director, Composer/Sound Designer, Set Designer, Costume Designer, Marketeer, and Engagement Producer.
Sayuri (Y12): “Mr Goyal’s talk on his experience as an eye surgeon was incredibly helpful for future aspiring medics. He offered a fresh perspective on a branch of medicine and its importance in a person’s quality of life.”
Bethel (Y12): “Mr Goyal’s presentation about his career in eye surgery was very engaging and provided a wealth of important information about a career in medicine. He gave a holistic view of the profession, explaining how he manages a work–life balance, how he chose his specialty, and his journey through medicine. We also had excellent engagement from other schools, and Mr Goyal answered a wide range of questions, including offering advice for students interested in pursuing medicine.”
JAGS students regularly take part in immersive careers events hosted by our partner organisation, InvestIN.
Joanna (Y12) shares her experience of the InvestIN Law event:
“I really enjoyed taking part in the InvestIN Young Lawyer Programme. The experience gave me a clear insight into what a career in law involves and helped me understand the differences between solicitors and barristers. I found the sessions on career pathways and the structure of law firms very informative. It was very useful to hear about the day-to-day responsibilities of legal professionals and the pros and cons to consider when thinking about a career in law.
“One of the highlights was working on the corporate law case study, where we applied real legal principles such as ‘force majeure’ and the ‘doctrine of frustration’ to a contractual dispute. This showed me how legal theory is used in practice.
“I particularly enjoyed the murder trial simulation. It was an exciting experience where we were tasked with preparing arguments, cross-examining evidence, and deliberating as a jury. It allowed me to exercise my critical thinking skills in the way a lawyer would.
“Overall, the programme was engaging and well-structured. I left feeling more confident about the skills that are important to develop in order to pursue law, such as analytical thinking, communication, and networking. I would recommend this experience to other students interested in law.”
Elizabeth (Y12) shares her experience of the InvestIN Computer Science event:
“I attended the InvestIN Computer Science Weekend in 2025, and it was both enjoyable and inspirational. At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect based on the website details, but on the day I was pleasantly surprised. We focused mainly on careers in the most popular sectors of the computer science industry and the skills needed for them.
“This was very helpful as it helped me realise which possible careers I might like to pursue in the future. We also discussed how to break into the computer science field and how to choose the best university for you. Overall, I would recommend the InvestIN weekend to anyone looking for information on how to reach their chosen career and meet like-minded people.”
InvestIN also led a session to empower Year 9 students to identify their transferable skills that are essential in the workplace and to encourage them to think about the skills they have been developing through activities both in and out of school, as well as in their Curriculum Plus lessons.
Victoria (Y9): “I enjoyed the talk, and I learnt that 45% of jobs that will be around when I leave school don’t exist now, so transferable skills are really important.”
Ciara (Y9): “It was helpful to learn more about my personality type and how I work best.”
Amelie (Y9): “It was nice to know a bit more about what my strong skills are and some of my weaknesses.”
Shyla (Y12): “During Eco Week, the Careers Committee hosted a stand at the Eco Fair to highlight opportunities in sustainable and environmentally focused careers. There were interactive quizzes to test students and teachers on their knowledge of eco-friendly career pathways. The event was a great success, with prizes on offer as well!”
This exciting SSLP Theatre Careers Workshop was attended by Year 9 students interested in exploring careers in the theatre industry.
The workshop introduced students to Maya Productions’ online careers toolkit, Inclusion Boost, which provides valuable insights into the real-life experiences of working in theatre. It features six inspiring professionals from global majority backgrounds in roles such as Artistic Director, Composer/Sound Designer, Set Designer, Costume Designer, Marketeer, and Engagement Producer.
Co-curricular
Horse Riding Club
It’s been another term of outstanding progress for our equestrians.
As the nights grow darker and the weather turns colder, you might think they would have reservations about spending time at the stables in the dark and damp – but they remain as enthusiastic as ever.
New riders have joined the ranks in our beginners’ group, and they have come on in leaps and bounds since the start of term. Tentative trotting has turned into confident cantering for many of them. The advanced group is going from strength to strength. Jaye from Dulwich Riding School has given them more challenging horses to ride each week, and there have been some impressive displays of horsemanship.
Plucky little ponies like Bertie and Hoobie put on a burst of speed to keep up with the bigger horses, and it has been fantastic to see all of the group giving the jumps a go in recent weeks.
We look forward to warmer weather in the new year and to welcoming more riders into our group.
Botany Gardens
Wreath Making
Students were well and truly getting in the Christmas spirit as they headed to the Botany Gardens for a spot of wreath making.
Coaching at JAGS
Executive Coaching at JAGS
JAGS is teaming up with Executive Coaching company KIT to strengthen a coaching culture across the school. Together, we are equipping staff and students to reap the proven benefits of coaching.
Lucy Moorehead, Assistant Head (Staff Development), said: “Coaching in schools has a mounting evidence base, empowering students and staff to build performance and achieve their goals – while feeling supported and heard. We’re thrilled that KIT is working with us to help our school community thrive.”
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What we’re working on:
- Staff: KIT coaches took part in our June INSET day, supporting middle leaders to make progress on key leadership goals.
- Student Coaches: Two-day training programme complete, equipping first cohort of Sixth Form Student Coaches with core coaching skills to support younger students.
- Know Yourself: Group coaching programme, Year 12, from Autumn Term. They will explore who they are and how they thrive, so they can make strong decisions for their future.
- Staff: KIT coaches took part in our June INSET day, supporting middle leaders to make progress on key leadership goals.
- Student Coaches: Two-day training programme complete, equipping first cohort of Sixth Form Student Coaches with core coaching skills to support younger students.
- Know Yourself: Group coaching programme, Year 12, from Autumn Term. They will explore who they are and how they thrive, so they can make strong decisions for their future.
JAGS Alumnae
Junior School & Alumnae Letter Exchange
Last week, the JAGS Alumnae Association was delighted to deliver response letters from JAGS alumnae to nearly 50 wonderful, handwritten letters from our Year 5 students as part of our first-ever Junior School & Alumnae Letter Exchange.
The students had a fantastic opportunity to write to JAGS alumnae, asking questions about school life in the past and sharing their own experiences today. The responses from our alumnae were heartwarming and full of fascinating stories, giving the students a real sense of connection to the school’s history and vibrant community.
This initiative has sparked curiosity, built connections, and deepened appreciation of what it means to be part of the JAGS community.
Thank you to all the alumnae and students who took part, and to the Junior School staff for their support in making this possible. We hope this marks the beginning of a cherished tradition!