Welcome from the Head
Dear Parents
Welcome to this week’s newsletter, as we prepare for a welcome half term break after a joyful and busy seven weeks at school.
Our 11+ Welcome Mornings are now in full swing for entry in September 2026. It has been a pleasure to welcome prospective families to our recent Open Mornings, both mid-week and our main Open Morning on Saturday 4 October. The students have been fantastic ambassadors, and the school has reflected its characteristic buzz and excitement of learning. We continued to celebrate our community earlier in the week, as finalists in the Independent School of the Year Awards on Tuesday, nominated in the award for Commitment to Social Mobility.
Senior House Drama kept us enthralled on Thursday evening, and we saw a fantastic array of talent on stage. This was also the case during Desenfans House Charity Day last week, when a packed VWA was kept in suspense as the teachers took to the round table for the final episode of The Traitors. . . what drama unfolded in real time!
It has been a packed half term, and my thanks go to all members of our community for all their input. We have school trips heading to South Africa, Berlin and Copenhagen over half term, and we wish all students and staff safe travels, whatever their journeys. I hope the half term break is a chance to recharge batteries for everyone and prepare for the run-up to Christmas!
With my best wishes,
Mrs Alex Hutchinson
Head
Dates for your Diary
- Monday 20 October to Friday 31 October – Autumn Half Term
Residential Trips:
- Thursday 16 October to Sunday 19 October – Year 11 &12 History and German Trip to Berlin
- Thursday 16 October to Sunday 26 October – Years 10 to 13 Hockey and Netball Tour to South Africa
- Monday 20 October to Thursday 23 October- Sixth Form Art Trip to Copenhagen
- Saturday 25 October to Friday 31 October – Year 12 Duke of Edinburgh Gold Practice Expedition
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.
Key Stage 3 Update
As we approach the half term break, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate what has been a truly fantastic start to the academic year in KS3!
Our Year 7s have settled in brilliantly to their new routines, bringing energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm to every corner of the school. From navigating new timetables to embracing new subjects and friendships, they’ve shown remarkable resilience and positivity. It’s been a joy to watch them grow in confidence and begin to make JAGS their own.
Meanwhile, Years 8 and 9 have been busy with a whole host of exciting events and opportunities. We have had thought-provoking PHSCE talks that sparked meaningful discussions and positive messages about safety online, what makes a good friend and how we can embrace all the opportunities in school. Year 8 were inspired to get creative following a visit to the Dulwich Picture Gallery with our Art Department. It has been a pleasure to see such amazing work coming out of the art rooms this term.
Myfanwy Bournon, Head of KS3
-
Continued . . .
I would like to thank our fantastic Open Mornings tour guides, who represented the school with warmth and maturity. Their engagement and leadership have been truly impressive.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. We are so proud of everything our KS3 students have achieved so far and can’t wait to see what the second half of term brings.
-
‘Our first half term at JAGS’
Chidimma and Tobi, Year 7, reflect on their first half term at JAGS below:
“There are only three words we could use to describe our first weeks at JAGS: fun, exciting and engaging! It’s been a whirlwind of opportunities and new experiences. There’s always something to do, from composting in the Botany Gardens for geography to extracting DNA from a strawberry in Science Club. The word ‘boring’ doesn’t exist in your vocabulary at JAGS.
“Receiving our digital devices felt like the moment when secondary school really began. Then there was pre-season – a whole week of sport, action and fun, with trials to join a squad – tiring but totally worth it. We also loved the Co-Curricular Fair, which means now we have an activity every weekday.
“Our form tutor, teachers and classmates are super nice, and that makes everything feel comfortable and welcoming. There’s always a twist of surprise too – like when our English teacher took us to the library for a scavenger hunt!
“Our start to JAGS has been amazing. There’s always someone to talk to if you’re worried, whether it’s a teacher or a friend, and we leave each day with a big smile on our face.”
I would like to thank our fantastic Open Mornings tour guides, who represented the school with warmth and maturity. Their engagement and leadership have been truly impressive.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. We are so proud of everything our KS3 students have achieved so far and can’t wait to see what the second half of term brings.
Chidimma and Tobi, Year 7, reflect on their first half term at JAGS below:
“There are only three words we could use to describe our first weeks at JAGS: fun, exciting and engaging! It’s been a whirlwind of opportunities and new experiences. There’s always something to do, from composting in the Botany Gardens for geography to extracting DNA from a strawberry in Science Club. The word ‘boring’ doesn’t exist in your vocabulary at JAGS.
“Receiving our digital devices felt like the moment when secondary school really began. Then there was pre-season – a whole week of sport, action and fun, with trials to join a squad – tiring but totally worth it. We also loved the Co-Curricular Fair, which means now we have an activity every weekday.
“Our form tutor, teachers and classmates are super nice, and that makes everything feel comfortable and welcoming. There’s always a twist of surprise too – like when our English teacher took us to the library for a scavenger hunt!
“Our start to JAGS has been amazing. There’s always someone to talk to if you’re worried, whether it’s a teacher or a friend, and we leave each day with a big smile on our face.”
Key Stage 4 Update
As we come to the end of a busy and fun-filled first half term, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible effort and energy shown by our KS4 students. Year 10 and Year 11 have continued to work with determination and focus, embracing both academic challenges and wider school life with enthusiasm.
This term’s KS4 section assembly featured a lively quiz that brought out the competitive spirit in both students and staff. While some tutors took the challenge very seriously and performed well across several rounds, the music round proved to be their downfall! The students clearly demonstrated they are far more in touch with pop music than the staff. It was a brilliant moment of fun and laughter for all involved.
We also had the pleasure of our KS4 prefects leading an inspiring assembly to mark the beginning of Black History Month. They explored the impact of Black culture on popular culture, highlighting its influence in music, fashion, film, and beyond.
Hannah Dodson, Head of KS4
-
Year 10
Year 10 took part in a fantastic workshop delivered by the Life Skills Company focused on “Maximising Success.” The session covered everything from how to write and organise notes to effective revision techniques. Students engaged in a range of hands-on activities and found the day extremely useful. We hope this experience will support them in building strong foundations for the next two years.
We’ve also had a wonderful sign-up to The Duke of Edinburgh Award programme this term. It’s fantastic to see so many students eager to take on the challenge, and we know they’ll gain valuable skills and experiences along the way.
In addition, a large number of Year 10 students have signed up to volunteer at after-school clubs in the Junior School. This is a brilliant opportunity for them to develop leadership and communication skills, while giving back to the wider school community. We’re proud of their initiative and the positive example they’re setting.
-
Year 11
Year 11 also had a valuable session delivered by Inner Drive, focusing on managing stress and developing a positive mental attitude. Inner Drive works with a range of schools, as well as Premier League football clubs and Olympic athletes, and their insights were both practical and inspiring.
Students reflected on their GCSE journey so far through progress and wellbeing discussions, and we hope they continue to use the guidance from their teachers to support their success going forward.
Desenfans House chose to raise money for the Children and Young People’s Cancer Association. Thanks to the generosity of our school community, we reached a record-breaking total of £1,704.95, a truly incredible achievement.
-
Half Term Ahead
As we head into the half term break, we wish all students going on trips a wonderful experience. Miss Braybrook and I are hoping for dry weather as we join Year 10 on their Duke of Edinburgh expedition!
Wishing you all a restful and productive half term.
Year 10 took part in a fantastic workshop delivered by the Life Skills Company focused on “Maximising Success.” The session covered everything from how to write and organise notes to effective revision techniques. Students engaged in a range of hands-on activities and found the day extremely useful. We hope this experience will support them in building strong foundations for the next two years.
We’ve also had a wonderful sign-up to The Duke of Edinburgh Award programme this term. It’s fantastic to see so many students eager to take on the challenge, and we know they’ll gain valuable skills and experiences along the way.
In addition, a large number of Year 10 students have signed up to volunteer at after-school clubs in the Junior School. This is a brilliant opportunity for them to develop leadership and communication skills, while giving back to the wider school community. We’re proud of their initiative and the positive example they’re setting.
Year 11 also had a valuable session delivered by Inner Drive, focusing on managing stress and developing a positive mental attitude. Inner Drive works with a range of schools, as well as Premier League football clubs and Olympic athletes, and their insights were both practical and inspiring.
Students reflected on their GCSE journey so far through progress and wellbeing discussions, and we hope they continue to use the guidance from their teachers to support their success going forward.
Desenfans House chose to raise money for the Children and Young People’s Cancer Association. Thanks to the generosity of our school community, we reached a record-breaking total of £1,704.95, a truly incredible achievement.
As we head into the half term break, we wish all students going on trips a wonderful experience. Miss Braybrook and I are hoping for dry weather as we join Year 10 on their Duke of Edinburgh expedition!
Wishing you all a restful and productive half term.
Sixth Form Update
As Autumn half term approaches, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the many achievements and milestones of our Sixth Form.
A remarkable 60 students have submitted their UCAS applications for Oxford, Cambridge, and medicine courses for the 15 October deadline. It is also right we celebrate the dedication behind these feats. From tireless study to super co-curricular pursuits, our students shine, exemplified by Tabitha’s (Y13) prestigious GOLD Crest Award-winning project for her Construction and Analysis of a 3D printed cross-flow turbine.
Amid this academic excellence, wellbeing remains vital. This morning, led by the indefatigable Mr Burrows, around 30 Sixth Formers headed out for a bird survey in the JAGS grounds – a reminder that balance matters.
With that in mind, I wish everyone a restful, productive, and fun half term, whether spent near or far.
Mat Weeks, Head of Sixth Form
MFL
Spanish
Day of the Dead Face Painting
Year 8 Spanish students celebrated the spirit of Día de los Muertos with some stunning face painting inspired by traditional Day of the Dead designs!
A huge thank you to our talented Sixth Formers for lending their artistic skills, and to our brilliant MFL Department for bringing this lesson to life.
-
Tapas Competition
On Thursday, Year 9 Spanish classes went head-to-head as the much-loved Tapas Competition returned to Holst Hall. Students rose to the challenge, crafting inventive and delicious dishes from a set list of ingredients.
On Thursday, Year 9 Spanish classes went head-to-head as the much-loved Tapas Competition returned to Holst Hall. Students rose to the challenge, crafting inventive and delicious dishes from a set list of ingredients.
French
Paris Trip
Earlier this term, Sixth Form students studying French A Level enjoyed a trip to Paris, immersing themselves in the city’s rich culture and putting their language skills into practice.
Elizabeth and Flora (Y13) reflect on the visit: “After a very early start, we arrived at Gare du Nord to be greeted by glorious sunshine – perfect for a day of sightseeing. From there, we walked to Montmartre and took part in a treasure hunt, which guided us through the Parisian backstreets, finishing at Sacré-Cœur. The views across the city were spectacular.
“Lunch was a well-earned treat of traditional French crêpes. In the afternoon, we attended a patisserie workshop, where we learned to make éclairs filled with crème pâtissière and raspberry caramel, as well as pistachio choux à la crème. This was both enjoyable and rewarding, as we were able to taste our own delicacies. Afterwards, we explored the shops in Le Marais before dining at a 90s-themed buffet. The day concluded with an evening walk, taking in the sparkling Eiffel Tower, the Seine, and Notre Dame.
“The following morning brought rain, but spirits were lifted by breakfast at a local boulangerie, where we enjoyed freshly baked croissants and pains au chocolat. Our day continued with a visit to Place des Vosges and a stop at an art gallery showcasing the work of Nina Chanel Abney, whose modern and colourful pieces left a lasting impression.
“From there, we admired the interiors of the Hôtel de Ville with its beautifully painted ceilings before walking via Place de la Bastille and Place de la République to the Canal Saint Martin. The trip offered a combination of culture, history, and cuisine, providing us with lasting memories and lots of photos!”
-
MFL Scavenger Hunt
Students competed in an MFL scavenger hunt, where they used language-based clues to work out which classrooms to visit. In each room, they discovered part of a sentence related to languages, gradually building it up as they progressed.
The hunt, partly inspired by the Chinese proverb To learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world, saw students racing against the clock to solve this challenging task.
Well done to all the teams who cracked the clues and finished the task.
Congratulations to our winners, the Year 9 team of Sana, Samantha, Liza, Mia, Lila, Aria, Salina and Edith. A special mention also goes to the Year 7 team who showed great resilience and teamwork solving the cryptic puzzles.
If you wanted a taste of the hunt, see the clue below to see if you could work out which rooms held the answers:
Russian: Если бы Генри Восьмой женился на Катерине Пар, то он бы пошел в эту комнату.
Italian: Se Enrico VIII non avesse sposato Katherine Parr andrebbe in questa classe.
Spanish: Si Enrique VIII no se hubiera casado con Katherine Parr no hubiera existido esta clase.
German: Wenn Heinrich der Achte nicht Katherine Parr geheiratet hätte, würde er in dieses Zimmer gehen.
Students competed in an MFL scavenger hunt, where they used language-based clues to work out which classrooms to visit. In each room, they discovered part of a sentence related to languages, gradually building it up as they progressed.
The hunt, partly inspired by the Chinese proverb To learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world, saw students racing against the clock to solve this challenging task.
Well done to all the teams who cracked the clues and finished the task.
Congratulations to our winners, the Year 9 team of Sana, Samantha, Liza, Mia, Lila, Aria, Salina and Edith. A special mention also goes to the Year 7 team who showed great resilience and teamwork solving the cryptic puzzles.
If you wanted a taste of the hunt, see the clue below to see if you could work out which rooms held the answers:
Russian: Если бы Генри Восьмой женился на Катерине Пар, то он бы пошел в эту комнату.
Italian: Se Enrico VIII non avesse sposato Katherine Parr andrebbe in questa classe.
Spanish: Si Enrique VIII no se hubiera casado con Katherine Parr no hubiera existido esta clase.
German: Wenn Heinrich der Achte nicht Katherine Parr geheiratet hätte, würde er in dieses Zimmer gehen.
Russian
Year 8 students enjoyed a creative Matryoshka workshop exploring the cultural significance of nesting dolls while designing their own vibrant patterns.
Meanwhile, earlier this term, students studying Russian attended a powerful and thought-provoking performance of Seagull: True Story at the Marylebone Theatre.
Olivia (Y13) reflected: “The play explores the current situation in Russia, telling the story of how a director’s bold reimagining of Chekhov’s The Seagull is reduced to a stripped-down, state-approved version under the shadow of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“To convey this transformation, the actors used dance, acrobatics, and mime to evoke emotion and fully immerse the audience. Both students and staff found the production deeply impactful, highlighting the harsh realities faced by creatives under strict censorship – a challenge that has persisted from communist Russia to the present day.”
Charity
Desenfans Charity Day
A huge well done to Desenfans House for their incredible charity day! The event featured a delicious cake and crochet sale, followed by the main attraction – Teachers’ Traitors in the VWA. Thanks to the amazing efforts of students, staff, and the wider school community, the day raised an astonishing £1,704.95 for the Children and Young People’s Cancer Association, breaking the school record for the highest amount raised at a House charity day.
Chemistry
Buckminsterfullerene 40th Anniversary Workshops
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the discovery of Buckminsterfullerene (C₆₀) – a football-shaped carbon molecule that transformed chemistry. First identified in 1985 by Sir Harold Kroto, Richard Smalley, and Robert Curl, this breakthrough earned the 1996 Nobel Prize in Chemistry and paved the way for nanotechnology and advanced materials.
To celebrate, Year 12 students took part in creative workshops with Dr Jonathan Hare, a physicist who worked alongside Nobel laureate Sir Harry Kroto. Dr Hare shared the fascinating story behind the “buckyball” and guided students through hands-on activities, including building molecular models.
The sessions highlighted how curiosity-driven research can lead to discoveries that shape the future- from understanding carbon in stars to innovations in medicine and electronics. It was an inspiring reminder of the power of science and creativity.
Careers
SSLP Apprenticeship Fair
The Apprenticeship Fair, co-hosted by JAGS, Charter North Dulwich and Dulwich College, welcomed over 400 students and parents from across Southwark.
Visitors met apprentices and employers from 38 companies spanning diverse industries. Apprentices shared their experiences of combining study and work, while employer panel members explained how they support apprentices in the workplace.
Helen Hayes MP, Chair of the Education Select Committee, also spoke about her strong support for apprenticeships. The event was a fantastic opportunity for JAGS students to learn more about apprenticeship pathways.
Below, students who attended share their thoughts on the event:
-
Zoe (Y12)
“I really enjoyed the fair and managed to speak to the Bank of England, BNP Paribas and Bloomberg in-depth, which was really insightful and I would now really like to apply for apprenticeships there, even when before the event I didn’t even know the Bank of England did apprenticeships or what Bloomberg even was. Talking with the apprentices and employers, especially sitting in on the Q&A sessions gave me good tips for applications and interviews, but also just generally looking out for opportunities and explaining how passionate I am about my areas of interest.”
-
Tawan (Y12)
“I was impressed by the wide range of options I hadn’t realised were available. You can get an apprenticeship in so many pathways beyond the stereotypical ones, and now I’m seriously considering one for my future.”
-
Ava and Rania (Y12)
“We thought it was a great and insightful experience. The apprentice panel was very helpful, showing the different options and paths an apprenticeship can offer, and the wide range of sectors was extremely useful.”
-
So you want to be… a Product Designer
Millie Groom spoke to Key Stage 3 students via a live Zoom link about her career as a product designer. Students were excited to hear about her role designing model kits for Airfix at Hornby Hobbies. She previously worked for Scalextric, also under the Hornby umbrella, designing racing slot cars. Before this, Millie studied Industrial Design and Technology at Loughborough University, including a placement year at the LEGO Group in Denmark.
The audience asked excellent questions, particularly about projects Millie worked on at LEGO. Students were thrilled to see that her designs are now in production and agreed her job sounds truly exciting.
-
Year 12 LinkedIn Lecture
JAGS alumna, school governor, and co-owner of Cream, Charlotte Parks-Taylor, spoke to Year 12 about using LinkedIn professionally while still at school – to network, explore career options, and prepare for work experience, internships, apprenticeships, and graduate roles.
Nicole (Y12): “I was already on LinkedIn, but I wasn’t sure how to use my account. This talk gave me a much better idea of how to use the platform effectively.”
Aliza (Y12): “Before the talk, I wasn’t on LinkedIn, but now I see it as a highly useful tool and plan to sign up. I learned how LinkedIn can be used to read others’ views on current topics across different fields.”
Zoe (Y12): “I was on LinkedIn before, but the talk motivated me to update and improve my profile.”
“I really enjoyed the fair and managed to speak to the Bank of England, BNP Paribas and Bloomberg in-depth, which was really insightful and I would now really like to apply for apprenticeships there, even when before the event I didn’t even know the Bank of England did apprenticeships or what Bloomberg even was. Talking with the apprentices and employers, especially sitting in on the Q&A sessions gave me good tips for applications and interviews, but also just generally looking out for opportunities and explaining how passionate I am about my areas of interest.”
“I was impressed by the wide range of options I hadn’t realised were available. You can get an apprenticeship in so many pathways beyond the stereotypical ones, and now I’m seriously considering one for my future.”
“We thought it was a great and insightful experience. The apprentice panel was very helpful, showing the different options and paths an apprenticeship can offer, and the wide range of sectors was extremely useful.”
Millie Groom spoke to Key Stage 3 students via a live Zoom link about her career as a product designer. Students were excited to hear about her role designing model kits for Airfix at Hornby Hobbies. She previously worked for Scalextric, also under the Hornby umbrella, designing racing slot cars. Before this, Millie studied Industrial Design and Technology at Loughborough University, including a placement year at the LEGO Group in Denmark.
The audience asked excellent questions, particularly about projects Millie worked on at LEGO. Students were thrilled to see that her designs are now in production and agreed her job sounds truly exciting.
JAGS alumna, school governor, and co-owner of Cream, Charlotte Parks-Taylor, spoke to Year 12 about using LinkedIn professionally while still at school – to network, explore career options, and prepare for work experience, internships, apprenticeships, and graduate roles.
Nicole (Y12): “I was already on LinkedIn, but I wasn’t sure how to use my account. This talk gave me a much better idea of how to use the platform effectively.”
Aliza (Y12): “Before the talk, I wasn’t on LinkedIn, but now I see it as a highly useful tool and plan to sign up. I learned how LinkedIn can be used to read others’ views on current topics across different fields.”
Zoe (Y12): “I was on LinkedIn before, but the talk motivated me to update and improve my profile.”
Co-Curricular
World of Wasps
Insect recorder and photographer Penny Metal returned to the JAGS Botany Gardens to uncover the fascinating world of wasps. Using examples from her book Insectinside, Penny shared insights into the hidden lives of these wasp-waisted creatures.
Students and staff were shown real examples of wasps found in the Botany Gardens, bringing the talk to life. Highlights included their unusual dining habits- such as removing the legs of paralysed spiders to feed their young – and the dramatic process of injecting eggs into caterpillars, allowing larvae to eat their way out as they hatch. Truly the stuff of nightmares!
Thank you to the Botany Gardens Team and our Sustainability Lead for organising the visit.
You can view Penny’s brilliant close-up photos via the carousel on the left.
Music
Dido and Aeneas
On Tuesday, 192 students from 10 local schools, including JAGS, joined the renowned Gabrieli Consort and Players for a spectacular performance of Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas at St George’s Cathedral.
This collaborative event showcased exceptional musical talent and teamwork, bringing together students from St Michael’s Catholic College, Streatham & Clapham High School, The Charter Schools (North Dulwich and Bermondsey), Kingsdale Foundation, Dulwich College, Harris Academies (Peckham and Bermondsey), and Alleyn’s School.
Alongside Purcell’s masterpiece, audiences were treated to six beautifully arranged folk songs, including Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes, The Salley Gardens, and South Australia.
It was an inspiring celebration of music and community, giving young performers a unique opportunity to work with world-class musicians and share their passion for the arts.
JAGS Alumnae
Mid-Autumn Festival 2025
On Monday 6 October, James Allen’s Girls’ School celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival with a Mooncake & Tea event in Holst Hall. The gathering explored traditions of reunion, gratitude, and the beauty of the full moon.
Guests enjoyed mooncakes symbolising unity and prosperity, paired with fragrant teas kindly provided by JAGS parents Wenyan and George, who also shared an insightful presentation on tea cultivation.
Events like these are a testament to the school’s commitment to celebrating and fostering community spirit. The Development and Alumnae Relations Department was delighted to collaborate with JAGS Parents Xiaoxi, Wenyan, George and Lily to bring the event to life.