Welcome from the Head
Dear Parents
Welcome to the first newsletter of the Spring Term and Happy New Year to you all. It has been a delight to welcome back our students to start this new term.
The term began with our 11+ assessments, and it is always an exciting time of the year as we review applications and begin the process of making decisions to welcome the next generation of JAGS students. It has been super to meet our own Junior School Year 6 students too this week; they have filled my office with excitement and enthusiasm. On Friday, we welcomed back the fabulous Class of 2023 who were in school to collect their A Level certificates; it was great to see our most recent leavers and hear news of their adventures beyond the gates of JAGS.
Our Sixth Form students dove straight into the exciting term ahead as they shared an afternoon with Dr Tim Marshall, journalist, author and broadcaster, whose lecture gave us all global food for thought. Mr Weeks, Head of Sixth Form, gave a very enthusiastic welcome to one of his all-time geography-heroes! It was also super to see the JPA Committee last week as we planned events for this term and next; as ever, we are most grateful for all their support and enthusiasm. Year 9 parents joined us virtually earlier this week as we begin the process of GCSE Options choices, and we look forward to seeing Year 11 parents in early February as we discuss the A Level options process. This will be our first face to face Parents’ Evening since 2020!
We are looking forward to a busy week ahead, as we prepare for the House Drama and House Performing Arts shows, not to mention the legendary JAGS PopFest … the best of luck to all performers and participants!
With my best wishes for 2024,
Mrs Alex Hutchinson
Head
Dates for your Diary
- Tuesday 23 January – 6.30pm – House Drama
- Wednesday 24 January – 6.30pm – Performing Arts Show
- Thursday 25 January
- 5pm – Art A Level Coursework Exhibition
- 6pm – Year 10 & 11 Music students Wicked Theatre Trip
- Friday 26 January – 7pm – PopFest 2024, Holst Hall
- Wednesday 31 January – 1.30pm – Alleynian Blues Lunchtime Concert, Christ’s Chapel, Dulwich
- Thursday 1 February – 5pm – Year 7 Parents’ Hindleap Warren Information Webinar
- Friday 2 February – 5.30pm – Joint Evensong with Dulwich College, Christ’s Chapel, Dulwich
- Saturday 3 February – Year 9 & 10 French Opal Coast trip
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 or School Nurse team on Nurse@jags.org.uk.
Key Stage 3 Update
Despite the cold weather and dark mornings, the students have been cheerful and eager to get stuck in with all aspects of school life. Dance and Drama rehearsals are under way for the House Drama and Performing Arts evenings next week and it is wonderful to see how many of the KS3 students are involved. They promise to be really colourful and exciting events showcasing the talent of our students.
This week, in our Year 7 and 8 assembly we thought about reflecting on 2023 in order to look forward and make changes in 2024. We also talked about understanding our own unique beauty and appreciating our gifts as individuals whilst all the time striving to represent ‘light’ in our school community. I would like to thank the Year 9 students (Georgina, Camille, Isobel and Scarlett) who read for us with such clarity and confidence during this assembly.
Myfanwy Bournon, Head of Key Stage 3
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Continued
Year 7 have been thinking about how they can organise their free time in order to reap the most benefit, using the 1972 Walter Mischel Marshmallow Test which highlights the message that sweeter rewards come to those who wait and do not seek instant gratification.
Year 7 have been thinking about how they can organise their free time in order to reap the most benefit, using the 1972 Walter Mischel Marshmallow Test which highlights the message that sweeter rewards come to those who wait and do not seek instant gratification.
Key Stage 4 Update
It has been a wonderful start to 2024. Year 11 are hurtling towards the end of their mock exam period and we have been beyond impressed by the whole year group who have shown great care, kindness and focus during this time. Well done to them all!
Meanwhile, Year 10 have returned to lessons with great positivity. In our Year 10 assembly last week, I spoke to the cohort about the importance of community and having a shared purpose. It will be another busy term and I look forward to seeing and hearing about all the different events and opportunities our students will be involved in.
Anna Jones, Head of Key Stage 4
Sixth Form Update
Happy New Year to everyone from the Sixth Form community. It has been a packed start to the new calendar year and academic term.
The highlight for some of us (especially yours truly) has been the Tim Marshall talk last Wednesday. The talk, covering Tim’s exploration into geopolitics and Geography, has been written about elsewhere by Zoha (Year 12).
As well as the content of the talk, and the opportunity to spend time with a best-selling non-fiction writer, the real highlight was the way in which the JAGS community listened, enthralled by the chance to hear an expert of our time giving us the opportunity to widen their understanding of the world. What better a time to enrich our awareness of the multitude of geopolitical factors at play, than now? Enthrallment was also measured by the number of impressive questions from the audience which highlighted the interested, intellectual and kind nature of the JAGS student.
Mat Weeks, Head of Sixth Form
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Higher Education & Careers
Year 12 have been formally introduced to our Higher Education and Careers Programme by Liz Allan, Deputy Head of Sixth Form.
While many activities were arranged and promoted up until this point, last week marked the start of the period in which Year 12s really should be thinking about their options. There are, of course, a number of future events and activities in store to support them throughout this journey.
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Class of 2023 certificates
Rather than a lecture, Year 13 students had the opportunity to discuss university courses and institutions with our fabulous alumnae from the Class of 2023 who returned to collect their Leavers’ certificates.
All current Sixth Form students were invited to come up to the Holst Hall to have a chat and network, whilst the Class of 2023 also got to see the renovated Holst Hall for the first time!
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Progress continues at pace
In the midst of this enriching start to the new term, academic progress continues at pace and we continue to be so proud and somewhat astonished by the way that JAGS Sixth Form students throw themselves into their studies, whilst also contributing so much to their progress and that of others in a co-curricular sense too!
Year 12 have been formally introduced to our Higher Education and Careers Programme by Liz Allan, Deputy Head of Sixth Form.
While many activities were arranged and promoted up until this point, last week marked the start of the period in which Year 12s really should be thinking about their options. There are, of course, a number of future events and activities in store to support them throughout this journey.
Rather than a lecture, Year 13 students had the opportunity to discuss university courses and institutions with our fabulous alumnae from the Class of 2023 who returned to collect their Leavers’ certificates.
All current Sixth Form students were invited to come up to the Holst Hall to have a chat and network, whilst the Class of 2023 also got to see the renovated Holst Hall for the first time!
In the midst of this enriching start to the new term, academic progress continues at pace and we continue to be so proud and somewhat astonished by the way that JAGS Sixth Form students throw themselves into their studies, whilst also contributing so much to their progress and that of others in a co-curricular sense too!
Introducing
Isabel Corniciuc
Teacher of Mathematics
“I am thrilled to have joined such a prestigious school with a wonderful community of bright, ambitious and forward-thinking students and warm, passionate and supportive teachers.
“After graduating with a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science and an MA in Law, my first career was in PR and Marketing. Years later, I decided to follow my passion for teaching, gained my QTS and PGCE and started teaching at Bromley High School. Six years later I joined James Allen’s Girls’ School and I am utterly delighted.
“JAGS prioritises creating a positive and inclusive learning environment and as a Mathematics teacher I have the opportunity to contribute to this atmosphere by fostering a love for learning and curiosity about mathematics. Here I can contribute to the empowerment of young women and be part of an environment where students can excel in Mathematics with confidence. My role goes beyond teaching the subject matter; it involves shaping the future of students and encouraging them to pursue their passion and potential in the field of Mathematics.”
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Continued
“Becoming a Mathematics teacher in a girls’ independent school was driven by my genuine passion for girls’ education, and my desire to make a difference in the lives of students. I am totally committed to fostering personal and academic growth of students at JAGS.
“As a mother of two daughters, seeing my students overcoming challenges in Mathematics, reaching their goals and growing into responsible, well-rounded individuals is incredibly gratifying and gives me a strong sense of achievement.
“It is a privilege to be teaching at JAGS and I am looking forward to becoming more involved in this fast-pacing community that shares a passion for life and learning.”
“Becoming a Mathematics teacher in a girls’ independent school was driven by my genuine passion for girls’ education, and my desire to make a difference in the lives of students. I am totally committed to fostering personal and academic growth of students at JAGS.
“As a mother of two daughters, seeing my students overcoming challenges in Mathematics, reaching their goals and growing into responsible, well-rounded individuals is incredibly gratifying and gives me a strong sense of achievement.
“It is a privilege to be teaching at JAGS and I am looking forward to becoming more involved in this fast-pacing community that shares a passion for life and learning.”
Social Impact Report
JAGS has published its first Social Impact Report; encapsulating our ongoing commitment to founder James Allen’s philanthropic vision and showcasing the initiatives, provision and events which make a difference to our community and wider society.
To read the report in full, please click HERE
Maths
Hans Woyda Competition
Congratulations to our Hans Woyda team who have progressed into the knockout stages of this year’s competition.
Hans Woyda is a hotly-contested annual Mathematics competition involving over 60 schools from across London.
Having already racked up wins against tough competition from Alleyn’s School and Bromley High, the team face off against Trinity School in the next round later this month.
Good luck to Navieinaah (Year 13), Katie (Year 12), Raphaelle (Year 11), Arabella (Year 9) and Julianna (Year 9).
JAGS Alumnae
London Professional Networking Event
As our alumnae events programme continues to expand at pace, we are thrilled to announce our first ever London Professional Networking Event on Wednesday 15 May 2024 from 6:00pm to 8:30pm at St. James’s Place City office in Lombard Street.
The event is open to alumnae and JAGS parents working in the finance, property, entrepreneur and law sectors along with creative and associated industries.
We are pleased to partner with St. James’s Place, leaders in the financial services sector who are actively working to raise the profile of women in the financial field, to deliver this exciting evening.
Speaking of the event, Alexandra Loydon, Director of Partner Engagement and Consultancy at St. James’s Place, said: “SJP are delighted to be supporting this JAGS Alumnae Association event. We are committed to building a more diverse community across our profession and the City, and partnerships and networking opportunities such as this, are an important part.”
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Book your free ticket
The event will be a fantastic opportunity to meet and network with JAGS alumnae and parents across finance, property, entrepreneurs, law and creative and associated industries. Please visit alumnae.jags.org.uk to book your free ticket.
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Hosting future events
As we grow and diversify our professional networking events we are always looking for exciting partners to collaborate with.
If you are interested in hosting a future event please contact the Alumnae Relations Team on alumnae@jags.org.uk.
The event will be a fantastic opportunity to meet and network with JAGS alumnae and parents across finance, property, entrepreneurs, law and creative and associated industries. Please visit alumnae.jags.org.uk to book your free ticket.
As we grow and diversify our professional networking events we are always looking for exciting partners to collaborate with.
If you are interested in hosting a future event please contact the Alumnae Relations Team on alumnae@jags.org.uk.