Welcome from the Head
Dear Parents
Welcome to this week’s newsletter.
January continues apace, and it was a pleasure to welcome back our students at the start of term, all set for 2025. In my first assembly, I shared with them that research suggests that 23% of New Year resolutions don’t last a week … I hope our JAGS community is faring better than this!
So far this term, we have met our Year 9 parents and students for our Parents’ Evening; it was a great pleasure to see everyone in person and the evening was a buzz of advice and GCSE option discussion. We are very much looking forward to welcoming our Year 7 parents for their Parents’ Forum on Wednesday 29 January; any parents who would like to attend, please do register via this link. We look forward to joining together in an evening of discussion and shared ideas.
It has been a delight to welcome our 11+ scholarship candidates, not only for our academic scholarships, but also for music and sport, with the artists joining us shortly. The school is always abuzz with the energy and ideas of our potential scholars, and we wish them all good luck in the process.
Earlier in the week, our Year 10 students performed their version of Kafka’s The Trial; what a sophisticated ensemble they were, as we were led through an irrational dystopian world of chaos. Our Year 13 artists wowed us with their Coursework Exhibition on Thursday, leaving all inspired by the sheer creativity and unique styles on display, while the scene is set tonight for our annual PopFest. I have no doubt it will be an evening full of talent to launch us into the weekend.
This newsletter contains an update on the new CPZ in Dulwich Village, our latest Social Impact Report, and the plans for our new Pre-Prep building; we hope you enjoy reading it.
With my best wishes
Mrs Alex Hutchinson
Head
Dates for your Diary
- Wednesday 29 January – 6:30pm – Y7 Parents’ Forum (VWA)
- Friday 31 January – 7pm – Year 11 JPA Post-Mocks Party (VWA)
- Tuesday 4 February – 1:10pm – Music Scholars’ Lunchtime Concert (Guards’ Chapel, Birdcage Walk)
- Wednesday 5 February – 5:30pm – Year 11 Parents’ Evening
- Thursday 6 February – 7pm – Parent Talk: Relationships and Sex Education (Online)
- Friday 7 February to Sunday 9 February – KS3 Exploring Christianity residential trip
- Wednesday 12 February – 6pm – Multicultural Evening (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 or School Nurse team on Nurse@jags.org.uk.
Dulwich Controlled Parking Zone
Please be aware that Southwark Council has recently implemented a new Controlled Parking Zone on several roads surrounding JAGS.
The changes mean that between the hours of 8:00am to 9:30am and 3:00pm to 5:00pm a valid parking permit is now required on Carlton Avenue, Gilkes Crescent and Townley Road (with some paid parking options also available on Townley Road).
Key Stage 4 Update
Happy New Year! I hope you and your families had a restful break and are feeling refreshed for the term ahead.
The Spring Term brings some exciting changes to the KS4 team. Ms Thomson has stepped down as Head of Year 10 as she transitions to a part-time role. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ms Thomson for her incredible efforts in supporting the year group.
To show their appreciation, some Year 10 students performed a ‘Just Dance’ number in her honour. Ms Thomson will remain an integral part of the KS4 team, now working alongside our new Head of Year 10, Miss Lecuyer-Mayo. A warm welcome to Miss Lecuyer-Mayo as she takes on this new role!
Hannah Dodson, Head of KS4
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Year 10
The term has already seen some fantastic achievements across Year 10 and Year 11.
First, a huge congratulations to the Year 10 drama students who delivered a captivating performance of The Trial. This conceptual piece kept the audience on their toes with its thought-provoking themes and impressive execution. A special mention goes to the many Year 10 students who came to support their peers—your encouragement and enthusiasm truly reflect the fantastic sense of community within the year group.
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Year 11
A huge well done to all Year 11 students for successfully completing their mock exams. Special thanks to Ms Braybrook and the academic team for ensuring everything ran smoothly. To celebrate their hard work, students will enjoy a celebratory brunch with their tutors next Friday, followed by the much-anticipated Year 11 Social.
Year 11 students have also been busy taking part in individual online careers interviews, where they reviewed the results of their Morrisby psychometric tests. The students have provided positive feedback, expressing how useful they found the sessions and how they have helped them consider the various directions their future careers could take.
As always, a big thank you to the staff and students for their continued efforts and enthusiasm. Here’s to more exciting moments this term!
The term has already seen some fantastic achievements across Year 10 and Year 11.
First, a huge congratulations to the Year 10 drama students who delivered a captivating performance of The Trial. This conceptual piece kept the audience on their toes with its thought-provoking themes and impressive execution. A special mention goes to the many Year 10 students who came to support their peers—your encouragement and enthusiasm truly reflect the fantastic sense of community within the year group.
A huge well done to all Year 11 students for successfully completing their mock exams. Special thanks to Ms Braybrook and the academic team for ensuring everything ran smoothly. To celebrate their hard work, students will enjoy a celebratory brunch with their tutors next Friday, followed by the much-anticipated Year 11 Social.
Year 11 students have also been busy taking part in individual online careers interviews, where they reviewed the results of their Morrisby psychometric tests. The students have provided positive feedback, expressing how useful they found the sessions and how they have helped them consider the various directions their future careers could take.
As always, a big thank you to the staff and students for their continued efforts and enthusiasm. Here’s to more exciting moments this term!
Sixth Form Update
The Sixth Form community began 2025 with the second-ever Sixth Form New Year Lecture. Last year, students were treated to Tim Marshall’s insights on geopolitics. This year, Rachel Corp—CEO of ITN, JAGS parent and JAGS alumna—spoke to an engrossed audience, reflecting on the high points and challenges of her career and the lessons learnt along the way. She also took the opportunity to share an illuminating perspective on the evolving nature and realities of journalism.
As expected, students were exceptionally engaged, and there was an excellent range of questions at the end, followed by a thoughtful vote of thanks from Olivia C.
Mat Weeks, Head of Sixth Form
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Holocaust Remembrance
Both year groups attended powerful Holocaust Remembrance events this Wednesday ahead of Holocaust Remembrance Day on Monday.
Year 12 students joined a Holocaust survivor webcast, while Year 13 took part in a live virtual tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Both sessions covered gripping, poignant, and valuable material, and the students were deeply appreciative of the opportunities facilitated by Mrs Lewis.
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Spring Term
The first weeks of the Spring Term have flown by as students settled back into the rhythm of school life with lessons, sports (our hockey team was narrowly defeated in the TKB against Alleyn’s), musical events (we look forward to this evening’s PopFest!), PSHCE in form time, opportunities to network with alumnae from the Class of 2024 and an exceptional art exhibition.
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Looking to the Future
Inevitably, students in Year 13 are looking to the future as university offers come flooding in, with excellent results from a wide variety of institutions. Meanwhile, Year 12 students have been formally introduced to their Higher Education and Careers Programme, expertly designed and kept up to date by Liz Allan.
And now… pause for breath. Enjoy the weekend, everyone!
Both year groups attended powerful Holocaust Remembrance events this Wednesday ahead of Holocaust Remembrance Day on Monday.
Year 12 students joined a Holocaust survivor webcast, while Year 13 took part in a live virtual tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Both sessions covered gripping, poignant, and valuable material, and the students were deeply appreciative of the opportunities facilitated by Mrs Lewis.
The first weeks of the Spring Term have flown by as students settled back into the rhythm of school life with lessons, sports (our hockey team was narrowly defeated in the TKB against Alleyn’s), musical events (we look forward to this evening’s PopFest!), PSHCE in form time, opportunities to network with alumnae from the Class of 2024 and an exceptional art exhibition.
Inevitably, students in Year 13 are looking to the future as university offers come flooding in, with excellent results from a wide variety of institutions. Meanwhile, Year 12 students have been formally introduced to their Higher Education and Careers Programme, expertly designed and kept up to date by Liz Allan.
And now… pause for breath. Enjoy the weekend, everyone!
Social Impact Report
JAGS has published its latest Social Impact Report, highlighting the initiatives, provision and achievements during the 2023–24 academic year that encapsulate our ongoing commitment to founder James Allen’s philanthropic vision and make a difference to our community and wider society.
To read the full report, click HERE
New Pre-Prep Project Update
Exciting plans to construct a new Pre-Prep building adjacent to JAGS Senior School received the green light just before Christmas.
Southwark Council’s Planning Committee unanimously approved the planning application for a new building on the site of 152/154 East Dulwich Grove.
This new facility will enable us to bring all our students together on one site for the first time since 1985. It will also ensure that our youngest students experience their formative years in a building specifically designed to meet their educational needs.
The plans for the build were first submitted in December 2023, and there is still a significant amount of work to complete before the programme begins. As the project progresses, we look forward to sharing updates with you in the coming months.
Drama
The Trial
Our Year 10 theatre company, In The Wings, delivered a stellar production of Franz Kafka’s The Trial.
We are incredibly proud of the cast and crew behind the production, who navigated the philosophical themes with maturity and artistry, perfectly capturing the paranoia and absurdity of this legendary work.
Art
CLOSURE
Last night’s A-Level Exhibition, CLOSURE, proved to be the perfect celebration and showcase to mark the culmination of our Year 13 students’ personal investigations.
The dedication of each and every artist was evident, and the array of work was a testament to the individuality on display.
A huge thank you to our brilliant Art Department, who have supported our Year 13 students and provided a platform for them to express themselves and showcase their unique viewpoints.
Careers
Our Careers Department has been busy organising valuable networking events and work experience opportunities to support our pupils as they consider their next steps.
Follow the tabs below to learn more:
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Dentistry Work Experience
We are very grateful to parents for their support of the Higher Education and Careers Programme at JAGS. Through our parent network, two Year 12 students had the opportunity to take part in dentistry work experience during the Christmas holiday.
Nancy (Y12):
“I was fortunate to complete a three-day work experience placement at a dental practice alongside Abi, where we shadowed Dr Patel. This experience provided me with invaluable insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of a dentist. I observed patient interactions, treatment planning, regular Band 1 NHS check-ups, fillings (both amalgam and composite resin), dental crown procedures, the importance of effective communication, and so much more!
“I also observed how Dr Patel created a comfortable environment for his patients, many of whom had dental anxiety or a phobia of dentists. It was both inspiring and enlightening to see how dental professionals transform patients’ oral health and confidence. With Dr Patel’s support, I gained a deeper understanding of the field and a greater appreciation for the immense dedication required.”
Abigail (Y12):
“My work experience with Dr Patel at his dental clinic was incredibly valuable, as I gained knowledge of various dental procedures, from routine check-ups to more specialised treatments, which helped me develop a deeper understanding of patient care. He also provided advice in areas I would not have encountered elsewhere, making this experience highly beneficial in enhancing my skills and confidence in the dental field. It also offered helpful insights into my course, further clarifying my career goals.”
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Year 11 Careers Interviews
Year 11 students had the opportunity to meet individually with an independent and impartial careers adviser to discuss their education and future career pathway plans. During the interviews, and with the support of the careers adviser, students also reviewed the outcomes of their Morrisby psychometric profiling, which they completed earlier this year.
We are very grateful to parents for their support of the Higher Education and Careers Programme at JAGS. Through our parent network, two Year 12 students had the opportunity to take part in dentistry work experience during the Christmas holiday.
Nancy (Y12):
“I was fortunate to complete a three-day work experience placement at a dental practice alongside Abi, where we shadowed Dr Patel. This experience provided me with invaluable insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of a dentist. I observed patient interactions, treatment planning, regular Band 1 NHS check-ups, fillings (both amalgam and composite resin), dental crown procedures, the importance of effective communication, and so much more!
“I also observed how Dr Patel created a comfortable environment for his patients, many of whom had dental anxiety or a phobia of dentists. It was both inspiring and enlightening to see how dental professionals transform patients’ oral health and confidence. With Dr Patel’s support, I gained a deeper understanding of the field and a greater appreciation for the immense dedication required.”
Abigail (Y12):
“My work experience with Dr Patel at his dental clinic was incredibly valuable, as I gained knowledge of various dental procedures, from routine check-ups to more specialised treatments, which helped me develop a deeper understanding of patient care. He also provided advice in areas I would not have encountered elsewhere, making this experience highly beneficial in enhancing my skills and confidence in the dental field. It also offered helpful insights into my course, further clarifying my career goals.”
Year 11 students had the opportunity to meet individually with an independent and impartial careers adviser to discuss their education and future career pathway plans. During the interviews, and with the support of the careers adviser, students also reviewed the outcomes of their Morrisby psychometric profiling, which they completed earlier this year.
Computer Science
BETT Education Fair
On Wednesday, Computing students enjoyed a visit to the BETT EdTech Fair at ExCeL London, which provided them with a valuable opportunity to interact with technology companies and explore both software and hardware innovations.
Students had a fantastic time trying out the latest gaming software and hardware—relevant experience for members of the Computer Science (CS) Society who are currently in the process of designing their own original games.
Additionally, they gained valuable insights into the use of technology in the workplace, along with ideas and an understanding of the skill set requirements for their future CS project work.
The trip also successfully highlighted the varied job opportunities available in the technology sector and allowed students to engage with leading companies such as Google, Microsoft, and VEX.
A message from the JPA
Post-Mocks Party
It is the final week to purchase tickets for the JPA Year 11 Post-Mocks Party – a night of fun, fashion, and music.
The event will take place on Friday, 31 January, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm in the VWA and will include a DJ, music videos, photo booth, snacks, drinks, and more.
Tickets, costing £10, are available for purchase via Classlist (strictly no ticket sales on the door).
Please complete the dietary requirements and emergency contact questions when purchasing tickets.
Doors open at 6:45 pm. The evening will be supervised by parent volunteers from the JPA. Please make arrangements to ensure your child is collected at the end of the evening.
JAGS Alumnae
Medical Society Dinner 2025
We are looking forward to hosting the JAGS Alumnae Association Medical Society Dinner, which will take place on Friday 7 March 2025, from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. The dinner will be a fantastic opportunity for the JAGS alumnae and parent communities studying and working in medicine and healthcare, including veterinary medicine, to connect and network.
This wonderful evening will feature special guest speaker Dr Sridevi Kalidindi CBE, a JAGS parent, international award-winning consultant psychiatrist, academic, author, executive, leadership and resilience coach, World Health Organisation (WHO) advisor, UK Government advisor, board chair, charity trustee, and entrepreneur.
Additionally, a group of Year 13 students planning to study medicine at university will join, offering them an opportunity to learn more about the experience of medical school.
For more information and to book your ticket, please visit the JAA Events Page.
Creative Industries Networking Event:
We are thrilled to host our first-ever Creative Industries Networking Event, taking place on Wednesday 19 March 2025, from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. Thanks to the kind support of ITN’s Chief Executive Officer, JAGS alumna and parent Rachel Corp, the event will be held at ITN in Central London.
The event is open to JAGS alumnae and parents working in sectors including media, marketing, advertising, journalism, publishing, art and design, and associated industries. It promises to be a wonderful opportunity to network and support each other in their professional endeavours.
As part of this exciting networking opportunity, a panel discussion will take place, chaired by Rachel Corp and featuring a stellar line-up of JAGS alumnae. We look forward to sharing more details soon.
For more information and to book your ticket, please visit the JAA Events Page.
JAGS Choral Society
Join the JAGS Choral Society
Our community choir, the JAGS Choral Society, is current seeking new members.
This is an excellent opportunity to engage with a school activity, socialise with members of our community and show support for daughters also involved in musical pursuits. Beginners are welcome, and no audition is required. The choir is particularly keen to recruit more men to balance the girls’ choir, but all new members are welcome.
Rehearsals take place between 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm on Tuesdays during term time, and are led by the school’s Director of Music, Tommy Foster. The choir performs three concerts a year at prestigious venues such as Southwark Cathedral and Cadogan Hall. Two of these are joint performances with the Holst Choir, and one is a standalone event with our own community orchestra.
Further details can be found at www.jagschoralsociety.com