Welcome from the Head
Dear Parents
Welcome to this week’s newsletter, as we reach the end of term and reflect on all we have achieved and contributed to the JAGS community in the past weeks.
This week alone has seen: our flagship Spring Term concert in Southwark Cathedral, with breathtaking solos from Year 13 students Ellie and Elyssa; our display of Year 8 Science projects (thank you to those students who confirmed through experiment that the door handle to my office was the cleanest in school); the announcement of our new student leadership teams alongside a huge thank-you to our outgoing teams of brilliant student leaders; an end-to-end Staff vs Students netball match; a celebration of neurodiversity week in assemblies and form-time activities; the term’s Interhouse sports competitions … before we gathered together to celebrate all our commitments at today’s end of term assembly. These snapshots are a fantastic glimpse of each week here at JAGS; it is no wonder we are all ready for a rest as we reach the end of term!
Two final highlights of the past fortnight from me: huge congratulations to Heloise, Sophie, Anokhi and Skyla for becoming Year 7 National Biathlon champions – what an exceptional achievement! And well done to our fabulous Madrigalists choir who represented the school so brilliantly at the GSA Choir of the Year in Warwick. It was a joy to support the choir at this event; whilst we may not have been crowned champions, we certainly won in terms of JAGS support in the audience!
Please do see my separate end of term letter for further updates.
Wishing the entire JAGS community a super Easter break,
Mrs Alex Hutchinson
Head
Dates for your Diary
- Monday 31 March – Tuesday 22 April – Easter Holidays
- Wednesday 23 April – Summer Term begins
- Monday 5 May – Bank Holiday
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.
Founder’s Day
A message from Southwark Council
Red Post Hill temporary traffic lights
As you may be aware, a temporary traffic light system is currently in place at the Red Post Hill junction.
Southwark Council has received reports of some students crossing during the red pedestrian phase rather than waiting for the green signal.
We kindly remind all students and parents to wait for the green signal before crossing to ensure their safety.
Key Stage 3 Update
What an amazing term this has been! Although it’s the shortest, it is definitely the busiest.
KS3 students have been working hard in lessons, and it has been a pleasure to read through all the Year 8 reports and to hear the feedback from the Year 7 and 9 Parents’ Evenings.
The weather has improved recently, and it has been wonderful to see the girls out on the field and enjoying their lunches outside in the Quad.
On Tuesday, many representatives from KS3 made their way to Southwark Cathedral for our Spring Concert – and what a fabulous display of musical talent it turned out to be! Bel Canto had to wait until the end to perform, but it was absolutely worth it. Their crystal-clear voices added a superb dimension to the enormous choral piece.
The Easter holiday offers everyone a chance to relax, read, and recuperate after this busy term. I wish you all a very happy holiday and look forward to seeing you on your return.
Myfanwy Bournon, Head of KS3
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Hindleap Warren
Read all about students’ experiences at Hindleap Warren HERE
Read all about students’ experiences at Hindleap Warren HERE
Key Stage 4 Update
Since joining JAGS, I have always commented on how busy the students are—yet again, I have been impressed to see so many Key Stage 4 students involved in the recent concerts and events. Their enthusiasm and dedication to all aspects of school life never fail to amaze me.
A huge well done to all the KS4 musicians who performed in the Spring Concert—it was a wonderful showcase of talent. I’m still humming The Teddy Bears’ Picnic after Wonderbrass’ brilliant performance last week! Congratulations also to all the musicians who were involved in the Southwark Cathedral concert; it was a truly spectacular evening highlighting the incredible musical talent at JAGS.
Sporting achievements have been just as impressive. Well done to the First Team Netball squad, which included several Year 11s, for their victory over the staff in the highly competitive Staff vs. Students Netball Match, with a final score of 13-8 to the students. A special mention goes to Miss Braybrook, Head of Year 11, who put in an outstanding performance, scoring seven goals for the staff team—though the students still claimed the win! It was fantastic to see so many students cheering them on and helping to raise money for the AFFCAD charity.
Hannah Dodson, Head of KS4
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Easter break
Year 11 students have been busy preparing for their final assembly, choosing a theme for the last day, and creating form videos. I very much look forward to seeing all the costumes after Easter. Meanwhile, Year 10 students have been reflecting on their progress in tutor meetings, and tutors have been hugely impressed by their thoughtful reflections and the targets they have set for themselves.
Good luck to all the Year 10 and Year 11 students who will be revising over the Easter break for end-of-year exams and GCSEs. Remember, balance is key—make time for rest and socialising alongside your studies to set yourself up for success!
Finally, to all those heading on trips over Easter, have a wonderful time! I look forward to hearing all about your experiences when we return.
Year 11 students have been busy preparing for their final assembly, choosing a theme for the last day, and creating form videos. I very much look forward to seeing all the costumes after Easter. Meanwhile, Year 10 students have been reflecting on their progress in tutor meetings, and tutors have been hugely impressed by their thoughtful reflections and the targets they have set for themselves.
Good luck to all the Year 10 and Year 11 students who will be revising over the Easter break for end-of-year exams and GCSEs. Remember, balance is key—make time for rest and socialising alongside your studies to set yourself up for success!
Finally, to all those heading on trips over Easter, have a wonderful time! I look forward to hearing all about your experiences when we return.
Sixth Form Update
Occasionally, there are moments when the sheer talent of the Sixth Form community takes one’s breath away. I am not referring to the quality of netball on display at the JAGS vs. DC or Staff vs. Student charity events, but rather the breathtaking solo performances of Ellie and Elyssa at the Southwark Cathedral concert on Tuesday. Wonderfully supported by the orchestra’s musical might, both Year 13 Music Scholars delivered virtuoso performances that will be treasured by all in the audience for a very long time.
The concert, along with the inspiring Desenfans charity event, netball matches, Easter quizzes, and ongoing clubs and societies, serves as a healthy reminder that while academic success is crucial, co-curricular commitment, engagement with the wider school community, and embracing fun are equally important aspects of the #SixthFormJourneyTogether, bringing countless benefits.
In that spirit, while Sixth Form students will undoubtedly follow their own revision programmes for Year 12 assessments and A Level exams over the Easter holidays, we have encouraged them to continue engaging in activities they enjoy—giving their minds a well-earned rest and ensuring they return refreshed for the term ahead.
Wishing everyone a fun and productive Easter holiday.
Mat Weeks, Head of Sixth Form
New Head Girl Team
Congratulations and welcome to our new Head Girl team:
Head Girl:
Imogen
Deputy Head Girls:
Thea, Amirah and Heidi
We also pass on our heartfelt thanks to our outgoing team of Olivia, Tessa, Sara and Elsa for their incredible contribution to life at JAGS.
Science
Science Week 2025
Science Week returned to JAGS, providing students with the opportunity to throw themselves into activities centred around this year’s theme: Change and Adapt.
Excitement filled the school as Hatch Cam was broadcast throughout the week, allowing students and staff the incredible opportunity to witness the magical first moments of life for a brood of fluffy chicks.
There was something for everyone to get involved in during lunchtime workshops: whether that be perfecting the art of making bath bombs or dissecting locusts.
Science Week 2025
We also hosted an incredible series of assemblies from Falconry UK where students had the pleasure of spending time with a group of majestic birds of prey.
With the help of Blue (the blue-winged kookaburra), Rocco (the African pygmy falcon), Taz (the tawny frogmouth), Brooklyn (the Verreaux’s eagle-owl), and Bailey (the white-faced owl), students developed a greater understanding of how the animals have evolved to thrive in their natural habitats, adapting through unique behaviours, camouflage and hunting techniques.
Year 8 Science Fair Exhibition
Year 8 students split into groups to investigate a topic of their choosing, uncovering fascinating and unexpected areas of discovery.
The results of their weird and wonderful investigations delighted the school community as we learnt which areas of the school harbour the most and least bacteria, which slime is slimiest, whether spicy food increases body temperature and much more.
Maths
Maths Week 2025
Maths Week 2025 brought a healthy dose of probability, pi and puzzles to JAGS.
The week of activities kicked off with an engaging assembly by Sixth Form mathematicians on the theories behind probability, made particularly memorable by the cascading giant inflatable dice, which floated over the heads of the audience to help illustrate the theories.
Throughout the week, students had the opportunity to compete in the online maths game Nubble and the Pi Recital.
Friday’s Maths Fair rounded off the activities and featured a Maths v Science rap battle (congratulations to the victor, Mr Fuller), along with board games, maths trivia and more.
Music
Choral and Orchestral Concert
Southwark Cathedral
As ever, it has been a busy few weeks for the JAGS Music Department, with performances in some of London’s most iconic venues.
Our Music Scholars enchanted guests at St Bride’s Church on Fleet Street during a beautiful lunchtime concert.
Earlier this week, we also enjoyed the magnificent Choral and Orchestral Concert at Southwark Cathedral, featuring stunning performances from the Holst Choir, JAGS Choral Society, the Symphonic Wind Orchestra, as well as the Symphony and Chamber Orchestras.
MFL
Spanish Educational Office visit
Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming Mrs Gabriella Alonso, a representative from the Spanish Education Office, to our school.
Students from Years 9 to 13 attended insightful lectures on the importance of Spanish as a global language, its impact on the UK economy, and how fluency in Spanish can be a valuable asset in their future careers.
Meanwhile, our Year 8 pupils participated in an engaging Flamenco dance workshop, where they experienced the beauty and challenges of this vibrant Spanish dance.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Spanish government for their visit and continued support of Spanish learning at JAGS.
Cristina Sanchez-Satoca, Head of Spanish / MFL
Italian
La Civetta Creative Writing Competition
Congratulations to Amy (Y13) who has won the La Civetta magazine Creative Writing prize for her piece ‘La quotidianità della famiglia’.
Judges commented: “Grazie mille for this excellent piece of creative writing! It really highlights your high level in Italian, while also transporting us to the “picchi del caldo estate” in Italy! We know that writing creatively in a foreign language can be challenging and you have tackled this impressively. The panel thoroughly enjoyed reading this work and encourage you to continue with creative writing, well done!”
Read the piece in full, including the English translation, HERE
Europa House visit
Our Sixth Form linguists and members of the MFL Society recently enjoyed an insightful afternoon at Europe House in Smith Square, the office of the EU in London. During their visit, students were introduced to the European Parliament, learning about its goals and the benefits it provides to EU citizens.
The session also covered the crucial relationships between the EU and the UK in key areas such as the economy and social harmony. Following the introduction, students experienced a taste of life as a Member of the European Parliament by engaging in a debate on the potential use or ban of AI as a tool to replace translators and interpreters.
This event offered our linguists a fantastic opportunity to explore potential future work experiences and careers at the heart of the European Union.
Cristina Sanchez-Satoca, Head of Spanish / MFL
Italian
Carnival Celebrations
To celebrate the end of Carnival, Year 8 students enjoyed taking part in the annual mask decoration workshop.
The workshop was preceded by a lesson on the history and significance of Carnival in Italy, as well as the study of different regional masks.
Students were quick to recall what they had learnt about Commedia dell ‘arte and even sampled Chiacchiere – typical Italian Carnival sweets called.
The workshop’s near legendary status meant that students from across all year groups also came together to take part in the workshop during the lunchtime Italian Club.
Charity
Desenfans Charity Day
Thank you to all those who gave so generously during the Desenfans House Charity Day and helped to raise £994 in support of the Imagine for Margo children’s cancer charity.
Following a busy bake sale at Rec, staff faced off in the epic Dragon Games!
It was a closely fought contest but there could be only one winner. Congratulations to our multi-talented Art Department for taking the top prize!
AFFCAD Staff v Students Netball Match
The Staff v Students Netball match returned on Wednesday in support of AFFCAD (Action for Fundamental Change and Development).
While staff gave a good account of themselves, they were simply no match when the JAGS Netball First Team took flight, with students securing a 13-8 victory.
Computer Science
Silicon Valley
Computer Science students from Years 10 to 13 are currently enjoying a fantastic trip to Silicon Valley, California. During stops at The Tech Interactive, Google HQ, Meta and Stanford University they have been engaging with AI exhibits, building robots and viewing a server built entirely from Lego which served as the inspiration for a leading AI processor.
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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GSA Go Bold: Empowering Futures Careers
Students participated in an informative webinar with Tatiana von Preussen, Director at vPPR Architects. The session included a short seminar on studying architecture at university and the potential career paths it can lead to. Tatiana shared her own career journey in establishing vPPR Architects—one of the few women-led architecture practices in the UK—and discussed the diverse career paths others have pursued after obtaining an architecture degree.
“I learnt many things but found the different aspects needed to get a job in Architecture particularly fascinating. Art and team management are the most important. History, maths, physics and politics are less important but contain valuable skills to enhance your work. I also learnt different ways architects can communicate – such as concept diagrams, sketches, physical models – and key steps to completing a project”. Molly (Y7)
“The architecture talk was very interesting and I learnt a lot about the different skills needed for a career in the field. I also found it interesting how much communication is involved. I loved the examples of some of their projects and how she explained the different beneficial aspects—such as how the design allowed views of greenery and how the wall material complemented the triangular shapes of the roof. Overall, it was a great experience and I gained a lot from the talk.” Lyla (Y7)
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Curriculum Plus
Curriculum Plus – Step into the Future
A highlight of the Year 9 Curriculum Plus Step into the Future module is the employer/employee interview. Students prepared for the encounter by researching different career roles and thinking about the skills, personality and qualifications required to be successful in the sector. They worked together to decide what questions to ask ahead of the live interview via Teams.
Ms Brookes’ class interviewed JAGS alumna and School Governor, Charlotte Parks-Taylor, Co-Owner at Cream Advertising Agency. Charlotte talked about how her personality and people skills led her to success in the advertising industry, attracting new clients through her innovative methods and staying ahead of the curve within her industry. The students commented that Charlotte was an inspirational role model in the way she approached her work, and they asked insightful questions during the online session. The responses from Charlotte were thought provoking and encouraged students to reach out after the event, with more questions!
Mrs Allan’s class interviewed JAGS alumna, Zara Richardson a Senior Consultant at EY (Retail Banking Conduct Risk) and EY’s Neurodiversity Community Co-Lead. The Year 9 students were surprised to hear that Zara has a BA in Religion, Philosophy and Ethics as they had assumed that a background in Business, Economics or Maths would be required for this role. Zara explained how the skills she gained while in the Sixth Form at JAGS had helped to prepare her for the world of work; in particular, critical thinking, writing and knowing how to communicate clearly. Zara also relayed how important it is to develop good habits such as organisation!
“I learnt that nowadays, most employers aren’t concerned about what degree you have as they are looking for different perspectives to create a good working environment and team. I think this is helpful because it encourages me to study subjects I enjoy, knowing that I could pursue a different path later”. Nuna (Y9)
“I found it very helpful that she didn’t know what she wanted to do at school, which I found interesting as I am also unsure about my future career path. It was fascinating to learn how she pursued what she loved rather than choosing something purely for its practicality. I also learnt about the responsibilities and tasks she regularly performs and what a typical day might look like.” Amy (Y9)
“I learnt that you don’t have to pursue a career directly related to your degree, as shown by Zara’s experience. I also learnt that if you’re unsure about your future career, it’s best to choose subjects you enjoy and see where they take you.” Anvi (Y9)
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Alumnae networking event
JAGS Alumnae Association Creative Industries Networking Event at ITN in Central London
“I really enjoyed the alumnae networking event and found it inspiring to see so many talented women working at high levels across the creative industry. Speaking with so many alumnae gave me valuable insight into breaking into the industry, and the panel’s positive and constructive approach to overcoming setbacks was equally valuable.” Naavya (Y12)
“I loved how varied all the careers were. I don’t think I spoke to a single person doing the same thing, which was really interesting. Thank you for the opportunity!” Elisa (Y12)
“It was really helpful to talk to people with very diverse career paths in architecture and other creative industries. Thank you for inviting us to this opportunity.” Ciara (Y12)
Students participated in an informative webinar with Tatiana von Preussen, Director at vPPR Architects. The session included a short seminar on studying architecture at university and the potential career paths it can lead to. Tatiana shared her own career journey in establishing vPPR Architects—one of the few women-led architecture practices in the UK—and discussed the diverse career paths others have pursued after obtaining an architecture degree.
“I learnt many things but found the different aspects needed to get a job in Architecture particularly fascinating. Art and team management are the most important. History, maths, physics and politics are less important but contain valuable skills to enhance your work. I also learnt different ways architects can communicate – such as concept diagrams, sketches, physical models – and key steps to completing a project”. Molly (Y7)
“The architecture talk was very interesting and I learnt a lot about the different skills needed for a career in the field. I also found it interesting how much communication is involved. I loved the examples of some of their projects and how she explained the different beneficial aspects—such as how the design allowed views of greenery and how the wall material complemented the triangular shapes of the roof. Overall, it was a great experience and I gained a lot from the talk.” Lyla (Y7)
Curriculum Plus – Step into the Future
A highlight of the Year 9 Curriculum Plus Step into the Future module is the employer/employee interview. Students prepared for the encounter by researching different career roles and thinking about the skills, personality and qualifications required to be successful in the sector. They worked together to decide what questions to ask ahead of the live interview via Teams.
Ms Brookes’ class interviewed JAGS alumna and School Governor, Charlotte Parks-Taylor, Co-Owner at Cream Advertising Agency. Charlotte talked about how her personality and people skills led her to success in the advertising industry, attracting new clients through her innovative methods and staying ahead of the curve within her industry. The students commented that Charlotte was an inspirational role model in the way she approached her work, and they asked insightful questions during the online session. The responses from Charlotte were thought provoking and encouraged students to reach out after the event, with more questions!
Mrs Allan’s class interviewed JAGS alumna, Zara Richardson a Senior Consultant at EY (Retail Banking Conduct Risk) and EY’s Neurodiversity Community Co-Lead. The Year 9 students were surprised to hear that Zara has a BA in Religion, Philosophy and Ethics as they had assumed that a background in Business, Economics or Maths would be required for this role. Zara explained how the skills she gained while in the Sixth Form at JAGS had helped to prepare her for the world of work; in particular, critical thinking, writing and knowing how to communicate clearly. Zara also relayed how important it is to develop good habits such as organisation!
“I learnt that nowadays, most employers aren’t concerned about what degree you have as they are looking for different perspectives to create a good working environment and team. I think this is helpful because it encourages me to study subjects I enjoy, knowing that I could pursue a different path later”. Nuna (Y9)
“I found it very helpful that she didn’t know what she wanted to do at school, which I found interesting as I am also unsure about my future career path. It was fascinating to learn how she pursued what she loved rather than choosing something purely for its practicality. I also learnt about the responsibilities and tasks she regularly performs and what a typical day might look like.” Amy (Y9)
“I learnt that you don’t have to pursue a career directly related to your degree, as shown by Zara’s experience. I also learnt that if you’re unsure about your future career, it’s best to choose subjects you enjoy and see where they take you.” Anvi (Y9)
JAGS Alumnae Association Creative Industries Networking Event at ITN in Central London
“I really enjoyed the alumnae networking event and found it inspiring to see so many talented women working at high levels across the creative industry. Speaking with so many alumnae gave me valuable insight into breaking into the industry, and the panel’s positive and constructive approach to overcoming setbacks was equally valuable.” Naavya (Y12)
“I loved how varied all the careers were. I don’t think I spoke to a single person doing the same thing, which was really interesting. Thank you for the opportunity!” Elisa (Y12)
“It was really helpful to talk to people with very diverse career paths in architecture and other creative industries. Thank you for inviting us to this opportunity.” Ciara (Y12)
Sport
It’s been a busy period for the Sports Department and as we reach the end of the Spring Term there is much to celebrate.
First up, we wish to congratulate our Year 7 Biathlon team who overcame tough competition to be named British Schools Biathlon Champions!
The team travelled to Bath and competed against schools from across the country. After some outstanding individual performances, they emerged as national champions.
Well done, Skyla, Heloise, Sophia, and Anokhi!
Michael Golding, Director of Sports
To recognise students’ achievements, we distribute a number of awards at the end of the Spring Term. Follow the links below to learn more:
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Sportsperson of the Term
Year 7 – Skyla OB
Year 8 – Eleanor S
Year 9 – Arabella M
Year 10 – Lily D
Year 11 – Ava J
Sixth Form – Zoha
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Cup Awards (KS3)
Individual awards in sports are given to recognise the personal achievements and excellence of athletes. These awards highlight exceptional performance, skill, and contributions by an individual, regardless of the team’s overall success.
These awards are typically based on development, resilience, impact in key moments, consistency, availability and leadership on and off the field.
The Head Cup for the KS3 Netballer of the Year :
Alyssa B
The Johnson Cup for the KS3 Swimmer of the Year:
Lale B
The Clare Leung Cup which is awarded to the KS3 Hockey Player of the Year:
India W
The Junior Football Cup for KS3 Footballer of the Year:
India W
The Junior Cross Country Cup for the KS3 Cross Country Athlete of the Year:
Skyla OB
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Cup Awards (KS4 & Sixth Form)
The Frizzelle Cup is awarded to the Senior Netballer of the Year:
Olivia C and Temi D
The Swimming Cup is awarded to the Senior Swimmer of the Year:
Elsa B
The Sofalarin Cup is awarded to the Senior Hockey Player of the Year:
Rose H
The Senior Cross Country Cup for the Senior Cross Country Athlete of the Year:
Florence M
Year 7 – Skyla OB
Year 8 – Eleanor S
Year 9 – Arabella M
Year 10 – Lily D
Year 11 – Ava J
Sixth Form – Zoha
Individual awards in sports are given to recognise the personal achievements and excellence of athletes. These awards highlight exceptional performance, skill, and contributions by an individual, regardless of the team’s overall success.
These awards are typically based on development, resilience, impact in key moments, consistency, availability and leadership on and off the field.
The Head Cup for the KS3 Netballer of the Year :
Alyssa B
The Johnson Cup for the KS3 Swimmer of the Year:
Lale B
The Clare Leung Cup which is awarded to the KS3 Hockey Player of the Year:
India W
The Junior Football Cup for KS3 Footballer of the Year:
India W
The Junior Cross Country Cup for the KS3 Cross Country Athlete of the Year:
Skyla OB
The Frizzelle Cup is awarded to the Senior Netballer of the Year:
Olivia C and Temi D
The Swimming Cup is awarded to the Senior Swimmer of the Year:
Elsa B
The Sofalarin Cup is awarded to the Senior Hockey Player of the Year:
Rose H
The Senior Cross Country Cup for the Senior Cross Country Athlete of the Year:
Florence M
JAGS Alumnae
Creative Industries Networking Event
We were delighted to host our first ever Creative Industries Networking Event on Wednesday 19 March 2025. The event was very kindly hosted by ITN CEO Rachel Corp (Class of 1990 & JAGS Parent) at the fantastic ITN building in Central London. The Creative Industries Networking Event was the first of its kind for the JAGS Alumnae Association, bringing together alumnae and parents working in sectors including media, music, marketing, advertising, journalism, publishing, art & design, and associated industries. A wonderful group of Year 12 students were also in attendance and had the opportunity to network with an incredible array of professionals.
Head Alex Hutchinson enjoyed welcoming everyone and sharing more about life at JAGS today, the incredible developments taking place at the school and how important our JAGS Bursary Fund is to help transform lives. We were delighted to screen the powerful JAGS bursary film as part of the occasion.
Karen Doyle, Head of Development & Alumnae Relations, also spoke about the work being done by the Development & Alumnae Relations Team to continue offering a wide range of networking and reunion events along with our bursary fundraising campaign and the recently launched 1741 Club.
As part of the event, attendees enjoyed the insightful panel discussion “Women in the Creative Industries: Working in an Ever-changing World”. Chaired by Rachel Corp the panel featured JAGS alumnae Rebecca Barry (Class of 2000, ITV News broadcaster), Olivia Horsfall Turner (Class of 1998, historian, curator & writer) and Charlotte Parks-Taylor (Class of 2010, JAGS Governor & Co-Owner of Cream advertising agency).
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Get in touch
Please don’t hesitate to contact the Alumnae Relations Team on alumnae@jags.org.uk if you have any questions following this event, ideas for other networking events or a venue for hosting an event. The support of the wider JAGS community is invaluable for us to create future networking events.
Please don’t hesitate to contact the Alumnae Relations Team on alumnae@jags.org.uk if you have any questions following this event, ideas for other networking events or a venue for hosting an event. The support of the wider JAGS community is invaluable for us to create future networking events.