Welcome from the Head
Dear Parents
Welcome to this week’s newsletter, as winter descends and we wrap up warmly in the mornings!
On Monday we were privileged to attend St Paul’s Cathedral, where the Holst Choir were singing Evensong. In spectacular surroundings their voices soared in response, and I hope all those who participated and who were in the congregation will take away lifelong memories of this incredible experience. Our thanks, as ever, to Tommy Foster, Director of Music, for leading this event, and for the commitment of all our musicians as we head into the busy Christmas period.
Our Senior drama students have also shown incredible talent and commitment in their production of Twelfth Night. Set within a White Lotus-esque world of misunderstandings and mischief, the cast demonstrated exceptional comic timing and delighted the audience throughout. Our thanks to the Drama Department for another stellar performance, showcasing the strength of the dramatic life of the school. Meanwhile, our students in Years 7 to 10 have been busy participating in Interhouse sports over the past few weeks. While the weather could have been kinder, the enthusiasm and House Spirit have been high energy, and I look forward to revealing the results at the end of term assembly. These snapshots are just a few examples of the busy and committed schedules for our students; not only are they committing to academic excellence, they are broadening their horizons, strengthening friendships and developing skills beyond the curriculum in all their endeavours, and I could not be more proud of them.
Our thanks to the wonderful JPA for their extraordinary hard work preparing for last Friday’s Quiz Night. It was fantastic to see the VWA bursting with teams, both student and parent. Modesty, yet again, prevents me from saying too much about the outcome, but there is a gold medal sitting in pride of place on my desk …
With all good wishes,
Mrs Alex Hutchinson
Head
Dates for your Diary
- Friday 28 November to Sunday 30 November – German Christmas Markets Trip (Years 8 -11)
- Thursday 11 December – 7:30pm – Advent Carols Concert (Southwark Cathedral)
- Monday 15 December – 7pm – Christmas Concert (VWA)
- Wednesday 17 December – 12pm – Term Ends
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
Collaboration Morning with Dulwich College
Our Year 8 students enjoyed an inspiring morning of science alongside their counterparts from Dulwich College. The session featured hands-on activities exploring the fascinating worlds of electricity and forensics, encouraging curiosity, problem-solving and collaborative learning.
It was a fantastic opportunity to share ideas and deepen understanding through practical experiments.
Sixth Form Update
The JAGS community has been truly enriched and inspired by the incredible talents of our students. On Monday, members of the Sixth Form performed as part of the Holst Choir in the Evensong service at St Paul’s Cathedral, contributing to a truly glorious musical occasion. Meanwhile, we’ve also enjoyed outstanding performances—both on stage and behind the scenes – in Twelfth Night. As Head of Sixth Form, I couldn’t be prouder of the creativity and dedication on display. Co-curricular success continues to shine – whether on the sports field, on stage, in concerts, at charity events, or through lunchtime clubs – while students remain focused on academic achievement. At this busy time of year, their commitment to learning and willingness to share their voices will serve them well now and in the future. Many Year 13 students are also receiving news of Oxbridge and Medicine interviews, and we wish them every success.
In everything they do, our Sixth Form students embody the values of Fun, Kindness, and Taking Responsibility – each essential to continued success. And finally, a word about kindness: as the pace quickens with academic and co-curricular commitments, we know they will remain mindful and considerate of others. We also encourage them to be kind to themselves!
Wishing everyone a happy and restful weekend.
Mat Weeks, Head of Sixth Form
Eco Week 2025
Eco Week returned to JAGS with a host of activities highlighting the importance of sustainability and practical changes we can all make.
Throughout the week, Year 7 students planted bulbs to create a wildflower meadow by spring, while Holst Hall hosted our annual Eco Fair. Students explored green careers, browsed the plant sale, discovered eco-friendly products, and tasted zero-waste recipes.
Creativity flourished as students crafted beautiful bouquets using fresh cuttings from the school grounds. A huge thank you to everyone involved and to our dedicated Eco Champions, whose efforts made Eco Week a success.
Below, our Eco Champions share their experiences of the week:
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Lyla (Y8)
“I really enjoyed the Eco Fair this year during Eco Week. I loved helping to sell eco-friendly products, including cotton face cloths, citric acid, shampoo bars, and more. It was great to see how interested people were, and I was really happy that so many came along to support the event. One of my highlights was trying the banana pulled “pork”. It was surprisingly delicious and so enjoyable to share with my friends!
“I learnt so much throughout the week and found it interesting that red meat, dairy, and chocolate have such a high carbon footprint. It’s important to reduce these foods as much as possible for a more sustainable environment.
“Overall, the Eco Fair felt amazing to be a part of, and I’m already looking forward to next year’s events! Definitely a highlight of my year.”
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Sanaa (Y8)
“Eco Week has been a really eye-opening and positive experience across the school. There were so many interesting activities, from the tree walk and the Eco Fair to the bulb planting for Year 7s and the e-waste presentation for Sixth Formers.
“One of the most memorable parts of the week was seeing the focus on low-carbon meals, which showed how small changes in our daily choices can make a real difference. An idea that stood out was the creativity in the Eco Fair, which highlighted how sustainability can be fun and practical at the same time.
“This week also showed how much potential there is for even more hands-on activities in the future, such as small eco-challenges or interactive workshops for all year groups. Overall, Eco Week felt inspiring, informative, and a strong reminder of how much our school community can do for the environment.”
“I really enjoyed the Eco Fair this year during Eco Week. I loved helping to sell eco-friendly products, including cotton face cloths, citric acid, shampoo bars, and more. It was great to see how interested people were, and I was really happy that so many came along to support the event. One of my highlights was trying the banana pulled “pork”. It was surprisingly delicious and so enjoyable to share with my friends!
“I learnt so much throughout the week and found it interesting that red meat, dairy, and chocolate have such a high carbon footprint. It’s important to reduce these foods as much as possible for a more sustainable environment.
“Overall, the Eco Fair felt amazing to be a part of, and I’m already looking forward to next year’s events! Definitely a highlight of my year.”
“Eco Week has been a really eye-opening and positive experience across the school. There were so many interesting activities, from the tree walk and the Eco Fair to the bulb planting for Year 7s and the e-waste presentation for Sixth Formers.
“One of the most memorable parts of the week was seeing the focus on low-carbon meals, which showed how small changes in our daily choices can make a real difference. An idea that stood out was the creativity in the Eco Fair, which highlighted how sustainability can be fun and practical at the same time.
“This week also showed how much potential there is for even more hands-on activities in the future, such as small eco-challenges or interactive workshops for all year groups. Overall, Eco Week felt inspiring, informative, and a strong reminder of how much our school community can do for the environment.”
Drama
Twelfth Night
This year’s senior production transported audiences to a sun-soaked resort where Shakespeare’s wit collided with modern glamour. Twelfth Night unfolded with dazzling energy, brimming with madness, mayhem, and delicious misunderstandings. From mistaken identities to lavish escapades, the inventive staging gave new life to one of the Bard’s most mischievous comedies.
Huge congratulations to our talented cast and crew for their creativity and commitment, and to our wonderful collaborators at Dulwich College for helping craft this unforgettable experience. Judging by the laughter and applause, this bold retelling has been a triumph – proving that Shakespeare’s timeless themes of love and folly are just as irresistible today!
Music
The Music Department’s busy season is well under way, and we are relishing every performance. The VWA Autumn Concert showcased nearly all of the school’s instrumental and choral groups in a stunning display of musical brilliance.
On Monday, the Year 10–13 Choir delivered a truly breathtaking Evensong at St Paul’s Cathedral. The beauty of their voices resonating through such an iconic setting made for an unforgettable experience.
Congratulations to all involved for performances of such elegance and excellence!
MFL
French
Last week, students across all year groups immersed themselves in the fascinating world of bande dessinée. As part of their French lessons, students learned about the history, style, and cultural significance of these illustrated stories, before taking on the challenge of creating their own original comics for an upcoming competition.
The library was abuzz with creativity all week, as students explored classic titles and worked on their entries, with some fantastic ideas and incredible artistic talent on display.
Russian
Zima Cooking Masterclass
Our Russian students enjoyed a hands-on culinary adventure at Zima, a traditional Russian restaurant in Soho. The masterclass, open to all JAGS students studying Russian, was a chance to learn how to make two classic dishes: pelmeni and vareniki. From rolling dough the old-fashioned way to experimenting with modern techniques, students filled their creations with meat and berries and perfected the art of sealing the edges. It was a brilliant opportunity for Year 8 pupils to connect with older students and share in a rich cultural experience.
Eloise (Y12) reflects on the day:
“Every year I look forward to the Russian ‘pelmeni’ and ‘vareniki’ masterclass at Zima. It’s wonderful to spend a morning immersing ourselves in an activity that has been a staple in many Russian families for generations – something especially palpable in the charming interior of the restaurant, decorated with hand-painted traditional items. The workshop leaders are so warm and accommodating, and I think I made visible progress in the various pelmeni-folding techniques thanks to their helpful comments . . .
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Eloise continued . . .
“. . . It also goes without saying that it’s the perfect environment to interact with everyone studying Russian across the year groups. Now that I’m in Sixth Form, I’ve taken it upon myself to tell all the younger students how much they have to look forward to! I’m really grateful to Mrs Wesson for putting in the effort to organise such enriching and enjoyable trips for all of us.”
“. . . It also goes without saying that it’s the perfect environment to interact with everyone studying Russian across the year groups. Now that I’m in Sixth Form, I’ve taken it upon myself to tell all the younger students how much they have to look forward to! I’m really grateful to Mrs Wesson for putting in the effort to organise such enriching and enjoyable trips for all of us.”
MFL Carousel
Italian
Our Year 7 students have reached the end of their first MFL carousel – which sees them explore six different languages in 10-week rotations throughout the year.
As part of their Italian course, they completed independent research projects, creating imaginative presentations and even bringing in delicious food and beautiful artwork inspired by Italian culture to celebrate.
SSLP
JAGS was proud to help organise and host an SSLP (Southwark Schools’ Learning Partnership) event for Year 9 students from partner schools, in collaboration with the Spanish Embassy.
The day highlighted the exciting careers available within languages and featured an inspiring talk from Steve Eadon, former Arsenal Community Outreach Officer and founder of Mingalaba, who shared his incredible journey and experiences.
A huge thank you to our Spanish Department for organising such a useful and insightful day that showcased the power of languages in shaping future opportunities.
Library
A big thank you to Maya (Year 7) for creating the fantastic mystery book display that has been showcased in the library over the past fortnight. Below, she shares the inspiration and thought process behind it:
“Mystery novels are all the same, right? The detective is always flawless, makes no mistakes, seamlessly reveals the criminal, and emerges unscathed at the end of the case, right? Wrong.
“And that’s what I simply adore about the mystery genre: each story is unique and special in its own way. The narratives take you down a rabbit hole of deception, thrill, and intrigue, twists and turns, endings you’d never expect!
“That’s why I decided to create a display of mystery books, recommending whodunnits that are bold, unique, and puzzling for library visitors. It was such an enjoyable experience for me to put together, and I hope that reading some of the books I’ve chosen will be just as enjoyable.
“So, next time you’re in the library – whether you’re a seasoned detective or someone just trying out a new genre- pick up a mystery book! Happy detecting.”
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Maya’s Top Picks
1. Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens – a hooking, intriguing mystery, the first in a series, set in a 1930s boarding school. This was the first murder mystery I ever read, and I have been addicted to the genre ever since!
2. A Box Full of Murders by Janice Hallett – this recently published book is one of the most unique mysteries I have ever read, set in the modern day and in a summer camp in the 1980s, as it is told through text messages, newspaper clippings, and diary entries.
3. The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin – a true gem of a book! Set in WW2, in a world of spies, this fantastic book is full of codes for you to solve, and perplexing web of riddles and secrets.
1. Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens – a hooking, intriguing mystery, the first in a series, set in a 1930s boarding school. This was the first murder mystery I ever read, and I have been addicted to the genre ever since!
2. A Box Full of Murders by Janice Hallett – this recently published book is one of the most unique mysteries I have ever read, set in the modern day and in a summer camp in the 1980s, as it is told through text messages, newspaper clippings, and diary entries.
3. The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin – a true gem of a book! Set in WW2, in a world of spies, this fantastic book is full of codes for you to solve, and perplexing web of riddles and secrets.
Sport
Interhouse Sport
Last week, JAGS celebrated the return of the Interhouse Sport competition with Houses facing off in exciting match-ups across Years 7, 8, 9 and 10.
The staggered schedule allowed every year group to fully immerse themselves in the competition and represent their houses with pride. Pupils competed across: Badminton, Hockey and Cross Country.
Across every day of competition, the commitment, sportsmanship and encouragement between the four houses – Bettany, Clarke, Desenfans and Holst – were truly outstanding. Whether on the court, the pitch or the course, students gave their all and showed remarkable enthusiasm. A huge well done to everyone who took part – Interhouse Sport at JAGS continues to be a highlight of the school year, and last week’s events were a fantastic reminder of the talent and spirit within our school community.
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Interhouse Results
Year 7
1st – Desenfans
2nd – Holst
3rd – Bettany
4th – Clarke
Year 8
1st – Clarke
2nd – Desenfans
3rd – Bettany
4th – Holst
Year 9
1st – Desenfans
2nd – Bettany
3rd – Holst
4th – Clarke
Year 10
1st – Holst
2nd – Desenfans
3rd – Clarke
4th – Bettany
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Hockey
A huge congratulations to the Year 9 hockey team, who, for the second successive year, have qualified for the England Hockey National Finals in Nottingham after dominating both the local and regional qualifying rounds. The National Finals take place in February at the Nottingham Hockey Centre. The same Year 9 team also beat Alleyn’s 1-0 on Wednesday evening in a very competitive friendly, maintaining their excellent form.
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Swimming
The Year 7 and 8 swimming team qualified for the London League A final after a fantastic performance in the virtual qualifying round held at Alleyn’s. The JAGS team qualified as the second highest-scoring team in all of London, so expectations are high for the final in January.
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Rowing
The J18 rowing team performed incredibly well on Saturday 22 November, at a freezing cold Teddington Head.
The team, consisting of Arabella, Emilia, Jessica, Kathleen and Rose (coxing), put in a fantastic performance on the day and finished third in their race category.
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Football
For the first time, a JAGS student has been selected for the U14 ISFA National Football Team.
India (Y9) attended the trials on Sunday, representing the school superbly, and has now been chosen as part of the national squad.
As a selected player, she will compete with the National U14 Independent Schools team in a series of representative fixtures, including an international match against Welsh Schools, which will earn her an international cap. India has also been invited to attend the ISFA Summer Academy training camp in August.
This is a tremendous opportunity for her to play alongside some of the best independent school female footballers in the country, and a proud moment for us as she represents the school through the ISFA representative pathway.
Year 7
1st – Desenfans
2nd – Holst
3rd – Bettany
4th – Clarke
Year 8
1st – Clarke
2nd – Desenfans
3rd – Bettany
4th – Holst
Year 9
1st – Desenfans
2nd – Bettany
3rd – Holst
4th – Clarke
Year 10
1st – Holst
2nd – Desenfans
3rd – Clarke
4th – Bettany
A huge congratulations to the Year 9 hockey team, who, for the second successive year, have qualified for the England Hockey National Finals in Nottingham after dominating both the local and regional qualifying rounds. The National Finals take place in February at the Nottingham Hockey Centre. The same Year 9 team also beat Alleyn’s 1-0 on Wednesday evening in a very competitive friendly, maintaining their excellent form.
The Year 7 and 8 swimming team qualified for the London League A final after a fantastic performance in the virtual qualifying round held at Alleyn’s. The JAGS team qualified as the second highest-scoring team in all of London, so expectations are high for the final in January.
The J18 rowing team performed incredibly well on Saturday 22 November, at a freezing cold Teddington Head.
The team, consisting of Arabella, Emilia, Jessica, Kathleen and Rose (coxing), put in a fantastic performance on the day and finished third in their race category.
For the first time, a JAGS student has been selected for the U14 ISFA National Football Team.
India (Y9) attended the trials on Sunday, representing the school superbly, and has now been chosen as part of the national squad.
As a selected player, she will compete with the National U14 Independent Schools team in a series of representative fixtures, including an international match against Welsh Schools, which will earn her an international cap. India has also been invited to attend the ISFA Summer Academy training camp in August.
This is a tremendous opportunity for her to play alongside some of the best independent school female footballers in the country, and a proud moment for us as she represents the school through the ISFA representative pathway.
JAGS Alumnae
1741 Club Benefactors’ Reception
We look forward to hosting our inaugural 1741 Club Benefactors’ Reception on Thursday 12 March 2026, from 7pm to 9pm. The evening will be dedicated to celebrating the generosity of those in the JAGS community who have kindly donated to the JAGS Bursary Fund. Their support has played a vital role in enabling bright, talented students to enjoy a JAGS education through our provision of life-changing bursaries.
The 1741 Club is named in homage to our founding year and in recognition of our philanthropic foundations as a school established to teach “poor girls to read and sew”. All regular gifts, no matter their size, help ensure that future generations of talented JAGS students can benefit from the exceptional education we offer. To discover more about the benefits of joining, please click here or contact Karen Doyle, Head of Development and Alumnae Relations, at Karen.Doyle@jags.org.uk to discuss further.
