Welcome from the Head
Dear Parents
Welcome to this week’s newsletter; we’ve all very much enjoyed our first taste of spring sunshine in school this week!
As is often the way in the rhythm of the school year, different year groups have faced different focuses since returning this half-term. Year 13 have approached their Mock exams with resilience and maturity; Year 12 parents were introduced to the world of Higher Education and options beyond school; meanwhile Year 12 students showed their House spirit, directing the Year 8 students in the excellent House Drama performances; Year 7 parents have joined us for their first parents’ evening of their JAGS Senior School journey; and senior year groups came together for our House Music competition too. It will also be a pleasure to welcome parents and alumnae to the Medics’ Dinner this evening, kindly organised and hosted by the JAGS Development and Alumnae Relations team.
Ahead of International Women’s Day tomorrow, students have been exploring its themes and celebrating the women who inspire them. These activities promoting the importance of equity and inclusion will continue into next week.
It would be remiss of me not to mention my invitation to judge the Year 9 Volcano Project! Faced with an array of extraordinary creations, including salami, cake, haute couture, crochet and movement sensors, it was not a task to be taken lightly … we hope you enjoy reviewing the volcano pictures later in the newsletter.
I hope this precis brings you a snapshot of a busy fortnight at school, and with best wishes for the weekend,
Mrs Alex Hutchinson
Head
Dates for your Diary
- Tuesday 11 March – 6:30pm – Year 8 & Year 9 Parents’ Forum (Holst Hall)
- Wednesday 12 March – 1:30pm – Chapel Lunchtime Concert (Christ’s Chapel, Dulwich)
- Friday 14 March – Year Residential Trip to Hindleap Warren
- Friday 14 March – 1:15pm- Music Scholars’ Lunchtime Concert (St Bride’s, Fleet Street)
- Thursday 20 March – 7pm – Spring Concert (VWA)
- Monday 24 March – 6:30pm – World Challenge Information Evening (Online)
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 4 Update
It’s been wonderful to see everyone back in school this week, embracing the sunshine and settling into the term. Year 10 kicked off the celebrations for International Women’s Day with a fantastic Section Assembly, where they explored harmful stereotypes, gender equality, and the women who inspire them. Some of the names that stood out included Michelle Obama, Melinda Gates, and Lady Brenda Hale. As part of the celebrations, they also launched an IWD bunting competition, encouraging forms to get creative and design bunting to decorate Holst Hall. A special mention to Meera, Pascale, and Sia, who confidently presented in assembly and shared some of the wonderful bunting designs created so far.
Hannah Dodson, Head of KS4
-
Breaking stereotypes
Continuing with the theme of breaking stereotypes, both Year 10 and Year 11 had an inspiring visit from an all-female panel from Sarasin & Partners, a global investment company. The panel shared insights into careers in finance, highlighting the diverse roles available and challenging traditional perceptions of the industry. Students had the opportunity to ask thought-provoking questions about the ethics of investing, the decision-making processes behind working with well-known corporations, and the impact of responsible investment. It was an insight into the world of finance that encouraged students to think critically about the financial world and the role they might play in shaping its future.
Continuing with the theme of breaking stereotypes, both Year 10 and Year 11 had an inspiring visit from an all-female panel from Sarasin & Partners, a global investment company. The panel shared insights into careers in finance, highlighting the diverse roles available and challenging traditional perceptions of the industry. Students had the opportunity to ask thought-provoking questions about the ethics of investing, the decision-making processes behind working with well-known corporations, and the impact of responsible investment. It was an insight into the world of finance that encouraged students to think critically about the financial world and the role they might play in shaping its future.
Sixth Form Update
The Sixth Form community made the most of their half term, balancing productivity with well-deserved rest. Hopefully, they also found time to relax and be kind to themselves.
Year 13s hit the ground running with their A Level mocks, which started last Monday. They have impressed everyone with their maturity, conscientious approach and high levels of personal organisation (and punctuality!). All of which bodes well for the summer exams.
These assessments will serve as a valuable diagnostic tool, helping students identify strengths and areas for improvement and supporting them in reaching their full academic potential.
Mat Weeks, Head of Sixth Form
-
Year 12
Meanwhile, Year 12s took advantage of the break to submit a record-breaking number of applications for student leadership positions. A total of 103 students applied for one of the various roles, including Head Girl, School Prefect, House Captain, and Subject Prefect. This is the highest number ever recorded, both in absolute terms and as a percentage of the year group. Well done, and we wish all applicants success in the selection process.
Their eagerness to ‘lean in’ to the JAGS community reflects a strong commitment—not only to their own personal growth but also to supporting and enriching those around them. In so doing, they are embodying the ethos of the school, their passion for life and learning, and the #SixthFormJourneyTogether, about which I so often speak.
Wishing everyone a super weekend.
Meanwhile, Year 12s took advantage of the break to submit a record-breaking number of applications for student leadership positions. A total of 103 students applied for one of the various roles, including Head Girl, School Prefect, House Captain, and Subject Prefect. This is the highest number ever recorded, both in absolute terms and as a percentage of the year group. Well done, and we wish all applicants success in the selection process.
Their eagerness to ‘lean in’ to the JAGS community reflects a strong commitment—not only to their own personal growth but also to supporting and enriching those around them. In so doing, they are embodying the ethos of the school, their passion for life and learning, and the #SixthFormJourneyTogether, about which I so often speak.
Wishing everyone a super weekend.
Maths
Maths Fest 2025
Grace and Anya (Y12):
“Last week, a group of Year 12 mathematicians travelled to Kensington Town Hall for MathsFest 2025 – a celebration of all things maths.
“We were able to hear about some amazing parts of maths from a range of fantastic speakers. From the maths of video games to the use of statistics in clinical trials, we learnt about a huge range of fascinating maths across a vast array of topics. One particular highlight was Ben Sparks’ talk ‘The Sacred Art of Geometry’, where he explored the maths of poker, inspired by the song ‘Shape of My Heart’ by Sting.
“Sting sings about a gambler finding beauty in the “hidden laws” of probability that govern gambling, which through this talk, we were also able to discover. He also offered a thought-provoking introduction to chaos theory!
“We were also incredibly excited to witness the Maths Slam, where JAGS student Millie was amongst the four students selected to compete. She gave a fascinating presentation on ‘The Art of Quitting’ to over 800 students which was amazing!
“It was incredible to learn about so many new aspects of maths we wouldn’t encounter in lessons. We hugely enjoyed Maths Fest!”
Geography
Volcano Model Competition
Year 9 students truly outdid themselves in this year’s Volcano Model Competition, showcasing incredible creativity. From crochet and dresses to cakes and sandwiches, their imaginative takes have delighted the school community.
The models have been exhibited in Holst Hall with debates already erupting over which entry should be crowned the winner at our end-of-term assembly.
Co-curricular
Model United Nations
JAGS took a small delegation to Alleyn’s International Model United Nations in the last weekend before the half-term break. It was many of the students’ first experience of an MUN conference, where they “learnt more in 3 days than in a term’s lunchtime sessions.”
They worked to solve international issues alongside students from France, Iraq, and even Manchester! Highlights included Thea’s (China) takedown of Israel’s efforts to impose legislation on the West Bank and Alice’s (Saudi Arabia) efforts to avoid a zombie virus infecting the world. Amaara and Issy were active in the General Assembly, trying to avert conflict between the USA and Russia, getting the help of Russia and Brazil, whilst Karla was awarded Highly Commended Delegate for her efforts in the SPECPOL committee—an incredible and well-deserved achievement.
Ben Gould, Head of Economics
-
Getting involved
If you are interested in getting involved, we run MUN sessions at lunchtime on Mondays in V202. We are also hosting a mini-conference towards the end of this term. We would be delighted to welcome more members to our future sessions and conferences.
If you are interested in getting involved, we run MUN sessions at lunchtime on Mondays in V202. We are also hosting a mini-conference towards the end of this term. We would be delighted to welcome more members to our future sessions and conferences.
World Book Day 2025
A huge thank you to Sephy (Y7), who masterminded a special book sale in Holst Hall to raise money for Book Trust – the UK’s largest children’s reading charity – and celebrate World Book Day 2025!
-
Russian Storytelling
Elsewhere, Senior School students studying Russian paid a visit to the Pre-Prep to introduce them to the rich world of Russian story-telling. Their performance went down a storm and it was wonderful to see our whole community coming together to celebrate the power of literature.
Elsewhere, Senior School students studying Russian paid a visit to the Pre-Prep to introduce them to the rich world of Russian story-telling. Their performance went down a storm and it was wonderful to see our whole community coming together to celebrate the power of literature.
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:
Women of the Future Ambassadors
Isobel (Y12): “Last week, we attended the Women of the Future Ambassadors’ Reception at Lord’s Cricket Ground. It was such an inspiring and rewarding event. We had the chance to listen to talks from exceptional women, such as Natalie Black CBE, who gave valuable advice on how to thrive in the workplace and find a career that you love. We then had the opportunity to network with over 100 ambassadors from a variety of sectors such as finance, law and sport. Each person was incredibly enthusiastic and passionate, and it made me aware of jobs in sectors I had not previously considered.”
-
Women of the Future continued . . .
Coco (Y12): “I felt inspired by the passion and talent of the many successful women that surrounded me at this event. My biggest takeaway was that it is okay to be unsure about what you want to do in the future, but you should remain open to any and all opportunities that come your way. I also learned the importance of finding a job that aligns with your passions—focusing not just on what you want to do, but on who you want to become. Everyone I spoke to was genuine and kind, offering the best advice they could to support me on my journey and opening my eyes to many new careers.”
-
So you want to be a Sports Journalist?
Students from Years 7 to 10 had the opportunity to join a live webinar with Nick Ames, European Sports Journalist with The Guardian. Nick talked about his accomplished career as a sports journalist, where he currently covers European sport for The Guardian newspaper. Previously, he has held the post of football journalist and has been a reporter and features writer for Arsenal. Students listened attentively to his talk and then had the opportunity to ask questions.
Monica and Bea (Y8): “We particularly enjoyed the open session at the end as we were able to ask Nick Ames questions about sports journalism, as well as about his career.”
-
GSA Webinar: Empowering Futures
Emilie Shaw from Cazenove Capital spoke to JAGS students via Zoom about her role as Sustainable Solutions Lead. She talked passionately about her job, explaining how her team’s sustainable decisions not only impacted financial investment decisions but also directly influenced the working practices of the companies in which Cazenove Capital invested. One example included increasing female representation at board level to improve management diversity. Students had lots of questions and thoroughly enjoyed the talk.
-
What is Actuarial Science?
Students in Year 11 to 13 attended a lunchtime talk with JAGS parent, Pankti to find out what exactly Actuarial Science is and whether it might be a good fit for them as a future career.
Coco (Y12): “I felt inspired by the passion and talent of the many successful women that surrounded me at this event. My biggest takeaway was that it is okay to be unsure about what you want to do in the future, but you should remain open to any and all opportunities that come your way. I also learned the importance of finding a job that aligns with your passions—focusing not just on what you want to do, but on who you want to become. Everyone I spoke to was genuine and kind, offering the best advice they could to support me on my journey and opening my eyes to many new careers.”
Students from Years 7 to 10 had the opportunity to join a live webinar with Nick Ames, European Sports Journalist with The Guardian. Nick talked about his accomplished career as a sports journalist, where he currently covers European sport for The Guardian newspaper. Previously, he has held the post of football journalist and has been a reporter and features writer for Arsenal. Students listened attentively to his talk and then had the opportunity to ask questions.
Monica and Bea (Y8): “We particularly enjoyed the open session at the end as we were able to ask Nick Ames questions about sports journalism, as well as about his career.”
Emilie Shaw from Cazenove Capital spoke to JAGS students via Zoom about her role as Sustainable Solutions Lead. She talked passionately about her job, explaining how her team’s sustainable decisions not only impacted financial investment decisions but also directly influenced the working practices of the companies in which Cazenove Capital invested. One example included increasing female representation at board level to improve management diversity. Students had lots of questions and thoroughly enjoyed the talk.
Students in Year 11 to 13 attended a lunchtime talk with JAGS parent, Pankti to find out what exactly Actuarial Science is and whether it might be a good fit for them as a future career.
JPA
Second-hand Uniform Sale
A reminder that our wonderful JPA has organised a series of second-hand uniform sales.
They will take place in our VWA between 8am and 8:35am on the below dates:
- Thursday 27 March
- Wednesday 14 May
- Wednesday 4 June
Payment by cash or card is accepted.
JAGS Alumnae
London Professional Networking Event
We are delighted to invite JAGS parents to the London Professional Networking Event, taking place on Wednesday 7 May 2025, from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm at the St. James’s Place City office in Lombard Street. Alumnae and parents from Kilburn & Strode, Raymond James Belgravia, UNDO Carbon Ltd, and Outer Temple Chambers, amongst other organisations, have already registered to attend, creating a fantastic networking opportunity for everyone.
The event is open to the JAGS alumnae and parent community working in the finance, property, entrepreneurial, and law sectors, along with their associated creative industries. Please visit our Events page or contact the Alumnae Relations Team at alumnae@jags.org.uk if you are interested in attending.