Year 13 are currently receiving their university offers
Sixth-Form ski trip to the Italian Alps
A word from the Acting Senior Deputy Head 11-18
Gill Dambaza
The start of 2025 gave me some pause for thought, time to reflect on where the first quarter of the century has gone and what may lie ahead.
January is also when the school celebrates its birthday - we turned 144 on 17 January and challenged the students with a puzzle on twelve cubed months - so another reason to consider how Stephen Perse has evolved over the years. Perhaps knowing what to keep and what to let go of is the key to continuing success. Our school has changed dramatically since 2000, welcoming boys, new buildings and new technology, but in many important ways it is unchanging.
Our students have always had a vital spark of energy and creativity, already well illustrated in 2025 by achievement in competitions ranging from Lego League, the Rotary Technology Tournament and chess, to basketball, football, hockey, athletics and cross country.
It is exciting to see each group of new students having their curiosity stimulated by a wide variety of opportunities. All Year 7 in the last couple of weeks have enjoyed a Fencing taster session, have watched an RSC production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream streamed to the School Hall, and have welcomed globally bestselling author of the Skandar series, A. F. Steadman, as she visited the school to talk about her books.
We remain ambitious for the academic success of our students. Our Year 13 students are currently receiving their university offers, and we are delighted to share that they have secured an impressive nine Oxbridge offers across a diverse range of subjects. These include three offers from Oxford (Biology, Classics with Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Classics) and six from Cambridge (HSPS, English Literature, Veterinary Medicine, Law, Bioengineering, and Natural Sciences – Physical). Beyond Oxbridge, students have also received offers from leading universities such as Durham, Bristol, and Imperial College, for subjects ranging from Earth and Planetary Science to Engineering.
Engagement with the world beyond school has always been of fundamental importance at Stephen Perse Cambridge. We had students heading to both Keio and Nice over the half term break, and we have just hosted the Cambridge Model United Nations (CamMUN) once more; attended this time by schools from 16 countries including Indonesia, USA and Turkey, as well as more locally from Cambridge, Hertfordshire and London.
Some of the debating and discussion skills our own delegates impressed with at CamMUN were most probably honed over the years at our Student Forum. Our student leadership team runs the Student Forum efficiently and inclusively, reporting directly to the Head or Principal. They also inform the Catering Committee, making sure that school lunch menus reflect what students want to eat while remaining nutritious and practical. Our themed lunches every third Friday are always particular favourites and so far this term we have enjoyed special menus showcasing food from Mexico and from China.
Please do read further to find out more about how our amazing students have continued to thrive at Stephen Perse Cambridge over the last couple of months.
Gill Dambaza
Acting Senior Deputy Head
11-18
Gill Dambaza
“It was so interesting to hear from an Olympic gold medalist, who attended the same school as us and achieved such a high level in her sporting career."
Year 8 student Ellie
Visit from Imogen Grant MBE
We were thrilled to welcome back former student Imogen Grant MBE, fresh from her Gold Medal victory at the Paris Olympics in the Lightweight Women’s Double Sculls alongside her rowing partner, Emily Craig. The excitement was palpable as BBC Look East followed Imogen throughout the morning, capturing the day’s events for a segment that aired later that evening.
Imogen delivered an inspiring assembly to students from Years 7 to 13, sharing the eight key lessons she learned on her journey to Olympic success. She kicked off the session by unveiling her Olympic Gold Medal, passing it around the front rows so as many students as possible could see and touch the medal - a truly unforgettable moment for everyone in attendance.
Following the assembly, Imogen participated in a dynamic Q&A session with our sports scholars, fielding insightful questions such as how she prepares mentally and physically for major races, her approach to meal planning before competitions, and how she managed to balance the rigorous demands of medical studies with elite-level training and competing.
To cap off the visit, Imogen gave a live rowing machine demonstration, showcasing her technique before inviting a few of our sports scholars to join her in an exciting relay race.
Here’s what some of our sports scholars had to say about Imogen’s visit:
Year 8 student Toby said: “She had a lot of good life lessons. I enjoy sports a lot and I'll try and take some of those lessons on board and try to put them to good use. I think when I go to college, I might start rowing."
"I was really inspired by what she said. Seeing someone who made it so far, not even starting rowing until she was at uni, she blossomed into a really
professional athlete and that's exactly what I want to do," added Sophie from Year 13, who competes for GB in archery. She is aiming for the LA Olympics, which could see both Imogen and Sophie at the LA Games.
Year 13 student Daisy said: “We started off by watching an interesting presentation by Imogen, where she shared the highlights of her career (for example her Gold medal in the 2024 Olympics) and what she had learnt along the way. From past experiences, she gave us advice on how to deal with and overcome challenges, which inevitably will come.
A small group of us were lucky enough to be involved in an additional talk, where she touched on how to properly fuel our bodies, how she deals with being in highly pressurised situations and balancing work and sport. I found it particularly remarkable that she was able to balance studying medicine at University of Cambridge, (now being a qualified doctor) while also regularly training and rowing, aiming to compete in the next Olympics. She was told it wasn’t possible to maintain both these things, however she was determined and proved a lot of people wrong. I also thought it was surprising that she had only started rowing during her first year of university, and yet had become so amazing, so quickly. I was able to try out the rowing machine, while Imogen helped me with my technique, which was so much fun. It's incredible to think that she was at the same school we are at now, and to see how successful she has become. It is very inspiring. I leant to try and take leaps of faith whenever I’m unsure and to try and push myself out of my comfort zone, which I think I can apply to all areas of my life.”
Year 8 student Ellie said: “It was so interesting to hear from an Olympic Gold medalist, who attended the same school as us and achieved such a high level in her sporting career. I found it inspirational that she accomplished this as well as becoming a doctor! It was amazing to have the opportunity to meet such a talented sports woman.”
Latest news
Stephen Perse Cambridge Celebrates 144 Years with Hyacinth Tradition
Every year since 1967, a special birthday hyacinth has been presented to mark our school's birthday.
Retired Head of Junior School Katie Milne continued this beautiful tradition, presenting a hyacinth on behalf of former Deputy Head of Senior School, Rosemary Tice, to our Principal, Richard Girvan, in celebration of our 144th birthday.
Adding a new layer to this tradition, Ms Milne has started one of her own - presenting a Junior School birthday hyacinth. A lucky Year 3 class had the chance to meet her, hear about the tradition and receive the dedicated birthday bloom.
Workshops with Theatre Practitioner, Frantic Assembly
Our GCSE and A Level Drama students in Years 10 and 12 took part in two devising workshops with actor Cudjoe Asare from theatre company Frantic Assembly.
The company is renowned for incorporating choreographed movement sequences and lifts into its work alongside naturalistic dialogue. Students in both workshops explored a range of different movement techniques and learned some basic lifts before creating their own short choreographed sequences.
We hope that the students will feel inspired to include some of these techniques in their own devised performance work.
Stephen Perse Teams Shine in Worldwise Geography Quiz
On the evening of Wednesday 5 February, two teams from Stephen Perse Cambridge participated in the Worldwise Quiz where Cambridge’s best and brightest geographers from a number of schools battled over anagrams, OS maps and AI or real landscape photographs.
Amid much gesticulating when answers were revealed, both our Year 9 and Year 10 teams performed fantastically, showing off their knowledge of the remotest corners of the world. Both of the Stephen Perse Cambridge teams held their 'Joker' rounds until the end, creating much tension on the scoreboard, before making a late dash towards the top places, falling just short by the end.
Congratulations to Aydin L, Zachary P and Josh H (Year 10) and Henry G, Darius K, Amnay B and Yanni S (Year 9).
UK Linguistics Olympiad - Round 1
Do you know your Icelandic from Armenian? ProtoBasque from Egyptian?
15 of our most curious sixth formers were up for the challenge and recently took part in the first round of this year’s UK Linguistics Olympiad. It was a super opportunity to put their logic skills, lateral thinking and linguistic knowledge to the test. Essentially this was a mash-up of linguists and puzzlers.
Much fun was had spotting patterns alongside learning more about a broader range of languages in the world - we’ll soon hear how they did. Very exciting!
Latest news
Years 10-13 Choral and Chamber Orchestra Concert
The Years 10-13 Choral and Chamber Orchestra Concert, held on 7 February at the magnificent Church of Our Lady and the English Martyrs, has been hailed a resounding success. The event showcased the talents of both The Singers and the Chamber Orchestra.
The programme featured three exceptional Year 13 students: Yuxi L, Emilea S, and Amélie NG, each performing captivating solos accompanied by the Chamber Orchestra. The highlight of the evening was a performance of Fauré's Requiem by The Singers.
The concert was thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance. The stunning venue added to the atmosphere, creating a truly memorable experience. The event was free of charge and open to everyone, making it a wonderful opportunity for the community to support and appreciate the remarkable musical talent within the school.
Maths Inspiration Ignites Student Curiosity
The Maths Inspiration show has become a highly anticipated event for GCSE and A Level students over the past few years, offering an unforgettable experience that blends mathematics with real-world excitement. This year, students and teachers alike were captivated by the interactive lectures, delivered by some of the UK’s most inspiring mathematical speakers, live in Cambridge.
The show explored a broad range of mathematical ideas from across the curriculum, demonstrating their relevance and application in everyday life. Highlights included a fascinating journey into the visual side of mathematics, showcasing its intersection with art and design, and an engaging exploration of the "hidden laws" of probability that govern games like poker.
The lectures also delved into the mathematics behind the digital world, tracing its evolution from the codebreaking efforts of World War II to the algorithms that power modern Wi-Fi technology.
Students left the event not only with a deeper appreciation for the beauty and power of mathematics, but also inspired by its endless potential to solve problems, create innovation, and connect diverse disciplines.
Government House CANBERRA ACT 2600
26 January 2025
Australia Day 2025 Honours List
Order of Australia - General Division
Appointed as a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC)
Alumna Imogen Grant Awarded MBE in King’s New Year Honours
Professor Allen Cheuk-Seng CHENG VIC
At Stephen Perse Cambridge we are delighted that alumna Imogen Grant has been awarded an MBE in the King's New Year Honours list.
This prestigious recognition acknowledges Imogen's outstanding contribution to rowing and her exceptional sporting achievements, including her recent Gold medal win at the Paris Olympics alongside her rowing partner Emily Craig.
Emeritus Professor Andrew Aranda ACT 2614
For distinguished service to science cell development, and as an storage and renewable technologies.
Alumna Hazel Bennett Named in the Australia Day Honours List
Congratulations to Hazel Bennett, former Deputy Head Girl, who has been awarded the Australian Intelligence Medal in the Australia Day Honours List.
For eminent service to medicine as an epidemiologist, to infectious and communicable disease research and education, and to national and international public health policy.
Scientia Professor Megan Jane DAVIS
For eminent service to the law and to social justice, to the national and international advocacy of the rights of Indigenous peoples, and to the community.
Imogen has consistently demonstrated a remarkable dedication to her sport. After leaving Stephen Perse Cambridge, she pursued her passion for rowing at Trinity College, Cambridge, while also studying medicine.
The Honourable Cheryl Lynn Hillarys WA 6025
For distinguished service to the resource management and environmental to business, and to the community.
The Australian Intelligence Medal, a relatively recent and highly esteemed honour, is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary contributions to Australia's national intelligence priorities, requirements, or capabilities.
Professor Bronwyn Louise NSW
For distinguished service to public scientific research and development, manufacturing, and to tertiary
The Honourable James Joshua EDELMAN WA
For eminent service to the law and to the judiciary, to legal education and scholarship, as a mentor to academics and legal practitioners in Australia and internationally, and to the community.
Emeritus Professor Gillian Doreen TRIGGS Southbank VIC 3006
For eminent service to humanitarian and human rights law, to international relations, to social justice advocacy, and to tertiary legal education and research.
Mrs Eve Lynnette (Lyn) WILLIAMS AM
South Yarra VIC 3141
Professor John Francis QLD
For distinguished service to medicine care physician and surgeon, research.
Professor Thomas GOTTLIEB Woollahra NSW 2025
For distinguished service to medicine disease and microbiology specialist, researcher, and to professional
Professor Graeme John Helena Valley WA 6056
YEAR 9 PRODUCTION
Pieces of Mind
PERFORMED WITH KIND PERMISSION OF YOUTHPLAYS DIRECTED BY DEBORAH FOOTE
‘Pieces of Mind’ is a collection of short plays by different playwrights on mental health themes, originally commissioned by Orlando Family Stage and the University of Central Florida. Our production will include an additional brand new play written by Year 9 student Amina T.
It's not like being a teenager was ever easy, but life has a tendency to get evermore complicated and in the Year 9 production this year, we are going to take a look from their perspective and open windows to depressed superheroes, runaway phones, and a girl haunted by a plethora of spiders - all with the hope of letting a little light in.
CLICK BELOW TO BUY TICKETS - £8.00 AND £4.00
THURSDAY 20 MARCH - 7:30PM FRIDAY 21 MARCH - 7:30PM
Year 9 First Lego League Challenge
The First Lego League Challenge is an exciting global competition that welcomes children from the ages of 9 to 16 to take part in a match which challenges their problem solving and coding skills when building a Lego robot that can complete a series of missions based around a theme.
This year was the first year that Stephen Perse Cambridge entered the competition and our team of Year 9 students has been working hard since November to tackle the challenges based around the theme 'submerged'. Missions included rescuing a giant squid and releasing it back to the deep ocean, raising a sunken wreck, feeding the killer whale, releasing a trapped shark and growing new coral for farming and building new ecosystems. In addition to the robot challenge, teams also had to design their own mission based on the theme and needed to present this to judges as part of the innovation project. The Stephen Perse Wave Runners team agreed on the global problem of ocean warming that destroys ecosystems. Together the students came up with the idea of harvesting oxygen using electrolysis and trying to bring life to dead zones in the ocean. The Wave
Runners were commended for bringing their scientific knowledge to their presentation when demonstrating an experiment in front of the judges, they were told this was the first time this approach had been seen.
For the Lego robot competition, teams had three matches trying to complete as many missions as possible on the submerged map within 2½ minutes. We learnt from each match and improved on our scores every time.
Overall we came fourth, competing against 12 other teams from as far away as Dunstable and Colchester as well as some closer to home. We were also awarded the Breakthrough Award for a promising new team. We are now looking forward to competing again next year and are determined to be even more successful.
Dan McGolpin, Director of BBC iPlayer and Channels, Inspires Students
By Year 12 Student, Dillon F
On 9 January, Year 12 students had the privilege of hearing from Dan McGolpin, Director of BBC iPlayer and Channels, who has worked at the BBC for 25 years. His talk offered invaluable insights into career paths for economics graduates and the business side of television.
Mr McGolpin shared three key principles for success: work hard, don’t fear failure, and always seek opportunities to acquire new skills. He spoke about his journey, from reading economics at university to working as a business consultant at Arthur Andersen where he worked with a range of clients: the F.A. Premier League, BT and the BBC before leaving to join the BBC full-time.
At Arthur Anderson, Mr McGolpin took the opportunity to train to be a chartered accountant and succeeded. His career spanned senior roles in long-term strategy across the BBC.
He also provided a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the media industry, explaining how live events like tennis matches often require quick decisions about scheduling. Finally, he discussed the role of artificial intelligence, encouraging students to embrace it as an opportunity to learn new skills and stay competitive in the future job market. Mr McGolpin’s talk was a motivating and insightful experience for all.
Mr McGolpin shared three key principles for success: work hard, don’t fear failure, and always seek opportunities to acquire new skills.
Students Achieve Top Marks in British Physics Olympiad
Year 13 students Rohan and George have achieved remarkable success in the British Physics Olympiad (BPhO) Round 1, earning Top Gold awards and placing them in the top 4.3% of participants nationally.
Their impressive performance qualifies them for Round 2 of both the BPhO and the British Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad. This next round offers the exciting opportunity to compete for a coveted spot at the prestigious Oxford training camp in April, the pathway to international competitions.
Adding to the school's success, Year 12 student Kylie has earned a Gold award in the BPhO, an exceptional feat considering she competed a year ahead of schedule. We’re excited to see how she progresses next year.
The school community extends its heartfelt congratulations to Rohan, George, and Kylie on their outstanding achievements in these challenging national competitions.
Ski Adventure in the Italian Alps
By Matthew Cowley Assistant Head of Outdoor Education
Just before Christmas, our annual Sixth Form ski trip took us to the breathtaking Italian Alps. This year’s destination was Sestriere, one of Italy’s highest villages and a favourite training ground for international ski teams preparing for the season’s competitions.
We were fortunate to enjoy fresh snow and clear blue skies for much of the week. From first-timers mastering the basics to seasoned skiers racing down black runs and testing their limits at the speed trap, everyone embraced their lessons, made noticeable progress, and appreciated the guidance of our exceptional instructors.
But the fun didn’t stop on the slopes. Evenings were filled with a variety of activities that brought us closer as a group. We watched Wicked at the local cinema, explored the town while indulging in crepes and pizza, and even tried snowshoeing, although low clouds hid the sweeping views of the French Alps. One unforgettable night saw us descending the slopes at twilight to the village of Borgata, where we warmed up with hot chocolate and enjoyed a bit of dancing under the stars.
On our final afternoon, many students were thrilled to experience the lively après-ski scene, a much anticipated highlight of the trip. This journey to the Alps wasn’t just about skiing; it was a week of adventure, friendship, and unforgettable memories in a stunning winter wonderland.
“We were fortunate to enjoy fresh snow and clear blue skies for much of the week."
Raspberry Pi CEO Inspires Students
By Year 13 Student, Rohan A
We had the wonderful opportunity to listen to Phillip Colligan, CEO of the Raspberry Pi Foundation, when he came to our school to give a talk where he discussed a variety of business and technology related topics that he had encountered across his professional life.
He started his talk discussing the evolution of the Raspberry Pi Foundation. I found the fact that the company was founded out of the charity quite interesting, comedically interluded by the fact that an "educational charity" would legally not be allowed to sell products to "middle aged hobbyists" who happened to be their main customer upon launch.
He also discussed his experience of listing Raspberry Pi on the London Stock Exchange which was very impressive, along with the struggles of having a small team facing overwhelming success. They had received thousands of applications for a handful of jobs multiple times and had received huge volumes of orders before they had even manufactured their first computer.
The more technical aspects were also discussed which I think display the wide range of skills required
to run an organisation. Some students asked him questions about the logistics of the Astro Pi Challenge, where a piece of code is run on the International Space Station. It turns out that all of the code is vetted carefully so that a mischievous student would not be able to run a piece of malware in space!
As somebody who meddled with a few Raspberry Pis as a child, both for fun and for more practical purposes, I've always been fascinated by the fact that it was possible to make such a small, low-cost computer with a respectable amount of computational power. I'm really glad to have been able to meet one of the guys behind them and listen to him talk, both about the computers and the journey of the business.
"Some students asked him questions about the logistics of the Astro Pi Challenge, where a piece of code is run on the International Space Station."
YEAR 7 PRODUCTION
THE SNOW QUEEN
BY HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSON
ADAPTED AND DIRECTED BY
HELENE BARRELL
When Kai disappears during a swirling snowstorm, his best friend Gerda goes on an epic and perilous journey to find him, and to bring him safely home again.
Travelling north she encounters enchanted gardens and kindly royalty, talking animals and fearful robbers before battling her way through swirling blizzards of snow bees to the furthermost tip of Lapland. Can Gerda make it to the Snow Queen’s Ice Palace before Kai completes the Snow Queen’s puzzle and winter reigns for all eternity? Can her love and friendship thaw his frozen heart?
CLICK ON THE DATE TO BUY TICKETS - £6.00 AND £3.00
THURSDAY 1 MAY - 7PM
FRIDAY 2 MAY - 7PM
Children's Mental Health Week: Students Focus on Wellbeing
By Shaz Rahman Deputy Head Pastoral 11-18
Senior School students celebrated Children's Mental Health Week with a range of activities designed to empower them and promote open conversations about wellbeing. The week's events, part of a nationwide initiative, focused on equipping students with the tools and knowledge to support their own and others' mental health.
Assemblies addressed key topics like mental health awareness, self-care, and personal wellbeing. PSHE sessions delved deeper into these issues, providing valuable resources and information. Form activities focused on destigmatising mental health discussions and developing active listening skills, fostering a supportive community. Students also participated in group activities designed to build mindfulness and relaxation techniques.
Working with school counsellors, initiatives like a mental health questionnaire and a worry box gave students safe avenues to express their feelings, share experiences, and suggest ways to improve mental health support within the school.
A dedicated Wellbeing Corner, complete with a mental health and wellbeing reading list and informational leaflets, was also established in the Senior School
Library. The school's wellbeing dog, Maple, provided additional comfort and support, proving a popular presence with the students.
The week concluded with a non-uniform day, raising approximately £950 for Centre 33, a local mental health charity. This contribution not only raises awareness but also directly supports mental health initiatives in the local community.
The week served as a reminder of the importance of creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels heard and valued. The school community reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising mental health and wellbeing for all.
The week concluded with a non-uniform day, raising approximately £950 for Centre 33, a local mental health charity.
The school's well-being dog, Maple
EPQ Success
We are thrilled to announce that 22 Year 13 students achieved the top grade of A* in their Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)! This is a fantastic accomplishment and a testament to their hard work, dedication, and intellectual curiosity.
Congratulations to each and every one of them. The range of EPQ project titles this year was truly diverse and fascinating, showcasing the students' wide-ranging interests and passions.
We have listed all of the titles, offering a glimpse into the impressive research and analysis undertaken by these talented students.
• Eleanor A: A Historical Book Entitled ‘Victorian Sexuality'.
• Orla B: Creating a prom dress made sustainably and affordably through recycled materials.
• Illy B: How important was Haitian superstition in Papa Doc’s consolidation of power from 19571964?
• Ella BD: To what degree does national interest drive the actions of international institutions in conflict?
• Emma B: To what extent is gene therapy justified for use by the NHS?
• George D: Designing and creating a website to help English speakers who are currently taking Spanish lessons to learn basic Spanish based on research into methods of teaching.
• Olivia F: How can the hospitalisation experience be improved for people with dementia?
• Alison H: To what extent is the French government's restriction of Muslim religious expression and education an issue of race or religion?
• Abby H: Are juvenile hedgehog growth rates one of the most important factors affecting hedgehog numbers in the UK?
• Ava M: What was the most significant cause of the military coup to remove Salvador Allende in Chile 1973?
• Maddie OC: A Diary of Marie Antoinette.
• Darcia P: To what extent has the rate of sexual assault convictions changed over the past 30 years in the UK, and what factors have contributed to this change in conviction rate?
• Linaysha P: Unlocking Human Potential: Ethical Considerations in Neuroprosthetics.
• Shaena P: To what extent do your genes predetermine your happiness in the future?
• Aryan R: To what extent do advancements in robotic-assisted spinal surgery replace and enhance the surgical skills of human neurosurgeons?
• Alexandra R: Recording two demo tracks influenced by The Jesus and Mary Chain.
project titled:
• Zara R: To what extent has the drone acted as a turning point for the delivery service industry?
• Bethany R: To what extent did the UK government’s COVID policy decisions affect routine infant vaccination programmes with reference to related decisions made in Italy?
• Sophie R: To what extent do external pressures in competitive sporting environments create anxiety for athletes?
• Ilaria S: To what extent was humanity’s initial development of language due to social innovation?
• Charlie S: An analysis of the effectiveness and safety of different treatments for Phantom Limb Pain.
• Sara W: How does the Misconceptions of Borderline Personality Disorder affect its Treatment in Healthcare Systems?
A* EPQ
Charlie S, Year 13
A
"An analysis of the effectiveness and safety of different treatments for Phantom Limb Pain."
Modern Languages Update
By Claudia Freeman, Head of Modern Languages
Japanese Exchange 2025 - UK Leg
Our four Keio scholars - Ash, Campbell, Kay and Thibault, hosted their Japanese partners recently in the UK. The stay lasted two weeks and their Japanese partners experienced first-hand daily school life, alongside group activities with their partners and excursions with their host families.
We were particularly impressed by their level of English and their ability to deliver several assemblies to various year groups about their lives in Japan as well as leading Q&A sessions - the one with the Year 5s at Dame Bradbury’s included the widest range of questions, spanning from Japanese footballers to tectonic plates.
Highlights included a day trip to Ely Cathedral, running origami sessions at Dame Bradbury’s, a typical English afternoon tea, visiting the Moco Museum and V&A with the Art Department as well as experiencing an evensong at King’s College Chapel with their partners. It was clear that all the students enjoyed finding out about their lives and fine-tuning their language skills.
The Keio scholars are looking forward to their turn to visit their partners in Japan, which is a culmination of months of regular Japanese lessons, broadening their cultural knowledge and expanding their vocabulary. The visit will include attending lessons at the Japanese exchange school, excursions to Tokyo’s Sky Tree, Asakusa and Kamakura.
Anyone interested in this programme, is welcome to join Mrs Browning’s Japanese Lessons which run every Thursday 3.30pm - 5.15pm in L31.
"We were particularly impressed by their level of English and their ability to deliver several assemblies to various year groups about their lives in Japan."
MFL Reading Aloud CompetitionDu succés! ¡Éxito! Erfolg!
Students from across Years 7-13 recently took part in the MFL Reading Aloud Competition hosted by King’s Ely and supported by ISMLA and the Alliance Française. Students in the region are encouraged to read a short extract of a Francophone/Germanic/ Hispanic piece of literature out loud in front of an audience - and phew, they don’t have to learn it by heart! They simply were allowed to throw themselves into some beautiful literature absolutely for the pure love of language, share the lovely sounds and convey the message of their chosen text. Students broadened their cultural knowledge of the countries where the languages they study are spoken and shared a great variety of extracts, poems, stories, published letters with others. Where else could you have an extract from Peppa Wutz (Peppa Pig in German) alongside Rilke’s Der Panther?
All the students who took part had a fabulous time, thanks to a delicious buffet followed by multilingual food for the soul! They were literally still buzzing on the way back to Cambridge.
Several students were awarded certificates for the quality of their presentations - an extra-special well done!
French
KS3 - Thomas 1st Place, Emily 2nd Place
La Chèvre de M Seguin by Alphonse Daudet
KS4 - Merryn 3rd Place
La Dernière Classe by Alphonse Daudet
KS5 - Frank 3rd Place
Meursault, contre-enquête by Kamel Daoud
Spanish
KS3 - Astrid 2nd Place
KS4 - Ethel 2nd Place
KS5 - Nico 3rd Place
German
KS5 - Dorrian 1st Place
A letter by Goethe from his travels to Venice
Phoebe 2nd Place
Abendlied by Matthias Claudius
Konnichiwa Year 5! Japanese morning for Year 5 Dame Bradbury's students
Visitors from our Japanese exchange school in Keio came to spend a cold yet sunny morning at Dame Bradbury’s. Our four Japanese students gave a fascinating assembly about their life in Japan, focussing on school life, subjects and clubs. They were then grilled by the Year 5s and asked all sorts of things, from what they liked eating to naming the tectonic plates near Japan. They enjoyed finding out similarities and differences between their lives.
The assembly was followed by origami sessions and the Year 5s enjoyed having a go at making all sorts of creations out of paper.
Diskussionen
auf Deutsch in Year 12 German!
By Frau Dr Walton-Jordan
On 5 February 2025, the Year 12 Germanists (Eric, Elliot, Jason, Phoebe, Saskia and Lewis) welcomed Dr Aydin to the class, who had grown up and studied in Berlin. For the unit around Berlin, they had the opportunity to ask her directly about life in the German capital, and she joined their discussions around the places of memory in Berlin, how to remember, and how to contribute to a multicultural city like Berlin.
It was a fascinating exchange, which brought the chance to show off newly-learnt phrases as well as find out about niche subjects like the Berlin dialect. This will have a direct positive impact on preparing for the speaking part of the exam.
SATURDAY 8 MARCH, 10.00-1.00
STEPHEN PERSE CAMBRIDGE, UNION ROAD
LENIN’S METHODS OF PERSUASION
PROF. CHRIS READ
1483 – KINGS AND BATTLES NATHEN AMIN
EAST GERMANY –BEYOND THE WALL KATJA HOYER
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE
Adventure Learning and DofE Update
By Russ McAlinden, Head of Outdoor Education
DofE - Focus on VolunteeringWhat activities count
Volunteering is about giving time to do something meaningful, motivated by making a difference rather than making money.
Students should look for impactful opportunities around them – this can be in person or online. Meaningful volunteering is different for everyone. There are many people and organisations that are willing to provide participants with opportunities for volunteering.
An opportunity could be found within your community, at social enterprises, charities, not-for-profit organisations and Volunteering Approved Activity Providers.
Students can also volunteer for social action causes, campaigns and there are also some really good options within school.
Some commercial organisations can be considered, providing they can demonstrate that they offer volunteering opportunities in line with the DofE’s outcomes and not as a financial benefit to themselves.
Please click here for Frequently asked questions about the Volunteering.
Please click here to download 2024-25 Volunteering AAP Directory, for information on volunteering opportunities.
Students should look for impactful opportunities around them – this can be in person or online.
Weekly Adventure Learning Programme Summary
Climbing Club - MAC
Four times a week we go over to Kelsey Kerridge for sessions at the indoor bouldering wall. From first time climbers to students competing locally, coaching and learning and enjoying learning new techniques. Come and have fun for your sports option or after-school at the clubs.
Orienteering
Meeting on a Thursday afternoon, this term sees students finding their way around the local parks, eagerly looking for orienteering control markers, whilst trying to navigate using map and compass skills. The club is open to all year groups and new participants are always welcome. Please email adventure@stephenperse.com if you would like to come along.
Bushcraft Club
It has been fantastic to see students finding their inner ‘Ray Mears’, learning how to safely build & light fires, cook, build shelters and survive in the outdoors. Bushcraft Club runs on Fridays during the club time slot. If anyone would like to join please email adventure@stephenperse.com
Archery
Aiming for success on the archery range, our students have been honing their skills and abilities, learning how to bring their shot onto target and have more confidence in their abilities. Archery takes place in our sport and club programme, and allows students to take part in a very inclusive sport, which helps to create calm, control and confidence.
Boarding Students Enjoy Action-Packed Day at Grafham Water
By Sam Thomas, Graduate Resident Assistant
Russ McAlinden and I had the pleasure of taking a group of 12 boarders to Grafham Water Centre for a fun day out filled with activities.
The day began early (for a Saturday at least!), with the group of us leaving from the boarding house at 8am on a minibus to Grafham Water. After a quick drive to outer Cambridgeshire, on which several remarks were made about the luck we were having with the weather given the recent bracing winds of Storm Éowyn, we arrived at the centre and were greeted by Simon, our brilliant activity leader for the day. Simon ran through the agenda: a morning of rock climbing and archery, followed by a brief lunch break, and then an afternoon on the high ropes.
The boarders threw themselves into the rock climbing, making quick work of the wall. They went up in pairs, tackling progressively harder climbs, including an inclined wall that made the ascent rather challenging. But I am proud to say that, with the encouragement of their peers, everyone made it to the top of each wall, no doubt feeling rather chuffed with themselves.
After rock climbing we moved onto archery, where, after some practice rounds, we played some games involving hitting certain rings in order and then attempting in teams to reach a high score. Although very few began with any archery experience, by the time the session was coming to an end I was seeing far more bullseyes than I had at the start, so I can confidently say many made a noticeable improvement.
After an action-packed morning came a well-earned lunch of sausage rolls and jacket potatoes with various toppings. For a few of the boarders who are fairly new to the UK, this was their first encounter with this veritable height of British cuisine; I recall one remarking, “What’s with you Brits and putting those
weird beans in red sauce on everything?!” But we were all very grateful for a hot meal, and the boost of energy was needed for the final activity of the day: the high ropes.
The high ropes consisted of two activities, the first of which was a solo climb up telephone poles and along either wooden beams or a tightrope, and the second a Jacob’s ladder; a teamwork-oriented exercise requiring groups of four to ascend a giant ladder with wooden rungs held up by ropes of increasing distance. In this latter activity the boarders outdid themselves, with all three teams of four reaching the top of the ladder (and even standing up on it with nothing but each other on which to balance!). This feat required not only individual strength and agility, but also the ability to work as a team to help their companions up so that everyone could succeed together.
Having conquered these challenges, and with what little heat of the day there was swiftly departing, we made our way back to the boarding house, thanking our dutiful and inspiring hosts for a wonderful day out. I’m sure I speak for the whole group when I say we had a wonderful time, and I can attest that the boarding house was rather quiet that night. A restful sleep was had by all!
Although very few began with any archery experience, by the time the session was coming to an end I was seeing far more bullseyes than I had at the start.
Congratulations to all Houses for a fantastic term! We can’t wait to see what the next term brings.
Kennett House Captain winner House Talent
Clark House Captains
Autumn Term Highlights in the House System
It’s been an action-packed autumn term for the House system, filled with exciting competitions and incredible achievements. Here’s a quick roundup of all the highlights.
Sports Competitions.
The term saw thrilling House Football and Hockey matches, with six different Houses claiming victories across various year groups. The level of competition was fierce, showcasing the talent and team spirit of our students.
Student House Quiz
We were delighted to bring back the Student House Quiz for Years 7–10. Four students from each House battled it out in a test of general knowledge, buzzing in with their answers in a fast-paced contest. Congratulations to the following winners:
Year 7: Sutherland
Year 8: Cattley & Kennett (tie)
Year 9: Cattley
Year 10: Sutherland
House Video Competition
The much-anticipated annual House Video Competition took place on the final day of term, reaching new heights in both video quality and live performances. This year introduced a new voting system, combining staff and student votes with the judges’ scores. Here are the results:
1st Place: Kennett – High School Musical
2nd Place: Pollock – Nativity
3rd Place: Clark – Twilight
4th Place: Street – Rule Britannia
5th Place: Rose – The Greatest Showman
6th Place: Cattley – Frozen
7th Place: Sutherland – Bruno Mars Tribute
Winter Comfort Donations
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to our annual food and clothing collection for Winter Comfort. The charity deeply appreciates your generosity. Here’s how the Houses ranked based on their donations:
1st Place: Kennett
2nd Place: Pollock
3rd Place: Clark
4th Place: Street
5th Place: Rose
6th Place: Cattley
7th Place: Sutherland
House Cup Results
With points from all the term’s events tallied, we are thrilled to announce the first House winner of the year. Clark took home the prestigious House Cup along with an ice cream treat for their outstanding performance! Full results are as follows:
1st Place: Clark – 1571 points
2nd Place: Street – 1449 points
3rd Place: Cattley – 1393 points
4th Place: Kennett – 1321 points
5th Place: Pollock – 1300 points
6th Place: Rose – 1256 points
7th Place: Sutherland – 1164 points
Cambridge Model United Nations (CamMUN)
Nearly 300 students participated in this year’s Cambridge Model United Nations (CamMUN) simulation hosted by Stephen Perse Cambridge from 31 January to 2 February, marking the ninth time it has hosted the event.
Model UN is an academic simulation of the United Nations, in which students act as delegates to the UN and discuss real-world challenges. Students are allocated a country to represent and invited to research their country’s position on a designated topic, debate with other delegates, work as a group to develop solutions to the problems linked to the topic and present their country’s ideas, both verbally and in writing.
The event, which has been held by Stephen Perse Cambridge since 2016, saw students from Hong Kong, Indonesia, Turkey, the United States of America and the United Kingdom deliberate the topic: Rethinking Global Solidarity: including the excluded. Mo Tanweer, Economist, Lecturer and Consultant at the University of Cambridge, the Cambridge Judge Business School and the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, and Teacher of Economics at Stephen Perse Cambridge, opened the event with his keynote speech.
In addition to participating, students from Stephen Perse Cambridge organised the event in its entirety. Elected the year prior, students took on Secretariat roles and organised themselves to take responsibility for different areas of running the weekend, including: academics, finance, logistics, marketing and delegate liaisons. During the organisation process, they gain valuable transferable skills, including financial planning, team working, problem solving and leadership.
Alison Daniels, Head of Psychology & Sociology, Stephen Perse Cambridge Sixth Form, said: “Our Year 13 Secretariat students have had a steep learning curve, and it never ceases to amaze me that our young people are able to organise such a large event so effectively. Learning how to negotiate with other people, understand different perspectives and work towards a common goal are universally sought-after skills. While Model UN is useful for students’ academic experience, participating also has tremendous benefits for our students' personal development too.”
"Our Year 13 Secretariat students have had a steep learning curve. Learning how to negotiate with other people, understand different perspectives and work towards a common goal are universally sought-after skills"
Secretary General, Frank, a Year 13 student at Stephen Perse Cambridge, said: "It has been an incredible experience leading the Secretariat for CamMUN 2025. After four years of participating, it was truly rewarding to contribute to a conference that empowers young people to seek diplomatic solutions to global challenges. I hope the conference broadened perspectives and sparked new ways of thinking for all who attended and I look forward to seeing next year’s Secretariat continue shaping and inspiring the leaders of tomorrow with CamMUN 2026!"
Sport Update
By Charlotte Wells, Director of Sport
There is never a dull moment in the sporting life at Stephen Perse Cambridge and the students continue to give their best in matches and tournaments. We have had so many successes to celebrate and seeing them listed here makes me wonder how we have fitted it all in! Highlights include individual and team performances at county, regional and national competitions in a variety of sports. All of this alongside a mini sports tour for Year 10 and Year 11 students and a taster session in fencing for many of the Year 7 cohort.
Basketball Update
The basketball teams have had a busy term with some excellent skills on display. All teams are improving their team play thanks to the superb guidance from our ARU coaches and Mr Mordini. Our U15 boys have shown great potential and are unbeaten so far this season. The U16 girls are also looking forward to being involved in a Cambridge basketball tournament against local schools later this term.
1st Team
35-31 win vs Kings Ely
40-51 loss vs The Leys
U16s
42-69 loss vs The Perse
35-32 win vs The Leys
U15s
50-27 win vs The Perse
68-20 win vs Sancton Wood
46-37 win vs The Leys
U16 girls
48-21 win vs Kings Ely
U16 Girls Basketball Team
Basketball 1st Team
U15 Boys Basketball Team
County Cross Country Championships
Five students earned their place representing Cambridge at the County Schools Cross Country Championships in Ely, after qualifying at the District Trials. The frosty morning brought biting cold, but the athletes, embodying the true spirit of cross country, braved the elements and came prepared for the weather.
All participated exceptionally well with individual results as follows:
Isobel L 6th Senior Girls and qualification to the Regionals
Jamie B 11th Junior Boys and qualification to the Regionals
Grace K 17th Junior Girls
Dick C 20th Senior Boys
Sophie L 30th Minor Girls
GCSE and Sports Awards
It was wonderful to welcome all of the 2024 Year 11 for our annual GCSE and Sports awards evening, to celebrate their academic and sporting achievements and commend them for their dedication to their sporting pursuits. Many awards were given for excellence in sports and progress in sports. These were followed by the main sports awards of the evening; that of contribution to Senior School teams won by Mia E and Asher S, and sports personalities of the year - Ben I and Robyn S.
All of these students have played an integral part in so many teams throughout their time in the Senior School. They are true role models for the younger students and continue to play a big part in the sports programme in the Sixth Form. It was also great to see Ben in action umpiring our Year 8 boys in a recent hockey competition.
Hockey Update
This term has been a busy one for hockey, featuring midweek fixtures, a weekend block, and county tournaments.
Our U12 boys have made a strong start to their Stephen Perse Cambridge hockey careers, achieving impressive results against Bishops Stortford and Bedford Modern. The A team performed well at the county tournament, with several close matches unfortunately going against them.
The U13 boys, despite some weather-related cancellations, have begun to develop their match play skills and are showing good progress. They recently demonstrated their growing abilities in a hard-fought game against Bedford Modern. The A team also improved with each match at the county round, ultimately finishing 7th overall. Our U14s faced tough competition at the county round against some strong sides, but they continue to improve and are developing well as a team in the new 11-a-side format.
The U15s have been working hard in training with a new-look squad and have much to look forward to next half term.
The U16s played out a nail-biting 2-2 draw against King's Ely in their county cup final, which then went to shuffles. Despite a narrow 3-2 defeat on shuffles, their performance was strong enough to secure a place at regionals next month.
The U18 boys have been involved in several closely contested matches this term. They delivered a commendable performance at the county tournament, finishing as runners-up with a depleted squad. They will also progress to regionals next month.
Our girls' U16 hockey side achieved a fantastic result, putting on a great display at the Tier 3 National Finals. This was a tremendous accomplishment for the entire squad, who were a credit to themselves and the school. They finished their pool group in second place with one win, one draw, and one loss, ultimately securing 4th place overall.
U16 Hockey girls
Eva on Target to become Olympic Archer
Year 8 student Eva D has been selected to join Archery GB’s Youth National Talent Development Programme, taking the first step in her journey to compete at the Olympics.
The young athlete is one of only a few nationwide to be invited to join the prestigious initiative, in recognition of her outstanding archery skills. Eva, who discovered the sport at age seven while on holiday, decided to join Cambridge-based Peacock Archers club while still in primary school. Eva currently competes with older athletes in the U15 category in national competitions, and dedicates three after-school sessions a week and weekends to practicing archery.
Eva commented: “I was very happy to be accepted onto the programme, which has been one of my goals since starting my archery journey. I’m so thankful to Stephen Perse Cambridge for supporting my competitive pursuits; my teachers have been so accommodating when I’ve suffered injuries and have helped me to balance my education with archery, so I can pursue my passion. I look forward to improving my technique and connecting with other athletes on the same pathway as I continue on my journey to compete at a global level.”
Photo credit: Archery GB
St George's Park Experience for Stephen Perse Footballers
On Friday 31 January 2025, twenty-three Year 10 and 11 boys travelled to St George’s Park for an exciting football development weekend. Having collected their smart new training kits earlier in the week, the boys were eager to train at the £105million facility, home to all 23 of England’s national football teams. The site boasts 14 elite outdoor pitches, including a replica of Wembley’s pitch, and a full-sized indoor 3G pitch where the boys trained.
Upon arrival, the group met their tour rep, who guided them through a packed weekend. They began with a 90-minute FA coaching session, followed by a hydrotherapy session featuring competitive water polo and recovery baths. Evenings were spent enjoying games like table tennis, pool, and bar football.
Saturday included more FA coaching, a selfled session on the David Beckham pitch, and a football quiz where Dylan C, Lucas, and Rowan triumphed over the staff team. Max won first place in the football shirt competition with his Thierry Henry Arsenal replica.
On Sunday, the boys played small-sided games on the Conti pitch, including a fun session of walking football, which helped reinforce key coaching themes about space and possession. Despite fatigue from the intensive training, they played friendly matches against Parkfield Juniors’ U15 and U16 teams. The U16s managed a 1-1 draw, with Josh H and Ollie R earning players of the match for their defensive strength and dynamic play. Barnaby was awarded player of the match for his goalkeeping in the U15 game, though Parkfield secured the win.
The weekend was less about results and more about the invaluable skills and experiences gained. After a quick food stop on the way home, the boys returned to Cambridge tired but with lasting memories of an unforgettable weekend.
Netball Update
What a fantastic start to the netball season! Our U19 team has been outstanding, dominating their school fixtures and performing impressively at the regional tournament in January. They finished second in their group, losing only to the eventual winners, Berkhamsted.
Our U16 team also competed at the regional tournament, demonstrating real resilience while facing tough competition early on. Their confidence grew throughout the tournament, culminating in a commendable fourth-place finish in their pool.
Our U15 A and B teams remain unbeaten this season, consistently thriving against challenging opposition. This success is a testament to their skill and teamwork.
The U14 squads have played some impressive netball and shown significant improvement.
The U13 A and B teams, along with our U12 B, C, and D teams, are also currently unbeaten. The U12 A team, meanwhile, has displayed great grit while playing against older opposition.
It's wonderful to see netball thriving at Stephen Perse Cambridge. The hard work and dedication of the players and staff are clearly paying off.
Cross Country and Show Jumping
Hara-Leyani qualified for Hickstead then had an amazing round in the 80’s coming second which puts her forward into the higher class at Addington in September.
Football Update
While football has taken a slight backseat this term to allow other major sports to take centre stage, our teams have continued to make history, with record numbers of fixtures and some outstanding achievements.
U13 Girls Make History
Our U13 Girls’ incredible National Cup run came to a heart breaking end in the quarter-finals of the ESFA National Cup after a dramatic extra-time defeat away at Repton Preparatory School. The match, officiated by Mark Warren (FIFA World Cup Final 1998 Assistant Referee), was a testament to the team’s resilience and determination. Although the result didn’t go our way, we are immensely proud of the girls for their historic achievement—becoming the first-ever Stephen Perse football team to reach this stage of an ESFA competition.
U15 Girls Chase National Glory
Meanwhile, our U15 Girls continue their impressive season, having progressed to the semi-finals of the ISFA Shield. They now prepare for a long journey to West Yorkshire, where they will face Woodhouse
Grove in pursuit of a place in the final. We wish them the best of luck as they aim to add another chapter to our growing football legacy.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the next term, we look forward to the reintroduction of the District Cup across all age groups, providing another fantastic opportunity for our players to compete and develop their skills. With the continued growth of our fixture list, we hope for further success and, most importantly, for our teams to keep enjoying their football.
Well done to all our players and coaches for their dedication this term and to all our amazing parents who have continued to support our teams no matter the distance, we can’t wait to see what’s next!