Amira S, Year 9 - Robin
Year 10 - Year 13 Classics Trip to Greece
Gold DofE July 2024
Abbey Jones
A word from the Acting Head of 11-18
Abbey Jones
With the nights drawing in and a lot of grey outside the windows, the contents of this newsletter will hopefully brighten things, with reports conjuring up disco lights, electric blue eyeliner, and a glimpse of sunnier climes.
We’ve had a varied autumn so far: while some students have been pulling on hiking boots for DofE, others have donned their high heels for the Sixth Form Winter Formal. As ever, we’ve made good use of our position in central Cambridge, with students able to walk to visit the Botanic Garden, various museums and the ADC; but we’ve also had GCSE and A Level Classicists jet off to Greece. And while preparations for the senior production of Fame have had large numbers of senior students (as well as the Drama and Music departments) singing and dancing their way through the last few weeks, the whole-school Remembrance Assembly, led by the History Society, provided a rare opportunity in our busy school life for silent communal reflection.
Our Year 13 students have had a particularly intense term, with UCAS applications, entrance tests and preparation for interviews to fit in around their A Level studies, alongside the vast range of extra- and super-curricular activities and leadership roles to which they continue to give their considerable energies. We applaud their ongoing efforts and positivity and are so proud to see the very well deserved offers and invitations to interview start to roll in.
At the other end of the school, Year 7 have made a great start to their Senior School careers, getting to know one another, their teachers, new subjects, and their way around! They certainly showed their willingness to get involved and challenge themselves during their Adventure Day, and we encourage them to continue to apply these excellent qualities to all aspects of their school lives going forward.
As we head towards the end of term, I am looking forward to our school traditions of the Carol Service, Christmas Lunch and, of course, House Talent. These events mark the passage of students’ journeys through the School and it’s always as memorable to see Year 13 realise they are at their last Stephen Perse Carol Service, as it is to see Year 7’s excitement sitting in the Sports Hall with the whole school community to watch the House Talent performances for the first time.
I wish every member of our school community: students, staff and families, a restful break and time with loved ones over the Christmas holidays. (Although, Year 11: please make sure you do some revision ahead of January’s GCSE mocks, too!)
Abbey Jones
Acting Head 11-18
The school would like to extend its thanks to Jason C for his poignant performance of The Last Post at the Remembrance Day Assembly.
Remembrance Day
by Year 12 student Conor G
On 11 November 2024 the Sixth Form History Society led the assembly titled ‘Let's Remember’. It reflected on the Great Wars, with a specific focus on Cambridge and our school; including not only the widespread suffering endured by ordinary people, but also stories about extraordinary individuals who courageously united together against injustice.
The Sixth Form History Society took the decision to spotlight Cambridge and its stories to add a sense of relatability and personal closeness to the assembly, and to show that these tragedies are not far detached from us. Instead, they should resonate with us as human beings, who have the responsibility to learn from history.
During the wars, the unfathomable spirit of Cambridge was evident. The colleges took on a range of responsibilities; King’s housed an influx of nurses, whilst 77 alumni were recruited to decipher top secret Nazi messages at Newnham. Amid these efforts, many students died on the battlefields before the age of 21, so were never able to complete their degrees.
Businesses also adapted; Marshalls, owners of Cambridge Airport, used it to train the RAF and other military units. 20,000 pilots were trained there in total, using a method so effective that it was adopted nationwide by 1941. Even Fitzbillies played a vital role in boosting morale during the war. It stayed open through rationing, and provided a healthy supply of Chelsea buns with the most anxious of queues outside.
Churches also evolved, becoming places of refuge as well as a place to share collective heartache at times of tragedy, whether war provoked or otherwise.
However the most exciting part of the assembly was looking through the school archives. What we found was extraordinary. Firstly, the diary of Robin Myers, a 14 year old Perse Girls student in 1940
who wrote in her diary every day. The topics covered ranged from playing rounders and swimming with her friends to hearing the sound of explosions as bombs fell onto Cambridge. The atmosphere created was sustained uncertainty and fear that lingered, mixed with determination of ordinary people to go about their lives somewhat normally.
We also learned about members of staff; Miss Kennett (like the house) offered to decline her salary increase to divert money to the war effort. She and Miss Cattley brought in both evacuees and refugees respectively during the two wars, adjusting the syllabus and timetable accordingly to accommodate these new pupils. Despite the First World War, the school’s only notable interruption was a two week break in October 1918 due to the influenza epidemic. The assembly also mentioned the Deighton sisters, three former Perse Girls pupils in the early 1900s. During the Great War, whilst two of them went to the Red Cross as nurses, Dorothy joined the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps. She was one of 17 codebreakers sent to France, behind western front lines, decrypting German encrypted wireless communication. Dorothy experienced gas attacks that affected her for the rest of her life.
So, why is it important to remember? Is it to honour the nameless? Or to celebrate the unparalleled courage of those who resisted perhaps? What is clear is that there is a lesson to be learned. By centering the assembly around Cambridge this year, we rediscovered and reflected the profound impact of the war, on both ordinary and extraordinary people, and perhaps more importantly, how they responded to the challenges of war. The tragedies of World War One and Two should be acknowledged and addressed, even more so in this growingly unstable world.
By remembering these wars, we as beneficiaries honour their courage and sacrifices, keep their memories alive and protect the pursuit of peace for the future
Latest news
Year 9 Students Cambridge Physics Experience
A small group of keen Year 9 students have enjoyed a morning at Queen’s College, Cambridge, and then an afternoon at the Cavendish Laboratories for the Year 9 Cambridge Physics Experience.
They enjoyed a tour of the college, learned about studying at University and took part in some handson Physics activities related to structures and Engineering. The day was inspiring and enjoyed by the staff and students alike.
Year 7 - 13 Autumn Concert
The Autumn Concert saw almost 80 students from all years in the Senior School and Sixth Form take to the stage to perform a wide variety of instrumental music. The first half included performances from our Saxophone Quartet, Wind Ensemble and Brass Ensemble, some chamber music items, and an incredible solo piano performance of Chopin’s Ballade in G minor, played by Shaochen W in Year 10.
The second half featured the Symphony Orchestra; after a fine performance of Schubert’s Rosamunde Overture, Abbey H (Year 13) was the soloist in Ronald Binge’s Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra, a fabulous piece which puts the soloist and orchestra alike through their paces. The finale was a spectacular performance of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Dance of the Tumblers, which was enthusiastically received by the large audience.
Winter Formal
This year’s Sixth Form Winter Formal Dinner and Dance was held at The University Arms Hotel in central Cambridge on Friday 22 November. The event was skilfully organised by the chair of the events committee, Year 13 student Sarah M and her team.
144 students attended and enjoyed a two course meal in the sumptuous surroundings of the ballroom which was resplendent with two large Christmas trees in the bay windows. Everyone had dressed up for the occasion and looked stunning in black tie or flowing gowns. Dancing commenced after the meal till late.
A huge thank you to Sarah and her team for sourcing the venue, promoting the event, choosing the menu and organising the seating plan.
Year 8 Students Gain Insights into Sustainable Fashion
On 8 November the Geography Department welcomed back Tim James, the co-founder of Schoolblazer. He gave a talk to Year 8 about how our school uniforms are made and how this relates to the wider world.
For instance 10% of carbon emissions are created by the global textiles industry (Schoolblazer are carbon neutral); on top of that the dyes involved in making garments are incredibly polluting to our water supplies. He therefore encouraged students to ‘buy less stuff and wear it out!’ In addition, he said that Schoolblazer are moving more towards manufacturing using sustainable materials such as recycled polyester, which currently stands at over 80% of their current supplies.
Tim was especially pleased with the standard of questions that the Year 8 students asked him at the end of the talk, which he said was very high. Well done Year 8!
Adventure Learning and Duke of Edinburgh's Award Update
By Russ McAlinden Head of Outdoor Education
Bronze DofE September 2024
Over 130 Year 10 students completed their Bronze DofE expedition in the lowlands of the North Bedfordshire countryside. Split over two different weekends, the students worked in expedition teams, walking their planned routes, camping and cooking expedition food. All teams successfully completed their expedition. We’re proud of our students’ achievements and are eager to see them take on the Silver DofE challenge this year.
Silver DofE July 2024
At the very start of the summer holidays, 38 students (now in Year 11) undertook our Silver DofE Expedition in the Peak District, which encompasses completing the required practice and qualifying expeditions into one intensive, challenging, yet rewarding week. All students learnt how to develop their navigation, camping, cooking and teamwork skills in the expedition environment. The students faced some tough weather conditions and certainly tested their waterproofs. All students completed the expedition strongly, and we hope they are now setting their sights on Gold.
Gold DofE July 2024
The Lake District provided the challenging backdrop for our Gold DofE qualifying expedition in July. Twelve determined students from Years 11 & 12 faced tough weather conditions and complex navigation, yet persevered through the demanding mountain environment. Both teams pushed themselves, racing to a very wet finish line on the final day. This was a fitting challenge for such strong expedition teams. Well done to all!
Bronze DofE September 2024
Gold DofE July 2024
Bronze DofE September 2024
North Wales Climbing October 2024
Twelve Year 7 and 9 students embarked on an exhilarating climbing adventure in the stunning Snowdonia National Park in early October. The weekend was filled with challenges and triumphs as the students tested their limits on real rock faces. Beginning with gentler climbs, the students learned essential safety techniques like belaying before progressing to the more demanding vertical cliffs of the North Wales slate quarries. Each student demonstrated incredible determination and skill, and returned home eager for more climbing experiences. We hope to organise more miniadventures like this to foster growth and development in smaller groups.
Adventure Learning Programme
Students across the Senior School have been embracing the diverse and challenging activities offered by our Adventure Learning Programme. From archery and climbing to bushcraft, sailing, and paddlesports, our Adventure Learning Programme provides opportunities for students of all ages to engage in exciting outdoor pursuits.
Year 7 Adventure Day
In the second week of term our new Year 7 students had a day of adventure, taking part in a whole range of activities, which focussed on ‘breaking the ice’ in a new year group, creating friendships, making memories and also challenging individuals to try new things. Students took part in paddlesports, climbing, archery and problem solving activities.
A Design-Filled Day in London
Our Sixth Form Product Design students embarked on an inspiring day trip to London in early November. The journey itself, by train and tube, added an exciting layer to the adventure. The primary goal of the trip was to broaden their understanding of the product design industry and the diverse career paths it offers.
The students delved into the world of high-end design, visiting renowned stores like The Conran Shop and Linley's in Sloane Square and Pimlico Road. They were awestruck by the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of the products on display, from furniture to decorative artefacts. These experiences provided invaluable insights into the potential heights a product designer can reach.
Beyond the realm of retail, the group explored the transformative power of urban regeneration. A highlight was the iconic Battersea Power Station, now a bustling hub of retail and residential spaces.
The students even had the opportunity to ascend one of the chimneys for panoramic views of the city and visit the historic control room, now a stylish cocktail bar. An unexpected bonus was encountering Claudia Winkleman filming an episode of The Piano within the shopping centre.
The day concluded with a tour of Coal Drops Yard near Kings Cross, a stunning redevelopment that seamlessly blends modern retail and leisure spaces with the historic ironwork of the gas storage chambers and canal drop-off points. This juxtaposition of old and new showcased the innovative approaches to urban regeneration that can breathe new life into a city.
Overall, the trip was an eye-opening experience that ignited the students' passion for design. It provided a tangible connection to the industry and inspired them to strive for excellence in their own creative endeavours.
Art Department Update
Out and About in Cambridge
Year 7 and Year 10 students ventured into the stunning Cambridge Botanic Garden to immerse themselves in the natural world. Armed with sketchbooks and a keen eye, they captured the beauty and diversity of the plant life. Year 7 used their observations to inform their natural world project, while Year 10 Textiles students translated their findings into stunning silk-painted designs.
Urban Canvas
Year 8 students explored the architectural wonders of Cambridge, learning about the city’s rich history and unique building styles. This local inspiration fuelled their creativity as they embarked on their own architectural projects.
Sixth Form Cabaret
This year’s Sixth Form Cabaret, coordinated by Deborah Foote and Becky Jones, supported by Sixth Form students Lola, Phoebe, Genevieve, Emma and Azize, was an absolute triumph.
The event raised over £700 for Breast Cancer Now, a fantastic charity committed to changing the lives of people affected by breast cancer by combining the power of research and support.
Performers and audience members looked resplendent in their ‘Casino Glamour’ themed outfits, and the Senior School Hall, decorated in red, black and gold, complete with eight beautiful handmade palm trees, was transformed. With playing cards on the tables and casino-themed treats and mocktails for all to enjoy (including one hundred poker-chip red velvet cupcakes, baked by the Cabaret Committee’s very own Phoebe), the audience was transported to the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas Strip. The line-up of Year 10, 11, 12 and 13 students, including solo singers, rock bands, commercial dance troupes and, for the first time ever, a short film, performed to a packed house. In the capable hands of compères Alison and Eleanor, who guided us seamlessly through the evening’s programme, the wide variety and high standard of talent on display was truly exceptional.
Winning design
Christmas Carol Service Cover Competition
The Visual Arts Department ran a competition for Years 8-9 to design the cover for the 2024 Carol Service programme cover.
Well done to Carman S in Year 8 for her winning design showing three painted carol singers, which will feature on the actual programme cover.
Clemmie F Year Street Shops Scene with Lamp Post and Christmas Tree
Charlie B Year 8
Drawing
Carmen S Year 8
Three Painted Carol Singers
Evan L Year 8
Red bauble
Charlotte C Year 9
Christmas Trees (in watercolour)
Thea K Year 9 and snow on
Carmen S Year 8
Carla CR Year 9
Collage with church silhouette and green/red collage at top
Walter M Year 9 Grey church with green holly and Christmas bells
Duncan C Year 9
Isabelle PW Year 8 Keep Calm and Carol On
French Workshop Les Trois Mousquetaires
On Thursday 7 November, Mme Parente organised for our Year 7 French groups a French workshop called Les Trois Mousquetaires. It was delivered in French and in English at the Senior School by the Freshwater Theatre Company.
This educational and interactive drama workshop was a marvellous opportunity to make the French curriculum come alive! It provided a valuable learning experience for our students, allowing them to express themselves creatively in French. It was engaging, uplifting and entertaining. Here are some quotes from students sharing their thoughts on “Le théâtre en français!”:
Year 7 student Tiffany N said: “I really liked the French play, there was a lot of interaction which was great and I had a lot of fun getting involved and watching others. My favourite part was when everyone got to do chants and overall it was a very fun experience. Today, I learnt the character’s names and new words like courageux and malade. I had a very enjoyable experience and I hope everyone else had as much fun as I did.”
Year 7 student Aiza A said: “At the workshop of Les Trois Mousquetaires (The Three Musketeers) I had a wonderful time with all the emotions which made it very enjoyable. I liked how there was inclusion with everyone from saying chants to acting out characters. I would definitely say it was a memorable experience.”
Year 7 Manny D said: “I thoroughly enjoyed The Three Musketeers performance. The way that the performer interacted with the audience felt very inclusive. I liked how she gave different people roles to act out as it made the show a lot more engaging. It was also nice how she spoke in French and English as it made many people understand the show better. I could see that many people were enjoying themselves and having fun.”
"I thoroughly enjoyed the Three Musketeers performance. The way that the performer interacted with the audience felt very inclusive."
Year 12 and 13 Enrichment
Our recent visits to the Cambridge Botanic Garden, the Zoology Museum, the Whipple Museum, and the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology have provided our Year 12 and 13 students with an enriching and interdisciplinary learning experience.
At the Botanic Garden, students explored biodiversity, sustainability, and the crucial role of plants in our global ecosystems, enhancing their understanding of Biology and Geography. The Zoology Museum enabled students to engage with evolutionary biology, animal anatomy, and the diversity of life, linking theoretical knowledge to tangible specimens. At the Whipple Museum, students delved into the history of science through fascinating instruments and ideas that have shaped modern STEM disciplines.
Finally, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology offered insights into global cultures and human history, broadening their perspectives in sociology, history, and cultural studies.
These visits have not only reinforced our students' A Level learning but also inspired curiosity and critical thinking across multiple subjects.
The Moot of the Nuremberg Trial
Run by the Historical Association in partnership with Stephen Perse Cambridge and Churchill College
by Year 12 students Neha V, Daisy B, Hagen H
On 23 November, members of our History Society participated in a Moot about the Nuremberg Trials at Churchill College. Eight students took part, with four prosecuting Albert Speer and four defending Hermann Goering.
A moot is a simulated court hearing in which each side researches the issue, supported by relevant laws and facts, and then presents their arguments before a panel of judges. The structure resembles that of an actual court, as judges ask questions in response to the speeches and provide a judgment along with brief feedback based solely on the arguments presented. The Moot was between Hills Road Sixth Form and Stephen Perse Cambridge Sixth Form.
Our panel of judges included Sean Lang, President of the Cambridge Historical Association; Allen Packwood, Head of the Churchill Archives; and Jane Martin, a seasoned criminal lawyer and now a professor at Anglia Ruskin University. With their extensive knowledge and experience, they offered us a glimpse into real court proceedings while deepening our historical understanding.
A moot is a simulated court hearing in which each side researches the issue, supported by relevant laws and facts, and then presents their arguments before a panel of judges.
This valuable experience took place in the esteemed Churchill College Archives, allowing us to extend our knowledge and closely follow the actual Nuremberg Trials.
To prepare, we received an information pack containing letters, reports, and first-hand accounts, which we used to build our cases. Additionally, we conducted our own research on key figures of the Nazi regime. This opportunity was crucial, as it provided us with first-hand experience in handling real-life cases and formulating well-supported conclusions.
The moot featured two separate cases for defence and prosecution. The prosecution presented first, followed by the defence, and then a second round of prosecution and defence for each defendant. This structure required us to quickly formulate rebuttals while attentively listening to the opposing arguments.
Our group that defended Goering faced significant challenges, given his prominent position as secondin-command to Hitler. However, we contended that Goering's absence at the Wannsee Conference indicated he was not integral to the Final Solution. We had to carefully differentiate between Goering delegating solutions to Himmler and the ultimate decisions regarding the mass concentration camps, which we argued were not aligned with Goering's intentions. Our defence was bolstered by the extracts provided for the trial, which highlighted his lack of involvement in the conference and the “pan-Germanistic” intent reflected in the Hossbach memorandum. The prosecution, however, vigorously challenged our claim of Goering's integrity, as expected.
During our defence, we made a strategic pivot, shifting our focus to argue that Goering's morphine addiction, incurred after being injured as a WWI hero, contributed to his insanity. Ultimately, despite our efforts, Goering was found guilty on all four counts, but we received commendation for our defence. The legal professor praised our innovative approach based on the insanity plea, awarding us a special mention for our “creative response.”
Meanwhile, the other half of our group focused on the prosecution of Speer. As a prominent member of the Nazi elite responsible for war production, including the construction of concentration camps, we concentrated on charges three and four: war crimes and crimes against humanity. Although Speer’s real trial presented an argument for his innocence, claiming his role was primarily economic and that he had little influence on ground-level operations, we argued that as the superior to Sauckel - who forced prisoners of war, including Jews and others, to work in brutal conditions - Speer bore responsibility for the atrocities committed.
We asserted that Speer could not deny his impact on the suffering of labourers who endured hunger, disease, and exhaustion in concentration camps. We determined that he should be found guilty of crimes against humanity for misusing prisoners of war, violating international treaties from 1929, and treating
these individuals violently, thus constituting a war crime. His connections to Sauckel presented a clear opportunity for him to intervene and prevent these actions, further solidifying our case against him.
After each defence and prosecution, we faced rigorous questioning from the panel of judges, who adeptly identified weaknesses in our arguments. This experience honed our quick thinking and adaptability in argumentation and was, despite being nerveracking, one of the most valuable aspects of the moot. Ultimately, both Albert Speer and Hermann Goering were found guilty on all charges.
This exercise was instrumental in teaching us about group coordination, self-motivated research, and the development of public speaking skills, while enhancing our ability to critically analyse sources. The concept of retrospective law was particularly enlightening and prompted discussions about the legality of the Nuremberg Trials. We pondered whether laws existed when international documents were drafted, if they included provisions for punishment, and whether the absence of a German judge affected the fairness of the trial. This exploration illuminated the distinction between legality and morality in a historical context, significantly enhancing our historical understanding and providing valuable legal insights.
Fame The Musical
by Helene Barrell
Our Year 10-13 production of ‘Fame The Musical’ was an absolute triumph and I am so incredibly proud of the cast, musicians and crew for achieving such an excellent standard of performance in just 10 weeks.
Fame the Musical follows the highs and lows of the final class of New York City’s illustrious High School for the Performing Arts from their first year in 1980 to their graduation in 1984. It is a bittersweet, but ultimately uplifting show that explores the issues that confront many young people today: prejudice, identity, literacy, sexuality, substance abuse and perseverance. Whilst the overarching plot itself is simple, it is a deceptively challenging production, with several big show stopping numbers, complex dance routines and a plethora of short, sharp dialogue scenes that overlap and flow into one another. I feel extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to work with such an incredibly talented and hard-working cast, who threw themselves into rehearsals with commitment and energy: they were an absolute joy to direct.
It takes a small army to put together a show of this magnitude and as always I am indebted to the contributions of many individuals who have been working very hard behind the scenes to help build the set, coordinate the technical aspects and assemble the props and costumes. In particular, I would like to thank Matthew Rudd in the Music Department and choreographer Karen Revill of The Maple Academy of Performing Arts - as a non-musical theatre specialist myself I am totally dependent on their respective skills!
A Note from the Thursday Theatre Backstage
This term in theatre backstage enrichment, we have been working on the props, costumes and set dressing for the biennial musical ‘Fame’. Our favourite memory has to be the shopping trip where we visited the Burleigh Street charity shops where we had a long list of items to add to our ‘80s wardrobe. It was a very successful outing and we returned to school with five stuffed IKEA bags armed with outfits for the dancers, the singers and for the finale. We also loved decorating the old lockers which the estates team salvaged from storage: we researched old bands and pop singers of the time which, along with stickers and neon tape, helped to add to the 80s set. We also thought it would be nice to include some of the real life alumni from the school, so we delved into the school’s archives to find yearbooks from the early 1980s, which could be seen by the sides of the stage.
The Man who Argued Himself to Death
by
Year 12 students Raye K and Charlotte H
Year 10-13 Classics ADC Theatre Trip
On 3 October, the Classics students were invited to watch a play called The Man Who Argued Himself to Death, a production that reconstructed the last months of Socrates’ life and how it was subsequently ended, using a mixture of comedy and philosophy to create an idea as to who Socrates may have been to his contemporaries.
We thought that the play managed to bring forward how philosophers and politicians are often socially crucified for standing by their views, even and especially in today’s society, and how Socrates was a clear example of a man who cared more about educating the people around him and standing up for his own beliefs than about being ‘popular’ or accepted by his people.
We were especially moved by his refusal to flee his hometown, instead choosing death, as he refused
to constantly be running from officials who were scared of his ideologies, realising he would never be accepted in society if he was to remain who he was.
Despite the fatal ending to the play, we both thought that it gave a great message to everyone who came to watch, from the Year 10s to the teachers: that staying true to yourself and what you genuinely believe in will always be more important than being accepted by everyone, because as long as you remain true to yourself, you will find others who respect you for that reason, not despite it.
We were especially moved by his refusal to flee his hometown, instead choosing death, as he refused to constantly be running from officials who were scared of his ideologies.
History in Action Conference
by Year 13 students Martha H and Martha SB
Year 12 and 13 History Students Trip to London
As History A Level students, we were lucky to have the opportunity to attend the ‘History in Action: Russia and Revolution’ event, a series of lectures based around our A Level course, ranging from the reign of Nicholas II to Khrushchev’s time in power.
Each lecture was roughly 25 minutes, which was the perfect amount of time to pack lots of information into it whilst also being manageable for us. After travelling down on the train, we arrived at the Emmanuel Centre in Westminster where the talks were located.
The first lecture we heard was centred around the Revolution of 1917 and the New Economic Policy. This was an insightful lecture in which the speaker gave special focus to the so-called ‘NEPmen’ whose more lavish lifestyle clashed with the Socialist ideals. We found this example to encapsulate the social tensions of an extremely fragile era for Russia, giving us unique information which we wouldn't otherwise find in our textbook; allowing us to enrich our knowledge. Gaining interesting and useful facts
in significant curriculum areas was something which was apparent throughout all of the mini lectures we attended on this trip.
After each lecture there was a short break which allowed us to consolidate our notes, grab a drink/ snack and recuperate before the start of the next lecture.
The following lectures explored Stalin, Khrushchev and Nicholas II, which we will no doubt find helpful when writing our synoptic essays and coursework which we begin in a matter of weeks. Additionally the host lecturer, an academic from Cambridge, gave us a valuable talk on essay skills, in particular the importance of ‘clarity over beauty’, which will be extremely useful for our upcoming exams.
Overall, we found this trip to be particularly beneficial to our studies as not only was it directly linked to our A Level course, but we found it to be thoroughly enjoyable, and would highly recommend it to the next year group. We are also grateful to our teachers who gave us this opportunity and made it an all round fun experience.
Year 10 - Year 13 Classics Trip to Greece
By Maddie OC, Marina K, Fiona D, Hayden F and Livia B
Day One and Two by Year 13
student Maddie OC
When we arrived at Athens, we had gyros for dinner at a restaurant looking out onto the Acropolis, and were sorted into our hotel rooms. The following day, we went to the Theatre of Dionysus. We learnt that this was regarded as the first Greek theatre, and was built to host festivals honouring Dionysus, which were known to be grandiose.
After, we saw the Pericles’ Odeion, situated next to the Theatre of Dionysus. The Odeion, constructed between 446-442BC was believed to have been the first roofed theatre building dedicated to performances, so it was interesting to see what it would have been like compared with the Theatre of Dionysus.
We then ventured up the Acropolis to see the Parthenon and the Erechtheion. When we observed the Parthenon, I found the ionic frieze behind the
metopes especially intriguing, as the depiction of the Panathenaic Procession made you want to follow the frieze around the structure. The metopes also provided an alternative narrative with scenes from the Centauromachy, which made for a captivating contrast between the mythological and everyday Greek life.
The Caryatids (female figures) on the Erechtheion were particularly intriguing, especially due to their structural importance in holding the building up. Once we had climbed the Acropolis, we had lunch and were allowed to explore Plaka, where there were many jewellery stands and souvenir shops. After lunch, we went to the Agora and the Museum, where we saw Aphrodite of the Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus.
I found the Temple of Hephaestus striking due to the way in which the sun fell upon it in the afternoon, emphasising the intricacy of the carving. Seeing Aphrodite of the Agora in person revealed details not shown in photos, such as the delicate straps of her chiton (drapery). Being able to view Greek Art in person meant that we could understand the delicacy of the art and the skill it took to create it.
"I found the ionic frieze behind the metopes especially intriguing, as the depiction of the Panathenaic Procession made you want to follow the frieze around the structure."
We finished the day at the New Acropolis Museum, exploring the statues and casts, and giving our feet a little rest while watching the informative documentary about Parthenon. After an enjoyable day with a very high step count, we relaxed at the hotel and enjoyed a buffet dinner with plenty of lovely food for everyone.
continued on next page
Day Three by Year 11 students
Marina K and Fiona D
For our first activity of day three, we visited the Marathon Tomb and the Plataean Tomb. We found it almost difficult to believe they were as ancient as they were - they were a fascinating reminder of a somewhat different (and yet very similar) method of commemorating the dead than the ones we have today. Towards the end of the visit, there was some general shock that olives straight from trees perhaps did not taste as good as was expected! In addition to this, we visited the Marathon Museum, which was full of interesting sculpture - excellent for our questions on said topic in Classical Civilisation. This wasn’t the only thing we did that day that features in our syllabus, since later on we visited Thermopylae. We began with a look at the impressive statue of Leonidas, and some overall context for Thermopylae. After that, we made our way to the Thermopylae Visitor Centre, where we saw an informative 3D video presentation and were able to interact with some educational displays.
This definitely came in handy for us, as we had a test on Thermopylae and Salamis soon afterward! Then we headed back to the coach to travel to Delphi (with much singing and a quick stop to look at the hot springs). When we arrived in Delphi, we had dinner in a taverna, which included delicious pasta (if you were vegetarian) and syrup cake! Some of us headed into Delphi to explore after that, but we were fairly tired and
Day Four by Year 11 student Hayden F
On day four we took the great bus journey up to Delphi and saw plenty of beautiful scenery on the way. When we arrived we went to the Delphi Museum and explored the fascinating site itself. After that, we got a delicious lunch at the local town and we saw the amazing Corinth Canal on our way back to the hotel for a good night's rest.
The Delphi site and Museum were tucked away into a great mountain range which emphasized its beauty. In the museum we had the opportunity to examine ancient artefacts and great statues from all over Greece and Egypt including large metopes, weapons, and impressive statues.
After we finished with the museum we went to the site. We climbed up and got to see the spectacular views; Mr Johnson presented and explained all of this in his splendid manner. After this, we took a gorgeous bus ride out of Delphi where we got to see the great Delphi viewpoint.
This viewpoint let us see the shape of the town and the mountain it is attached to. After this, we arrived at lunch where we had an hour to eat and hang out. Many of us got souvenirs at the gift shop and enjoyed our Greek lunches. Our next bus ride allowed us to see the vast Corinth Canal. This canal helped people transfer resources by boat. The canal itself is deep and looks as if the ground has been split, which showed the ancient Greeks’ impressive strength and intelligence.
Day Five and Six by Year 12 student
Livia B
On day five and six we started our day off by going to the Treasury of Atreus, a huge tomb. Nearby was the site and museum of Mycenae which we went to next. The museum was very interesting, containing many pieces of pottery, Linear B tablets and funny shaped people. After wandering around the museum we went onto the site, starting with going through the beautiful ‘Lion Gate’. The site contained lots of tombs and even a mysterious little tunnel going down into the darkness.
After Mycenae we drove a little to Tiryns. Although perhaps a little less impressive than Mycenae, it was still fascinating to walk around. Huge stone walls loomed overhead whilst you walked between the two levels.
Then, when everyone was definitely hungry, we drove to the quaint seaside Nafplio where we all split up and ate at local restaurants. I had some fried zucchini and fresh tomato pasta, which were so good. Others on the table had humongous caesar salads which were apparently very tasty.
Having finally stuffed ourselves with scrummy Greek food we pottered around Nafplio, picking up presents and souvenirs from little shops here and there. Then, before we got back onto the coach we had a tiny dip in the sea which was such a gorgeous blue.
Finally we headed to Epidaurus. This was a huge site containing a stadium, tholos, a sanctuary, and a theatre. First of all, of course, we went to the museum, a cute little archaeological museum with lots of statues of gods, goddesses and Corinthian pillars. Afterwards we split into smaller groups and explored the site. To end the day, we walked to the theatre (perfectly timed for sunset) and enjoyed the lovely view whilst the sun went down, reflecting on what a wonderful trip we all had together.
Sport Update
This term continues to be action packed with many sports being played and many competitions taking place. The cold and wet weather has not dampened our spirits and it has been great to see so many students fully committing to clubs and fixtures.
Netball
Netball has been thriving at Stephen Perse Cambridge this term!
U19 Team: Qualified for regionals after a stellar performance, even defeating the eventual county champions.
U16 Team: Remained undefeated at County Schools, securing another victory with a predominantly U15 squad.
We wish both the U16 and U19 teams the best of luck at the upcoming regionals in February.
U14 Team: Put up a strong performance, narrowly missing out on qualification but achieving a commendable third-place finish.
Sisters n Sport Cup: Both the U16 and U14 squads continue to impress in their respective fixtures.
U12 Team: Made a strong debut, securing a resounding 19-7 victory in their first match.
We are incredibly excited to see all our teams continue their progress next term.
U16 Netball team
U14 Netball team
U19 Netball team
U12 Netball team
ESAA Cross Country Cup Competition 2024
A select group of talented students from Years 7 to 10 represented Stephen Perse Cambridge at the ESAA Cross Country Schools Cup Competition. Our athletes performed admirably in their first competitive event of the season.
Individual Highlights:
Grace K: 6th place
Alice E: 8th place
Jamie B & Romy S: Both finished in 15th place, a remarkable achievement for their age.
Team Results:
Year 9/10 Girls: 4th place
Year 9/10 Boys: 5th place
Year 7/8 Girls: 6th place
Year 7/8 Boys: 7th place
Basketball
Our basketball teams have enjoyed a successful season so far.
U18 Boys: Recently secured a hard-fought victory over King's Ely, winning 35-31. They maintained a lead throughout the game, holding off a late surge from King's Ely in the final quarter.
U16 Girls: Successfully played their inaugural game, emerging victorious with a 48-21 score line.
U15 Boys: Dominated their away match against The Perse, winning convincingly 50-27. The team showcased some impressive individual performances.
All players are eagerly anticipating more fixtures in the New Year.
Hockey
As the term nears its conclusion, it has been a period of intense activity, with a multitude of fixtures taking place both on weekends and midweek.
The U12s have made significant progress and concluded the term on a high note with matches against Wellingborough.
The U13s are wrapping up their 7-a-side hockey season with strong performances against Wellingborough and Brentwood.
The U14s continue to adjust to the 11-a-side format and have shown promising signs for the upcoming year. The 14A team showed great determination at their Regional competition and narrowly missed out on making the semi finals, eventually finishing 3rd in their pool.
The U15s have had a fantastic season, with both the A and B teams winning 90% of their games.
The senior teams have demonstrated strong determination in recent weeks, securing impressive victories against The Perse, Wellingborough, and St Mary's.
Nationals Qualification - The U16 team had a phenomenal performance at Regionals, dominating their group with an undefeated record of five wins, scoring 11 goals and conceding none. They capped off their impressive run by winning the final 1-0, securing the title of East Champions and earning a well-deserved spot at the National tournament in February. We are incredibly proud of their achievement!
Regionals - Our U18 team displayed a resilient performance at the Regional tournament, topping their pool and securing a place in the semi-finals. Unfortunately, they were narrowly defeated in the semifinal on shuffles.
Indoor Hockey
Girls:
U16s: Finished as runners-up in the county indoor competition. Despite a valiant effort, they narrowly lost to The Perse 5-1.
U18s: Also finished as runners-up. They defeated Hills Road 9-1 but lost a close match to The Perse.
Boys:
U18s: Secured third place in the county indoor competition. They defeated Saffron Walden County High School, drew with Hills Road, and lost to The Perse.
Football Round-Up: A RecordBreaking Season for Our School Teams!
This season has been nothing short of extraordinary for our football programme, with a huge number of fixtures across all age groups and a string of outstanding successes. Our teams have demonstrated exceptional skill, teamwork, and determination, making this a season to remember.
Girls' Teams Take Centre Stage
Our U13 girls have reached the last 32 of the National Small Schools Trophy and are continuing their impressive journey in the competition, representing our school on the national stage with pride. Meanwhile, the U15 girls have excelled in not just one but two prestigious competitions, advancing to the last 16 in both the Tier 1 and Tier 3 ISFA National Cups. Their achievements highlight the strength and depth of talent in our football programme.
County Cup Progress
On the local front, teams across nearly all age groups have made strong progress in the County Cups, with several still in contention for silverware. This success underscores the commitment and hard work of our players and coaches alike.
Boys' Teams Break New Ground
This season also marked a historic achievement for our U15B boys, who secured our first-ever victory in the B Team National Cup. This milestone is a fantastic example of how our football programme continues to evolve and deliver opportunities for all students to succeed at all levels.
A Growing Calendar of Fixtures
With new fixtures added this season, more students than ever have had the chance to participate in football. The increased opportunities have fostered a sense of camaraderie and excitement, as our football programme continues to grow and shine and friendships with new schools develop.
We are immensely proud of all our teams, whose successes reflect their dedication and sportsmanship. A huge thank you to our players, coaches, and supporters for making this season a triumph. Here’s to even greater achievements in the future!
