This Purna Magazine is the 2023 edition of the St James Nursery & Preparatory School magazine, a round-up of our
Headmistress
Welcome from the
Quote of The Year:
Remember, there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.
Scott Adams
Welcome to the 2023 edition of the St James Preparatory School magazine.
It was certainly full of enriching events ranging from a brilliant Shakespeare Festival, an inspiring Sanskrit Competition, to a fabulous Swimming Gala and two Sports Days! The Year 6 production of Beauty and the Beast, produced by the highly talented Jess Cook, was also a highlight, with everyone acting, singing and dancing with confidence and great aplomb.
Year 6 demonstrated exceptional resilience, and the way they approached their 11+ exams was most admirable.
The younger children delighted us with their artistic and sewing skills, and they cooked up delicious recipes with Chef Allegra and Chef Suzie. All of this was combined with some serious hard work and, looking at the academic progress of our pupils, we can be proud of each and every one of them.
Although the productions, sporting events, assemblies and competitions punctuated the year with joyful moments, what I enjoyed most was getting to know the families and staff who make the school the special place that it is.
When Lisa Freedman of the Good Schools Guide visited us this year, she saw us as ‘warmly inclusive with a very moral culture which emphasises kindness.’ The parents she interviewed described the school as a ‘hidden gem’ that ‘gives everything to the child to succeed’, while praising staff saying that St James has, ‘unbelievably brilliant teaching with lots of young teachers who sparkle with enthusiasm.’ I could not agree more!
These are exciting times for St James, and I strongly believe that our outstanding teaching and excellent academic results, combined with our nurturing pastoral care, make St James a leading light amongst London schools.
As with every year, some families and teachers are leaving us, and we wish them all the very best for the future. We offer a warm welcome to our new joiners, and I am sure that they will soon feel part of the St James family.
Hilary Wyatt Headmistress
School News
We are delighted to have launched a new
EYFS Clubs Programme!
Children aged 3-5 could attend from 3pm-6pm, Monday to Friday. They were offered a wide range of clubs such as yoga, mindfulness, crafts, circus, drama, music, travel, nature, culture, eco and bliss club.
Children enjoyed a “Unicorn-themed” tea, consisting of freshly made sandwiches, crudités, fruit, home-baked cake or flapjack.
Awards
We are so thrilled to announce that our school has won the City Kids Green Junior School Bronze Award and was also shortlisted for Independent School of the Year for Environmental Achievement! Keep an eye out for final results.
Congratulations to our amazing Eco Committee pupils: you have been incredible Eco ambassadors and your hard work, determination and enthusiasm have bettered our school and our local community. More on the Eco Committee’s activities on page 50.
The Academy offers classes in Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre (Singing). It aims to provide first-class training and to foster enthusiasm for and enjoyment of the performing arts for pupils from 3 to 18 years.
Classes take place in Earsby Street from 3.30 – 7.00pm during the week and on Saturdays from 9.00am – 1.30pm. There will be the opportunity to take grade exams and to take part in performances. Pupils from other schools will be able to attend Saturday classes.
Nursery
Q&A
with Mrs Slater
What has made your 2022-23 class special?
Our Nursery class this year was filled with kind and fun-loving children. They have impressed us every week with their ability to empathise with others, pick themselves up, and persevere through difficult tasks. We have seen huge progress from every child this year, as they have been eagerly devouring every bit of knowledge they can get their little hands on. We are so proud of them!
What is your favourite memory from the year?
It has to be a tie between World Book Day and our Wellbeing Week Spa! For World Book Day, we chose the book “101 Dalmatians” and all dressed up in our best dalmatian gear – we looked amazing! And for our Wellbeing Week Spa, we had sparkling water, rested with cucumber slices on our eyes, enjoyed a foot spa, and even got our hair done in the Nursery Salon.
What have been your class’s greatest achievements this year?
We have been on the stage loads this year! From the Nativity play to the Shakespeare Festival, the children did such a fantastic job of learning lines, lyrics, and dance moves; but, even more impressive, they all came on stage with no fuss and bravely tried their best.
What are your parting words to your class?
Keep being your delightful selves. You have made us gasp with surprise and laugh out loud every day and it is because of the amazing humans that you are. Keep reading new stories, keep asking every question that comes to mind, and keep smiling. You are all brilliant and we know that you will succeed in whatever you choose to do in life.
Reception
What has made your 2022-23 class special?
This class is such a resilient bunch of children. They have been so elastic during this year and have been able to cope with a lot of changes with ease. The children are full of enthusiasm for their learning and are especially excited to find out new facts during topic work, as well as eagerly share the things they already know.
What is your favourite memory from the year?
I have been super proud of the children in the lead up to and during Sports Day. The amount of effort they put in to practising the races and the fantastic achievements they made on the day was a wonderful memory. I also loved seeing them perform on stage during the Shakespeare Festival. They had such confidence, and all of the children knew their lines effortlessly. This was particularly impressive because Shakespearean language is very difficult.
What have been your class’s greatest achievements this year?
All of the children have made fantastic progress in their Phonics work. They all thoroughly enjoy the lessons and are fully engaged. Many of the children have told me that they are excited to learn the new sounds in Year 1. The Phonics work has helped them become more confident readers and more independent writers.
What are your parting words to your class?
To keep being the lively and enthusiastic learners that you are. Keep fostering your love for learning and make sure you keep on smiling. This class really is a smiley, bubbly and happy group!
Q&A with Miss Baillieux
Class 1C
Q&A with Mr Cook
What has made your 2022-23 class special?
They are a fun, talented and highly creative class. Every day they would bring joy with their insightful observations and charismatic performances. Over the year, they displayed intricate, beautiful drawings, incredible musicality, including singing or playing an instrument, and finally a talent for movement and sport. The way they flung themselves over the horses in the gym was highly athletic and brave!
What is your favourite memory from the year?
My favourite memory was their performance of The Great Fire of London. They spoke confidently, acted brilliantly, sang and played musical instruments and did acrobatics on the ropes, pretending to run away from the fire! They were brilliant!
What have been your class’s greatest achievements this year?
A big achievement was making their own fire and toasting marshmallows at Forest School! Another, was the way they were always so engaged and curious to discover the natural world; they even managed to get a robin to sing back to them! Finally, they were brilliant meditators. They could access present moment awareness so beautifully and I will always remember the connected feeling in the class when they were meditating.
What are your parting words to your class?
Try not to take life too seriously, express yourself and keep developing your talents.
What has made your 2022-23 class special?
All of the children in 1L! I have had the most delightful group of kind, fun and thoughtful children to work with this year. They are a very bright class of children who have enjoyed speaking up and at times lead the class learning. They have the most incredible little memories, which really supports their learning, particularly when reading story maps in English and adding actions to match. They bounce into class with bright smiles and excitement, which brings a smile to my face.
What is your favourite memory from the year?
Our school trip to St. Paul’s Cathedral was fun and linked so well to our topic of ‘The Great Fire of London’. I loved watching their magical Christmas performance on stage and the spooky witch scene from Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
What have been your class’s greatest achievements this year?
Their creative writing is such a joy to read with an incredible variety of writing skills from their toolkit. They have learned to love ‘The Pause’ and embed it into every lesson without any guidance. Their recent focus, independence and hard work is rewarding to see. I am so pleased with the kindness, respect and camaraderie they show towards each other.
Class 1L
Q&A with Miss Laird
What are your parting words to your class?
Keep being mindful of yourself and others. Be brave, take risks, speak up and enjoy the journey.
Class
What is your favourite memory from the year?
I loved our class trip to the Kyoto Garden at Holland Park. The class was calm, aware, happy and peaceful and this radiated onto the team of teachers that travelled with them. Thank you for such a lovely day.
What have been your class’s greatest achievements this year?
The Chinese New Year Class Assembly. The class were passionate to share their knowledge, hard-working in rehearsals, and vibrant in their performance. A brilliant show for all the school to see.
What has made your 2022-23 class special?
Year 2 are a wonderful, sparkly group of friends that have been a joy to teach. They have blossomed in confidence, maturity and kindness. I am always so proud to see them playing at breaktime, attending other lessons or listening to all the stories they love to share with me. They are a fantastic oup and I hope that they all stay lifelong friends. Their next teacher is sure to have a fantastic year with them. Thank you, Year 2!
What are your parting words to your class?
Your smiles are infectious and always bring happiness to my morning! Remain open-hearted, open-minded and fun. I shall miss teaching you and wish you all the brightest futures.
Q&A with Mrs Karim
Class 3J
Q&A with Mr Jones
What has made your 2022-23 class special?
Many of the pupils in this class have been together since they started their school journey. Seeing these existing friendships evolve and mature has been special to me, along with them forming and growing new ones with newer members of the class. Each child contributes a great deal to the class, and I am proud of every single one of them.
What is your favourite memory from the year?
I thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Mountfitchet Castle. It was fantastic to see the children exploring the exhibits with such enthusiasm and excitement, posing many curious and interesting questions about the Normans.
What have been your class’s greatest achievements this year?
I have absolutely loved seeing them perform on stage. They have such confidence and determination to take themselves out of their comfort zone. They have performed Shakespeare, Sanskrit as well as leading a whole-school assembly. Each time they have done so with humour and belief.
What are your parting words to your class?
Life is full of challenges. Many are exciting. Some are also hard. But approach these with a deep breath, a song in your heart and most importantly, a smile!
Class
Q&A with Mr Edwards
What has made your 2022-23 class special?
Year 4 are energetic, charismatic and absolutely full of positivity. They bounce into the room each morning and before long I’m surrounded by a sea of happy, smiling faces. Each child is full of curiosity and enthusiasm towards their learning – a special combination.
What is your favourite memory from the year?
My favourite memory probably has to be the residential trip to Somerset. It is always fantastic to see children out of their comfort zone and trying new things, and 4E were no exception. Not only were they brave and adventurous in trying the sometimes-daunting activities, but they were also patient with each other and supportive, building trust and friendship all the while.
What have been your class’s greatest achievements this year?
I think that the class’s greatest achievement must be the progress that each child has made throughout the year. Not just academic, but personal progress, too. Looking at photos from the end of Year 3, the children look tiny! They are now mature, independent, responsible pupils.
What are your parting words to your class?
Keep being yourselves, because you are all incredible. I’ll miss the daily jokes and riddles but can’t wait to see you thrive as you progress through school.
Q&A with Miss Inglott
Class 5I
What has made your 2022-23 class special?
I was fortunate enough to teach the same pupils again (which in a teacher’s life is a rare event!) and seeing them flourish from Year 4 pupils to being ready for Year 6 has been so special. I could not have spent two consecutive academic years with a better year group and wish them all the very best for their final year at St James.
What is your favourite memory from the year?
My favourite memory is my class’s performance at the Shakespeare Festival. Everyone worked so hard to produce an outstanding play and I could not have been prouder. What made it so memorable was how happy they were with themselves and the smiles that came with it. It brought a tear to my eye (which doesn’t happen very often!).
What have been your class’s greatest achievements this year?
Year 5’s greatest achievement this year was the outstanding progress each child made in their end-of-year assessments. It blew me away and proved to them that with hard work, determination and a motivated mindset, you can do anything!
What are your parting words to your class?
5I, it has been a pleasure. Well done for all you have achieved this year; I am so proud of each one of you. Thank you for all the laughter and joy you have brought me every day. Enjoy being at the top of the school and role models to the younger pupils – you will be great!
5J Class
Q&A with Miss Johnson
What has made your 2022-23 class special?
Having the boys’ and girls’ classes mix and join together this year was brilliant, and they have absolutely loved being in each other’s company. This class is special because they know each other’s characters so very well. They know what will make individuals laugh, but also how to provide them with support. I have loved watching them altogether in the classroom, on the football field, in dress rehearsals and on school trips - always championing one another.
What
is your favourite memory from the
year?
I absolutely loved watching the children floating around the river in Somerset on the rafts that they had built together - they did such a good job! My favourite memory though came when they began to rock their rafts and jump in, squealing and laughing with delight!
What have been your class’s greatest achievements this year?
I would have to say I have been blown away with the children’s progress in Maths this year. Their efforts in lessons and in their homework have been exemplary, and it truly shows in their work. It is also so wonderful to see children look forward to their daily Maths lessons so much!
What
are your parting words to your class?
I may have taught you many things this year, but you have taught me many more! Thank you for being so utterly wonderful and making each day a sunny one – you light up the school! Have a blast in Year 6 and enjoy being top of the school!
6S Class
Q&A with Mrs Story
What has made your 2022-23 class special?
This class is incredibly special. It is a group of kind and honest boys and girls who love being together and who gelled as a single class very quickly. They are incredibly supportive of each other and always applaud each other’s achievements, from winning races to writing scary stories. Each of them manages to show empathy, encourage, help organise or just be friendly to each other in whichever way comes naturally. They are a fabulous team.
What is your favourite memory from the year?
In the classroom, I have loved 6S’s response to reading the Odyssey. They drew some brilliant cartoons illustrating the stories. Outside, during their residential trip, we had such fun on the giant paddle board, paddling as fast as we could and jumping into the sea.
What have been your class’s greatest achievements this year?
Everyone in the class has made amazing progress with their writing. Whether it’s a short burst paragraph or a full story, whether they are long-term lovers of English literature or have learnt English in the last nine months, they have all amazed me with their enthusiasm and style. Also, they absolutely loved Geometry and made some incredibly complex patterns which showed their ability to focus and persevere with a tricky assignment.
What are your parting words to your class?
Your contributions in Philosophy lessons have shown you to be deep-thinking, tolerant and big-hearted. Take ‘The Pause’ with you through your life’s journey to remind you of yourself and the fine qualities which each of you possess.
Class 6N
Q&A with Mr Norris
What has made your 2022-23 class special?
What have been your class’s greatest achievements this year?
My class has impressed me all year long with their enthusiasm and curiosity. They love to learn and to share their fantastic work with others! They also love to help others, taking the time to look after each other. I love coming to work because of these cheerful and hard-working children.
What is your favourite memory from the year?
My favourite memory of the year is of exploring the British Museum with the wonderfully inquisitive Year 6 children. Their enthusiasm and fascination with the Ancient Greeks was palpable! The staff were so impressed that they made a point of letting me know.
The fantastic progress that the children have made with their writing this year has impressed me most! I look forward to reading their complex stories and gruesome descriptions. The incredible effort that the children have put into Beauty and the Beast is also an amazing achievement.
What are your parting words to your class?
I would just remind the children to look after each other and keep supporting one another as they move on to new schools. I hope their enthusiasm and joy in learning never burns out!
Art
It has been a busy, bright and colourful year in the Prep School Art Department! The Art Room has been a hive of creative activity during our weekly Art lessons, Art Clubs and Extended Art Sessions, but also our Tuesday morning Art sessions for parents, and Art studies for teachers!
We have worked hard to decorate the school with a wide range of exciting displays, including clay sculptures of sunflowers, labyrinths, sarcophogi and faces to name a few.
Another new collaborative, whole school project is our bunting, which illustrates the CORE values of the school. The Cabinet of Curiosities in the entranceway has also been a real talking point! In the Staff Refectory our Abstract Expressionist gallery delights the staff on a daily basis.
The Artists of the Week board has continued to be an exciting feature in the entrance of our school, and we have admired many incredible pieces of artwork over the year. The standard of work produced was incredible and it was always a difficult task choosing the best pieces!
Our biggest highlight was the ISA Area Art Competition in October. This year pupils did exceptionally well! Thank you to every child in the school who made an oil pastel crest to create our fantastic ‘St James Family Crests' which we entered in the 3D Group Art category. In their respective categories, Ralphine S and Fareed O’s gorgeous clay pieces and Adithya S’s vibrant silk painting of flowers inspired by William Morris placed second. Zara BMH was also awarded second place for her well observed still life drawing of leaves and conkers, while Tianna T received bronze for her beautifully painted picture of a Barn Owl. Well done to all the children whose work was also entered in the competition, you really made St James shine!
“Speak the speech, I pray you, as I pronounced it to you, trippingly on the tongue…Suit the action to the word, the word to the action…”
Nativity
Words written by Shakespeare and put into practice by all the students at St James Preparatory School.
Christmas was a beautiful time in the world of drama at St James. The Lower School came together to bring to life the traditional Nativity Story. Full of Christmas spirit and sparkle, the children performed with great enthusiasm. What a lovely afternoon in the festive season. Well done!
Shakespeare Festival
At the Shakespeare Festival this year, each child was able to express their love of performance through one of the Bard’s works. Upon attending the festival, you would have seen an array of plays ranging from Macbeth to The Tempest. It was a joy to behold. The children embrace the works and are enriched by learning the original text. Huge congratulations must go out to everyone who performed. Bravo!
Beast
Beauty and the
The year was completed with the Year 6 production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Anyone who saw this show rejoiced in Year 6’s superb performance of the spellbinding songs of Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice including Belle, Gaston, Human Again and Be Our Guest. This enchanting and timeless tale was brought to life beautifully by St James’ Year 6 and can boast all the spectacle and grandeur audiences know and love.
Year 6 are an extremely talented class, they worked incredibly well together, and each child performed brilliantly.
Thank you for ending our year on such a beautiful and fun note and good luck in all your future endeavours.
Speech Day
In a grand gathering, the school hosted its annual Speech Day and Prize Giving Ceremony, an event filled with pride and excitement. Proud parents, guests and the whole school community came together to honour the remarkable achievements of our pupils.
We also had the wonderful opportunity to hear Hannah Azuonye speak of her time at the school, and how it inspired her to love theatre and become a talented Royal Shakespeare Company actress.
The prize-giving segment recognised outstanding individuals across various disciplines, showcasing their brilliance and potential. Musical performances, art displays and dramatic presentations captivated the audience, displaying the exceptional talent within our school.
The ceremony celebrated not only academic success but also character, integrity and the commitment to make a positive impact on others.
Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all the St James community!
Sports Day
Sports Highlights
Physical Education plays a crucial role at St James. We not only aim to develop overall well-being and enhance physical fitness, but we also strive to instill important values like teamwork, discipline and perseverance.
Every year, the school enters the ISA Regional Championships for the following events: athletics, cricket, cross country, football, netball and swimming.
This year at the ISA swimming championships, we won nine medals and four children qualified for the Nationals. Our best scores in the ISA cross country competition were 11th and 14th, and our Year 4 boys team came 3rd overall.
Our Year 5 and 6 girls entered their first ever ISA 5-a-side football tournament, where both teams won bronze medals. Our Year 6 boys were less fortunate and got knocked out in the quarterfinals by a last-minute goal.
Our Year 6 netball team also got knocked out in the quarterfinals of the ISA.
Regrettably, cricket was cancelled this year due to venue problems, but we look forward to picking it up next year.
We finished the year with the athletics competition, where we achieved four 2nd-place results and three 3rd-place results.
Alongside our wide range of sports fixtures, House Competitions, Handball World Cup and Swimming Gala, we also hosted our own Inter-Schools competitions in Year 5 netball, and Year 5&6 rugby. Our Year 5A netball team won the shield unbeaten and with no substitutions.
Very impressive work!
Our sporting highlight was Sports Day, an annual event that brings the entire school together for a day of friendly competition and camaraderie. This year, seven school records were broken. Jess in Year 5 has now broken the school sprint record three years in a row. INCREDIBLE! It was a very close battle, with the winning team, Salisbury, only winning by 5 points!
ISA Year 4 Cross Country Boys
ISA Swimming Championships
Year 5&6 House Cross Country Winners
ISA Girls Football
Year 5&6 House Rugby & House Football Winners
trip Year 3
As their first residential, Year 3 pupils were excited to experience a 3-day trip away to New Barn, Dorset. Stopping along the way at Moors Valley Country Park, the children enjoyed clambering over an array of wooden structures, specially made for children to blow off steam!
At New Barn, they had a pottery session and also tried some orienteering. The highlight of the trip was a visit from Celtic Dave! He enthralled the children with tales about the Celts through captivating storytelling, as well as teaching them how to carve flint and make flour and butter. A good time was had by all!
Yeartrip4&5
Within the Mendip Hills AONB in Somerset, Year 4 and 5 had a fantastic time experiencing a varied range of activities. Year 4 particularly enjoyed bush-craft, climbing, caving and target sports (air rifle and axe throwing!) Meanwhile, Year 5’s favourite activities included canoeing, archery active, abseiling and raft building!
The Lodge accommodation included a new breakfast bar area, as well as a table-football table and a pool table, which children loved using in their free time. They also loved their bunk bed dorms with en-suite bathrooms!
All-in-all, a brilliant week was had by all, and we are already looking forward to next year!
Year 6 trip
Year 6 had an amazing time on their trip to Osmington Bay in Dorset. They climbed, abseiled, sailed and explored the beautiful coastline. All the children demonstrated incredible perseverance and enthusiasm!
Mathematics
It has been an exceptionally busy and successful year for Maths at St James. The successes of pupils in the classroom and beyond are outstanding, and reflect their commitment to excellence and their passion for exploring the depths of mathematics.
Year 5 and 6 students displayed exceptional talent in the Primary Maths Challenge, showcasing their problem-solving skills and mathematical prowess.
The Junior Maths Challenge saw our students achieve the highest number of bronze, silver and gold awards ever recorded at St James Preparatory School. This prestigious competition, with mathematics questions aimed at children up to a Year 8 level, provided an opportunity for our students to showcase their mathematical abilities on a broader stage.
For the first time, Years 3 and 4 participated in the First Primary Maths Challenge. The children thoroughly enjoyed this new experience and were incredibly enthusiastic about the opportunity.
A group of Year 6 pupils participated in an engaging workshop led by a renowned mathematician. They were exposed to intriguing puzzles and mathematical games, igniting their curiosity and challenging their problem-solving abilities.
A select group of Year 5 and 6 students had the exciting opportunity to participate in the Money Wise Challenge at the ExCel Centre in London. This event not only tested their mathematical acumen but also nurtured their understanding of financial literacy.
Our students also demonstrated their creative flair in the Young Mathematical Story Authors competition. Through their beautiful entries, they combined mathematical concepts with imaginative storytelling, showcasing the interdisciplinary nature of mathematics and its connection to the world around us.
For the first time at St James, we took part in National Numeracy Day. Children came dressed as anything mathematical and produced some outstanding costumes. We drew pictures to show maths can be used in our daily lives and in the future.
The day was a huge success and we look forward to celebrating it again next year!
By equipping our students with a strong foundation and the ability to apply their knowledge in practical situations, we strive to develop well-rounded mathematicians who can confidently navigate the complexities of the modern world.
Congratulations to all the students for an outstanding year of mathematical accomplishments, creative thinking and a deep appreciation for the subject. We applaud their dedication and look forward to witnessing their continued growth!
Children have been introduced to the wonders of coding through engaging robotics activities. By the time they reach Year 6, our pupils have developed a solid understanding of Python coding and have embarked on their journey to explore the world of JavaScript!
Online safety has been a top priority in our curriculum. Through thought-provoking discussions and interactive activities, pupils have gained a deep understanding of the potential risks online and measures they can take to protect themselves and others.
ICT
The ICT department at St James Preparatory School has had a remarkable year, filled with exciting lessons and invaluable learning experiences for pupils from Reception to Year 6. Throughout the year, our young learners have delved into the world of technology, building their coding skills and exploring the opportunities this skillset can unlock.
Beyond coding and online safety, our pupils have had the opportunity to delve into the realm of databases and game design. Through designing their own games, they tapped into their creativity while applying their newfound coding skills, resulting in unique and entertaining projects, including a bespoke St James Preparatory school themed chase game!
Teaching Kitchen
The recipes that Chef Suzie and I have created over this year in the Teaching Kitchen have been a smorgasbord of dishes from all over the world, with different inflections depending on the calendar.
In the Autumn we made Crispy Polenta & Garlicky ’Shrooms, then as the days got shorter and colder we all cooked up a Winter Warmer Root Stew and Buttery Mash, with me explaining that eating seasonally isn’t just about cooking ingredients that grow here and now, but also listening to what your body needs (or just plain wants, in the case of buttery mash!) at any given time of year.
And then, just when we were all getting over our cold weather vegetables, the wild garlic appeared! To chefs this is always a relieving moment: the very beginning of the new season that will soon give us English asparagus and strawberries. But wild garlic is the first to come through, and in the Teaching Kitchen we celebrated with Cauliflower Cheese Vol-au-Vents feat. New Season’s Wild Garlic Leaves.
When Pancake Day rolled around, we created a leftfield take on Masala Dosa & Coconut Sambal, which went down better than we expected given there was no Nutella involved!
All the children enjoyed cooking pretty much all the dishes this year, but Chef Suzie and I were surprised by the undisputed most popular recipe, which I described as the love child of two great Asian dishes: Green Thai Curry and Egg Fried Rice = Green Egg Fried Rice (with a little nod to Dr Seuss in there too!).
They all absolutely loved it, and on my personal mission, of their own volition I’m delighted to say that a solid 90% of the children chose to add a little (and in some cases a LOT) of chilli!
Chef Allegra
Sanskrit
In the spring term, the Sanskrit Department hosted the whole school Sanskrit Handwriting Competition. This year, we experimented with some new types of writing implement to achieve the elegant, thick and thin strokes needed.
In the summer term, we had our annual Sanskrit Speech Competition, which was judged by Dr Victor D’Avella, a Sanskrit lecturer at Oxford University, who wrote a thesis on selected hymns from the Atharvaveda as part of his Master of Philosophy degree.
Passages from the Veda, the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita were sung by all pupils from memory, and an English translation of each passage was recited.
Of special note this year was The Hymn of Creation, which explores why and through whom or what the universe came into being.
We are very happy with the progress our students are making as they move through our course, and it has been a privilege to see other schools showing great interest in the Sanskrit course St James Schools developed back in 1975!
Upper School CreativeWriting
Lower School
Writing Competition
A Finding Tale
Yuchen, Year 1
“Once upon a time there was a princess. She got a pink and red dress and a yellow crown. She had five bunnies. Her bunnies were pink and the bunnies had orange crown too.
One day she went down to the park, and she walked and she walked and she walked.
Suddenly she saw a shining crown. It was yellow orange.
Unfortunately, when she put the crown on her head there is black clouds and the crown stopped shining so she was sad.
Luckily a magical wizard came to her with a tall stick and the wizard made a magic spell and made a rainbow.
Finally, the five bunnies, the princess and the kind magical wizard had a barbecue.”
Handwriting Competition
Charlie, Year 1
Writing Competition
A persuasive letter
Reva, Year 4
“Dear Troll, I am writing to say that I know you are a kind, majestic, and brave troll, however, I am also writing to say that over the past few years with me being your neighbour, there have been a few things the whole village is mad at.
Every day when you come home, a disgusting stench is coming from your house! When I wake up in the morning, make my tea and expect to smell the nice scent of mint, instead, I smell the horrible odour coming from your house! Again! This has affected the whole town! Have you considered taking a shower? And at night your snoring keeps the whole town awake! The whole town needs our sleep! The deafening sound of snoring is loud enough to wake the dead!
Do you know how hard it is to try to sleep when the sound of thunderous snoring is all I can hear? And do you really think that's acceptable?
And I don't know what that little thing you keep as a pet is, but it's ruining my garden! Years, I've spent planting my strawberry patch! Years! And now it's been torn up by that ‘Pet’ you keep! I’d gladly buy you a new pet, like a cat!
If you could please listen to this letter and change your ways, we'd very much appreciate it.
Your angry neighbour,
Reva”
Handwriting Competition
Pippi, Year 6
Houses
Our house system sorts every pupil into one of the following houses: Canterbury, Salisbury or Winchester.
This year, we have had a huge variety of house competitions such as House Poetry and Drama Competition or House Art and Photography Competition. Pupils also had opportunities to win majors points for their houses on Sports Day, the Swimming Gala or the Handball World Cup.
At the end of each term, the children from the winning house get a house treat: we have hosted lawn games, magician shows and water fights!
It has been a brilliant year and pupils continue to impress as they earn points each week for their house.
A huge congratulations to Winchester
House Winners 2022-23!
Community St James
Fundraising
We have had yet another fantastic year of fundraising and raised a whopping £1,623. This is a massive achievement for the entire St James community, one which we hope to beat next year!
Year 5 and 6 pupils kick-started the year with our first Charity Fair. Each class voted for a craft activity to make and sell at the fair; painted pebbles, bookmarks and seasonal paintings to name a few.
The Autumn Term also saw the children dress in polka-dots in support of Children in Need.
St James was a sea of red in March, as we raised money for Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day. The pupils loved buying their eco-friendly red noses and held important discussions about how the money we raised would help others.
Towards the end of the Spring Term, we held our inaugural Easter Hat Parade to raise money for The Daisy Trust, St Vincent’s School for Sensory Impairment and Other Needs, and Rossholme School in Kenya. Year 5 also wrote letters to Rossholme’s Year 5, explaining about life at St James. We look forward to creating more links with every class there!
Pupils and parents baking skills were on full display at the Easter Bake Sale, as were some rather wonderful St James bunnies, raising money for The Daisy Trust. The school also organised some foodbank drives over the year, which were greatly appreciated by the Hammersmith & Fulham Foodbank.
The Daisy Trust visited us in the Summer Term and hosted an assembly about their work and those who they support. The pupils were engaged throughout and recognised the importance of helping others.
Thanks must go to all the pupils, parents and staff who continue to support our fundraising efforts!
Friends of St James
Thank you to the Parent Class Coordinators and all the parents who have done such a wonderful job this year, volunteering their time, donating and taking part in our events. A huge thanks to Lead PCC Lulu Gwynne for all her hard work over the last four years, raising lots of money for charities and ensuring lots of fun for parents and children!
Christmas Market
The Christmas Market was, as ever, a wonderfully festive event, with gingerbread making, Father Christmas, mulled wine, games and a lovely market. The playground came alive with a live band and food court. Some characterful goats at the petting zoo kept everyone entertained. The event raised £8,292.94, to be split between the two schools and their charities.
Thank you to our wonderful team of parent volunteers who ensured a fun and successful event!
Quiz Night
This year saw the return of the Earsby Street Quiz Night with parents and staff from the Senior Girls’ School and Prep School battling it out for the Quiz Cup.
Dr Craven was an excellent Quiz Master who kept quibbling in check!
The Prep School teachers’ team returned to defend the Quiz Cup and despite valiant efforts from the parents’ teams, were once again victorious.
Summer Ball
Our biggest event of the year was the fantastic Summer Ball in June. Parents and staff from across the three St James Schools gathered for the first ball in 7 years, to walk up the red carpet and enjoy a delicious meal, a caricaturist and an exciting auction. As soon as the band came on everyone took to the dance floor and danced the night away. The event raised over £10,000 for the St James Bursary Fund and was a fabulous evening of fun.
School
Council
We loved meeting each week to discuss all of the ideas and opinions of the entire school and trying to make as many of them happen as possible. We also enjoyed getting to taste some amazing bakes whilst judging the Bake-Off Competitions!
Joseph, Claudia & Lara
School Council has been a wonderful experience for us as we get to change things that impact the whole school! We love to receive ideas in the mailbox every week. For us, the best part of being in School Council has been speaking in front of everybody in assembly, which is something that not all pupils get to do. This year, we spoke about walking to school on No Power Day, the Bake-Off Competitions and the updated playground walls. It was VERY fun!
Maia, Salila & Julie
Our highlight of being in School Council was organising activities for the school during Well-Being Week.
We also loved receiving biscuits in our weekly meetings!
Jess & Shivaani
We enjoyed litter picking because it helped our local community and the environment! Callum & Yassin
Pupil
Librarians
Being a pupil librarian is so fun and teaches you where to find your favourite books. It’s nice to feel responsible for something and reading with Year 1 and helping them find a favourite book is really rewarding, when you know that someday they’ll find a book that clicks. Mine was Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
Isita
What I like about being a pupil librarian is helping all the younger children read and learning about all the different things that happen in the library – especially being involved in planning events and theme days.
Emily
Sustainability
in and outside the classroom
The Eco Committee has a huge role in promoting sustainability at St James. This year, Eco ambassadors performed an assembly to explain how children can reduce their electricity consumption and made a display to educate children on how electricity is made. They organised a No Power Day where no electricity was allowed to be used and all the children came in wearing bright clothes (because it was so dark!).
Our most recent green initiative was the creation of a vegetable patch, which holds six different planting stations for pupils to grow their own plants and vegetables. This helps pupils understand and respect the process of growing food, and hopefully encourages them not to waste food when they sit down for dinner.
They have also organised multiple flower-growing competitions, in hopes to make gardening a fun activity for everyone. Our Daffodil competition saw more than 15 pupils awarded with Gold Certificates for their beautiful and attentive gardening work!
The Eco Committee is passionate about its role and regularly petitions the school offices and senior management with their initiatives and projects!
Their dream list for the future includes a green-roof wild-flower meadow on the flat roof above the courtyard for biodiversity, solar panels on the roof to generate our own electricity and a beehive!
For next year, a series of informative assemblies have already been planned to ensure the children know all about sustainability!
Well done to the Eco Committee for all your hard work and commitment to making St James Prep greener!
Here’s to Year 6!
You are an extraordinary class, marked by your gentleness and kindness to each other. You have a deep appreciation of your friends and show exceptional respect and empathy. Your joyous enthusiasm and exuberance make the day full of fun.
I will miss saying good morning to you all each morning and hearing the tales of the weekend’s football matches or trips to cousins in far-off places. It has been an absolute pleasure to know you all and I wish you all the very best in the future!
Mrs Story
It has been a privilege to teach your wonderful group this year and I have loved every minute! You are always cheerful, fun and enthusiastic, taking advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow.
I have loved exploring topics like the Greeks and WWI with you – your openness and curiosity never ceased to amaze me! Particularly wonderful has been getting to share some of my favourite books and reading your fantastic writing too. Thanks for all of your hard work!
Mr Norris
Congratulations on receiving so many offers to top academic schools such as Latymer Upper, St Paul’s or Wimbledon High! We are certain that you will thrive, wherever you move on to.
Abem
I came 2nd in high jump last year! I was so relieved, and my parents and family were so proud of me.
Aboody
I remember when the wind was blowing the net constantly!
Adithya
One of my favourite memories at St James was the Year 6 residential when I went on the zipline and saw the great view.
Allegra
In Year 6 me and my friends went to run at the ISA. Julie and I nearly got into trouble because we were hiding about five muffins behind our backs. When Miss Robinson walked by we burst out laughing.
Anastasia
Going on the year 6 trip to Osmington Bay and doing stand-up paddle boarding with my friends, it was sooo fun!
Celeste
My favourite memory of St James is facing my fears and learning new things every day. I still remember my first day - everybody was so kind and caring with me.
Anushka
My favourite memory from St James is when we did our play for the Shakespeare Festival, Twelfth Night.
Connie
I remember my first day at school when I made friends with Rawa’a. Now I know why she wanted to be friends with me. She said I looked so cute and so friendly.
Callum
My favourite memory is abseiling and rock climbing at the Year 6 residential. It was really exciting! And when we went to liquid leisure because it was such a fun trip.
Dua
My favourite memory is when Allegra encouraged me to go down the giant zip-line on our Year 6 trip to Osmington Bay. It was so much fun!
Cassie
Eliska
Paddle boarding on the Year 6 residential we pushed each other into the water. We also tried making a human pyramid - well we did it but then we collapsed after five seconds. Me, Finn and Allegra also front flipped off the paddleboard.
Emily
My favourite memory is going on the class trip to Dorset and doing lots of fun activities.
Finn
My favourite St James memory was paddleboarding on the Year 6 residential.
I will never forget my first ever residentials and how much fun they were. Even when I have more, I won’t ever forget how amazing my trips to Somerset and Dorset were!
Elias
Our Year 4 trip to liquid leisure. It was fun to do all the water activities.
Fouad
When I came 1st place in the 75m Sprint at Sports Day this year, I was so happy that all my friends and family and everyone was clapping me.
Francesco
My favourite memory was when Yassin got bombed with water at Osmington Bay.
Julie
I went to the ISA running with Allegra, Gracie and Sienna. I came in 11th place. When the running was over me and Allegra snuck 3 chocolate cupcakes. It was really funny and we laughed a lot.
Gracie
My favourite memory was hearing I got ‘Belle’ in the play.
Karim
Mimosa
I remember on the Year 6 residential listening to music on the beach and having the best time!
My favourite memory was liquid leisure because it was my first trip. Jumping off the highest tower into the water was such a thrill.
Omar
When I went to my first ever Sports Day, I was so happy because I came 2nd in the high jump.
Isita
One of my favourite memories was abseiling in Year 5.
Maab
My favourite memory was when I overcame my fear and went on the zipline at Osmington Bay.
Orla
On our Year 6 school trip, every night Allegra would tell us a story about people with different colour eyes from a place called Boo Town and everyone would burst out laughing when the story got really confusing.
Joseph
My favourite memory was when I raced an instructor down the abseiling wall in Somerset.
Maia
One of my favourite memories is my first residential trip where I overcame my fears and had so much fun in my room. I also enjoyed having buddy time.
Peilin
When I first joined St James at least half the girls were swarming me which made me more nervous than I already was but after a few days when I got to know them better, I felt a lot more confident.
Pippi
My favourite memory was finding out our parts for Beauty and the Beast - everyone was so happy!
Rawa’a
My favourite memory is levelling up Maths sets, it made me very happy.
Yassin
I remember when I got bombed with water at Osmington Bay!
Priya
I remember on the Year 6 trip when we all did paddleboarding – we all got so wet attempting a human pyramid on a massive board!
Sasha
I remember the first assembly when I played the piano. My heart was beating so fast I didn’t feel my hands. I was so happy when it finished!
Ralphine
My favourite memories are going on school trips and having the best buddies ever.
Sienna
A favourite memory from St James is Sports Day and all of the activities on the residentials.
Yuxin
I was so happy when I did abseiling for the first time in my life on the Year 6 residential.
Zoe
I loved Osmington Bay and Somerset. Also, I love Beauty and the Beast – it’s really fun to do all the drama rehearsals.
Rashi
The Shakespeare Festival was my first play ever! And getting a lead for my first time was amazing. I was nervous, but I had an incredible time!
Yakiv
When I first came to this school I was so nervous and I saw Mrs Story and I didn’t know what to say and it was OK. Now I come to school with a smile on my face.
open minds and open hearts
Rooted in our philosophical traditions, we support and nurture the intellectual, emotional and spiritual development of boys and girls from 2-18.
To discover what makes our family of schools in London and Surrey so unique, please visit our Open Events.
Individual tours at any of our schools can also be booked throughout the year by appointment. www.stjamesschools.co.uk