St Paul's School Parents' Handbook 2024/25

St Paul’s School

Welcome

Welcome to St Paul’s School and congratulations to all of the pupils who have worked incredibly hard to get here.

This handbook provides an overview of what to expect on the first day of term, along with lots of other useful information, including term dates, sport, music and societies.

All pupils joining at 13+ will arrive into St Paul’s Fourth Form, whilst those entering at 16+ will join the Lower Eighth Form.

If you have any queries regarding any of the information within this book, please contact the Admissions Department via admissions@stpaulsschool.org.uk before your child starts at St Paul’s, or your child’s Tutor after the start of term.

First Point of Contact

The first point of contact for the majority of your queries will be your child’s Tutor They will be able to help answer your questions and if they don’t know the answer, they will point you in the right direction or get back to you as soon as possible. Should you require further assistance, or need special authorised absence, you should contact

the relevant Undermaster. For any queries relating to sport or music, please find the contact details in the relevant pages of this book. In addition, you can identify the School’s Senior Management Team, plus other key staff members on the useful contacts pages.

Communications

Pupils receive a daily bulletin drawing their attention to various announcements relating to academic, pastoral and co-curricular activities. Pupils should have either a wifi-enabled tablet with separate keyboard, or laptop; and they should also have headphones from the start of the academic year. They will receive instructions on how to set this up to access school email at the start of school in September. Pupils will be educated about acceptable use and security of mobile devices as part of induction.

Parent Portal

The Parent Portal keeps you up to date with your child’s progress, along with the latest news from the school.

Features include:

• email communications from the school

• the school calendars

• pupil timetables, teaching groups, attendance, detentions, commendations, internal and public exams, school reports and grades

• the school’s record of your personal and family contacts

• copies of policies and other documents, along with additional useful links

• parent directory (opt-in directory of parental contact details)

• event and trip bookings

Some features within the portal may be restricted until your child starts the school term in September. Further features will be released as pupils progress through the school, and as we continuously develop the system.

Emails

A daily email is sent from the school at 4.30pm. Urgent emails may be sent separately. There is also a weekly enewsletter which includes an update from the High Master.

Parents’ Evenings, Grades and Reports

Throughout the year, we will report to you about your child’s progress with a mixture of grades, reports and full parents’ evenings. An initial set of grades is published at half term, where we concentrate on working habits rather than attainment; thenceforth reports will contain both measure of effort and attainment and are sent at the end of term. A full parents’ evening will occur with subject teachers and Tutors, offering a chance to put teachers’ names to faces, discuss progress in academic subjects, and get an update from your child’s Tutor. The full programme for the year will be published in due course.

PUPILS SHOULD HAVE THE FOLLOWING WITH THEM ON THE FIRST DAY:

• Wifi-enabled tablet with separate keyboard, or laptop, with headphones

• Casio calculator FX-991 EX CLASSWIZ

• Pencil case – pens, pencils, ruler, eraser, protractor, pair of compasses, highlighters

Useful Contacts

Doug Perrin

Head of Middle School

HoMS@stpaulsschool.org.uk

Naomi McLaughlin

Head of Eighth Form

Ho8@stpaulsschool.org.uk

Rebecca McGreevy

Deputy Head Staff

Development and Wellbeing

RMG@stpaulsschool.org.uk

Nick Hudson

Assistant Head (Safeguarding & Pupil Wellbeing)

Wellbeing@stpaulsschool.org.uk

Sally-Anne Huang

High Master

HMPA@stpaulsschool.org.uk

Fran Clough

Surmaster

SMPA@stpaulsschool.org.uk

Ollie Fernie

Director of Digital Learning and Innovation

OMF@stpaulsschool.org.uk

Daniel Pirrie

Deputy Head (Academic)

Tahmer Mahmoud

Director of Teaching and Learning

TXM@stpaulsschool.org.uk

Tom Killick

Deputy Head (Co-Curricular)

DHCoCurricular@stpaulsschool.org.uk

Andy Edwards

Assistant Head (Co-Curricular)

ANDE@stpaulsschool.org.uk

DP@stpaulsschool.org.uk

Nick Watkins

Deputy Head (Pastoral)

DHPastoral@stpaulsschool.org.uk

Richard Cassell Chair of Governors

Clerk@stpaulsschool.org.uk

James Blurton

Blurton House Undermaster

Blurtonj@stpaulsschool.org.uk

Alex Langley

Langley House Undermaster

ARL@stpaulsschool.org.uk

Jon Bennett Director of Careers and Universities

RMG@stpaulsschool.org.uk

Keri Cloete

Cloete House Undermaster

KMC@stpaulsschool.org.uk

Hugo Nilsson

Nilsson House Undermaster

HMMN@stpaulsschool.org.uk

Tom Passmore Head of Boarding

Housemaster@stpaulsschool.org.uk

James Gilks

Gilks House Undermaster

JARG@stpaulsschool.org.uk

Alex Stewart

Stewart House Undermaster

ADS@stpaulsschool.org.uk

A full list of staff contacts can be found on the Parent Portal My.StPaulsSchool.org.uk

Glenn Harrison

Harrison House Undermaster

RGH@stpaulsschool.org.uk

Hannah Warner

Warner House Undermaster

HRFW@stpaulsschool.org.uk

Fourth Form Induction

First Day of Term:

Friday 30 August, 8.30am – 4.15pm

Pupils are asked to arrive at school by 8.25am so that they are ready to be registered by their Tutor at 8.30am. If they already know the location of their Tutor Group room, they are very welcome to go directly there. If they are unsure, there will be prefects and Mr Perrin on hand in the Atrium area to point them in the right direction. Pupils will be allocated a locker for both books and sports kit on the first day of term. The day will then follow the format on the following page.

First Day of Term

8.30am Registration bell – all to Tutors, followed by welcome assembly

9.00am Tutor time, receive timetable and go to House assembly

10.15am Morning break

10.40am ICT induction

12.00pm Whole school assembly

12.35pm Lunch

2.20pm

3.00pm

Afternoon Tutor time

Lessons or Learning Support screeners; photos and locker allocations

Monday Activities

On Monday lunchtimes, Fourth Form pupils participate in an activity to help them learn new skills and make friends. By the end of the year, pupils will have completed at least two activities (one for the Autumn Term, one for the Spring Term.) There is always an exciting, wide variety of activities and we ask pupils to choose at least one sport and one non-sport option. Whilst subject to availability, activities are likely to include choices such as basketball, water polo, squash, fencing, fives, film-making, technical theatre, music production and computer programming.

Senior School Timetable

The timetable rotates every two weeks. Details of your child’s full timetable can be located on the Parent Portal from the start of the academic year.

Lower Eighth Form Induction

Lower Eighth Form Induction Day:

Thursday 29 August, 12noon start

We ask all new pupils to arrive for the Induction Day in smart office dress by 12noon for a welcome lunch. Parents/guardians are invited to join for this event. From here, pupils will be taken on a tour of the school by Ms McLaughlin, the Head of Eighth Form.

During the Induction Day, they will have the chance to meet a range of members of staff at the school, learn about how to get involved with different co-curricular activities, and receive information about school life and the daily routine.

New pupils will also be given maps and handbooks, their computer log-in details, and a copy of their school timetable. All of the day pupils will also be allocated a locker in the changing room area. To ensure that they have the correct padlock to safely secure their locker, pupils will need to buy a padlock and this will be charged to their Book Room Account. The charge will be £17.85.

From 4-4.40pm, pupils who are studying Chemistry will have a short introduction to the practical equipment they will be using in their lessons. Day pupils who are not studying Chemistry will be free to go at 3.30pm.

New boarders will move into School House on Wednesday 30 August, the afternoon before Induction Day. There will be a welcome tea followed by an induction. Further details about this and the Induction Day will be sent toward the end of the Summer Term and will be available on the Parent Portal.

First Day of Term:

Friday 30 August, 8.25am – 4.15pm

New pupils are asked to arrive at school by 8.25am so that they are ready to be registered by their Tutor at 8.35am. If they already know the location of their Tutor Group, they are very welcome to go directly there. If they are unsure, there will be prefects and staff on hand to point them in the right direction. The day will then follow the order shown in the table in the next column.

First Day of Term

8.30am Registration bell – all to Tutors 9.50am Assembly 10.15am Notices and morning break 10.40am Period three as normal 11.15am Period four as normal 12noon Whole school assembly Rest of the day as normal

Careers and Universities

Lower Eighth pupils will receive a copy of the Universities and Higher Education Handbook at the start of the Spring Term, which will include an itinerary of meetings and events to prepare them for applying to university in the UK and abroad.

Useful Information

Getting to School

All pupils need to arrive by 8.25am and be registered with their Tutor by 8.30am.

Many pupils at St Paul’s make their own way –perhaps being dropped off by a parent or travelling by bike, tube or bus. It is fine to wear casual dress for the journeys to school and home.

Cycling

Pupils may cycle to school. We advise those who cycle to wear helmets and high visibility garments at all times on their journey to and from school. All bikes must be locked; pupils are to ensure that they always have a lock for their bikes, and their bikes should be secured away safely in a cycle rack.

School Buses

The school currently offers four bus services, two from North London and two from South London, for which a termly fee is payable. Details of the routes and timings can be found on the school website under ‘Getting Here – School Buses’.

Attendance and Registration

Absences

If your child is going to be absent through ill health, please contact the school before 8.30am. This can be done by emailing your child’s tutor copying in registration at registration@stpaulsschool.org.uk. We do ask that you send an email every day that they are absent.

Exeats

If your child needs to miss a portion of a school day for a routine appointment (e.g. medical), please email Registration registration@stpaulsschool.org.uk, cc-ing your son’s Tutor. If you wish your son to miss a school day for a non-routine reason, permission must be requested from your son’s Undermaster. Please email the Undermaster, cc Registration and Tutor, providing details of the requested absence with as much notice as possible.

Late Arrivals

If your son arrives late to school, he should proceed straight to Tutors or his assembly and register there (or at the Book Room if after 9am, before proceeding to his normal timetabled activity).

Please note that since our term dates are published far in advance and the terms are short, we do ask parents to avoid booking holidays within term dates as lessons and Tutor Group activities proceed right until the end of term. Your support with this is very much appreciated.

School Textbooks and Stationery

Textbooks are distributed by subject teachers: these are charged to pupils’ accounts to allow annotation. It is recommended all pupils have an A4 pad and a file for document storage.

The Kayton Library

We aim to provide the books, resources and services to support students and all staff in their scholarship and reading for pleasure. We are located overlooking the river on the first floor.

We have a collection of around 27,000 books plus newspapers, magazines and online resources. We also have a collection of around 2,700 rare and valuable books including books donated by Samuel Pepys after the Great Fire of London. Our Archive of the school’s history includes 150 years of student records, paperwork used in planning D-Day, uniforms, magazines and photographs.

The library is open 48 hours per week, including before and after lessons, and pupils are very welcome to use it to work, read or relax in our armchairs. Library staff are available throughout the day to answer enquiries, support research and help with book recommendations. Recommended reading lists are available on our catalogue. Pupils may borrow up to six books for two weeks; Eighth Form pupils have an extended allowance of 12 books for three weeks.

We run introductory sessions for new pupils and invite all Fourth Formers to play Book Bingo in the first term. We run a Predict the Booker Prize event with the Lower Eighth in the Autumn Term and we also have two “Treasures of St Paul’s” events during the year.

Homework/Prep

Homework at St Paul’s is set with a ‘due in date’. This is very popular with the pupils as they can fit it around their own co-curricular commitments and lifestyles. However, it does mean that they need to be very organised and not make the mistake of leaving it all until the last minute. Most Fourth Formers tend to complete the smaller tasks on weekday nights and then leave the longer tasks like projects and essays until the weekend. On average, pupils should expect to complete approximately two or three pieces of homework per night on weekdays, which last between 30-40 minutes each. To help them in their first year, all homework tasks for the Fourth Form will be set using Google Classroom.

If your child seems to be spending an excessive amount of time on homework, please do encourage them to speak to their Tutor or subject teacher. There may be various reasons why this is happening, but it is important that this is quickly resolved.

Behaviour, Rewards and Sanctions

We strongly believe that positive guidance and affirmation best help children develop the character, habits and disciplines to succeed in life. Commendations are given by teachers for excellent academic effort or achievement, or contribution to school life through service or co-curricular activity. Both your child and their Tutor will be notified of these, and you can also view them in the Parent Portal.

Pupil conduct is guided by the Pupil Behaviour Code. Detentions may be awarded to help reinforce appropriate boundaries. They are held after school for an hour on various weekdays, and you will be informed 24 hours in advance if your child has received one. Led by your child’s Tutor, the school will always seek to support your child in successfully addressing any difficulties they are having, whether academic or behavioural. This might include, for example, reflective mentoring or creating structured work opportunities during the school day.

In all of these situations, your child’s Tutor will be in regular communication with you. The school’s Behaviour, Rewards and Sanctions Policy provides detail in all of these areas.

Lunch

All pupils enjoy a 1 hour 40 minute lunch break at St Paul’s, where they get the chance to have a healthy lunch and experience some of the many societies and activities that run over lunchtime.

Chartwells are our caterers. They provide a good range of fresh, contemporary, nutritionally balanced and locally sourced food. Meals are prepared by friendly, enthusiastic and creative people who love what they do... and it shows! One-to-one meetings can be organised to discuss allergen meal arrangements for your child if required. Weekly menus can be found through the Parent Portal or via our website.

Off Games/PE

If your child is unable to participate in Games or PE, please email Registration@stpaulsschool.org.uk, copying in your Tutor. Your child will then be added to the Off Games List.

On their Games Afternoon, an Off Games pupil will be required to register in the Library to complete a period of quiet work.

Should they have a PE lesson when Off Games, they must still attend the lesson to inform their teacher in person of their Off Games status.

Lost Property

All Fourth Form pupils will have their own locker and will be given a very durable padlock that should hopefully last them for their time at St Paul's. The cost of this is approximately £17 and will be charged to your son's Bookroom account.

If your child loses something, please encourage them to tell their Tutor, but they should also take responsibility to look for it themselves, returning to the last place they had the item and having a good search. Lost Property is open each morning break and at lunchtime and is located near the Sports Hall Changing Rooms.

Unnamed property that is not collected after a period of time is passed to charity. Valuable items such as wallets and phones will always be handed into Reception.

Pastoral Care

St Paul’s prides itself on the outstanding pastoral care that it provides to all of its pupils. We know that a happy child, one who feels loved and respected, is a child ready to thrive. We also know that teenage life has plenty to throw at those passing through it, and are experienced and well placed to help your child along their journey.

Your child’s Tutor will be the central pastoral figure during their time at St Paul’s. He or she will remain with your child for their time at the school. They will meet your child daily, and so are perfectly placed to give quiet support, encouragement and guidance. At its heart, this is a relationship of warmth and care – and we hope that you and your child will feel confident to approach their Tutor with any worries you have, however big or small.

Each pupil and tutor group is also within a House, and each House is overseen by an Undermaster, charged with oversight of the team of tutors within their house and the progress and wellbeing of the pupils in it. Tutor and Undermaster will work together to help ensure that, at any point of need, your child receives the best support available. There is a wide array of high quality support at St Paul’s: two greatly experienced and qualified school counsellors, Professor Robert Bor and Dr Sara Chaudry, are available throughout the week; the School Chaplain, Rev’d Matthew Knox is available to all pupils.

An array of wellbeing initiatives take place throughout the year, as well as a strong focus on the development of character. Both of these, together with ongoing education in self-care, is delivered through our PSHE provision, as well as in assemblies and tutorial discussions – because, most of all, we wish for those children who join us to leave us as safe and capable young adults.

Our pastoral provision is overseen by the Deputy Head (Pastoral), Mr Nick Watkins, and an experienced pastoral and safeguarding team, including the Undermasters and the Assistant Head (Safeguarding and Pupil Wellbeing) Mr Nick Hudson, who is also the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Boarding

Full and Weekly Boarding

School House is a small and welcoming community of 44 pupils within the school complex on the banks of the Thames. It offers a supportive environment that helps boarders concentrate on their studies during the week and grants them the independence and freedom to explore their many other interests.

Besides structured daily prep time in the Kayton Library, boarders can use all the school’s many facilities: some may use the gym, others the music school, another group might have coffee in nearby Barnes, whilst others relax in the House common room and play pool or watch a movie together.

At weekends, we organise various trips, including cooking classes at Leith’s, meals out in London restaurants, tours around famous landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral and the Science Museum, and high adrenaline activities go-karting, indoor skydiving and paintballing.

The Housemaster, supported by the Matron and a team of House Tutors, will work closely with pupils’ Academic Tutors to ensure that they make the most of school life, but most importantly, that they settle in, make friends and are happy. In School House, we offer full and weekly boarding (Sunday evening–Friday afternoon).

Full and weekly boarding is available for pupils joining the school in Fourth Form and Lower Eighth as well as to existing pupils. Boarding is not available for pupils below the Fourth Form.

Flexi-boarding

We have a number of flexi-boarding places in the newly refurbished West House. This is for pupils who want to board for two or three nights a week and is perfect for those who have a very long commute, whose parents are away for a period of time or have an after-school or early morning activity.

Flexi-boarders have their own rooms, and a common room in West House but also have access to all the facilities in School House and the wider school. They will join for all meals in the dining room and prep in the Kayton Library.

For flexi-boarding enquiries, please email flexiboarding@stpaulsschool.org.uk

Welcome Tea for Parents and New Boarders Wednesday 28 August, 3pm

Parents and new boarders are invited for a welcome tea with Mr Passmore, the Housemaster, the rest of the House Staff, House Prefects and Ms McLaughlin, the Head of Eighth Form.

After the tea, there will be some time for boarders to move into their new rooms before an introduction to School House and the local area in the afternoon and dinner together in the evening.

Lower Eighth Form Induction Day: Thursday 29 August, 12 noon

Parents are welcome to also join the lunch on Thursday 29 August for an opportunity to meet their son’s Tutor.

Boarding House Induction

Saturday 31 August - Sunday 1 September

We ask all boarders, whether weekly or full boarders, to stay in the house the first weekend. There are a number of induction events, activities and a trip planned to help your child settle into School House and get to know the other boarders.

Medical Arrangements

The following is an outline of the medical arrangements at St Paul’s School. Please note that it is very important that the school holds up-to-date information about parent contact details and each pupil’s medical circumstances, in case of an emergency. For further information about how your child’s data is processed and stored, please refer to the school’s Privacy Notice, which can be found on the website or Parent Portal under ‘Policies’.

Medical Provision

School Nurses: The school has a qualified nurse available throughout each school day. The school nursing team currently consists of:

Ruth Morris – Head Nurse

Sophie Thomas – School Nurse

Vanessa Fitzpatrick – School Nurse

The nurses can be contacted by email on schoolnurses@stpaulsschool.org.uk or by telephone on their direct line, 020 8746 5470.

Access: The nurse is available in the school’s Medical Room from 8am - 4.15pm, five days a week. Pupils can access the Medical Room freely without accompaniment during the school day. The nurse can administer first aid and she will also deal with any accidents or emergencies. The nurse will also provide advice and assistance to those with more serious or ongoing problems; advice can also be given to pupils on medical matters, together with contact details for outside agencies that can help. Pupils who may require the help of a counsellor can obtain information about this service, confidentially, from the School Nurse.

School Doctor: Dr Fhorkan Uddin is in school on Wednesday afternoons. All staff and pupils may consult him even if they are registered at home with a different practice.

School Counsellors: Professor Robert Bor and Dr Sara Chaudry are retained by the school to counsel pupils, their families and staff who need their advice. Dr Chaudry attends from 8.30am-3.30pm on a Tuesday, and Professor Bor on a Wednesday morning.

Appointments to see the Counsellor are made confidentially through the School Nurse, or via the school’s Wellbeing intranet pages.

Physiotherapy: We have a practising school Physiotherapist, Nico Kirschstein-Smith, who attends school two to three times per week, depending on need. Parents can book an appointment for their child directly through Nico using his school email, physio@stpaulsschool.org.uk. The cost per session is £50; this will be charged to your child’s Book Room account.

Medicines in school: Pupils are not permitted to keep medicines on their person when in school, except for emergency medication, such as Ventolin inhalers or auto injectors (epipen). All other medication, including any Controlled Medications (such as Ritalin), should be handed to the School Nurse to administer and a consent form completed and signed by the parent/guardian.

Specifically, any Controlled Medication (e.g. Ritalin) on site MUST be stored in the Medical Centre. Please contact the Head Nurse.

Arrangements for pupils with allergies and medical conditions: The information held by the school includes a record of pupils who need to have access to asthma inhalers, auto injector devices, insulin injections or similar and this information is circulated to First Aiders and other staff on a need to know basis. We also need to have up-to-date and accurate care plans for the pupils with medical conditions in line with the ‘Medicines in School’ Government publication.

In the senior school, it is expected that individual pupils will carry their own emergency medical equipment. If your child has emergency medication, please ensure a spare is sent in to be stored with the nurses in the Medical Room.

We are a ‘nut-free’ school: Please may we remind you that as detailed in our School Code, nuts of any kind, including those in snack bars, chocolate bars and peanut butter, are forbidden. There are numerous children with food allergies within the school and we need to ensure their safety. Please do not send ANY snack containing nuts (such as bags of nuts, or nut-based cereal bars) to school or onto any school trip.

Vaccinations at school: The School Nurse liaises with the local NHS vaccination team to organise the school’s vaccination programme (e.g. for Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio; Meningitis ACWY; HPV; and nasal flu).

Recognising concussion and the return to play after concussion protocols: We are guided by the Rugby Football Union recommendations on return to play after a head injury and it is very important that suspected or confirmed cases of concussion are treated appropriately and logged at the school. The key points to remember are that if there is a suspected head injury, medical attention must be sought; it is then important that the graduated return to play protocol is followed, according to clear guidelines. Please contact the School Nurse if you have any queries about a suspected head injury, including injuries sustained at non-school events such as club matches or training.

Please contact one of the school nurses if you would like any further information about these issues. We look forward to caring for your child’s welfare while at St Paul’s School.

Ruth Morris Head Nurse

Sophie Thomas School Nurse

Sport at St Paul’s School

Sport is a key component of the educational provision at St Paul’s and is integral to supporting the school’s ethos. St Paul’s aims to give every pupil the chance to benefit from learning through sport by playing and being taught a range of sports at the level best suited to their abilities and interests. We provide a wealth of sport and all pupils are encouraged to adopt and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle, with the safety and welfare of the pupils being our top priority at all times.

The sport programme serves to reinforce our five core character traits of respect, kindness, humility, integrity and resilience while incorporating elements of commitment, honesty, leadership, responsibility, self-discipline and teamwork. The programme is designed and resourced to be fully inclusive, catering for the development and enjoyment of all pupils, from the interested novice to the elite performer. Every pupil is encouraged to maximise their potential for growth physically, mentally, socially and emotionally.

St Paul’s has a very strong reputation for sport and there is a demanding fixture list in all of the main school sports, with matches taking place weekly on Saturdays or weekdays in all three terms. Many pupils are able to represent St Paul’s in inter-school fixtures, while a number of individuals and teams regularly progress in regional, national and international competitions.

It is expected that, if selected, a player should be available to represent the school in a sport that they play regularly at school. Fixtures are sometimes arranged for bank holiday weekends or the final weekends of term; please check the fixture list before making holiday plans. Details of all fixtures can be found on the school sports website, SOCS. Requests for absence in exceptional circumstances should be made at least two weeks’ in advance and addressed to the Director of Sport at LDW@stpaulsschool.org.uk and these will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Parents are very welcome to attend school matches and support.

All sporting activities occur weekly during the Games Half afternoons: on Tuesdays for the Fourth Form and on Wednesdays for the Lower Eighth Form. The Fourth Form also have a period

Luke Warriner Director of Sport

LDW@stpaulsschool.org.uk

of Physical Education each week. Extra practice and skills sessions are held in our extended lunch break when the pupils can receive in-depth coaching in their preferred sport. In the Autumn Term, Fourth Form pupils will play a version of rugby; pupils that are not selected for school teams A-H and are less confident will play non-contact rugby and skills only.

Lower Eighth pupils can choose from a wide range of activities, ranging from major sports such as rugby, cricket and football, to basketball, badminton, rackets, fencing, fives, water polo, judo, rowing and climbing. From the Spring Term onwards, Fourth Form pupils will be able to choose their Games Half option.

The school benefits from an outstanding team of elite and expert coaches and support staff, many of whom can boast their own impressive sporting achievements.

Rugby

We provide competitive matches for as many pupils as possible, and fixtures are regularly arranged for Saturdays (mostly but not exclusively in the afternoon). Autumn Term rugby fixtures for the Fourth Form at St Paul’s are overleaf.

We would like to invite all Fourth Formers joining in September to participate in a pre-season rugby camp on 22, 23 and 27 August. Whilst it would be ideal if he could attend on all three dates, if only one or two are possible he would be welcome. Trial games will then take place on Saturday 31 August, from 9.30-11.30am for all players looking to make the A-F teams.

The purpose of the camp, which is free of charge, is to provide training and to assess appropriate teams for the boys when they join us. It is open to all new joiners, regardless of the level at which they currently play and will be a great opportunity to meet future schoolmates and sports staff.

The camp will run from 9.30am – 12 noon each day. Boys should wear their reversible SPS rugby shirts and white shorts. If you have not yet been

able to purchase your son’s kit, please send him in any rugby shirt so that he can still join in the sessions. He will also need to bring a mouth guard, trainers, boots and a water container.

The training sessions will take place on the SPS playing fields 5 and 6 on the west side of the school. All players will be directed to the fields upon arrival each morning by the SPS security guards.

Any contact sessions will be brought in gradually throughout the training camp and during the first few weeks of school and will prioritise on safety in tackle technique, therefore gumshields are compulsory at all sessions.

We understand that these dates may clash with summer holiday plans so please do not worry if your son is unable to attend. Further assessments of team suitability will take place during the first week of term and those selected for the A to F squads will be expected to attend additional training on the morning of 31 August. The boys who have attended the training camp will be told which group they will be in for the trial games on 31 August.

Those unable to make the training days but keen to play in a team will be put into a group on the morning of the trials.

If you have not already responded to confirm whether or not your son will attend the trials, and if so on what dates, please complete the Google form.

For those who are attending, further joining details will be sent a little nearer the time.

Parents are very welcome to attend school matches and support; we look forward to meeting you in September.

Mr Andy Maguire, Director of Rugby.

Opro Mouthguards

In the interest of your child’s safety, it is mandatory that a mouthguard is worn to participate in rugby. We work with OPRO, who are the largest manufacturers of Custom-Fit mouthguards in the world. OPRO have launched their revolutionary Instant Custom-Fit mouthguard which is a dentist level mouthguard that can be fitted at home.

Benefits of the Instant Custom-Fit mouthguard:

• OPRO’s revolutionary fitting mechanism allows the pupil to take an instant dentist impression of their teeth whilst moulding their Custom-Fit mouthguard

• You can choose between three protection levels and add anti-microbial protection to the mouthguard

• Made in OPRO’s manufacturing facility in Hertfordshire, the Instant Custom-Fit offers the highest level of protection as worn by professionals

• Prices start from £29.99 and you will receive 10% off if you use the following code StPauls10

• The Instant Custom-Fit can be manufactured in as little as two days. Once fitted at home, it’s ready to use

• You will receive a complimentary Self-Fit mouthguard to practise the fitting process with and this can be used as a spare mouthguard for the season

To order an Instant Custom-Fit please follow the steps below:

1. Visit https://opro.info/StPauls

2. Choose the mouthguard you’d like to purchase

3. Enter the discount code STPAULS10 to receive 10% off

4. Your OPRO Instant Custom-Fit will be sent to the delivery address provided

5. Follow the fitting instructions included with the mouthguard

6. Your mouthguard is now ready to use.

If you have any questions about the products or OPRO’s service, please contact their customer care team directly on 01442 430690 or email info@oprogroup.com.

Rugby Fixtures

To view or subscribe to the most up-to-date fixtures and results, please visit sports.stpaulsschool.org.uk

Drama at St Paul’s School

Drama

Drama fosters community and facilitates communication; it is a space in which young people can come to know themselves and others better. It breeds both self-analysis and self-discipline and allows the individual to integrate more fluently with the world around them.

The Drama Centre, which opened in 2014, houses the state-of-the-art Dorfman Theatre (seating 280) as well as a teaching wing, rehearsal rooms and two-storey glass fronted foyer overlooking the River Thames. Coupled with the Milton Studio, these theatres host upwards of a dozen productions each year, allowing pupils to embrace a range of performance styles and the technical and design challenges therein. To support our varied output, we employ a full-time theatre technical manager, a theatre technician and industry professionals to provide set and costume designs.

The possibilities for enthusiastic pupils are vast, from experimental studio pieces embracing dance and new writing, to large-scale musicals and plays from the classical repertoire. Recent productions have included Animal Farm, The Winter’s Tale, Death of a Salesman and The Visit. A junior production, cast exclusively from pupils in the Fourth and Fifth Form, is staged annually in May. Furthermore, there are regular transfers

of senior productions to external venues such as the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith and the Edinburgh Fringe.

Those Fourth Formers interested in technical theatre are encouraged to attend Theatre Tech as one of their Monday activity options, and technicians of all ages are invited to attend Theatre FX on Tuesday lunchtimes to hone their skills. Student technicians provide lighting and sound design for all school productions.

There are many more opportunities for pupils to take up the reins for themselves. These include the House Drama competition in the Autumn Term, cast from Fourth and Fifth Form actors and directed by Lower Eighth Formers, as well as the Young Directors’ Weekend, a chance for budding Lower Eighth directors to receive classes from professional directors and designers, resulting in the production of their own short plays.

All pupils are also invited to take part in the annual Monologue Competition, as well as the SPS Short Film Competition, which provides a platform to showcase their skills as scriptwriters and screen actors.

The Samuel Pepys Theatre regularly plays host to touring companies who provide workshop opportunities for the pupils, exploring theatrical disciplines as varied as dance, physical theatre and puppetry. We also welcome distinguished

Christian Anthony Director of Drama CPA@stpaulsschool.org.uk

speakers from the theatre industry to give lectures; these have included, over the years, Simon Russell Beale, Timothy West, Michael Attenborough, Nicholas Hytner, Michael Billington and Rupert Everett.

Auditions for all productions, as well as information on workshops and forthcoming events, are advertised via the Drama Noticeboard outside DR2 in the Drama Centre.

Music

and Drama Performances

Tickets for all performances can be purchased via www.stpaulsschool.org.uk/our-community/events/ Tickets for drama productions can be purchased directly from the department’s dedicated ticketing site www.ticketsource.co.uk/spsdrama

Music at St Paul’s School

As well as academic teaching and individual instrumental tuition, the Music department offers a wide range of ensemble activities for musicians of all standards – from chamber music and jazz through to full orchestras, several choirs and barbershop.

Our Music School boasts the Wathen Hall (a professional-quality concert venue with a superb acoustic), several rehearsal rooms, two large teaching rooms and a music technology suite. There are regular concerts and recitals, musicals and other drama collaborations, workshops and festivals.

Instrumental Tuition

Instrumental tuition, music theory and aural lessons are provided by self-employed Visiting Music Teachers (VMTs). Lessons are available in orchestral instruments, as well as drum kit, saxophone, piano, jazz piano, guitar and voice. Parents will have an opportunity to request music lessons via the Parent Portal as part of the school enrolment process.

Choirs and Ensembles

The information received through the pupil’s personal information forms will enable us to encourage your child to join in musical activities at school. Pupils are able to sign up for auditions/ voice tests. Details will be included in daily bulletins to all pupils.

Advanced players with Grade 6 or above may be invited to play in the symphony orchestra,

which is the school’s largest ensemble and tackles challenging repertoire. Jazz enthusiasts might have the opportunity to join the big band or one of several jazz ensembles, including a swing band. These ensemble groups perform a wide range of repertoire, much of it arranged specifically for the pupils involved by the school’s specialist jazz ensemble coaches.

For any pupil who likes to sing there is the Chapel Choir, which sings regular Eucharist services in school and annual services at St Paul’s Cathedral. Our secular choir, St Paul’s Voices, sings a wider range of repertoire and participates in evening concerts, and select subsets of these two large groups (Consort and Motley Croon) enable the most accomplished singers to develop advanced close harmony and ensemble skills. Pupils should sign up at the start of the Autumn Term for a brief and informal voice trial. This is more to see where the voice lies rather than a full audition. Any pupil who is unsure of which group to join but keen to sing should contact the Director of Music personally to discuss options.

Rehearsals for all groups (ensembles, chamber music, jazz, orchestras, choirs) will start in the second full week of the Autumn Term and are weekly thereafter. There may be extra rehearsals scheduled leading up to major concerts.

Concerts

We have a full programme of concerts and events throughout the year, highlights of which are the

Mark Wilderspin Director of Music

MDW@stpaulsschool.org.uk

Autumn and Spring concerts; we also present a high-profile annual joint concert with St Paul’s Girls’ School. In addition several ensemble concerts showcase the variety of our smaller ensembles. Recent repertoire has included symphonies by Dvo˘ák, Brahms, Weill and Sibelius, as well as Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite and Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite.

St Paul’s has contributed annually to the Barnes Music Festival since its inception, including the Opening Night concerts in 2019 and 2022, performing alongside St Paul’s Girls’ School and a professional orchestra. The Festival’s Schools Concert, which is a partnership project involving local primary schools, has been hosted in the Wathen Hall since 2018. These concerts have featured creative workshops with the partner schools, leading to original works written by Director of Music Mark Wilderspin. Each final concert has been a collaboration between St Paul’s, primary schools and the Rodolfus Foundation.

Our jazz musicians regularly gig at local venues, including the iconic Bull’s Head and Chelsea’s 606 Club and many of our musicians participate in informal recitals in the community, external competitions and festivals. Whilst the majority of our groups work towards live performance in front of audiences, the Music School is also a place where pupils can just come and sit down at a piano over a lunchtime and play for the sheer love of it.

House System, Clubs and Societies

Each tutor group in the school is part of a House, led by an Undermaster, who oversees the pastoral care and academic progress of all pupils in the house, together with their tutors.

The House system also provides fantastic opportunities for activity through the InterHouse Competition which runs throughout the year, with events ranging from athletics to frisbee, drama to music, computing to MasterChef! The range of activities allows (and encourages) pupils to try something new; whether they turn out to be the best in the event or demonstrate resilience and spirit by competing regardless of skill.

Winning the House Competition is the aim for some, a secondary concern for others: but all Houses value contribution, co-operation and commitment. The House community also provides many opportunities for pupil leadership, so whether that be through the House Competitions, or in-House mentoring, student council or charitable activities, each pupil has a myriad of opportunities to contribute.

Societies and Clubs

Unless otherwise stated, meetings are open to all and held weekly. Societies do not charge subscriptions unless mentioned in the following notes. Timings and locations may be subject to change.

A short synopsis on each of the societies and clubs can be found on the following pages. Pupils should contact the staff member in charge for further information.

There are also several committees and events that pupils can volunteer to join or help with, such as the Catering Committee, Charities’ Committee, Societies’ Committees and Junior Conferences. Pupils should listen out for announcements and they will also be informed of such opportunities via Tutors.

ADVENTURE

SPORTS Adventurous trips are arranged during school holidays and weekends and are well advertised. A wide range of adventurous activities is offered, for example: mountain biking, ski-touring, ice climbing, trekking, alpinism and rock climbing. Destinations include the wilderness locations of the UK, continental Europe and further afield. Pupils of all year groups are offered trips suitable for their ages and abilities. Climbers and explorers of note are also occasionally invited to the school to give open lectures.

Additionally, support is offered to those planning their own expeditions, and the school stocks an impressive array of high quality adventure equipment that is available for pupils and staff to borrow.

AI SOC is for Computer Scientists, Mathematicians and anyone who’s interested to meet to discuss all aspects of artificial intelligence, machine learning and similar technologies. Student-led, the society meets weekly to listen to presentations from members or guest speakers, to discuss projects and to keep in touch with developments. All year groups welcome; bring

your curiousity and your visions for the future of technology. Meetings will take place as advertised.

ARCHITECTURE SOCIETY

ASTROSOC is for anyone interested in Space. There will be regular opportunities to observe the night sky and the Sun using a range of telescopes, along with the opportunity to learn about Astronomical Theory, Solar System Science & Observation/ Analysis techniques. As an astronomer, you will also have the opportunity to take part in the British Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad: the UK’s premiere astrophysical competition for aspiring Space Scientists. There is also the Astronomy Outreach Project which aims to bring Astronomy to the wider community beyond St Paul’s to take part in.

AQUATICS Swimming, Open Water Swimming, Water Polo and Biathlon are rising fast in popularity with both A and B squads competing all year long, in all age groups, on a regular basis. Next to school friendlies we are participating at ESSA, London’s Water Polo League, London School Swimming, Bath Cup, Otter Challenge, Schools Biathlon competitions and several other events during the year. In addition to Games Halves; practices are offered in the mornings, during lunch as well as directly after school. The exact practice timetable for each sport and each term can be found on the SPS Aquatics section of the intranet.

BADMINTON The badminton club meets in the Autumn and Spring terms on Fridays at 1.00pm in the Sports Hall. It is open to all age groups and abilities. Rackets are available to borrow.

BASKETBALL: Open to all year groups (please see relative days and times) wishing to play U14, U15 and U18 Basketball for SPS.

BLACK AND WHITE Black and White is the long-running student newspaper of St Paul’s. It is edited by a committee of Lower Eighth Formers, with submissions encouraged from all years.

BOAT CLUB Rowing is available to all pupils in any term. The Boat Club admits a new intake of Fourth Formers each January for their Games Half. Fourth Formers scull in their first year. All other years scull in the winter and row in the Spring/Summer. The club competes in head races and regattas throughout the year and at all competition standards. Sixth and Eighth Form pupils have the opportunity to compete at Henley Royal Regatta each July.

BRIDGE CLUB Beginners and experts are all welcome to play bridge on Friday lunch times. Teams are entered for matches against the staff, other schools and in national tournaments.

CARNEGIE BOOK CLUB This is a club for people who love to read and want to chat about the book. We’ll be handing out copies of a book and discussing it a fortnight later. Did you love it or loathe it? No spoilers! In the Spring Term we meet weekly and join with SPJ to shadow the Carnegie Medal shortlist.

BIBLE STUDY GROUP All are welcome to this weekly opportunity to explore the Christian faith by looking at the Bible together in sessions run by pupils, teachers and visiting speakers.

CHEMISTRY PROJECTS CLUB and JUNIOR PROJECTS CLUB These clubs enable pupils to pursue practical and experimental chemistry projects beyond the scope of the examined syllabus. These might be extended syntheses, exercises to improve practical techniques or preparation for one of the national events that we enter each year (the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Top of the Bench competition for the Fourth to Sixth Forms and the Analyst competition for the Eighth Form). The senior club provides an exposure to typical undergraduate level organic chemistry. Taking part should be of interest to anyone thinking of pursuing chemistry or a related subject at university. Pupils working in the senior club also have the opportunity to take part in the chemistry department’s outreach programmes as demonstrators.

CHESS CLUB Members play friendly games against each other during the lunch break. Grandmaster, John Emms provides training, and there is an opportunity to play matches both within school and in the London League against local opponents.

CHRISTIAN UNION TEA BAR An opportunity to come together for silly games and lots of fun and to get to know others. Led by pupils for pupils.

CHRISTIAN UNION The CU is a place that has a great sense of friendship and community, where everyone is welcome, where big ideas in life are explored from a Christian point of view. The CU is more than 100 years old. On Fridays, student-run meetings start with a bit of social time, and usually there is then a talk from a visiting speaker (before we play football together). Plus there are Sunday meetings you can come to in Barnes, as well as very popular residential holiday houseparties at Easter and Summer (organised by OPs).

CLASSICAL SOCIETY The Society meets several times a term to hear talks on subjects of interest from the Greek and Roman world and discuss them. These are mainly given by visiting speakers, but also by teachers and members of the Eighth Forms. Full use is made of classical events in London (theatre, cinema, conferences), Oxford and Cambridge. The Society is intended, in the first instance, for those in the Eighth Forms, but members of the Sixth and Fifth Forms will always be welcome at meetings of interest to them, and occasionally joint meetings with Pegasus and other societies take place.

COLET MATHS CLUB is a volunteering opportunity to virtually support primary school students with maths and logic problems using the Colet Mentoring app.

COMPSOC The Society offers pupils a chance to develop projects and interests not feasible with the syllabus of taught courses, leading their own groups as they evolve. In recent years this has included guest

speakers from academe and industry and a pupil-led Web Development course.

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION This happens in the Spring Term for pupils who are considering whether to be confirmed (Church of England). We have a fun time exploring the basic tenets of the Christian Faith, where everyone is welcome to share their own view. Coming on the course does not commit to Confirmation - that decision is made after half-way through the course. Then those who choose to, have the possibility of being Confirmed in St Paul’s Cathedral at Easter –an amazing place and occasion. Those interested should contact the Chaplain in the Autumn Term.

CREATIVE WRITING Creative Writing Soc is an opportunity to share ideas, workshop stories, and engage with the art of creative writing. It is available for all year groups and abilities. We meet at 12:40 on a Wednesday in E5.

CROQUET Seniors only. Summer Term half.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

DEBATING SOCIETY Debates take place every Tuesday lunchtime and are open to all. No experience needed. Regular coaching is arranged after school for pupils who wish to participate in external competitions, as are occasional joint debates with SPGS. Pauline debaters regularly participate in national and international competitions, where our record is outstanding.

DUKE

OF EDINBURGH AWARD In the Fifth Form, pupils can be entered for the Bronze Award, which involves sports, a hobby, a service such as community work and an expedition. Expedition training and supervision is provided. The Lower Eighth Form can begin working towards their Gold Award, which requires more independence and a longer time commitment for each of the sections. Pupils must complete three expedition trips during their Lower Eighth year. Expedition training is provided.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS SOCIETY D&D Soc meets every Tuesday lunchtime for D&D campaigns. Experienced and new players are equally welcome and we have several campaigns running concurrently.

ECOSOC Dedicated to all things eco - our aim is to inspire, instil interest, and educate peers on eco-concerns. We also aim to ensure that the School’s environmental impact is as low as it can be. We run a weekly Blog and eco events, and are open to all years.

ENGINEERING WORKSHOP This provides an opportunity to design and make a range of practical projects. Some of these could involve control with electric motors, e.g. making vehicles, cranes, robot arms etc. Projects could be done in pairs or small groups and it will also be possible to spend the time developing work begun during lessons. All projects will involve preliminary design, by drawings and plans, learning how to use materials and tools in construction and, when appropriate, electronic circuit construction and computer control work.

ENGLISH SOCIETY This is predominantly a senior society though all interested English literature students are welcome. We meet on Wednesdays and explore literature and criticism through time. The society is student-led so seminars centre around excerpts suggested by its members that are always designed to engender debateand some robust intellectual dissent!

WEEKLY EUCHARIST AND COMMUNITY EUCHARIST

Every week, everyone is welcome to our School Holy Communion Service at 8.30am (register taken in the service, rather than with Tutors). In 25mins, we have the full liturgy, a hymn and an anthem sung by the wonderful Chapel Choir. Come along for spiritual food! And for physical food, on the last Thursday of each half term, we have a slightly longer service (8.00am-8.40am), now with three hymns, followed by a full breakfast provided (8.40-9.10am) to arrive in lessons by 9.15am.

EQUALITY SOCIETIES REACH Soc, Feminist Soc, and Pride Soc have been amalgamated into Equality Soc which is open to pupils in all year groups. We meet weekly for seminars, talks and film screenings, as well as welcoming regular guest speakers and embarking on collaborations with other societies. We welcome everyone to our meetings (from Fourth Form to Upper Eighth Form) with only one proviso: that you are interested in diversity, equality and community!

EUROPEAN YOUTH PARLIAMENT (EYP) is a debating activity in which schools compete to represent their country at an EYP international parliament, where they spend a week working with students from across Europe, team-building, putting together resolutions on a wide range of topics, and finally debating them in a two-day General Assembly. Teams from SPS have successfully represented the UK at parliaments in Gothenburg, Rome, Potsdam, Stockholm and Trondheim. We also send teams to smaller international sessions run by Erasmus EYP, which have taken place in a variety of different cities, including Hamburg, Prague, Turin, Rotterdam, Braga and Antwerp. Teams are made up of Lower Eighth pupils, and EYP meets regularly on Wednesday lunchtimes in the Autumn Term, when we introduce the format of EYP debating, and work towards selecting a team for the year’s competition.

EUROSOC Eurosoc is the Senior Modern Language Society, which concentrates on exploring various aspects of European culture. External speakers are invited to address the society on areas of particular interest, and there are also in-house presentations from staff and pupils on various areas of study and topical interest, and theatre visits when the opportunity arises. Meetings are publicised around the school and are open to all – so keep your eyes peeled!

F1SOC We discuss everything related to Formula 1 including race reviews, new regulations, car designs and track changes. We also explore topics such as sustainbility, performance psychology and equality within the context of F1. All wecome.

FENCING For those new to fencing, a Monday activities session takes place in the Autumn and Spring Terms as well as a Games Half in the Spring and Summer Terms. We provide Senior and Junior Games Halves in all terms for all weapons and levels. For those looking to improve their fencing or focus upon competition, we run a club every Monday from 4.15-6.30pm as a drop-in session, if pupils want to be selected for teams then attendance is mandatory. In addition, pupils can receive individual lessons every Wednesday and Thursday lunchtime (1.00-2.00pm) by appointment.

FINANCE SOC

FIRST LEGO LEAGUE

FIVES Fives is a game very like squash, but played with gloved hands instead of a racket. It is a Junior and Senior Half sport in the Autumn and Spring Terms, and there are matches at all age levels. There is the opportunity to learn the game in Monday lunchtime coaching sessions for Fourth Formers in the Autumn and Spring Terms, and it is available as a games Half in the Spring Term.

FRENCH SOCIETY The Society focuses on French culture, including filmography, theatre and literature. The goal is to give pupils a taste of different aspects of French life and provide a platform, in a relaxed environment, for pupils studying French to enhance their oral skills during open debates, presentations and discussions in front an audience.

GEOGRAPHY SOCIETY A society that explores everything geographical and beyond, looking at everything from climate change and the international COVID-response to geopolitics and the global trade system. The society is open to all years, whether you do geography or not. We run talks, documentary viewings, games, and discussions on anything that catches our interest, and are always happy to accept suggestions.

GERMAN CLUBS (Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms)

These two clubs offer an opportunity to explore the German speaking world and German language with our German assistant, through games, videos, quizzes, presentations and lots more.

HALLEY RESEARCH COMMUNITY The Halley Research Community is a network of Paulines, teachers and OPs who come together to engage in science research. While research is ongoing, we have regular meetings every Thursday at 12.40pm in P1 during term time. In Thursday meetings we discuss the progress of student research, but also welcome talks from research scientists from universities, national labs and industry.

HINDU SOCIETY

HISTORICAL SOCIETY The Society meets frequently for talks by guest speakers from the universities and members of the Society.

IMPSOC This lunchtime club is open to all pupils interested in drama, improvisation and comedy. Using many of the games made popular by the TV programme ‘Whose Line is it Anyway?’, the Club seeks to develop improvisation and performance skills in aspiring actors and comics alike.

ISAIAH BERLIN PHILOSOPHY SOCIETY Isaiah Berlin Society is our flagship philosophy society. Named after the eponymous Old Pauline, we aim to meet every fortnight during term time to hear top academic philosophers presenting their research on all areas of philosophy. Talks are followed by discussions with the speaker and lunch. All year groups and staff are welcome.

ITALIAN CLUB In Italian Club the pupils have the opportunity to explore Italian culture and contemporary aspects of Italy while practising their oral and written skills. The aim is to get familiar with Italian traditions, history, geography, cuisine, and music in a fun and enjoyable environment.

J-SOC (Jewish Society) JSOC meets as Jewish Assembly on a Tuesday morning and also on an ad hoc basis on a Wednesday lunchtime when an external speaker or rabbi will lead a discussion group about a topic of Jewish interest or festival celebration that demands more time than a morning assembly. Lunch is often provided to accompany the discussion. There is also scope for a wider range of lunchtime events to be included e.g. JSOC 5-a-side tournament. JSOC lunchtime events are open to all students in the school who may have an interest.

JOHN CHURCHILL SOCIETY A History society catering specifically for juniors (Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms). Activities include films, guest speakers, quizzes, prize competitions and talks by pupils. The Society is run by a committee of pupils, and most of the decisions are taken by them.

JOINT PHILOSOPHY SOCIETY This has been at times the School’s most popular society attracting pupils from schools all over London to debate and discuss philosophical ideas. Open to all pupils at SPGS and SPS, it meets weekly on Thursdays at 4.45pm alternately at SPGS and SPS. The topics of discussion are advertised in advance, and are prepared and presented by pupils.

JUNIOR ECON SOC welcomes all Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Formers to learn about Economics. Every week, you can enjoy talks from Eighth Formers and staff economists, as well as debates, quizzes (prizes up for grabs) and more. The society provides a rare opportunity for the younger years to explore the subject and the Economics department recommends it as a great taster for those considering the A Level.

JUNIOR PASK SOCIETY This is a Fifth Form society running in the Spring Term to introduce pupils to modern biological techniques such as DNA extraction and analysis.

JUNIOR PHILOSOPHY SOCIETY The Society meets, as advertised, from time to time each

term. Led by, and open to, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Formers, pupils present and discuss their own research into philosophers and philosophical topics. Occasionally, formal debates are also organised.

JUNIOR POLITICS SOCIETY Talks by pupils on political and historical areas of interest, followed by questions and discussion. Meetings are of general interest and pupils from Upper Third to the Sixth Form are welcome to attend.

KNITSOC

LAW SOCIETY To find out about practice and discuss issues within legal practice and theory. Sessions would be a mixture of visiting speakers and pupil presentations.

MATHEMATICS SOCIETY The Society meets, as advertised, usually on Monday lunchtimes. The Society invites guests to speak on a range of mathematical topics. Speakers include distinguished university mathematicians, pupils and members of staff; talks are aimed at a variety of age and ability ranges.

MATHS PROBLEM SOLVING Societies for all Paulines who enjoy problem solving in Mathematics, and particularly those who are interested in the dark arts required to excel in the UKMT Maths Challenges and Olympiads.

MEDICAL AND BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH SOCIETY

This is a pupil-run society, whose main activity is to explore the ethical, practical and scientific issues confronted by Medicine and the biomedical sciences today. There are weekly meetings in Autumn and Spring Terms, with presentations from visiting speakers who are specialists in their fields. The Society aims to inform and educate Paulines, and is of particular value to future applicants for biological and medical courses.

MODEL UNITED NATIONS SPSMUN is the school’s Model United Nations society. In the last five years, we have sent teams to MUN conferences at Godolphin & Latymer, the London Oratory School, Alleyns and HABSMUN. We have also hosted five MUN conferences at SPS.

MUSIC SOCIETY A pupil-run society aimed at discussing music beyond the curriculum. Everything from Baroque to Bebop – speakers have included professional composers, conductors, and musicologists. Activities include Pupil-run talks and discussions, Composer’s club; there is also the potential opportunity to organise occasional visits to concerts, gigs or operas.

PANDAEMONIUM & AREO The school’s two creative writing journals call for submissions of poetry, prose and drama from all year groups for publication in the Summer Term. In addition to creative contributions there are also opportunities for those interested in getting involved with the review of submissions and/or the editing and design of the final publications.

PASK SOCIETY (Biology projects) - PASKSOC Society is the senior Biology projects club, named after Sidney Pask who taught Biology between the 1920s and the 1960s. The nature of biology has changed since the era of Sidney Pask through the rise of molecular biology and biochemistry. PaskSoc aims to explore these subjects in considerable depth through advanced practical work such as genetic modification of bacteria, DNA fingerprinting and X-ray crystallography of proteins.

PAUL NASH SOCIETY Paul Nash is the School’s Art society and its primary activities include the production of Art magazines, the organisation of Art-related talks and presentations as well as curatorial assistance to some of the shows held in the Milton Gallery. Open to all students.

PAUL’S PIZZA A chance to discuss St Paul’s letters over pizza. Open to all with an interest in the Bible and how we can learn from its message. We meet on Mondays at 4.15pm in room 216.

PAULS4ALL The Pauls4All Charity Committees exist at both St Paul’s School and St Paul’s Juniors. They are led by senior pupils in both schools and help decide which charities to support. They organise fundraising events, working with fellow pupils. Their aim is to encourage wider awareness and understanding of the needs and challenges of others on a local, national and global level, whilst also providing opportunities for leadership and collaboration. Each year, a national charity is picked through a whole school vote for Pauls4All to concentrate funding and maximise impact as well as supporting our local and international partners with other events.

PEGASUS SOCIETY This Junior Society meets every week to discover different aspects of the ancient world. Activities include quizzes and games, as well as workshops on anything from building your ideal society to writing in ancient Sumerian, to learning how to stage a Greek tragedy, to doing Maths in the ancient Greek style, to speaking Latin.

PHYSICS PROBLEM SOLVING SOCIETY

POLECON Talks by visiting speakers on political or economic subjects, followed by questions and discussion. Although the primary aim of the society is to serve the interest of those reading Economics and Politics at A Level meetings are of general interest and anyone is welcome to attend.

POLEMIC (HUMANITIES MAGAZINE) Meetings as advertised. Pupil i/c: Upper Eighth pupil.

POLYGLOT This is the Modern Language magazine of St Paul’s School. An editorial team convenes every September who are responsible for co-ordinating the writing and publishing of the magazine, which is

entirely written in the modern languages studied, and any other languages anyone happens to know. Pupils from all year groups are encouraged to write. The publication is then distributed around the School.

POT SOC Learn the meditative art of throwing your own clay pots. Pupils will learn techniques to create their own ceramic vessels from preparing clay through to throwing, turning, glazing and firing, with an upbeat soundtrack of Northern Soul.

PRESTIGE SOCIETY The school magic society meets on Thursdays at 12.40pm in Room 227 to get together and practise magic tricks. Shows are performed at lunchtime and occasionally at local primary schools, school fairs, etc.

PSYCHOLOGY SOCIETY This is a society for people who are already interested in or want to know about the field of psychology. It has interesting talks from students, staff and external speakers and arranges local trips. It also offers you the opportunity to design and carry out a psychological study!

QUIZ SOC

RACKETS Professional coaching is available during lunchtime and after school.

SAFE CRACKING COMPETITION

SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY SOCIETY Whether you’re a long-time SFF fan or keen to explore the genre for the first time, everyone is welcome to SFF Soc! We aim to explore a mixture of sci-fi and fantasy topics, books, films, TV series, games, SFF tropes and themes - from classic to new, from the mainstream to the more niche.

will cover items as diverse as local customs, current affairs, linguistics etc.

SPEECH SOC

SPORT SOCIETY

SPS FILM The film club offers workshops on the different aspects of filmmaking and how to use camera equipment.

SPS SPACE SPS Space gathers weekly to support students involved in building space projects and to explore new space technologies.

START IT Start It focuses on sustainable business and innovation. Look out for various talks and events throughout the year which will predominantly occur in room 203. The ESTER Incubator programme allows early stage entrepreneurs to take those skills and ideas and transform them into viable businesses that have positive social or environmental impacts.

TABLE TOP GAMING SOCIETY Come along to play a variety of board and card games. Beginners and experts alike are welcome.

TEAM FIREFLY is St Paul’s School’s Motorsport racing team that takes part in the Greenpower F24/ F24+ competition. It is worth noting that Firefly is very popular and while we would love to have space for everyone who wanted to be able to take part, we unfortunately don’t. We will be holding a meeting soon for people who are interested, so please check the tannoy for more information.

SPANISH CLUB will be led by our Spanish Assistant with the intention of developing further your interest in things Spanish and Hispano American. It is aimed primarily at juniors (particularly the Sixth Form) and

TEAM MATHS CHALLENGE Compete to be the first team to fill in the cross-number and race through the shuttle in the team maths challenge! A team of four pupils will eventually be picked to compete in a nationwide competition, hosted by UKMT, but all are welcome to attend these fortnightly sessions and hone their problem-solving skills.

VECTOR (STEM MAGAZINE) Vector is the school’s pupil-led STEM magazine, which publishes articles written and edited by pupils. It is published each year in the Autumn Term. The editorial committee is made up of pupils in the L8th (a new committee is recruited at the start of the Summer Term) and articles are accepted from pupils in all year groups.

VOLUNTARY SERVICE For senior pupils: at primary schools, community centres, residential homes etc. This is not a regular activity for junior members of the school, but any pupil interested may make arrangements to carry out voluntary service.

WARHAMMER SOCIETY Build, paint and fight your 40k or AoS army. Beginners to seasoned commanders are welcome. You don’t need your own army as we have some starter sets you can use.

YOUNG ENTERPRISE The Young Enterprise Scheme is for pupils in the Lower Eighth. The School runs three teams. Each team will have to launch and run their own business, and so raise their own finances, develop their own product and service, market and trade their product to the public and compete against other schools and colleges nationally.

School Uniform

A comprehensive list of items is sold by the school uniform supplier. AlleyCatz School and Sportswear is located in Hersham and can be visited for purchases and fittings; parents can also purchase uniform via their online shop www.stpaulsschooluniform.co.uk.

School Uniform

For pupils in the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms, the school uniform is a black blazer with integral badge, charcoal grey trousers with a plain white shirt and school tie. Pullovers, if worn, must be black and a V-neck to show the tie. Plain black leather shoes (please note, black trainer-type shoes, boots or suede shoes are not permitted), with dark grey or black socks are required. A winter jacket and school scarf are available.

Eighth Formers wear smart office dress.

A full description of what constitutes ‘smart office dress’ can be located in the Pupil Behavioural Code on the Parent Portal.

Houses

Every pupil is a member of a House, which is relevant for certain items of games clothing. The school uniform supplier will have a list of these allocations once they have been made, usually by the end of the second week of the summer holiday.

Labelling

It is essential that all items of clothing including gameswear, socks and underwear are clearly labelled with the pupil’s name. Name tapes can be ordered at your uniform fitting appointment or via the online shop.

Making an Appointment

Use this link www.alleycatz.co.uk/booking to book a uniform fitting appointment with our uniform supplier, AlleyCatz.

If you require any information before attending the fitting, please see AlleyCatz contact details below:

Email spsschoolshops@yahoo.com

Telephone number 01932 223075

Payment

The school uniform supplier accepts cash and most credit and debit cards. They do not accept American Express.

School uniform supplier details

Email: spsschoolshops@yahoo.com

Telephone number: 01932 223075

Location: AlleyCatz Ltd

Claremont House 34 Molesey Road

Hersham KT12 4RQ

The school uniform supplier also stocks a range of backpacks and sports holdalls; a wide range of stationery; protective sports kit – self-fit gum shields, body armour, headgear, shin guards, goalkeeper gloves, swim goggles, squash goggles and cricket boxes and briefs; thermal baselayers – tops, shorts and leggings; rugby and football studs and keys; a selection of sports kit and equipment for most sports; and black shirts for music recitals.

*All items listed are available from the school uniform supplier. Items marked with an asterisk must be purchased from the school uniform supplier.

† For the Lower Eighth, please only purchase items marked with this symbol. All other items of gameswear are optional depending on the sport options your child chooses and whether or not they play for one of the school teams.

Fourth Form Uniform List

• School blazer with badge*

• School tie* and House tie*

• Charcoal grey uniform trousers

• White long-sleeved shirt

• Dark grey or black socks

• Black V-necked pullover

Gameswear List

• School track suit*

• Black and white reversible games shirt*

• White rugby shorts*

• Black rugby socks*

• Tee shirt in House colours*†

• Black sports shorts for PE etc*†

• White gym socks†

• Trainers with non-marking soles†

• Studded football/rugby boots

• Regulation black swimming trunks*

• Coloured towel (personalised towels

available to order)

• Sports bag/wheeled sports bag

• Rugby – gum shields are essential

• Football – shin guards are essential

Optional Uniform

• White short-sleeved shirt which may be worn in the summer

• Black winter jacket

• School scarf * or black scarf and gloves

• Striped beanie hat*

Additional Teamwear/Optional Gameswear

• Baseball cap*

• Trainers (for outdoor use)

• Rugby team kit* (only once selected for team)

• Football team kit* (only once selected for team)

• Cricket team kit* (only once selected for team)

• Cricket – abdo guard and support are essential. A helmet is essential when wicket keeping and batting.

• Athletics squad kit* (only once selected for team)

St Paul’s Community

Ellie Sleeman, Director of Development & Engagement

Community Engagement

The Development and Engagement Office is responsible for bringing together our community of pupils, Old Paulines (OPs), parents – past and present, staff, former staff, Governors and friends of St Paul’s School.

There are many ways for you as parents to engage, including through our growing programme of events. You will receive termly bulletins inviting you to join us for talks, wine tastings, walking tours and concerts, as well as our ever-popular ‘Topical Tuesdays’ virtual event series. Details of the current term’s events can be viewed on our website: www.stpaulsschool.org.uk/events.

We are also developing the ways that our community can support the professional development of our pupils and young OPs. With an array of professional networks already set up in law, finance, engineering, entrepreneurship and not-for-profit, there are many opportunities to pass on your experience and knowledge to the younger community, and to grow your own network with other parents and OPs already established in your field.

St Paul’s Connect, our LinkedIn-style platform for parents, Old Paulines and Eighth Form pupils, enables you to communicate with our community online. It is an easy way to share advice and news, and to find others.

The Development and Engagement Office also leads the school’s fundraising activity, ensuring that the school’s vision around widening access, local partnerships and key capital projects is supported through donations from alumni, parents and friends. St Paul’s School is built on a history of philanthropy from John Colet, our first benefactor, who founded his free school to educate 153 boys with a generous endowment. This is a tradition and duty that has since been upheld by thousands of Pauline families, most recently through the present day redevelopment of the senior school buildings, which was partly financed by a combination of donations and legacies from our community.

The school welcomes donations, large or small and we are grateful to those current parents who choose to become members of our regular giving club, The 1509 Society, and have their name recognised in our annual philanthropy report with donations from just £1.59 per month.

We always welcome ideas of how to develop our programme. If you’d like to pass on your thoughts, get more involved or find out more about supporting our vision by making a donation, do email us at community@stpaulsschool.org.uk or visit the website at www.stpaulsschool.org.uk.

Parents’ Group

Welcome

The main purpose of the Parents’ Group is to connect parents. We run whole school and year group social activities such as Pauline Perspectives, a spirited debate on a current topic involving members of the Pauline community, as well as wine tastings, London walks, museum tours and book groups. If you would like to get involved, there are plenty of opportunities, from helping out at an event, to decorating Christmas trees, to volunteering to be a representative for your year group. Each year group runs a number of social events for parents and we are always looking for hosts and organisers. There will be many chances to meet other parents and guardians and to join the vibrant parent community.

New Parents’ Welcome Event

To provide an opportunity for new Fourth Form and Lower Eighth Form parents to meet each other and the Parents’ Group Committee, we will be hosting the New Parents’ Supper on Wednesday 11 September. Please join us to chat and dine with your fellow new parents and get a chance to meet some already established parents at the school. Invitations to the event will be sent this summer.

Fourth Form Parents’ Group Representatives and Social Committee

We are looking for new Fourth Form parents to get involved with the Parents’ Group, to act as

representatives for their year groups on the Committee and to help with event planning. If you are interested in these activities or becoming involved with the Parents’ Group in any other way, please email SPSPG Chair, Bahar Ghaffari, at bahar.ghaffari@icloud.com.

Second Hand Uniform Sales

Second hand uniform sales generally take place each term. We sell good quality second hand uniform and sports kit. This is a great time to pick up a few extra items, with all proceeds going to the school bursary fund. These will be held on Monday 7 October, Monday 3 March and Monday 30 June and more information will be sent through the school’s email system.

We look forward to welcoming you at one of our events soon!

Bahar Ghaffari

SPS Parents’ Group Chair

SPARTA

SPARTA, the St Paul’s Art Association, is a parent-led organisation of volunteers from both St Paul’s Juniors and St Paul’s School, who promote the appreciation and enjoyment of art among the entire St Paul’s community, including partnership schools and works to complement the schools’ art curriculum. In addition, SPARTA organises fine art and cross-curriculum lectures, workshops, gallery and museum visits, and student art competitions.

For more information about SPARTA or helping with any of our activities, please contact us via spartastpauls@gmail.com.

Parents’ Christian Prayer Group

The Parents’ Christian Prayer Group is a group of Christian parents who meet twice a term to pray mainly for pupils, staff and events within the school. Our informal meetings include a reading or thought for the day, prayers and coffee. We also hold an annual dinner at the school which is a wonderful opportunity to meet Christian staff. There is no formal joining, and you are welcome to attend any of the meetings. Dates of the meetings are published in the school termly calendar. For more information, please email Carol Irving (carol.irving@gmail.com) or Anita Jones (anita_and_tom@yahoo.co.uk).

We look forward to meeting you.

School Policies

It is important to know where to find, and to have a familiarity with our school policies, which are available to download in pdf format, on our website: www.stpaulsschool.org.uk/about-st-pauls/school-policies/ The policies and some additional documents are listed as follows:

• Accessibility

• Admissions

• Alcohol

• Anti-bullying

• Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

• Attendance

• Behaviour, rewards and sanctions (including arrangements for discipline and exclusions)

• Boarding: Access to School House

• Boarding: Aims and principles of boarding at St Paul’s

• Boarding: School House – Boarders with particular needs (including SEN) policy

• Boarding: School House complaints procedure

• Boarding: School House: guardianship policy and agreement

• Boarding: School House: medical principles and practice

• Boarding: School House Rules

• Boarding: School House supervision of boarders risk assessment

• Bursaries

• Careers

• Complaints

• Curriculum

• Data protection and privacy notice for all stakeholders

• Destination of leavers

• Disability

• Donation and support acceptance policy

• Drugs

• Education of looked after children

• Educational visits

• English as an additional language

• Equal opportunities

• eSafety

• Fire

• First aid

• Health and safety

• How Paulines learn about safeguarding

• Keeping Children Safe in Education

• Mental health and wellbeing

• Mobile phones

• Non-examined assessment (NEA) policy: reviews of marking

• Number of complaints recorded in the previous school year

• PHSE policy and schemes of work

• Pupil voice: arrangements at St Paul’s for listening to pupils

• Safeguarding and child protection

• Safer recruitment

• Relationship and sex education

• Special educational needs and learning difficulties

• Staff code of conduct

• Terms and conditions with cancellation notice and form

• Whistleblowing code

of St Paul’s School and St Paul’s Juniors

RIVERTHAMES

Postal Address:

St Paul’s School, Lonsdale Road, London SW13 9JT

Telephone: 020 8748 9162

Email: reception@stpaulsschool.org.uk

Website: www.stpaulsschool.org.uk

St Paul’s School is a charitable company, limited by guarantee, registered in England. Registered office at Lonsdale Road, London SW13 9JT. Registered Company Number 6141973. Registered Charity Number 1119619. © St Paul’s School, August 2024. Information contained within this booklet is correct at time of publishing.