Stephen Perse Cambridge Principal's Newsletter - Issue 27 - February 2026

A word from the Senior Deputy Head 11-18

Abbey Jones

While February feels like the middle of the academic year for most of our students, some cohorts are naturally thinking about the future at this point. Our Year 13 students in particular have spent the last few weeks receiving university offers as they prepare for their final set of school exams before A Levels in the summer.

The range of exciting next steps on the horizon for these students include Oxbridge offers for a fantastic half of those who applied (an increase in the total number of offers received compared to last year, which was itself our best since 2017) as well as an admission to Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Our thanks go to our Guidance team whose expertise and unstinting support helped these students to put together such strong applications in an ever more competitive environment.

Our Year 10 and Year 12 students are also being asked to look to the future as we run the selection process for our new student leadership team. Our outgoing Heads and Deputy Heads of School, Heads of Houses and Committee Leads have done a fantastic job since they took over from their own predecessors at Easter last year and we are very grateful for their efforts in contributing to our school community. We look forward to sharing our newly appointed team with you in our next edition.

As ever, the contents of these pages only show a fraction of what has been going on at the Senior School and Sixth Form since our last newsletter, but we hope they give you a flavour of the busy, buzzy, exciting and character-forming nature of our students’ experience here at school.

Abbey Jones

Senior Deputy Head 11-18

Latest News

Stephen Perse Cambridge Celebrates 145 Years with Hyacinth Tradition

Every year since 1967, a special birthday hyacinth has been presented to mark our school's birthday. Retired Head of Junior School Katie Milne continued this beautiful tradition, presenting a hyacinth on behalf of former Deputy Head of Senior School, Rosemary Tice, to our Principal, Richard Girvan, in celebration of our 145th birthday!

Adding a new layer to this tradition, Ms Milne has started one of her own: presenting a Junior School birthday hyacinth. The pupils had the opportunity to meet her, hear the story of the tradition, and receive their very own dedicated bloom.

Discover more of our journey from 1881 to 2026celebrating 145 years from Perse Girls to Stephen Perse Cambridge on page 20.

Brain Day with Dr Guy Sutton: Exploring the Frontiers of Neuroscience

Year 12 and Year 13 Psychology and Biology students were once again treated to Brain Day with neuroscientist Dr Guy Sutton.

His lectures about brain development and contemporary research on the functioning of the brain were incredibly interesting and included topics such as drugs, the effect of social media and of Covid lockdowns on adolescent brains.

The highlights, as always, are the brain dissections and students had the opportunity to hold parts of a sheep brain! We were very fortunate to be able to host Dr Sutton once again and the students got a great deal out of the day.

Cambridge City Food Bank Christmas Hamper Appeal

By Meriel Whalan, Teacher of English and Head of Wellbeing

In the final weeks of the winter term, Year 8 students participated in an immersive PSHE morning focused on understanding local poverty and inequality. By learning about the specific needs in Cambridge and the charities working to address them, students gained a deeper perspective on social responsibility. Putting their empathy into action, the students worked in small groups to assemble Christmas hampers.

These 14 bags, overflowing with both daily essentials and festive treats, were delivered to the Cambridge City Foodbank hub in Milton on a crisp December evening. A huge thank you to our Year 8 pupils and their families for such incredible generosity.

Christmas Carol Concert Great St Mary’s

By Year 8 Student, Whitney F

At first, I was really nervous about reading at the Carol service. I kept rereading my passage, hoping I wouldn’t stumble over my words or trip while walking to the front. However, once we entered the beautiful church, my fear began to subside. The space was gorgeous, with its high ceilings, arches, and the warm glow of candlelight. While I was reading, I realised how special it was to speak in such a stunning setting with my friends and family in the congregation.

Not once did I think about my earlier worries. It was a true honour, and I want to thank the school for such a wonderful opportunity.

Latest News

GCSE and Sports Award Evening

On Tuesday 2 December we were delighted to welcome last year’s Year 11 cohort into a bedecked Senior School Hall for a celebratory evening recognising their achievements both as individuals and as a year group.

The Sports Department kicked off the event with their signature Oscars-style Sports Awards, dressed (as every year) red-carpet ready. Before each winner is revealed, the department presents a tribute to the individual, starting with their general attributes and contributions before layering in more specific achievements. The care that goes into crafting these profiles is always appreciated; it keeps the audience guessing as to the identity of the recipient and ensures the focus remains firmly on the students’ hard work and dedication.

We were then treated to a musical interlude by the Tetratonics - a barbershop quartet formed of Sixth Form students, whose performance added a brilliant few minutes of humour and quirkiness to the evening’s proceedings.

Following the music, prizes were awarded to students recognised for ‘Outstanding Academic Achievement’, ‘Outstanding Academic Attitude and Progress’, and ‘Outstanding Contribution to the School’. Mr Girvan then shared a few words of congratulations and encouragement with the cohort.

The awards ceremony concluded with individual subject prizes, before the entire cohort was invited onto the stage to receive their (I)GCSE certificate envelopes and be congratulated on the completion of their GCSE years.

The refreshments in the Dining Room afterwards provided a lovely opportunity to catch up and celebrate the significant milestone. We hope everyone enjoyed a thoroughly well-deserved evening of celebration.

Winter Comfort Christmas Collection: A Heartfelt Success

By Louise Cresswell, Head of Houses

A massive thank you to our school community for the incredible generosity shown during our Winter Comfort Christmas Collection. Throughout the final week of term, our reception was filled with the spirit of giving as donations poured in from students, parents, and staff.

Because of your kindness, we were able to deliver a substantial collection of essential items to help those in need during the coldest months of the year. These donations go directly toward providing warmth, dignity, and holiday cheer to individuals supported by Winter Comfort.

It is moments like these that truly define our school spirit. Thank you for making a difference and for ensuring that the holiday season is a little brighter for everyone in our local community.

A Message of Gratitude

The impact of your generosity hasn't gone unnoticed. James, the Fundraising Manager for Winter Comfort, shared this message with the school:

"I wanted to say a huge thank you for the wonderful boxes of donations that were delivered to us last week from the school. These items will help support our Christmas provision, so thank you all so much."

Latest News

Inaugural Cambridgeshire Inter-School MUN Debate at Stephen Perse Cambridge

By Ulrike Walton-Jordan, Teacher of German

The Inaugural Cambridgeshire Inter-School MUN Debate at Stephen Perse Cambridge went very well, with Alec, Theresa and Josh chairing expertly on the draft resolution on the voting age for young people.

Our guest delegations from Soham Village College and King’s Ely were in constructive rhetorical combat with students from Stephen Perse Cambridge, and after debating and accepting amendments, the resolution was passed with a healthy majority in favour of the voting age remaining at 18. We want to thank our honourable guests and their teachers for a memorable afternoon of debating. Many more to follow, we hope!

Politics Trip to Parliament

By Year 13 Student, William C

Visiting the Houses of Parliament last year gave me, and the rest of the Sixth Form Politics cohort a rare glimpse into the world of politics outside of the classroom. Immediately, we were greeted by the sight of pro-EU protestors after exiting the Tube, an example of the pressure groups studied within the UK part of the course. Likewise, we saw members from both sides of the political spectrum - the Your Party MP, Jeremy Corbyn, and broadcasters from GB News.

The most exciting part of the trip though was being able to see both chambers of the Lords and Commons (albeit briefly due to PMQs happening on the same day). Witnessing a debate between MPs from the viewing gallery was extremely rewarding, providing a tangible example of real-world politics. Even with the diverse knowledge of the Sixth Form Politics Group it’s certain that everyone learned something that day.

'Found’ in London:

A Day of Creative Research for Year 11 GCSE Students

By Rachel Bloomfield-Proud, Head of Visual Arts

On a brisk, blustery Tuesday 27 January, our Year 11 Fine Art and Textiles GCSE students embarked on an inspiring trip to London, joined by exchange students and staff from Keio Shonan Fujisawa Senior High School. After arriving at King’s Cross, the groups split to pursue their specific areas of study. The Fine Art students headed to the Tate Britain, while the Textiles group made their way to the V&A for a pre-booked viewing of the highly anticipated Marie Antoinette exhibition. The primary goal of the day was to gather first-hand research and primary recordings for their current exam project, themed ‘Found’.

Despite the weather, students found great value in exploring these world-class institutions - many for the first time - and discovering vast collections of ‘found’ objects and artworks curated from across the globe. We look forward to seeing how these discoveries fuel their creativity over the course of their eight-week exam project.

East of England Latin and Ancient World Olympiad

By Year 11 Student of Latin, Greek and Classical Civilisation, Molly R

On Friday 21 November, we went to King’s Ely for the East of England Latin and Ancient World Olympiad. We jumped on the train to Ely and had a gentle stroll to the venue.

When we arrived, there were tables set up in the lecture theatre and the first thing we had to do was come up with a team name. We called ourselves ‘Cerberus et unus’ (Cerberus plus 1), and this was just one of a series of entertaining names chosen by various teams.

There were 12 rounds including a Latin crossword, riddles, and Latin boggle, and most required our knowledge of Latin. We were provided with dinner halfway through which was very enjoyable.

The final, and arguably most challenging round, was an emoji round where different myths such as Daedalus and Icarus, and Theseus and the Minotaur, were described by only emojis and we had to guess the myth.

After 2.5 hours of battle, we came out victorious, winning the competition by a significant margin and receiving a trophy and some chocolates.

We want to thank King’s Ely for hosting this wonderful competition and extend thanks to the Classics department for organising for us to attend and indeed for taking us. We had a great time meeting new people who share our enjoyment of Latin and the classical world.

The final, and arguably most challenging round, was an emoji round where we had to identify different myths described only in emojis.

Library Update

by Iayat Riaz, Head Librarian 11-18

BookBuzz: 1,000 Books and One Inspiring Author

Our initiative for the BookBuzz programme began with a simple concept: to ensure that all of our students at Stephen Perse Cambridge Senior School have direct access to high-quality literature from the start of their Senior School experience until they embark upon new adventures far and beyond.

Since then, we have given away more than a thousand books, each one finding a new home and a new reader, and creating an everlasting memory for our students of their first defining moment of their library experience as they embark on a new chapter at Senior School. Our BookBuzz programme always culminates with a visiting author whose work has been selected by the students as their most popular choice of book, and this year has been no different.

The Senior School was delighted to welcome Radhika Sanghani who spoke eloquently to our students in Years 7 and Year 8 about her work The Girl Who Couldn’t Lie, and how she was inspired to write a work

of young adult literature that was imbued in cultural meaning and written in the spirit of being the kind of book she herself would have liked to read as a child.

Our students enjoyed Radhika’s illustration of ‘how students can get ideas for creative writing’ and felt that Radhika’s ‘very personal and helpful approach’ to her work was pitched perfectly in its style of engagement with them.

Many of our students were deeply impressed by Radhika’s work as a journalist and felt delighted to be able to ask about her experiences interviewing the likes of Will Smith and Jacqueline Wilson.

Concluding our BookBuzz programme with Radhika Sanghani’s author talk served as an important reminder: behind every book is a voice, and behind every reader is a story waiting to be inspired. Or, in the words of Lauren in 8A: ‘It was such a nice way to start the school day off!’

New Merchandise Website

We have just launched a brand new Stephen Perse Cambridge merchandise store at https://stephenperse.store/. There is a whole range of designs and products available, and all profits go straight into our Guild Opportunities Fund to support bursary students.

We have ensured the products are of good quality and from a supplier we are comfortable with from an ethical standpoint. The company we are using is Teemill, who are based in the UK and have a traceable, sustainable supply chain. They provide stores for BBC Earth and Greenpeace and therefore have good pedigree.

Students are actively involved in this project, and various school committees have been designing their own merchandise for events and projects which are being sold on the store website. This not only gives them a chance to show off their creative skills, they are also learning about business enterprise and how to balance affordability versus generating funds for bursaries.

Just a small disclaimer about uniform - items in the store are not a substitute for uniform, however there will be occasions when school merchandise can be worn in school or for school events by students - this will be made clear at the time.

If you are ever short on ideas for presents, please take a look and know you are helping a good cause!

Evening of Classics

By Year 11 Greek and Latin students, Alec L and Grace N

With numerous schools in attendance, the Stephen Perse Cambridge ‘Evening of Classics’ hosted on the 10 December proved to be a great success. Throughout the evening, there were talks, quizzes and dramatic readings.

The evening began with an engaging talk by Tom Harrison, who is the keeper of Greece and Rome at the British Museum, about his work in the conservation of classical artefacts. He talked predominantly about the biases in his field and how we should address these, widening our perspectives of the classical world. Another speaker we were fortunate enough to listen to was Rosanna Omitowoju (Fellow and Director of Studies at both King’s College, Cambridge and Robinson College, Cambridge) who spoke first about the impact studying Classics had on her life, how it had benefited her greatly and left an indelible mark on her identity. Her talk centred on the role of women and power in the famous play Medea, by Euripides. The plot of Medea follows the aftermath of the doomed love affair of Medea and Jason. Once they flee Medea’s homeland after stealing the golden fleece, they arrive in Corinth and Jason decides it would be best for him to marry the princess of Corinth, abandoning his children and Medea. In an attempt to punish him, Medea then poisons the princess and kills their children. Through this, Rosanna Omitowoju explored how an ancient audience would receive such a controversial character and how Medea defied Ancient Greek gender norms. She posed thoughtprovoking questions, such as the morality of Medea’s actions and, more broadly, the way the patriarchal landscape perpetuated systemic misogyny.

The first quiz we took part in was very jovial, centring around the myths and culture of Rome and Ancient Greece. We were divided into teams of four and were asked questions ranging from the beloved Roman fish sauce to the myth of Arachne. The winning team in this section was Stephen Perse’s Cerberus et Unus, consisting of Molly R, Matilda S, Grace N, and Alec L (Year 11). In the second quiz, the Latinists were tested

on their skills in grammar, translation, vocabulary and riddles, making for a very tense outcome, with the top three teams having only four points between them. Once again, Cerberus et Unus took first place.

To cater to all classicists, those not participating in the Latin quiz had the opportunity to perform some Ancient Greek (or read along with the English translation provided) through a dramatic reading of an extract from Iliad 24, one of the most moving passages, which details King Priam begging for Hector’s body from Achilles, his killer. This allowed them to explore the raw emotion present in the passage while also providing an opportunity to hear Greek verse read aloud in meter.

Overall, the Evening of Classics was a roaring success, combining jocund fun with poignant questions, while bringing likeminded young classicists together and giving them the opportunity to learn from leading academics.

Interview with Miss Millie Hunt our New Assistant Head of Outdoor Education

by Year 10 student, Ellie M

Year 10 student Ellie M interviews

Miss Hunt, our new Assistant Head of Outdoor Education.

Where were you before this?

I worked at Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre.

I was an outdoor instructor offering activities such as; archery, air rifles, axe throwing, canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, orienteering, climbing, abseiling, zip lining, high ropes courses, bushcraft and delivering DofE. I also work as a Ski Representative, going on ski trips with school groups making sure the trips run smoothly.

What made you interested in outdoor education? Why?

I believe the outdoors brings many benefits to mental wellbeing and brings a new environment for individuals to develop and learn. Adventurous and challenging activities lead to people pushing personal limits in a fun way, increasing resilience and boosting confidence. All these benefits alongside my love for the outdoors is why I was interested in outdoor education, I want to inspire

What is your favourite outdoor activity? Why?

My personal favourite outdoor activity is hiking or trail running. This lets me have hours in the mountains with amazing views alongside using/developing my navigational skills.

What do you think of the school so far? Why?

I feel very grateful to be working in such an incredible school that offers so many subjects and activities to the students here. Every staff member and student I have met has been polite and made me feel welcome.

Where was the most amazing place you have been? Why?

Milford Track in New Zealand. It's a remote, boat in and out, four day hike with lush rainforest, towering peaks, glacial peaks, majestic fjords and lots of waterfalls including Sutherland Falls, the highest waterfall in New Zealand.

What was the scariest thing you have ever done? Why?

I travelled and worked in New Zealand for a year. It was scary because I went completely solo to the other side of the world. But doing scary things reap great rewards and I had the best time.

What was your favourite subject at school? Why? My favourite subject at school was Dance. I used to dance competitively as a child and really enjoyed having dance lessons in school time as well.

What are you most excited about at Stephen Perse Cambridge? Why?

I’m excited to give a new perspective and teaching style on outdoor education at Stephen Perse Cambridge and help to shape the future of outdoor education for the Foundation.

Level Up Your Fitness: Navigating the DofE Physical Section

by Mr McAlinden, DofE Manager

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a lifechanging experience, and the Physical section is perhaps its most energetic pillar. Whether you’re a natural athlete or someone who prefers a quiet stroll, this section is designed to get you moving, improve your health, and - most importantly - help you have fun while doing it.

What is the Physical Section?

The goal is simple: choose a sport, dance, or fitness activity and show consistent improvement over time. It’s not about being the best in the world; it’s about being better than you were when you started.

The Key Rules:

• Consistency: You must participate for an average of one hour per week.

• Timescales: Depending on your level (Bronze, Silver, or Gold), you’ll commit to this for 3, 6, or 12 months.

• Goal Setting: You’ll need to set a personal goal at the start (e.g., "shave 30 seconds off my 5k time" or "learn a specific dance routine").

• Assessment: You need an Assessor (who cannot be a family member) to verify your progress.

Examples of Activities

One of the best things about the DofE is its flexibility. If it makes you sweat and requires physical effort, it likely counts! in the next column are some popular categories.

Top Tip:

You can even use apps like Strava or MapMyRun to track your solo activities (like jogging or cycling) to provide evidence for your Assessor.

Individual Running, Swimming, Cycling, Sports Archery, Golf, Horse Riding

Fitness & Yoga, Pilates, Gym Work, Wellbeing Cross-fit, Zumba, Walking

Dance Ballet, Hip Hop, Salsa, Ballroom, Street Dance

Martial Arts Karate, Judo, Tae Kwon Do, Self-defence

Extreme Skateboarding, Rock Climbing, Sports Mountain Biking, Skiing

Ready to get started?

To explore the full list of approved activities or to find out more about how to log your progress on DofE, visit the official website: Official DofE Physical Section Website

1881 - 2026 145 years from Perse Girls to Stephen Perse Cambridge

By Helen Cornish, Director of Development and Communications

2026 is a special year for the Stephen Perse Foundation because 17 January marked 145 years since Miss Street and her staff opened the doors of the Perse School for Girls to its first pupils.

Throughout 2026 we will be celebrating 145 years from Perse Girls to Stephen Perse Cambridge on our social media, in extended and updated pages for Stephen Perse Guild members and supporters on our refreshed website (look out for that later this term!), and in events.

In the past 145 years, we have:

• been at the forefront of pioneering educational approaches, from women’s education to digital learning;

• educated leaders across society, from medicine and research to teaching, from the armed forces and the intelligence services to the arts and sports;

• promoted inclusivity and social mobility, recognising the importance of education as a driver of positive societal change.

Stephen Perse Guild Reunion and 145th Birthday Celebration

This year’s Stephen Perse Guild Reunion and our 145th Birthday Celebration will take place on Saturday 27 June 2026. Guild members, including those from Dame Bradbury’s and CCSS, will have an initial exclusive booking opportunity and wider booking will open thereafter to current families across the Foundation.

The afternoon will include tours, an archive exhibition, music, a private view of the Summer Exhibition at the VAC, an alumni vs. students netball match, reunion photos for Guild members, and a celebration tea.

Guild Giving 2026

Guild Giving 2026 will take place on Wednesday 1 July and Thursday 2 July and once again showcase the positive impact of bursary awards on our school community, individuals and the communities in which they go on to live and work. The Old Scholars Cricket Match will also take place on Thursday 2 July and coverage of this will tie in with the final hours of Guild Giving 2026.

Stephen Perse Guild

In preparing for our anniversary year, we have been in touch with Stephen Perse Guild members (alumni and former staff) encouraging them to contribute items, photos and memories to the school archive.

These will be added to the archive and a selection will be used for an archive exhibition and a ‘Now and Then’ social media theme running through the year.

We have also asked alumni for updated profiles for new pages on the refreshed website and have had a great response, including from former Head Girls, Anne Keast-Butler, Director of GCHQ and Katherine Henderson, who led the Royal College of Emergency Medicine during the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as pioneering racing car driver, Vicki Butler Henderson, and alumnae working on NASA missions and competing with Team GB across a range of sports.

Continued on the next page

1881 - 2026 145 years from Perse Girls to Stephen Perse Cambridge

Continued

How can you be involved?

We’d love to team up with you to make the celebrations really special! Please:

1. Encourage Guild members and Stephen Perse families to contact Helen Cornish on development@stephenperse.com with photos, anecdotes or artefacts for our archives, exhibition and communications and do so yourself.

2. Suggest Guild members for our website profiles, or do self-nominate! We’re keen to hear from you all and would like to hear from more alumni to provide representation alongside our fantastic range of alumnae.

3. Save the date of Saturday 27 June 2026 to attend the celebration event!

4. Encourage any alumni you know who don’t currently receive the Guild e-news from school to sign up, so they receive their invitations and news directly throughout this special year.

5. Support a really special Guild Giving 2026 to mark 145 years, 1881-2026, from the Perse School for Girls to Stephen Perse Cambridge. 145 years of:

• changing lives;

• enhancing communities;

• strengthening society.

Guild Giving 2026 brings together students, staff, families, alumni and supporters on 1-2 July to:

• increase the Guild Opportunities Fund to benefit more students in need of financial support in order to access a Stephen Perse education; and

• raise awareness of the support available to prospective and current students.

How can organisations and individuals help in advance?

To make Guild Giving 2026 a resounding success, we are seeking advance challenge and matchdonors to provide fun and exciting challenges on 1 and 2 July.

Your gift could be used to celebrate key milestones in reaching our fundraising goals, whether it’s celebrating the first 30 gifts from donors aged under 30, or reaching 145 donations! To learn more about how you or your organisation can make Guild Giving 2026 really special, please contact Helen Cornish

If you’d like to know more about our 145th anniversary year and activities, please contact Helen Cornish. We look forward to celebrating with everyone!

If You Go Into the Woods Tonight

7pm Thursday 30 April and Friday 1 May 2026

Year 7 presents a deliciously dark double bill of Hansel and Gretel and Ashputtel, inspired by Carol Ann Duffy’s stage adaptations of tales by the Brothers Grimm. Year 7 Production

Directed by Becky Jones, with choreography by Karen Revill of the Maple Dance Academy.

Autumn Term House Update: A Season of Spirit and Success!

By Louise Cresswell, Head of Houses

What an incredible term it has been for our House system! From the very first week of September to the final moments of the year, students from Year 7 through to Year 13 have shown immense dedication, teamwork, and competitive spirit.

During the autumn term, we reached a staggering milestone: over 16,000 house points were earned across the school. This is a testament to the hard work, kindness, and academic excellence displayed by our students every single day.

A Term of Diverse Competition

Our House calendar was packed with events that challenged both the mind and the body. We saw fantastic participation in:

• Academic Brainpower: The high-stakes Staff & Student 1% Club Quiz, the European Day of Languages challenges, the Year 7 & 8 Classics Quiz, and the Year 9-11 Geography Quiz.

• Sporting Grit: Fierce but friendly competition on the pitches for both Football and Hockey.

The Grand Finale: House Talent

The autumn term culminated in our legendary House Talent event on the final day. Our Year 13 House Captains did an extraordinary job, coordinating impressive videos and live performances that brought together students from all year groups.

The stage was alive with creativity, featuring themes like Mamma Mia, The Lorax, The Lion King, and Wicked. However, there could only be one winner: Pollock House took the trophy with their brilliant and nostalgic tribute to British TV Shows!

The Leaderboard

While every House put up a spectacular fight, we are delighted to announce our overall champions for the autumn term:

• House talent winners: Pollock House

• Overall autumn term winners: Street House

Congratulations to Street for their consistency across all events, and a huge well done to every student who contributed to their House’s total this term. The race for the House Cup is well and truly on!

House Half and Full Colours

Congratulations to the following who gained either their Half or Full House Colour during the Autumn Term.

Cattley

Charlie B

Masha D

Izzi H

Izzy K

Nefeli T

Rufus W

Clark

Alex H

Seth O

Kennett

Lewis F

Pollock

Chloe A

Isla J

Juliet R

Rose

Florence B

Cordelia B

Thibault B S

Rosanna C

Eva D

Josh H

Emily R

Street

Stella C

Keira G

Shanaya H

Thea K

Cedric K

Jack P

Ahana S

Sutherland Hasan A

Carmen S D

Nico S D

Megan J

Haytham S

P

Jamie B Thomas K

Kennett Mohan D Campbell L

Sutherland Grace N Matilda S

China Trip

By Qingqing Guo, Head of Mandarin

The eight-day trip to China, undertaken by 18 students from Stephen Perse Cambridge during the October half-term break in 2025, proved to be an unforgettable blend of historical discovery, cultural immersion, and modern urban exploration.

The journey began in Beijing, where students moved seamlessly from practicing Taichi at the Temple of Heaven to exploring the vast imperial architecture of the Forbidden City. Their sense of adventure was tested early when they were invited to try douzhi - a traditional fermented bean drink that sparked plenty of lively reactions. A clear favourite among students was the hike along a peaceful, less-travelled stretch of the Great Wall of China, where sweeping views rewarded every steep step.

From Beijing, the group sped south to Hangzhou on a 350 km/h high-speed train. There, they enjoyed a tranquil boat ride on West Lake, followed by the breathtaking Impressions West Lake Show, an unforgettable blend of music, dance, and spectacular lighting staged on the water itself. A visit to the Longjing tea fields offered hands-on experiences in tea picking and tea brewing, giving students an authentic glimpse into the region’s renowned tea culture.

The final days were spent in Shanghai, where the group explored the historic Yu Garden and soared to the top of the Shanghai Tower for panoramic views of the city’s futuristic skyline. The trip came to a dazzling close with a mesmerising acrobatics performance that left everyone amazed.

Equally memorable was the culinary adventure woven throughout the journey. From traditional hotpot and Beijing roast duck to Zhajiang noodles and Shanghai soup dumplings, students tasted their way through China’s diverse food culture and discovered new favourites along the way.

This remarkable trip offered not just sightseeing, but genuine cultural connection - creating lasting memories and a deeper understanding of China’s history, traditions, and vibrant modern life.

RS and Philosophy Department Update

By Will Frost, Head of Religious Studies and Philosophy

Ethics Cup Competition

The Ethics Cup presents students with a serious intellectual challenge: mastering seventeen demanding moral case studies on issues such as no-platforming, trans women in sport, and genetic engineering. Students are required to develop and articulate a clear philosophical position, respond thoughtfully to sustained challenges from an opposing team, and defend their reasoning before a panel of judges, all without notes and without prior knowledge of which case will be debated.

This challenge was taken up with enthusiasm and determination by a team of ten debaters, eight from Year 11 and two from Year 12, who met weekly throughout the autumn term to explore the case studies, test their ideas, and refine their arguments in preparation for the competition. On the final Tuesday of term, the team, accompanied by Ms Whalan and me, travelled to North London Collegiate School to represent the school and pit their philosophical wits against students from other competing schools.

Drawn against the eventual finalists in their opening match, the team were unfortunate to suffer a narrow defeat in a closely fought debate. Undeterred, they responded impressively in their second match,

hitting their stride and securing a confident and welldeserved victory. Although they narrowly missed out on qualification for the knockout stages, the team left with their heads held high, having enjoyed a demanding and rewarding day of rigorous debate.

Throughout both their preparation and the competition itself, the students demonstrated real commitment and made real progress in their debating skills. The experience has left them far better equipped to meet the challenges of this, and similar, competitions in the future.

This challenge was taken up with enthusiasm and determination by a team of ten debaters, eight from Year 11 and two from Year 12, who met weekly throughout the autumn term to explore the case studies, test their ideas, and refine their arguments.

Philosophy Erasmus Essay Competition

by

Year 12 student, Michael R

I was made aware of the Erasmus Essay Competition in October 2025. The topic choice was what initially drew me into participating. Despite the essay questions remaining unreleased until four days before the deadline, the overarching theme was made clear from the outset: the ethics of immigration. As an immigrant myself, originally born in South Africa to an Afrikaner family before moving to the UK at a young age, I felt a strong personal connection to the topic. This gave me a valuable opportunity to apply my interest in philosophy to an issue of deep personal significance.

Additionally, as a politically engaged individual, I was eager to explore the topic further through wider reading and research. Immigration has become an increasingly prominent and contentious political issue in recent years, and over the course of the autumn term I read several academic papers presenting a range of philosophical approaches to the ethics of immigration.

In preparation for the eventual release of the questions, I read a total of eight papers, amounting to approximately 193 pages of densely worded academic work. While this may seem excessive, it was my first attempt at undertaking research of this depth for an essay of this nature.

Each paper was carefully analysed and condensed into a set of concise notes. By the time the questions were released, to my mild frustration only two of these papers proved directly relevant once I had selected my chosen question. Out of the five questions posed, I selected the one that asked participants to “Discuss the view that borders should be open because where one is born is a matter of luck.”

Although I did not receive a prize, I still greatly enjoyed this experience as it has helped me develop my essay skills, particularly useful as all four of my A Level subjects require essays. It has also provided an enjoyable introduction to the world of academic essay competitions aimed at sixth formers and I hope to participate in more in the future.

Lego League Challenge at Cambridge University's Engineering Department

By Kerry Watkins-Marks, Head of Design Engineering

The First Lego League is an exciting global competition that welcomes children from the age of 6 to 16 to take part in a match which challenges their problem solving and coding skills when building a Lego robot that can complete a series of missions constructed from Lego and based around a theme.

This year Stephen Perse Cambridge entered the competition and our team of Year 9 and Year 10 students, who have been working hard since November to prepare, tackled the challenges based around this season's theme ‘Unearthed’. Missions included surface brushing for new finds, exploring an old mineshaft, uncovering hidden artefacts, rebuilding an ancient ruin and salvage operations.

In addition to the robot challenge, teams also had to design their own mission based on the theme and needed to present this to judges as part of the innovation project. The Stephen Perse Cambridge ‘Moles’ team agreed on the problem of preservation of fragile archaeological artefacts. Together the students came up with the idea of building a prototype of a specialised stabilisation unit that controlled humidity and temperature, protected from shocks and included a self leveling platform to aid safe transportation.

For the Lego robot competition, teams had three matches trying to complete as many missions as possible on the unearthed map within 2 ½ minutes. Whilst our team didn’t come away with any awards this year, we learnt from each match and improved on our scores every time.

Overall, we came fifth, competing against eight other teams from as far away as Sharnbrook and Colchester, as well as a few highly ranked Cambridge based teams. We are now looking forward to competing again next year and are determined to be even more successful.

A Note from the Editor

While Kerry is far too modest to mention it in her report, we are absolutely thrilled to share that she was personally honoured at the competition! Out of all the participating teams, Kerry was selected as the winner of the Coach/Teacher Award. This is a wonderful testament to her dedication and the inspiring way she has led our Year 9 and 10 students throughout the Lego League challenge. Congratulations, Kerry!

YEAR 9 PRODUCTION

ALICE

DIRECTED BY HELENE BARRELL

7:30pm Thursday 19 March & Friday 20 March 2026

Alice is struggling to come to terms with the death of a close family member. Suddenly, she finds herself falling into a strange parallel world where nothing, and no one, seems to make sense. Join Alice on a quest to find The Heart, in the hope that this will help her to find the way back home. Laura Wade’s contemporary reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s classic story features all of your favourite Wonderland characters - but with a few twists!

BOOK TICKETS HERE

£8 for adults and £4 for students and concessions

Sports Update

By Charlotte Wells, Director of Sport

What a fantastic start to the term it has been for sport at our school. The energy on the pitches and courts has been electric, and our students have truly hit the ground running with determination and spirit. We are thrilled to report a positive start to the netball season with excellent wins across the age groups.

Congratulations are also in order for our hockey teams on their fantastic Regional and National qualifications, and to the football squads who are marching on in the Cups. Alongside these team successes, we are celebrating some inspiring individual performances.

Basketball

The U14 boys played an exciting match against Parkside in their first game of the season. The teams were neck and neck throughout the game, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. The score was at 35-35 with just seconds left on the clock, when a time out was called and an inspirational talk was given by coach James.

The boys went out rearing to go and Zac D scored the winning basket just as the buzzer sounded! A fantastic game played in great spirit. We look forward to more action on court soon.

Stop Press!

Congratulations to our U16 girls hockey team who secured 3rd place nationally at the finals of the England Hockey Girls U16 Schools Vase 2026. More details and photos will follow in the next newsletter.

Netball Update

We have had an excellent start to our netball season, with 20 teams already in action and 22 matches played against tough opposition. It’s been great to see our Year 7s representing the school for the first time, with some playing their very first fixture – all with huge smiles on their faces.

An outstanding return of 21 wins from 22 games so far. Plenty of challenging fixtures still to come, but a really positive start and a great opportunity for everyone to get more game time.

U16 Netball Regionals

After winning the County Championships, our U16 netball team faced tough wet conditions at the regional tournament on starting with a challenging opening match against STAHS. Despite strong performances throughout the day, the team narrowly missed out on a semi-final place by just one goal. The squad showed real grit and determination winning three of their five matches. A resilient effort in demanding conditions that the whole squad can be proud of.

U14A County Schools Netball

The U14 girls netball team played well at the county tournament. They worked hard throughout the day and demonstrated some outstanding play, approaching each match with real determination.

Facing very strong opposition, the team maintained their focus and teamwork throughout. Although they did not qualify for regionals, they worked tirelessly together and should be extremely proud of their efforts. Well done to all involved.

South Africa Touring Netball Team

On 3 December, we were delighted to host a touring South African netball team at Stephen Perse Cambridge, with U16 and U19 mixed squads competing in a series of tightly fought, high-quality matches. The games provided excellent preseason preparation for our U16 and U19 squads and showcased some outstanding netball. It was a pleasure to welcome and meet the wonderful players from Camari School, with all matches held in the sports hall.

Sports Update

Kseniia K Accepted into London Pulse PDP

Congratulations to Kseniia on being offered a place in the Pulse U17 PDP Academy. This is a huge achievement, as academy places are extremely competitive and highly sought after.

This opportunity puts Kseniia firmly in the mix for selection into the U17 and U19 squads competing in the Netball Europe Championships. We are incredibly proud of her hard work, commitment, and positive attitude - it has truly paid off.

Mavericks Coaching Session

Thank you to the amazing Jemma Donoghue from London Mavericks for delivering an inspiring coaching session with our senior netballers. This amazing opportunity was met with great energy, a strong work ethic, and her motivation, expertise and defending strategies were greatly appreciated.

Francesca B Accepted into London Mavericks PDP

We are delighted to announce a truly outstanding achievement by Year 11 student, Francesca B, who has been successfully accepted into the London Mavericks Player Development Programme (PDP)!

The PDP is the critical entry point to the official performance pathway for the London Mavericks Super League team. This selection is highly prestigious, as there are only six PDP squads across the entire South region, making places incredibly competitive and difficult to secure.

This is a monumental step in Francesca’s netball career. We are immensely proud of her dedication and success, and we wish her the very best in this exciting new venture with the London Mavericks.

Badminton Update

Our U15 badminton team had an excellent match this half term v The Perse School. There were some fantastic skills on display and some very tight games indeed. The final score was decided in just the last few games with Stephen Perse Cambridge winning 11-9.

All students played extremely well but special mention goes to Jasper W and Prisha P who won all of their singles and doubles games.

Gold and Silver Success for Trinity at Taekwondo Championships

We are thrilled to share the news of Trinity’s fantastic performance at the Impact Colour Belt Championship.

Competing in the 12–14 years category, Trinity demonstrated incredible skill and determination, securing both a Gold and a Silver medal. What makes this achievement even more impressive is that Trinity only celebrated her 12th birthday a few weeks ago, making her the youngest competitor in her age group.

To step up into a new age bracket and immediately reach the podium is a testament to her hard work and focus. Huge congratulations to Trinity on this outstanding double-medal win!

Sports Update

Football Update

Our football teams continue to represent the school superbly in the latter stages of national competition. The U15 boys, U15 girls and U18 girls have all progressed to the semi-final stages, reflecting the commitment and quality across the programme.

The U15 boys produced an excellent quarter-final performance, defeating University College School 4-1. They now face Merchant Taylors’, Crosby in the semi-final - a strong Liverpool-based side - in what promises to be a challenging and exciting fixture.

The U18 girls delivered a commanding 7-1 quarterfinal victory over Queen Ethelburga’s College. Combining creativity in possession with a ruthless edge in front of goal, they remained in control throughout. Across four national cup fixtures this season, they have now scored 33 goals and conceded just two, underlining both attacking flair and defensive resilience. They now await the semi-final draw.

The U15 girls have joined the U15 boys and U18 girls in the semi-finals after an impressive 3-1 quarterfinal win over Forest School. The team combined disciplined defending with confident attacking play, showing real character to secure the victory.

With the final rounds approaching, excitement continues to build around this talented group. We look forward to supporting all three teams as they continue their excellent progress in the coming weeks.

District Cup

In mid-December, after school broke up for the Christmas holidays, our U16 boys came together on a damp cold day, to play on a boggy pitch in the District semi-final v Netherhall school.

It was an incredibly competitive contest, which they ended up losing, but the match was closely fought throughout, with both sides producing a high standard of football.

Netherhall went on to win the competition and in hind sight, the semi-final between Stephen Perse Cambridge and Netherhall would have made a fitting final on the 4G pitch at Newmarket Town.

Ice Dance Success for Caterina

Caterina recently stepped up to the Basic Novice category in Ice Dance for the first time, and she certainly made her mark. Performing the Willow Waltz in the Pattern Dance, Caterina skated her way to a stunning second place finish overall.

Taking the silver medal in her very first event at this level is a massive achievement. Caterina isn't slowing down; she is already preparing for another competition in February as she works toward qualifying for the British National Championships.

Sports Update

Year 9 Student Izzy K and Team Phoenix Secure Bronze Medal

Year 9 student Izzy K and her synchronised ice skating team, Team Phoenix, have had a wonderful start to the skating season with a medal.

Izzy is part of the newly formed team, which competes in the competitive Basic Novice category. Many skaters, including Izzy have transitioned from last season's British champions beginner squad into this higher level. They made their debut at the Skate London Synchro 2025 competition at Lee Valley Ice Centre where the team is based. Despite a moment of pressure when two skaters fell in hold early on in the performance, the team kept their cool and carried on to deliver a focused and strong routine. This exceptional display of composure and skill earned them a fantastic bronze medal!

This is an outstanding start for the team and they will now be focussing on the British Championships and their first international competition in Belgium.

Hockey Update

The U14 boys hockey team have qualified for the Regional Tournament after coming runners up at the County Tournament. They played three matches, won one, lost one and drew one. They scored in each of their games and will now represent the East at the Regional Tournament later in the term.

Our U18 boys hockey team played some excellent hockey at their recent County Tournament. They won three matches, drew one, and lost one over the course of the day. They now progress to the Regional Tournament later in the term.