HEAD’S HIGHLIGHTS (SPEECH DAY 2022)
orchestral collaboration concert, and more pupils enjoying music lessons than ever before. Similarly, our productions have taken another step forward with our change to more inclusive casting, with multiple leads, and stunning choreography thanks to Miss Ibbotson. The House competitions have continued to evolve and improve as we have added music and dance competitions, and the Super- Sized House singing was one of the most fun things I have seen in years. House affiliation, vertical integration and diversity of inclusive competitions continue to ensure the House system is central to the enjoyment of the boys’ time at Dulwich. The children continue to see service and serving in new ways as our embedded Wellbeing curriculum develops. All the boys continue to experience giving their time towards the serving of others (e.g. the Year 4s helping at the food bank, Year 5s going to the Alms Houses, Year 6s collaborating with the AFRIL refugee school). Free learning week is always a central part of this broader learning at Dulwich and especially in the Junior School. This year has taken the boys to another level with the Jubilee, DC IAM, Anti-Bullying week, Book Week, Mental Health week and Refugee week. Finally, we have continued to evolve our collaboration with JAGS and Sydenham High girls with the introduction of more days and projects together. We know we have more to develop in this area and know that the children are learning more about each other and building connections, which will last through their school lives and well beyond. The Junior School’s strength is very much founded on the quality of its staff. Whilst the end of term is upon us and the staff are very tired, at a staff meeting this week they were still really keen to look back on the year, and look ahead to next year for how to improve the curriculum and their teaching. They are all superb as individuals and also collectively as a team. They are truly an inspiration to me and to the children. A particular personal thank you to the office staff and the SMT for all their support for the school, the boys and for me personally this year. Another year on, but another year of growing up. Whilst we look at these fine young men and can see that they have ‘grown up’ into adulthood in many definitions, it is clear they will keep on learning as they progress to their next stages. Likewise, the Junior School and Dulwich have grown up another year and we are very proud of the progress that has been made.
n Over the course of this week, I have attended the moving and poignant Upper School Prizegiving, the extraordinary Lower School production of Matilda, the bombastic Supersized House Singing and the joyous New Boys welcome afternoon. In those events, I have been able to see from where the boys start and their subsequent growth, and the effects that a Dulwich College education has on the lives of our pupils. I stand here with members of the senior prefect team about to present the prizes to our prize winners today and reflect on what it means to grow up. When pupils arrive in the Junior School we talk to them and their parents about how we initially start in Year 3 with a triangle of communication and responsibility, where the children, parents, and staff all have direct relationships to support the learning and pastoral care. By Year 6 and the Lower School we move to a straight line where the child is in the middle and much communication goes from staff to parent via the pupil. This is facilitated by instilling independence, responsibility, confidence, and resilience to the pupils. We can also see that as a whole school we have tried to continue to ‘grow up’ and evolve through the opportunities we give the pupils inside and outside the classroom. ‘Every day is a school day’ equally applies to the whole institution as it does to adults and pupils. Academically the Year 6s learned huge amounts through the process of the 11+ assessments, then they moved onto our most successful Great Exhibition in the Lent term, which saw a giant range of deep and important topics covered by each of the boys; from homelessness in London to LGBTQ rights, from the origins of war to the effects of population growth. At the beginning of the Summer term we were able to run our Symposium with JAGS and Dulwich Wood once more, and this time on the theme of Colour. Excellent memorable learning took place with all the children engaging with many different topics from psychology to classical history, dance to economics and politics. We have had a huge diversity of workshops and day trips and have developed our Forest School provision (thanks to the hard work of Mrs Greenaway) to give the boys a really deep experiential view of the world beyond the classroom. Our residential trips programme has now returned to its full post Covid levels, and once more the trips to Wales were the highlight. Our music provision has gone from to strength to strength this year, especially with the appointment of a dedicated Junior School music staff member (Miss Wilcox). We have had more concerts, a new training choir, a joint Foundation Schools
Dr Griffiths
CONTENTS ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT AND FREE LEARNING 2 Great Exhibition 6 Symposium 14 Forest School 18 Eco Week 20 Book Week and Author Visits 21 Roald Dahl Day 22 Art and DT 28 Clubs PASTORAL AND WELLBEING LEARNING 34 Community Service 36 Refugee Week 38 Charities 39 Anti-Bullying Week 40 DC I AM 42 Mental Health Awareness Week 43 Local Heroes 44 Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 46 Assemblies FEATURES 48 Me and My Buddy 49 A Day in the Life of … Year 4 50 School Council 51 An Interview with Dr Griffiths HOUSES
52 Photography 54 Mind Games 55 Pancake Race 56 500 Words 58 Cross Country 60 Sports Day 62 House Music 63 Supersized Singing 64 Teambuilding MUSIC AND CREATIVE ARTS 66 Time for Tea 68 The Jungle Book 70 LAMDA performance 71 Year 4 Christmas Production 72 Pop in and play 73 Concerts 74 Steel Pan Agency 75 Annual Strings Competition SPORT TRIPS, VISITS AND WORKSHOPS FOUNDER’S DAY SPEECH DAY FAREWELLS AND WELCOMES
Cover image by Suzanne Rowe and Carly Greenaway
1
The Great Exhibition n The boys in Year 6 worked hard throughout the Lent term on their ‘Great Exhibition Projects’. This is an extended individual research Project, based around the UN Goals for Sustainable Development, and a key part of the boys’ Humanities learning in Year 6. As part of the process, the boys worked hard to identify issues they are passionate about, relating to the Global Goals. They developed their research skills, particularly focussing on aspects such as forming research questions, and how to use references. They then worked to ‘synthesize’ their research to showcase their learning. A vital part of the Year 6 Project is also the importance of approaching a topic from different angles, and using critical thinking to consider elements such as how an issue might have changed over time, different perspectives surrounding an issue, or how an issue might be connected to other factors.
2
Project titles Amjad
Petrol and diesel engines are polluting the planet: how do we move forwards? What are the struggles of a refugee newly arrived in England and what rights do they have?
Rex
William B How has the COVID 19 Pandemic affected loneliness in the elderly? Roman What gives us the right to abuse animals? Ridley
How can refugees cope with the challenge of their journey and creating a sense of belonging in a new place?
Martin Ayden
Why are endangered cats poached and what can be done to help? How has the COVID 19 pandemic affected homelessness in the UK?
William C Will water shortages be a source of conflict? Jason Why are animals dying due to human activity? Henry C Overpopulation: how do we resolve this? Joshua Should all companies be made to be sustainable? Samuel
What are the effects of climate change on different animals?
Angus Homelessness: what are the causes and impact on individuals in the UK? Marcello How can the world change from non-renewable to renewable energy sources? Harry D Why do countries go to war? George How can we reduce car pollution? Indy
Does the decline in big cat numbers impact the environment and what can be done to improve the current situation?
Kit
How can we make London more sustainable?
Cassius
How does the climate change affect turtles and what can be done to improve the current situation?
Noah
How can we protect animal species, and help the food chain? How do you raise awareness of and stop racism in sport?
Hari
Mark
What is the best source of energy? How does air pollution affect India?
Lex
Max G
How is plastic waste affecting our lives? Nuclear energy: how can we use it responsibly?
Toby
Max H
Why is there so much poverty and homelessness in London? How much does social media contribute to fake news?
Severin
Sebastian What is the future of transport? Reuben What are the causes and effects of homelessness? Barnaby How can rich countries help poor countries develop renewable energy? Carter
What are the causes of animal testing and should the current situation be changed?
Jasur Orfeas Amar Deny James
What are the consequences of deforestation? Why is homelessness such a problem in the UK?
How can refereeing in football be made more reliable? How can pollution levels be cut by changing energy sources?
How does sea pollution affect our environment
Ben
What causes people to hunt animals legally and illegally? How are we affected by laws surrounding freedom of speech? Why is poaching for rhinos and elephants a global issue? How has the COVID 19 pandemic affected homelessness in the UK?
Jenson Cosmo
Dante
William M Is planet B a realistic option? Otis
What is the impact of a growing population on Earth? How can vehicle pollution be reduced in the UK? Is AI beneficial or detrimental to our lives? How can we make cities more sustainable? How does plastic pollution affect our eco systems?
Milo
Harry N Henry N
Xavier
Sebastien How can pandas be saved from extinction? Aarav
What are the effects of climate change on England vs India? What are the dangers to sea life from commercial fishing?
Tommy Filippo
What is the impact of logging in the Amazon, and what can be done to improve the current situation?
Ayush Max S Aiden Irfaan
Global warming – what is happening and how can we stop it?
Could there ever be a robot takeover?
Why do people poach and what can be done to stop it?
Why do wars occur?
Leo
Are the effects of climate change irreversible? Are electric cars the solution to our transport needs?
Ahaan Charlie
Why is overfishing a serious issue?
Jake Milo Tom
How can we solve the problem of plastic pollution?
How do we ensure equality for all, including the LGBTQIA++ community?
What impact do tigers have on their environment and what can be done to protect their diminishing numbers?
3
4
5
SYMPO n The Junior School Symposium is an established annual event in the curriculum – a central tenet of free and memorable learning. Starting in 2015, we team up with James Allen’s Girls’ Junior School and Dulwich Wood Primary School, with children working together on different workshops, issues and activities. To date, themes have included ‘Movement’, ‘Pattern and Chaos’, ‘Time’, ‘Conflict and Resolution’, ‘Our World’ and our theme for 2022 was ‘Colour’. Scavenger hunt
n Wow - what a day! A day certainly full of colour as pupils from Dulwich College, James Allen’s Girls’ School and Dulwich Wood Primary enjoyed working together in a whole host of workshops. At Dulwich College, pupils in Year 4 and Year 6 took part in: Music by Colour, The Science of Pointillism, Sensational Samba, Colour Stories, Colours in Maps and Light Painting and many more. At James Allen’s Girls’ School, pupils in Year 3 and Year 5 took part in: Coding with Colour, Colour Chaos, Food Science, Making Kaleidoscopes, Salt Painting and many more activities. Among the highlights were the Steel Pan workshops at JAGS and the ‘Just Bangs or Real Science?’ show at DC. Another fantastic annual symposium, which was enjoyed by pupils and staff alike!
Maths and colour
6
OSIUM
Colour weaving
Steel pans
7
Science of Pointilism Scavenger hunt
8
Rasa box exercise
Music by colour
9
Achilles hair and Athena’s eyes
Sensational Samba
10
Light painting
What’s in a name?
11
Exploring chemical colours
12
Daily dish
Real science or just bangs?
13
Forest School
14
n Year 3 relished getting their hands dirty during their first Forest School trip. Head Groundsman, Mr Purnell, called on the boys to create their very own garden in the Junior School. The boys willingly set to work digging, raking and shovelling until they had succeeded in preparing six beds. Later in the term they planted the garden
15
16
17
18
n It was an absolute pleasure hearing the boys speak about their learning throughout Eco Week. Throughout the College, students have been considering the collective impact that individuals can have and thereby making an Eco-Pledge. These pledges range from: walking/cycling/scooting to school, turning the lights off, turning the thermostat down by two degrees, reducing portion size at lunch to minimise waste, bringing reusable water bottles to school, recycling plastic bags, eating more vegetarian options and many more. Workshops were run by Target4Green and included: Exploring the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Children’s Environmental Rights, Dubai: A Case Study of Development & Environmental Impacts and The Story of Stuff. Each workshop encouraged the students to think about causes and consequences, work collaboratively and creatively and have hope for the future.
19
Book Week and Author Visits
Year 3 Treasure Hunt
M A Bennett
Graham Whitlock and Junior School Librarians
n Wow! Book Week went with a Bang! Another Time, Another Place Book Week whizzed by once again. The boys enjoyed wonderful live author visits from Graham Whitlock, Sam Copeland, Sam Sedgman and M A Bennett and we also welcomed children from Dulwich Wood School. From laughing at emojis to learning about how steam fires pistons, to the Butterfly Effect and the amazing blind skiers down Crystal Palace hill – we were bamboozled and entertained. Year 3 took part in a Treasure Hunt with clues from around the Junior School, Year 4 enjoyed a visit to the Archives and learned about Edward Alleyn’s fabulous shopping list for the feast to celebrate founding the College, and put on his actual 400 year old ring. Year 5 completed workshops with the author about the Crystal Palace – imagining what they would put in today’s Crystal Palace – with a myriad of suggestions and Year 6 librarians enjoyed a fun Brown Bag lunch with Graham Whitlock, the author who answered all their questions and queries about his writing, and how his book was published.
Sam Sedgeman
20
Roald Dahl Book Day
n There was a wonderful sense of fun and excitement as the boys arrived at school in their fabulously creative costumes, looking forward to a day of fun silliness for Roald Dahl Day.
21
Art and DT
Flower vases (Year 3)
Marble mazes (Year 3)
22
Seascape textiles (Year 4)
Kandinsky collages (Year 4)
23
Mother’s Day portraits (Year 4)
Opie portraits (Year 6)
24
Elastic Buggies (Year 5)
Rainforest project inspired by Henri Rousseau (Year 5)
Natural forms inspired by Georgia O’Keefe (Year 5)
25
Fairground rides (Year 6)
Clocks (Year 6)
Key fobs (Year 6)
26
Still life project looking at abstract paintings (Year 6)
Pop art packaging (Year 6)
27
Clubs
Art Club
n During the early part of the Lent term, Art Club were creating nature collages. They started by learning about using watercolour paints and chose a selection of colours to create swatches. Once dry, they used these to cut out birds, feathers and leaves.
28
Year 5 & Year 6 Calligraphy
Bookbinding
29
Year 3 & Year 4 Calligraphy
Percussion Ensemble
Music Tech
30
Origami
Crafts
HIIT circuits
31
Year 3 Lego
Chess
32
Taekwondo
Percussion
Velodrome Cycling
Historical Re-enactment
Marbles
33
Brixton and Norwood Foodbank n As part of our community action this year, Year 4 worked with the Brixton and Norwood Foodbank and the Southwark Day Centre for Asylum Seekers, to collect essential supplies for these amazing charity services. A different form visited the Brixton and Norwood Foodbank each term to see how the food is collected, sorted, stored and delivered, as well as getting a first-hand experience of the difference it makes to so many lives in our local community. 4W were fortunate enough to see the foodbank at its fullest, after many harvest donations. The boys found out about the busiest times of year and the vast number of deliveries that were made each week to homes and families. Below are some pictures of the church looking pleasingly full of supplies. However, this is not always the case throughout the year and, as the boys learned, this is the reason our repeat collections each term are so valuable for the foodbank and the people it supports.
34 COMMUNITY
Southwark Day Centre for Asylum Seekers
n 4D transported a huge amount of donations to the Southwark Day Centre for Asylum Seekers - so many items in fact, that many of the bags split on the way to the minibuses. Whilst at the Centre, the boys learnt about the 50 different nationalities who used the Centre last year alone. They were excellent listeners as they heard the tales of refugees from Syria and Afghanistan, who now volunteer for SDCAS. Ahmadzai, a kite-maker from Afghanistan who was forced to leave his home, was so impressed by the boys that he has offered to run a kite-making course at some point in the future!
35 SERVICE
Refugee Week
n The theme for this year’s Refugee Week was Interconnectivity: 100 million stories. This was in response to the UNHCR figures for the number of displaced people globally. Pupils in the Junior School took part in various activities throughout the week including, an assembly from Amy Campbell from the charity My Start, along with art workshops. Senior Prefects also read stories on the theme of migration and refugees to all Junior School classes.
36
37
Community Service and Charities
Year 5 Christmas Community Action Project n Year 5 completed their annual Community Action Project, ‘‘Caring at Christmas’. The boys learnt about the difficulties that can be experienced by older people, particularly concerning loneliness, and how this can be exacerbated at Christmas. To support older people in our local community, Year 5 raised money for the charity Link Age Southwark. A few weeks ago, the boys were set a Santa’s Little Helper sponsorship challenge. They completed odd jobs and chores around their homes in return for a small donation. We were amazed by how well the boys responded to this challenge. They vacuumed, made beds, cooked breakfasts and dinners, took the rubbish out, raked leaves, amongst many, many other helpful tasks! The boys also spent time and care making and writing thoughtful Christmas cards to the residents of the Dulwich Almshouse In the Summer term the boys gave the residents a concert at the old college. Year 5 showed empathy, maturity and a sense of responsibility for their local community during this project, and they raised over £470 for Link Age Southwark too.
38
Anti-Bullying Week
n The theme of the week was ‘One Kind Word’ - how one small word, gesture or comment can have a really positive impact on someone else’s happiness.
Mr Wickstead’s assembly on Monday kickstarted the week as he focussed on defining bullying, power imbalances and being an upstander, not a bystander. Each form then had a wellbeing lesson where boys thought about ways in which the school could become an even kinder environment, as well as thinking deeper about their own personal actions around the ‘One Kind Word’ theme. The week culminated with Odd Socks Day, and there was a vast array of colourful socks on show. This day was to show support for anti-bullying week and to recognise that we embrace each other’s differences.
39
DC I AM
40
n Dulwich College Identity Awareness Month ran throughout February, and the Junior School pupils enjoyed taking part in a range of activities, following the theme for 2022, ‘Here’. One major event was when the whole Junior School went off-timetable to take part in the ‘Stitch of Life’ workshops, which ran across the whole College. In these sessions, the students chose a word reflecting their identity, which they then sewed onto a tag. The boys attached the tags to one of eleven banners on display around the College, forming an art installation titled ‘SEEN/UNSEEN’. Also during this period, some boys attended lunchtime art and poetry drop-in activities. In the art sessions, called ‘Hands Up’, the students turned themselves into living works of art. First, they chose words that reflected their identity and drew them onto their hands using face paints. Then, they created a backdrop and took a photograph, with some wonderfully creative results. Finally there was a break time poetry workshop for the boys, based around the idea of writing a poem about what makes you unique. We talked about the different elements that make up each person’s identity, including memories, hobbies and culture, and some lovely poems were produced.
41
Mental Health Awareness Week
n ‘Connections’, this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme, could be seen clearly around the campus with pupils taking a moment to sit on a bench and connect through conversations, and enjoying the ‘Table Teasers’ over lunch to start a discussion. The week also saw the boys take part in a number of activities including board games, mindfulness activities and yoga workshops, as seen here.
42
Local Heroes
n Over the Michaelmas Half Term, Junior School pupils were challenged to find out about a local hero and create an artwork depicting them. We had an incredible range of entries with boys using a variety of media and representing a plethora of inspiring people who have made positive contributions to our local communities.
43
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
n To celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, pupils at The Junior School enjoyed a day of learning and community spirit to honour the occasion. The day started with an assembly looking through The Queen’s younger years, her father becoming King, the Queen and Princess Margaret’s first radio broadcast during the war on Children’s Hour and the key events leading up to her Coronation. Throughout the day, children had the opportunity to learn about The Queen’s 70-year reign and her role as Head of the Commonwealth, as well as take part in ‘Traditional’ Sports Day activities with welly throwing, sack races and egg & spoon races.
44
n The highlight of the day for many though was welcoming parents, siblings and grandparents to our afternoon tea party. The Junior School Hall had never smelled better during the day as hundreds of entries for the Great Dulwich Bake Off appeared. After the judging took place, the delicious cakes were enjoyed by all guests in the afternoon. Outside, the Senior School Brass Band played the National Anthem and British favourites, the Friends of Dulwich College kindly supported the events by providing large lawn games, the conversation flowed, the bunting hung high, and the sun even made an appearance! A memorable day for all involved and we hope one that will be remembered by Junior School pupils in years to come.
45
Assemblies
n Year 3 had a brilliant time learing about, and celebrating the Lunar New Year. Cathy Wang (Aidan’s mummy) came to talk to the boys all about Lunar New Year and how it is celebrated in different cultures around the world. Cathy demonstrated how symbols are created through intricate and beautiful calligraphy which the boys then had a go at during their Art lesson.
n 5G performed a brilliant assembly, which linked our Core Values with Shackleton’s expedition. 5G carefully detailed each stage of the crew’s journey, including when they had to make the tough decision to abandon their ship ‘Endurance’ and trek across vast ice sheets on foot. It was interesting to reflect on how our Core Values guide us further than school, and how they will weave into our futures. 5G finished with a wonderful ‘Core Values’ song that had us all humming and tapping our feet for the rest of the day.
46
n Assemblies form an important part of the boys’ wider wellbeing and often celebrate a major religious or cultural event, explore a moral or ethical dilemma, or consider a thought-provoking question. The aim of these Assemblies is to promote SMSC, Diversity & Inclusion, and Fundamental British Values and to share these values with parents as well as the whole school community. External speakers, as well as older boys in the College, will occasionally lead these assemblies. Each form also creates and performs two assemblies in the year, and this is followed up with parent pop-ins where parents come into the classroom to see boys’ books and some of their recent learning. The Friday Assembly is a celebration Assembly when pupils’ achievements, both individual and collective, are celebrated through the awards of certificates, commendations and specialist awards, for example, music exams, touch typing and kindness leaves for the kindness tree.
47
Me and My Buddy
My buddy is called Hari and he is in 6R, and also Raleigh House. He is very good at sports including football, cricket and rugby. When I got my letter I felt
My buddy is called Ridley. When I saw my name on a letter I was surprised. When I opened the letter it was from my buddy. On it he had written he liked football, which was my favourite
excited. Hari wrote a lot of detail about the Junior School and himself. It was especially interesting that he is mixed race like me, good to hear. It was fun doing the checklist. He took me to see the friendship bench and other interesting places. I like seeing my buddy at House competitions, House lunches and at playtime. My best memory is of the day when I met Hari. It was exciting and fun! Happy, amazing, respectful, interesting. Great buddy!! Joe, Year 3 My buddy is Roman, he’s a kind and considerate soul who has helped me through my time at DC. When he sent me the introductory letter, I was very pleased to know that I had Roman who is with me in Spenser. In the letter he wrote that I would be spending time with him at school for the first few weeks. Soon after that I wrote a letter back to Roman saying what hobbies I likes and which football team I support. I also asked him a few questions like do you have a sister or a brother? What are your hobbies? What is your favorite sport? And stuff like that. On my first day at DC, we started school a bit later than
too. He also said he would show me how to play patball. On my first day of school he gave me a tour and we had to do a checklist. We met Dr Griffiths and Ridley also showed me the library and the playground. I see Ridley when it is House lunches and competitions. My favourite competition was traditional sports day because he cheered me on. My highlight with him was when we played tag and teamed up. Jack, Year 3
The letter that I received from my buddy Cass was a very informative letter. He wrote about football, swimming, and running. The letter I sent Cass included all the sports he wrote and cricket. I was really excited to hear the thud of Cass’s letter
hitting the ground. I rushed over and opened it at the speed of light. I was so happy that I read it through five times! It made me feel that I already had a new friend at my new school. Cass started off by showing me the Friendship Bench. Then he showed me the main playground, the pat-ball courts, the Year 3 playground, then he told me the rules of patty footy and we played for a bit which was really fun, and it made me feel so at home! Cass then showed me the year 6 corridor because it was right next to the Year 3 playground. After that he showed me the Junior School hall which seemed really big with just us two in. Finally, he showed me the bit which I was waiting for, the Year 3 & 4 corridor (along with the library)! Then break came so I went outside to play with Cass. I think Cass did a good job on showing me around and all the things he showed me would be really helpful for when I progress in the Junior School. Highlights and favourite memories: Cass congratulating me after the cross country; cheering Jonson on together at House swimming; playing pat-ball with Cass, Jack and his buddy; having my first House lunch; seeing Cass for the first time. Gil, Year 3
usual and got straight into spending time with our buddies and doing the buddy checklist. He started off doing things like giving me tips on simple stuff like how to get around the school quickly and easily, then near the end of break Roman taught me how to play patball and tips on that. At the end of break, I said goodbye to Roman and set off on my journey in DCJS.
I normally see Roman every day (usually at break time) and he sometimes plays with me. We either play patty-footy, ‘IT’ or patball. I often see him in his classroom when I am on my way to my music lesson and if he sees me too, he will always wave hello. My favourite highlight with Roman was when he came over to our house for a playdate with my brother (they are friends) just before we started school in September. Aiden was inside the house on the Xbox but Roman stayed outside in the garden with me to play with the water guns having a massive water fight – it was so fun! Roman has really helped me through my time in Year 3 and I will miss seeing him around the Junior School. Ciaran, Year 3
48
A Day in the Life of.......Year 4
As I wake up at the crack of dawn and dash off to take the school coach (having stuffed myself with a scrumptious breakfast of pancakes and milk), from the first look outside my window, I know this will be yet another joyous day. I reach school just before 8.00am, while the sun is smiling down on South London and butterflies are merrily fluttering in and out of the trees over the lush green grounds of my amazing school. After reaching school I play a game of pat-ball with my friends. Triiing! The unmistakable sound of the school bell. Everyone rushes into the school, eager to start the day in their classrooms. The morning kicks off with a thought-provoking and inspiring assembly from Dr Griffiths. A common daily stop for students is the library, filled with familiar as well as unique books. The morning lessons are usually devoted to Maths and English lessons. Maths with Mr Wadhams…My favourite lesson of the day. He makes every topic seem so simple. What might seem like boring algebra questions are turned into an exciting mission by him. By noon, our tummies are rumbling.. Lunches at the Junior School are unmissable. A brilliant buffet at the lunch hall - with two vegetarian dishes, a daily soup and bread, at least three salads and a variety of puddings (look out for that chocolate mousse and tiramisu). And if any of these scrumptious dishes don’t invite your tastebuds for tea, there is always an option of pasta, sauce with a sprinkle of cheese. There are friendly and healthy competitions in House events nearly every week. From the time-consuming, precise House photography competitions to the energetic and lively House dance competitions, Wednesday morning catch ups with the Housemaster is something most boys look forward to. And I can’t wait for the Public speaking event next week!! Afternoons are taken up by subjects such as Science, Humanities or sports. The school has a state-of-the-art Science Lab and students are always itching to touch and explore the capabilities of the scientific instruments. Science experiments are very engaging, enlightening, and educational. One of my favourite subjects in the week and an opportunity to be as curious as one would like! Open concerts are a regular feature every term either during break times or after school organised by the awesome music teachers. This term I really enjoyed two music events; the Strings Festival where I played the Guitar and The Foundation School Concert was an amazing opportunity as well to engage with students from other schools who are part of the same family, and it was my first time being a part of a very large orchestra. The day ended with a brilliant orchestral performance by all the students, and it seemed very professional (honestly). From the gentleman’s sport of cricket to the rough game of rugby, we all love sports. Be it sunny, windy or wet, we will be out there on the razor sharp, sapphire grass playing fixtures with other schools. Some days are even more special and memorable. Spectacular events are organised at the Junior School such as the Symposium this year, where there were several fun and challenging events and talks planned on the theme of colour. The presentation and live display on Fireworks at the Great Hall was full of pops and bangs As the day ends at school, I reach home at 5.00pm. Home learning is light and fun and gives me the opportunity to be my best self and use my creativity. I enjoy the Exciting TTRS battles and Humanities Projects on the weekend. Going on a nearly week long residential trip to Wales, getting to different lessons taking place across the school estate and going on the London underground on a school trip to the Design museum and taking the school coach back and forth every day have been wonderful opportunities for me to develop a sense of responsibility and being independent.
– Aadi, Year 4
49
School Council
n Every September, each form in the Junior School elects a School Council Representative. Interested candidates prepare a short speech to deliver to their classmates to explain why they would be suitable for the role. Following these, we use a transferable voting system where the students rank their preferred candidates. Finally, ballots are counted by Form Tutors and results are announced in assembly. This is when the hard work begins!
School Council Representatives meet regularly to discuss the boys’ opinions on how we can improve our school, come up with solutions to issues that arise, and share feedback gathered from their form groups.
This year, amongst other things, the boys came up with an idea for a new Pokémon Club (helping to solve some playground disagreements) and designed and implemented a new playground timetable, which they introduced to the rest of the Junior School in an assembly. As part of the whole College Eco Week in the Michaelmas Term, they also had a meeting with Peter Milne from Target 4 Green, who helped the boys come up with new sustainability initiatives to discuss and implement within their forms.
50
Year 6 Prefects Q&A with Dr Griffiths
I think as a Head you have a vision of what you want to happen, and things you want to change…and sometimes changing things at the pace you would like can be tricky.
Philosophy Club, obviously! If I were your age, I would have done every single Sports Club I could – because at that age, that was all I really thought about. But now, I would join all of the Music clubs too. For example, choir – I’ve always loved singing, and I join in with Madrigal Choir at Dulwich when I can. I love being creative, too – so D.T or Art Club would be very enjoyable too.
5. What sorts of difficult decisions have you faced as Headteacher? (Josh)
12. When you were a pupil, what was your favourite subject at school? (Joshua)
I think when boys make bad decisions, and having to think about the best ways for them to learn from that. I don’t like giving punishments or sanctions, but sometimes it’s necessary to have to do it. As well as that, lots of the decisions around lockdown and COVID were very difficult. There was no rule book! We had to work it out day to day.
Well, I loved German at school, and I also got very interested in Geography as I moved through school and learned more about the world and Human Geography in particular. I’ve always enjoyed Maths, too.
6. What’s your favourite lunch at DC? (Rex)
13. What was your favourite book as a child, and what is your favourite book now? (Sebastian) I discovered reading relatively late in my childhood, and remember really enjoying thriller and spy books. I loved the Adrian Mole books when I was in Senior School, and now I love biographies of interesting people, and military history books too – particularly the Second World War. 14. Which musical instruments do you play? Which would you like to learn? (Ayush)
I’ve got lots! But I have to say the lasagne is one of my favourites. I also absolutely love the homemade tartare sauce you get with fish and chips! 7. What’s your favourite memory so far of being Headteacher at DCJS? (Ayush) That’s an impossible question! I think this year’s Great Exhibition was really special. Seeing the boys’ deep understanding of a topic, and talking to complete strangers about it is so impressive. Every production is also brilliant: especially when you see boys who wouldn’t normally choose to do much singing and dancing up there on stage really enjoying themselves. 51
A group of eager Prefects met with Dr Griffiths in the Summer Term to ask him questions they had always wondered... Here are the responses, and the results of the interview.
I sing, and I play the double bass – but I’m not very good at that! I always wish I could be better at the piano, too – I would love to learn more.
1. What is the best part of being Headteacher at DCJS? (Lex)
By far the energy from the boys, giving them amazing opportunities, and seeing them happy and engaged. Secondly, seeing the progress boys make from Year 3 to Year 6, becoming happy and curious learners ready to leave the Junior School and move up to the Lower School.
15. What’s your favourite sport, and why? (Josh)
8. What has been your favourite trip you’ve been on at DCJS? (Joshua)
I played obscene amounts of hockey from the age of about 10 to 30. From the age of about 15 – 25 I was playing about 5 or 6 times a week, and travelling around the country for games and training. In parallel to that, I’ve also really liked cricket. More recently though, I love running, swimming and cycling, and participating in triathlons. I do parkruns as often as I can, and do around 4 triathlons a year: I love the exhilaration of completing a triathlon!
I’ve been to Wales, and all the ski trips, and they’ve been good. But the Dulwich 400 celebrations in 2019 will always stay in my memory: going to St Paul’s Cathedral and being on the bridge to see the Gloriana was very special.
2. What is the school doing to protect the environment and stop climate change? (Ayush)
Lots of different practical things, as well as messaging to support good decision making. For example, we can do things at the school to change the way things are heated, to think about electric vehicles and how we all get to school. We can also think about how to support people in making better decisions – for example how people travel to school. Something like less than 15% of our journeys to school are in single use cars, and that’s really impressive.
9. Which DCJS Core Value do you try to embody the most? (Lex)
Doing the right thing. They’re all equally important, but that is the hardest one to define. Trying to work out the right thing to do, all the time, both as a teacher and as a person when I leave the school gates. Doing the right thing when nobody is looking is so important!
That’s all of our questions for today. Thank you for your time, Dr Griffiths!
10. Which House would you most like to be in? (Rex)
3. What persuaded you to be
Headteacher at DC rather than any other school? (Rex)
The diplomatic answer is…I can’t answer that question! But my son in the Upper School is in Spenser, so I look out for him in those competitions. In the Junior School though, I want every House to do well, and I love all of the House competitions!
I absolutely love the ethos of the school, and the broad, inclusive nature to allow everyone to be themselves. I like the broad range of opportunities, and the excellence boys have access to from such a young age.
11. If you were a pupil at DCJS, which clubs would you join? (Kit)
4. What challenges have you come
across as Headteacher? (Sebastian)
51
Photography
n A huge well done to all the Junior School pupils for their efforts and enthusiasm in the House Photography Competition. Participation was excellent, with 206 pupils submitting entries for their Houses, and some fantastic moments were captured. Mr Graham Wilson, our competition judge and one of the winners of the SSLP Staff Photography Competition, was hugely impressed by the quality of entries, many of which experimented with perspectives and effects, noticed opportunities or told a story. A special congratulations to Sidney House for securing first place in this competition.
Categories: Year 3 – My local Area
Year 4 – Homes and Habitats Year 5 – Streets of London Year 6 – Our Environment
52
53
House Mind Games
n In House Mind Games, pupils were tasked with collaboratively solving various lateral thinking puzzles and brain teasers in year groups. Even if some of the puzzles couldn’t ultimately be solved, points were still awarded for systematic thinking, perseverance and teamwork.
54
House Pancake Race
n The House pancake race threw up its usual dose of thrills and spills. The event was split into two races; one for Years 3 and 4 and one for the Year 5 and 6 pupils. It involved every pupil running a shuttle relay for their House and flipping the pancake half way through. The usual photo finish (and video replay!) was very much required to determine the placings, but well done to Sidney for their victory in Years 3 and 4, and Spenser who were victorious in Years 5 and 6 and overall.
55
50 56 500 Words Story Competition Superheroes Don’t Always Wear Capes: The Night I Saved the Rainforest in My Pyjamas I love jaguars, the big cats not the cars! I read about them, draw them and watch David Attenborough. For my birthday I got a lovely toy jaguar from my mummy. I would have liked a real one but I know it’s hard to keep one in London. One night something amazing happened. I woke with a start and saw something wonderful and scary. Sitting on my bed was a real live jaguar! “Don’t be frightened Tommy.” Said the jaguar. “I won’t hurt you, I just wondered if you would like to see where I came from.” I wasn’t scared because he had a nice kind smile. We tiptoed down the stairs. “Jump on my back and away we go.” Then we were off, soaring the sky, looking down where there were millions of trees as far as I could see, as green as sparkling emeralds. When we landed in the forest I could hear birds singing, mischievous monkeys chatting, sloths snoring, frogs croaking and bees buzzing. I couldn’t believe my ears. It was so beautiful! It smelt of freshly grown trees and grass and all the colours were beautiful and bright. I played, sang and danced with the animals. I felt like I was on top of the world. Then the sound of scurrying away and....SILENCE. Suddenly I heard a deafening sound “CHOP CHOP CHOP WHACK WHACK WHACK.” The man in front of me looked monsterously mean and was hideously ugly. We had a nose like a crab claw and warts all over his face. “What on earth are you doing?” I said bravely. “I’m chopping down all the trees so I can sell the wood for logs and have a cattle farm. I’m going to be rich and have a mansion wahahahaho” the man sneered. “You can’t” I said solemnly. “Well just try and stop me” the man said wielding his aze. Just then all the animals came out of their hiding place. “You can’t do that” I cried. “These beautiful trees hold our earth in place and our animals won’t have anywhere to live.” “I don’t care about that, I want to be RICH” shouted the man. “But we need these trees to breathe. Without them you will die.” “Oh I hadn’t thought of that, I don’t want to die, so I better stop and tell the others to do the same.” He walked away and the animals cheered! “BANG BANG BANG.” A sound hit my ears and the animals ran away. Then I saw a man who was fat and ugly, he had a big nose and crooked teeth. “What on earth ae you doing?” I said for the second time that day. “I’m going to kill the animals and sell their fur. I’m going to be RICH!” “Why are you killing all these beautiful animals, all living things depend on each other. We need these animals for all of us to survive.” I noticed all the animals were behind me. The snake hissed and the jaguar roared. “Oh I hadn’t thought of that, I don’t want to die. I better stop killing all the animals.” He dropped his gun and sped away. All the animals cheered “hooray Tommy.” We sang and danced all night. “Time to go home” the jaguar said. I was feeling very tired. The next morning I woke up and cuddled my toy jaguar. I was very happy indeed. Tommy, Year 3 Jamie and Vitaliy Chapter 1 – Jamie Barker As I woke up and stretched my arms over my head, I felt the warm rays of sunshine on my face. Slowly, I climbed out of my bed and realised it was my mum’s voice that woke me up and not the alarm ringing in my ears: “Jame! Breakfast is ready!” “Oh no!” I yelled in my head. “I better not be late for the school bus on a fixture day.” As I got to the dining table, I saw two scrumptious, toasted bagels coated in my favourite plum butter and a cup of hot tea. “This looks delicious, thank you!” I said as I sat down. I quickly devoured my breakfast. I looked at the clock, which showed 7:15, so I put my coat, bags, and shoes on and headed out for the lift. Chapter 2 – Vitaliy Kozak BOOM!! I woke up as soon as I heard the noise. My mum came to my room and said “Get dressed. We are going on a road trip.” BOOM!! BOOM!! “What is happening out there?” I questioned in my head. “Shouldn’t I be going to school?” I asked perplexed. “School is cancelled today. We must hurry.” Mum replied anxiously. “What about the museum trip?” I inquired. “That will have to happen another time. Vitaliy, please get dressed.” Mum hurried me, clearly not in the mood for a conversation. “Why are we in such a rush?” I wondered. Chapter 3 – The Bad News It wasn’t until break time, that I realised the day wasn’t going as planned. Firstly, it was heavily raining all morning, and we’ve experienced outbreaks of huge hail. I’ve never seen anything like it. It wasn’t long before the teachers announced that the rugby fixture was cancelled due to bad weather. I was very disappointed. If that was not enough to ruin the day, the traffic home was so heavy that I missed my judo lesson. “What a pity! At least I still have the TTRS Battle to look forward to” I thought to myself. Chapter 4 – The road trip to Poland The journey was taking a very long time, much longer than I expected. I was wondering why dad was looking awfully anxious and mum constantly broke down in tears. On the radio I heard that Russia started an invasion of Ukraine. We were at war. In the distance I could hear sirens and explosions, it was horrendous. But the worst was still to come. It was already dark when we got closer to the border. The car stopped and I hear an officer knocking on the window. Just above the noise of other cars honking to get across the border, I heard the officer say, “I am incredibly sorry, but you will have to leave your husband behind.” Chapter 5 – The TTRS Battle The TTRS battle was not going well. 4D were in the lead by at least 100 points. I put in my answers quickly and 4L were getting closer and closer to 4D’s score. With only three minutes left, I managed to fit in another level. I couldn’t believe we somehow tied with 4D! When I went to bed to catch some sleep, I thought about what happened today; the hailstorms, the cancelled fixture, the TTRS battle. As my eyes closed, I hoped that tomorrow would be a better and sunny day.
00 57 Chapter 6 – Across the Border Mum started crying. Dad asked if he really had to get out of the car. The officer said that every man had a duty to help the army fight Russia. He explained that it was to support President Zelensky and all of Ukraine. Without questioning the officer any further, dad got out of the car. Even mum didn’t protest. Before dad went off towards Ukraine, we hugged and said our goodbyes. Eleven hours later... Me and mum ad reached Poland. When we arrived at my uncle’s house, I went to sleep straight away. As tiredness flowed through me, I wondered if I will ever see dad again. Jamie, Year 4 IMAGINE My name is Kit and I LOVE fact books! In fact, I love them so much that I read them whenever I can; in bed (instead of sleeping!), waiting for the school bus (missing it at times!), at home (avoiding chores!) Right now, I’m sitting in my bedroom, ready for bed (or so mum thinks!) I longingly reach out for my new fact book, excited to read it... As I open the page and eagerly look at the contents, I realise that this is going to be a good one! YAY!! Who should I pick first? Who do I admire the most? Who do I want to be like? Someone from the past; Albert Einstein, Marie Curie or someone more recent; Marcus Rashford, Sir Tom Moore? So many heroes to choose from … decisions, decisions! Decision made; I’m going to choose Isaac Newton! His legacy precedes him and I need to learn more about this amazing man. Here we go...SHHH!!! Remember, I should be sleeping! SWIRL! SWOOSH! VROOM! Words rush past as the wind whistles through my bristly brown mop-like hair. Pages flip furiously, as a storm of letters race by. In the distance, through a grimy window, I spy Albert Einstein intently formulating, could this be the moment he discovers E=mc?! What a moment! Suddenly, the wind stops howling; calm arrives. THUD! I fall sharply to the ground.. I feel really dizzy and delirious. I sit up and look around. Where am I? I trudge over to a sign, which reads: ‘Woolsthorpe Manor’. I recognise the name but from where? Which book? AHA! It’s where Isaac Newton lives! Let’s go and explore… I observe Newton reading from a tall pile of books stacked beside him. Sitting on a beautiful, intricate maroon bench, under a gnarled, old apple tree he looks happy and content. I’m in awe, wanting to know more about what he is reading and his thoughts. He doesn’t move much; he seems engrossed in his books – even more than me! I wonder if he’ll notice that I’m here? Is this the day Newton discovers gravity?! After all, the branch over him is hanging low, with ripe apples. BRRRR! It’s cold out here; the wind whistles menacingly and is chilling me to the bone. Newton wraps his arms around to protect himself from the passing gale. As he glances up; THUMP!! An apple falls and hits the bench, nearly hitting him on the head. Seconds later Isaac’s face lights up! I can see by his beaming smile, that reaches from ear to ear, that he has made the ground-breaking discovery of gravity! Hurriedly, with an excited demeanour, Newton makes a mad dash to his house, almost tripping over the scattered books. He returns, excitedly and starts writing frantically into his notebook. Feverishly he writes lines and lines of formulae; scribbling away – al gobbled- gook to me! After what seems like hours, he finally stops; exhausted but triumphant. He beams in delight. Isaac Newton really is a true role model, I think to myself in admiration. Persevering in his quest to discover and invent countless things; he is awesome! Leaving Newton to bathe in his happiness, I quietly creep back… From a distance, I hear my mother open the door and roar something about putting away my book and going to bed! EEEK…got to go! SWIRL! SWOOSH! VROOM! Swirling back through the words, I return finding myself in my bed. I quickly put my book down and sleepily sink under the covers to dream about Newton and gravity! What an adventure; another time, another place… Arun, Year 5 Another Time, Another Place 2030. I lived in a village where, each day, the walk for water grew further and further. The dusty earth shattered, bloodless veins reaching across the arid land. Crops died. The elders fearfully conferred under the angry sun. The hunger consumed us as we sheltered from the heat that stormed down from the colourless sky. It devoured by baby brother. Desperate, my parents packed our precious belongings. For days, we walked. We reached the dangerous sea, sold our things to dangerous men. We prayed for their collective mercy. I am travelling across the fathomless ocean. An endless journey, first by raft and now packed in an airless container ferrying trainers to the West. Struggling for shallow breaths, I hope for safety. 2022. The escalating tensions strangled our hearts as we waited for news. Funny how only two weeks ago, I had been giddily planning my birthday party. So blissfully unaware. So stupid. When the bombs stormed down from the blood red sky, we were wrenched from our sleep by nightmarish shadows and sirens. No time for tears. Fractured farewells as we all ran from the only place I know as home. Goodbye Lego, goodbye Xbox, goodbye childish games. We could only pack the bare essentials. The things we needed but not my dad. Our country needed him more. I am now slowly buffeting towards the Polish border, concrete bodies jostle me from all sides. I press against my mother and sister. Snow batters my aching arms, my bag grows heavier and heavier. What awaits us at the front of this endless line? I hope for peace. 1947. The news of India leaving the British Empire filled the bustling streets with patriotic cheer. Excitement ballooned and burst into riots, filling the streets with blood and broken glass. India was being split according to religious groups and we were on the wrong side. Our Sikh and Hindu friends in Delhi were kind at first. When Muslims feared leaving their homes, they brought us food every day. We hoped the fury would dampen but, each day, the flames raged louder. Looking back, it was inevitable that they would hold the door open for the mob that stormed down into our rooms. We were lucky to live. I am now in England but the religious hate followed us. I hope for acceptance. 376. I retched as I set foot on Roman soil after the terrifying journey across the Danube River, trembling at the memory of the Huns, a race savage beyond all parallel. They had stormed down from the mountain and massacred our people. Those who remained fled to the Romans, the only civilisation the Huns feared. The Romans had their price, of course but we were willing to work in their army and on their land. It was all well for the first few months but corruption seeped in like poison. The Roman officials worked us night and day. The camp smelled like faeces and corpses. Death surrounded us. News spread that there were more of us being exploited that there were more of us being exploited by a rotting empire. We are preparing to wage war. The soothsayer has divined our success: Rome will be brought to her knees. I’m ready to die for a better world. I hope for a future worth living in. Note: Quote “…a race savage beyond parallel…” – Pope Marcellinus (330-391) Max, Year 6
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 84 Page 85 Page 86 Page 87 Page 88 Page 89 Page 90 Page 91 Page 92Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker