Senior School Report
September 1, 2026 – Edition 11
Embracing Opportunities with Enthusiasm
We’ve seen an abundance of enthusiasm and engagement across the Senior School in recent weeks, with students embracing opportunities to perform, compete, debate, explore and celebrate their love of reading.
House Performing Arts Competition
Our annual House Performing Arts Competition was a spectacular showcase of talent, commitment, energy and House spirit. More than 200 students took to the stage in front of a packed audience, with each House presenting a performance inspired by music of the 1980s.
Everyone enjoyed taking a step back in time as iconic hits from artists such as Cyndi Lauper, Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi and Queen filled the auditorium, alongside memorable songs from classic films including Dirty Dancing, Top Gun and Back to the Future.
The PAC was transformed into a celebration of one of music’s most memorable decades, with impressive choreography, outstanding vocals and instrumental performances complemented by enthusiastic audience participation.
The standard of competition was exceptionally high. Every House demonstrated remarkable teamwork, commitment, talent and creativity, especially given the limited time they had to prepare their amazing performances. In a closely contested result, Trist House emerged victorious, claiming the 2026 House Performing Arts Title.
Congratulations to all students involved for their dedication and willingness to step outside their comfort zones to contribute to such a wonderful community event.
Science Week Challenges
Science Week provided plenty of scope for students to challenge themselves, explore new ideas, engage with the wonders of science and showcase what they’ve learned.
Throughout the week, students participated in a range of competitions and displays, including the ever-popular Sphero Ball competition, which brought together students from the Junior and Senior Schools. Students also tested their knowledge and memory in the Periodic Table Challenge, while a series of lunchtime presentations encouraged curiosity and sparked conversations about the world around us.
The week highlighted the importance of inquiry and creativity in problem solving. It was terrific to see so many students enthusiastically engaging with the activities on offer, all hosted by our incredible team of Science teachers.
Staff and Students Debate Extinct Species
A Science-themed Staff versus Student Debate was among the highlights at assembly. This year’s topic Should we bring back extinct species? combined the art of persuasive speaking with a fascinating scientific question.
Both teams presented thoughtful arguments and challenged one another’s ideas while entertaining the audience with wit and enthusiasm. The debate showcased the confidence, critical thinking, innovative ideas and communication skills of our students and staff, while providing plenty of laughs along the way.
After a spirited exchange of ideas, the students ultimately convinced the audience and judges to secure the win for 2026. Thank you to all our participants, whose contribution made the event so entertaining and enjoyable.
Book Week Fun
Book Week again brought imagination and storytelling to life across the school. Students and staff embraced the opportunity to dress up as their favourite book characters with great enthusiasm, while celebrating the joy of reading and, of course, some fantastic costumes.
Book Week serves as an important reminder of the power of books to inspire curiosity, empathy, literacy and lifelong learning. It has been wonderful to see students so enthusiastically involved in this year’s celebrations.
Kate Morgan
Head of Senior School
Vibrant Disco Ball Paintings
Our Year 9 students have successfully completed their vibrant disco ball paintings! Using acrylic paints and paint pens on round canvases, each student carefully curated their own unique design, dedicating time and effort to developing their ideas and refining their work.
Throughout the project, students explored a range of painting techniques while building their understanding of colour theory, including colour temperature, value, and colour mixing. The finished artworks showcase their creativity, individuality and the patience, skill and attention to detail they developed throughout the process.
Bonnie Midwinter
Senior School Art Teacher
