We are extremely proud of all the Early Years girls who performed so well this week in our production, ‘Whoops-A-Daisy Angel’. They were able to take direction, learn songs and dances and act out the miracle of Christmas. We enjoyed duets sung to, ‘You Will Find a Baby’ and a solo performed by ‘Whoops-A-Daisy’. Nursey took centre stage as snowflakes singing ‘Six Little Snowflakes’ and there was a chorus of angels singing, ‘We Are so Angelic.’ We hope we got everyone into the Christmas spirit with ‘The First Christmas Day’.

Well done to everyone and all the EYFS team for two wonderful performances. We wish everyone a very merry Christmas!

Mrs Amanda-Jane D’Aranjo
Reception Class Teacher
Early Years Lead

What ingredients are needed to make the perfect Christmas recipe?
Year 1 and Year 2 know the answer and are ready to share it with you!

Cook (ably assisted by Cat and Dog) sets about creating the ultimate Christmas recipe. There are plenty of ingredients to stir in: a pinch of presents, a hint of angels, a few robins, several snowflakes and even Father Christmas! All these ingredients are stirred into the mix one by one, until there is just one vital ingredient left to add: the baby in the manger! Finally, they have it: the recipe for a perfect Christmas. The pupils delighted us with their festive singing, dancing and acting. Year 1 and 2 are proud of their performance and we are very proud of them.

Mrs Ruiz
Deputy Head of Juniors
Year 2 Teacher

Last month, we embarked on a memorable trip to Iceland, a country renowned for its dramatic landscapes and fascinating geological activity. The journey allowed our pupils to witness first-hand the processes shaping our planet, deepening their understanding of topics such as plate tectonics, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes.

Day 1: Bridging Continents and Exploring Lava Flows

Our adventure began at the “Bridge Between Continents,” where pupils stood between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, observing the tangible effects of continental drift. We then visited the Nátthagi valley to explore the Fagradalsfjall lava flows, a striking reminder of the island’s recent volcanic activity. This was a unique opportunity for pupils to connect theory with reality, setting the tone for the days ahead.

Dinner at Olifa La Madre Pizzeria was a welcome end to the day, offering pupils a chance to reflect on their first taste of Iceland’s dynamic geography.

Day 2: Waterfalls and Glacial Insights

Sunday was packed with iconic Icelandic landmarks. We started at Seljalandsfoss, where pupils walked behind the waterfall to observe its plunge pool and the effects of isostatic rebound. Next was Skogafoss, a powerful cascade whose mist often forms rainbows – a favourite for aspiring photographers in the group.

The afternoon took us to Solheimajokull glacier, where students saw evidence of glacial retreat and discussed the impact of climate change. The black sand beach at Reynisfjara, with its basalt columns and dramatic waves, highlighted the interaction between volcanic activity and coastal processes.

An evening visit to the Icelandic Lava Show provided an engaging demonstration of the interplay between lava and ice, enhancing students’ understanding of volcanic processes.

Day 3: Glacial Lagoons and Lava Fields

Monday’s highlights included the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, where students took a boat trip among vast icebergs calved from the glacier. This offered a striking visual representation of glacial processes and the life cycle of icebergs.

The group also explored Eldhraun, one of the largest lava fields in the world, and walked near Skaftafellsjökull glacier, observing its meltwater channels and depositional features. These experiences brought classroom concepts to life in a way that is only possible in Iceland’s unique environment.

Day 4: Geothermal Wonders and Tectonic Drama

The final day showcased Iceland’s geothermal and tectonic activity. A dip in the Secret Lagoon introduced students to geothermal energy in a relaxing setting, while visits to Fridheimar greenhouses and an Icelandic horse stable demonstrated how geothermal power supports agriculture and local industries.

At Geysir, students witnessed the Strokkur geyser erupt, showcasing hydrothermal activity in real-time. The day concluded with a visit to Gullfoss waterfall and Thingvellir National Park, where the tectonic rift between the Eurasian and North American plates is dramatically visible.

Bringing Geography to Life

The trip was an invaluable experience, connecting pupils with the physical processes they study in the classroom. Observing these features in person—whether standing on a glacier, crossing tectonic boundaries, or watching volcanic landscapes evolve—helped deepen their understanding of Earth’s dynamic systems.

Thank You

We extend our gratitude to parents and guardians for supporting this enriching opportunity. The pupils returned not only with lasting memories but also with a greater appreciation for geography and the processes shaping our planet.

Here’s to more opportunities for learning beyond the classroom!

Mr Watson
Head of Geography

On Tuesday 3 December, our Year 6 Choir was invited to sing in the Celebrate a Life Carol Service at The Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton. As well as joining in with several congregational carols, accompanied by the Epsom & Ewell Silver Band, they also sang a song on their own ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ and Olivia was given the important task of assisting Reverend Lisa Rainier to switch on the Christmas tree lights! We are extremely proud of all the pupils in the Year 6 Choir for singing so beautifully and making such a valuable contribution to this very special event. You can watch Tuesday’s carol service here.

Miss Sarah Delany
Head of Junior School Music

The LRC is now moving into Christmas and the festive season; from a busy term welcoming our Year 7s to Croydon High School’s wonderful world of books and reading, to National Poetry Day and Black History Month – both in October! There is a display of Christmas and celebrations across the world, and many pupils have made snowflakes and other decorations. We have lots of new books to loan for pupils and colleagues during the Christmas holidays.

Looking ahead to January 2025 and beyond, we are commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day Monday 27 January. From February onwards there is a steady stream of activities, from National Storytelling Week – Saturday 1 – Sunday 9 February to World Book Day – Thursday 6 March. We are also planning for spring/summer events, so watch this space!

Angela Rolle
Learning Resource & Innovation Hub Manager

Huge thank you to our colleagues at the GDST’s head office, who held a cake sale recently in aid of the Emma Pattison Limitless Learning Fund.

We are receiving donations thick and fast,  from so many who chose to donate to this very special appeal.

Thank you all.

And remember if you would like to do the same; more information can be found here.

Book your tickets and wristbands here

As part of our fundraising for the senior tour to South Africa next year, I am organising a two-day CHS Christmas Cracker Sports Course at the start of the Christmas break (Monday 16 – Tuesday 17 December 2024).

The course will be open to our current Year 5-8 pupils; spaces will be limited, and it will run on a first come first served basis.

The course will focus on netball and hockey plus other popular sports and will be run by members of the PE department with pupils assisting who are going on tour. I anticipate it being an extremely popular and exciting course with lots of fun had by all.

We will be based in the sports block; activities will start at 9am and finish at 3.45pm. The sports block will be open and staffed from 8.30am on both days if this provides a more convenient drop-off time.  Lunch will not be included in the cost; therefore, your child will need to bring a packed lunch with them.

The cost of the course is £50 per day or £96 for both days and this can be made through ParentPay.

If you would like your child to take part in the Croydon High School Christmas Cracker Sports Course, please make your payment via ParentPay.

Once all the available places have been taken, no further payments will be permitted on ParentPay.
Further details will be sent to those participating during the last week of the term.

Sue Beck
Teacher of PE & Head of Community

Our founding Headmistress, Dorinda Neligan is honoured with a plaque at Croydon Minster and this year our service will be particularly special as we celebrate 150 years of Croydon High School. 

We hope our Croydon High families, friends and community will be able to make this wonderfully festive occasion.

Visit our Junior School and take a look at our fantastic facilities, and learn about our school from teachers and pupils.

Our Junior School Open Morning will take place 9.15am – 11am and include a talk from the Junior Leadership Team and an opportunity to tour the site.

Book your place today

We will be holding a small open event for prospective families and their daughter(s) to meet our Head, Ms Annabel Davies, and have a tour of the Senior School.

Book your place today

Book your place today