Forest School, London

In Big Band rehearsal this week our young musicians were rehearsing with Mr Josh Kemp, preparing for one of their frequent performances. This year has seen them take part in concerts here at Forest and outside at central London venues.

Music Scholars and talented musicians make up this band - many playing second or third instruments. We look forward to hearing them again before the end of term!

Please join us to see the best of our Senior School Art and Design work here at Forest. You can see the exhibition of photography, textiles, furniture, 3D design and more across w/c 22 June - check the poster for times.

The week ends with a much loved highlight - the fashion show!

Don't miss the opportunity to see some wonderful work by the artists and designers of the future.

On Wednesday afternoon we enjoyed a fabulous House Science competition with Years 7 and 8 making up teams in their twinned Houses. They took part in a crime scene investigation - working together to see which culprit left a mug and a mysterious note at the crime scene.

They identified culprits by identifying chemical reactions under the watchful eyes of Ms Katie Brosnan and the Science and House teams.

Congratulations to all our teams for the quick, decisive work. Very worthy winners were Bishop's and School with Doctor's and Eliot in second and Copeland's and Baylis coming third. It's almost time to find out our House winners for 2025-26 academic year!

On Monday evening we had our last Choral Evensong service of the year in our beautiful Chapel of St John the Baptist. The service was sung by the Choristers and Choral Society of Forest School and directed by Mr James Clements. The organist was Mr James Norrey.

Choral Evensong is a unique service which allows for reflection, contemplation and a moment of calm at the end of the day. Whatever an individual’s faith background, it is hoped there is something in the music and the words which resonates with everyone.

The School Chaplain, Mr Nathan White, said this service was being offered in thanksgiving for the leadership, commitment and care shown by Mr David Wilson during his time as our Chair of Governors, which soon draws to a close after many years of service. The Chaplain led a prayer for God’s blessing upon him and his family, and for the continued flourishing of the School community which he has served so faithfully.

This week's Lookout Lecture celebrated Pride Month. We were delighted to welcome Jo Brassington, on behalf of an organisation called The Belonging Effect. Jo spoke about Pride and the theme of equity, diversity and conclusion in schools. They are focusing on the issue of why we celebrate Pride month, both in a national context and specifically in schools.

Jo will also speak in an assembly to Years 9 and 10 today. Thank you, Jo for your valuable time and enthusiasm. It was wonderful to see the Year 12s react so positively and with interest and enthusiasm.

What joy there was on the Park this morning as our first Sports Day took place for our youngest children. It was wonderful to see how much they all enjoyed taking part in lots of different events under the watchful eye of Prep School teachers, staff and the PE department.

We would like to say a huge thank you to our Year 6 helpers who helped manage proceedings and, of course, to our parents who turned out in force to watch. Thank you, too, to the FSPA who provided a refreshments stall.

Tomorrow it's the turn of Prep School's older children. See you there!

We would like to say a huge thank you to our team of professionals who supported our Year 10 pupils last week in their hugely valuable Preparing for the World of Work sessions. This group of parents, Old Foresters and friends of Forest gave introductory sessions, ran mock interviews and networking opportunities. They are experts in a range of professions from medicine to advertising to law and proved very generous with their time, expertise and advice.

Thank you all for ensuring that our Forest pupils are enthused and eager to learn more about the world of work. Thank you as always to Ms Sandip Charlton, Director of Futures, for organising this session

In early June, seventeen members of the Forest School Sub-Aqua club kitted-up and dived-in to two cold freshwater lakes, some for the very first time! Led by diving instructor, Roy, with expert help from Mr Tom Leman and Ms Amy Clifton and surface support from Mrs Yvonne Nicholson, the Ocean Diver trainees explored the underwater worlds of Vobster Quay, Somerset and Stoney Cove, Leicestershire.

We would like to congratulate Luca (Year 12) and William (Year 10) for qualifying as BSAC Ocean Divers during the weekend. Both students showed good quality diving skills underwater as well as demonstrating role model behaviour on land, supporting new students with their dive kit and helping the trips run smoothly. We wish them good luck in working towards their next BSAC Sports Diver qualifications.

Our Ocean Divers are hugely appreciative of these opportunities, commenting -

“ It was definitely a unique experience and one which will stick with me.” Luca (Year 12)

“The trip to Stoney cove was amazing! I really enjoyed it and would definitely go there again. The part that made it most fun was that it was my first open water dive with all the gear.” Elias (Year 10)

“I had the best time! Going in and out of the underwater room through the windows was the best part. Diving was really thrilling as we could stay underwater for a long time.” Elizabeth (Year 7)

Thank you to our Prep Art teacher, Mr Eddie Howard who invited us to a Year 6 Art class yesterday where pupils were working on new outsize House banners. It was brilliant to see the four Houses come to life in the most impressive way with original designs and colours.

The community will get a chance to share the joy very soon - so watch out for the display later in the week whatever your favourite House is!