Welcome from Candy & Emmy
Exams are in full swing! The public exams continue until the end of the month, Year 12 mocks finish today, and Year 9 students have now successfully completed their annual assessments. Year 10 students have their mocks scheduled for the week of 15th June. As exams end, students return to rehearsals for After the Dance. As three of the stars are on the Verbier Renaissance Scholars trip, cast and crew have spent the week building the set, acquiring the props and finalising the costumes. It is proving to be an outstanding production.
Dukes Academic Scholars Symposium Trip to Verbier
Our Renaissance Scholars have returned from an unforgettable few days in Verbier, Switzerland, where they joined students from across the Dukes Education network for a programme of workshops, cultural experiences and outdoor challenges centred around the theme of change. Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Swiss Alps, the trip combined leadership, creativity and collaboration, with students taking part in mountain hikes, an art workshop, cultural activities and discussions exploring Switzerland’s history, traditions and environmental stewardship.
The students were exceptional ambassadors for Fine Arts throughout the trip, embracing every opportunity to learn, connect and contribute. Highlights included a four-hour alpine hike, a traditional Swiss fondue evening, an alphorn performance and workshop, and a final open mic night where our students impressed peers and staff alike with their musical talents.
As Lola reflected, “I loved every moment of the trip, especially socialising and making friends with the other Dukes schools. The view was beautiful, the food was delicious and the hiking was serene.” Aden added, “I had an amazing time meeting new people, learning more about the world around us, and eating great food.” We are incredibly proud of Addison, Lola, Alex and Aden for representing the college so brilliantly and making the most of this unique opportunity.
Sustainable Engineering Event at Dukes House
On Wednesday, Year 9 and Year 10 students took part in a Sustainable Engineering Workshop at Dukes House, exploring innovative solutions to environmental challenges through lectures, design tasks and team projects. Congratulations to Eva, Lottie and Liam, whose wind turbine design won first prize, and to Odessa, who received special recognition for her creative and thoughtful proposal addressing deforestation in Brazil.
Trip to Go Ape Battersea
On Monday, Year 9 and Year 10 students will enjoy a day trip to Go Ape Battersea. The visit will provide an exciting opportunity for students to challenge themselves through a range of high-rope activities while developing confidence, teamwork and resilience in an outdoor setting.
Next week’s Enrichment Talk
On Tuesday, Enrichment talks resume after a pause this week for the Year 12 end-of-year exams. Next week’s speaker is Sara Lord, Chief Creative Officer at Recognition, a music rights investment and management company that manages over 45,000 songs and recordings, formerly known as Hipgnosis. Artists in the catalogue include Neil Young, Shakira, 50 Cent, Justin Bieber and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Sara will talk about managing artists, the music business and the use of music in film. She also co-chairs a non-profit social enterprise, the Cat’s Mother Network, that mentors young women working in the business side of music – A&R, marketing and live events.
Politics and History Trip to Treasures Collection at British Library
On Tuesday, Year 12 Politics and History students will visit the British Library to explore the Treasures Collection. The visit will give students the opportunity to see some of the world’s most significant historical documents, manuscripts and artefacts, providing valuable insight into the people, events and ideas that have shaped history and politics.
Art Trip to Horniman Museum and Dulwich Picture Gallery
On Wednesday, Year 9 students are going on an Art trip to the Horniman Museum and Dulwich Picture Gallery as part of their studies. The trip will give students the opportunity to explore a diverse range of artworks, artefacts and exhibitions, developing their understanding of artistic practice while gaining inspiration for their own creative work.
Cambridge Trip
On Thursday, a group of Lower Six students are being taken to Cambridge to give them a taste of university life. We will walk around Christ’s and Trinity, visit the Fitzwilliam Gallery, and have a trip to Kettles Yard, a collection of 20th-century art displayed in an intimate domestic setting.
Alumnus, Ned Sims – Model and Stylist
We are delighted to highlight alumnus Ned Sims, who studied his A-Levels at Hampstead Fine Arts College between 2022 and 2024 and has already established an impressive career in both modelling and fashion styling. Alongside modelling for major fashion brands and appearing at international Fashion Weeks, Ned recently styled Nicole Kidman for British GQ. His rapid success across multiple areas of the fashion industry is a testament to his creativity, ambition and distinctive eye for style.
