Welcome from Candy & Emmy
We hope you had a wonderful break and are happy to be back in the swing of College life. We were impressed by the number of students working here during the holidays both in the studios and taking advantage of the many revision sessions offered. The A-level examinations in creative subjects began this week, continuing until May when the academic exams begin. Everyone seems very focused and we wish you all the best of luck. The summer will be especially welcome after all your hard work.
Hampstead Fine Arts team KICKSTART crowned School Big Idea Challenge Champions, with second team LIGHTHOUSE commendable Finalists.
The Big Idea Challenge, run by London Metropolitan University is an entrepreneurial competition empowering students and graduates to develop, pitch, and launch innovative businesses. Winners receive future funding, mentoring, and support. Last night two of our teams reached the final and the creators of KICKSTART, Year 12 students Aden, Alex, Avalon and Olivia were voted Big Idea Challenge Champions 2026. They received their awards at a ceremony held in the Great Hall of London Met University.
You can watch their video pitches here:
Team Kickstart – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzeGQ2E4HA8
Team Lighthouse – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cOJtp-yL8o
Geography Trip to Jubilee River
On Thursday, Year 11 geographers completed their final piece of fieldwork in preparation for GCSE Geography Paper 3. Their investigation took them to the depths of the Thames drainage basin at Woodside Park, where they bravely ventured knee-deep into the 2.6-million-year-old Dollis Brook. Despite the weather not being on our side, the trip was a complete success.
Biology trip to Hunterian Museum
Also on Thursday, our Year 9 and Year 10 students visited the Hunterian Museum in London, home to one of the UK’s most extraordinary collections of medical history. Students were particularly struck by the preserved specimens, many stored in formaldehyde, which provided a powerful and sometimes unsettling insight into the realities of human anatomy and disease. The surgical exhibits, including historical instruments and case studies, prompted thoughtful discussion about how medical knowledge has advanced and the ethical questions that come with it.
This visit brought key topics such as human biology, disease and medical intervention sharply into focus. It was an engaging and memorable experience that challenged students to think more deeply about the impact of science and medicine on society.
Next week’s Enrichment Talk
Next Tuesday, Rosie Cumber from University of the Arts London will come to speak to the students about the 100-plus creative courses offered at UAL’s six colleges, which include Central St Martins and London College of Fashion. She will give vital guidance on how to prepare and present a winning portfolio of work that could help secure an offer of a place. This portfolio advice will also be helpful for students applying for creative courses anywhere in the UK or overseas.
Drama Trip to the Old Vic Theatre
Next Tuesday, Sixth Form students are going to see One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest at the Old Vic Theatre, directed by Clint Dyer. This powerful stage adaptation brings to life the story’s exploration of authority, individuality, and resistance, as it follows the clash between Randle McMurphy and Nurse Ratched.
The production looks to be an engaging and thought-provoking interpretation of the classic film, offering students a chance to explore the enduring themes, and examine their continuing presence in today’s society.
Sociology Trip to AQA Grade Booster Workshop
Next Wednesday, Year 13 Sociology students will attend an AQA Grade Booster Workshop designed to support their preparation for the final A-Level examinations. The workshop will focus on key areas including exam technique, applying sociological knowledge, developing strong analysis and evaluation, and improving responses to extended essay questions.
Congratulations to Music Student Erin Su
Chris exhibits in Cartes Imaginaires
Work by Head of Art, Chris Kenny, is included in the Cartes Imaginaires exhibition at the prestigious Bibliotheque National de France in Paris. The exhibition takes visitors on a journey to the borders of reality and fiction, to discover the links between cartography and imagination. For while maps usually trace the outlines of known lands, they also give shape to imaginary territories that extend, interpret, or personalize the real world.
Alum, Feux releases first EP of the year
We are delighted to highlight alumnus Max, known artistically as Feux, who continues to develop an exciting and evolving music career following his A-Level studies at Fine Arts. On Monday, he released his latest latest EP 2025* — teased by the standout track PILL — showcases his distinctive blend of indie rock, alt-pop and UK rap, placing him firmly in his own creative lane. Feux’s work reflects a commitment to artistic growth and authenticity, with his sound continually evolving beyond his early roots into something more expressive and genre-defying.
