Our Drama department has been buzzing with activity beyond SIX. House Drama rehearsals are well underway, and auditions have begun for a range of exciting productions including The Crucible (Upper School), Treasure Island (Fourth Form), and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and Clue (Remove). Pupils have also enjoyed academic theatre trips to Punch and My Neighbour Totoro, which have enriched their GCSE and A-Level studies. We are particularly looking forward to welcoming professional playwright Andrew Muir on the final day of Half Term, as he works with our aspiring writers through the National Theatre’s New Views programme.

Not to be out done, the Music Department has also flourished this term. One of the most joyful moments was seeing our newly formed Klezmer ensemble perform alongside the Jewish Society during Chapel services, led by Mr Berg. Josh G, one of our talented Upper Sixth pupils, interviewed world-renowned pianist Sir Stephen Hough for his classical music Instagram channel Tosca Teen, which now has over 2,300 followers, a remarkable achievement. Our Composer in Residence, Mr Ed Driver, had his choral commission premiered by the Ora Singers at the Millennium Centre in Cardiff, which was a proud moment for the School. Pre-season rehearsals brought together 85 pupils from Belmont and Mill Hill in flagship ensembles including Chapel Choir and Big Band. We also celebrated the success of the aforementioned Josh G and Seb J, who were both awarded prestigious Oxford Choral Scholarships. The Scholars’ Workshop and Concert, led by Ellen Baumring-Gledhill from the Royal Academy, was a wonderful showcase of solo performance excellence, and our Chapel Choristers and MHEG Parent Choir soloists gave a moving performance at the Life Guardians 200th Anniversary event.

Sport has continued to thrive, with nearly 200 fixtures played across nine sports and 509 pupils representing the School. We are extremely proud to have been selected as the winner of the Independent School of the Year for Sporting Achievement. Our pre-season residentials in rugby, football, hockey, and netball saw over 100 senior pupils take part. The opening of our new cricket nets by Australian legend, Justin Langer, and the launch of our new golf programme in partnership with Finchley Golf Club and PGA Pro Craig Normansell have added exciting new dimensions to our sporting offer. House Cross Country was another highlight, with Weymouth winning the Junior competition and Atkinson taking the Senior title.

Some individual pupil and team sporting highlights include:

• Capree A-C: National Champion and 2nd fastest U15 girl in UK 800m
• Sophia C: Winner of U14 British Open Golf and No.1 in British U14 Sabre ranking
• Andre H-A: Arsenal FC senior debut
• Phoebe DS: Selected for Arsenal FC Women’s U21
• Noah C: Scored on Saracens RFC debut, going viral with a stunning try
• Cosmo F: Finalist in Grade 4 U14 National Tennis
• Gabi G, Myab B, Mylie S: Represented Maccabiah GB in Benidorm
• Ravi N and Liv C: Winners of the Tim Phillips Shield
• Ex-MHS teacher McKinley Hunt: Selected for Canada in the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final
• MHS placed 3rd in the ESAA London School Relay Championships with 23 pupils competing

The undefeated U14C Rugby team is arguably the most successful team of the half term, having scored a whopping 193 points during their 5 games, whilst only conceding 44.

From the stage to the sports field, rehearsal room to recording studio, this first half of term has been a joyful celebration of everything that makes Mill Hill such a special place. We are incredibly proud of what our pupils and staff have achieved together. The breadth of activity, the standard of performance, and the sense of community have all been exceptional. And with so much more to come, exciting trips, performances, competitions, and creative projects, we can’t wait to see what the second half of term brings.