LPS Clapham Autumn term 2026 half-term newsletter

This half term has been packed with opportunities for students to take their learning far beyond the classroom. From exploring the chambers of Parliament and gaining first-hand insight into democracy, to stepping inside the world of world-leading architects at Foster + Partners, visiting Morden Mosque to deepen their understanding of faith and culture, and collaborating with peers across the Dukes Education network on sustainable engineering challenges, students have had opportunities to see their learning brought to life in new and engaging ways. Combined with tutor bonding trips and a special reward visit for our Prizegiving winners, these experiences are an important part of school life, helping students broaden their horizons, build connections and create lasting memories.

Scroll right to explore all of this half term’s trips and visits.

Tutor bonding trips: starting the year together

At the beginning of the term, students went on a tutor bonding trip, providing an opportunity to step away from the classroom, strengthen friendships and build connections across year groups. 

Tutor groups were combined into five larger groups, with each planning its own activities for the trip. While the itineraries varied, the focus remained the same: creating opportunities for students to get to know one another, work together and start the new academic year with a strong sense of community. 

Food featured prominently in many of the activities, with groups heading out into Clapham to explore local food spots, collect snacks for film afternoons or enjoy lunch together. Some students made their own pizzas using the school’s pizza oven, while others enjoyed a trip to Pizza Express before spending time together on Clapham Common. Across all groups, shared meals provided a relaxed environment for conversation, laughter and the chance to get to know classmates outside of the usual school routine. 

Other groups opted for a more active day. A visit to Gravity Max in Wandsworth saw students come together for bowling and mini golf, creating plenty of friendly competition and opportunities for new friendships to form. Back at school, students took part in card games, sports and other activities, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy. 

The day also highlighted the value of our vertical tutoring model, which brings students from different year groups together within the same tutor community. By regularly interacting with older and younger peers, students benefit from a wider support network, stronger relationships across the school and opportunities to learn from one another’s experiences. These bonding activities helped strengthen those connections, allowing students to build friendships beyond their immediate year group and further develop the close-knit community that is such a distinctive feature of school life. 

Throughout the trips, students reflected on their experiences, shared highlights and challenges from their first weeks of term, and spent time building relationships that will support them throughout the year ahead. The activities were particularly valuable for new students, helping them settle quickly, grow in confidence and feel part of the wider school community. 

These days are an important reminder that education extends beyond academic learning. By creating opportunities for students to connect, collaborate and have fun together, we strengthen the supportive and inclusive culture that sits at the heart of LPS Clapham. The friendships formed and connections deepened during these activities have already helped set a positive tone for the year ahead. 

View the full gallery of pictures here.

Prizegiving winners enjoy immersive art experience 

As a reward for their success at the Summer 2026 Prizegiving, a group of students enjoyed a memorable visit to Frameless, London’s immersive art experience. The trip provided a fantastic opportunity to celebrate their achievements while experiencing art in a completely different way. 

The experience was both inspiring and engaging, with students fully immersed in the exhibitions throughout the visit. One of the most interesting aspects of the day was that every student seemed to have a different favourite room, reflecting the variety of installations on offer and the different ways in which the experience resonated with each individual. 

One of the day’s highlights came in the interactive gallery, where students delighted in kicking digital confetti up the walls and watching it respond to their movements. There was plenty of laughter and excitement as everyone joined in. 

The visit was a fitting reward for the students’ hard work and achievements, providing a memorable cultural experience that encouraged creativity, curiosity and a deeper appreciation of the arts. It was a wonderful way to celebrate their success and recognise their contribution to school life. View the full gallery of pictures here.

Congratulations again to the following students: 

Susan Brooks, Head LPS Clapham  

Year 8 students visit Morden Mosque 

As part of their Religious Studies learning, Year 8 students recently visited Morden Mosque to deepen their understanding of Islam and explore the similarities and differences between the Abrahamic faiths they have studied, including Christianity and Judaism. 

During the visit, students were given a guided tour of the mosque and community centre, gaining a first-hand insight into the role places of worship play at the heart of faith communities. They learned about the Five Pillars of Islam, the significance of daily prayer and the beliefs and practices that shape the lives of Muslims around the world. 

Students impressed their hosts with the quality of their questions, showing genuine curiosity and enthusiasm as they explored Islamic traditions, rituals and beliefs. They were particularly interested in understanding how faith influences daily life and the important role the mosque plays as both a place of worship and a community hub. 

One of the highlights of the day was an immersive virtual reality experience, which allowed students to witness what the pilgrimage to Hajj is like for Muslims. This brought their classroom learning to life and helped them develop a deeper appreciation of one of the most significant journeys in the Islamic faith. 

Reflecting on the visit, Josh in Year 8 said: 

“On 14 October we took a trip to Morden Islamic Centre where we learned about the Five Pillars of Islam. We learned that Islam, Judaism and Christianity are all monotheistic religions and all believe in prophets. We also learned about the place of prayer and that people have to pray five times per day at specific times. We also got to do a VR experience going through Hajj. Overall, it was a really fun experience and everybody learned things about Islam and is excited to take a deeper dive.” 

The visit provided students with a valuable opportunity to experience a mosque first-hand and gain a richer understanding of Islamic beliefs and practices. By seeing, hearing and engaging with a living faith community, students were able to make meaningful connections between their classroom studies and the real world. 

A special thank you to Miss Merchant for helping to facilitate the trip, and to the staff and Imam at Morden Mosque for their warm welcome and engaging presentation. We would also like to congratulate our Year 8 students, whose excellent questions and thoughtful engagement were highly praised throughout the visit. View the full gallery of pictures here.

Hassan Hussain, History Teacher 

Year 8 and 9 students explore the inner workings of parliament

On 7 September, Year 8 and 9 students enjoyed an inspiring educational visit to Parliament, where they explored the historic chambers of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords while learning about the development of democracy in the United Kingdom. 

During a guided tour, students gained a fascinating insight into the history of Parliament and how its role has evolved over time. One student reflected: 

“The most interesting aspect of our trip to Parliament was walking around and discussing paintings of monarchs and historical battles and their relation to Parliament throughout time.” 

Students were particularly engaged by the stories behind the artwork and architecture of the Palace of Westminster, using these historical landmarks to deepen their understanding of Britain’s political journey. 

The visit also included an interactive workshop designed to bring the democratic process to life. Students learned how public petitions can influence government, discovering that a petition receiving 10,000 signatures receives a government response, while 100,000 signatures can trigger a debate in the House of Commons. 

Working collaboratively, students developed their own petition proposals on topics including education, health and transport before electing speakers to present their ideas. To replicate the parliamentary process, staff then scrutinised the proposals in the same way the House of Lords examines legislation before it can become law. 

Reflecting on this experience, a Year 9 student commented: 

“I did not realise that the House of Lords scrutinised bills proposed by the House of Commons before they could be approved, but it makes sense to check your work before submitting it now.” 

The activity encouraged students to think critically about the strengths and limitations of their ideas, consider different perspectives and explore practical solutions to potential challenges. As a result, students developed a more holistic understanding of decision-making, debate and democratic accountability. 

Throughout the day, students impressed Parliament Education Centre staff with their thoughtful contributions and insightful questions about Parliament’s history and role in modern society. 

A special thank you to Mr Harte, Miss Merchant and Miss Waldron for helping to facilitate such a memorable and enriching experience. We would also like to congratulate our students on their excellent engagement and conduct, which was highly praised by the Education Centre team. View the full gallery of pictures here.

Hassan Hussain, History Teacher 

A behind-the-scenes look at world-class architecture 

Seventeen Year 10 and 11 Art and Design Technology students were recently given a unique opportunity to step inside the world of one of the world’s most renowned architectural practices, Foster + Partners, during a visit to the firm’s Battersea headquarters. 

The group was welcomed by Head of Design David Nelson and senior partners Armstrong Yakubu and Emily Rix, who generously shared their time, expertise and insights into life at the forefront of global architecture and design. Students enjoyed a presentation and guided tour of the firm’s studios, gaining a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind some of the world’s most recognisable buildings. 

From iconic football stadiums and major international airports to striking skyscrapers and visionary concepts for future settlements on the Moon and Mars, students were captivated by the scale and ambition of the projects on display. 

For many, one of the highlights of the visit was seeing the collaborative nature of the practice in action. Students discovered that architects work alongside a diverse range of specialists, including artists, photographers, videographers and model makers, all contributing their expertise to bring ambitious ideas to life. 

Reflecting on the experience, one student said: 

“I loved the trip, seeing all the workspaces and how everyone worked together. I really enjoyed the materials room, seeing all the different materials that are stored and finding out how they can be used. I also found it interesting how the architects go into the materials room to develop ideas for a design.” 

Another student was struck by both the atmosphere of the practice and the futuristic projects they encountered: 

“I really loved the care and information given to us at Foster + Partners. I enjoyed both the hospitality and the designs shown to us as they were very exciting and looked very futuristic to me and the group. I also loved the studio where they toured us around. I really enjoyed my time there.” 

The visit concluded in the firm’s renowned Materials Library, a vast collection of innovative building and interior design materials from around the world. This hands-on experience allowed students to explore textures, finishes and emerging technologies while asking questions about how materials influence the design and function of different spaces. 

For one student, an aspiring designer, the model-making workshop left a lasting impression: 

“I particularly found the workshop where they were making all the models very interesting, as they had all the best equipment to make the most intricate and complex models. I found it fascinating when the designer told me about the projects they were working on all around the world and the famous football stadiums they had designed. It was a great experience and really enlightened me to the world of design.” 

The trip provided valuable insight into the breadth of careers available within architecture and the built environment, while also inspiring students to think creatively about their own futures. 

As one student summed up: 

“I was inspired by the trip to Foster + Partners. I found the materials room particularly interesting, with the wide range of materials catching my attention and imagination. I really enjoyed touring the facilities and learning more about the design process. It was an amazing trip.” 

Our sincere thanks go to David Nelson, Armstrong Yakubu and Emily Rix for providing such an engaging and memorable experience, and for sharing their passion for architecture and design with our students. We would also like to thank Ms Davidson, whose support at short notice helped make this fantastic opportunity possible. View the full gallery of pictures here.

Adele Crabtree, Assistant Head Learning & Innovation  

Kate Wilson, Head of Art 

Dukes sustainable engineering workshop inspires future innovators 

Six Year 10 and 11 students recently had the opportunity to attend the Dukes Sustainable Engineering Workshop, an exciting enrichment experience possible thanks to being a part of the Dukes Education family.  

One of the many benefits of being part of Dukes is access to a wide range of exclusive cross-school opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom. Bringing together students from across the Dukes network, the workshop challenged participants to think creatively about some of the world’s most pressing environmental issues while gaining valuable insight into careers in engineering and sustainable design. 

Throughout the day, students explored how engineering can be used to address real-world sustainability challenges. They designed, built and tested their own wind turbines, applying scientific and engineering principles in a practical setting, before hearing from an industry expert with experience in the electric vehicle sector about the role innovation is playing in creating a greener future. 

Students also took part in a sustainability innovation challenge focused on reducing litter and plastic pollution in Indonesia. Working collaboratively, they developed ideas and solutions to tackle the problem, drawing on both environmental and engineering principles while strengthening their teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills. 

The workshop offered a fascinating insight into the many ways engineers are helping to shape a more sustainable world, while also highlighting the diverse range of careers available within the sector. From renewable energy and transportation to product design and global sustainability, students were encouraged to consider how their own skills and interests could contribute to solving future challenges. 

Experiences such as this demonstrate the unique opportunities available to our students through Dukes Education. By connecting with peers across the group and engaging with specialist programmes and industry experts, students benefit from enriching experiences that broaden horizons, inspire ambition and provide valuable exposure to future pathways. 

We are delighted that our students were able to take part in such an engaging and thought-provoking event, and we look forward to seeing how the ideas and inspiration gained from the workshop influence their future studies and aspirations. View the full gallery of pictures here.

Emily McGrath, Head of Science