On Friday, 5th May, Year 9 embarked on an exciting trip to Delphi. Our journey began at the site of the ancient oracle, where pupils immersed themselves in history. We then embarked on a memorable hike through the UNESCO world heritage site, following an ancient footpath that started at approximately 632 meters above sea level and descended towards the sea.

During our hike, we reached Chrisso, a picturesque spot where pupils paused to taste olives and learn about the various methods of olive processing. Our knowledgeable guides provided us with fascinating insights into traditional practices. Afterwards, we continued our descent towards Itea, where we would spend the night.

In the evening, the group enjoyed a delicious dinner at the hotel before venturing out for a leisurely walk as a group around the town of Itea. Many treated themselves to an ice cream at Archontikon before heading back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep.

The following day, pupils were divided into two groups to embark on an exhilarating mountain biking adventure around the breathtaking Livadi Plateau. We engaged in entertaining games such as Shephard and Sheep, as well as team-building activities that enhanced our teamwork, critical thinking, and hand-eye coordination skills. Additionally, pupils had the privilege of participating in an archery lesson. Our instructors enlightened us on the art of attuning oneself with the bow and arrow, a skill that has been honed by humans for thousands of years.

The groups then either hiked back down the path we had previously taken or cycled through it, relishing the scenic beauty surrounding us. The groups joined together for a final meal together at a restaurant overlooking the magnificent plateau, creating lasting memories of our shared adventure.

The Year 9 trip to Delphi and Parnassos was an extraordinary experience, allowing us to delve into ancient history, appreciate natural wonders, and develop valuable skills. It was truly an enriching journey and an unforgettable few days!

Our Year 7 pupils recently embarked on an unforgettable journey to Lake Plastiras, and what an adventure it turned out to be! From thrilling outdoor activities to team building exercises and breathtaking hikes, the trip was filled with fun, learning, and unforgettable memories.

On the first day, the pupils wasted no time in diving headfirst into the various activities available at the lake. Canoeing, water biking, mountain biking, and archery were the exciting options that awaited them. The children revelled in the thrill of navigating the pristine waters, pedalling through the lake's glistening surface, and honing their aim with a bow and arrow. These activities not only provided a thrilling experience but also allowed them to discover new skills and interests.

The day was not just about adrenaline-pumping adventures; it also offered a chance for the pupils to bond with one another and develop their teamwork skills. Through team building activities, the children learned the importance of effective communication, synchronization, and positive spirit. It was heartwarming to witness their enthusiasm as they worked together, encouraging and supporting each other. Some of them even took advantage of a moment of rain to embark on a memorable lakeside walk, listening to the soothing sounds of nature.

The second day of the trip took the pupils and their teachers on a captivating hike to one of the peaks of the majestic Agrafa mountain. As they trekked through the rugged terrain, they were treated to breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding landscape. A quick snack break provided an opportunity for all of them to appreciate the beauty around and reflect on their journey so far. They then continued their hike, filled with a sense of achievement and wonder.

To culminate their hiking adventure, the children enjoyed a well-deserved lunch at the Agrafa hut, savouring their meal while sharing stories and laughter. It was evident that the trip had created lasting memories and forged new friendships among some of them. The journey back to Athens was filled with anticipation for future adventures and a sense of gratitude for the incredible experiences they had shared.

The Year 7 trip to Lake Plastiras was truly a remarkable experience for everyone involved. The pupils not only had the chance to engage in thrilling activities but also learned the value of teamwork, communication, and a positive outlook. The beauty of nature, combined with the spirit of adventure, made this trip an unforgettable one.

As we bid farewell to Lake Plastiras, our pupils carry with them loads of beautiful memories, newfound friendships, and a sense of excitement for the future. We look forward to witnessing their continued growth and the adventures that await them in Year 8!

Last week, the Year 7s went on an exciting trip to Larisa. First, we stopped at Metaxochori which was a memorable experience and definitely worth the long journey. We saw the waterfalls and walked around the very traditional village streets. In the afternoon, we visited the old Girls’ School, and received a talk about the history of this significant location. We also learnt about the process of the production of silk.   

On Friday, we had a really fun day at Pineios River where we were introduced to rafting techniques and had the opportunity to practise our skills for three hours. In the evening, we enjoyed a range of activities such as archery, ziplining and hiking across the beautiful mountain of Kissavos.     

On the last day, our pupils participated in a rafting competition along the same river route they practiced the day before. At the end, all pupils received a gift of a t-shirt from Trekking Hellas, to remember the day. The winners also got their medals and extra prizes!   

Overall, this was a highly engaging, fun and educational experience enjoyed by all, and we look forward to taking our new intake of Year 7 pupils next year!

The wait for the 2017 exam results for IGCSE, AS-Level and A-Level pupils is over and once again the standard of achievement from SLC pupils has proven to be remarkable. 

IGCSEs
At IGCSE, 59 pupils took a total of 470 IGCSE examinations, and the results were outstanding. Of those 470 IGCSEs, precisely 235, which is exactly 50% of the total, resulted in either an A* or an A grade. This is super impressive – last year this measure was 44% of all IGCSEs. This year’s achievement of 50% of all IGCSEs receiving an A/A* grade was only bettered in one of the last five years of IGCSE examinations at our school. What is more, 27% of all IGCSEs resulted in an A* grade – making A* by far the most frequent grade among all the IGCSEs. 

A frequently employed measure among British schools is the proportion of candidates who scored five or more IGCSEs of grade C or better, with the national UK average hovering around 55% each year in the UK. For St. Lawrence College IGCSE candidates this year, 91% managed to secure at least 5 IGCSEs of grade C or better. This is particularly pleasing given that for a significant number of our pupils, English is not their first language. Many pupils did very well, collecting multiple A*s; but Anastasia Samaras deserves a special mention for her extraordinary haul of nine A*s and one A among her IGCSEs. Congratulations to her!

AS and A-Levels
At AS-Level and A-Level our Year 12 and 13 pupils took on many more exams compared to last year, with 89 pupils sitting for 316 AS and A-Levels. At both AS-Level and A-Level the most frequent grade awarded was A. Extra impressive was the number of A*s that were awarded at A-Level. A total of fourteen A*s were achieved by Year 13 pupils compared to six last year, with this year’s haul including four A*s in Biology alone, from a class of thirteen pupils. At AS-Level, where the highest achievable grade is A, around one in three of every AS-Level sat resulted in an A grade.

At AS-Level there were particularly exceptional performances from Alessandro Gressani who achieved straight A grades in his four AS-Levels (AAAA), Alex Petropoulos (AAAA), as well as Ivy Hewett (AAAAA) and Emily Holden (AAAAAA).
A-Level pupils are on their way to higher education, with the majority of our Year 13 students progressing to universities in the UK. Achilleas Papadimitriou’s achievement stood out. His astonishing four A*s plus one A (A*A*A*A*A) takes him to the University of Cambridge, where he will study Chemical Engineering. Other impressive performances included Tanya Malhas (A*A*A) who progresses to UCL for Pharmacology; Nathan Marks (A*A*AC) who will study Biochemistry at the University of Warwick and Rosie Vorri (A*AAA), on her way to the University of Durham to study Law. Other students are progressing to universities such as Bath, Essex, UWE Bristol, King’s College London, Sheffield, Sussex and Queen Mary London to study subjects as diverse as Economics, Film Studies, Languages and Culture, Business Management, Sport and Exercise Studies, Mechatronics and Robotic Engineering, Accounting and Finance and Computing Science. A full list of the universities and courses that our school leavers will attend will be posted at a later date but for now, congratulations to all those pupils who are on their way to university to study.

Our Year 12 Careers Day, held on Monday 25 May, was a great success with 55 pupils taking part in a range of engaging sessions.

Throughout the morning, students attended workshops on university applications in the UK, US, and Europe, as well as interview skills and personal statement writing. The atmosphere in our History Block was buzzing, and pupils left with a much clearer understanding of how to prepare over the summer.

In the afternoon, we welcomed representatives from several universities in Greece, who presented their courses to interested pupils.

Overall, the day was highly valuable and productive, helping pupils feel more confident and better prepared for the transition into Year 13.

Southern Italy provided the perfect setting for the Year 9 Geography trip, giving pupils the opportunity to explore both physical and human geography through first-hand experiences whilst building confidence, independence, and friendships.

One of the most memorable moments of the trip was hiking Mount Vesuvius. Guided by volcanologists, pupils learned about volcanic hazards and the tectonic activity that continues to shape the region today. Looking out across Naples from the edge of the crater helped pupils understand both the opportunities and challenges of living in a tectonically active zone.

The trip also gave Year 9 the opportunity to step back in time whilst exploring the ancient ruins of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and the Greek temples at Paestum. Walking through the streets, homes, and marketplaces of these historic sites helped pupils better understand how settlements developed and why geography played such an important role in shaping civilisations.

Another highlight of the trip was visiting an underground cave system, where pupils observed stalactites and stalagmites up close whilst learning about weathering, erosion, and other natural processes that shape karst landscapes.

Alongside the geographical learning, pupils also experienced everyday Italian culture by visiting a mozzarella farm and taking part in a gelato-making workshop. These activities gave pupils an insight into local industries and regional traditions, with plenty of opportunities to sample the delicious finished products too.

A visit to the beautiful island of Capri allowed pupils to explore coastal landscapes and consider the impact of tourism on local communities and the environment. Many especially enjoyed the famous Monte Solaro Chair Lift, which offered incredible panoramic views across the island and coastline.

Throughout the week, pupils embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm and curiosity. The trip brought Geography to life in a way that simply cannot be recreated in the classroom, leaving pupils with lasting memories and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

67 of our Year 10 pupils spent a very successful day in Nafplio on Friday, 24th April, carrying out fieldwork for their IGCSE Geography coursework on the impacts of tourism.

Throughout the day, pupils worked in groups to collect a wide range of primary data. They spoke to members of the public through questionnaires, carried out litter surveys, and completed environmental quality assessments in different parts of the city. They also measured noise levels and conducted traffic counts, helping them to build a clear picture of how tourism affects the area.

It was great to see pupils applying what they have learnt in the classroom to a real setting, while developing important geographical skills such as data collection and analysis. They approached the day with focus and maturity, and the data they gathered will be an important part of their coursework.

Well done, Year 10!

We are pleased to share a summary of this year’s highly successful Year 8 ski trip to Mt. Parnassos, which took place on Thursday 12th and Friday 13th February. A total of 62 pupils participated in the trip, accompanied by members of staff, making it a memorable and rewarding experience for everyone involved.

On the first day, pupils demonstrated great enthusiasm as they took part in a two-hour ski or snowboard lesson tailored to their individual ability levels. Working in small groups under the supervision of certified instructors, they approached the challenging weather conditions with determination and resilience, showing notable progress on the slopes. Following their lessons, pupils had the opportunity to relax and socialise, choosing either to ice-skate at the outdoor rink or to enjoy hot chocolate with friends after an active day in the snow.

The second day continued in the same positive spirit, with pupils completing two further two-hour lessons. As confidence increased, so too did their technical ability. Beginners gained assurance and control on the introductory slopes, while more experienced skiers and snowboarders refined advanced techniques, including jumps and controlled turns. It was particularly encouraging to see pupils who had never previously skied navigating beginner runs independently by the end of the trip.

We commend ​​​​our pupils for their positive attitude, perseverance, and teamwork throughout the visit. Their conduct was exemplary, and their willingness to challenge themselves contributed greatly to the overall success of the trip. From the early departure to the final descent, they consistently demonstrated maturity, commitment, and school spirit.

Our sincere thanks go to the staff, pupils, and parents whose cooperation and support ensured the smooth running of this event. We look forward to organising further enriching experiences in the future.

The Greek Department, in collaboration with the Head of Year 7, organised a successful educational trip to the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum for our Year 7 pupils, on 9th October 2025. 

As part of a multi-curricular experience, pupils explored the ancient citadel and learned about its rich history and architecture, including the iconic Parthenon. With the guidance of an English-speaking tour guides, pupils enjoyed breathtaking views over Athens and gained valuable insight into ancient Greek civilisation. The visit continued at the Acropolis Museum, where pupils had the opportunity to view artefacts from different historical periods and deepen their understanding of everyday life in ancient Athens. It was a memorable and enriching day for all involved.

 Experiencing history so vividly sparked curiosity, inspired thoughtful questions, and left our pupils with lasting impressions of Greece’s remarkable cultural heritage. It was a truly outstanding example of learning beyond the classroom.

Year 1 went to the Attica Botanical Gardens, in Koropi, to learn about plants. We sorted seeds, watered trees, and potted our own seedlings. We saw many different plants and trees, including aromatic plants we use in our food; plus, we learned about the essential role of bees and other insects . It was an exciting trip with lots of different activities. Our Year 1 pupils thoroughly enjoyed it.

On February 19th our young artists from Year 10 and Year 12 visited the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation in Athens.
The experience was carefully curated for these exam groups by professional guides.
Our pupils thoroughly enjoyed an interactive visit and fully participated in question-and-answer scenarios linked to the artwork on display. 
Inspired by what they learned, pupils will now use this invaluable experience to further enhance their personal projects in school.

We are delighted to share the highlights of this year’s successful Year 8 ski trip to Mt. Parnassos, which took place on Thursday 8th and Friday 9th February. A total of 59 pupils started off on this exciting adventure, accompanied by our dedicated staff, making it a truly unforgettable experience for all.
The first day was filled with energy and enthusiasm as pupils participated in a 2-hour ski or snowboard lesson tailored to their individual skill levels. Under the expert guidance of certified instructors, working in very small groups, they embraced the challenge and made remarkable progress on the slopes. After an active day in the snow, pupils enjoyed a well-earned break, choosing between ice-skating at an outdoor rink or unwinding with hot chocolate while socialising with friends.
The adventure continued on the second day with two additional 2-hour lessons. With growing confidence and determination, pupils refined their skills and showed impressive improvement on the slopes. Whether they were beginners mastering their first descent or experienced skiers perfecting jumps and turns, everyone had the opportunity to develop their abilities and push their limits. Some pupils who had never skied before were confidently tackling the beginner slopes by the end of the day, while more advanced skiers took on new challenges, such as jumps and twirls.
We are incredibly proud of our pupils for their enthusiasm, resilience, and teamwork throughout the trip. Their exemplary behaviour made it an absolute pleasure to accompany them on this adventure. From early morning starts to the final run down the slopes, they displayed dedication, determination, and a positive spirit.
A huge thank you to our staff, pupils, and parents for their support in making this trip such a success. We look forward to many more exciting adventures in the future!

On Wednesday 27 November, the Greek Department in collaboration with the Year 11 Pastoral team organised an educational trip for our Year 11 pupils to Elefsina, which was the Cultural Capital of Europe in 2023.

The pupils visited the archaeological site and museum in Elefsina as part of a multi-curricular excursion. This included the sanctuary of Elefsina, which was one of the most important religious centres of the ancient world. The goddess Demeter, goddess of the renewal of nature and the growth of grains, was worshipped there from the Mycenaean Era to the end of the 4th century A.D. 

English-speaking guides told our pupils about Ancient Greek civilisation and practices and informed them about the history of this renowned site, as well as the sacred ceremonies – the secret Elefsinian mysteries that took place there at that time. 

To culminate the day, the pupils visited the centre of Elefsina and enjoyed some free time with their peers. Ιt was an enjoyable trip that combined new knowledge with a well-deserved opportunity for bonding and discovery.

On Thursday 14th November 2024, the Greek Department organised an educational trip for our Year 9 pupils to Herakleidon Museum, in the centre of Athens.  During our visit our pupils enhanced their understanding of the Ancient Greek technology and its significance in shaping modern culture, science, and art. 

The museum featured a variety of displays, including models and artefacts that demonstrate the ingenuity of ancient Greek civilisation. Year 9 pupils engaged with interactive exhibits and explored ancient Greek inventions and innovations.

The whole experience of our visit to Herakleidon Museum not only enriched our pupils’ knowledge but also enhanced their critical thinking about the impact of technology on society. 

This year’s Panhellenic Forensics Tournament took place on 4-7 April, hosted by Mandoulides Schools in Thessaloniki. 22 schools with over 400 participants competed in the various events: Duet Acting, Oral Interpretation of Literature, Oratory, Impromptu Speaking, Group Discussion and Debate.

With a very strong and enthusiastic team of 24 pupils, SLC achieved 2nd place overall, with 6 Finalists in total!

Our finalists were:

• Troy Mikaelian (Year 10) – Group Discussion
• Kimberly Wang (Year 11) – Dramatic Oral Interpretation of Literature
• Koralia Datsiou (Year 10) – Comic Oral Interpretation of Literature
• Katerina Athanasopoulou (Year 13) + Michael Ziogas (Year 11) – Comic Duet
• Elise Katholos (Year 11) + Thea Colson (Year 11) – Comic Duet
• Sasha Frangos (Year 12) + Andres Van Meek (Year 12) – Comic Duet

Koralia Datsiou, and Katerina Athanasopoulou and Michael Ziogas won 1st place in their categories!

Congratulations to everyone who participated and helped make this such a great team!