On Friday, 12th May 2017, the Early Years department at St Lawrence was full to the brim with youngsters who are already enjoying their early education with us, as well as many other children who are planning on doing so. The Open Day, which introduced our staff to new groups of youngsters and introduced those children and their parents to us, was a big success all round. 

There was a wide range of activities that the children participated in: mini tennis, yoga, PSHE, maths, literacy, movement to music and of course singing too. Every face was smiling and everyone looked really pleased to be a part of such a fun day.  From 10:00 am when the activities began, until their winding down session which included a plentiful buffet at 13:00, the happy cries of children having a whale of a time echoed throughout the garden and the whole of the Junior School.

We look forward to welcoming these children back come September. Well done to the Early Years staff who put so much effort into that day, as they do each and every day!

In early February 38 of our pupils in Years 9 to 11 participated in the Intermediate Mathematics Challenge, organised by the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust. The Intermediate Mathematics Challenge is addressed to pupils in Year 11 and below with the aim to promote the love for problem solving and encourage mathematical reasoning, precision of thought, and fluency.

All our pupils enjoyed taking part in the Challenge and we are very proud of their results.

We are particularly proud of three of our pupils who qualified for the next Olympiad rounds.

Nicholas Zafeirakis in Year 10 was qualified to participate in the Hamilton Olympiad and Xinyi Hu and Konstantinos Zafeirakis in Year 11 qualified to participate in the Maclaurin Olympiad. We congratulate our pupils for this big success. The Olympiads took place on March 16^th and we wish them good luck with their results.

We are proud of all those who participated and many of them were awarded with gold, silver and bronze certificates. More specifically:

In Year 11:

Gold Certificates: Xinyi Hu (Best in Year), Konstantinos Zafeirakis

Silver Certificates: Jiachen Lin

In Year 10:

Gold Certificates: Nicholas Zafeirakis (Best in Year), Zhuoxuan Ying, Jiayu Zhu, Mohamed Fattah

Silver Certificates: Athanasios Argyros, Ximan Yin

Bronze Certificates: Alexandra Mavromichalis, Sofia Tzagkaraki-Kaseta, George   Tzoutzourakis, Boya (Ency) Gui, Yehua Yang

In Year 9: 

Gold Certificates: Jiawei Wang (Jason) (Best in Year), 9 Hyeyoon Jun (Hayley).

Silver Certificates: Amalia Papadaki, Anna-Lena Lambropoulou, Shangzheng Li (Lee), Ziyi Li (Leo)

Bronze Certificates: James Cook, Marios Lempidakis, Zhu Min (Julia) and Zefei(Alice) Mu

We now wish our Junior Mathematicians good luck for their Junior Mathematics Challenge which will take place after the Easter break, on April 26^th.

From the 11th to the 13th of June, our Year 10 pupils travelled to Pylos in the Peloponnese for their annual residential trip. The trip focused on enjoying the beach and taking part in a range of water sports, including kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), with scuba diving being the highlight of the experience.

On the first day, pupils received scuba diving training in the swimming pool and developed essential diving skills, ensuring they could safely enjoy and explore the underwater environment. On the second day, they travelled by boat to the nearby island of Sfaktiria, where they enjoyed a scuba diving session in a picturesque bay and observed marine wildlife in its natural habitat. Whereas, in the evening, pupils enjoyed meals in Gialova and had the opportunity to explore the local town, visiting gift shops and enjoying ice cream with friends.

On the final day, pupils relaxed on the beautiful Kolopanas Beach, where they spent time playing beach volley and swimming and enjoyed lunch and refreshments by the sea.

Throughout the trip, pupils had great fun at the beach, strengthened friendships, and discovered new places together. It was a memorable experience where pupils could relax after working hard for their final exams and it was filled with laughter, and new experiences that will create lasting memories for years to come.

Our Year 7 pupils recently enjoyed a wonderful day trip to Temple of Poseidon, filled with laughter, teamwork, adventure, and unforgettable memories.

The day began with a series of exciting team-building activities, friendly competitions, and a treasure hunt inspired by Greek mythology. Pupils worked together to solve clues, complete challenges, and explore the beautiful surroundings while developing communication, cooperation, and problem-solving skills. The mythology-themed activities added a sense of adventure and excitement, allowing pupils to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of Greece in a fun and engaging way.

Surrounded by nature, the pupils had the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather in an environment full of trees and breathtaking sea views. Away from the classroom, they spent quality time with their friends, strengthened friendships, and created special memories together. The relaxed atmosphere, combined with the excitement of the activities, made the day both enjoyable and meaningful for everyone involved.

The trip concluded with a walk to the magnificent Temple of Poseidon, where pupils had the opportunity to admire one of Greece’s most iconic ancient landmarks. Standing above the sea, the temple offered spectacular views and gave pupils the chance to appreciate the beauty, history, and mythology connected to this historic site. Many pupils were fascinated by the stories of Poseidon and the importance of the temple in Ancient Greece, making the visit both educational and inspiring.

Overall, it was a fantastic and enjoyable day trip that brought together fun, learning, teamwork, and friendship. The pupils represented the school beautifully and returned with smiles, great memories, and excitement for the many more experiences and adventures to come in Year 8.

St. Lawrence College pupils do themselves and their school proud!

While summer continues for all pupils, for some the last week has been a week of tension and concern, waiting for their exam results. Now though the waiting is over and the IGCSE, AS-Level and A-Level results have been released. And once again, St. Lawrence College pupils have produced a set of results that our school community can be collectively proud of.

Our Year 11 pupils sat for their IGCSE exams back in May, with 457 IGCSEs being sat by a total of 60 candidates. Across those 457 IGCSEs, by far the most common grade achieved was an A* grade – the best grade possible and only awarded for an exam mark above 90%. In fact, of the 457 IGCSEs taken, a remarkable 113 resulted in an A* grade – that is 25% of all the IGCSEs taken. What is more, 44% of all the IGCSEs resulted in either an A*or A grade. This is a little lower than the very high 2015 results, but still ranks well with results from the previous decade of Year 11 year groups. The second most frequent grade achieved was B – indeed two out of every three IGCSEs sat was within the A*/A/B grade range.

The UK national average of Year 11 pupils that receive at least five GCSEs of grade C or better is usually around 55%-60%. This year at St. Lawrence College, 92% of our Year 11 achieved this. What is more – and this was a first for our school – not a single IGCSE among the 457 taken across 16 subjects by 60 candidates was returned ungraded. In terms of success in specific subjects, of all IGCSEs taken in French, Greek or Russian, over 90% resulted in at least an A grade. Likewise 68% of pupils that sat for English Literature. Among the year group, there were several stand out performances from pupils. Emily Holden managed to score A* in every one of her nine IGCSEs. Alessandro Gressani secured eight A*s, Sadin Abdel Fattah and Alexander Petropoulos each bagged seven A*s while Stefania Riga and Ivy Hewett each scored six A*s among their IGCSEs. Congratulations to all of them.

At AS-Level and A-Level there were exactly 300 exam entries across 84 candidates – slightly more than last year’s 292 entries. The AS-Level is at once both a ‘stand-alone’ qualification as well as marking the halfway point for those aiming to complete the full A-Level in a subject. Combining this year’s results for these two qualifications, by far the most common grade awarded was A (including A* which is only available at A-Level, not AS-Level). 37% of all exams taken resulted in this top grade being achieved. While slightly lower than the percentage achieved in 2015 and 2014, it is, at 37%, exactly the same success rate as 2009 and 2010 (with smaller year groups on both occasions) and within a percentage or two of all other recent years’ results. Furthermore, the second most common grade achieved across all 300 exams was a B grade. Thus, 56%, or well over half of all AS-Levels and A-Levels taken in the 2016 exam session resulted in a grade within the A*/A/B grade range.

For the pupils awaiting their A-Level results, there was also the question of gaining admittance to universities. The vast majority are progressing to UK universities and along with the A-Level results came the final confirmation as to which university they will study at and what they will study. These results have sent our pupils to top universities across the UK. As examples of the diversity of destination and course, Melina Beykou, who achieved A*AAA will study Biological Sciences with Molecular Genetics at The University of Edinburgh. Marilena Eleftheriou (AAA) will start a Neuroscience degree at University College London (UCL). Mark Slipchenko (A*BBC) will study Economics at The University of Kent, while Danish Syed (AAB) is admitted to The University of Glasgow for Electronics and Electrical Engineering. Other degree courses to be studied include Dentistry, Politics, Business Management, History of Art, Sport Science and Fashion Marketing.

Headmaster Phil Holden commented “I congratulate all pupils on their exam achievements and wish those who are leaving us to continue their learning in higher education the very best of luck. Our IGCSE, AS and A-Level results are truly very strong in the global context of British education. I thank the teachers throughout St. Lawrence College for the professionalism, dedication and care that they always give and which have led to this day. Those teachers have done more than help our pupils pass their exams. They have helped our school leavers grow into young citizens with a sense of responsibility as well as being learners with adaptable skills. As such our pupils are well-prepared”.

As part of our KS4 programme, pupils had the opportunity to explore the rich cultural and natural heritage of Rhodes during a recent 3-day educational visit organised by the Head of Year 11 and the Head of Greek.

Highlights of the trip included a guided tour of the medieval Old Town of Rhodes, featuring landmarks such as the Acropolis of Rhodes, the Palace of the Grand Masters, and the historic Street of the Knights. Pupils also visited the ancient site of Lindos, where they explored the Acropolis and the Temple of Athena, as well as the picturesque village below.

The group enjoyed a relaxing visit to the Kallithea Thermal Springs, renowned for their natural beauty and historic architecture, and spent time at the unique Valley of the Butterflies. Other memorable stops included the interactive Farma of Rhodes Petting Zoo and the tranquil Seven Springs nature reserve, a hidden gem known for its lush greenery, waterfall, and scenic walking paths.

This immersive experience allowed pupils to deepen their understanding of Greek history, culture, and the natural environment, while also building lasting memories with their peers. It was a truly enjoyable trip for everyone involved—with both pupils and teachers relishing the chance to explore, learn, and spend time together in such a beautiful and historically rich setting. The combination of educational value and shared experiences made it a memorable highlight of the school year.

On 16th June 2026, our Year 4 classes enjoyed an exciting and educational visit to the Eugenides Foundation Planetarium in Athens. The children were delighted to take part in this special experience, which brought their learning about space to life. During the visit, they watched the film Beyond Earth in the impressive dome theatre, exploring the wonders of our Solar System. The trip inspired curiosity and fascination, leaving the children with a deeper understanding of space and many questions to explore back in the classroom.

On 11th June, our Year 6 juniors celebrated their graduation with a memorable prom party at the beautiful Efilena Estate. The evening marked the end of their primary school journey and the exciting beginning of senior school life. Dressed in their finest, the children enjoyed music, dancing, and time with friends in a joyful atmosphere. It was a special occasion filled with laughter, pride, and reflection, creating lasting memories as they prepared for the next chapter.

In mid May, Year 2 pupils dazzled their audience with a vibrant fashion show celebrating style through the ages. From ancient civilisations to modern fashionistas, children confidently showcased creative outfits that reflected different historical periods and trends. They strutted along the catwalk with flair, demonstrating impressive confidence and enthusiasm. 

The event also featured special interviews with two mums from our school community who are real-life models. The children asked thoughtful questions and learned about key elements of fashion, including design, confidence, and self-expression. It was a fun, educational experience that inspired curiosity, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for fashion history. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.

From Thursday 22nd to Saturday 24th May, our Year 7 pupils embarked on an unforgettable residential trip to Ioannina, filled with adventure, exploration, and lasting memories.
The journey began with a visit to the picturesque town of Ioannina and a boat ride to the charming island of Kyra Frosyni, nestled in the middle of Lake Pamvotis.
The next day we went rafting along the crystal-clear waters of the Voidomatis River, surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Vikos–Aoös National Park. Pupils showed excellent teamwork and enthusiasm as they paddled through the gentle rapids, guided by expert instructors. Straight after we hiked the stunning Vikos Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world. 
Our trip concluded with a fascinating exploration of the Perama Cave, a natural wonder filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Pupils were captivated by the cave’s unique formations and the rich history shared by our guide.
Throughout the trip, our pupils demonstrated exceptional behaviour and enthusiasm. It was a joy to see them fully engaged, supporting one another, and making the most of every moment. Their curiosity, respect, and positive spirit turned this trip into an experience none of us will forget.
A heartfelt thank you goes to all the staff who made this journey possible, to Trekking Hellas for their professionalism and outstanding organisation of the activities, and most of all to the pupils—whose positivity and spirit made this adventure truly unforgettable.
 

On Friday 21st March, our Year 8 pupils embarked on an unforgettable educational trip to Marathon, organised by the Greek department. This excursion provided a unique opportunity to explore an important part of Greece's historical and cultural heritage.

The trip began with a visit to the Marathon Dam and Lake, where students learned about the historical significance of the dam in supplying water to Athens. The pupils then enjoyed a scenic hike to the Byzantine chapel of Agia Paraskevi and the historic Kalentzi stone theatre, where they gained insight into the area’s cultural past.

In addition to these fascinating visits, students took part in engaging team-building activities in nature, helping to develop both their collaboration and leadership skills. They also visited the Marathon Run Museum, which houses an extensive collection dedicated to the history of the Olympic Marathon.

The day concluded with a guided tour of the Marathon Tomb, the burial site of the 192 Athenian soldiers who fought in the legendary Battle of Marathon in 490 BC. This significant historical site offered our pupils a deeper understanding of Ancient Greek history and the importance of this battle.

The trip was both educational and inspiring, leaving our pupils with lasting memories and a greater appreciation for the rich history of Greece.

“Argonautic Expedition”

On Thursday, 20th March, the Years 3 and 4 pupils had the exciting opportunity to watch the play “Argonautic Expedition” (Αργοναυτική Εκστρατεία) at the Christmas Theatre. The performance was a captivating journey into Greek mythology, bringing the ancient myth of Jason and the Argonauts to life in a way that was both engaging and educational. The play skilfully introduced the children to the story of Phrixus and Elle, setting the stage for the legendary Golden Fleece and its importance in the adventure that would follow.

As the story unfolded, the pupils were transported into the mythical world of ancient Greece, starting with Jason’s birth in Iolkos and his upbringing by the wise Centaur Chiron on Mount Pelion. The play vividly portrayed Jason’s thrilling quest with the Argonauts, captivating the audience with its dramatic scenes and colourful characters. The children were enthralled by the performance, enjoying the blend of mythology, action, and adventure. It was an unforgettable experience that deepened their understanding of Greek mythology while keeping them fully engaged in the story.

Parents, families and friends were invited to the St Lawrence Early Years and Reception Christmas Show. This festive event, titled "Santa Lost His Hat," was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the holiday season and showcase the hard work and creativity of our youngest learners. The children prepared a heartwarming performance filled with joy, music, and holiday cheer, held on Tuesday 17th December at the Efilena Estate. The story was told ever so enchantingly, and all were delighted to attend it and witness bundles of cuteness galore. Happy Holidays to Everyone!

On Thursday 5th December, as part of the literacy curriculum and the festive season, Year 3 took an outing to Paradise Park in Acharnes. The children made festive decorations and ornaments with clay and materials from nature and visited the chocolate workshop, guided by Santa's helpers. 

During their visit to the Park Farm, they met and fed the sheep and even Rudolf too! They played in the newly renovated playground and participated in other fun activities to ensure a great day was had by all!

On Monday, 25th November 2024, our Year 6 Greek History pupils embarked on an exciting journey back in time, visiting the Ancient Agora in the heart of Athens. Organised by the Greek Department, this incredible day brought history to life as pupils explored the fascinating evolution of the Ancient Agora through different eras.

The adventure began with a tour of the Ancient Agora, where pupils wandered through the remains of administrative buildings that once upheld ancient democracy, admired grand ancient temples, and imagined the hustle and bustle of the commercial centre. At the Stoa of Attalos museum, pupils were captivated by a variety of artefacts, gaining insight into how these items shaped the everyday lives of ancient Athenians.

The group followed the historic streets of Monastiraki to the Roman Agora, where they gathered, much like the Athenians of old, in the central forum to share their findings and reflections. The final stop was the awe-inspiring Tower of the Winds, the world’s first meteorological station. Pupils were amazed to learn how it combined a weathervane, water clock, and sundials to track time and weather in ancient times.

It was a day brimming with discovery, curiosity, and hands-on learning about ancient Greece. Our pupils returned filled with new knowledge and unforgettable memories of walking in the footsteps of history.