Centimetres, Metres & Clever Thinkers: CM1 in Action!

The recent CM1 (Year 5) annual maths event, Rallye Mesure, was a fantastic celebration of practical problem-solving and teamwork. Pupils were placed into mixed groups and challenged to use their estimation skills and understanding of measurements to predict the volumes, weights and distances of a variety of containers and materials. Working collaboratively, the children discussed strategies, compared ideas and carefully justified their reasoning before agreeing on their final estimates.

Throughout the event, pupils demonstrated impressive mathematical thinking, applying their knowledge of units of measure and making sensible approximations. Equally notable was the high level of cooperation within each group. Clear communication, active listening and shared decision-making were evident as pupils encouraged one another and combined their strengths to tackle each challenge.

The atmosphere was both focused and enthusiastic, with pupils fully engaged in the practical tasks. Rallye Mesure not only strengthened their confidence in measurement and estimation but also highlighted the importance of teamwork in problem-solving. Overall, the event was a great success and an enjoyable learning experience for all involved.

CM2/Year 6 Bring the Treaty of Versailles to Life

After learning about the Treaty of Versailles, CM2 took part in a whole class cross-perspective exercise to bring the peace talks to life. Each student represented a different country involved in the negotiations, taking on the role of official delegates deciding what should happen to Germany after the war. Some argued strongly for financial reparations, others wanted German land, while some pushed for strict limits on Germany’s army and navy. A few focused on ensuring future security and preventing another war. 

Through discussion and negotiation, pupils experienced the difficulty of balancing fairness, sanctions and peace. The activity helped them understand why the treaty ended up being so difficult to agree on, with so many competing demands and tensions between the countries involved. It was truly a fantastic activity for all!

The Anxious Scholar creator, and former pupil, Victoria Kogan, sits down with our Director of Admissions, Communications and Development

We were delighted to welcome Victoria Kogan, an undergraduate student at Dartmouth College and creator of the podcast The Anxious Scholar, for an interview with our Director of Admissions, Communications and Development, Mrs Geer.

An alumna of École Jeannine Manuel in Paris (Class of 2025), Victoria launched her podcast three years ago with the aim of supporting prospective university applicants. Through in-depth interviews with students from leading institutions such as Harvard University, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge and Yale University, she shares practical advice and insights drawn from their personal admissions journeys.

During the visit, Mrs Geer – also an alumna of École Jeannine Manuel in Paris, reflected on the school’s remarkable milestones since its beginnings in 2015, its 10-year anniversary, and our recent alumni reunion. Highlighting the strengths of a bilingual education and the distinctive sense of community that shapes our London campus, the wide-ranging Q&A also explored pedagogical innovation, the introduction of phone pouches, and the many ways in which the school supports students as they prepare for higher education in the UK and beyond.

As this marked Victoria’s first visit to our London sister school, she was given a tour of our historic buildings which were once home to a former British Prime Minister (Middle School) and the office of TS Eliot for over 40 years (Primary School) – all located just minutes from the British Museum.

The full interview can be watched here on YouTube.

London Youth MUN 2026 has come to a brilliant close!

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Recently, our Upper school students took part in high-level debates on global issues in International Relations, alongside 640 delegates from across the UK and around the world – including delegations from Turkey, Latvia, Portugal and the United States. With more experienced international participants than ever before, the standard was truly exceptional and we are incredibly proud of our team of students for their dedication, research and thoughtful diplomacy throughout the conference.

Many congratulations to the individual award winners listed below – with the students’ committee topics, which give an overview of the immense amount of research and work that went into their success:  

A Diplomacy Award for demonstrating the highest level of preparation, knowledge, leadership and collaboration throughout the conference:

• Edouard, representing Canada in the Historic UN Security Council (“The Berlin Blockade, 1948-1949”)

Best Research Awards for displaying outstanding subject knowledge and submitting the best policy paper: 

• Lukas, representing Saudi Arabia in the Disarmament and International Security Committee (“Arms proliferation after the Cold War, 1993”) 
• Victor, representing the United Kingdom in the Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (“Developing Disaster Response in the Caribbean”)
• Leonor, representing Sir Ian Campbell in the House of Commons (“The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill”) 

Most Improved Awards for growing to the challenge and advancing their country’s interest especially towards the end of the conference:

• Willem, representing the United States in the Disarmament and International Security committee (“Arms proliferation after the Cold War, 1993”) 
• Leo, representing the CIA Director John McCone in the Crisis Committee (“The Cuban Missile Crisis, 1963”) 

Honourable Mention Awards who came close seconds in all of the above categories, demonstrating strong debating and research skills as well as diplomatic awareness:  

• Anna, for representing China in the UN Economic and Social Council (“Debt-trap diplomacy and coercive loans in Global Finance”).

A huge congratulations to the Jeannine Manuel School team for their outstanding achievement. Their success is testament to their commitment and depth of preparation behind the scenes. Bravo!

Students take the next step towards university

The Upper School has recently welcomed many university representatives, from as far afield as Sciences Po (Paris Institute of Political Studies), New York University (NYU), UC Berkeley, ESSEC Business School, University College Utrecht, IE University (Spain) and HEC Paris. One of the highlights included a taster session for Year 12 students on the topic of “Logic and Reasoning: A Philosophy Taster” delivered by Professor Paseau, Professor of Mathematical Philosophy at Oxford University.

These presentations gave students first-hand insight into higher education – the opportunity to explore potential degree subjects and to learn more about university life whilst preparing for their next steps and pathways beyond Jeannine Manuel School. 

Students have also embarked on a UK University Tour organised by Dr Hinchey, Director of Higher Education, where they gained invaluable insight into student life, the application process and learnt more about the courses of interest to them. Students returned from their trip, more informed and ready for the university process.