The English Literature exam scheduled for Monday period 3 is no longer taking place. Therefore, during this time year 8 will be in normal lessons instead.

The champions of England, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales joined forces over the weekend of 30th May – 1st June 2008 in a SAFIB Under 14 ‘Battle of Britain’ Festival of Football. England were represented by John Hampden Grammar School who had become English National Champions after winning the ESFA U14 Final at Yeovil Town where they had defeated Lancaster School from Leicester 1-0. In gloriously sunny weather on Saturday 31st May John Hampden took on Northern Ireland Champions, St Columb’s College from Londonderry. An early goal from Adam Thomas was cancelled out by a second half equalizer and the game finished as a 1-1 draw. The next game proved more fruitful for John Hampden as they overcame Scottish representatives St Andrews and St Brides’s school from East Kilbride. Goals came from Luke Toudup, Kristian Fuzi and 2 from Dan Brennan gave the visitors from south of the border a creditable 4-2 win. However, one extra goal would have seen John Hampden through to the Sunday Final. A magnificent save in the last minute by the home keeper denied Dan Brennan his hat-trick and Dan’s team a place in the Final. The Final was won by Dumfries Academy with a narrow 1-0 win over St Columbs College. John Hampden went down 1-0 to the College of the Holy Spirit, Bishopstown, Cork. A late free-kick from John Hampdens Sam Tomkins hit the bar and denied the Buckinghamshire visitors a late share of the spoils. John Hampden Grammar School’s defeat left them in 4th place. Photos from the weekend can be found in the photo galleries.

The Parents’ Association would like to thank everyone who participated in this years’ raffle. We believe we have raised in the region of £3,400, although this figure is still to be verified. Details of the winners are listed below: Nintendo Wii - Mrs W Wolfe Dunlop 2Hundred Tennis Racquet - Adam Boltt Signed Kaiser Chiefs cd - Matt Ashfield Meal for Two at Mr India - Mrs C Hewitt Family Bowling, AMF - Mrs G Myers Coco Mademoiselle Perfume - Mrs Clarke Large Teddy Bear - Mr/s Evans 2 Bottles of wine - Mr/s Flisher 1 Bottle of wine - Mrs Bleach We were also offering cash prizes to the top three salesmen. In the event there was a tie for third place. Prizes go the following boys: 1st Prize of £50 - Bradley Stone (7E) 2nd Prize of £30 - Timmy Kirkland (10D) 3rd Prize of £20 each - Jack Morris (8D)and Jacob Green (8D) Congratulations to the following forms which had the highest number of pupils who all sold 20 tickets. Each form will receive a selection of chocolates to share. 7E sold 438 tickets 7B sold 369 tickets 7A sold 272 tickets Winners of the raffle prizes will be contacted by telephone to arrange collection/delivery.

The timetable for the year 8 and 9 exam weeks can be downloaded from the website (all newsletters and correspondence).

Thank you to all parents who supported the school through the recent inspection. OFSTED are in the process of completing the report, which will be published in the next few weeks. We are confident that the report will do justice to pupils and staff of the school.

All pupils in year 8 and some in year 7 sat the UK Junior Mathematics Challenge a few weeks ago. They have achieved some of the best ever results for the school. Out of 156 entries the boys achieved 28 gold (only awarded to the top 6% nationally), 29 silver and 27 bronze. Robin Polding and Sam Hollow both also qualified for the Junior Mathematical Olympiad. Well done and the certificates will be available soon.

Thank you to everyone who has worked hard to sell raffle tickets and return the stubbs. To date we have raised in excess of £2,500 which is fantastic. Money and stubbs are still coming in, so we have decided to make the final draw immediately after the boys return to school in June. If your son has not returned his tickets yet please could you ensure that he returns all remaining monies and ticket stubbs to the Bursar's Office by Friday, 23rd May and in the meantime, do persuade him to check the notice board regularly for updates on our best selling forms and salesmen

Today, Tuesday 20th May, we welcome the inspection team to JHGS and hope they enjoy their two days at the school.

After further discussions with the PE Department we have decided to move the 6-a-side football tournament from 12th July to the afternoon of Sunday 21st September - please put that date in your diaries now!! We will be working in close association with the PE Department to ensure that this event is a great success. The boys will still be able to put their own teams together and should apply at the beginning of the Autumn Term when full details will be published. The even better news is that the cost will now only be £2.50 per person! Thankyou! JHGSPA

Each year the Parents' Association's raffle raises significant funds for the school. You son should have brought home some tickets to sell for this year's raffle. Slips and money should be returned to the Bursar and if you require any more tickets please ask at reception. There are also prizes for the boys who sell the most tickets.