From the Second Master
Please be reminded that the Domum dinner for parents of current top year pupils will take place on Saturday 1 July. You must sign up to confirm your attendance at this dinner, which you can do so via the link below.
Last week, the Master in College posted the Election Roll. We congratulate all those who achieved scholarships and exhibitions and look forward to welcoming them to the school.
Health & Well Being
We are delighted to announce that from September 2023 the College will be partnering with St Paul’s Surgery as our linked GP practice. We will therefore be joined by a new school doctor from the start of Short Half, Dr Laura Francis who has told us, “I am very much looking forward to becoming the Winchester College doctor and ensuring that the pupils have access to prompt healthcare of a high standard.”
This new partnership forms a key part of the College’s Health and Wellbeing strategy, which includes the relocation of the current medical centre from Antrim House on St Cross Road to Kingsgate Street in the heart of the campus, which is due to open next term.
The College and St Paul’s will work together to enable the safe transfer of medical files and information to the new surgery over the summer. More details will follow.
Academic
A mock General Election debate took place on Wednesday 10 May, organised by the Widening Perspectives society. The event hosted two representatives for each of the five most popular English parties in parliament for an hour's discussion on topical issues ranging from immigration to climate change, followed by an audience Q&A.
The debate was followed by a whole school election, with all year groups voting in their houses, and the results were announced on the Saturday afternoon. Conservatives won 37% of the vote, with Reform UK on 18% and Labour on 13%.
Success in cricket, golf, tennis and a record breaking Athla:
Gus (F) put in a fine performance in the 100m hurdles, high jump and 1500m, taking the the Senior Victor Ludorum Trophy. Alex (G) took the Junior Victor Ludorum trophy with a dominant sprint double. In the senior 200m, Alex (B) set a new record of 23.0, breaking a previous school record that had stood for 32 years. You can view more Athla photos via the link below.
Last week saw continued success for our cricket teams in cup tournaments. The 1st XI met The Portsmouth Grammar school on a grey evening in round 3 of the National Cup.
The Winchester team won by 79 runs and advanced to the next round, which will see them play either Canford or Wellington.
The U16s golf team met Gordon's School last Tuesday, winning 2 of 3 games. Arthur (B) and James (A) comfortably took their matchup 7 & 5, with the second pair of Seb (G) and Sander (A) also winning, taking 3 & 1 against their opposition.
The third pair of Orca (F) and Pran (D) battled valiantly after falling behind midway, starting a comeback on the 10th hole before falling 3&2 on the 16th. Some promising golf was played with both players showing great resolve.
Multiple teams were in action for an afternoon of tennis against Eton where the 1st VI held out in a tense matchup to hold on to thier unbeaten streak.
Music
A group of our Sixth Form pupils will be singing Evensong with Winchester Cathedral Girls’ Choir tomorrow evening, Wednesday 24 May at 17:30. Everyone is welcome to the service or you can watch via the Livestream link below.
Responses: Aston
Canticles: Sumsion in G
Anthem: Whitbourn Alleluia Jubilate
Academic
On Thursday 18 May, the College held a series of lessons outside in celebration of Outdoor Classroom Day.
Six lessons were taught in the Cameron Bespolka Outdoor Classroom, which was created in memory of former pupil, Cameron, and was funded by the generosity of our donors.
Charities
On Wykeham Day, pupils and staff will take on a climbing challenge in aid of the school’s international charity, Stay At School Nepal. To make it a tougher challenge, some pupils are taking on the course while carrying a 10kg backpack. The climb will replicate the Dhoka march, which is used to select recruits for the Ghurkhas: a 5.8km-long course, with an elevation gain of 500 meters, while carrying 25kg in a traditional basket.
The team hopes to raise £8850 (a pound per meter of Everest’s height). Each boarding house will try and climb 3700 meters, with every pupil aiming to complete 10 laps. Parents are invited to join in with the event on the day and can pledge their support via the link below.
The summer CATALYST programmes are in high demand, with many of the available places already filled.
Through CATALYST, students have the opportunity to engage in intellectually stimulating discussions, collaborate with like-minded peers, and explore diverse perspectives on global issues.
The programmes foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and leadership abilities, empowering students to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
To secure a place on Rethinking Change Systems (ages 13-18) or CATALYST Foundations (ages 10-13), submit your application as soon as possible.
Staff
Tim Cawston, our Lawn Tennis and Rackets Coach, is also the proud father of Ben who recently won the Rackets World Singles championship.
Follow the link below to read more about Tim's work at the College and his passion for the game of Rackets.
On Saturday October 14, the College is hosting an open day for boys aged 7-9 who love to sing. Attendees will get the chance to experience the unique choral tradition of the Quiristers and sing in the College's historic chapel.
The Quiristers live and are educated at The Pilgrims' School where they receive a world class education, and have previously performed for BBC Radio 3, at concerts in Birmingham Symphony Hall and Royal Festival Hall, and recorded at Abbey Road Studios.