From the Second Master
WEEKEND ARRANGEMENTS FOR BOARDERS
Details for this weekend can be found here. Please access the Parent Portal via the link below to inform us of your child’s plans for this weekend by 23:00 on Thursday 22 June. Log in, select 'Interactive Forms' and 'Weekend Sign-Out' to complete the form.
HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS FOR BOARDERS: End of Cloister Time 2023
(form available on the Parent Portal from Wednesday 21 June)
In preparation for the end of term, all parents of boarders should complete the School Holiday Arrangements form, which will be available on the Parent Portal from tomorrow (Wednesday 21 June); under 'School Holiday Arrangements'. Please complete the form by 13:00 on Saturday 24 June so that Housemasters have the information prior to any pupil departures.
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Saturday. We welcomed over 1500 people, including past and future pupils and their families, for a day of sport, music, art, talks, tours and food in our annual celebration, Wykeham Day.
The day included expert talks, exhibitions of the College silver, paintings and photography, as well as first rate sport on the pitches, in the PE Centre and on the river for all to enjoy. The traditional Gun Run on Lavender Meads was won by Commoners. Music ranged from recitals in Music School to Cantores Episcopi in War Cloister and rousing jazz and rock performances. Our caterers, Chartwells produced lunch for close to 2,500 people as well as match teas, packed lunches and an afternoon tea tent. A day like this requires the support of the entire school, particularly Dons and pupils and we are grateful to their contributions across the campus.
You can view a selection of photos from the day here.
CCF
Biannual Inspection
On 14 June Winchester College CCF had its Biannual Inspection, and was honoured to welcome Major General Bruce of the Scots Guards as inspecting officer.
He observed a drill display, Field Gun race, and demonstrations by all the cadets, as well as presenting WOs Bate and Hamsher with their certificates of selection for officer training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
Parents are welcome to download images for their own personal use only, via the link below, using the password 'salute'
Introducing
Richard Rous
I will be running Winchester’s operations, ensuring that pupils have food, clean clothes and transport. I look forward to improving quality, consistency and efficiency, so that our operations are financially as well as environmentally sustainable.
I previously worked in banking, and before that as an Army Officer, so I enjoy marrying the commercial and “people” side of business. I take particular pride in the loyalty of our operational teams, which we must continue to nurture. I’m also looking forward to making the most of our fabulous surroundings.
Richard Rous, Chief Operating Officer.
'Thank You' Gifts
As we approach the end of the academic year, we understand that parents may wish to express their gratitude to staff through thank you gifts. From the College's perspective, we would like to emphasise that there is no obligation or expectation of gifts in any circumstances.
If you are organising a collection for a joint gift, please be mindful that parents have a wide range of financial circumstances and not everyone will be able to afford to participate or wish to contribute.
Please also note that our internal policies do not permit staff to accept gifts of cash or vouchers of any amount and staff will donate these to the College or the College's nominated charity.
Charity
Step Up Nepal
During Wykeham Day, the College held a stair climbing challenge to raise money for charity Step Up Nepal.
Together, participants climbed a huge 55,000m, with College climbing the entire height of Everest and nearly all the houses making the distance from Base Camp to the summit.
The Doko Run was also a great success: people, sweated, suffered and learned how uncomfortable a traditional Nepalese basket of sand can be.
Thank you to all who took part, including pupils, staff, parents, siblings and members of the Governing Body.
The donation page will be open until the end of term, and any donations would be most welcome.
Events
Parents' Drinks Reception with Elizabeth Stone
Please see the following three occasions early next term for Winchester parents to meet the new Headmaster, Elizabeth Stone. We are delighted that Elizabeth will join us on the below dates:
Winchester on Friday, 22 September;
London on Friday, 6 October;
New York on Friday, 20 October.
We hope to see you at one of the receptions (please only register for one event in the UK).
Academic
Representing the UK
Rui-Lin (A) has been chosen to represent the UK at this year’s International Biology Olympiad, taking place in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
The team of four pupils were chosen at the University of Warwick from sixteen finalists who scored highest on this year’s British Biology Olympiad. There were four Wykehamists in the top 16, out of over 13,000 pupils nationally, including Bob (K), Maks (D) and August (X).
Trips
Fieldwork in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park
Last week, VIBk2 Geographers travelled to Herefordshire and the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park to carry out fieldwork in preparation for their A level non-examined assessments.
The trip involved studying the landscape’s glacial features, conducting deprivation-focused urban fieldwork in Hereford, and visiting case study locations in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.
Innovation
Maykth Ventures X CATALYST
Makyth Ventures, WinColl's entrepreneurship and innovation hub, and CATALYST teamed up to hold a hands-on startup building simulation for Vth Book students during the post-GCSE period.
Using the powerful Spaghetti Marshmallow Challenge students learnt the importance of testing and iterating ideas, radical collaboration and failing fast, both in life and in the business world.
Replicating the excitement and chaos of the start-up world, teams raced against the clock, employing design, thinking and problem-solving tactics to remain resilient in the face of market ‘shocks’.
Considering the fun that was had, the entrepreneurial spark has certainly been lit for some!
You can learn more about Makyth Ventures and CATALYST below.
Sport Report
Cricket
Last Tuesday saw the 1st XI travel to Canford School for a game in the National T20 Cup.
After some early struggles with a challenging surface, some strong batting steadied the ship and the team finished their time at bat with 129 runs.
With some excellent fielding and consistent bowling, Canford finished all out for 80 in the 19th over.
The team will now progress to the Regional Final where they will either play Bradfield or Teddies.
Basketball
On Wykeham Day, the College's U18 basketball team played a team of Old Wykehamists in the sports hall.
What started as a seemingly one sided affair, with the U18 puling away in the first half, quickly turned into a thrilling match. The OW team came alive in the second half, but the U18s stood firm, walking away with victory in the third period of overtime.
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