In her end of term message, the Headmaster reflects on a busy Common Time and examines a recent study investigating the impact of mobile phones and social media on the wellbeing of young people.
She also details the successful opening of the new Health and Wellbeing Centre, a look at current building projects and some key events to look forward to in Cloister Time.
We look forward to communicating the recipients of this term's Common Time awards early next week.
Update from the Bursar
Parent Contract Updates
We have completed our annual review of the current parent contract and made a few changes, which will come into effect at the start of Short Half 2024. The updated version can be found on the parent portal at the link below, together with a summary of the changes.
Stay alert to scams
We have again been made aware by the Independent Schools Bursars Association that there are currently a range of cyber threats against independent schools and their parents offering substantial fee discounts for early payment of fees.
There is no indication that these involve Winchester College, however, it is an opportunity to remind you of the ways in which we request payment of fees and how we communicate with you. Further details can be found on the parent portal. If in doubt, you should contact the school to check a communication is genuine and no one other than the Finance team or Bursar will ever correspond with you about fee payments.
Events
What's On
Parents are welcome to join us for College events. Events taking place over the coming weeks are highlighted here, but please find the full schedule at the link below.
You can listen to a broadcast of the BBC's Choral Evensong from the chapel of Winchester College at 4pm today here.
Sport
Girls Commoners v OTH
History was made this past Saturday as the first girls OTH v Commoners Winchester College Football match was played. In a thrilling and tightly contested game, OTH emerged as the victors.
The Headmaster surprised the winning team with a cup, which the players have elected to name the 'Ali Pot'', after three "Alis" who they feel have been so instrumental in introducing girls into Winchester: Ali Harber, our deputy head pastoral, Alison Seymour, Oakeshott's tutor and Alison Mayne, who is on the board of governors.
An excellent effort made by all, and in particular Tabi, who was awarded Player of the Match.
You can read some reflections on this historic moment from team captains, Francesca and Kate via the link below.
Talks & Lectures
The Chancellor comes to Winchester
Last Thursday 14 May, we welcomed the Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer to Winchester College.
Mr Hunt spoke to Winchester pupils and attendees from local partner schools about the realities of public life, his proudest moments in politics, and the economic state of the country. Following the talk, Mr Hunt took questions from pupils, giving advice on how to get involved in politics, how he handles the pressure of the job, and his thoughts on being a representative of the country.
You can read more about the talk via the link below.
Drama
My Fair Lady
Last week saw the long-awaited performance of the school musical, My Fair Lady, marking the culmination of six months of tireless preparation.
Each night, the auditorium was filled with pupils, staff, and family members, all captivated by the cast's impressive vocal performances, energetic dance routines, seamless set changes, and the majestic accompaniment of live music.
Fran (H) and Michael (G) delivered exceptional performances as the leads, masterfully navigating between hilarious and deeply emotional scenes.
The production was not just a showcase of talent on stage but also a testament to the dedication of the crew behind the scenes, from the meticulous direction to the intricate costume design and technical support.
The final show on Saturday evening concluded with a well-deserved standing ovation.
You can view the full gallery of photos via the link below, using the password in your covering email.
Sport
National Schools' Rackets Tournament
The Rackets National Schools championships began this week at the Queen's Club in London. In the most prestigious tournament, (1st pairs) the Winchester pair of Henry (A) and Bertie (F) are seeded 1.
14 schools enter the competition, including the top sportsmen from Eton, Harrow, and Tonbridge.
Sport report
The full sport report is also accessible below, which features basketball, hockey, fencing and more.
Sports Kit
For any pupils playing cricket or tennis next term, kits are available for purchase from our supplier, here.
Music
JP Music Award Holders Concert
Sunday’s performances in Music School Hall celebrated the Junior Part Music Award Holders in their début together, including the wind trio, and the string quintet pictured.
This was mirrored in the evening by the senior pupils, who gave a stunning performance of Schubert’s 'Trout Quintet'.
This served as a poignant reminder of the lifelong bonds musical performance can create, as well as the nature of the achievements that are possible over the course of five years as our musicians practise alongside and inspire each other.
Partnerships
Spanish Workshops with Westgate
Last week, the Spanish Department welcomed one of our partner shools, Westgate School, for two Y10 speaking workshops run by our Y12 pupils.
Our visitors enjoyed speaking Spanish in a mock restaurant and a shop, in addition to running dictations outside.
Events
OW Cross Country
On Saturday we hosted the OWs’ cross-country fixture, welcoming teams of Old Wykehamists, Old Johnians (from St John’s, Leatherhead), Old Etonians and Old Wellingtonians; a team of current Wykehamists also participated.
With the rain holding off and even a hint of sunshine peaking through the clouds, the runners set off from Meads, running the course with two laps of Hills’ Valley and returning to school before cheering their fellow runners over the finish line and catching up over tea.
The results were: Old Johnians in third place, Old Etonians in second, and Old Wykehamists triumphant in first. An honourable mention must go to the team of current Wykehamists, Douglas (X), Monty (C), Issa (H), and Jamie (H) who performed extremely strongly and came in just after the OWs.
publications
Wykeham Journal
The Wykeham Journal is out now and will be delivered to homes very soon.
Focussing on the school’s charitable objectives, this year’s issue includes articles on the work we are doing to support the teaching of Classics in the wider community, a significant legacy pledge to help sustain the choral tradition here, and an interview with a young OW about how joining Winchester on a bursary was an engine of opportunity for him, plus much more.
Stories from War Cloister
To mark the centenary of War Cloister this year, Winchester College Society has produced a podcast series, 'Stories from War Cloister'.
The latest episode is Part I of II about the Winchester War Poets. Richard Stillman, English Don, guides us through a selection of poems written by Old Wykehamists. The poems are brought to life by current VI Book 1 pupils: Zach (E), Anna (A), Issac (I), William (H), Otto (E), Ben (H), William (A), and Anvesh (B).
Part II will be coming out soon so please subscribe to the podcast on your preferred podcast app.
In preparation for the centenary commemoration happening on Wykeham Day, 15 June, we have embarked on a conservation project to restore all the names of those remembered in War Cloister.
More information about the Conservation Project, and how you can support it, can be found on the Winchester College Society website.
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