28th June 2022
Winchester Weekly
'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.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
As part of the school’s focus on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), we have run a number of events and activities this year, including:
- Several tutor hours focused on diversity & inclusion, including an exploration of the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010; discussion of language – especially discriminatory language – and its impacts; the national makeup of the school and comparison of cultures and values; misogyny and its impacts (led by Sixth Form pupils); the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (led by Equality Society);
- A half-termly ‘pulse’ survey to a cross-section of pupils, with results reviewed regularly by both the school’s EDI Working Group and the Governing Body, to get a sense of the progress we are making against our EDI aims;
- Talks within the PSHEE programme, as part of ‘Widening Perspectives’ – which gives pupils a wider take on current affairs and issues, and by Equality Society;
- Dedicated time at staff Professional Development Days to look at diversity & inclusion within the curriculum, and to consider how to promote EDI across all of our teaching, in line with the Warden’s Vision;
- A review of our hiring practices and how we might create an even more inclusive College when it comes to staff recruitment, retention and experience.
Next year, EDI will be a key area of focus for the new Pupil Council, and you can expect to see important dates (for example, Black History Month) being marked both up-to-books and in houses, ensuring that Winchester celebrates its long traditions – of liberalism, tolerance, curiosity, kindness and diversity – that give the College its strength of character.
Tom Quayle, Director of Sixth Book Progression
Sport
Lords at the Aegeas Bowl
On Saturday 25 June we were fortunate to have the use of the Ageas Bowl pitch, home of Hampshire Cricket. We began the day by inviting 25 young cricketers, due for 2023 or 2024 entry into the school, to attend a training session. The young cricketers enjoyed a series of drills set up by our Sport Scholars, and a session in the nets. Their morning concluded with a talk from Cricket Professional, Paul Gover, about the cricketing opportunities that await them at Winchester.
Lords XI then hosted Canford School for a 50 over game on the main ground. Captain, Paddy Fisher, won the toss and elected to bat first in a match that was tough going from the beginning. In a nail-biting finish, Canford won with three balls to spare. Our thanks go to all the team at the Ageas Bowl and HCCC for making it possible.
Read the full match report in this week's Sports Report (link below).
Societies
Dragons' Den for Investor Soc
Budding entrepreneurs from the pupil body have had the opportunity to pitch for funding for their own enterprises in a recent Dragons' Den-style event hosted by Investor Society.
Three pitches made it to the final on Thursday 23 June, judged by successful entrepreneur, Mr Harry Clarke, founder of RingGo, the British parking payment app, which has over 18 million users.
Languages Department Junior Recita
For the annual MFL Junior Recita competition, all language pupils in Junior Part and Middle Part recited a poem in French, Spanish, German or Russian. The final took place in the Blackwell Room on 27 June.
The judges remarked on the very high standard of entries. They were particularly impressed both with pupils' ability to memorise text and the manner in which they communicated their understanding of the poets' intentions.
The winners were:
French - Felix Edmondson (MP, College) & Alex Winnifrith (MP, Turner's)
Spanish - Matthew Sneller (JP, College) & Ojeaga Ohiwerei (MP, Trant's)
German - Johnny Wyatt (JP, Cook's) & Zachary Yen (MP, College)
Russian - Jad Darkazally (JP, Kenny's) & Timothy Oluwabusola (MP, Turner's)
The Senior competition will follow in September.
Economics Trip
The Economics department's weekend trip to Liverpool explored the heart of a thriving, historical city blossoming through regeneration. At the Museum of Liverpool, we explored the maritime past of the area.
Though heavy winds blasted through the city, we enjoyed an informative walking tour on the rich history of Liverpool. We had plenty of free time to roam around the city and soak in a place on the cutting edge of innovation. It was breath-taking to see first-hand the docks and buildings that once dominated trans-Atlantic trade, and brought the British Empire to astronomical heights.
We learned about the development of the Titanic in Liverpool, the clashes between wealthy trading companies and the solidification of Britain's position as an economic superpower. In the Museum of Slavery, we saw the dark side of the trading and maritime success of the city.
The trip was a lively blend of Wykehamical spirit and fun, and academic interest with economic application. We all enjoyed the trip and look forward to applying our new knowledge in the classroom.
Raees Khan (VI Book 2, Freddie's)
Modern Foreign Languages Karaoke
On the evening of June 15, the Language Lab hosted its first ever MFL Karaoke Night Party where Sixth Form pupils chose tunes to sing, alongside their dons. The only rule was that it had to be in a modern foreign language. The linguistic diversity was incredible, ranging from Portuguese to Chinese with a necessary detour via Romanian.
The event was thoroughly enjoyed by pupils, dons, passers-by and our Director of Studies, Dr Tom Thomas, who beat a hasty retreat when invited to perform in German or Welsh.
Kevin Fondain, French don
Drama
Chawker's House Play
In Equal Honour, the Chawker’s House play, was staged in the QEII Theatre last week. Written by Housemaster Anthony Dakin, it imagines the school life of two friends, Hewitt and Asher, as they reach their 18th birthdays at Winchester College, and decide to enlist for a First World War they would not survive. Based on the lives and deaths of real Wykehamists and their dons, it was a great opportunity for some young, talented Chawkerites to start their drama careers while older housemates were occupied with exams. It is hard to imagine, given how well they performed, that anyone of any age could have done better.
Parents Events Committee
Alicia Robert and Lorna Paviour have stepped down after two years as the joint Chairs of the Parents Events Committee. They took up the role in September 2020 and have been tireless during the pandemic in their support of the school and their fellow parents. We thank them both.
We welcome the new Chairs of the Committee: Anna Allen-Jones, Tanya Coles, and Charlotte Winton (second photo, pictured left to right). If any new parents would like to be the JP Rep for their house, please contact the Chairs through the link below.
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