Churcherian 2024

The Churcherian 2024

Headmaster’s Foreword

Schools are about people not places; anyone who has ever wandered around a school in the holidays will recognise they can be soulless husks without the frisson of human interaction that makes up school life. Someone recently used the word ‘hwyl’ to describe life at Churcher’s. For the non-Welsh speakers, it means a sense of fun, energy, and enjoyment, and probably a little bit more, as it is often used to express a stirring sensation, fervour, emotion, motivation, and enthusiasm. There was certainly of hwyl aplenty on display at our Summer Concert in Cadogan Hall in London.

Hopefully, this year’s Churcherian magazine will illustrate that we enjoy hwyl across the board, not just in

music; the excitement that comes with challenge and the bounteous reward from effort, with the odd winners’ podium place or two on the way.

There will be few who might suggest that Paris and the 2024 Olympics were a curtain-raiser to the A Level exam results day this year, but, as one online newspaper suggested, there are similarities: years of hard work leading to a final moment of glory for the athletes, and equal years of toil leading to metaphorical medal podium for A Level students, as well.

It is certainly a bumper year, full of the equivalent of gold, silver, and bronze medals, the A*, A, and B grades of public exams, with more achieving these top three grades than

ever before, laying aside the three years of COVID non-examination and adjustments.

GB Olympic team members can all share the glory of the team performance, but it is the success of the individual athletes that is most worthy of celebration. Likewise, impressive overall school results are a consequence of the individual Churcher’s students absolutely excelling themselves and exceeding all expectations.

This year there were six students with at least three ‘gold medals’, A* exam results; a further twenty with two A* grades from their three exams, and fifty with nothing lower than A* and A grades. If there was a grade or medal above gold then Louisa Moor would be awarded that; the Oxford, Cambridge, and the Royal Society of Arts examination board have written to congratulate her on achieving one of the top grades in the country in her Fine Art exam, and that says nothing of the A* grades she achieved in Biology, Chemistry, and her Extended Project Qualification. Joel Ireland would join Louisa on that top step with his four A* grades, a place he is accustomed to as a national awardwinning gymnast, cake decorator, and public speaker, the epitome of a renaissance man!

It was equal, if not more glorious, at GCSE, where around a quarter of

exams were awarded a gold medal winning Grade 9. With more than 50% of all exams Grade 9 and 8, this year’s GCSE results brought many a smile to many a face with our better-than-ever levels of success.

Taking Olympic analogies one step further, what sets apart the Churcher’s children is that they are, by their nature, decathletes. Not content with one challenge, one mountain to climb, they give themselves many. They have the foresight to recognise that the trials of the present, be that in the classroom, up a mountain, on the sports pitch, on stage, in the studio, will be handsomely rewarded in the future. Wherever you look the children are pushing themselves beyond expectation and much of this magazine reflects that.

That enthusiasm to be involved remains undimmed with numbers in every area, be it CCF, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, choirs, orchestras, sport, and LAMDA all exceeding expectation; evincing the appetite for challenge and adventure that is endemic here.

In a world where many advocate caution, Churcher’s students have a tradition of pushing envelopes. To do so takes confidence, and that selfconfidence is engendered by their mentors here - their teachers. Behind every exam grade, expedition, concert, play, debate, picture, and sporting contest, there is a member of staff, facilitating, cajoling, encouraging, and

guiding. This magazine, this chronicle of the year, rightly champions and applauds the success of the children, but just a little space should be set aside for those that are their Sherpas on the road to glory.

There is a remarkable custom of long tenure here amongst the staff, both teaching and support. Many dedicate most, if not all, of their teaching career to Churcher’s. Sarah Dixon who has had many roles within the school, after a brilliant 29 years has finally laid her chalk-duster down and retired from her role as Deputy Head. Sarah Cockerill, ‘Sarah C’, may be a relative newcomer compared to ‘Sarah D’, but in her 15 years of teaching Chemistry to so many here, and lately as Director of Studies managing much of the academic side of life, she has had significant influence. Sarah C is hoping to add to her World Champion sailor status in her retirement whilst Sarah D will be rekindling her golf prowess… or, perhaps, her rally car driving!

More of ‘the Sarahs’ later in this magazine, but there are few who have as much claim to have been the heart and soul of Churcher’s than Geoffrey Buttle and David Groves, and, sadly, this year saw the final goodbye to both. Geoffrey Buttle was Headmaster here from 1988 until I took over in 2004, and David Groves, who straddled Geoffrey’s and my tenure here, was Director of Music for 24 years from 1983.

Geoffrey and David enjoyed many years as part of the Churcher’s community, but, tragically, Isla’s time here was all too brief. Isla joined us in the First Year but, heart-breakingly, her time with us was cut short by a car accident. That she made such an impression in such a short time speaks volumes, and her new found friends created a most moving tribute to her, suitably adorned with pink, her favourite colour, and there is now an idyllic spot next to the quiet garden, ‘Isla’s bench’, where her First Year friends, and those that follow, can convene and enjoy each other’s company as much as we enjoyed Isla’s.

As with Isla, huge is the impact that Geoffrey Buttle and David Grove have had on the school and its community, but they are also modest by nature, and David’s and Geoffrey’s family wished their passing to be one of quiet reflection rather than public commemoration. We couldn’t allow

this year’s Churcherian Magazine to pass-by, however, without recognising two who were so instrumental in guiding the school through further extraordinary change that was begun by their predecessors, and setting the foundations of much that you will read about in the following pages.

From an all-boys’ boarding school to a fully co-ed day school can often be a turbulent journey, not least because it leaves parents and pupils unsure of identity and direction. But Churcher’s did change its spots for stripes and evidence of the success of that are many. It says a lot that, in 1988, Churcher’s was a school of 459 pupils, of whom 17 were girls in Churcher’s first co-educational intake into the First Year; today there are 1,316 who can call themselves Churcherians, including 264 in the Junior School, and that total of 17 girls in the First Year has grown to 603 across the school.

The world has seen many ups and downs over the years from when Geoffrey and David joined the Churcher’s family, and there are plenty more on the horizon. We have faced, and faced-down, existential threats before, thanks to the wise counsel, loyalty, and commitment of many such as Geoffrey and David. On the news of Geoffrey’s and David’s passing, the school mailbag was bursting with memories and gratitude from Old Churcherians; gratitude for the experiences and opportunities they were given whilst at Churcher’s often as a consequence of Geoffrey and David’s input and influence.

For example, beyond the impact Geoffrey had on the character of the children here, if one wanders around the school there is tangible evidence of the extraordinary transformation for which Geoffrey was responsible. The development of New College with all of its classrooms, the Sports Hall,

the Library, the Science Building, and the acquisition of the Junior School site in Liphook all came about because of Geoffrey and his vision and determination, often against the odds. In recognition of this you might notice an addition to science, which is now called The Geoffrey Buttle Science Building.

Alongside Geoffrey’s fearsome handshake, his prowess in, and love of, rugby, and his fascination with trains, which was a focus of his doctorate at Durham University, one of the abiding memories that have filtered down from the Old Churcherian messages

is about a favourite Edison quote of Geoffrey’s that goes: ‘Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration’. The tone, style, and present-day success of a school is, to no small degree, determined by those that have gone before. As such, Geoffrey Buttle’s influence, and his personal mantra that hard work is the foundation of success, can be thanked for the extraordinary success story we enjoy today that is reflected in this chronicle of the academic year 2023-24 just gone.

Simon Williams

Pictured here with Geoffrey Buttle, the first cohort of girls to study at Churcher’s returned to celebrate 30 years since their admission in 1988.

Junior School

This year marked a few ‘new’ aspects for Churcher’s College Junior School and Nursery: a new uniform, and developments to our school facilities at the Liphook campus. The traditional values that have shaped our community continue to guide us and provide a solid foundation as we venture forward and look ahead to the future.

2023-24 was the year that we introduced a new uniform at the Junior School. Moving from brown to navy, it quickly became popular with many children, especially the navy duffel coats, which provide a nod to the traditional. You may ask, what happened to the brown duffel coats? Supporting the Nepal Education Foundation meant that the brown blazers and duffels made their way to chilly Nepal, where school children there benefitted from the warmth of these enduring and sustainable items. The heartwarming pictures need no words; it continues to be a worthwhile and ongoing relationship.

The bread and butter of a school is its position and reputation as an educational establishment and CCJS&N maintained its place in delivering high-quality teaching and learning; this year has been no different in that it was filled with a wealth of activities and connections, both educational and social. Though sometimes busy, the children of CCJS&N consistently poured their energy and enthusiasm into everything they did this year, ably supported by a strong team of staff. Reading remains a significant focus for the Junior School and Nursery. Book Week celebrations supporting World Book Day were a particular highlight, featuring multiple author visits and reading-based activities

to ensure an enjoyable and engaging event for everyone, triggering further interest in books and reading.

Origami, pottery blossoms, Japanese music workshop, and sushi making with Little Fish were some of the activities enjoyed by many children in our Arts Week, moved this year to the Spring Term so that we could link to the blossom theme. The installation of the outdoor pottery blossoms was a triumph and a super memento to capture this wonderful crosscurricular week.

As usual, the children achieved remarkable feats across the curriculum, from academics to sports, performances to trips. Underpinning all these accomplishments are the connections they made—to places, skills, and knowledge, but, most importantly, to one another.

It’s a busy, yet exciting, time: the relocation of the library and addition of a new outdoor reading area, a new Year 1 classroom to house the children moving from the two Reception Classes, a new Art Studio, and an exciting enhancement to the dining room and kitchen area, which includes a wonderful facelift to the front of the school. Added to all of this is an amazing retractable seating unit for the Studio, funded by the Parents’ Association, to improve viewing for spectators and performers.

Not resting on laurels, but instead embracing these new developments, we aim to meet the demands of the future and ensure that CCJS&N remains a place where pupils thrive and excellence is nurtured.

Ffion Robinson

Junior Art

Nursery

It has been another busy and exciting year in the Nursery and we welcomed lots of new children and their families into the Churcher’s community. The year flew by, and the Owls finished the year ready to spread their wings and make the flight to Reception class! From Nativities to summer dance and drama festivals, Nursery children have been fully involved in

life at CCJS&N. They brought smiles and enthusiasm into everything they did, adding that gorgeous 3- and 4-year old sparkle! The children have learnt so much through their play, spending many happy days splashing, exploring, cutting, and building, and firmly establishing ‘forever’ friendships. Thank you, children, for a wonderful year!

Infants

Reception

As the first cohort of two-form entry in Reception this year, these Dolphins and Puffins will always have a special place in the history of CCJS. The lovely extension onto the existing Reception classroom provided two classrooms, plus our ‘Busy Bees’ room. This continuous provision area enables all the children to mix and enjoy the new facilities. Our ‘Reception Garden’ has been a lovely outside space for the children to enjoy, with climbing frame, sandpit, playhouse, water tray, and toys galore.

September began with our new little charges happily coming into school. We were delighted with how they settled so quickly, and all began to make new friends and continue the established unions they made in our Nursery. Learning letter sounds, blending them together to make words and finally reading independently, has been a huge highlight in Reception. The delight on the children’s faces (and on the staffs’) when they accomplished this was wonderful to witness!

The Autumn Term brought the EYFS Nativity performance. The children enjoyed singing all the lovely Christmas songs, and proudly spoke a line apiece.

Spring Term meant a school trip to Sainsbury’s as part of our Healthy Eating studies. The children loved exploring the supermarket and taking turns choosing the necessary items from their lists. They used the selfservice tills to scan the food and then paid for the goods and collected the change. Even going in a mini-bus is a great adventure when you’re 4! A class assembly to the school, from Puffins on ‘Resilience’, and Dolphins on ‘Chinese New Year’, both proved to be a great success. The children proudly learnt their lines, and spoke them with confidence to their parents in front of the whole school.

The Summer Term flew by so quickly. Looking back over the children’s work across this academic year, their

efforts have been the reason for their amazing progress.

Away from the classroom, weekly swimming lessons with their friends have been a wonderful highlight for Dolphins and Puffins; they loved every minute of their time in the pool and many of them fell asleep on the coach on the way back! The day trip to a Forest School was great fun, where the children learnt the importance of safety in the forest and could explore and enjoy the great outdoors. We look back on so many happy days with the children; their laughter, funny comments, enthusiasm, and affectionate ways has been a joy. Thank you, Dolphins and Puffins.

You’ll be missed!

Year 1

It has been a wonderfully busy year for the children in Year 1; an exciting journey filled with exploration, creativity, and hands-on learning. From delving into the natural world, to embracing imaginative play, the children have thrived in a variety of activities that have sparked their curiosity and fostered resilience.

At the start of the year, they embraced new routines and expectations, transitioning smoothly into Year 1 despite the changes and challenges they faced. Their warmth and empathy shone brightly when they welcomed a new pupil into their class, making her feel instantly at home at CCJS.

Role-playing activities took centrestage this year, with the children engaging in various themed scenarios. They transformed into scientists in a dark room, explored the icy landscapes of the South Pole, and pretended to be doctors and nurses in a bustling hospital. These role plays encouraged creativity and developed their problem-solving skills. Throughout the year, the children have embarked on a rich journey of outdoor learning, immersing themselves in a variety of hands-on experiences that fostered both academic and personal growth. They engaged in innovative maths activities by crafting numbers from natural materials and matching them to corresponding objects, solidifying their understanding of numeracy in a tangible way.

Exploring the science of fire, they learned valuable safety skills and gained an appreciation for the natural elements. Through den building, they cultivated teamwork and creativity, constructing imaginative structures amidst the beauty of the outdoors. Whole-school walks provided opportunities for collaborative leafcollecting endeavors, which were then transformed into stunning works of art, showcasing their artistic expression and connection to nature. Sensory walks heightened their awareness of the world around them, while activities like cloud-watching and making wind-socks fostered curiosity about meteorological phenomena. The children particularly enjoyed learning about plants. We are hoping that the Year 1 garden will produce a great crop of beans, strawberries, peas, and radishes! Our Year 1 topics have been met with huge amounts of enthusiasm.

Exploring the heroic expedition of Scott of the Antarctic, the children embarked on a simulated journey, by ship to the South Pole. Once there, they pulled sleighs laden with provisions across the school grounds and set up camps to enact the adventurous narrative. A trip to Guildford Museum enabled the children to travel back in time, where they gained insight into the daily lives of Victorian children. From slate boards and inkwells to intricate dolls and wooden trains, they marveled at the craftsmanship and simplicity of toys from a bygone era. This handson experience not only deepened their understanding of history but also sparked their curiosity and appreciation for the rich tapestry of the past.

Guided by the school’s 5Rs, Year 1 children have embarked on a creative endeavor to promote positive play

behaviors in the playground. Through collaborative efforts, they designed vibrant ‘How to Play Well’ posters, offering friendly reminders on respectful and inclusive interactions. Additionally, the presence of Calm Koala and Felix the Feelings Monster, dedicated to fostering emotional intelligence, provided invaluable support in navigating and understanding complex emotions. These initiatives not only cultivate a harmonious playground environment but also empower children with essential life skills.

It has been a busy year: nativities, assemblies, creating windmills in DT (and a giant spider called ‘Bob’), sport, music, languages, a visit to the church, writing get well cards to King Charles, and much, much more. What has remained consistent throughout is the enormous amount of laughing and fun that we have had. Older and wiser, they are, without doubt, ready for their next chapter.

Year 2

In October, Year 2 embarked on their first trip of the year: an autumnal walk through Liphook. The children explored the local bakery, visited the train station, and were thrilled to tour the kitchen of ‘Little Fish’ sushi restaurant. As part of their map-making topic, they identified various landmarks around the village, discussed their relative positions, and later recreated their journey using Google Maps, making their own labelled and keyed maps. To mark Remembrance Day, Year 2 visited Bramshott Church. They were deeply moved by the War memorials and churchyard, particularly the monuments dedicated to the 300 Canadian soldiers who perished during the First World War. The children showed great respect throughout the visit. In our Advent topic, children crafted their own Christingles, which we lit together in class. They learned that these are used by Christians to celebrate Jesus as the ‘Light of the World’.

The Spring Term kicked off with an exciting trip to the Winchester Science Centre. The children began by making their own slime, discovering its unique properties as both a liquid and a solid. They enjoyed a mesmerising Planetarium show featuring constellations and planets, and had a blast exploring the whole centre, trying on space suits, tackling a Lego challenge, and playing a giant

guitar! Our annual Grandparents’ Afternoon was a delightful success, bringing joy to all ages. Our VIP guests toured the school, created family trees, savoured afternoon tea, and enjoyed musical performances by the children.

At the beginning of the Summer Term, the children wrote a persuasive letter to the Prime Minister about deforestation, inspired by the book, ‘The Last Wolf’, by Mini Grey. They felt very passionate about the topic and enjoyed the opportunity to express these feelings when writing

to Mr. Sunak. Their trip to Hayling Island was a fantastic day filled with creativity and fun. The children crafted beach sculptures inspired by Andy Goldsworthy, rode the Hayling Light Railway train, enjoyed a beach picnic, and were thrilled to eat a delicious ice cream.

It has been a truly wonderful year, filled with enriching experiences and memorable adventures. As they move on to Year 3, they are wellprepared for new challenges and will undoubtedly be a credit to the Juniors.

Middle School

Year 3

Moving into Year 3 is a big step in the Junior School. We welcomed an eager band of new Churcherians alongside existing pupils coming up from Year 2 to the middle school. The year started with an amazing afternoon of teambuilding activities. The children got to know each other better as they attempted four tasks in their House groups, including invisible maze, trim trail, and gutter ball.

As we headed into the Autumn Term, the children embraced their ‘Caring for the Environment’ topic in Geography with enthusiasm and an impressive breadth of knowledge and ideas. There is always more to do and learn, so our fabulous and very practical trip to the Sustainability Centre provided context on a local, national, and global level. We enjoyed activities focusing on two minibeast habitats, in the pond and in the woodlands. Dragonfly nymphs and baby newts were the most exciting finds. Later, we split into groups for a water conservation activity aimed at encouraging the children to imagine what it might be like to live as child in Kolkata, where the water sources are unreliable.

Spring Term brought quite a mix of weather affecting our fixtures and Field Studies trip to the Gilbert White Centre. It did not stop the excitement one bit, in fact, it intensified as we investigated rocks and soil samples and enjoyed slipping and sliding around in the mud on a visit to a local malmstone quarry, and the food planting area of the gardens. A fantastic day to focus on science in a natural environment!

In the Summer Term, our muchanticipated Stone Age Day finally arrived! Year 3 had a wonderful time taking a hands-on approach to learning more about Stone Age life, both around the campfire and in the outdoor classroom. We made fire and toasted marshmallows, after experiencing skills such as spear throwing and creating cave art. Later in the term, Year 3 went on a trip to the Haslemere Museum to further our topic on Ancient Egypt. We have found out more about the pharaohs and how they were mummified for the afterlife. Our soft toys and action figures were the perfect models for wrapping up and everyone was relieved that no toys were harmed in the process!

Year 4

It has been a happy and successful year in equal measures for our lovely 8- and 9-year-olds in Year 4. Understandably a little nervous coming back in September, by the time the school shoes were scuffed and comfortable, everyone seemed to have settled into new routines and new teachers. We were also very pleased to welcome a few new faces into the year group and these children have settled down so well that you would never know they had been anywhere else, as they are now very much part of the Churcher’s family.

Our first trip of the school year is arguably one of the best - to the Living Rainforest in Reading, the next best thing to a trip to the Amazon! It is always so informative and interesting with a highlight being the hissing cockroaches. This was followed by our annual outing to Southampton to visit the Art Gallery. We are always in awe of the professional artists who make the activities look so easy, and the quality of the children’s work there is quite amazing; they were all very proud of the wire faces they made in the workshop. The Gallery is home to a number of significant art works from major artists such as Anthony Gormley and Edward Burne-Jones, so this was a fabulous experience for our lovely Year 4s to have on a dull November day. Suddenly, it was Christmas again with all the amazing activities that this time of year brings from fayres to Christmas Jumper days and Carol Services galore. A cherished part of all this being our whole school walk to Iron Hill, a great opportunity to catch up with each other and walk off our festive dinner.

Grotty, depressing weather greeted us in January as is customary at this time of year. To brighten our darkness, Year 4 started their work on the Romans and topped this off with an exciting trip to Butser Ancient Farm. Those roaring fires in the middle of the round houses were certainly very much appreciated by everyone as we huddled together to

enjoy our 21st Century packed lunches. With so much hands-on learning, from Roman numerals to clunch-making and mosaics, we really make the most of every single moment.

As the days started to lengthen, we began our rehearsals for ‘Tuishi Pamoja’, a heart-warming tale of friendship and teamwork, which formed the heart of our annual production. What talent we have in this year, singers, dancers, and dramatists galore. A chance for everyone to shine in some way and what a fantastic message for everyone, that friendship conquers all!

With lighter days and summer sports just around the corner, before we

knew it, we were on our Bushcraft trip, undoubtably one of the highlights of Year 4. Two days in the glorious Hampshire countryside away from school, homework, and (most) teachers - what could be better? The varied activities ranged from game preparation to axe-throwing, shooting, fire-making, and survival skills. Every child was fully engaged and had a truly remarkable experience, whether it was learning to be away from home for the first time, or finding out how to gut a pigeon and cook it over an open fire.

As another year draws to a close, we can be confident that this group of youngsters have used their time in the Middle School wisely, and are fully prepared for life in Year 5 and beyond.

Upper School

Year 5

Year 5 had a fantastic and activityfilled year, marked by new beginnings and exciting experiences. The children seamlessly transitioned into their newly shuffled classes, with many new students joining and quickly becoming valuable members of the year group.

The year kicked off with a memorable residential trip to Horseshoe Lake in late September, where the students faced challenging weather while camping by the lake. Despite heavy rain and choppy waves, their resilience shone through, and they eagerly participated in various activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, dragon boating, and rafting, all with smiles on their faces. The adventure continued back at school with a trip to Selborne, where they enhanced their science and geography knowledge by dissecting flowers, exploring Gilbert White’s Garden, and honing their mapping skills. The Autumn Term also featured a visit from ‘Mexicolore’, who brought the Aztec culture to life, and an inspiring science session at the Senior School, led by former Junior School students. As the year drew to a close, the children enjoyed a theatre trip and the traditional postChristmas dinner walk, setting the stage for a well-deserved break.

The new year began with renewed enthusiasm, starting with a cozy campfire, where the children carved Norse figures into chalk, toasted marshmallows, and sang by the fire. In history, they delved into the Tudor period with a visit to the Mary Rose Museum, where they marveled at the ship’s artifacts and were particularly touched by the skeleton of the ship’s dog, Hatch.

March brought an epic Book Week, featuring visits from three authors: Ali Sparkes, Sam Sedgman, and Sophie Hen. The children also participated in a fiercely competitive “design your classroom door” challenge and engaged younger students in reading activities. The term’s end was packed with events, including a visit from the Senior School’s Theatre in Education production and a performance at the Petersfield Music Festival, where the children sang alongside other local primary schools. There was also a vibrant Arts Week, highlighted by a visit from the Earth Song company, sushi-making sessions, and calligraphy lessons. The final week of term featured a charity penalty shootout in aid of Maddy’s Mark, set against the backdrop of beautiful evening sunshine.

The Summer Term began with Year 6’s departure to France, leaving Year 5 with the “top of the school” feeling. The Young Shakespeare Company kicked off the term with an engaging performance of ‘Henry V’, which captivated the students. As the term progressed, the children enjoyed a visit from the Mill Cottage Farm, where they interacted with various animals, particularly the piglets. In humanities, the focus shifted to Africa, leading to the creation of impressive slide shows about different animals and their habitats. A highlight of the term was a theatre combat workshop with Derren, a

fencing coach, where the children enthusiastically practiced fake punches. The final trip of the year was to the Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking, where the children demonstrated great respect and interest during the visit.

Throughout the year, the Year 5 children were consistently praised for their politeness, engagement, and energy during trips and workshops. They have been a credit to the Junior School, and their teachers are confident that they will bring the same enthusiasm and thirst for knowledge to Year 6. Well done to all!

Year 6

As teachers, we sometimes feel like time travellers, receiving fresh-faced pupils full of the joys of summer and buzzing to be reacquainted with classmates, whilst looking ahead to the long Autumn Term. But before we know it, we arrive at the end of the Summer Term and we wonder, as we watch them leave, taller, stronger and, often, louder, where did all the time go? Hopefully the following serves as the briefest of reminders…

Early in the Autumn Term, the children set sail for the Isle of Wight for a three-day residential, taking

in the famous history of Osborne House, complete with bed-making, fire setting, and silver polishing at the bequest of an extremely strict house maid, before heading to Little Canada, the site of our PGL experience. Activities ranged from high ropes and nighttime tracking, to escape rooms and mass kickabouts before supper. As always, the children behaved impeccably, and we could not have been prouder of their conduct.

There followed the small matter of the entrance exam for Senior School to kick off the Spring Term, but the pupils’ commitment and hard work through the preceding year meant they all coped incredibly well and returned to the Junior School beaming with pride!

Soon the children were taking to the water for their weekly swimming sessions where they were treated to a fun, informative, and important survival session. The post-exam fun continued with a visit to London, including the Houses of Parliament, where each class was treated to a tour and a debating workshop – a wonderful experience for our future generations, and we had some fabulous written and oral debates back in class, too. As we left Parliament, we set sail on the Thames, munching our lunches and taking in all the sights en route to our final destination of the day, the Tower of London. A fantastic end to a brilliant day out!

Our Citizenship Curriculum culminated in a firm favourite for the children: Junior MasterChef. During this challenge, the children needed to choose groups, research a healthy and balanced meal choice, manage a budget, and share out different roles. The junior chefs loved cooking their food and all staff were SO impressed with everyone’s efforts. Here’s hoping their culinary interests continue to develop at home!

The final term for Year 6 did not slow down at all with one of the many highlights being our annual trip to France to meet the ‘animateurs’ at our lodging and for the children to find the self-confidence to continually use their French as they milked goats, shopped at a local market, took on the high ropes in a local forest, and visited an amazing aquarium, all in

the space of four days. As the term came to an end, parents enjoyed the result of many hours of rehearsals as the pupils performed Bugsy Malone magnificently over two consecutive nights. The closing song of the play, ‘Good Guys’, really summed up the friendships and spirit evident amongst the children and the audience was enthralled.

A final special moment for Year 6 came on the last day of the year as each class enjoyed a reflective campfire session, complete with marshmallows of course! Each child had a poignant moment to place a piece of wood on the fire, whilst remembering their favourite memory from their time at CCJS&N. We wish the children the very best of luck as they continue in their next adventure.

Junior Sport

A busy year of sport is what we have come to expect at CCJS&N, and this year has been no exception. Year 2 festivals, weekly fixtures, local tournaments, IAPS and ISFA regional qualifiers, Hampshire Cups, House Swimming Galas, and Sports Day. These are all icing on the cake to the hard work and dedication that goes into sport, week in week out, at the Junior School.

As always, there are a few areas of sport that stand out and grab our attention, with this year seeing a significant rise in the amount of mixed gender fixtures that have been played. Across the five competitive team sports played by the Juniors (football, netball, rugby, hockey, and cricket), we have seen mixed gender teams playing

every term and our continued drive to break down gender stereotypes in sport is proving to be a great success.

Spearheading the way with tournament success this year has got to be the U11 girls, wrapping up the year in fantastic style in both football and cricket. Having learned a lot of lessons in our first outing at the Girls’ ISFA Regional Qualifiers last year, Churcher’s came back fighting this year and put in a fantastic performance, dominating the pool stage and making the semi-finals to finish in third place. If that wasn’t enough, the U11 girls then went on to enter their first Hampshire Cup Girls’ Hardball Cricket tournament, finishing second. An outstanding performance!

Finishing off the year in our usual way, Sports Day this year was blessed with perfect conditions, not too hot and not too cold or wet – just right, and a nice change from all the rain we have been having! As Head of Sport, the thing I love most about this day is the determination seen by every child as they give their very best efforts. We, of course, like to recognise individual success within sport, but the collective effort from every child as they earn points to try and win the House Cup, is what school sport is all about –teamwork.

Go Team Churcher’s!

Junior Languages

It has been an exciting year for languages at CCJ&N, with many new activities taking place. We began with enrolling our first ‘Languages Monitors’, who have been a huge help all year. Bertie and Georga started their jobs by enthusiastically taking charge of our ‘Day of Languages’ in September. We enjoyed a treasure hunt, an international lunch, and workshops to discover languages and cultural information during our lessons.

Nursery have proven to be amazing linguists. They love their Spanish teddy, Mateo, and enjoy greeting him in Spanish every lesson. They have

learned to count to 10 in Spanish this year and love to count our ducks. After their lesson on Spanish bakeries, Year 2 were excited to find that their Spanish teddy, Mifu el gato, had brought magdalenas to taste.

Year 6 excitedly boarded the Eurotunnel in April for their fiveday visit to France, where they were immersed in the language and culture, experiencing goats’ cheese, French markets, snails, and a bakery, amongst other fascinating activities. On returning to school, so many of them decided to ask for their afternoon fruit in French that it spread and has now become the thing to do on

Wednesdays and Thursdays. New signs in the fruit box help with the vocabulary.

In May, Year 5 wrote, sang, and produced a French pop video to enter the French Institute’s pop song competition. It was great fun to create so we intend to make it a regular activity. Year 5 particularly enjoyed the French café, kindly assisted by some wonderful waiters and waitresses from the Senior School. We rounded up the year in Year 3 with a mini French sports day, enjoying boules, palet breton, and a range of French playground games. Bravo!

Junior Drama

It’s been a busy year of drama and performance! Whether as part of a weekly lesson or part of a show on stage, the children have been given lots of opportunities to enable them to grow in confidence and self-esteem.

Nursery and Reception told the story of ‘The New King’ in their EYFS Christmas nativity. Our youngest pupils did so well to remember their lines, as well as different stage directions, to tell this special Christmas story. Years 1 and 2 performed in ‘The Higgledy Piggledy Nativity’, where the animals had made a real mess in the stable and had to work together to clean it up in time for the birth of the new baby!

Then in the Summer Term, Nursery, Reception, and Infant classes treated us to their ‘Summer Festival of Performing Arts’, where they performed dances, songs, and poems on the theme of ‘Colour’. Year 2 danced around the maypole, twisting and untwisting the colourful ribbons, Year 1 showed off their country dancing, Reception told us the story of ‘The Rainbow Fish’, and Nursery danced with Danni to ‘Into the Unknown’, from Frozen. All the children looked fantastic in their coloured t-shirts and brought sunshine and smiles to the whole school.

Older children have had the experience of participating in year group shows. These are opportunities for the children to sing and dance in a longer performance, following a script. They also are encouraged to wear stage make up and costumes to complete their dramatic experience.

Year 3 helped us all learn about the amazing life of bees in their performance of ‘The Bee Musical’. The

children spoke confidently and sang with big smiles on their faces. It was a delight to watch.

Year 4 took their family and friends on an African adventure in their dramatic performance of ‘Tuishi Pamoja’. The audience discovered how the giraffes and zebras didn’t get on with each other - it took a group of crazy meerkats to make them see sense and work together. The lights, make up, costumes, and amazing dances were a huge success, and everyone performed with confidence.

In addition to their performances at the Petersfield Music Festival, Year 5 also participated in a Shakespeare workshop and learnt to perform a fight scene in a stage combat workshop.

The academic year closed with music, colour, dancing, and razzamatazz on the stage in Year 6’s performance of ‘Bugsy Malone’. This was a fantastic final show for this cohort, with every character adding something special to the performance. We were delighted by the fabulous singing and dancing in ‘Fat Sam’s Grand Slam’ and ‘Tallulah’, we laughed at ‘Fat Sam’s Gang’ and the goofy Police Officers and Fizzy and his bar crew sang well in ‘Tomorrow’. The narrators and the reporters navigated the audience through the story, Cagey Joe and Leroy took us all to ‘Sluggers Gym’, and Lena and Oscar helped us travel to the ‘Bijoux Theatre’. Ultimately the highlight of this show was the SPLURGE and we had plenty of that too!

Finally, we have had a very successful first full year of LAMDA, with 60 junior children taking exams achieving, 53 distinctions and seven high merits – what a talented bunch we have here at CCJS&N!

Junior Music

The Music Department has had another super busy year of musicmaking, with more than 160 children across the school having individual music lessons. Many of these children took music exams throughout the school year and have received amazing results due to their hard work. The children have also enjoyed performing during the Teatime Music Concerts throughout the year, playing their favourite pieces to their parents and class teachers. Some of the musical ensembles also performed in front of the school, giving everyone an excellent opportunity to perform in front of an audience.

In December we had two Nativity performances; the children in Nursery and Reception performed a traditional Nativity and the children in Year 1 and Year 2 performed ‘Higgledy Piggledy Nativity,’ which had some

lovely upbeat songs in it. We also had a fantastic Carol Service at St Peter’s Church, combining Big Sing, Only Girlz Aloud, Junior Boi Beatz, and Year 6 to create an amazing choir. The groups all practiced separately, only rehearsing together on the week of the service. The descant parts and harmonies rang out through the church, giving the audience goose bumps from the children’s beautiful singing. The orchestra also played harmony and descant parts, which was wonderful. Year 6 read the readings, which pieced the whole service together.

The Infants enjoyed performing songs and dances at the ‘Summer Festival of Performing Arts,’ luckily the weather was on our side and the children thoroughly enjoyed the whole event, which was lovely to see.

Years 3 and 4 had a brilliant time watching the students from CCSS perform a selection of pieces to them in a special music concert. The children loved seeing all the different instruments and learning about how the instruments made their sound. It definitely inspired the children to start learning an instrument and to join some of the wonderful choirs and bands that take place during the school day at CCJS&N.

Year 3 enjoyed learning songs for their class assembly, ‘The Bee Musical’ and performed their amazing play to their parents. Year 4 really enjoyed getting into the groove for their play ‘Tuishi Pamoja.’ The children had lots of toetapping songs and dances to learn, as well as their lines, and their final performance was fantastic.

Year 5 enjoyed performing songs at the Petersfield Music Festival, where local schools combine to produce a mixed choir. The children sang a mixture of songs, and their favourite pieces were the songs from the musical, ‘Oliver’.

Year 6 learnt the songs and lines for their class play ‘Bugsy Malone.’ The children performed twice to their parents, and they all sang and danced beautifully. The show had a live band, which included some staff and teachers, and proved a roaring success, with the splurged guns adding to the fun of the play.

For all the performances at CCJS&N, the Music and Drama Departments have worked closely together, helping the children to learn their lines and songs and encouraging everyone involved to be a confident performer.

Senior School

2023-24 Captains and Vice Captains of College

Rosie Porter and Dom Porter

Gabriella Hibberd and Joel Ireland

Collingwood House

Collingwood has always been lucky to have such amazing pupils in its ranks, and its lovely to see that all the new additions have added to the strength of the Purple (or Palatinate) House. There were some significant changes to the tutoring team this year due to staff members moving on. The biggest of these was Mrs Sinclair stepping down as Assistant Head of House and Mrs Ashworth joining us to take over in her place.

This year, as a House, we have had fun bowling, hunting for easter eggs, laser questing, playing dodgeball, engaging in survival challenges, enjoying fun Fridays, jumping around waterparks, and zorbing, but, for me, the highlight of all these was to have the majority of the House join in our House BBQ in the Summer Term. It was lovely to see all the years mixing and playing cricket, football, tug of war, giant Jenga, and Connect 4, while eating the fabulous food (and lollies) provided by our catering team. We even had the odd member of the Upper Sixth stop by while they were on study leave. It was a busy day for the House, as that morning we also had our ‘Silence Speaks’ challenge for MNDA. In this challenge, the pupils taking part spent the day not talking in order to raise money and awareness for our House

Charity, MNDA. Since becoming our House Charity in 2017 we have now raised some £16,000 for MNDA, something of which the House can be justifiably proud.

I am so grateful to the House for stepping up for all the House Competitions and for the effort and enthusiasm they have brought to Collingwood over the last year. It’s been a pleasure to watch so many of you compete on behalf of the House and it was good to see the successes in the Sports Cup, with the boys winning the rugby, the cross country, and, overall, winning the House tennis. In the Academic Cup, I know the House enjoyed all the quizzes, with 3C and 1C winning theirs. In addition, 1C and 3C won their STEAM challenges. I know that you have enjoyed it and hopefully next year we will continue to build on these successes.

The House is what it is, due to the example set by the House Captains and their Vice Captains; this year we had a strong group with Ross Calvert and Issie Rendall leading the way, ably supported by Louisa Moor, Evie Marden, Sid Brockwell, Hugo Hussell, and Rosalind Mitchell. They, and all the departing Upper Sixth, will be missed, and the House will not be

the same without them. You are all amazing, and you and the rest of the House have my Seal of Approval.

Ben Seal

Drake House

As we conclude another jam-packed year as Drake House, it is a good time to reflect on what has been another hugely successful year. The A Level cohort leaving at the top end of the House walked away with 24 A*s and a further 26 As! As if this was not amazing enough, the GCSE cohort massed together 47 level 9s and a further 60 level 8s. Academically, it has clearly been a bumper year!

However, in our House assemblies, I always stress to the pupils that life at Churcher’s is about seizing every opportunity that comes their way, however big or small. Beyond the academic successes, Drake House has continued to foster an environment where every student feels valued and supported. Whether in sports, the arts, adventurous activities, or volunteering, our students have demonstrated exceptional talent, teamwork, and a willingness to go above and beyond.

We have seen success across the year groups in a diverse array of House events including, but not exclusively, the First Year House cricket, Third Year cross country, Second Year House quiz, and, most randomly of all, taking three of the four prizes available for best decorated form room door for World Book Day!

I am already looking forward to another year of seeing the pupils flourish. The pupils of Drake are a delight to spend time with and I continue to be honoured to be part of it all.

Jamie

Daniel

Grenville House

In this Olympic year, the words of Pierre de Coubertin are worth repeating, “The most important thing … is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well”.

It was never going to be easy winning the House Cup for a fourth successive year, but there is a strong Grenville spirit, an attitude that always sees them step forward and be counted. Things were not looking good at times; our grasp on the Academic Cup severely weakened and it would

take a monumental effort on the sports pitches to make amends. But, with collective efforts, make amends they did: the girls and boys won their respective hockey competitions, with the awesome 5G seeing both the boys and girls winning, as did the boys of 1G and 3G. All-round performances saw Grenville lift the cricket Cup, and 1G, 3G, and the Seniors all won their rugby competitions. Just as important as the wins, though, was the commitment that saw lanes filled in galas or the times posted in the cross country, even when the win was a distant dream. All the points matter, and they helped Grenville lift the overall Sports Cup by a convincing margin and make up the deficit at the end. Well done to Team Grenville on retaining the House Cup, they certainly did fight well throughout (and they were generous to a fault in sharing the top-of-the-podium rights and overall title with Rodney this year!)

Grenville pupils have also had lots of fun outside of the classroom too, with quite a few new opportunities this year. It was hilarious to see so many of 1G and 2G really getting involved in the trip to see the pantomime, ‘Hook’. in Southsea. 3G showed off their dexterity and athleticism on our first visit to Ninja Warrior, and on a much calmer note, the younger pupils also had the opportunity to paint ceramics to relax after their summer exams finished. But my favourite event had to

be the maki-masterclass for the Sixth Form, where the brilliant team from ‘Little Fish’ taught the pupils how to assemble, roll, and cut three different types of sushi. The pupils were excellent learners and their attempts really put mine to shame.

My thanks go to the wonderful Upper Sixth who are leaving us - a talented bunch who have always been great fun to be around, and especially to the House Captains, Katie Baird and Josh Wild, and the Vice Captains, Clemmie Foster, Ed Newill, Josie Scott Plummer, and Millan Sempill. I wish all of the departing pupils good luck for the future, and thank them for all their efforts over the years for the green team. Team Grenville really is a great place to be!

Jon Seaton

Nelson House

The Autumn Term at Nelson House kicked off with a bang, as 1N enjoyed a memorable trip to Chichester 10 Pin for some bowling fun before heading to the New Forest. There, they took part in activities such as archery, laser quest, and canoeing, ensuring an adventurous start to the year.

The House Captains also hosted the inaugural 6N Pizza evening, filled with a variety of quiz rounds, and, of course, plenty of pizza. Meanwhile,1N braved the outdoors with their introduction to

cross-country running, while 3N chose the song, ‘Pompeii’, for the House Shout competition, showcasing their creative side.

In sports, 2N made waves by securing second place in House rugby and claiming first place in House hockey. Not to be outdone, the 6N girls topped the Senior hockey league, while the 5N girls achieved a commendable second place. 4N kept the holiday spirit alive by making Christmas decorations and gingerbread houses, adding a festive touch to the term. Nelson and Rodney Houses came together for a thrilling ice-skating trip to Portsmouth, bringing the community closer through shared fun.

As the Spring Term unfolded, the focus shifted to academics with Upper Sixth and Fifth Year students tackling their mock exams. However, inter-house hockey remained fiercely competitive, with 4N and 6N emerging victorious. House cross-country proved another success, with 2N and 4N showing their prowess in endurance. Nelson dominated the interhouse netball tournament, with 1N finishing third, 2N and 4N taking first places, and

3N claiming second. The Taskmaster competition added extra excitement, with notably creative entries from 4N and 3N.

Summer Term brought achievements on multiple fronts. 1N secured second place during STEAM Day, and the House celebrated its winners of commendations and prizes, with 2N notably receiving 18 commendations in just one term! The House climbed to raise funds for the Shiobhaun Trust, reflecting their commitment to charitable causes.

As the year concluded, special recognition was given to 4N for their exceptional contributions to school life. The leadership team, including House Captains, George and Lauren, alongside Vice Captains Lucy, Milly, Ben, and Annie, passed the torch to the next generation of leaders. A heartfelt thanks went to Miss Dart for her two years as Assistant Head of House, with Mrs. Daniel returning to the role, ready for another exciting year ahead.

Jeremy Harris

Rodney House

It is the nature of schools that every year we say goodbye to one year group, while another cohort begin their journey through the school. Autumn 2023 saw the largest group of joiners we have had to date; not only did we have 30 joining in the First Year, the growing reputation of our Sixth Form saw a larger than ever number of new Lower Sixth pupils join the ranks of Churcher’s. Looking back on the year, it is wonderful to see the excellent team spirit and comradery that has developed with the pupils excelling in so many aspects of school life.

Team Rodney have certainly embodied the concept of working and playing hard. A strong performance in the Academic Cup saw them produce a clean sweep of all competitions. They topped the rankings in the quiz, and STEAM and maths challenges, and also had the highest combined points for Attitude to Learning. This, combined with a strong performance in the Sports Cup, saw them come top in the overall House Cup, albeit it jointly with Grenville. They also had a successful day on the track for the

new team relay competition, winning the inaugural Maddy Lawrence Shield, and breaking the only two school records of the day! Well done to all members of Team Rodney on an excellent year’s effort. You have certainly set the bar high for next year!

During the year we also had a number of House trips, and get togethers. The first year started the year with their trip to the New Forest, followed shortly by a pool party. Unfortunately, poor weather saw their trip to the Pumpkin Patch cancelled. There were also trips to QE park for Laser Quest, and a whole House trip to skate in Portsmouth’s Guildhall Square.

I would like to thank Beth, Max, Jemima, and Felix, our team of House Captains and Vice Captains for their efforts this year, and wish them and all our leavers every success for the next chapter of their lives.

John Yugin-Power

Sixth Form

This was another fun and successful year for the Sixth Form students, culminating in a fantastic Sixth Form Ball at Old Thorns, and yet more celebrations on results day, when the vast majority of students achieved what they needed to go on to the university of their choice. Results day was the culmination of a huge amount of work and the students were fully deserving of their grades. I wish them all well as they move on to the next exciting stage of their lives.

Another highlight of the year is welcoming the new Lower Sixth in September, and this year we had our biggest year group to date. They settled in quickly and soon got to grips with A Level work, and they involved themselves in all of the opportunities that the Sixth Form has to offer, such as the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Marathon, Model United Nations, and the Herne Link, to name just three. The Herne link is where students spend half an hour a week teaching some of the gifted and talented students at Herne Primary School, in a range of subjects and activities such as maths, languages, and chess. It’s an activity from which our students, and those at Herne, benefit greatly, and it is very satisfying to see the students contributing to the wider community.

We also had a new Lower Sixth teambuilding day this year, with a Transform Society Event, where students worked in groups to solve an important issue in society. This year, the students chose to focus on practical ideas to help the development of lifelong employability

skills. There were some interesting ideas, some of which may have actually worked, and it was very pleasing to see the students working with each other on their presentations.

The Sixth Form Committee organised a number of events to help foster a strong community spirit, and to offer distractions from the rigours of academic work. There were dodgeball tournaments as well as events to celebrate Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day, and the summer saw our second boules tournament.

The number of participants grew this year, and the eventual winner was Will Burnett-Herkes.

Thanks must also be given to the Captains of College, Rosie Porter and Dom Porter, the first set of twins to ever have the roles. They were excellent in their busy role, ably supported by Gabby Hibberd and Joel Ireland. For the second year, we held the Prefects’ Dinner off site at the Princess Royal Gallery in Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard, which was a fitting way to thank all of the prefects for their work over the year.

Bill Baker

Fifth Year

This academic year has once again flown by for the Fifth Year, one in which they have shown resilience, hard work, and determination to succeed both individually and as a year group. They have excelled through the various challenges that a GCSE year poses, and should all be immensely proud of their achievements, in and outside of the classroom.

As a year group, they took part in several trips over the year, celebrating the end of their mock exams in January with bowling at Hollywood Bowl in Portsmouth. They then voted to celebrate their official last day of school with a trip to Thorpe Park, after enjoying a full English breakfast at school. Both pupils and staff made the most of it being a less busy day, by cramming in as many rides as possible; Mr Seal even conquered his fear of heights/rides!

The Fifth Year Dinner at Lythe Hill Hotel was a huge success, and it was fantastic to see them all dressed so smartly, enjoying spending one final evening as a year group all together. Most were surprisingly good at trying their luck on the casino tables, and almost everyone took to the dance floor at the end of the evening. Congratulations to all the Fifth Year for getting through a tough academic year and doing so with such dedication and teamwork as a year group. We very much look forward to seeing your success continue as you head into the Sixth Form and beyond.

Well done!

Ben Skirving

Creative Arts & Technology

Art & Design

This year has been another vibrant and productive one for the Art Department, marked by a flurry of activities both within the classroom, and beyond. Our ‘Inspire and Create’ series kicked off with great enthusiasm, by visiting artist, Carali McCall, leading an experimental drawing workshop for our Upper Sixth students in September. The momentum continued in October, with an enchanting evening titled, ‘Whistling of Birds’, featuring author, Isobel Dixon, and our own artist, Douglas Robertson. This event showcased a series of illustrations alongside poetry readings. Additionally, October saw our first parent life-drawing masterclass, a successful endeavour we plan to expand.

Our GCSE and A Level students enhanced their coursework research with a visit to the Tate Britain, exploring 500 years of British

art. From the Pre-Raphaelites to contemporary artists, such as David Hockney and Lubaina Himid, students discovered much-loved classics and new masterpieces.

Throughout the year, a variety of clubs and societies flourished, encouraging creativity beyond the classroom. These included, the First Year art and pottery club, Second and Third Year art club, Sixth Form life-drawing classes, the Architecture Society, and the fashion and textiles club. Regular help sessions supported exam groups and university applicants in building their portfolios. This year, our Sixth Form students received offers from various university courses, including Foundation Diplomas and BA (Hons) degrees in Fine Art and Textiles.

Our younger students participated in national competitions, including the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration and the Craft Council’s ‘visible mending competition’. GCSE students exhibited diverse visual responses to challenging themes, through

photography, painting, drawing, sculpture, and more. Highlights from our June showcase included Ellie’s intricately carved lino print portraits, Marna’s burning roses, Monty’s large oil paintings of flamingos, and Alice’s detailed tonal drawings.

A Level students continued to impress with mature and diverse responses to exam themes. Standout works included, Eloise’s large-scale charcoal drawings of broken monuments, Lara’s still life oil paintings depicting social class through food, and Lottie’s exceptional textiles addressing climate change, notably her crochet sardine tins.

For the first time, our student exhibition was shared with the Design and Technology Department, showcasing the exceptional skills and hard work of our students. As we look forward to the next academic year, we aim to foster even greater confidence and independence in our students.

Tim Strange

Design Technology

They say you’re only as good as your last performance. To take sport as an analogy, as a manager, when your performance is reliant on those ‘players’ in your charge, you are tasked with getting the best results from them. Fortunately, Churcher’s students have an amazing work ethic, willing to put in the hard yards to achieve amazing results, and once again they have not disappointed. At A level, 34% achieved an A*, 50% an A, and 8% achieving B and C grades respectively. At GCSE 41% achieved level 9, 36% level 8, 9% level 7, and 14% level 6. The moderator’s report from

the exam board made for pleasant reading with comments such as, “The centre is to be congratulated on the very high standard of practical work. The range of prototypes and outcomes was impressive, with many candidates producing a rigorous and demanding outcome”. Receiving feedback such as this, justifies the hard work of both students, and the nurturing support of teaching staff and technicians.

We constantly endeavour to update our curriculum and are doing so again this year. In the Third Year we are archiving our ‘tealight holder’ project, and replacing it with a ‘mini coffee table’ project. The project

incorporates a broad range of skills. Some parents will no doubt see these in a lounge near you soon!

The Green Power team, comprising of students from First Year to Upper Sixth, have been hard at work modifying our old car to ensure greater reliability and are busy making a new car to race in coming seasons. We have raced this year at Goodwood finishing 31st out of a total of 74 entries. This year we are looking to build on the successes and reliability from last season and move up the standings.

Steve Edington

Computer Science

This year has been a vibrant and productive one for the Computing Department at Churcher’s, filled with innovation, learning, and a healthy dose of fun. One of the most memorable events was our visit to The National Museum of Computing, in Bletchley. Fourth and Fifth Year pupils immersed themselves in the rich history of computing, with highlights including operating a genuine WWII Enigma machine and taking part in a thrilling virtual reality bomb-defusal challenge. The students also enjoyed a handson experience with a 1970s BBC Microcomputer, programming the classic Snake game, and indulged in some retro gaming, with iconic titles such as Pac-Man, Doom, and Sonic the Hedgehog.

In February, our pupils showcased their coding skills at the annual Code Quest competition, hosted by Lockheed Martin in Havant. Four teams from Churcher’s tackled a series of challenging programming problems, sustained by a generous supply of snacks and pizza. The ‘Raiders’ team, comprised of Benjy Konig, Caspar Molesworth, and James Taylor, performed admirably, securing second place in the novice category. This strong showing highlights the promising future of computer science at our school.

Our Second Year students completed an exciting app design course in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS). Our top two teams

designed apps to help reunite pupils with their lost property. This handson experience in app development was a fantastic learning opportunity and produced some highly creative solutions.

The Raspberry Pi Competition was another significant event where our pupils displayed their ingenuity. Three teams worked diligently on complex engineering and computing projects. Their creations included a smart water drinking cup to promote hydration, a Dream Catcher device designed to enhance sleep quality, and an ambitious robotic hand. The students received outstanding feedback for their innovative ideas, demonstrating their technical skills and creative thinking.

The year also saw the successful execution of the ‘Robo-Dragon’s Den’ event, where we continued our collaboration with the Junior School. Year 6 pupils showcased remarkable robot designs, including a standout project, featuring a robot capable of being launched into orbit to clean up space junk. The creativity and technical prowess displayed were truly inspiring, setting a high bar for future projects.

In conclusion, the Computing Department has had an exceptional year, filled with exciting projects, competitions, and collaborations.

Rob Tong

English

From creative writing competition winners, and reaching the national finals of the English Speaking Union Competition, to immersive theatre trips and whole-year murder mysteries, the English Department has been a very exciting place to be this year!

The Autumn Term saw our Lower Sixth English Literature students visiting Portchester Castle to experience an immersive performance of Dracula. The ‘spooky’ theme continued, with our annual ‘Haunted Library’ in aid of charity. We were also very fortunate to welcome Dr Nathan Waddell to Churcher’s, to run seminars with our students, including a Q&A session on applying for English at University. Playwright, Amanda Whittington, also delivered a Q&A session on her play, ‘The Thrill of Love’, to our Sixth Formers to aid them with their coursework.

The Spring Term was, of course, dominated by World Book Day! As ever, our students were hugely creative in their entries to our ‘Decorate Your Door’ competition. The World Book Day party in the library, complete with ‘blind date with a book’, teacher book recommendations, and literary quizzes and competitions, was also very popular. We may as well have dubbed it, ‘World Book Week’, as the day before, eight of our keenest

Key Stage 3 ‘Book Club’ readers participated in the National Literary Quiz, answering more and more obscure questions about children’s and young adult’s books. During this term, we also welcomed visitors from The Globe Players, a theatre group, who came to perform ‘Romeo and Juliet’ to our Second Years, as part of our Love in Shakespeare unit, and ‘An Inspector Calls’ to our Fourth Years, as part of their English Literature coursework unit. One of the best bits was having the opportunity to ask the cast questions after the show, and our pupils, as always, were full of questions! Not to be forgotten, our Sixth Formers took a trip to London to attend a dystopian-focused panel discussion entitled, ‘1984 in 2024 – what would Orwell say?’, which opened their eyes to new ways of viewing modern society.

Second Years studied a Detective Fiction unit in the Summer Term, and so, we decided to have the pupils step in the footsteps of Sherlock Holmes himself, by having the whole yeargroup participate in an enormous murder mystery! With a selection of very shifty-looking teachers taking on the roles of suspects, and a wealth of clues and documents to engage with, it was a real challenge – but many of our students managed to dodge the red herrings and solve the mystery! Our ESU (English Speaking Union)

team also excelled by reaching the National Final at Cambridge University! The team, comprising Zhara, Jessie, and Thomas, beat off competition from 1,500 schools taking part in regional heats across the country, to make it down to the final six teams. Zhara controlled the proceedings, with much confidence, in her role as Chairperson, and she took home the title of Best Chairperson! Congratulations to the Churcher’s team for such a tremendous accomplishment, and many thanks to our committed supporters who travelled all the way to Cambridge with us.

Finally, the year ended with the wonderful news that our very own Gabriela Cassidy (Fourth Year) has won the district round of the Rotary Young Writer’s Competition! This is a huge achievement; Gabriela’s wonderful poem, entitled, ‘Rebuilding’, dazzled the judges, and she beat students from all over Outer London, Surrey, and Sussex to be crowned creative writing champion! We are so proud of her. We are also delighted that Oliver Songhurst (Second Year) was a winner of the local round. This is hugely exciting and a fantastic way to top off what has been a brilliant year!

Dr Charlotte Unsworth-Hughes

Mathematics

The Maths Department had an exceptionally busy and successful year, with 265 students from across the school competing in various maths challenges. The year began in September with Caitlin Stevens and Yana Davies earning Merit awards in the Mathematical Olympiad for Girls. The Sixth Form mathematicians followed, competing in the Senior Mathematical Challenge, with over two-thirds of them earning awards. The UKMT only awards certificates to the top 50% of entrants, making this an impressive achievement. Notably, Ollie Stark, Sid Brockwell, and Alfie Greggs were the top scorers.

In February, it was time for the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Year students to participate in the Intermediate Mathematical Challenge, and they too performed brilliantly. More than three-quarters of them earned awards, with Gabriel O’Connor, Phoebe Mitchell, and Tom Stevens standing out as top performers for their respective year groups.

April saw 105 First and Second Year students compete in the Junior Mathematical Challenge, where more than three-fifths received awards.

Finley Basford and Laurence Pritchard from the First Year shone, qualifying for the Junior Olympiad, with both earning Merit awards. They were among just 1,200 students nationally to qualify, a remarkable achievement.

The department celebrated International Pi Day on 14 March with two fun competitions. The pi-cake baking contest was won by Anneka Greenaway (4G), who baked delicious circular pi-themed brownies. In the “How many digits of pi can you memorise?” competition, Harry Searle (3G) memorised an impressive 105 digits to win the Lower School category, while Joel Ireland won the Upper School category by reciting 159 digits. Joel didn’t quite beat his 2023 record of 188 digits but still performed admirably. A special mention goes to Finley Basford (1G) for reciting 100 digits of pi.

This year’s Maths peer tutoring programme was a major success, with 39 Lower Sixth and 16 Fourth Year

students volunteering as peer tutors. Their efforts provided invaluable support to First, Second, Third, and Fourth Year students, helping them improve in tricky topics. Many tutors used this experience toward their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and some Sixth Formers also served as volunteer teaching assistants, offering classroom support to younger students throughout the year.

In July, the Lower School participated in the maths House challenges, which contributed to the overall academic House Cup. The competition featured four different rounds that tested a wide range of maths skills, including logic puzzles, and ended with a maths relay race. Congratulations to Drake for winning the First Year challenge, and to Rodney for triumphing in both the Second and Third Year challenges. In addition, Mr. Seaton organised a STEAM competition for the First and Third Years, challenging students to construct marble-run structures using only 30 sheets of paper and a roll of Sellotape. The competition scored participants by multiplying the time it took for a ping pong ball to travel

through the structure by four, then subtracting the number of sheets used. Collingwood House performed exceptionally well, winning both the First and Third Year competitions with their creative structures.

Building on the success of last year’s design challenge, where Further Mathematicians constructed a ‘Winter’ sculpture, this year’s cohort excelled once again. They created an intricate geometric sculpture for the foyer of the Maths Department. The structure boasts icosahedral symmetry with 2-fold, 3-fold, and 5-fold rotational axes, connecting at six points to form a highly rigid and interconnected design.

Overall, it was a busy and fruitful year for the Maths Department, showcasing the school’s strong mathematical talent. The achievements of the First Year students in particular, suggest that there is great potential for continued success in the years to come.

Tracey Greenaway

Humanities

Business

It has been an exciting year for Business GCSE and A Level. On 9 October, Tom Hall, Executive Chairman at Alitex, gave a presentation on Entrepreneurship. Students described the talk as “Engaging, honest, relevant, interactive, and well paced!” In November, we welcomed back Martin Perry, Senior Trader at Bartholomews, to talk about trading in commodities. He spoke about the origins and history of commodities trading, with particular reference to the UK, but also discussed trading in the US and other parts of Europe. He went on to explain how a career in commodities trading might develop as a unique profession. Almost 50 Lower and Upper Sixth students attended.

In the Summer Term, the Lower Sixth Business students travelled to RSM, Guildford, to learn about key

accountancy functions such as audit, tax, and consulting. After a welcome, students were given a presentation from a senior partner and then given small group tours of the offices. Finally, the students undertook some interview technique tasks and each also received an RSM goodie bag!

Rick West

Classics

The Classics Department has enjoyed a busy year, with a whole range of Classical subjects, Latin, Classical Civilisation, Ancient History, and Greek taught at various levels. It has been great to see the enthusiasm and interest in so many varied aspects of the Classical world.

In October, the department took GCSE and A Level Latin, Classical Civilisation, and Ancient History pupils to Rome, to see the iconic sites that the GCSE Classical Civilisation students had learnt about, and the GCSE and A Level Latin and Ancient History students had read about, in their texts. Students made active translations of the Res Gestae (the achievements of the Emperor Augustus), posed as gladiators in the Colosseum, and were pensive, overlooking the forum. We visited a newly opened archaeological site of the Domus Aurea (the Golden Palace), which was a palace built by Nero on top of the apartment blocks of the Roman people, epitomising the questionable emperor he was. Lots of learning was done, but also lots of ice cream-eating too!

In the summer, the department also launched a new First Year Latin competition, based on ‘Life in Pompeii’, which really got their creative juices flowing! There were so many fantastic entries; models of Pompeian houses and amphitheatres, drawings and paintings of Pompeian scenes, diaries and stories of life before the eruption, jewellery, and even bread baked in Pompeian style! Congratulations to our winners: Tabi Paterson for her Roman tunic, Felix Harrild’s Pompeian bread, Gemma Harvey’s Mystery in Pompeii, and a wonderful Pompeian Vase, by Izzy Evans.

In June, the department took the GCSE pupils to the British Museum. The Latin pupils visited the exhibition, ‘Legio’, to research about life in the Roman army, whilst the Classical Civilisation pupils studied some of the relief sculpture on the Parthenon and the Temple of Apollo at Bassae.

Jon Hegan

Economics

This academic year has been a period of significant engagement and growth for our Economics students, who have navigated the subject’s complexities with exceptional enthusiasm and insight. The increasing enrolment in our Economics A Level is a clear testament to the subject’s critical relevance and our students’ eagerness to understand the world’s economic landscape.

The Economics Insights Showcase further enriched our programme, offering students the opportunity to explore diverse topics, such as digital currencies, climate change, and global healthcare systems. The students’ speeches, delivered with clarity and conviction, demonstrated their impressive ability to engage with complex economic issues beyond the taught specification.

Towards the end of the term, a major highlight was our six Economics prefects dissecting the manifestos of the political parties vying for Number 10 in the general election, focusing on the economic impacts of their policies. They embraced the role of party leaders with aplomb, presenting persuasively to their peers, an engaged and occasionally raucous audience, who were able to cast their votes at the end. This exercise showcased their exceptional analytical skills and deep understanding of how political policies can influence economic outcomes.

Steve Huckle

Geography

During autumn half term, 43 Third Years joined the Junior Geography trip to the Isle of Wight. Three weather-challenged days found us walking up and along Tennyson Down to the Needles Battery, although high winds prevented us using the chairlift down to Alum Bay, and cancelled our planned boat trip around the Needles themselves. We spent an afternoon at

Compton Bay on a guided fossil hunt, and had a wet and windy lunch in Ventnor. The Fifth and Second Years experienced rather better weather for their field days out, studying urban contrasts in Portsmouth Harbour and the coastal landscape at Lulworth Cove, respectively. Sasha Neill, of Coastal Partners, also gave another excellent online lecture on Defending Hayling Island.

In the Spring Term, the Third Year spent a half day in school with the British Cartographic Society, honing their mapping skills to model and plan disaster management solutions to the Sendai earthquake and tidal wave in Japan, 2011. At Easter, 31 students (from Fourth Year to Lower Sixth) enjoyed the Senior Geography trip to southwest Iceland. We experienced the full Golden Circle itinerary, with trips to the waterfalls at Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Gullfoss, the black sand beach and columnar basalt caves of Reynisfjara, a hike out to the snout of the Sólheimajökull glacier, a stroll around the geothermal park at Geysir, a walk across the rift valley at Thingvellir, and a dip in the geothermal springs of the Secret Lagoon. Our trip was blessed by uncharacteristically good weather, with both sunshine and snow. It also coincided with the ongoing fissure eruption at Grindavik, which could be witnessed from a safe distance, and an appearance of the Northern Lights on our final evening.

In the Summer Term, following the internal exams, 26 Lower Sixth students travelled west to Somerset for five days of fieldwork for their A Level NEAs, based at the FSC’s centre at Nettlecombe Court. Having

selected a theoretical focus from the specification and chosen a location from Porlock, Minehead, or Watchet, students piloted their techniques and finessed their data collection plans before spending a day collecting primary data independently on site. The Fourth Years also enjoyed a day out in the sunshine, investigating and recording data on the effectiveness of coastal management at Highcliffe, for their GCSE Skills paper.

Finally, as we come to the end of the 2023-24 school year, we must bid a reluctant farewell to Mrs Dixon, who is finally hanging up her clinometer. Mrs D has served the school as a geography teacher, Head of Department, Head of Faculty, Senior Teacher, and Deputy Head. She has been a department stalwart for almost three decades, and we wish her well for a long and fulfilling retirement.

David Nighy

History

“This year, the History Department has very much enjoyed re-ordering and creating a new Lower School curriculum. The First Years look at, ‘Church, state, and society’, the Second Years, ‘Rights repression and revolution’, and the Third Years at, “Conflict and consequence”. Outside the class, we firmly believe that enrichment is crucial for furthering curiosity in history, be it via trips, or through inviting visiting experts to talk on a topic; in both respects it has been a busy year!

The First Years spent a lovely, sunfilled day exploring the palace and gardens at Hampton Court to deepen Tudor expertise with a tour of the palace, and partake in some hands-on workshops on religious and political change in Tudor England. We introduced a new trip for the Second Year, visiting Arundel Castle and Amberley Industrial Museum, and it was a resounding success; we explored the medieval castle and focused on the role of the Dukes of Norfolk in the Reformation. We took a steam train around the Amberley Museum, exploring its Industrial revolution heritage.

Our annual trip to Ypres and the Somme with the Third Years was, again, a moving experience, exploring the First World War battlefields. We

explored places such as Beaumont Hamel, Thiepval, Tyne Cot, and Langemark. Our guides were excellent and brought alive the tragedy and utter waste of human potential that the First World war unleashed. The Third Years also really engaged in entering our First World War competition, in which five pupils gained prizes for a range of poetry and paintings.

Pupils in the Fourth Year travelled to Berlin and Sachsenhausen to explore the history of Nazi Germany and Cold war sites, visiting the site of the Holocaust Memorial, the Olympic Stadium where the 1936 Games were held, the DDR museum, and the Berlin wall, amongst others. Meanwhile, the Sixth Form headed to Paris and Versailles. Visiting the Tuileries, the Pantheon, the Marais, as well as

the splendours of Versailles and its gardens, helped students visualise the French revolution course they all study at A Level.

There was much to be seen closer to home, too. The Lower Sixth headed to the Cabinet war rooms and the Imperial war museum, which blended in very well with students A Level studies on Churchill. They saw a vast array of artefacts and felt the war-time claustrophobia of being underground at the heart of operations. The IWM had incredibly good exhibits on the 2nd World War and the subsequent Cold war. The History Department love a trip to the cinema too, and ‘Napoleon’ was no exception. Although factually a little haphazard, it was nevertheless entertaining!

We have also had some excellent CCALS lectures and talks, which have consolidated class work:

• ‘Appeasing Hitler: Chamberlain, Churchill and the road to war’, by Tim Bouverie.

• ‘A People’s tragedy’: Russia 1917-1922 from democracy to dictatorship, by Chris Corin

• Ruth Posner spoke via a live webcast on Holocaust Memorial Day.

• ‘Crisis Britain: 1970’s’, by Alwyn Turner, Chichester University

• ‘Napoleon and the Revolution’, by Professor Emeritus William Doyle.

Our Captain of College gave a thoughtful talk to our Second Years about apartheid in South Africa.

It has been a real pleasure to see all our students throughout the school develop a fascination with history as well as develop skills of analysis and evaluation. To finish in the words of Confucius: “Study history, study history. In history lies all the secrets”.

Helen Jolliffe

Lessons From Auschwitz

Sixteen Lower Sixth students participated in a new project, ‘The Lessons of the Holocaust’, in collaboration with the Holocaust Educational Trust. The project involved studying the Holocaust in depth through online learning modules, exploring questions like ‘Who were the perpetrators?’, and, ‘Does resistance always involve violence?’. Students also heard a testimony from Holocaust survivor, Mala Tribich.

In January, they embarked on a threeday trip to Krakow, visiting the Galicia

Museum to learn about Jewish life in the region before and after WWII, and toured the Oskar Schindler Museum. The main focus of the trip was a visit to Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial and Museum. Starting in Oswiecim, where the Great Synagogue was destroyed in 1940, students visited Auschwitz I and Birkenau, a deeply emotional and thought-provoking experience, guided by an expert who provided context and personal reflection.

Upon returning, the students participated in a reflection seminar and delivered a powerful assembly on Holocaust Memorial Day. They also visited tutor groups to share their

learning. The project concluded with a trip to the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Ambassador Conference, where students attended workshops, including a session by Professor Tim Cole on Holocaust experiences beyond the death camps.

The students displayed great dedication throughout, working hard to deepen their understanding of the Holocaust and sharing its lessons with their peers.

Hannah Butler

Politics

It has been another year of growth in Politics, but the constant is that our students have once again made us incredibly proud.

Our highlight of the year was undoubtedly the whole school Mock General Election, where students had the opportunity to go to the polls in advance of the General Election on the 4 July. A group of Sixth Form students represented the five largest parties: Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Greens, and Reform. They spent the week prior to the Mock Election campaigning to

drum up support from the students, before giving impassioned speeches to a whole school assembly. They performed fantastically, constructing their own manifestos and speeches, and the school was filled with a buzz and political chatter for days afterwards. The Liberal Democrats came out on top, winning 13 of the 35 available seats. This left them short of a majority, so they agreed to a coalition with the Green Party! This was a wonderful opportunity for all students to engage in what has been a ‘sea change’ election, a generational event, and one I hope they will all remember.

We experienced more success in the internationally renowned, ‘John Locke Essay Competition’, run by the John Locke Institute at Oxford and Princeton Universities. Max Bowler, out of thousands of entrants from the finest schools in the UK, USA, China, and beyond, was longlisted for his outstanding essay. Max was rewarded with a black-tie reception at Magdalen College, Oxford – a truly fantastic achievement!

Patrick Cheshire

Psychology

Since its launch in 2016, the Psychology Department at Churcher’s College has quickly become a bustling hub of activity and enthusiasm. Originally starting with two packed classes in the Lower Sixth, the program has seen sustained interest, necessitating the expansion of its teaching staff to manage the growing student body. The early cohorts have truly thrived, posting excellent results both in absolute, but also value-added, terms, and a significant number have pursued psychology at university. The

subject isn’t just popular academically; it’s also made its mark with engaging extracurriculars, such as the quirky ‘Brain Day’, Junior Psychology Club, and various insightful field trips that push the boundaries of traditional classroom learning – for example, the talk on the ‘Psychology of Serial Killers’.

As the department moves forward, it continues to evolve with fresh faces and ideas. As I take on a new and exciting role as Deputy Head within the school, Amanda Clark’s extensive experience and innovative approach make her an excellent choice to lead

the department into its next chapter. The transition comes at a time when the department is thriving, with projects that take students from theoretical learning to practical, realworld applications, and an academic rigor that is as infectious as it is inspiring. The department would be nothing without the fabulous students who choose Psychology, so our highest praise must go to our phenomenal students.

Dr Gary Glasspool

Religion & Philosophy

In the Religion & Philosophy Department, we continue to thrive after deciding to change from Islam to Buddhism as our second religion at GCSE. Getting to know Buddhism in more depth has been fascinating, and one of the ideas we have pondered upon is the idea of giving Dana (alms). Buddhists can only eat what they are given, and are not allowed to produce anything in their monasteries, not even picking fruit from fruit trees. This would, in the eyes of the Buddha, set them apart from the world, instead of being connected to the world. So, we invited Ajahn Ahimsako from the Chithurst Monastery to test the effect of giving alms. We learned that giving alms makes you feel good and teaches you not to be too attached to material wealth. So, for us all to benefit, the Buddha set up a series of monasteries offering laymen a chance to get that ‘goody-goody’ feeling of giving alms. People have fed monks for more than 2,500 years; the Buddha was truly a remarkable man, understanding man’s need for looking after others.

We work on the assumption that there are no facts; this gives us the

freedom to question everything. So, it is very fitting that this year’s cohort has chosen ‘Doubting Thomas’ as their theme. Thomas, famously, would only believe the resurrection of Jesus after he had put his finger into Jesus’ wound. This arrangement is based on Diovanni Serodino’s 1630 painting, which depicts Thomas blind. This is why Thomas is looking away from Jesus and his hand is guided towards the wound. Thomas being blind is

not strictly canonical as it is taken from the Gospel of Thomas. The scene itself is based on John’s account of Doubting Thomas meeting the resurrected, with Jesus stating, ‘Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.’ John 20.29. So, regardless of whether one is guided by faith or ‘facts’, all are welcome in R&P! Tony Ostersen

Modern Foreign Languages

French

This academic year has been another exciting one for the French Department, starting with our Poetry & Performance evening last September and finishing in style at Open Day. It was another year of many amazing cake entries for our International Bake Off competition, and with our Continental Café and new Crêperie

open for business, it was a real success and showcased the Modern Languages Department at its best.

The Nice trip last October was a real highlight with delicious food, good quality lessons, a visit to the illustrious Principality of Monaco, a quick swim in the Med, shopping opportunities and a lot of fun and baguettes!

Our younger students enjoyed a long weekend at the Château de Warsy at Easter, with gorgeous lawns, lovely woods, as well as a rickety bridge to cross to reach the Eco Pods where were our home during this full French immersion experience. With lots of mayonnaise and crêpes making, as well as bees, goats and a visit to the chocolate factory, our students had a very busy and fun stay in the Somme area.

Our Second Years look forward to continuing to write and receive good old traditional letters to and from our pen pal exchange college in Nantes: no emails, no tweets, no Facebook pages, no blogs, just pen and paper, with the occasional postcard added into the mix.

We are grateful to our assistant Angèle, who worked so well with French students of all ages, empowering them with that extra bit of confidence to speak up.

Nicole Sparks

German

The German Department has continued to create strong links with our partner school in Warendorf, both virtually and via our live exchange that some of our Third and Fourth Year students went on. We spent a lovely week in Warendorf during the Easter holidays. In Germany, we visited our all-time favourite places, namely Phantasialand (a thrilling theme park near Cologne), Borussia Dortmund’s football stadium, and Dr Oetker World in Bielefeld, where we were allowed to treat ourselves to an infinite amount of pizza and puddings.

Once again, we were lucky to have a fantastic German language assistant; Michael supported our students throughout conversation classes and created a padlet link, which served as a brilliant way for our Second Year students to connect with their German counterparts, alongside their ongoing letter exchange with students from Warendorf.

In March, our Second and Third Year students loved watching a lively performance by Onatti. The annual visit from Onatti is a way of bringing the language to life, with a theatre performance tailored to the students’ level of language. This year, Onatti performed a fun play called, ‘Der Babysitter’, and the students were surprised and pleased by how much they could understand.

It is not a proper year in the German Department without the First Years celebrating St Nikolaus Day. They celebrated this day in early December, putting their shoes out and then finding that their shoes were filled with sweets and other goodies. We cannot celebrate St Nikolaus Day without singing, ‘Lasst uns Froh und Munter sein’, and the students merrily sang this song with its catchy tune, in German.

Dr Ariane Broomfield

Spanish

The Spanish Department at Churcher’s continues to thrive, enjoying another energetic and active year. It has certainly offered our keen hispanists many opportunities to immerse themselves in the rich culture and language of Spain.

Beyond the classroom, the department has organised enriching trips to Barcelona and Salamanca, allowing students to experience the beauty and diversity of the country. An enthusiastic group of 40 Third Years enjoyed the cultural sights of Gaudí first hand in the modern and cosmopolitan city of Barcelona, in October.

Salamanca, a historic city renowned for its stunning architecture and vibrant university life, also provided students with a glimpse into Spain’s rich cultural heritage. Students from the Fourth Year to the Lower Sixth took part in an immersive learning

experience. The homestay trip provided the students with invaluable cultural and linguistic exposure during the celebrations of ‘Semana Santa’, enhancing their proficiency and passion for the language.

The department is committed to its teaching, results, and linguistic enrichment. A trip to the theatre to see Lorca’s play, ‘La Casa de Bernarda Alba’, at the Cervantes Theatre was appreciated by the Upper Sixth studying this play as their A Level literature text. We take immense pride in our A level students’ linguistic aspirations. OC, Lily Morrison, returned to share her experience of travelling around South America. Inspired by her AS Level at Churcher’s, she returned to sit the full A Level with a view to studying Spanish at University. This year we wish Julia Nicholls all the best after securing a place at Oxford University to study Spanish.

A special mention goes to our enthusiastic Spanish assistant this year, Evelyn, whose support has been instrumental, especially for A Level students. The Sixth Form one-on-one sessions and conversational practice with Evelyn have significantly boosted their confidence and skills. Evelyn was both very popular with the A Level and the younger years in their oral sessions and we wish her all the best in her future studies.

Anna-Maria Giffin

Science

This academic year has seen even greater growth in Science and STEAM at Churcher’s.

With Paris 2024 on the horizon, inspiration was born for a fabulous cross-curricular event: our Lower School STEAM Olympics extravaganza, an inaugural event for our Second Year pupils. Bringing together Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Art, Computing, and English, the pupils followed a gruelling problem-solving challenge with space as the core theme alongside Olympic flavours for creativity. Carbonate fuels, juice balls in space, water balloons testing soft landings, marble investigations on planetary motion, programming Olympic shapes, influencing the next Olympic torch design, and a murder-mystery all brought the pupils together to compete for our bespoke medal design of Gold, Silver, and Bronze.

The First Years were fully occupied for a whole day of Science, by the ‘Science Explorer Dome’ company, who visited us on Speech Day to thrill the children with displays on Space and Light in their huge inflatable domes, plus some very entertaining Science tricks. The First years also had the Planetarium visit to enjoy, continuing the Space exploration theme, and the Autumn Term finished off with the Gophers Science Club’s outreach session, with the Year 5 children from CCJS. In the Summer Term our visitors from Hawkeye Falconry display gave the children a wonderful experience seeing numerous birds of prey up close: a Peregrine falcon, two baby Gyr falcons, a baby Great Grey owl, and several adult owls and falcons of native UK species and from abroad.

How Statistics Won the Covid-19 War

Biology

It has been another busy year in the Biology Department. One of the highlights is always the Lower Sixth residential field trip to Slapton Ley, conducting field investigations, sampling, and ecological surveys. Blessed with wonderful weather yet again, the students worked hard and came home with highly developed skills, a nice tan, and a smile on their faces.

We had many great successes in the UK Biology Competitions for the Fourth Year and A Level students. To name only the Gold medal winners at each age group seems a bit unfair, but to name all the medallists would occupy the whole of the magazine! At Biology Challenge level (Fourth Year), the Gold medallists were Leo Cropley, Purdy Kent, and Torquil Morrison; at Intermediate Olympiad level (Lower Sixth), the Gold medallist was Dom

Newton; at Biology Olympiad level (Upper Sixth), the Gold medallists were Noah Jarrad, Noah Zouita, and Charlie Doyle.

Congratulations to all the students.

Mandy Westwood

Chemistry

On Friday, 27 February, Churcher’s College participated in the IUPAC Global Women’s Breakfast – a global event promoting inclusivity in Chemistry careers. Although gender balance is achieved at A Level and undergraduate levels, the disparity grows at higher career stages. Seventytwo Sixth Form students and staff enjoyed a breakfast and listened to guest speaker, Emma Demetriades, a partner at Carpmaels & Ransford, who

Prof Tory Cornelius, Director of Imperial College drugs trials unit

discussed her career in Patent Law and how her Chemistry degree is integral to her work. The talk sparked student interest in related careers and courses.

The Cosmetics Club remained popular, with Mrs Dannatt guiding First Year students in making bath bombs, creams, and soaps. Students showcased their work on Open Day, drawing a crowd eager to participate.

ChemSoc thrived, with Lower Sixth students presenting topics from Painkillers to AI in Chemistry. Their presentations were well-researched and enthusiastically delivered.

This year’s Chemistry Olympiad, typically for Upper Sixth students, saw a surge in Lower Sixth participation. Over 20 students entered, with outstanding results: Golds were awarded to Evan, Yana, and Ollie, while Lower Sixth students also earned Gold or Silver despite not yet covering all the exam content. Alfie, Oli, Tommy, and Ben won Silver, and ten others earned Copper awards, marking significant achievements.

In June, Churcher’s was selected to join the Royal Society of Chemistry Schools’ Analyst Competition - a practical contest for Lower Sixth students. Tasks included: testing Vitamin C levels in drinks, assessing food colourings, and analysing baking powder samples. Jack, Paddy, and Toby led the winning group from Churcher’s.

The Lower Sixth also excelled in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge, achieving the school’s best results in years. Evan, William, Ollie, and Lucas won Gold; Toby, Lauren, Alfie, Jack,

Paddy, and Matilda took Silver, and 12 others earned Copper awards.

In the Autumn Term, the Second Year Academy group studied gunpowder and explosives, learning about oxidising agents and combustion versus detonation. Although they couldn’t legally make fireworks, the hands-on learning was highly engaging.

This year has been filled with accomplishments in Chemistry, showcasing both academic success and extracurricular engagement across all year groups.

David Dunster

Physics

This year saw increased numbers of students choosing A Level Physics, continuing to defy the national gender trend. The department welcomed Mrs Yates, who led the after-school STEAM club, where lower year students completed CREST awards and electronic Christmas tree projects. Mr Unsworth contributed to the Greenpower car project, competing at Goodwood Races.

A key highlight was the extracurricular activities extending beyond the classroom. In the SATRO Problem Solving Challenge, Churcher’s teams competed in the Guildford heat, with the Lower Sixth team reaching the National Finals at Royal Holloway University. They designed a lift mechanism for small parcels (marbles in a box) and placed fifth overall—a significant achievement.

Churcher’s students also excelled in the UK Space Design Competition, winning the London heats and finishing runners-up in the National Final at Imperial College, London. Collaborating with five schools, they created a 50-page plus proposal for a space mining operation around Mercury. Caitlin S was invited to join the UK team and competed internationally in Florida, marking the second consecutive year a Churcher’s student has participated.

Fifth Year students engaged in the Schrödinger Project, a research study led by Dr. Whittle. 30 students worked in teams on topics like earthquakeresistant building design, sports physics, materials testing, and flame diffraction experiments. Their work culminated in a presentation evening to parents and staff to celebrate their achievements.

Visits to the South Downs Planetarium, led by Dr John Mason, remain as popular as ever for inspiring students. Both First Years and Sixth Formers attended, with Sixth Formers enjoying an exclusive ‘pizza under the stars’ event.

In an academic highlight, Oliver S achieved Gold in the British Physics Olympiad, followed by Silver awards for William C and Henry V, and Bronze for Joel I, Sam R, and Ben D. Competing in two 180-minute exams against over 3,000 students, these were notable achievements in endurance and academic excellence.

This year showcased both academic success and a thriving extra-curricular program in Physics at Churcher’s College.

Matthew Kelly

Music

This academic year was a whirlwind of activity for the Music Department; two of the many highlights being the most exciting Summer Concert, which showcased 223 of our musicians in the prestigious Cadogan Hall in London, followed by the Junior Choir singing their hearts out on the Disneyland stage and at La Madeleine church in Paris. These two events alone, speak volumes of the exceptional talent and dedication of our musicians, but are just part of an extraordinarily busy musical calendar.

Back in the Autumn Term, A Level musicians went on a vibrant enrichment trip to London, attending a lunchtime concert at St. Martin–in–the-Fields of sacred choral music,

followed by a fascinating backstage tour of the Royal Opera House, and then on to Cadgoan Hall to hear a concert by the Budapest Symphony Orchestra. Closer to home, our Rock School musicians entertained the brave participants of the Butser Hill Challenge (on a very rainy day!) with a selection of classic rock, with music from bands such as Status Quo, Guns ‘n’ Roses, Muse, and Kaiser Chiefs. We were soon travelling up to London again, this time for our annual trip to the West End, where we saw the multi award–winning production of Hamilton. Shortly after, it was the turn of the Fourth Year GCSE musicians to visit Downs Nursing Home in Sheet to entertain the residents with a range of styles, concluding with all

of the musicians performing their arrangement of ‘My Heart Will Go On’, from Titanic.

Throughout the year, we enjoy performing several concerts in St. Peter’s Church and the first of our concerts took place at the start of October as musicians from the Second Year to the Upper Sixth performed a wide variety of solos for the lunchtime concert, together with superb performances from the Fifth Year Brass Ensemble and Junior Chamber Choir. The following week, the Senior musicians took to the stage and displayed a magnificent range of solo performances, encompassing everything from Bach to electrifying guitar pyrotechnics for the Senior

Recital evening, together with no fewer than 10 ensembles displaying their talent!

November is always a poignant time for the Music Department. The Remembrance Concert in St. Peter’s Church featured the Orchestra and various senior choirs, and concluded with a memorable performance of Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’. The Senior Wind Band provided a suitably solemn backdrop to the full school service and Remembrance Parade in Petersfield Market Square, with Dominic Hardie’s rendition of ‘The Last Post’ resonating throughout the community on both occasions.

The department hosted its first-ever Music Scholars concert, showcasing the exceptional talent of our scholarship recipients. The Junior Recital provided further opportunities for our young musicians to shine, with a dazzling display of solos (including Jayden Siu’s virtuosic rendition of ‘Flight of the Bumblebee’) and energetic group performances with no fewer than eight ensembles performing that night.

The last two weeks of term contained an eclectic mix of events, from the Rock School Showcase and Singer Songwriter evening, to the annual ‘Save the Children’ Charity Concert, which fosters a spirit of community, as Churcher’s musicians joined their peers from TPS and Ditcham Park School in a heart-warming fundraising evening. Finally the term concluded with a festive flourish – a joyous performance of Christmas carols by the Junior and Senior Wind Bands and Junior Strings, along with traditional carol services at St. Peter’s Church. The Spring Term began with another enrichment session for our A Level musicians, who broadened their horizons with a workshop on Music Therapy, exploring the power of music in healthcare settings. Our lunchtime concert series at St. Peter’s

Church continued to be a popular fixture of the calendar, featuring soloists and ensembles performing a diverse repertoire from Mamma Mia and Wicked, to Mozart, Schumann, and Handel. The Senior Recital once again showcased a wealth of senior talent, from the captivating Senior Wind Band to the electrifying Jazz Band. Highlights included the very entertaining rendition of Copland’s ‘The Cat and Mouse’ on the piano, by Jonathan Murray, and the newly formed Churcher’s String Octet, performing a movement from the challenging ‘Mendelssohn Octet in Eb major’.

In a delightful tradition, senior musicians treated junior school students to an interactive musical extravaganza, introducing them to the wonders of brass, wind, and

string instruments, and there was an opportunity for one lucky junior school student to conduct the junior wind band! The Junior Recital once again showcased up-and-coming musicians, with a variety of soloists and ensembles displaying their skills and passion, including a lively performance of ‘Tequila’, from the pupil–led group called the ‘Highway Band’.

The Spring Concert at St. Peter’s Church was a resounding success, featuring the Orchestra, choirs, and chamber groups in a program ranging from cartoon classics to contemporary rock. The annual Petersfield Music Festival provided another platform for our students to shine, with Churcher’s musicians collaborating with their peers from other schools in the popular Youth Concerts. The culmination of the term was the dazzling Cabaret, featuring two evenings of exceptional vocal, instrumental, and dance performances by our senior musicians. From showstopping musical theatre numbers to soulful solos, the Cabaret was a testament to the students’ dedication and talent.

The first week of the Summer Term saw the GCSE and A Level musicians embark on a trip to Portsmouth Guildhall, enjoying a thrilling performance by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. The term traditionally sees a bittersweet celebration in the form of the Upper Sixth Musicians’ Dinner - a black-tie event with a three-course meal and a

few final performances interspersed between the courses, a tribute to the 32 graduating U6 musicians. This remarkable group has left an indelible mark on the department, contributing their talent and enthusiasm since their first year.

And then to the finale of the year, a trip to Cadogan Hall in London for our Grand Summer Concert! After all these wonderful performances and SO many talented musicians on display through the year, the hardest job was to decide which of our 28 ensembles to take to Cadogan Hall! We decided to take the larger instrumental ensembles, together with all the various choirs in the school, and we were treated to the most special evening of music from 223 of our musicians, with professional quality performances from ALL of the ensembles, together with one final item from our Upper Sixth musicians.

The evening concluded with 196 singers from the Senior and Junior Choirs on stage, singing various popular opera choruses, accompanied by a professional orchestra and soloists from the Upper Sixth.

To complete the year, the Junior Choir and Junior Chamber Choir enjoyed a brilliant tour to Paris, including a performance in La Madeleine Church and an unforgettable experience singing on the Disneyland stage! The dedication of our students and teachers, along with the unwavering support of our parents and community, fosters a space where musical talent flourishes and the joy of music is shared by all. What a brilliant year we have had; I am already excited about next year!

Helen Purchase

Junior Choir on Tour

The Junior Choir embarked on an unforgettable tour to Paris, where we had the incredible opportunity to perform in three exciting locations: Église de la Madeleine, Disneyland’s Videopolis Stage, and a scenic bandstand in Parc Montsouris!

Our first concert in the stunning and historic Église de la Madeleine, was a spectacular start to the tour. We sang beautiful classical repertoire, interspersed with pieces by the smaller Chamber Choir and duets sung by various members of the choir. We had great Churcher’s parents supporting, and this concert became one of the most memorable highlights of the trip. The remainder of the day was spent exploring Paris, including

taking in the panoramic views from Tour Montparnasse, enjoying a boat ride close to the Eiffel Tower and many other Paris landmarks, and eating dinner in a local restaurant.

Our next concert was arguably at the most exciting venue, the Videopolis Stage at Disneyland! The Junior Choir (and teachers) spent most of the day screaming on rides, spotting Disney princesses, and eating Mickey Mouseshaped food. Despite the members of the choir perhaps not wanting pause their adventures on the rollercoasters to sing, we performed a spectacular repertoire of Disney favourites, definitely bringing some Churcher’s magic to the famous theme park!

Our final performance on the Thursday, before we headed home,

was my personal favourite. The sun was out, everyone was smiling, and pupils helped to hand out programmes to the local Parisians, summoning a brilliant audience to the Montsouris bandstand in the beautiful parkland. We performed all of our songs with outstanding energy, and the final pieces of our Junior Choir tour were very well received, with copious ovation from an appreciative crowd. The trip was a huge success and enjoyed by all who came!

Ottilie Morrogh, Third Year

Drama

As has become tradition, the whole First Year threw themselves into Panto Week, performing over five lunchtimes in the Assembly Hall. The Drama team was impressed with the performances, the handmade props, and the general effort that had gone into preparing for this annual event. Performances included, ‘Little Red Riding Hood’, ‘Cinderella’, ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’, and ‘Hansel and Gretel’. It is a wonderful way to ensure that every member of the First Year has the opportunity to perform on the Churcher’s stage.

December also brought the Senior School Production, ‘Treasure Island’; directed by Conner Handstock, he even stepped in to play the Grandma when she was taken ill! A cast and backstage team of Fourth Year to Lower Sixth student brough this swashbuckling tale to life, with many Fifth Years taking on the leading roles in spite of their busy academic schedules. Set on a traverse stage, it was visually engaging and we witnessed the Sports Hall transform from a ship, to a bar, and even an island.

Following the success of a TIE project last year, the Drama Club returned this year to perform an adaptation of the children’s classic, ‘The Jungle Book’. Some 16 children were involved in the performance to older children in the Junior School and we look forward to repeating this successful trial next year with new students. For the first time, the Lower School took their production to a professional stage, Petersfield’s Festival Hall, and it was a great success! ‘Seussical –the Musical’ was a bright, colourful and very quirky show, a mash-up of the stories from Dr Seuss, turned

into a musical. Our young cast did themselves proud!

Peter Shaffer’s, ‘Amadeus’, is a significant challenge for any theatre company – but especially so for a school. The play is long, the plot complex and the characters challenging. It is testament to the strength of performing arts at Churcher’s College that the young cast not only rose to the challenge but put on a performance so full of energy and commitment. Jackson George gave a towering performance in the enormous central role, moving from deranged old man to youthful composer with ease. This was truly remarkable entertainment – filled with clear and energetic storytelling from a committed, hard-working, and exceptionally talented cast and crew.

Nearly 80 students from all year groups performed in June’s Drama and Dance Showcase. The evening comprised of a range of drama pieces, including: KS3 Drama Club’s performance of Peter Pan, GCSE and A Level devised pieces, a musical theatre segment, and a variety of dance pieces across all year groups.

Our busy year concluded the spectacular return of Shakespeare to Churcher’s College, on the three evenings surrounding the summer solstice. Staged across three locations in the enchanting grounds, this proved to be an inspired choice for a garden play, given that the majority of the play takes place in the fairyworld of woods and glens; a perfect backdrop that heightened the magical and otherworldly atmosphere of the production.

Stacey Carty

Dance

Students in the Fourth and Fifth Years have been studying dance in PE this year, and have been working on choreography skills. The Fifth Year have also been learning a range of styles from musical theatre to ballet, adding to them, and bringing their own ideas to the routines. Our Junior Dance Squad have performed at the Lower School Cabaret again this year, performing a musical theatre dance and a Classical Greek dance. This allowed them to incorporate singing into their dance and to use props to add to the aesthetics of the dance. Our budding tap dancers have been rehearsing the ‘Shim Shim’ at their lunchtime club. Some started as beginners and can now tap their way through a whole dance. A new intermediate group started in the Summer Term as an opportunity to improve their dance skills, rather than always focusing on new choreography. This has boosted the confidence of many of the students and helped them feel more confident with dancing. The Senior Dance group have also performed in the Dance and Drama showcase with two musical theatre numbers from Waitress and Moulin Rouge. Rosie Bruce performed a tap solo for her PE coursework, and Amy

Lloyd performed and choreographed a contemporary duet for her EPQ. We thoroughly enjoyed our inaugural Dance outing when we went to watch Swan Lake, performed by the English

Youth Ballet at the King’s Theatre, Portsmouth, bringing all the dancers in the school together to watch and appreciate the art of ballet.

Paige Elson

Academy

The Academy club provides pupils in the Second to Fifth Year with the opportunity to discover broad academic content beyond the curriculum, and to further develop their curiosity and love of learning. It exposes our pupils to ideas and research that makes them pause and reflect on the world around them and develop their own critical and creative thinking.

This year, Academics have excelled themselves in taking on the challenge to push boundaries and expand their minds. As part of their ‘Learn about the World’ theme, the Second Year students have explored the Marianas Trench, the bio-ethics of animal testing, delved deep into questioning the leading conspiracy theories of the 21st century, and questioned why women in particular were the targets

of the witchcraft trials of the 17th century. To wrap up a year learning through workshops, the Second Year Academics went to the V&A and Natural History museums in London.

Third Year Academics have explored the world through their theme of ‘Becoming the Expert’. This programme provides pupils with a mixture of practical skills and inspiring talks from industry leaders, to support them in ‘becoming an expert’ within their own chosen area of special academic interest. Sessions included talks from: a BAFTA award winning TV producer, a senior firearms officer, a Navy Commander, and an ex-professional rugby player, to name but a few. In the Spring, they had a special trip to Oxford for a tour of the university, and a small glimpse into what it might be like to study at one of the leading

universities in the world. They then put all this knowledge and practical skill to the test and spent eight weeks completing an independent research project, which was then presented to their peers, families, and staff at the Junior Academy Symposium in June. This year’s research projects set an incredibly high, and academically rigorous standard, with topics ranging from, ‘How to raise a psychopath’, to, ‘How beneficial is a diagnosis in ADHD’. It was a particularly inspiring evening and a true feat of accomplishment for students aged just 14 years old.

This years’ cohort have been outstanding in their quest for knowledge; long may their academic hunger continue!

Hannah Butler

STEAM

This year has seen a further expansion of our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Maths) extracurricular activities, encouraging students to look beyond their academic studies to discover the realworld applications of the skills learned in class. The list of clubs and events reveals the variety of opportunities on offer from First Year to Sixth Form, and the expansion of whole year-group events, both of which increase the participation of students who might not have previously recognised their talents in these areas. The existing bridge-themed Third Year STEAM Day was joined by a new STEAM Olympics for Second Years, woven into their timetable around their participation in the OSCA Expedition.

The 2024 STEAM Olympics combined Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, English, Art, and Computing. With a joint theme around missions to Mars and the Olympics, students had the chance to make “juice ball” parcels in Biology, carbonate fuels in Chemistry, and to test landing craft simulations with water balloons in Physics. Mathematics modelled the solar system using marbles, Computing cleverly programmed the Olympic shapes, and Art creatively modelled new examples of the Olympic torch. The murder mystery of a scientist in English was a problem-solving challenge of a different kind!

Pupils were paired and Olympic-style medals awarded with our bespoke STEAM Olympic design as the centre

piece. Congratulations to all our medalists: GOLD to Lewis B, Tobias B, and Poppy D, SILVER to Daisy T, Aurelia B, Jack S, and Oliver M, BRONZE to Romilly C, and Benjamin T, and the Creativity Award to Claudia C, and Flora M.

STEAM project work was also carried out by lower years in STEAMship and the Raspberry Pi Club, and by dedicated Lower Sixth teams investigating a range of exciting topics.

Another first was the introduction of the STEAM Trophy, awarded to a student from the Lower School who excelled in their whole year-group

events. Despite stiff competition from her peers, congratulations go to Amber Large, who, amongst her many STEAM achievements, contributed to highly successful teams and pairs in several of the Third Year STEAM Day events.

It is a delight to see so many of our students carrying their enthusiasm for these disciplines into their future studies. This year, 46% of our leavers chose to study a STEAM subject, their choice of 34 different courses highlighting the exciting range of opportunities available to them.

Dr Richard Whittle

CLUBS & EVENTS

EPQ

It has been another fantastic year for the EPQ programme, with some outstanding projects. There was such a variety of titles from our Upper Sixth, including: ‘Is gene editing using CRISPR cas 9 the answer to treating cystic fibrosis?’ (Amelie Jones), ‘Is floor space efficiency the most important factor that contributes to an F1 car’s speed?’ (Hope Khaksar), and, ‘Assess whether the 2019 moratorium on fracking should be lifted’ (Ben Dakin).

I am always astounded by the student’s creativity and the incredible artefacts they produce. This year, Madeline Price Wickenden taught herself how to sew and created a female Tudor Court Dress using patterns from the Tudor Tailor; Henry Thompson produced a fully functioning English willow cricket bat! Both were on display at our summer Open Day.

Our annual EPQ forum in the Autumn Term was, again, a huge success, with many staff, parents, and students attending to congratulate and admire the students’ work. The EPQ is a fantastic way of helping prepare students for higher education. Academic referencing, assessing credibility of sources, planning, and delivering an engaging presentation are just some of the skills learned. Completing an EPQ is a huge challenge; it takes a lot of time, hard work, and resilience to manage time and complete such a large-scale project alongside A Levels. I am so very proud of all the students who complete their EPQs, and rightly give them the title of ‘EPQ survivor’!

Amanda Blenkharn

Sports Science

Our annual Eaton Games never fails to provide entertainment at the end of the Autumn and Spring Terms. Two separate evenings of mixed hockey 7s tournaments saw some dramatic scenes on the astro, with outstanding hockey and some even better fancy-dress outfits! The fancy dress continued when the mixed netball tournaments arrived in the Spring Term – this was a fabulously entertaining, closely contested evening, with the whole Sports Science community on the courts together!

Back to the classroom focus, we were very fortunate to host Ross Howitt once again, for a revision conference for not only our GCSE and A Level cohorts, but also several other schools too. Ross took them through a whistle-stop tour of the specification, focusing on exam technique and helping them with some additional revision tips! It was great to see some of our pupils confident enough to ask and answer questions as well as take centre stage for some demonstrations!

The popularity of the subject at A Level is going from strength to strength. Having had our largest cohort of Upper Sixth this year

(20), we also welcomed 27 onto the course in Lower Sixth, who took advantage of their Summer Term trip across the bridge to Cardiff Metropolitan University, known for its sporting excellence. Pupils started in the Biomechanics laboratories, looking over anatomy and physiology, and learning about the landmarks that markers for motion capture video analysis need to go. Students volunteered themselves to complete a VO2 max test, either on the treadmill or

the bike. Ensuring no one missed out on an opportunity, the whole cohort then completed the Wingate Test to measure anaerobic power. The afternoon finished with Ollie volunteering for an ultrasound of his heart, where pupils were able to learn how to measure the size of ventricles, work out ejection fraction/SV, and look at how the cardiac system works.

Kelly Higgins

Sport

Athletics & Cross-Country

One of the most exciting elements of the cross-country season are the team events, where runners work together to box out the opposition and collect as many points as they can for their team. In the Hampshire Inter Schools’ Cross-Country Championships, our athletes did just that; in a field of over 500 runners, the First Year girls came third overall, and incredibly, our First Year boys, Second Year boys and girls, and Third Year boys and girls all finished top of their groups and become county champions. Never before has the school asserted such dominance at this event, and our name has quickly come to the fore in crosscountry in the county.

This, however, served as a warm up for the prestigious English Schools’ Athletics Association Cross-Country Cup. Round one saw our junior and intermediate teams drawn against 20 other schools, with only two teams progressing. Last year, we had one team successfully make the regional finals, but this year our success was considerably higher, with our junior girls’, junior boys’, and intermediate girls’ teams progressing to the regional finals in Kent. To have such representation was fantastic,

but incredibly our junior boys’ team fought for a top three finish to book their place at the national final at Woodbridge School in Suffolk. Competing against the very best athletes in the country, the team claimed 19th place in our first ever effort at national level.

Moving into the individual events season, 21 junior athletes qualified to run at the Hampshire Cross-Country Championships, with eight qualifying to represent the county at the intercounties event. In previous years, the highest number has been two, so yet again our runners are proving to be at the very highest level.

The track and field season is always a very busy affair, with an action-packed calendar in a very short term. First up was the ESAA Track and Field Cup; points are awarded for performances rather than positions; for the first time in the school’s history, we had a team qualify for the regional finals –credit goes to the junior boys’ team, who got to experience track and field at a very high level indeed. Moving to the individual events at the South East Hampshire Championships, 17 students qualified for the county championships with several area records falling; two would go on to become county champions.

The Hampshire Track Knock Out competition is an exciting, quick-fire event. With junior and intermediate teams entered, our junior boys’, and intermediate boys’ and girls’ teams all navigated themselves to the finals. The junior boys’ finished fourth, the intermediate boys’ came fifth, but the intermediate girls’ team basked in glory as county champions – the best track team in Hampshire.

With five county cross-country team champions, one national cross-country team, athletics team champions, and county individual champions, it would be hard to argue against this being the best season on record.

The performances didn’t stop as we completed the year with the traditional House sports days. Standards were as high as ever, with two historical school records being equalled, and an unbelievable 11 individual school records falling, one had stood for 59 years! The season was brought to a close in style on the annual charity day, where all of the house relay finals took place; two more school records would fall as the Second Year girls’ and the Third Year boys’ 4x100m teams dominated the day.

Kevin Maguire

Cricket

This year has been an exceptional one for cricket, being full of achievements. The season began with a once-ina-lifetime tour to Barbados for the Second and Third Year students, which set the tone for the rest of the year. One of the standout moments was the girls’ U13 team competing in the final of the ECB Indoor Tournament at the Utilita Bowl, showcasing their talent on a national stage. Both boys and girls had numerous opportunities to participate in cricket throughout the year, with high levels of engagement across all age groups.

Many teams had successful runs in the Hampshire Cups, with most reaching at least the quarter-final stages. Unfortunately, no teams made it to the finals this year, but the performances were still commendable. The Senior Girls team also made history by competing in the National 100 competition for the first time, marking a significant achievement.

The year featured several major fixtures, including matches against the prestigious Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), and games against Hampshire U13 and U14 boys’ county teams, further highlighting the strong competitive spirit and quality of the players. The widespread participation and dedication across both boys’ and girls’ programs reflects the incredible progress and ongoing enthusiasm for cricket.

Rob Maier

Boys

1st XI

The Senior 1st XI had a rebuilding year, featuring a young but promising squad. Despite playing on a tough circuit, the team held its own, learning valuable lessons along the way. With growing experience, the team aims to turn narrow losses into future victories. Elliot L stood out with a remarkable 99 against a strong Reigate Grammar team, showing resilience and determination. The squad’s hard work and dedication were evident throughout the season. Special thanks go to the Upper Sixth students—Will H, Sam W, Tom S, and captain Dom P—who contributed immensely to the school’s 1st XI program over the years.

2nd XI

It has been an eventful season, beginning with a solid win against Lancing College, chasing down 1146 in under 15 overs, with Lochy M scoring an unbeaten 55. Although the rest of the season presented tough opposition, the team’s commitment and support for each other stood out. The wide squad displayed plenty of talent, and special recognition was given to Millan S for his inspiring captaincy and dynamic middle-order batting. The players’ positive attitudes and perseverance were commendable throughout the season, even in challenging fixtures.

U15

The season started strongly with wins against Lancing College, Kingston Grammar School, and Westgate in the Hampshire Cup. These matches saw three half-centuries and strong bowling and fielding performances,

putting pressure on opponents. However, as the season progressed, tougher competition posed challenges, especially against strong school batsmen. Despite this, the team’s focus was on building technique and confidence in preparation for next year. With many players expected to join the 1st XI squad, the team looks forward to continuing their development and taking on greater challenges next season.

U14

The boys made impressive strides this year, with nearly 50 players representing the school across two teams. The A team played 10 fixtures, winning 4, including victories over KES Southampton and Lancing College. Josh B was a standout, frequently scoring over 50 runs, with support from George M, Ollie M, and Alberto B S. Oscar S’s swing bowling was a notable find for the team. The B Team also performed well, winning 3 of their 5 fixtures, with players, such as James Greenman, Ethan Lawler, and Jack Harris making significant contributions. The team showed great perseverance and sportsmanship, reflecting their dedication to Team Churcher’s.

U13

A successful season, with more than 50 students playing across three teams. The As reached the quarterfinals of the Hampshire Cup, while the B and C Teams had commendable performances, including a thrilling match against Reigate Grammar and the Cs going unbeaten in two fixtures. Key individual performances included: Freddy W, who led the batting and bowling for the A Team, and Tom K and Johnny D, who contributed

significantly with wickets and runs. Coaches praised the players for their dedication, and the depth of talent suggests continued success as the group advances through the school.

U12

An exceptional season, with more than 50 players regularly attending practice and weekend fixtures. The team displayed remarkable depth, with three players reaching halfcenturies and a diverse bowling line up, featuring off-spinners and leg-spinners competing for spots on the A Team. On busy weekends, 48 players were given the chance to play, showcasing strong participation. This year’s squad has shown significant promise, with their skills in both batting and bowling standing out. The mix of talent and enthusiasm indicates that this group is poised for continued success as they progress through the school’s cricket program.

1st XI

The Girls 1st XI cricket team concluded a successful season, marked by growth and achievement. With new players joining, the team quickly found its rhythm, securing 3 wins and 3 losses over six matches. Collectively, they scored 640 runs and took 28 wickets, showcasing their skill in both batting and fielding. Each game featured standout performances, with batters displaying technique and aggression, and bowlers maintaining precision. More than just results, the team has inspired younger students, boosting interest in girls’ cricket at the school. Their commitment and camaraderie have set a high standard, and the future of girls’ cricket looks incredibly bright.

U15

A strong season, starting with a comfortable win against Lancing College. They continued their momentum with a victory over LWC to advance in the County Cup, though their campaign ended in the quarter-finals with a loss to Reigate Grammar. The team saw significant individual growth, with Alice P gaining confidence as a batter by the end of the season. Standout players included Lara O and captain, Tabitha D-W, both of whom made notable contributions throughout the season. The team’s efforts were commendable, and they showed great promise for future competitions.

U14

It has been a successful cricket season, with 26 players involved in matches and training. The A Team won 4 of their 6 games, demonstrating excellent bowling performances, including Sylvie R’s five-wicket haul against Lord Wandsworth College and Rosie B’s four-wicket performance against Kingston Grammar School. The team’s determination shone in a close match against KES, which they won by 9 runs. The B Team also had a strong season, winning 75% of their games. Notable players included Isobel C and Emilia S, who contributed significantly to the team’s success.

U13

A fantastic season, with the A Team delivering several competitive performances. Key contributions came from Cecily N-W and Claudia C with the bat, while Immy H and Isabella C-S led the bowling attack. The Bs made remarkable progress, embracing hardball cricket and losing only two

matches all season. Elizabeth S was outstanding with her wicket-keeping and her positive encouragement for the team. The season highlighted the growth and potential of the U13 squad as they continue to develop their skills in cricket.

U12

An outstanding cricket season, with more than 30 players regularly attending training sessions. The focus on improving bowling technique paid off, as the team greatly reduced the number of extras in matches. Batting also improved, with many technically sound performances. The A Team won 4 out of 7 matches, including victories over Reigate and Kingston Grammar School, with Kate P excelling in both batting and bowling. The B Team also saw success, winning 4 out of 6 matches, with standout performances from Lucy H and Esme H. The Cs enjoyed two wins, with notable contributions from Olivia S, Olivia W, and Verity O-W.

Girls

We Don’t Like Cricket… We LOVE It!

Thirty-three cricketers from Churcher’s travelled to Barbados during Easter, for a memorable tour that combined cricket, relaxation, and local culture. Upon arrival in Bridgetown, the group was immediately welcomed by the island’s warmth. However, there was little time to adjust, as the first day included practice sessions and matches in the 30-degree heat, with palm trees providing a stunning backdrop.

The players competed against several local schools, including Grantley Adams Memorial, Alexandra, Combermere, and the Isolation Cavaliers. The girls played matches against teams from the Barbados Cricket Association, with a mixed match against St Michael’s capping off the tour. The competition was fierce, but the camaraderie between the visiting and local teams made the experience all the more enjoyable, with moments of bat-signing, selfies, and new friendships being formed. The Churcher’s group also picked up some Bajan slang, with the phrase, “Fly the kite!”, meaning to hit the ball as hard as possible.

When not on the cricket field, the group enjoyed plenty of leisure activities. The ‘Boatyard Beach Party’ was a highlight, featuring water inflatables, endless pineapple juice, and the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea. A jeep safari took them on an exhilarating ride through sugar cane

fields, with stops at picturesque beaches, rock formations, and a delicious meal overlooking the jungle. The group also sampled fresh coconut water and sugar cane, adding to their authentic island experience.

Another unforgettable experience was the catamaran cruise, where the players swam alongside stingrays, turtles, and large fish. Despite their coach’s insistence, many of the students jokingly believed the turtles were just tortoises on vacation. The cruise also offered glimpses of celebrity holiday homes, including one belonging to Cliff Richard. Evening swims were a delight, especially when a small group of turtles made a surprise appearance near the shore, sparking cries of, “Dude!”, from the fans of ‘Finding Nemo’.

A visit to the famous ‘Oistins Fish Fry’ provided a true taste of Bajan culture, with lively crowds, great food, and ample opportunities for people-watching. After enjoying a hearty meal, the group returned with all students accounted for—a notable achievement given the bustling atmosphere!

On the final day, there was time for last-minute shopping, more turtlewatching, and the tour awards. Each coach recognised standout performances from their teams, with two special awards given to Cecily N-W, as Player of the Tour, and Jasper H, as Tour All-Star, for their overall contributions both on and off the field.

The trip was a resounding success, leaving the Churcher’s cricketers with wonderful memories and a unanimous sentiment as they departed: “We’ll be back!”

Hockey

Churcher’s has a strong reputation in boys’ hockey, and this season was exceptional. Hosting Cambridge University Hockey Club for a training camp, that ended with a thrilling match between their Women’s 1st XI and our Boys’ 1st XI, was a highlight, with a rematch already anticipated for next season. The program was at its largest, with 18 teams competing against top schools in Surrey and Hampshire. The newly formed 3rd XI showed great promise, providing more opportunities for Sixth Form students. On an individual level, Ben H continued his junior international career, and 50 pupils were selected for County Development Centres. The season culminated in the U12A reaching the South-Central Regional finals and the 1st XI finishing second in the Hampshire Cup.

Meanwhile, the Girls’ Hockey programme continues to delight, inspire, and impress in equal measure, with more than 17 teams regularly competing against top schools in Hampshire, Surrey, and Sussex. The 3rd XI is now a permanent fixture, offering more opportunities for sixth-form pupils to represent the school. Individual achievements were

impressive, with four girls selected for the South Coast Talent Academy, five in the Hampshire Performance Centre, and 47 nominated for County Development Centres. This success translated into the school’s best-ever win percentage, with the U15A and U14A teams finishing in the top four at the South-Central Regional Finals, and the U13A team placing third in Hampshire. The future of hockey at Churcher’s looks bright.

Toby Blong

Boys

U18

A fantastic season marked by high participation, development, and impressive performances. Nearly 50 boys signed up, creating fierce competition and stronger squads across the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd teams. With 72 goals scored in just 27 games, the 1st XI achieved their highestever win percentage of 70%. Strong cup runs saw them finish second in the Hampshire Cup, and reach the fourth round of the EH Tier 2 Cup, defeating schools like Bradfield and Charterhouse. A thrilling 6-7 loss to the OCs capped off the year. Special thanks go to the departing Upper Sixth captains, including Sam W and Archie S.

U16

Teamwork and resilience were on show throughout the season, with

33 boys representing the school. Both teams showcased strong performances, finishing with win percentages above 80%. The squad netted 53 goals, with the A Team making an impressive run in the National Tier 2 Plate, narrowly losing to Abingdon School. The season wrapped up with satisfying victories over Lord Wandsworth College, showing the strength of the team spirit and skill. Their determination and camaraderie shone, culminating in a brilliant season for both teams.

U15

The U15 boys demonstrated significant growth in their tactical understanding and teamwork. Moving away from relying on individual talent, the team began playing a more cohesive game, highlighted by a 2-2 draw against Charterhouse in a hard-fought contest. Notable victories included a dominant 5-1 win over PGS, featuring some of the finest team goals in recent years. The squad improved visibly throughout the season and looks set for a promising future as they advance to U16 level.

U14

The team impressed with their hard work and determination, bringing energy and effort to each game. Their performances at the Hampshire Cup, particularly on a cold tournament day, boosted their confidence for the rest of the season. The highlight came in a fast-paced, fluid 1-0 win

over Charterhouse, a game that showcased the team’s potential. With their unwavering commitment to training, the future looks bright for this talented group as they continue to develop their skills.

U13

The squad had an exceptional season, and is widely regarded as the best Second Year group to play at Churcher’s. With depth of talent and a high level of skill, they dominated fixtures, with the A Team losing just once all season. A 7-2 win over PGS avenged their only loss in the Hampshire tournament. Week after week, all four teams delivered outstanding performances, brushing aside historically strong opponents. The coaching staff are excited for what lies ahead as this group is poised to be a dominant force in future years.

U12

Despite many players being new to the sport, the U12 boys showed incredible progress this season. With more than 60 boys representing the school, their commitment to training and games led to strong results across the board. The A Team stood out, finishing with the best goal difference in the school, boasting an impressive +33. Memorable victories included a win over RGS, a first for this age group. The U12 boys’ hard work and passion for hockey promise even greater success in the future.

U18

The U18 girls’ hockey season was a resounding success, with nearly 60 students taking part. Competition for places led to excellent performances, with 56 goals scored across 30 games. The 1st XI achieved their highest win percentage in five years and made it to the third round of the EH Tier 2 Plate competition. The season concluded with a 3-0 victory over the Old Churcherians, marking the largest win in nearly a decade. Special thanks go to outgoing 1st XI captain, Lucy I, and vice-captain, Annie R, for their leadership.

U16

The U16 girls’ teams had a fantastic season, with 33 players competing in school fixtures. The A Team won 75% of their matches and progressed to the fourth round of the England Hockey Tier 2 Plate competition. The B Team also had a strong season, highlighted by a 6-0 victory over Portsmouth High School’s U16A side. This talented group has a bright future, and the coaching staff are eager to see their continued development as they join the senior sides next year.

U15

The girls embraced a new formation with remarkable success, pressing high up the pitch and demonstrating a clear understanding of their roles. This aggressive style resulted in numerous goalscoring opportunities and a series of impressive victories. The team’s defensive resilience

and tactical awareness improved significantly, with the girls rotating through both squads seamlessly. Their maturity and desire to improve both suggest that this group will be one to watch as they move into senior hockey.

U14

A brilliant season for these girls, consistently winning their weekend fixtures against strong competition. The A Team reached the SouthCentral Regional Cup finals, finishing fourth overall. The B Team also impressed, particularly in a 5-0 win over KES, where they displayed excellent ball movement. The season concluded with a fun and competitive Christmas fancy dress seven-a-side tournament. This promising group has a bright future ahead, and their dedication to improvement sets them up for continued success.

U13

The U13 girls’ hockey program thrived this season, with nearly 50 students regularly attending training and matches. The A Team performed exceptionally well, finishing third in the Hampshire County Cup, while the B, C, and D teams also enjoyed successful seasons, losing only six games combined. Strength in depth was evident as 24 students rotated through the A Team and similar numbers in the other squads. With their enthusiasm and talent, the future looks bright as they progress to eleven-a-side hockey.

U12

An impressive debut season, with nearly 60 students representing the school across four teams. Their development and willingness to rotate between squads contributed to a 50% win-rate across all teams. The A Team enjoyed a particularly strong season, achieving notable victories over Christ’s Hospital, Tormead, and Charterhouse. The players’ commitment to learning the game and improving their skills, combined with excellent teamwork, laid a strong foundation for their future hockey careers at Churcher’s. Many girls have already begun exploring external clubs and county trials, showing their enthusiasm for the sport.

Netball

Seniors

This year saw a staggering amount of Sixth Formers wanting to play netball - five teams in fact! The 1st VII team had some memorable matches, including a close comeback against Seaford, losing by just one goal after a hard-fought effort. Every player’s commitment felt like a victory, even though they narrowly lost. The defensive unit, especially Naomi H-B, who excelled as captain, deserves recognition. Lucy T also stood out by making the Surrey Storm PDP. The season concluded with a tight win against the OCs, reflecting the team’s dedication throughout the year.

The 2nd VII, won six out of nine matches, often with ease. Their exemplary behaviour, on and off the court, highlighted their resilience in tough games. India M, a new addition, was a key player with her movement and shooting skills, enhancing the attacking unit. The defence, led by Kitty H, was also exceptional, making the team difficult to break down.

The 3rd VII won five of their six games, displaying both skill and depth. Emilia A stood out in midcourt, alongside Phoebe D and Alice C. The team’s hard work in training paid off, leading to a successful season. The 4th and 5th VII teams, despite fewer fixtures, won all their matches, including impressive victories over Chichester College and Bedales A Teams.

U16

What a season, what a year group!

The Fifth Year netballers juggled their GCSE revision and coursework deadlines without a dropped ball

(nearly!). They have been a pleasure to travel and train with, bringing their positive attitude and endless enthusiasm to every game. The teams showed true grit in matches that were full of dominant defence and assertive attack, with real progression in ball skills and match play shown as the season progressed. The A Team had many a close game, and won three of their eight matches. The B Team stood out as a strong squad, and they won every one of their six fixtures – a testament to their team work. The Cs won more than half of their matches and were supported by a varying squad of players, which gave everyone an opportunity to play in a match. The nominations in each team for Player’s Player and Coaches’ Player across the season was varied – reflecting the progression that was shown across the squads.

U15

Another fantastic year for the 43 netballers who took to the court this season. Across all four teams, we won 22 matches, lost 13, scored 852 goals, and conceded 619, showcasing a successful season whatever your position on court. Some standout National Cup performances from the As saw them reach the quarter finals in both competitions, beating Benenden, Berkhamsted, and Millfield along the way, eventually losing to Brighton College by three. From impressive wins and

hard-fought battles to personal bests and team achievements, each moment has been a building block for the future, facing challenges, celebrating victories, and learning valuable lessons along the way!

U14

A great season, in which all the girls worked hard and made good progress, scoring a whopping 453 goals as a year group. Wins of the season came for the A Team in a 15-14 win against Bradfield, coming from behind to take the win! The Bs won 26-10 against Seaford, demonstrating great connections down the court. Local rivals PGS lost to our C Team, during a strong game where the girls worked really hard in defence! The Ds demonstrated some excellent shooting in their 22-9 win, which was their highest scoring game of the season!

U13

The U13 players displayed exceptional dedication and hard work throughout the season, scoring an impressive 393 goals across the A-E teams. Their efforts yielded fantastic results, with the A Team often competing against U14 opposition and proving to be highly competitive. There was some outstanding shooting across all teams and brilliant performances in the defensive circles. Special mentions go to Claudia C, Liz S, Flora R, Imogen K, Izzy C, and Jos H for their remarkable defensive contributions. The A Team

won the PGL weekend tournament for the second consecutive year, which highlights their strong attacking play and consistency. The Bs also worked incredibly hard to secure an impressive third place in the same tournament. Their success is a testament to their fantastic dedication, hard work, and strong team camaraderie shown in lessons, after school training, and fixtures.

U12

The girls made fantastic progress from the start of the netball term until the very last game. The energy and enthusiasm the girls showed was incredible, with A, B, C, D, and even E teams all playing at the weekends. A highlight was the U12 A team winning the PGL competition in Swindon.

Shelley Copland

World Schools Netball Cup 2024

The World Schools Netball Cup 2024, hosted at Loughborough University, home of England’s national team, saw top schools from around the globe competing at an elite level. Team Churcher’s began their journey with a media shoot on arrival, capturing team photos and individual headshots. Co-captains, Florence M and Lillie B, proudly represented the squad during the Opening Ceremony, entering to lights and pyrotechnics. With no games scheduled for Thursday night, the team

observed their competition before heading to the hotel.

Friday: The Pool Matches - The action began early on Friday with five 24-minute matches in the U15 pool, featuring 24 teams. Although the timing between games was tricky, Churcher’s started strong, winning three consecutive matches by significant margins and quickly becoming the talk of the tournament, securing their place in the Cup knockout stage.

Saturday: Knockouts and Bronze Victory - In the quarter-final, Churcher’s faced Dubai College, last year’s medalists and tournament favourites. The team, led by Freya and Florence in defence, shut down Dubai’s game plan, claiming a stunning 18–8 victory. In the semi-final, Churcher’s battled Guildford High, but despite their efforts, lost by 4. Determined not to leave empty-handed, the team regrouped for the bronze play-off and defeated Roedean 23–18.

Bringing home the bronze was a testament to their hard work, resilience, and unwavering team spirit. Well done to a very special team, who continue to make Churcher’s proud!

Rugby

What a fantastic year for Team Churcher’s Rugby! It was amazing to see the pitches and squads filled with so many players, highlighting another strong show of participation across the school. Having U12A-D and fielding a 3rd XV, for the first time in the school’s history, is testament to the commitment of all the boys involved in the program. Pupils continue to play with pace, energy, and adventure, whilst also working on their sportsmanship qualities and game management. The pupils’ ambition to play what is in front of them, and to adapt and express themselves both individually and as teams, is a joy to watch.

With five teams recording 100% wins, two teams 80% wins, one team 70 % wins, and four teams 50% wins it has been a strong season in terms of results. It was also great to welcome back to the fixture card, Lord Wandsworth College and Worth School, with some keenly contested fixtures across the year groups.

Ben Skirving

Seniors

1st XV, 2nd XV, and, for the first time, a 3rd XV all had strong seasons, leading the way for the school in their

performances. They posted a very impressive record: played 21, won 15, and lost six across the three teams. The 1st XV had an extraordinarily strong season, only losing two games by the narrowest of margins in both fixtures. The highlight in terms of results must be a clean sweep against Marlborough College, which is a massive step forward for Churcher’s Rugby. However, although there were some outstanding wins and performances throughout the season, it was the spirit and togetherness of the squad that was the true winner of the year. It was amazing to have more than 60 players in the senior squad and pupils returning to rugby after not playing for a few years. Plenty of expression and smiles on faces led to an incredibly happy term of rugby.

U16

A tricky season for the U16s squad this year, with multiple fixtures being cancelled due to poor weather and opposition let downs. The A Team played five, winning three and losing two, whilst the Bs played four, winning two and losing two. Strong performances and wins against Reading Blue Coats, Lord Wandsworth College, KES Southampton, and Harrow U16Bs managed to give the players an opportunity to play some nice expansive rugby. The VIIs squad finished the season with a fantastic day at Rosslyn Park National 7s, with

strong wins over Gresham’s School, and Bradford Grammar school, and a close loss to Clifton College, narrowly missing day two.

U15

Strong wins against Portsmouth Grammar, Royal Alexandra and Albert School, and Reading Blue Coats, and narrow losses to Marlborough College were the highlights of a mixed year for the U15 squad. With a few injuries, the teams struggled for results in the second half term of the season. However, both teams’ determination and resilience were pleasing to see and was true Team Churcher’s spirit. With the introduction of lineout lifting and continuing to develop their overall team play, the squad made some good individual and team developments.

U14

This year group continues to grow and develop from season to season. The whole squad works extremely hard and has a ‘never say die’ attitude, which has seen them beat schools such as Worth, Gordon’s School, KES Southampton, and Halliford School. The resilience that is developing within the entire year group will set them in good stead as they move into the senior end of the school. Both the As and Bs won 50% of their games and played some more expansive rugby, which was excellent to see. The VIIs team also had the pleasure of attending the Schools National 7s at Rosslyn Park, and showed great heart and play when facing two of the best rugby schools in the country, Wellington College and Collegiate School.

U13

After a fantastic first season in the

Senior School last year, this year group continue to go from strength to strength. The group’s competitiveness has driven standards high, and the ambition to play was outstanding. Magical offloads, 70m tries, and cross field kicks in the B Team have been an example to all. However, the standout is them all playing with smiles on their faces and enjoying their rugby. The year group went through the term having played 18, won 17, drawn 1, and lost 0, exceptional results! The A Team also saw 47 boys represent the team, which further highlights their strength and depth. We are all very much looking forward to their transition to the 15-a-side game next year and seeing them develop further.

U12

Our First Year had a successful first season and should be incredibly happy with the progress they made over the term. All teams (A-D) produced some strong performances and the variety of rugby they played was extremely positive. Participation was as always exceedingly high and there was a real buzz throughout all the teams in the year group. There was plenty of movement across the teams in terms of selection and squad development was outstanding. The A, B and D team all finished on 100% wins and the C team also performed very well, the future is bright for this year group.

Swimming & Water Polo

The pool has been a hive of activity this year, with students across all year groups improving their cardiovascular endurance, technique, and race skills, leading to significant success in competitions. In the Hampshire Relays,

24 swimmers competed in six relay teams against the fastest in the county. Churcher’s finished in the top three for over half of the events, with the junior and intermediate boys’ teams qualifying for the National Finals, making it a fantastic day of racing.

At the National Finals, the junior boys’ team faced a setback in the 4x50m medley relay after being disqualified due to an eager handover. However, they bounced back in the 4x50m freestyle relay, beating their qualification time and securing a place in the final. Wilf’s superb dive and underwater phase set the pace,

followed by strong legs from Harry and Will, and a remarkable finish from Misha, who swam his 50m in just 25.99 seconds, lifting the team from 7th to 5th. This impressive 5th-place finish was the best ever for a Churcher’s team, beating many elite swim schools. The intermediate boys’ team finished 20th in the country with a strong performance in the 4x50m medley relay.

The team also shone at The Bath Cup, held at the London Aquatic Centre. The girls’ team placed 8th in the 4x50m freestyle relay, while the boys’ team finished 10th in the 4x50m medley relay. Misha’s standout performance saw him compete against older swimmers, finishing with an impressive 25.4-second leg.

Churcher’s hosted its inaugural U13 Winter Gala against local schools, showcasing its dominance by winning the event. In another first, the school also hosted a biathlon event, where

Churcher’s teams secured two 1st place, one 2nd place, and three 3rd place finishes. The U13 boys’ team was particularly impressive, sweeping the top four spots.

In open-water swimming, two Churcher’s teams of 12 students will take on the iconic England-to-France Channel crossing in September. The teams have been rigorously training, building fitness and technique in the pool and adapting to cold water in the sea, with temperatures as low as 11°C. This challenge has tested their mental toughness and teamwork.

In water polo, Churcher’s U15 mixed team made remarkable progress by qualifying for the Championship semifinals for the first time in the school’s history. Competing against the best teams in the county, they fought closely in every match, ultimately finishing fourth. Although they didn’t reach the finals, the team’s camaraderie and spirit were outstanding. The U18 team also performed impressively, reaching the semi-finals of the plate competition and narrowly missing a spot in the finals. This was the best performance from a Churcher’s U18 water polo team, highlighting their dedication to training.

The U13 water polo team had a breakthrough year, with 50 First Year students attending water polo sessions. They defeated Portsmouth Water Polo Club 12-5, and further improved in the cadet competition, winning both their games convincingly. Wilf H and Freddie J stood out, scoring spectacular

goals, and the team demonstrated discipline and determination throughout the season.

A highlight of the year was the firstever OCs water polo game on Open Day, where past and present players competed in front of a full crowd. Churcher’s first team won 11-8 in a high-spirited match, showcasing the school’s water polo talent. The event ended with a social lunch, providing an opportunity for players to reconnect and celebrate their achievements. This memorable match was a fantastic way to conclude an outstanding year for Churcher’s swimming and water polo programs.

Stacey Angliss

Tennis

It has been a fantastic year for the tennis programme, with enthusiastic participation, impressive cup victories, and a remarkable dedication to improving technique from all pupils. Seeing the sport grow and the students’ passion flourish, has been incredibly rewarding!

The ‘Play Your Way to Wimbledon’ competition is a nationwide event open to all First, Second, and Third Year students, with winners progressing to the County Finals and, potentially, the National Finals at Wimbledon in August. This year, 30 girls and 40 boys from Churcher’s competed, with group stages, semi-finals, and finals taking place on a sunny afternoon. Enthusiastic players showcased their

skills, with Ariana K and Liberty M reaching the finals in the Girls’ division, and Oli T and Tobias B in the Boys’ division. Tobias and Ariana emerged victorious and represented Churcher’s at the County Finals in June.

The annual Marbella Tour was a highlight for 36 Wimbledon hopefuls, who embarked on a pre-season training camp at Los Monteros Tennis Club. Under the guidance of eight professional coaches, the squad trained rigorously on Astro and red clay courts, focusing on serves, forehands, backhands, and volleys. Over three days, they improved their match play and doubles partnerships and had lots of fun off the courts, making the fiveday trip both productive and enjoyable.

This year’s Parent Pupil Competition on Open Day attracted more than 100 participants, filling the courts with players from the First Year to Lower Sixth, along with their parents or grandparents. Split into two age groups, the competition featured intense matches, with winners determined by the number of points won across games. Congratulations to Alex and John C for winning the Junior competition, and Toby and Jezz B for taking the Senior title.

The OC tennis match saw a strong turnout of former students, with seven mixed pairs competing against the current first team. Despite some closely contested matches, the OCs narrowly lost 14-17. It was a fantastic day, as the level of tennis from both current and former students was exceptional.

Finally, eight members of the U13 squad enjoyed a trip to Wimbledon on the second Wednesday of the Championships. With tickets to Court #2, they watched matches featuring stars, such as Coco Gauff and Sebastien

Grosjean. For many, it was their first visit to Wimbledon, and with the boys’ team having finished as runners-up in the IOW & Hampshire league this year, the trip was both inspiring and memorable.

Cat Wilcockson

Seniors

The seniors had a successful and enjoyable season, winning or drawing most of their matches. With support from some Fifth Years before their exams, the team maintained a strong attendance of 28 at training sessions. The boys’ highlight was a thrilling victory against St John’s Leatherhead, where they displayed aggressive net play and consistency. Meanwhile, the girls demonstrated great teamwork and skill in a close match against Worth School, narrowly losing despite their best performance of the season. The mixed pairs tournament at Bradfield College was challenging, with tough conditions and strong opponents like Eton and Bradfield. Nonetheless, the team played well and showed great sportspersonship. The season ended with a fun ‘rounders and pizza’ evening, a fitting close to a great year.

U15

The U15s had a deep talent pool, allowing a variety of players to shine throughout the season. The girls performed strongly against Pangbourne and Worth, while the boys had mixed results, with standout performances from Grisha G and Paul B. The Seaford match was a highlight, with Thomas P’s fearless volleying earning crucial points. A cohort with such flair and ability, combined with great sportspersonship, augurs well for future success as they progress to U16 level next year.

U14

The U14s worked hard and saw their efforts rewarded with impressive results. The girls’ team opened the season with a dominant 8-1 win over Pangbourne, while the boys capped theirs with a nail-biting 5-4 victory against St. John’s. Participation in training was excellent, with more than 120 students attending weekly. Special thanks go to captains Amy H and Cameron J-K for their leadership, especially Cameron’s dedication in managing match conflicts. The players’ steady improvement and teamwork throughout the season reflects the positive impact of their dedication and training.

U13

The U13s showed outstanding enthusiasm and progress in tennis this season. The boys achieved a 7-2 win against Seaford, while the girls had a competitive series against St Swithun’s. Both teams performed well in the LTA Cup, with the girls narrowly missing the final and the boys reaching it, where they played brilliantly, but fell short in a series of tight tie-breaks. We are incredibly proud of Tobias B, George H, Leo M, Olly S, Rollo R, and Alfie W for their fantastic season and for being brilliant runners-up in the LTA U13 Cup competition!

U12

The U12s showed excellent dedication in training, focusing on developing their forehand and backhand skills, and learning doubles positioning. Highlights included a 13-2 win for the boys against St John’s Leatherhead, and a close 4-5 match for the girls against St Swithun’s. The players have shown remarkable improvement, and it’s exciting to see their tennis journey just beginning.

Adventure

CCF

In November, we marked the anniversary of Armistice Day with the school Remembrance service and assembly. 220 cadets lined the path from the Sports Hall to the school war memorial, through which all pupils and staff passed. On Remembrance Sunday itself, 270 cadets marched from the Swan Street car park to the town square for the Petersfield Remembrance Service, and then on to the town war memorial for the Last Post and Act of Remembrance. This year, we also had smaller parties of uniformed cadets parading in Petersfield to mark the anniversaries of both VE-Day and D-Day.

Our Spring Term annual orienteering competition in Queen Elizabeth Country Park saw cadets navigating through some treacherous ground conditions, with some predictable outcomes.

In the last week of the Easter break, we conducted our largest ever CCF camp. 67 cadets and 8 officers spent a week afloat at UKSA on the Isle of Wight. The cadets enjoyed a very full programme afloat on SUPs, kayaks, dinghies, windsurfers, keelboats, selfbuilt rafts in a pool-based sea survival exercise.

Summer Term ended with a barbeque and field games, and the welcome lunchtime return to Headmaster’s Field of a Wildcat helicopter from 1 Regiment Army Air Corps.

Summer Term also brought the annual changing of the guard, when we bid farewell to our departing Upper Sixth NCOs and welcome their Lower Sixth replacements. Our particular thanks go to WO1 Elliot D (Army), WO2 Will H (RN), WO2 Rory H (Army), and Flt Sgt Harvey G (RAF). We welcome our new lead cadet WO1 Alfie G (RN), with WO2 Henry M (RN), WO2 Toby M (Army), and Flt Sgt Jess T (RAF) as section leads.

Major David Nighy CCF Contingent Commander

Army

The Army Section of our CCF has flourished this year, with many new exciting opportunities alongside familiar challenges. Both the cadets and staff have worked incredibly hard to achieve a high level of training and development throughout the year in rain, wind, snow, and occasionally sun. The Autumn Term kicked off with our Third Year cadets completing a large part of their basic Fieldcraft and Tactics syllabus on Exercise Hidden Tiger on Longmoor training area N2B. Cadets were quickly covered in camouflage cream and hiding from the staff in the undergrowth. Cadets Chloe Lane and Olivia Greggs were most impressive in their stealth during a stalk exercise, and were able to get within 10m of the observing instructors without being detected. Fifth Year cadets completed their first live fire shoot on the L98A2 rifle at Ash Ranges, building up marksmanship skills from their Skill at Arms lessons in the previous year. Lance Corporals Davies, McBride, and Medley were

the top shots for the day, and now deservedly wear their marksman badges in recognition of this.

Even before the end of the first term, Churcher’s Army cadets were surrounded once more by senior members of the Army following an invitation to the King’s Commissioning Parade at RMA Sandhurst. To have our cadets wandering the halls of such a prestigious institution and assisting the in running of the day was a genuine honour, and the final parade was a true spectacle to observe (and, I hope, a reminder of the standards of foot drill!).

The Spring Term introduced the Fourth Year cadets to the ‘meaty’ part of their Fieldcraft and Tactics syllabus - section battle drills conducted with blank firing. Exercise Striking Tiger is always a highlight of the year, and with the assistance of the Sixth Form cadets and excellent instruction from the staff, 2,600 rounds of ammunition were quickly dispensed across Longmoor J2 training area. The objective of the exercise was certainly

achieved; cadets thoroughly enjoyed the day, refined how to conduct deliberate attacks as a team, and, most importantly, learned just how much cleaning a rifle needs.

We sent two teams to two separate competitions. The first of these was a Military Skills Competition hosted by 11 Security Brigade. Here, our team of 10 cadets was put through their paces on a variety of skills ranging from shooting to semaphore, and all cadets returned with a heightened skill level with which to help instruct junior cadets. The second competition came in June, and we sent our inaugural team to the Cadet Clay Shooting Championships in Cambridge. The

D-Day

The D-Day operation of June 6, 1944, brought together the land, air, and sea forces of the allied armies, in what became known as the largest amphibious invasion in military history. The operation, given the codename OVERLORD, delivered five naval assault divisions to the beaches of Normandy. Petersfield Town Council marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day operation with an Act of Remembrance

team, comprising of Sergeants Bowler, Dannatt, Hewett, and Hodges, were presented with some seriously demanding clays, and proved themselves to be a genuine challenge even for the most experienced schools attending the two days.

Exercise Night Owl is another regular highlight of the year, and the cadets on exercise this year excelled in their learning. All staff were impressed by their professionalism and ability to take on board new lessons on how to administer themselves successfully in the field and conduct reconnaissance patrols. The cadets greatly enjoyed their two days out on Longmoor N1A training area, and the excitement

of watching a night-time firefight between two insurgent groups (graciously staffed by our Sixth Form cadets) put a smile on many faces.

We were lucky to celebrate all of our achievements at our first Army regimental dinner, which, although feeling like the end of the year, preceded our final event – Annual Summer Camp, hosted by 11 Security Brigade at Crowborough Training Camp. The five days gave our 10 cadets an impressive variety of experiences, including an overnight exercise, clay target shooting, water sports, mounting biking, drill competition, and much more.

Capt Gibbins

on Thursday 6 June. Among the dignitaries, were the Petersfield Town Council Mayor, members of the Royal British Legion, The Petersfield Mayor’s Cadet, and EHDC Petersfield Ward Councillors. Cadets from Churcher’s College CCF took part and represented each of the services Army, RAF, and RN. They formed up in Petersfield Square and marched down the High Street to the War Memorial for wreath laying.

Royal Navy

What a year it’s been for the navy section. We have enjoyed three amazing field days and got to sample some of the wonderful opportunities that being a Churcher’s College Royal Navy cadet offers. Our willing, and extremely able, senior cadets, coupled with the support and valuable input from our CFAVs (Cadet Force Adult Volunteers), means that the cadets really get tested in every session. From drills, understanding the ethos and workings of the Navy, through to developing leadership skills and communication, we have structured the sessions to meet these demands.

After a year’s absence due to covid and the school kitchen redevelopment, it was lovely for the contingent to be able to host another Trafalgar Dinner in October. Ninety-three senior cadets, officers, and guests enjoyed an excellent traditional roast beef dinner in the Donald Brooks Auditorium, decked out with pennants, ensigns, model sailing ships, and the portrait of Nelson himself. Commander

Bob Laverty RN, delivered a very engaging speech and the evening finished with the lusty singing of sea shanties.

Our field days across the year were superb! We had two days on the water at the Andrew Simpson centre in Portsmouth and the Southampton water and activities centre. Our cadets had brilliant fun doing numerous activities that included: giant SUP’s (stand up paddle boards), kayaking, raft building and racing, laser tag, mountain biking, camping, canoeing, and sailing. The cadets love the opportunity to go on a field day and be on the water, and it gives us the opportunity to put into practice some of the learning.

We say a sad goodbye to our excellent senior Cadets: Shine, Whelan, Moss, Hughes, and Hewett, who have led the section so brilliantly over the past year. Thank you for all your excellent energy and communication to the navy section.

Lt Rob Maier

RAF

The RAF section has thrived in recent years, growing to its largest size ever with over 70 cadets. This expansion has allowed us to explore a variety of activities, from first aid and camouflage training to flying and drone manoeuvres. The cadets have relished the chance to experience loop-the-loops and corkscrew dives in Grob Tutor aircraft over Stonehenge, and gliding in the Viking fleet at RAF Upavon. Despite challenges, such as weather and RAF security, we’ve successfully taken to the skies this year and anticipate more opportunities at MOD Boscombe Down in September.

Our new squadron of drones has added excitement, with cadets competing in indoor speed races, obstacle courses, and precision flying. Flying remains a reward for cadets who excel in theoretical lessons about

flight principles. Fourth Year cadets, guided by NCOs, demonstrated Bernoulli’s principle by making Maltesers float, while Third Years practiced basic flight controls with model aircraft. A new flight simulator has enhanced our training, and cadets have enjoyed the Top Gun challenge, re-enacting scenes from Maverick.

Cpl James Porter, a Fourth Year cadet, achieved his first solo glider flight this summer, a testament to his dedication and the inspiration from our program. New activities on parade nights have included learning about nutrition, preparing meals on Hexi burners, building shelters, kayaking, and climbing. The Top Gun night, a highlight of the spring term, was a hit with both Third Year cadets and older members.

During Autumn Term, we represented the RAF at both the school’s Remembrance Day service

and in Petersfield town centre. Despite the challenge of training a larger section, Fourth and Fifth Year cadets excelled in drilling new recruits and performing complex marching displays.

For the first time, seven cadets attended an RAF residential camp in Inskip, Preston. There, they engaged in shooting, leadership training, paintballing, water challenges, and a day at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. They forged lasting friendships with cadets from across the country; stowaways from Liverpool had to be removed before the journey home, and one of our corporals had to be dissuaded from leaving with the Manchester unit!.

Harvey Gardner Cadet Flt Sgt

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

It has been a busy year for our Bronze Award students, with a record number of 21 teams taking part. Expedition training started in March, with the Third Years being split into two groups; Group A learnt how to navigate using a map, compass, and pacings on Harting Down, and Group B planned the expedition, cooking their lunch on a gas Trangia Stove, putting up a tent, and learning about Emergency Procedures and first aid. They swapped activities on the second day. In the Summer Term, students then trekked their way across the New Forest over two days, carrying everything they needed on their backs, in order to complete the Expedition Section. Luckily, they enjoyed dry, sunny weather, but the recent prolonged wet had created bogs everywhere, some of which were not easy to spot and their boots sunk deeply and vanished! The groups encountered the free-roaming ponies, donkeys, and cattle, and enjoyed the remoteness and views.

This year’s Silver Award straddles two year groups, with the final expedition taking place at the very start of the academic year. In September 2023, a total of 90 Fifth Year students set off on a 3-day Expedition to Exmoor. The weather was kind, but the students were challenged by relentless hills; a physically demanding expedition with some distraction offered by the fine views and clouds of flies! Students were moved out of their comfort zones,

encouraging personal growth and the development of character. Towards the end of the Summer Term, the next year’s cohort headed to the Isle of Purbeck for their Practice Expedition. Fourteen teams of Fourth Years hiked more than 16km for two days in stifling heat, carrying full rucksacks on their backs, and tackling the Purbeck Hills. They camped each night at basic campsites. The teams were treated to sea views and were able to cool their feet in the sea at the end of the expedition.

We are delighted to offer a choice of Expeditions for those hardy students undertaking their Gold DofE award. For our canoeists, unfortunately plans had to change due to the unprecedented levels of rainfall, with many areas witnessing flood levels higher than anything in the last 80 years. Rich Adventures did a great job in adapting the plans so that a successful practice expedition could take place. With the Rivers, Tame and Trent, bursting their banks and covering most of the East Midlands, students paddled on the Trent and Mersey Canal system. However, in the May half-term, teams successfully paddled the River Wye, testing the water quality along the way. Our hikers had better luck. Known to offer a wilder and more isolated hiking experience, the Rhinog mountains delivered challenging terrain for Lower Sixth students on their Practice Expedition in October. This lesservisited area of the Snowdonia National Park proved navigationally tricky as some of the paths were hidden in dense undergrowth and the ground was boggy following recent rain. Although progress was slow, all seven teams

persevered and successfully completed the four-day, four-night expedition.

Their Final Expedition took place in summer half term, but the conditions could hardly be described as summer! Rain and near-freezing temperatures persisted as they ascended mountains, hindered by fog that complicated navigation and obscured views. The terrain was wet and boggy underfoot and this made for slow progress and led to some re-routing and adjustment of camping locations. As the expedition progressed the weather improved, the fog lifted, and the students were able to experience the sense of space and the majesty of the Lake District. Kit and resolve fully challenged, all teams successfully passed the expedition.

Anne Harris

Churcher's College

6916 Hours £36515

OSCA

This year´s intake of OSCA students had their term of after-school activities including: knot tying and lashing to create different structures, climbing, lighting and cooking on open fires, map reading, and orienteering skills. The evening programme culminated in an overnight expedition in the Rother Valley, where they put into practice the skills and knowledge they gained from these evening sessions. Walking in small teams, they covering some 15km and converged at the end of the day at our campsite, just north of Stedham, where they cooked their own pizzas, baked potatoes, popcorn, chocolate bananas, and, of course, s’mores; an enjoyable experience for all involved! Students were also given the opportunity to have a Try Dive Scuba session in the school´s pool, which took place from January to the end of the Summer Term. Additionally, the OSCA programme included a day at Cobnor Outdoor Centre in Chichester Harbour, where students built and raced rafts and paddled canoes and kayaks up the Bosham channel. The programme culminated in a residential trip to the Isle of Purbeck, where students caught local fish species, ascended up the cliffs at Dancing Ledge, and descended off the cliffs into the water in Coasteering sessions. A big well done to the students and staff for a great year!

Pippa Hardistry

Devizes to Westminster Canoe Marathon

Huge congratulations to the crews who represented Churcher’s in this year’s Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race over the Easter weekend, for which they had spent six months training very hard, often in freezing and very wet conditions. The race itself was once again cut short, finishing in Reading, a repeat of 2023, due to incredibly high river levels, which also made conditions extremely tricky but not beyond the paddlers’ ability and determination. A big shout out to our female crews who won the Junior Ladies class! Very well done!

Ten Tors

Of all the challenging outdoor events in Britain today, Ten Tors stands alone in its scale, ambition, and the fact that it is aimed solely at young people. Taking place on Dartmoor every May, it is attempted by 2,400 teenagers in 400 teams of six, navigating routes of 35, 45, or 55 miles and visiting ten nominated tors and check points in under two days. Teams must be selfsufficient, carrying all that they need to complete their route and stay out overnight safely. Two Fourth Year teams took on the 35-mile challenge and one Lower Sixth team attempted the 45-miler. Although the challenge is about completion of the distance within the required time, we are proud to note that two out of our three teams came first in their sections, and the remaining team a respectable 6 out of 16. This is a remarkable achievement: the training programme started in November and increased in complexity, intensity, and duration; the selection process for the final teams is ruthless! In spite of the hardship and blisters, students were able to enjoy the ‘buzz’ of the event, as well as the fine views, sense of space, and wildness of Dartmoor.

Conor Crabb

First Challenge

This year, First Challenge returned to the beautiful country of Norway, and from the moment we touched down in Scandinavia we were immersed in all that this unique setting had to offer; our first night included a sunset walk to a waterfall. However, it’s not called ‘First Challenge’ for nothing, and the pupils were quickly split into groups and given defined roles in areas such as navigation, logistics, medical, and catering. The pupils all returned home quite accomplished chefs, and it’s fair to say we ate like kings!

Our first trek up a waterfall in the rain certainly tested our waterproofs! The granite was very slippery underfoot, and probably provided our toughest challenge of the trip, but we made it to the top and home again with no injuries. The weather was unusually rainy for the time of year and the

rivers in the national park were flooded; sadly, most of our original plans had to be abandoned. However, our leader, who was phenomenal, created a new three-day hike in a different location, really allowing us to go into the wild. We picked bilberries, wood sorrel (heart shaped clover leaves), and even munched on forest ants along the way!

Wild camping was an experience everyone enjoyed, but the highlight for most was the twilight walk to the highest point of the mountain, taking in the breath-taking 360-degree views. We found adders, slow worms, lizards, and even the skull and leg bones of a moose along the way. There was no time to rest though after this demanding journey, and we were straight into a two-day kayak back towards base camp, with an overnight stay on an island in the middle of the river.

White-water rafting was next on the list and this was a lot of fun; we would have happily spent hours riding the waves. The Troll Active base camp itself was excellent and the pupils enjoyed playing football and frisbee. The beach volleyball games until ten at night soon became our routine. Completing the high ropes course and taking on the ‘leap of faith’ completed our adventure… or so we thought! The global cyber security crash meant our flights home were cancelled and we were lucky enough to be able to spend two more days at the site! This really was the trip of a lifetime and the pupils learned a lot about themselves. No doubt they will be talking about it for years to come.

Greg Wilson

Senior Adventure Club

A group of 18 Lower Sixth students showed their appetite for adventure in the Senior Adventure Club challenge - an extended weekend of mountain activities in Snowdonia. Day One saw the team complete a rather wet traverse of Snowdon, avoiding the crowds by approaching over The Horns and descending via the South Ridge, before setting up camp and heading off for a well-earned meal. Scrambling, which according to the British Mountaineering Council, “covers the middle ground between walking and climbing”, was a new experience for most of the students, and one they took to with impressive enthusiasm and ability. Day Two upped the stakes with more challenging routes, such as, the North

of Tryfan and Gribin

of

visiting the famous Cantilever, which several Churcher’s year groups have found to be a lot more securely balanced than it looks! The team moved on from climbing mountains on Day Three, with a morning spent jumping, sliding, and

floating along the Afon Prysor river, an impressive sight as the white water rushed down the beautiful gorge. A very successful and memorable weekend and, hopefully, the first of many such mountain adventures for these intrepid Sixth Formers.

Dr Richard Whittle

Ridge

Ridge

Glyder Fawr,

Surf Trip

In July, 24 students from the Fourth Year to Lower Sixth adventured to Les Moliets, nestled in the pine forests of southern France, for the inaugural Churcher’s Surf Trip. Staying at a campsite just behind the beach, students had the perfect setting to immerse themselves in the outdoors. The highlight of the trip was daily surf lessons in the Atlantic waves, where everyone quickly mastered the art of stand-up surfing. Each day brought new challenges and plenty of fun as the group grew more confident in the waves. In addition to surfing, students enjoyed lively games of beach volleyball under the sun. Back at the campsite, a calmer vibe awaited. The group took part in yoga sessions and ‘Balance and Breathe’ workouts—an excellent way to relax after the active days. Another highlight of the trip was a day spent in San Sebastián, where students strolled the vibrant streets and savoured delicious pinchos, a local favourite. This trip offered an ideal blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Rob Tong

World Challenge

Two years of fundraising, buying equipment, and bonding with teammates passed quickly, and before we knew it, we were heading to Africa – one of the most exciting and diverse continents. With one team bound for Mozambique’s stunning coastline and the other for the savannahs of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), our separate adventures began even before the school holidays started.

Upon arrival, the teams prepared for different challenges. One team embarked on the rugged Lubombo trek, facing tough ascents and enjoying breathtaking views over the Lowveld. The other headed to Mozambique’s white sandy beaches to begin a conservation project, monitoring whale sharks and humpback whales.

Team One had to quickly adapt to the wilderness, shopping for 20 people and cooking over open fires as they embarked on a wild camping expedition. The Lubombo Conservancy, spanning three wildlife

reserves, is home to a variety of animals including baboons, giraffes, zebras, and impalas. Camping in a new location each night, digging latrines, and stargazing under the African sky provided an unforgettable introduction to expedition life. After a few days’ rest, the team began another trek through the Malolotja reserve, a pristine mountain wilderness. The team embraced the opportunity to disconnect from modern life in this remote and serene environment.

Meanwhile, Team Two arrived in Vilanculos, Mozambique, where they were greeted by pristine shores. They spent time engaging with local children and haggling in the vibrant local markets. Their primary mission, however, was to gather data on whale sharks, humpbacks, and other marine life. With guidance from local experts, the team was thrilled to encounter the majestic whale sharks up close. Beach clean-ups and monitoring microplastics became another focus, as they realised the sheer scale of pollution affecting the coastline. Sorting through millions of tiny plastic fragments was a sobering experience, opening their eyes to the challenges facing marine conservation.

As one team left the mountains and the other the coast, both crossed the border into Kruger National Park for an epic safari experience. With the ‘Big Five’ spotted (elephants, buffalo, leopards, hippos, and rhinos) there were some truly awesome moments where the wildlife came within a whisker of us. Giraffes that elegantly loped around the jeeps, curious and unperturbed, and after dark, a chance to see prides of lions prowling in the moonlight made for many amazing ‘Dear Diary’ moments.

Itineraries were then reversed and the groups swapped countries. As the expedition came to an end, emotions ran high. We all walked away having grown ten feet tall, elevated by cultural experiences, time spent with local guides, and mornings spent dozing with warthogs in front of open fires. What an incredible and diverse continent Africa is, and what a truly great adventure we had.

Penny Daniel

Charities

The Charities Committee started the year with the Morocco Appeal, setting up a last-minute collection station for clothing and equipment to be sent out to aid those caught up in the Moroccan earthquake, in September. A van-load full of donations headed over to Morocco through the help of the Alpkit Foundation.

The first of the Charities chosen to support for non-uniform day, was ‘School in a Bag’, who came in with more than 200 bags for the First Year pupils to pack. A production line was set up in the gallery and pupils expertly packed each bag with equipment ready to be sent off to Ukraine. Another nonuniform day followed, in November, for MIND, raising more than £2,000 to support those who struggle with their mental health.

Back by popular demand, the Haunted Library was very busy this year. Dressed to impress, the Committee and several members of staff spent their lunch time jumping out from behind the book shelves to scare students, and, in doing so, raised £160 for BluePrintforAll. This year’s Christmas Jumper Day for Save the Children was bigger than ever, with the Junior School joining us in wearing their Christmas Jumpers on the last day of the term and raising £1,144. Alongside this, the Charities Committee also ran the much-loved ‘Reindeer Run’ for Chestnut Tree House, for the First Years, raising a huge £838.

In the Spring Term, Fifth Year pupil,

Kian N, spoke brilliantly alongside representatives from Action Through Enterprise, a charity based in SubSaharan Africa working to establish community hubs in rural communities. We were thrilled to raise an amazing £2,143 for a charity so close to one of our pupil’s hearts. Our second nonuniform day of the Spring Term raised money for Rural Refugee Network and it was great to have an OC parent to deliver the whole school assembly. The term also saw the return of the Lower School Disco with the theme of neon; the inflatable Helter Skelter, photobooth, sweets, and drinks all run by a team of Lower Sixth students went down a treat, raising £850 for Rainbow Trust.

The Summer Term was just as busy, with the start of term containing a very special day, ‘Wear Something Pink’, in

memory of pupil, Isla Pieri. The day started with 1C taking part in a Dancea-thon, before Isla’s family were shown around the new Pink Garden with plants planted by Isla’s friends, within which is Isla’s Bench. More than £3,500 was raised with all donations going to Shooting Star’s Children Hospices.

The end of year charity afternoon, raising money for Maddy’s Mark, was a huge success, combining a charity fete with a school first, the House Relay Finals. Stalls, organised and run by the team of Lower Sixth Charities Committee, included: Sponge a Teacher, Ice Cream, Coconut Shy, and many more. We raised a huge £3,564.41 for the charity, and it was a wonderful way, in the sun, to end another brilliant year of fundraising.

Annabel Sexton

Community Projects

Path Building

This year, in conjunction with the National Park, students embarked on establishing a new public footpath. This new route connects the Petersfield community with the South Downs National Park Authority’s (SDNPA) Serpent Trail, running along the River Rother behind Penns Place. The goal of the project is to replace the uneven, often muddy terrain with a solid path that’s easier for everyone to use, no matter the season. This is the first stage of a three-year project made possible by a partnership between SDNPA and Churcher’s College.

More than 100 students from the Third Year and Lower Sixth worked for two days under the guidance of teacher, Tony Ostersen, to build the path. The path runs through Tercentenary Wood, which was planted in 2022 as part of the school’s 300th anniversary. While working on the path, students also helped maintain the 1,800 trees, ensuring the wood continues to thrive.

On June 19, Petersfield Town Mayor Councillor, JC Crissey, and Headmaster, Simon Williams, officially opened the first section.

Taking on Butser Hill

In 2023, Churcher’s assumed full responsibility for running the annual Butser Challenge. Founded in 1978 as one of the first major, and toughest, mass runs, this event pre-dated the first London Marathon and was well established before both the Great North Run and Great South Run. It has raised in excess of £200,000 for charities over the years. As ever, it heralds the start of our cross-country year, with junior, intermediate, and senior athletes (as well as some hardy staff) taking on the steep slopes in some rather wet and difficult conditions. It was fantastic to see so many taking part in aid of The New Blendworth Centre, a local charity supporting those with learning difficulties and disabilities.

U3A

Our well-established link with the Petersfield branch of the U3A (University of the Third Age) has continued to thrive. With help from GCSE and A Level students, the visitors carried out experiments on blueprinting and colour pigments with Mr Dunster, light with Mr Unsworth, magnets with Mrs Yates, and a dissection of fish gills to look at the micro-structure under microscopes with Ms Westwood. Our older visitors thoroughly enjoyed the workshops and for some of them this has been their first-ever opportunity to work with Science apparatus, such as microscopes. Initially working with slightly nervous, shaky hands, the visitors were given wonderful help and reassurance by our students, which led to a very positive experience for all.

Development Office

This was a year to build upon all the excitement, nostalgia, and goodwill that had been generated through the amazing celebrations for the 300th anniversary of Churcher’s College.

The inaugural Benefactors’ Reception took place in November, where we thanked more than 70 donors and volunteers from the Churcher’s community who had supported the Richard Churcher Foundation and Development Office activities this year. With a glass of Churcher’s 1722 fizz in hand, guests were treated to superb musical performances from current pupils, and the Headmaster spoke about how our supporters’ contributions can be absolutely life-changing for a bursary recipient, yet the impact goes far wider than that, to benefit the whole school community.

We always want to encourage Old Churcherians to stay connected to the school and to one another, and have been delighted to support an

increasing number of reunions, whether they be at Churcher’s, in Petersfield, or elsewhere.

Senior Old Churcherians gathered for tea in the Gallery, the Class of ‘80 came back to Ramshill for their Covid-delayed 40-year reunion, the Class of ‘04 for their annual football match, whilst the Churcher’s Lecture Theatre was the venue for the 10th anniversary of the Class of ‘11 annual quiz! Twenty-five alumni from the Class of ‘14 celebrated their 10th anniversary at the annual OC Reunion Lunch, and more than 120 leavers from the Class of ‘23, the newest cohort of OCs, were hosted by the Headmaster for the ever-popular Heath Harrison House Drinks.

The Development Office helped the Classes of ‘93 and ‘94 get back together for a night out in Petersfield, and we were delighted to host more than 30 OCs across all the generations for drinks at popular haunt, ‘Annie Jones’. Meanwhile, on the field of play, rugby and water polo were added to

the annual OC sport calendar, with enthusiastic support.

Our fundraising events continue to be well supported, and thank you to everyone who has joined in with the fun! In February, we had a packed room at the Wine and Cheese Tasting, and, in May, a full complement of 72 golfers battled it out in glorious sunshine to try and win the coveted Greenish Jacket at the Churcher’s Golf Day. We were lucky again with the weather for the Foundation Summer Party at the end of June, attended by almost 200 people from the Churcher’s community.

All these events raise vital funds for the Richard Churcher Foundation, which currently supports more than 60 pupils and their families with transformational bursary awards. Thank you very much to everyone who has supported this year.

Nick Smith

Sustainability

This year, sustainability has been at the fore at Churcher’s, evident in several eco-friendly initiatives that have transformed the campus. One of the first features to catch visitors’ attention in summer is the array of colourful wildflowers surrounding the school fields. Championed by the Fourth Year Green Team, the project has expanded significantly, with the wildflowers not only enhancing the beauty of the grounds but also supporting pollinators like honeybees. A one-acre wildflower meadow can produce enough nectar to support up to 96,000 pollinators daily.

Further greenery has been added across the campus with the planting of 10 trees in King Charles Copse and along Love Lane, along with 370 Elaeagnus hedge plants to encourage wildlife. In total, 250 square meters of wildflowers have been planted, and new recycled plastic planters have been introduced, diverting over 30,000 plastic bottles from landfill.

The College’s commitment to renewable energy is evident in its growing network of solar panels. The Goodfield Centre was built with 48 panels, and in 2023, 356 panels were added to the Gallagher Swimming Pool roof. Together, these panels generate 11% of the school’s electricity, preventing 30 tons of CO2 emissions annually. On a November day, 10 representatives from the school ‘Green Team’ were joined on the swimming pool roof by the Headmaster, to declare the solar panels officially active. The solar initiative is a key part of the school’s sustainability strategy, which aligns with the UK government’s 2050 net-zero target. The school plans to continue expanding solar power on its other buildings and is incorporating eco-friendly heat pumps as part of a five-year environmental plan.

Air quality is also a priority at Churcher’s, with our Fourth Year Eco Warriors leading efforts to monitor and improve it. Thanks to the Davis Air Quality Monitor, the school keeps track of air pollution, which generally

remains in the low pollution band according to DEFRA standards. Peaks in air pollution are observed during drop-off times but remain well within safe limits.

In addition to solar power and air quality monitoring, the college has been active in tree planting. After establishing the Tercentenary Wood at Penn’s Place, in 2022, to mark the school’s 300th anniversary, the school has continued caring for the woodland. The care has involved weeding, measuring, tagging, and mulching around the trees we planted with wood chips, trying to starve the weeds of oxygen. Planting a new wood is not easy, and after two years we our noted 45% attrition rate. This is as expected, and our next step is to plant more trees supplied freely from the Woodland Trust.

Transport plays a role in reducing the school’s carbon footprint, with 30% of senior school students using the school bus, and an additional 10% walking or taking the train, reducing hundreds of car journeys.

The College’s efforts extend to energysaving lighting as well. New College is now equipped with LED lighting and motion sensors, in addition to all the external lighting, significantly reducing energy consumption. The All-Weather Pitch floodlights have been replaced with low energy low spill LEDs, saving energy and massively reducing light pollution. These ongoing initiatives reflect our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Staff Departures

Sarah Dixon

1995… that seems centuries ago! Well, in one sense it is, but that is when Sarah Dixon started here as Miss MacDiarmid, Head of Geography Department and the Humanities Faculty; there are few who have been more dedicated to the Churcher’s cause given her contribution to school life over the 29 years leading up to her retirement to the golf course this summer.

Her remarkable understanding of the challenges people face, be they student or teacher, and the empathetic way in which she supported all, was evident from the very first moment she arrived - when the school and Geography was faced with tragic events. Nick Grill, who, at the time, was a recently appointed Deputy Head and a member of the Geography Department, was so tragically killed in 1995 rescuing his son from fast flowing water.

Along with championing Geography over many years, not surprisingly, given her talents, Mrs Dixon was appointed to Senior Teacher (Staff), in 2005. When she applied to Churcher’s, her reference said that she was someone who did not suffer fools gladly but praised her people skills as well. Re-directing the foolish has often been her role here, but something she has done with such calm and tact that people

hardly realise they have been nudged onto a better path. Some claim that Mrs Dixon’s recent finger injury and subsequent operations was because of a repetitive strain injury, given the amount of finger wagging she has to do towards errant teachers and children, but apparently it was as a consequence of trying to calm a runaway horse.

Mrs Dixon was persuaded to move up to Deputy Head (Staff and Extra Curricular Activities) in 2009 to become part of the most successful, highly regarded, and long-lasting Deputy Head triumvirate ever, with Mr Jones and Mr Knowles.

Mrs Dixon wrote in her application letter: “I have an eclectic enthusiasm for all aspects of school life”, a common enough inference in many job applications, but Mrs Dixon is different because it is so true, and she has proved it over the years. She has umpired or been on the side lines of countless matches, arrived at numerous DofE camps to make sure all was in place, applauded so many concerts and plays, and so much more, not to mention that she has been the emergency contact point for every overseas trip - dealing with all kinds of mini-crises, from injury to illness, to lost passports, luggage, and a veritable catalogue of other potential catastrophes.

In 1995, when Mrs Dixon started, the senior school consisted of 576 pupils; as she leaves, it now numbers 1,059, and that extraordinary growth is in no small part down to the success of so many areas of school life where it was very much Mrs Dixon’s finger on the pulse.

Some Old Churcherians may be aware of her rally car-driving moments; the children of today, less so, but, whatever the challenge, Mrs Dixon was always up for it, including the latest - to reach a single figure golf handicap, again!

Sarah Cockerill

To have a world champion on the staff is special, very special indeed, but to have a double world champion is remarkable. The world at large knows about Sarah Cockerill’s first award; along with her husband Steve, owner of Rooster (renowned in the sailing world for everything you might wear or even sail) she triumphed in the RS500 Worlds in the Czech Republic last summer.

The report of their moment of glory appeared in the Yacht and Yachting magazine, and, amongst the stories of the championship, time and time again it seemed to be a case of Steve and Sarah Cockerill (GBR1756) “completing 45 manoeuvres to everyone else’s one so there was going to be no time to relax in the race”.

In Mrs Cockerill’s world there never seems to be much relaxing. As Chemistry teacher, and lately as Director of Studies, she is always on the go, doing more and doing it faster (and better) than anyone else. That is where Mrs Cockerill takes the other, an unofficial, world champion title.

Renowned for the fastest re-write of a timetable, making sure every conceivable box is ticked with an exam schedule, and, year after year, budding chemist after budding chemist comes out on top because Mrs Cockerill always gave everything

to everybody… definitely a champion in the Director of Studies world.

Short-cut, short-change, short-circuit… there isn’t a ‘short’ in Mrs Cockerill’s vocabulary because she would go to the utmost lengths to make sure it worked, and worked well, for everyone. Mrs Cockerill was the queen of the insolvable. Add an extra class, change a room, expand to another set, swap a teacher or a pupil, squeeze quarts into pint pots and she always could and always did do it. Occasionally she might have been demanding in return; recently she did insist that, to cope with our bursting at the seams Sixth Form, we needed more classrooms. We did as we were told and almost overnight a new classroom block appeared next to Ramshill.

Sailing trophies world-wide have Mr and Mrs Cockerill’s mark on them, and so do those Ramshill classrooms, now named the ‘Cockerill Rooms’. You may also notice the rooster weathervane atop one corner of the building, just to make sure Mrs Cockerill’s huge contribution to the school is never forgotten. Much as we have all gained here, we have no doubt Rooster’s profits will double as Mrs Cockerill lends them her extraordinary energy and magic touch!

Conner Handstock

Conner joined the Drama Department in 2021, and instantly became the fun loving, larger-than-life teacher, of whom students became very fond, as he wowed his classes with his energy and enthusiasm. During his short time here, Conner achieved a lot! Not only did he facilitate the KS3 Drama Club, but he was the creative link between the Junior and Senior schools on a ‘Theatre in Education project’, in which our KS3 students were given the opportunity to perform in a production of ‘The Jungle Book’, for our KS2 students. As well as being a key player in Amateur Dramatics himself, Conner is a keen director and took on the

mammoth task of directing our Senior School production, ‘Treasure Island’, even making an appearance himself due to last minute cast illness! Another string to Conner’s dramatic bow, is that of backstage management. During his time here, he worked on several of our productions, leading the backstage crew and taking on the role of Stage Manager, which he executed perfectly! We are sad to see Conner go, but we wish him the very best of luck as he departs Churcher’s to take on his Head of Drama role at Amesbury School.

Helen Parry

After an impressive 19 years at CCJS, Helen is moving on, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, joy, and countless cherished memories. Helen began her journey in the Reception Class as our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) expert, bringing terms like ‘continuous provision’, ‘childinitiated learning’, and ‘holistic pedagogy’ into everyday conversations. Her creativity shone in memorable projects, such as the ‘International Day of Happiness’ video and the popular ‘Red Nose Day’ video, which has garnered 2.2k views. After her time in EYFS, Helen transitioned to Year 3, where she maintained high standards while also focusing on well-being initiatives. She introduced mindfulness practices to Key Stage 2, in 2018, and led the Massage Club, promoting calm and self-care among students. Her humor and straightforward nature touched many of us, with her mindfulness philosophy, FOFBOC (Feet On Floor, Bottom On Chair), becoming a helpful tool for grounding and calming in challenging times. As Helen relocates to the Midlands, we express our gratitude for her 19 years at CCJS. She will be deeply missed, but we wish her all the best in this new chapter of her life.

Jeremy Parker

Jeremy worked as Site Maintenance Manager at the Senior School for more than seven years, dealing with all manner of breakdowns, leaks, fire alarms, preventative maintenance, and, of course, challenges presented by the pandemic. During this time, Jeremy was one of the few members of staff regularly on site keeping the physical school going. He was a skilled and conscientious staff member, and was comfortable repairing, improving, and installing a vast range of equipment across the school. In the Spring Term, he moved on to a new maintenance role in the hospitality sector, and we wish him well for the future.

Crystal Stone

Crystal joined CCJS&N in September 2018 as Head of Music, bringing creativity and positivity to the staff room. Her sense of fun and humor made her a valued colleague. During her first year, Crystal quickly adapted to the challenges of lockdown. She helped run the key worker provision and created engaging home-learning activities. Her recorded music lessons, often featuring her dog, were a hit with students. In the second lockdown, she took on a Form Teacher role within a small ‘bubble’, a unique experience for all involved. Once routines returned to normal, Crystal taught music across the school, from nursery to Year 6. Her interactive

lessons fostered a love of music in all students. She curated highstandard performances, with her Carol Concerts at St Peter’s Church being a notable highlight. She also expanded extracurricular music opportunities, leading choirs, ensembles, and orchestras, and organising trips to music festivals and live performances. Crystal was a collaborative team player, supporting class teachers with assemblies and working closely with the Head of Drama on children’s musical performances. She also managed a team of peripatetic music teachers, coordinating over 100 weekly lessons with skill and organisation. Now a proud mother to Bobby, Crystal works part-time for Portsmouth Music Service, but her bubbly personality is greatly missed at CCJS&N. We wish her well in her new adventures.

Rachel Humphries

As we bid farewell to Rachel, we reflect on the incredible impact she has made in the Art Department. Joining our team three years ago, Rachel immediately became a crucial part of the team, often leading on many initiatives, which helped shape and deliver a vibrant curriculum to inspire creativity in every student. Her dedication and commitment to the arts, and her pastoral care, have been evident daily, and her passion has left an indelible mark on us all. Rachel’s influence extended beyond the classroom. She co-ran the Charities Committee, bringing a deep care for the wider community. Her multifaceted skills, including dress designing, shone through in her creation of the Mother Earth costume, a highlight of the ECO team’s ‘Green Day’. Her innovative touch also elevated the creativity of our Green Team’s displays. In her first year, she also helped design the new staffroom, and ran various art and textiles clubs. Rachel’s popularity among students was evident in her

involvement with the Community Action Service (CAS). When the ECO group chose her to help care for the Tercentenary Wood, they were drawn to her unwavering professionalism and willingness to dive into tasks, even when they required fence vaulting and weeding small saplings. Rachel then became the Assistant Head of House, where her enthusiasm and genuine care for students earned their trust and admiration. She meticulously planned and executed House trips, relaunched the House charity, and always prioritised the happiness of Drake House pupils. Her presence will be sorely missed. Sixth Form Art students have particularly valued Rachel’s dedication and enthusiasm. Her expertise, guidance, and support have been invaluable. We are profoundly grateful for all she has done, and she will be dearly missed by students and colleagues alike.

Skye Angel

For over two wonderful years, Skye has been a cherished member of the Art Department, leaving a positive mark on both staff and students. Her dedication and hard work ensured that everyone had what they needed for lessons. Skye’s flexibility with lastminute changes and her willingness to handle unexpected challenges were appreciated, especially during our busiest times. Skye’s organised and helpful nature has been essential in keeping our team on track. Her presence brought a sense of reliability and cheerfulness. With her positive outlook and readiness to assist, we always felt supported and uplifted. Beyond the daily tasks, Skye meticulously organised materials, kept us compliant with health and safety requirements, and learned new skills to better support our students. She always had a listening ear for colleagues and pupils alike, offering kindness and positivity that provided much-needed consistency

and encouragement. As Skye leaves to focus on supporting her family, we wish her a future filled with joy and success. She will be greatly missed, and we are deeply grateful for everything she has done for us, as both a colleague and a friend, and the happiness she brought to our department.

Judy Stones

Judy has retired from Churcher’s College after nearly 23 years as Reprographics Officer. Always one of the most appreciated members of staff, Judy has been amazing - always happy to go the extra mile and do whatever is asked of her in such a superb and professional way. She always found a way to complete jobs on time and in the required way, often knowing what was actually needed better than the person requesting it! Judy was tasked with such a range of jobs, particularly in exam season, some of which were so complicated they would fill anyone with dread, but she always managed to get them done promptly and without complaint. Whatever the specialist requirements (coloured paper for exams, different sizes, different finishing), Judy always ensured work was done securely and correctly, and so much more efficiently than many schools are used to. She has been a lifesaver for teachers with lastminute requests, a massive support, and a friend to many. Judy’s wider contribution to school life via costume production also deserves recognition, with unforgettable highlights in recent years including ‘Les Misérables’, and ‘Around the World in 80 Days’, along with many more in the fond memory banks of pupils, staff, and parents over the years. Judy will be sorely missed and we wish her well as she embarks on her retirement, spending time with her family at home and overseas.

Conor Crabb

It has been a real pleasure to work with Conor over the past two years, he is always bright and cheerful, with a great sense of humour! A keen watersportsman, Conor has been involved in training students to take part in the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race, with an intense weekly training programme throughout the winter. Conor created the school’s first ‘Surf Trip’ to the west coast of France, and managed the Gold DofE canoeing teams on trips to the River Trent and River Wye. Back on dry land, Conor has been instrumental in delivering and improving the OSCA programme, including their first ‘greenfield’ residential trip, all under canvas! He has improved the school’s climbing wall and increased its use throughout the school by encouraging members of staff to become trained. He has assisted with the GCSE Climbing Course and also run a popular lunchtime climbing club. If all this wasn’t enough, Conor has also helped with Senior Adventure Club, Silver DofE, Bronze DofE, and a ski trip. We will miss Conor very much and send him our best wishes for his future adventures!

Maria Corner

As we wrap up the school year, we also say goodbye to Maria Corner, who has been a vital part of our housekeeping team since September 2020. For four

years, Maria worked tirelessly to keep our school clean, safe, and welcoming, especially during the challenges of the pandemic. Her hard work was always paired with a sense of humour, and she brought smiles to the staffroom daily. One of Maria’s favourite moments was cheering out the Year 6 students as they moved on to new adventures. She found joy in reflecting on their growth and accomplishments, sharing in the pride of their achievements. Despite her busy role, Maria took great satisfaction in knowing her efforts impacted every member of the school community. Now, as Maria moves on to her next role as a Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant, at Hollywater School, we are confident that her kindness, dedication, and enthusiasm will continue to make a difference. While we will miss her dearly, we are excited for this new chapter in her life and wish her all the best in her meaningful new journey.

Sharon Goodbody

As a key member of our cleaning and caretaking team for nearly 11 years, Sharon was a much-loved member of the original ‘Pink Ladies’ and then the ‘Turquoise Team’. She originally worked for Churcher’s when we were still a Boarding School, and then returned a good few years later to join the team again. A very popular member of the team, she was much loved by the Maths Department in New College, who insisted that she follow them in their move to the new Goodfield Building in 2021 to look after them there. Sharon was always willing to help, always very positive, and definitely a fun member of the team, very often the joker. She is now enjoying her retirement with her husband Clive and her grandchildren, and has already been back to visit several times to fill us in on her adventures.

Jonathan may have only been in the Politics and History Department for a short while, but he made an immediate impression and, most likely, a lasting one on those he taught. A stalwart of lower school History and Politics in the Sixth Form, his classes undoubtedly benefitted from his experience, energy, and enthusiasm, as did the CCF and cricket programmes. The added pastoral touch from his many years as a Housemaster meant he always knew how best to motivate his students. He was unfailingly generous with his time for students and staff alike. We will miss his positivity, good humour, and sartorial splendour, but our loss is the Church of England and his congregation’s gain. We have no doubt he will make a fine vicar and wish him all the best with his forthcoming training. He truly is ‘Politics Platinum’.

Val Parrott

In July, we bid farewell to Valerie Parrott after 12 years as our Chemistry technician. Val joined us in 2012, bringing a strong science background, including a BSc in Physiology from Manchester, and a Diploma in Nutritional Therapy. She quickly adapted to the role, streamlining procedures and improving record keeping. Being a Chemistry

Jonathan Harber

Technician requires excellent organization, chemistry knowledge, adaptability, and a sense of humour – all qualities Val consistently demonstrated. Her hard work ensured that practical lessons ran smoothly, and her support was appreciated by all the teachers she worked with. Even when faced with last-minute requests, she handled everything with ease, always maintaining her cheerful demeanour. Over the years, Val worked with 13 teachers, welcoming six new ones and helping them tailor their practical lessons to fit their students’ needs. Her deep

understanding of the curriculum and the department’s workings proved invaluable. Val’s ability to notice issues early and offer wise counsel helped prevent potential problems and kept the department running efficiently. Beyond her day-to-day tasks, Val was especially supportive of colleagues during difficult times. Managing stock, hazardous chemicals, practical requests, and room swaps, all while keeping us in line, Val exceeded expectations. We will miss her greatly and hope she leaves with fond memories of her time here.

David Groves: A Life in Harmony

David Groves served as Director of Music from 1983 until his retirement in 2008, and during that time, he left an indelible mark on the school’s music program. When David started, Churcher’s was a boy’s school with far fewer pupils and he ran the Music Department single handily, teaching classes, piano, and doing all the admin himself with only a handful of visiting instrumental teachers. He expanded the department beyond all recognition, developing a variety of extra-

curricular ensembles, and making it accessible to all. His leadership transformed the Music Department into an established and integral part of the school.

A phenomenal musician in his own right, David was a first-class organist, pianist, and accompanist. His talent and dedication inspired countless students and colleagues. David’s impact extended beyond the classroom; his influence was profound, and there will undoubtedly be many Old Churcherians who owe much of their love and skill in music to his teachings and encouragement. Renowned concert pianist and OC, Richard Saxel, remembers him as, “a fine musician and an exceptional teacher, but also a kind, sensitive, and dedicated man. [His] teaching was always couched in kindness and illuminated by his capricious sense of humour”.

Helen Purchase, who worked closely with David for 15 years, also remembers him as a man with a great sense of humour and a kind, supportive nature. He taught many of the pupils piano, nurturing their musical abilities and providing them with the confidence to pursue music, whether professionally or for personal

enjoyment, encouraging a steady stream to read Music at university.

David’s wife, Helga, also had made a significant contribution to the school, teaching maths for nearly 25 years. Together, they were a part of the fabric of the school community for decades.

One of David’s lasting contributions was the development of a yearly calendar filled with opportunities for students to perform, ensuring that music became a central and celebrated part of school life. He was keen to promote music outside of Churcher’s College in the community and beyond; David developed the first ever music tour abroad to the music school in Petersfield’s twin town of Barentin and formed an exchange programme of yearly trips. This tradition continues today, with a forever-growing number of musicians visiting various European destinations.

His tenure as Director of Music was pivotal in shaping the thriving Music Department that exists today. Under his guidance, the department became a cornerstone of school life, offering opportunities for students to explore their musical passions.

Remembering Geoffrey Buttle

With the passing of Geoffrey Buttle, Churcher’s has lost part of its history. Taking on the mantle of the headship in September 1988, Geoffrey guided the school through a period of significant change. His was an era characterised by the introduction of co-education and of significant investment in the school infrastructure. It saw the evolution of the school’s curriculum in its fullest sense - from academia to the extracurricula - and a navigation of Churcher’s College as an independent school through numerous changes in national education policy.

When Geoffrey came to Churcher’s in 1988, he was ably joined by his wife Jeanette, who made her own impact in the History and English Departments. Together, they made a home of the College, and brought up their son Tom, who himself went through the school. They would spend 16 years at Churcher’s, finally retiring in 2004 and moving up to Froxfield - to enjoy extensive world travels and time with family.

Those who attended the school, or whose children were present, in the era 1988-2004 will surely regard it as a period of great progress from the Churcher’s that preceded it. Geoffrey’s vision for the school was bold, but as always with his approach, practicable. The transition to co-educational status, and from boarding to a day school, being landmarks. We could also fill the rest of this edition with an architectural history of the College. But we can perhaps neatly summarise the key achievements to include: the development of New College, the building of the Sports Hall, the acquisition of Moreton House as Churcher’s College Junior School, the new Library, the new Science facility & Lecture Theatre, and the establishment of the new Junior School site in Liphook.

Much change is portrayed in such a short paragraph, but this belies the constant effort required to achieve so much. In planning, financing, minimising disruption, and maximising opportunities, together with envisioning the future of the school, such that it would benefit all who attended. Indeed, it can be easy in times of turbulence for standards to slip, but under Geoffrey’s leadership, the positivity of the school culture was extended - the promotion of respect for all; a desire to strive for excellence; a belief in strong character; a place for everyone to thrive.

As Headmaster, he was recognised as a man of relentless drive and enthusiasm. Putting the success and reputation of the school second only to the service of the children who attended it. As a result, pupil numbers flourished, which in turn opened new

opportunities for development and expansion. Chloe Jay (née Osborn) (01), remembers his ethos to this day:

“I had the pleasure of weekly chats to Mr Buttle as Head Girl and I have warm memories of chocolate cake and words of encouragement at an important point in my life. I can also attest to the fact girls were not spared from ‘the handshake’!

“The thing I will remember most however was the Edison quote with which he led many an assembly - ‘Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.’ It has stayed with me all my life and was symptomatic of the ‘growth mindset’ that infused the school and what he stood for.”

Those who spent time with Geoffrey recognised him as a man of principles. A fierce integrity, and fearless in his

conviction. Someone who, when he set his mind to something, saw it through. He always held himself to account, and held others to the same high standards. But such qualities only have value in a school environment if they manifest in the wellbeing of the pupils. His fundamental belief was in creating opportunity for others, a trait reflected upon by Jim Bonney (96):

“Geoffrey Buttle is synonymous with my journey through Churcher’s. His presence and persona shaped my experiences in so many ways, his example endures in my memory and no doubt my particular life experiences have been well supported by the foundations he and his staff laid all those years ago.”

Geoffrey’s ‘presence’ in a room was also something that left a lasting impression. A physically imposing individual, he nonetheless exuded a fundamental interest in people, and a care that might not be expected of a former rugby prop forward, as Ben Martin (01) remembers:

“To be simultaneously commanding and warm is an uncommon balance, but Mr Buttle unquestionably had it. His presence extended to silencing a sports hall full of teenagers with a smile and a hand gesture, without ever needing to raise his voice.”

Despite his imposing frame and unquestionable gravitas, his kindness was immediately apparent, even as a somewhat terrified 11-year-old being asked to spell ‘yacht’ in an entrance interview. And it was never superficial

providing a rounded education, and this remains deeply embedded in our culture today. It’s an experience that played an important part in James Martin’s (01) time at the College: “It’s impossible to talk about Mr.

Buttle without mentioning rugby. He was a gentle giant of a man. But the firmness of his handshake and the knowledge that his own rugby career took him around some of the notoriously toughest pitches of the North East always gave the impression that, if you ended up at the bottom of a ruck with him during his playing days at Durham or Hartlepool Rovers, you’d definitely have wanted to be on his team rather than the opposition.

“Despite always maintaining a statesmanlike presence on the sidelines, his passion for supporting the school’s teams was very obvious, and there were at least a couple of games where it would have been handy to bring him on to help us with a rolling maul down the sloping corner of Headmaster’s Field before they levelled it out. In rugby and beyond, one of Mr. Buttle’s greatest gifts was to inspire people to be the best they could be, whether it was academically, artistically, or hammering out a narrow victory on a muddy pitch.”

Geoffrey was not a man who looked for praise. The fulfilment of the pupils who attended the school was his motivation and reward. The messages shared with the College since his passing have reflected the profound impact he had on the lives of many. And we know there are very many more who share those experiences. For Geoffrey, that would have been the greatest testament to his legacy.