After Puffins’ class assembly, we invited parents into our classroom and the children LOVED sharing their favourite books and stories with their families, as well as showing them around the classroom.
Arthur's favourite Colour Monster is yellow!
Taking care of the baby Taking it easy!
Using chopsticks for Chinese New Year
Painting to show ‘longer and shorter’
Bird watching
Music
After the buzz of Christmas Nativities and ‘An Inn-Spector Calls’, the Autumn Term ended with a Carol Service to remember, featuring some members of the school chamber orchestra. Across the school, children have been participating and performing with grit and determination in an array of different music ensembles throughout the week. With the new music block installed, the new keyboard club has seen duets and trios take shape for assembly performances. On top of our successful Tea-Time Concert series, we have been blessed with the arrival of a brandnew class set of ukuleles open to all year groups. Outside of the classroom, as our music groups are growing in size, Bois Beatz and Jazz Band have specifically grown from strength to strength.
Year 1
Creating Moving Pictures
Year 1 had an exciting time exploring sliders and learning how they can make pictures move in a book. They worked together to create their own interactive story, using sliders to bring their ideas to life. Once finished, they proudly shared their books with Reception children, who loved the moving pictures and creative storytelling!
Real Life Science
Helping Father Christmas
Year 1 used their aerial view maps of the school to locate Father Christmas’s lost elves. Luckily, they found them all and they returned safely to the North Pole.
What will make a boat travel faster? How can we move Father Christmas’ heavy sleigh? How do polar animals keep warm? What material will keep our class squirrels warm in Antarctica? Will a snowman melt faster or slower with a coat on? As budding scientists, the children have asked many exciting questions and had great fun testing them out to find answers!
Fun with Maths
The children have been using equipment to help them understand numbers and mathematical concepts. They worked with counters, number lines, ten frames, and cubes to solve problems and deepen their learning. Through hands-on activities, they built confidence in their maths skills and enjoyed discovering new ways to work with numbers.
Bookworms!
The children in Year 1 love books! They enjoy finding a quiet space and choosing a book to share with friends or one of our soft classroom buddies. They particularly enjoyed acting out The Gigantic Turnip and writing their own stories.
Understanding Different Faiths
In Year 1, children have been learning about different faiths, with particular focus on beliefs, celebrations, artefacts, and buildings.
Year 2
A Christmas Truce
During World War One, German soldiers and Allied forces called a truce and played football together on Christmas Day. In the classroom, Year 2 had the opportunity to reenact this touching moment in history.
Winchester Science Centre
Year 2 had an amazing trip to the Winchester Science Centre! They had a wonderful time learning about our solar system in the planetarium. The slime-making workshop was the perfect way to end a fantastic day!
Christingles
To celebrate the festive season, the children created their own Christingles. They demonstrated a strong understanding of the symbolism behind this Christian tradition and were eager to take them home and share them with their families.
A Visit to Bramshott Church
As part of their Remembrance Day observances, Year 2 visited Bramshott Church. There, the children explored the war memorials and graves of those who lost their lives during World War One.
Fun with Slime!
After learning about non-Newtonian fluids, Year 2 had great fun playing with cornflour slime and were surprised with how it reacted to different forces.
Making Ice Cream
Using only ice cubes, salt, and flavoured milk, the children had lots of fun creating their own ice cream. The end result was worth all the effort!
Tag Rugby Festival
On Friday, 7 February we welcomed St Hilary’s School for a tag rugby-filled afternoon of fun. Children from both schools made a cold afternoon feel much warmer, with their excellent speed and agility to avoid being tagged, which resulted in lots of brilliant tries! There was also excellent teamwork on display, which meant that all children were thoroughly involved in taking tags, and supporting their team mates. We were very proud of the way they all played, and how well they welcomed St Hilary’s children to match tea, making new friends along the way. Well done, Year 2!
LAMDA Success
LAMDA students in Years 5 and 6 have been rewarded with another bumper crop of exam results, with all 29 children taking the exam receiving DISTINCTIONS! Well done, everyone!
Masked Fun
Children in Year 6 have been having fun using some Trestle Theatre masks. They have been learning all about physical theatre and using their body to convey emotion, and having lots of fun in the process!
Poetry Club Winners!
In November, 12 children from Year 6 won the Holme Grange Poetry Competition. They performed Ian Serrailier’s spooky poem, ‘The Visitor’, and took their audience on a chilling journey. The judge, poet, and 'big beard wearer', AF Harrold, was particularly impressed and he awarded them top marks! Well done!
Rock Detectives
The children were given the opportunity to step up as rock detectives observing the properties of rocks, considering how they were formed. It was tricky, but, after some research, many were able to identify if a rock is igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary. These proved to be important skills for their next lessons as they learnt to be petrologists.
Science Fair
The Christmas Science Fair allowed the children to show us what they have learnt about magnets and forces, whilst having fun in the process! The year group split into groups to make a plethora or games and stalls for one another to play, all incorporating magnets as either a way of catching, moving, or selecting an object. The Christmas theme added an extra bit of excitement and a competitive design element to the games meant everyone was trying their best to listen and learn new rules and engage with science.
Investigating Magnets
Year 3 continued to investigate magnets in science lessons, providing an opportunity to practice teamwork and cooperation. They enjoyed a range of challenges and investigations to see how different magnets work effectively, including through water and a range of different materials.
Inputting directions to get the beebots to move around the map
Preparing for the Year 3 drama showcase
Year 4
Art Gallery Visit
During the second half of the Autumn Term, Year 4 went on a fascinating trip to an art gallery in Southampton. The children were rivetted as the staff explained the details of three different paintings and one sculpture in the main exhibition rooms. They also made wire heads and decorated them, in a wonderful hands-on workshop.
Campfire Fun
A highlight of the term for Year 4 was their exciting campfire experience! The children learned fire craft, roasted marshmallows, and created tree spirits out of clay. They also planted daffodil bulbs and are looking forward to seeing them bloom next spring. It was a wonderful day filled with creativity, teamwork, and outdoor fun!
Science in Action
In science, the children had fun exploring how sound waves travel. Using tuning forks, they saw vibrations in action—dipping them in water created ripples and placing them near rice made the grains jump! This showed how sound moves through different materials by transferring energy. They also became secret agents by making string telephones! With two cups and a tight string, they whispered messages across the room, proving that sound energy can travel through solids. These hands-on experiments helped the children see, hear, and even feel sound in action, making learning exciting and memorable!
Trip to Butser Ancient Farm
As part of their Roman topic, Year 4 started the Spring Term with a chilly but dry trip to this historic site. Roman maths and jewellery making, a villa tour, and an archaeological dig were some of the highlights, all in the stunning setting of the South Downs. Spending the whole day outside learning about the Romans was highly rewarding for all.
The Living Rainforest
Studying rainforests in Geography in the Autumn Term, Year 4 had the opportunity of almost visiting the real thing! An outing to The Living Rainforest, gave all the children the chance to see the plant life, feel the humid weather conditions and experience some of the wildlife at close proximity. The elusive sloth was even spotted by many. A very exciting and educational day.
House Cross-Country
The cross-country season began with the annual Iron Hill run, where athletes from Years 3 to 6 tackled a tough 5.8km course at an average 5:24 pace. Next, a squad competed at St Edmund’s, braving steep hills and strong opponents. Churcher’s excelled, winning the Year 5 boys’ and girls’ events and the Year 6 boys’ event, with the Year 5 girls scoring an impressive 13 points. In the Highfield and Brookham meet, pupils faced challenging terrain but delivered outstanding performances. The Year 4 girls secured second place, while the Year 5 boys and girls claimed third, competing against 11 schools.
Frosty's Festive Challenge
What an uplifting and joyful day it was, with every child in the Junior School and Nursery coming to play on the gym apparatus to complete Frosty’s trio of challenges to prepare for Christmas. Chopping the trees, packing Santas’s sack, and herding the reindeer kept everyone busy! And the fun had only just begun, because, outside, the air was filled with snow as the children cooled off after all their physical exertion!
U10 Rugby Festival
Churcher's A and B teams competed in a full-contact rugby tournament at Boundary Oak on 6 February, eager for victory. Facing teams from St Edmunds, Boundary Oak, Oakwood, Sherborne House, and Ryde, both squads played with pride and determination. Highlights included a 5-2 win over Boundary Oak and a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Oakwood, cut short due to injury. Parents and staff were impressed by the teams' unity and spirit. Players of the match were Charlie W for the Bs and Toby J for the As, both deserving their accolades for outstanding performances.
Year 3 Swimming Gala
What a fantastic morning at the Year 3 Swimming Gala! Our young swimmers showcased skill, passion, and sportsmanship, giving their all in every race. Their determination and teamwork were truly inspiring. In the house standings, Arun placed fourth, Rother third, Hamble second, and congratulations to Meon for taking the top spot! Special recognition goes to our individual medallists: bronze for Catherine and Charlie, silver for Rosie and William, and gold for Grace and Isaac with their incredible speed. Well done to all our swimmers for their dedication and achievements!
U10 Oakwood Netball Tournament Winners
Year 5
Arthur and the Golden Rope
Year 5 have been using the magnificent tale 'Arthur and The Golden Rope' as a basis for their English learning. This has been a great opportunity to delve into the mythical, magical, and sometimes a bit scary, world of the Vikings.
Young Shakespeare Company
The Young Shakespeare Company came to visit Year 5 and shared with them a modern interpretation of Shakespeare’s 'Hamlet'. The children were captivated by the story and treachery, as well as taking any opportunity to get involved!
Campfire and S'mores!
To complement our work in English, Year 5 joined Mr Forbes for a wonderful, mindful campfire afternoon with some runes carving into chalk, as well as the obligatory hot chocolates and s’mores.
Science: Our Bodies
This term’s science focus has been all about us! This has included exploring our bodies, and how we stay healthy, including the heart’s role in pumping blood and nutrients around our bodies. This gave us a fantastic idea: making blood! We also explored the impact exercise has on our hearts and why our they beat faster when we exercise.
Recreating the Battle of Bosworth
The Mary Rose Comes to Life!
Year 5 visited The Mary Rose Museum at the Historic Dockyard. The children learnt all about the experiences of the crew on the ship and got to handle some real-life artefacts in a fascinating workshop, as well as spending some time exploring the museum. The highlights had to be seeing the actual ship and the magnificent 4D experience.
Healthy Eating
Year 5 were paid a visit by a nutritionist from Sodexo, who supply all our delicious school meals. They explained the importance of a healthy diet and the difference between processed and whole foods.
Learning About Fairness
In RE, Year 5 have been exploring the notion of justice, examining different scenarios and deciding whether or not there has been an injustice, if so, by who, and what we can do to overcome injustices.
Year 6
Survival Swimming
Year 6 wore their pyjamas for their personal survival training. They practiced treading water, conserving body heat when in the water, using random objects for flotation, and entering the water safely.
Poppy Appeal
In preparation for Remembrance Day, Year 6 managed the sale of poppies and other merchandise to the rest of the school. All of the children were involved, taking it in turns to manage the boxes and raise money for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
First Aid
Dr Parker reviewed common first aid scenarios with the children, who enjoyed, among other things, the handson experience of administering bandages and putting people in the recovery position.
Adventurous Activities
Biennial Inspection
On 19 November, the CCF had its biennial review, conducted by Lt Col. Alex Rivett, an Old Churcherian and former cadet. The morning comprised a formal inspection on the parade square, where the reviewing officer inspected and spoke to cadets, and a whole contingent march past to a medley of martial music performed by the wind band. Following lunch, Army Section Fifth Years and NCOs demonstrated a section attack with blank firing and pyrotechnics between Headmaster’s and First Fields. During the afternoon, the reviewing party and guests were able to tour a carousel of cadet training activities. The Royal Navy showcased field gun drills, knots, and a virtual battleship, the Army conducted skill at arms training, air rifle shooting, and fieldcraft, and the RAF flew sorties on the simulators, directed blindfolded drone pilots, and solved aircraft logistics puzzles. The day finished with a closing parade and an address from Lt Col Rivett, with tea and cake.
Scuba Diving
More than 140 OSCA pupils have taken part in PADI Try Dives in the school pool with Triton Scuba. Oscaneers have thoroughly embraced the challenge of facing their fears and breathing underwater for the first time. In these sessions they are taught how to recover a lost regulator, buoyancy skills, and the skill everyone finds most testing - clearing their mask if it floods. Everyone has successfully and confidently completed these skills, and by the end of the session they could be seen whizzing around the pool on underwater scooters! What a great experience, well done to everyone for giving the new experience a go!
OSCA Spring Update
Spring expedition evenings are in full swing! Pupils built and raced chariots, tested tsunami tripods, constructed a working trebuchet, and honed orienteering skills for their upcoming Rother Valley expedition.
Devizes to Westminster: Training Update
DW spring training is off to a great start, the students have completed their longest paddle yet on the Basingstoke Canal. In February, the team competed in Waterside A, a 13.5-mile course from Great Bedwyn to Newbury and the first warm-up race for the DW event itself. The teams all worked really hard and completed the course in under three hours. The team really enjoyed the race experience and all finished smiling. Well done team!
Drama & Dance
West Side Story
This year’s Senior Production transformed Petersfield's Festival Hall into a vibrant 1950s New York. This impressive showcase of student talent rivalled professional productions worthy of the West End. Cecily M delivered a nuanced Maria, creating a powerful dynamic with Max C's vulnerable Tony; their duets were spine-tingling! Beatriz J shone as Anita, and Raph C captivated as Riff, while Will L's energetic Bernardo and Ottilie M's delightful Anybodys also impressed. Angus C and the Jets’ comedic ‘Gee, Officer Krupke!’ provided humour amidst the tragedy. The sophisticated choreography, especially ‘America,’ was a highlight, performed effortlessly by the dedicated cast. The live band expertly navigated Bernstein's complex score. The backstage and technical crews' imaginative lighting, costumes, and set were equally impressive, and the intricate finale showcased the cast's skill, conveying the musical's message of love and tolerance with maturity and commitment.
Panto Week
Usually, the month of January is all doom and gloom... but not for our First Year pupils, who had the pleasure of taking part in our annual Panto week… oh yes, they did! In total, 147 students performed in front of their peers, and the most exciting part was that they got to direct the performances themselves! There was singing, dancing, costumes, props, and, above all, lots and lots of laughter! A huge well done to our entire First Year Drama for such a fantastic event.
Christmas Dance Showcase
The annual Christmas Dance Showcase gave a range of students a chance to perform solo, as a duet, or in their usual groups. On display were solos in many different styles, tap, contemporary, jazz, ballet and street. The group numbers included a medley of songs from The Greatest Showman, which showcased all our individual groups as well as coming together at the end. Miss Clements choreographed a contemporary number to Disturbia, along with hits from Shrek, Encanto, Flashdance, and more.
Drama Masterclasses
Second and Third Year Drama students recently participated in two inspiring workshops, showcasing their creativity and theatrical skills. Older students attended an annual devising masterclass, where they created original theatre from a single stimulus, exploring various styles from politically charged pieces to light-hearted comedy. Their work highlighted their ability to think innovatively. Meanwhile, the Second Year students took part in a workshop with theatre practitioners, The Paper Birds, renowned for their Verbatim Theatre techniques. They explored the theme "Home to Me...", by creating exaggerated characters and movement sequences inspired by real people’s words. Both workshops provided enriching experiences, equipping students with valuable skills for their future Drama lessons.
The Play of the Silver Sword
In December, 45 young performers from the First to Third Year brought 'The Play of the Silver Sword' to life in a captivating adaptation of Ian Serraillier’s 'The Silver Sword'. The Assembly Hall became wartime Europe as the audience followed a Polish family's harrowing journey through World War II. With themes of courage, resilience, and family, lower school students delivered a mature and emotional performance. Simple staging, expressive acting, and a heartfelt narrative made this production an unforgettable experience. Huge congratulations to the cast and all involved in making 'The Play of the Silver Sword' a triumph.
A VIP Guest!
Students involved in the play all had the privilege of meeting Helen Serraillier, daughter of the author, Ian Serraillier, who came backstage after the second show and told them all, “My father would have loved this!” Meg S, who played Captain Greenwood, said, “It really was wonderful that she came to watch, all these years after her father first wrote the book. We all agree that it was a real privilege to perform to her.”
Competition Highlights
ARTiculation Prize
After two very successful internal rounds, Cecily Morrogh in the Lower Sixth was chosen to represent the school at the third round of the national ARTiculation public speaking prize, run by the Coulthard Institute. Participants were asked to present on a specific piece of artwork and speak for ten minutes to their audience. Cecily did exceptionally well, with guest judge Verity Babbs congratulating her on her brilliantly researched talk, and a professional and fascinating speech. Well done to Cecily on her high level of research and ability to present the work with such confidence. She is now invited to join the Articulation Alumni Network.
UK Space Design Final
On the weekend of 8-9 March, Churcher’s 10-strong team competed in the UK Space Design Competition National Finals at Imperial College. Having won their heat in the Autumn, they were tasked with designing a mining operation in the asteroid belt with a 450-person human settlement. From 9am Saturday to 8am Sunday, Sapien Industries, in conjunction with six other schools, created a proposal that impressed judges, particularly for using zero-g technologies. The team finished as runners-up, and Jess M earned a special award for her leadership and communication skills. All ten team members now have a chance to be selected for the UK Team who will travel to the International Space Settlement Competition in Florida this summer.
Success at SATRO
A combined Third and Fourth Year team excelled in the SATRO Engineering Problem Solving Challenge, achieving a record-breaking score in a challenge that tested construction and problem-solving skills. Their performance, demonstrating exceptional teamwork, creativity, and physics knowledge, surpassed all previous heat scores, drawing an audible gasp from the audience! The college's Second Year and Lower Sixth teams also participated, with the younger team securing a commendable third place. The event highlighted the students' engineering capabilities and their ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical challenges.
CyberFirst Girls Competition
The CyberFirst Girls Competition, organised by the National Cyber Security Centre, aims to inspire girls interested in technology to pursue a career in cyber security. Each team, consisting of up to four girls in Year 8, tackle challenges from cryptography and logic to artificial intelligence and networking for the chance to be crowned cyber security champions. This year, Churcher’s girls performed brilliantly and after ten days of code breaking, The Cyber Sisters (Georgia/Grace) picked up the most points, closely followed by Team Cyber (Charlotte/Isobel), coming a respectable 41st in the country; a super effort, especially considering they were competing in a competition aimed at the year above.
Debating Competition
The Lower School Debating Society took part in the annual Oxford School's debating competition in January. The competition is run in the style of British Parliamentary debates. Students do not know the motion or their role and position until 15 minutes before the start. The students performed superbly and received some excellent feedback from the judges. The debates included, "This house would ban social media for children under 16", and, "This house believes the government should pay housewives and husbands for their work".
Code Quest
Breaking News! Lockheed Martin’s annual Code Quest competition saw student teams clash in an electrifying coding showdown at the Havant office, on 1 March. Fifteen Fifth Year and Lower Sixth computer science students battled it out, powered by an avalanche of snacks, drinks, and 150 pizzas! In a thrilling finish, the Raiders team of Max M, William P, and Thomas P secured third place and a trophy in the novice category, with 130 points! Tempest followed in fourth, while Team Galaxy claimed fifth. In the advanced category, Team Falcons soared to ninth place. With more than 40 teams competing, Team Churcher’s delivered a stellar performance—a true testament to their coding prowess!
Rotary Young Writer's Competition
Hot off the press – we have just been notified that Charlotte G (First Year) and William G (Fourth Year) have won the local round of the Rotary Young Writers competition, and will therefore go forward to the next round! Their entries, on the topic of ‘Wonderful Water’, evidently impressed the judges in each of their respective categories. Well done to William and Charlotte, and best of luck in the next (district!) round!
ESU Success
Before Christmas, Churcher’s got off to a flying start in Round One of the English Speaking Union’s Public Speaking Competition, with both our teams progressing to the branch final. Competing against seven other teams, with four progressing to the next round, Churcher’s did well to secure two places. Ottie M and Emilia S both performed powerful speeches on the topics of injustice and power, and then fielded questions from the other schools with great composure. Our Chairs, Phoebe M and Scarlet O-W, showed great command of the proceedings, working with speakers from other schools. Our interrogative pair, Thomas P and Felix S, asked a range of probing questions to cement the team’s success.
Sixth Form
Futures Breakfast
On 6 December, we had our final ‘Coffee, Croissants and Careers’ breakfast networking event of the year. Having covered engineering and finance in our previous events, this focussed on roles away from the more ‘traditional’ careers and featured volunteers from a wide range of exciting roles, from a vicar to running the Orient Express, and marketing to charity fundraising, garden design, and the food and retail sectors.
Women of the Future
Eight Lower Sixth girls attended the Women of the Future Ambassadors Programme at Lord's Cricket Ground. Themed Your Future, Your World, the event featured inspiring talks from trailblazing women, encouraging bold career choices. After networking activities, founder Pinky Lilani delivered an inspiring address. Students then engaged with more than 100 professionals across industries including art, construction, medicine, and insurance, gaining valuable insights. The event proved inspiring, leaving the girls excited about their future careers.
Networking Evening
On the evening of 27 February, school held a very well-attended and successful Lower Sixth networking evening, with more than 70 volunteers supporting the event. Despite a few students looking a little nervous initially, they quickly relaxed and started reaping the benefits… thanks to the support and energetic engagement of the volunteers. The proof of this came at 8pm, when there was no mass exodus; conversations continued until their natural end, and students ebbed away slowly, full of high praise for the experience and a new confidence in their networking skills.
Magistrates Court Visit
Churcher’s has seen a significant rise in participation in its Magistrates’ talk and Court visit programme, growing from 12 to mor than 70 students in the past decade. The programme begins with a talk at the school, led by Magistrates, featuring a quiz and case study discussions. Students then visit the Court, exploring different courtroom roles. Beyond potential legal careers, the programme deepens understanding of fairness, justice, and societal challenges, leaving students reflective and appreciative of the legal system’s humanity.
An Introduction to Insurance
On 29 January, Lower Sixth girls visited Beazley’s London Head Office, hosted by Women of the Future. They learned about insurance, risk areas, and career roles before tackling a case study with Beazley volunteers. In the afternoon, they visited RSA Insurance, hearing insights from female Heads of Department. The experience left them inspired by the diverse world of insurance.
Chemistry Breakfast
On 21 February, Churcher’s joined the global IUPAC Women’s Breakfast to promote inclusivity in chemistry. Seventy Sixth Form students enjoyed breakfast while discussing gender representation from A Level to senior research roles. A quiz on female scientists, won by Evan, celebrated their contributions. While Churcher’s maintains a balanced A Level gender ratio, discussions highlighted declining representation in senior positions. The event emphasized the need for continued efforts to ensure equal opportunities for female chemists.
Captains Featured in Top Education Magazine
School Captains, Maddie and Max, and Deputies, Sophia and Toby, have featured in the latest edition of School House magazine. They expressed pride in serving as positive role models, and gratitude for the leadership opportunities, highlighting their diverse contributions, from mentoring and school council representation to musical performances and CCF leadership. Each warmly praised their Churcher's experience and the supportive community. Beyond academic success and university aspirations, they emphasized the school's impact on their personal growth, nurturing their love for sport, music, performance, and duty. We wish them well in their promising futures.
HEADS OF SCHOOL
Six The Musical!
Lower and Upper Sixth historians headed to this dazzling display of Henry VIII’s six wives reclaiming their place in the historical narrative. Whilst anachronistic, and at times bizarre, it was enjoyable to be part of, as they recalled their Year 7 Tudor lessons. Clearly the dancing at the end meant they had a lot of fun!
Economics Conference
Film Award Second Place
Our last issue of Focus went to print just as a Sixth Form team from Churcher’s were announced as the runners up in the prestigious short film competition held by the Young Film Academy. ‘Handbag Heist’ was lauded by renowned composer, Ilan Eshkeri ("Kick-Ass"). Eshkeri praised the film's "wonderful performances", the deceptively difficult slapstick comedy, "fantastic" music, and "brilliant catchy title." The film was selected from more than 1,000 entries, representing 10,000 students and 150 schools, and judged by leading UK film professionals. The students should be thoroughly proud of their achievement!
Upper Sixth economists attended a London conference featuring influential speakers on key economic issues. Ed Balls discussed growth strategies, Hugh Pym examined NHS healthcare challenges, and Paul Johnson analyzed UK fiscal policy. Madeleine Sumption explored immigration’s economic impact, while Tim Harford discussed Keynes and Fisher. Grace Blakeley critiqued free markets, Mark Littlewood advocated lower taxes, and Kate Raworth emphasized sustainable growth. The event provided valuable real-world insights, enhancing students' understanding and preparing them for future academic and professional pursuits.
Law Society
Law Society has been in full swing this year. We have been pleased to welcome Churcher's parent, Jenna Robinson, who, during several lunch times, has spoken on various topics: what a law degree entails, the legalities of the recent Israel-Palestine ceasefire, and aggression. It’s also been wonderful to hear students presenting. Iris B, Ruby C, and Tishie N spoke about the International Courts of Justice after their attendance at a lecture at LSE. Alice F spoke about Shari’a law and Amy H presented on whether misogyny should be reclassified as a hate crime, which was the subject of her EPQ.
Maddie Gay, Max Cropley, Sophia Farmer & Toby Medley
Geography History
A Journey to Antarctica
Fifteen students attended a lecture on ‘A journey to Antarctica - Ice, Ice Shelves and Sea Level Rise’, at the Midhurst Society in November, delivered by OC Dr Peter Davis of the British Antarctic Survey. Peter was recognised in 2023 as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by TIME Magazine. He spoke on the importance of Antarctica to global climate, the science of ice shelves and ice instability, the challenges of undertaking fieldwork in extreme isolation and cold, and the findings of his research into the water column conditions and behaviour below the Thwaites Glacier in Western Antarctica. This was an excellent lecture, striking the difficult balance between geographic interest, technical explanation and audience accessibility. Everyone left the hall awed and inspired.
Relgion & Philosophy
HERO day
In September, Fourth Year and Lower Sixth students had the opportunity to visit the Tate Modern in London, where they explored collections that enriched their understanding of modern art and encouraged new approaches to their own work. The students engaged with themes of objects and experimental drawing, by viewing iconic displays of paintings, sculptures, and largescale installations from artists such as Pablo Picasso, Yayoi Kusama, and Henri Matisse. The visit included time in the famous Turbine Hall and a venture into the underground Tanks – a unique space dedicated to live art performances and video installations.
Mock Wedding
Sylvie got her Shay in the big wedding of the year! It included prayers, hymns, exchanging rings, signing the marriage certificate, cake, drinks, and all the trimmings. Sadly, in the next lesson the topic was Christian teachings on divorce. Oh dear! R&P, like life, is a roller coaster!
Holocaust Memorial Day
Fourth Year students commemorated Holocaust Memorial Day with a live webcast featuring Mala Tribich's harrowing testimony. Mala recounted her experiences from 1939, beginning with her family's deportation to a Polish ghetto, where she lost her mother and sister who were taken to the forest and murdered. Forced into slave labour, she was later separated from her father and brother, enduring Ravensbrück, and 10 weeks later, the horrific conditions of Bergen-Belsen, where she contracted typhus. After three months, she was transported to Sweden, spending nearly two years there. Believing her family lost, she was astonished to receive a letter from her brother, Ben, in England – the sole surviving member of her immediate family. Her powerful story served as a poignant reminder of the Holocaust's atrocities.
Churches and Cathedrals
GCSE R&P students explored diverse faith perspectives on two trips. In Winchester, they compared the historic cathedral with the evangelical Christ Church, discussing differing beliefs, including evolution. A Petersfield tour highlighted community-focused religion, visiting St. Laurence Roman Catholic Church, a Methodist Church with a foodbank, and St. Peter’s, where The King's Arms youth charity shared their work. The trip ended with a cemetery visit, where Abilene H honored Sir Alec Guinness’s grave with an Obi-Wan Kenobi Lego figure.
Senior Recital
January’s Senior Recital featured outstanding performances from senior ensembles and soloists. The Senior Wind Band opened energetically with 'Lymington Quay' and 'Night Beat'. Highlights included a student-formed band’s rendition of 'Crossroads', musical theatre solos from Wicked, Company, and The Little Mermaid, and expressive piano pieces by Arthur H and Marcus L. The Jazz Band’s lively finale with 'Mack the Knife' and 'Zebrano' closed the evening on a high note.
A Level Enrichment
The annual A Level London trip is a highlight of the enrichment programme. The day began with a stunning piano recital at Wigmore Hall by British-Chinese pianist Noah Zhou, featuring works by Rachmaninov, Clementi, and Liszt. After a quick lunch and a visit to the British Museum, the group attended Echoes in the Dark: Singing to the Living at the Royal Academy of Music, an avant-garde piece featuring harp, accordion, strings, soprano, and narration. The evening concluded at Cadogan Hall with a thrilling concert by the German National Youth Orchestra, including Britten’s ‘Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra’, Gershwin’s ‘Rhapsody in Blue’, and Holst’s ‘The Planets Suite’—a truly inspiring finale to a memorable day.
Lunchtime Concert
January’s lunchtime concert at St. Peter’s Church featured talented students from Second Year to Sixth Form, performing piano, vocal, and ensemble pieces for an appreciative audience. The Clarinet Group opened with a Jurassic Park medley, while the Junior Chamber Choir closed with 'Loch Lomond' in tribute to Burns Night. Soloists confidently performed classics like Beethoven’s 'Pathetique Sonata', Gounod’s 'Ave Maria', and Sherwin’s 'A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square', filling the church with beautiful music.
Save the Children Concert
On 29 November, students joined musicians from TPS and Ditcham Park for a festive concert in aid of Save the Children. Performances included the Jazz Band, Rock School, and Barbershop singers, while the Junior Chamber Choir and Ditcham Park singers impressed with 'Blackbird' by The Beatles, rehearsed together for the first time that day. The evening ended with a mass rendition of 'White Christmas' and 'Hark! The Herald', bringing a joyful close to a night of festive musical fun.
Christmas Play-Along
The performance by the massed wind bands and strings of popular Christmas pieces on a cold and frosty lunchtime in the final week of the Autumn Term once again proved to be a popular event, drawing an enthusiastic crowd outside New College! With hits from from the smooth lyricism of ‘I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas’ to the lively energy of Leroy Anderson’s ‘Sleigh Ride’, performed at breakneck speed and the audience jingling every sleigh bell we could muster, a jolly time was had by all!
Inspiring the Junior School
Beyond the Curriculum
Model United Nations
Our second visit to Wycombe Abbey saw 21 Sixth Formers represent the school and the Model United Nations Club to tackle some global issues. They undertook detailed research and fierce debating on a range of topics from protecting stateless refugees to strengthening cybersecurity. Representing Sierra Leone, Poland, the UAE, Mexico, Sweden, and Kazakhstan. This year was full of firsts: Evan C-J chaired a committee, and we were thrilled to be invited to sit on the Model Arctic Council for the first time. Honourable mention was given to Dom J, and a Highly Commended awarded to Noah W. The students were impressive throughout - well done to all!
EPQ Forum
Completing an EPQ takes much dedication and hard work, so the annual presentation evening in December really was a celebration of their success. This year, we saw some fantastic artefacts including from Anabelle H, who designed and built a model of a house from foam board as a visual way of informing the general public how houses can be sustainable in the future, Millie P, who produced a CAD drawing of a converted Mercedes-Benz Sprinter MWB (L2H2) that can cater for travelling around Australia in temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius, and Jasmine P who sewed a dress inspired by Pierre Balmain specifically based on the ‘Fit For a Queen’ designs for a woman of Thai heritage living in the UK. Everyone who attended the evening were impressed by the quality of presentations and the depth and rigor of the research.
The Schrödinger Programme
The fourth Schrödinger Programme, designed to broaden students' STEAM horizons beyond GCSEs and prepare them for top university science and engineering programs, successfully concluded its Autumn Term activities. Twenty-nine highly motivated students undertook five-week research projects based on their individual interests. Topics ranged from fluid dynamics of wings, parachutes, Formula 1 cars, rockets, and non-Newtonian fluids, to thermal energy transfers in combustion and crystallization. Students also delved into A Level Physics concepts such as Lenz’s Law, total internal reflection, and diffraction. The program culminated in a presentation evening where students confidently shared their findings with peers, parents, and staff. The audience was impressed by the students' creativity, analytical skills, perseverance, and ingenuity in navigating the challenges of their projects.
Gymnastics Club
Gymnastics Club has continued to grow this term, with new skills being learnt in the lunch-time sessions and new opportunities to compete. On 2 February, an U14 team participated in the British Schools’ Gymnastics Association (BSGA) South Regional Competition, at Beaconsfield High School. The team of Amy, Sophia, Gracie-May, Thea, and Cora competed on two pieces, performing a floor routine to music and a vault. This was the first time Churcher’s has taken part in this competition, and, against very strong and experienced schools, the girls remained composed and performed fantastically. Gymnasts also enjoyed a Second Year trip to Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre, an amazing purpose-built facility, where they had a brilliant time using the extensive equipment and practiced more advanced skills.
News Crew
The Good Food Showdown
As part of the PSHE program, The School Food Showdown visited in January, performing shows for the First to Third Year pupils. Pupils learnt about healthy eating and the importance of different food groups. The interactive and entertaining show ended in a fierce cook-off between the Red Chillies and the Green Peas.
The Attempt to Kill Hitler: 4th July 1944 Bomb Plot
A Compelling Lecture on WWII
More than 100 Fourth and Fifth Year pupils attended Claire Brockdorff’s compelling talk on the failed plot to kill Hitler. She shared the personal story of her husband’s greatgrandfather, Fritz Von der Lancken, who helped store the bomb that detonated in the Wolf’s Lair. Though Operation Valkyrie was set in motion, Hitler survived, and the plotters were brutally executed—Fritz was hanged on a meat hook with piano wire, a fate Hitler had filmed to watch at his leisure. The most powerful takeaway was the legacy of these men. Today, new German army recruits swear an oath to uphold their ideals, ensuring orders are followed only if they are morally sound.
Churcher's boasts an energetic News Crew, a student-led initiative capturing the beating heart of school life. Founded by Third Year Peter Z, the crew produces content ranging from behind-thescenes glimpses of school life to inventive short films. Peter, driven by a passion for filmmaking, established the club to fill a gap he saw in the school's creative extracurricular offerings. Their latest release, ‘Into Space,’ and its comical "Making of…" have garnered much attention! Peter blends self-taught techniques with online lessons and practical experience. The crew's next project, their series finale, promises a bigger production with a budget and a new villain. Peter aspires to a career in film or media, viewing the News Crew as a crucial stepping stone. He encourages fellow students to join, highlighting the diverse roles available in filmmaking, and the availability of biscuits!
Claire Brockdorff
Boys Hockey Round Up
1st XI bowed out of the England Hockey Tier 2 National Cup, narrowly losing against Charterhouse in an 8-goal thriller. U16A Boys continue their run in the England Hockey Tier 2 Plate, beating teams such as Clayesmore and The Island Free School to reach the third round. U15A Boys have qualified for the U16 South-Central Tier 3 Regional Finals and we look forward to seeing how they perform against teams from the year above! U13A Boys finish top 4 in Hampshire after their recent showing at the County Cup competition.
County Championships
Churcher’s hosted the South East Athletics Hampshire Championships, with strong performances securing places at the Hampshire County Championships. Top-16 finishes led to selection for the South England Inter-Schools event, and four students earned the chance to represent Hampshire at the National Championships. Additionally, 24 First and Second Year students qualified for the Hampshire Cross Country Championships, bringing home a gold and two silvers, with 12 finishing in the top 16, securing their place in the upcoming Inter-Counties event.
Girls Hockey Round Up
1st XI had a nail-biting final match in the England Hockey Tier 2 National Plate, losing 3-4 on penalty strokes to Bryanston school. This adds to their top-4 finish in the Hampshire County Cup. U16A Girls had a terrific run in the England Hocky Tier 2 Plate competition, making it to the quarter final and narrowly missing out to a talented Wimbledon High School side. U15A Girls qualified for the U16 South-Central Tier 3 Regional Finals, finishing 4th. A brilliant effort considering they were playing teams from the year above! U14A Girls were crowned joint champions of Hampshire. They then went on to finish second in the South-Central Tier 2 Regional finals. The best ever result for our girls in that age group!
Water Polo
Churcher’s water polo teams have made great progress, focusing on fitness and technique. The U13s debuted against Portsmouth Water Polo Club, with standout performances from Emmy P, George S, Ben, and Tom S. A 35-player internal tournament provided key match experience. Meanwhile, the U18s secured a thrilling 8-7 victory over Charterhouse with a last-second goal. These matches have been invaluable for skill development, team strategy, and fostering a strong competitive spirit.
Second Year House Swim Gala
The Second Year gala saw an incredible turnout, creating an exciting and spirited atmosphere. Students competed in thrilling races, earning points for their houses. Standout swimmers Amelia C and Rocco B impressed with outstanding technique, winning both their races. Many events were fiercely contested, with students pushing their limits in individual and relay races. After an afternoon of competitive yet friendly racing, Rodney emerged victorious, capping off a fantastic event.
National Swimming Relays
Both the Intermediate and Senior boys' teams qualified for the National Relays at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre in Birmingham after success at the Hampshire relays. The Senior team finished 28th in both the medley and freestyle, with impressive performances from Theo, Max, Finn, and Charlie. The Intermediate team improved their freestyle time, placing 18th, while Misha recorded the fastest split. They finished 25th in the medley, marking another excellent achievement for the teams.
Swim Galas
Churcher’s students have continued to train hard in the pool, demonstrating dedication and skill in both swimming and water polo. Recent galas against RGS, Salesians, Edgeborough, and TPS saw strong performances across all age groups, with standout swims from Charlie S in the 100m IM and 50m freestyle, Will D in the 50m backstroke, and George S and Charlotte J in the 50m fly.
History on our Doorstep
Third Year students had a fantastic trip to Fort Nelson and the D-Day Museum in Portsmouth. At Fort Nelson, they were transported back to WWI by a Sergeant Major and Nurse in full costume. They explored weapons workshops, handling grenades, rifles, and a Vickers machine gun, while the Nurse explained injuries, such as trench foot, and gas attacks. They also learned about George, a young soldier trained at the fort who miraculously survived the war. At the D-Day Museum, students explored a landing craft, completed a quiz on the Overlord Embroidery, and toured exhibits, deepening their understanding of WWII’s pivotal moments. The trip consolidated the World War topics they have been studying this year, but above all, gave them an understanding of the tragedy of war.
A Day at the Tate
On 14 February, Fifth Year and Upper Sixth students visited Tate Modern in London for exam preparation. The trip allowed them to study key works and analyze large-scale installations in the Turbine Hall, enhancing their creative responses and studio practice. They explored influential artworks by artists like Picasso, Rothko, and Kusama, examining techniques and themes related to their exam projects. A highlight was Mire Lee’s kinetic installation in the Turbine Hall, which sparked discussions on movement, decay, and transformation. The visit offered valuable first-hand inspiration and critical analysis, supporting their creative development as they worked towards their final pieces. provided crucial match experience and allowed players to refine their skills in a competitive environment.
Students Reach for the Stars
First Year students had the opportunity to attend the South Down's planetarium as part of their ‘Mission to Mars’ topic. It was a great opportunity for students to learn more about the universe we live in and ask many interesting questions. “We were given a talk which included visual demonstrations which were projected on the dome. We were able to see the night sky even in the middle of the day and the person giving the talk told us what to look out for that night including Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. I learnt many interesting things including that it takes 8.3 minutes for the sun light to reach our eyes - when it shines!” Bertie Holroyd images captured during the global event, welcoming their certificates of approval from NASA for their entries. As you can see, there are some spectacular photographs taken and we look forward to even greater participation in next year’s event.
Epic Runs and Après Fun
Forty-four Third and Fourth Year pupils adventured to Wagrain, Austria for the annual ski trip this half term. The 23-hour gruelling journey was totally worth it as they were met with cold but sunny conditions and plenty of snow. The pupils each skied for at least six hours every day and had a fantastic time. Led by instructors, the pupils were challenged to improve their skiing and thankfully finished the week with no severe injuries. The fun didn’t stop on the slopes as they enjoyed a fun packed après ski program, including swimming, where the bravest among them took on the loop the loop drop slide, an ice hockey game in Salzburg, and a pizza-party evening, where we had exclusive hire, and the pupils were all up dancing on the bar having the time of their lives. Certainly, a trip that will last with them for many years to come!
A Cultural Journey
Second Year pupils visited Neasden Temple (BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir) in London, beginning with the Understanding Hinduism exhibition, which showcased Hindu values through 3D dioramas, paintings, and traditional crafts. They then experienced worship inside the serene Mandir, followed by a talk on Hinduism and the temple’s significance, with time for questions. The trip concluded with a delicious vegetarian lunch at a nearby curry house, where pupils reflected on their visit and shared gift shop finds.
Success Outside School
Frank's Quiz Success
In December, Third Year Frank Berry held a quiz night in Sheet in aid of The Rosemary Foundation and his First Challenge Expedition to Montenegro. Frank helped set up the hall, cooked chilli with jacket potatoes for his guests and played the part of quiz master on the night. Frank and his family have raised £1,100 for The Rosemary Foundation, a charity very close to his heart as they looked after his grandfather at the end of his life with care, compassion, and support. This Summer, Frank and his team will take part in a five-day trek in the wilderness where they will need to navigate, camp, cook, and support one-another through the highs and lows; it'll be a character-building experience for sure!
Rugby Excellence
Debuts for Bath
Over the Christmas holidays, Fifth Years Jack Bedloe and Adam Hodges made their debuts for Bath Rugby’s U16 Development Academy, playing against Exeter - the first Churcher’s students to play for this prestigious side! They were part of an outstanding comeback win, with Jack scoring a try and Adam kicking a conversion with the final play to win the match.
Alice Pendlebury
Fifth Year student Alice Pendlebury has excelled in rugby since starting at age four. Now playing full-contact rugby for Pulborough Girls, Alice is in her second season with the Sussex County U16 Girls Squad and has been named captain. A member of the Player Development Group (PDG), she’s preparing for a future in professional rugby. Alice’s leadership was on display in early March when she captained her Pulborough U16 team to a dominant 53-0 win over Eton Manor in the London and Southeast Region National Girls Cup.
Charlie Williams
Fifth Year student, Charlie Williams, has been selected for the Wales Women U18s extended training squad ahead of the 2025 Six Nations Festival. Charlie began playing rugby at Chichester Rugby Club at four, inspired by her older brother. She later moved to Havant Rugby Club, where she plays in a strong women’s side as a Number 8. With Welsh heritage through her father, she joined the Welsh Exiles programme, leading to her selection. Recently turned 16, she is embracing the challenge of international training. With ambitions of playing professionally, this opportunity marks a key step toward her dream and we wish her the very best of luck!
The 2025 Grill Lecture
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