THE CHRONICLE 2024

Head of Group

Welcome to this year’s Chronicle as we mark the end of another very successful and significant year for St Dunstan’s.

This academic year saw the introduction of a new House system which was developed in response to the growth of the school, and aimed at fostering a stronger sense of community, promoting competition, and building a positive culture rooted in our values. In the Senior School the six new Houses are named after locations significant in the life of St Dunstan – Canterbury, Ghent, Mendip, Worcester, Stepney and Glastonbury. In the Junior School the Houses are named after trees: Birch, Elm, Oak, Rowan, Sycamore and Walnut. The history of our House system is explained in detail in this year’s Chronicle. We have been delighted with how pupils have responded to it, and how it has re-energised healthy competition across all the various House events.

It was also a great delight to receive a positive report from ISI who came to inspect the College last April under the new framework introduced in September 2023. This framework places pupil wellbeing at its heart and dispenses with overall grades and judgements, with standards being met or not met. Inspectors may highlight any areas of significant strength where these are demonstrated. I am delighted to report that not only were standards met in every area, but St Dunstan’s was one of the first schools in the country to be awarded two significant strengths, for the breadth and relevance of its varied curriculum offer and for the school’s dedication to celebrating diversity.

Given the nature of the economic and political headwinds it has been all the more imperative that we continue to widen access to St Dunstan’s education. To that end, our Development Office working with the Friends of St Dunstan’s held our first ever fundraising ball – an incredible event which raised over £20,000 which will fund another bursary place at the College for a deserving pupil from Lewisham from September 2024.

Our Music, Drama and Sporting achievements receive full reports in the pages that follow, but I would just like to highlight the outstanding production of The Messiah which was performed by the College Orchestra and Chapel Choir at St John’s Smith Square in Michaelmas Term. In Sport our ground-breaking partnership with Chelsea FC has really

begun to impact on our pupils and the wider Lewisham community, with a variety of sporting events including the Lewisham School Games. Our annual Festival ended the year on a real high with a huge range of productions from Shrek to The Magic Flute and everything in between! This year also saw the introduction of the Catford Weekender – a 4-day family festival for people living in the local area which we very much hope will become an annual feature.

But above all, what is most evident in these pages is the daily rhythm of life at St Dunstan’s which continues at pace, offering what we believe is a truly enriching and broad education for all our pupils. I hope you enjoy this snapshot of the year and thank you for your continued support and interest.

Nick Hewlett Head of Group

Head of Junior School

As I reflect on the end of the school year, the sun is shining over our lovely wildflower garden at the front of the Junior School. Although the British weather has not always been at its best this term, what we have lacked in sunshine we have made up for in enthusiasm. I hope that you have been able to celebrate your child’s achievements as you too reflect on the academic year that has recently passed. I felt an incredible sense of pride as I read about our pupils’ many accomplishments in their school reports and see that it was a great privilege to steer the Junior School ship in Miss Whitwood’s absence. The outcomes and progress for our pupils across the Junior School have been very impressive this year. Each cohort is making accelerated progress and the appetite for learning is palpable as I walk through our corridors. Alongside superb progress in the classroom, our pupils have excelled outside the classroom, throwing themselves wholeheartedly into every aspect of school life.

From residential visits, to outstanding performances, to the many musical highlights and another year of excellent results in sport, there is so much to celebrate over the course of the year. I enjoyed seeing the happy (and sometimes a little mucky) faces at the end of each trip. The LAMDA showcases were a particular highlight in the summer term, with so many pupils having the courage to speak in front of an audience. Of course, the final flourish of any Trinity Term is the Festival. There were so many wonderful moments, it is incredibly challenging to select the highlights and almost impossible to encapsulate all that this wonderful celebration is to our community within one paragraph! Year 6 have been eagerly anticipating their production since September and it did not disappoint. Their production of Shrek was superb and allowed each pupil to have their moment to shine. I was so incredibly proud of the way that every pupil made such a valuable contribution.

Our choirs and musicians represented the Junior School to the highest standard during the Big Summer Sing and the Junior School Concert. The Art Gallery was a wonderful way to celebrate our pupils’ creativity, and Sports Day and House Fun Day have allowed our pupils to collaborate and develop confidence and teamwork skills. I have to admit that the House chants have been ringing though my ears in recent days and I am sure I will be singing them right through the summer!

It has been such a pleasure to see our pupils having enriched educational experiences and developing both as learners and individuals. Collaboration, creativity and courage have been in abundance this year.

Gemma Davies Head of Junior School Maternity cover

Nursery

What a marvellous year of change and growth we have enjoyed in Nursery.

In September, we learnt new routines and about how to talk about our feelings. We had our first lessons in PE, Spanish and Music and we learnt about Harvest whilst singing songs, and celebrated Diwali by making lanterns. In December we performed our Nativity Play through a musical retelling of the Christmas story. Santa came to visit and we had a Christmas party (including a pantomime performed by St Dunstan’s staff). In January, the children were excited to share their holiday news. This kick-started a regular Monday morning news sharing session in which the children have demonstrated excellent drawing and emergent writing.

This year we have studied traditional tales including ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’, ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ and ‘The Three Billy Goat’s Gruff’. These stories gave rise to porridge-making, bean planting, and bridge building, as the children excitedly retold these tales.

When we broke up for the February Exeat, the children came back to find our outdoor space had been transformed into an amazing Early years oasis of play, complete with a riverbed, stage and felled trees for clambering on. The children are continuously charmed as they explore and learn in this lovely, new space.

As the seasons have shifted, we have witnessed growth and change in our Woodland Classroom, which we visit each week. Here we observed the progress of buds into leaves and discovered a plenitude of minibeasts. This continued in the classroom as part of ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’, through which we were able to watch real caterpillars metamorphosize into butterflies.

Our pupils have come in each day bursting with excitement to make friends, discover, make and play; they have grown so much this year and are very much looking forward to their next chapter.

Laura Vogel, Nursery Form teacher (Maternity)

Our outdoor space has been transformed into an amazing Early Years oasis of play, complete with a riverbed, stage and felled trees for clambering on

Reception

Throughout this year, our Reception pupils have been on a dynamic learning journey filled with exploration, fun and challenge.

As the year commenced, they built relationships with their teachers and peers, as they delved into the engaging theme of ‘Our House’. This topic not only sparked their creativity but also honed their engineering prowess as they constructed various types of homes, both within the confines of the classroom and amidst the enriching backdrop of our Woodland Classroom sessions.

Black History Month was a highlight, when the children were lucky to take part in their own mini carnival, as well as the Lunar New Year when we used simple programming skills to make the twelve animals of the Zodiac race across the classroom. Tea drinking and ‘egg’sperimenting at Easter with eggs and parachutes, also formed part of our celebrations. And of course, there was our amazing star dance that was performed as part of the Nativity at Christmas which everyone, including parents, thoroughly enjoyed.

A week in Reception is never complete without time spent in the Woodland classroom where fires have been built, hot chocolate has been scoffed and familiar stories such as ‘The Three Billy Goats Gruff’ have been re-enacted. Our Sky Garden has flourished with our growing and tending of beans, tomatoes, radishes and herbs, which the children have studied closely and then harvested to eat.

Our Reception pupils have thrived through a diverse array of captivating IEYC topics, fostering their imaginative thinking while presenting stimulating academic opportunities across the curriculum. Immersed in the theme of ‘Light and Dark’, the children honed their storytelling prowess and puppeteering finesse, ingeniously employing shadow puppets to reenact stories that they had collaboratively created. Equally exciting was our ‘To the Rescue’ topic, where their writing talents were put to the test in thwarting villains and creating their own ‘Supertatoes’, whilst crafting superhero metropolises using 3D shapes.

Andrea Rose, Head of Early Years (Maternity)

A week in Reception is never complete without time spent in the Woodland classroom where fires are built and hot chocolate is scoffed

Year 1

A year of wonder, joy and fun!

In Year 1’s bright and cheerful halls, Where every day curiosity calls, From Reception’s play, we journey far, To a world where new adventures are.

We start the day with smiles and cheer, In classrooms filled with friends so dear, With crayons bright and pencils neat, We draw our dreams, our goals we meet.

Creativity flows like rivers wide, In art and stories, we take pride, Through paint and clay, our minds take flight, Creating wonders, pure delight.

Compassion grows in every heart, Learning that we all play a part, In kindness shared, in helping hands, In understanding, empathy expands.

Confidence builds with each new task, Thinking of questions we could ask, With courage strong, we make mistakes, But our confidence will not break

Curiosity: how, what, when and why Leads us to explore, investigate, try Through IPC, we start to see, The endless possibilities.

Reading opens doors to lands unknown, With every page, our minds have grown, Phonics teaches us how to read, Stories plant the knowledge seed.

In Year 1’s world, we learn and play, Growing wiser day by day, With creativity, compassion, courage, too, Confidence and curiosity, our guiding crew.

So here’s to Year 1, a journey grand, With teachers guiding, hand in hand, A year of wonder, joy, and fun, In the life of every Year 1.

Carol Isaac, Year 1 Form Teacher

A highlight in Year One was the arrival of the Police Horses at St Dunstan’s College. The children were full of excitement and anticipation as they waited patiently at the school gates

We ended our year with our wonderful residential on the school field. Our activities included bushcraft, roasting marshmallows, firing arrows and building a fire. A flapjack and a mug of hot chocolate was a perfect way to say goodbye to a brilliant year!

Year 2

What a brilliant year we have had in Year 2!

In the Michaelmas term, Year 2 enjoyed their first IPC topic, ‘Our World’. We developed our ecology and geography skills whilst on our trip to Ladywell Fields and were amazed by the wide variety of trees and minibeasts we could find. The pupils then delivered a heartwarming performance of “Angel Express” and showcased such a range of brilliant talents. The pupils worked hard in rehearsals and the excitement was palpable on show day, with the pupils delivering a wonderful show!

During Lent term, the pupils embarked on a fascinating journey through history, learning about influential figures who have shaped our world. Our studies began with exploring the lives and achievements of significant historical figures such as Florence Nightingale, Martin Luther King Jr., and Amelia Earheart. The pupils have enjoyed discovering the contributions these individuals made to society and how their actions continue to impact our lives today. The pupils also learned about materials and enjoyed an exciting trip to Fulham Palace to explore toys from the past.

In the Trinity term, we began by investigating different types of transport, from ancient methods like horse-drawn carriages to modern vehicles such as cars, trains, and airplanes, for our next topic From A to B. We learned about the invention and development of these modes of transport and their impact on our daily lives and the world around us. Through hands-on activities and creative projects, the pupils designed maps, created timelines showing the progression of transportation technology and went on a trip all over London using different types of transport. These activities have not only deepened our understanding of the topic but also enhanced their problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Mr Clifford and Mr Hindes, Year 2 Form Teachers

Year 3

Year 3 have embraced life in Prep this year, with an even fuller timetable and so many more opportunities for learning, co-curricular activities and of course fun!

Pupils have loved having full afternoons of Games – from rugby on muddy pitches to cricket and hockey under blue skies and sunshine, not to mention the exhilaration and excitement of our House Sports competitions, all with our six new houses!

It’s hard to believe how much we’ve crammed into the year and pupils should all be hugely proud of their effort and application, both in and outside the classroom as they’ve taken on more responsibility for their learning and life at St Dunstan’s, whether it’s remembering homework or bringing in their swimming kit!

The highlight must surely be the sheer joy on their faces when pupils shared their performance with an enthusiastic audience of family and friends, sharing fun facts, beautifully performed songs and tightly choreographed dances about Stone Age life. There was perhaps a little less enthusiasm when parents opened the bags of dirty laundry after a twonight camping and bushcraft Residential in the Trinity term, though the more dirt inevitably means more fun! It’s been a wonderful year and pupils are already excited for Year 4 and their new classes, classrooms and teachers. See you in September!

Ben

Chambers, Head of Year 3 & 4

Highlight: Year 3’s bushcraft-focused

Residential at beautiful Penshurst Park in Kent, where the bluebells were in full bloom!

Highlight: The Year 4

Residential in Norfolk encouraged the children to push themselves out of their comfort zones and exemplify our College Values of Confidence, Courage and even Compassion. Most importantly, it was enormous fun!

Year 4

Looking back over the past year, it is almost hard to believe how much we have managed to pack in over three terms.

Trips have helped build pupils’ interest and understanding of the world, from discussing identity and our sense of self at Dulwich Picture Gallery to handling real volcanic rocks at the Natural History Museum it has been enormously enriching, while the highlight of the year must surely be our three-night residential in Norfolk, tackling obstacles, ziplines and rope trails. We even found time to go fossil-hunting on the beach!

It has certainly been a varied and fun-filled year, from dressing up as Ancient Egyptians, to trying a range of new instruments, to using iPads in an increasingly ambitious way to support our learning. Volcanoes were also a key theme of the Year 4 Production, which featured intensely catchy songs (Poor Pompeii!!, Run from the Mighty Volcano) to some surprisingly moving and beautifully choregraphed dances, as well as a frenetic hoe-down!

This is before we get into the business of learning, and all the children are very deserving of a summer break, having worked incredibly hard, whether out on the field, in the swimming pool, the music room, the theatre, the computing suite and not of course, not forgetting the classroom!

Ben Chambers, Head of Year 3 & 4

Year 5

What a wonderfully busy year we have had in Year 5!

From exploring Greek armoury and the Space Race to making the most of our very own Woodland Classroom, we really have done it all! We’ve been diving into the world of Greek theatre, bringing tragedies and comedies to life with dynamic playscripts and engaging physical theatre, making their performances a true highlight. Our sporting abilities and infectious team spirit have been proudly displayed, and we have loved representing our school in various fixtures throughout the year.

Confidence and compassion shone through in much of what we did this year. We honed our oracy skills by articulating compelling cases in class debates and presenting persuasive arguments when debating plastic pollution in our oceans. We engaged in rich conversations in our Religion, Philosophy, and Ethics lessons, discussing belief, faith, and fact while listening respectfully to the views of others. We have grappled with challenging tasks and puzzles in maths, and we thoroughly enjoy Maths Week England in the Michaelmas Term.

Another highlight was our residential trip to Little Canada on the Isle of Wight. We embarked on an adventure-packed week filled with activities such as dragon boating and teambuilding challenges. We had a thoroughly enjoyable time on a trip to make sand artwork using the various coloured

Highlight: The trip to the Isle of Wight where we developed our independence and challenged ourselves in many ways!

sands found on the Isle of Wight. This trip not only boosted our confidence and fostered teamwork but also allowed us to form stronger bonds with our classmates. The beautiful surroundings and exciting activities made it an unforgettable experience.

Having achieved so much this year, Year 5 are ready and eager to step into their next adventure as Year 6 pupils; they will be wonderful role models at the top of the Junior School.

Andrew Coley, Head of Section

Highlight: The rapturous applause, cheering and standing ovation at the end of the production of Shrek The Musical

Year 6 truly enjoyed their final year in the Junior School. We have worked together to accomplish a great deal this year and look forward to embracing the new challenges that Year 7 will bring.

Our visit to the Imperial War Museum was another significant experience. We learned extensively about World War II, exploring exhibits that detailed the life on the home front, the impact of the Blitz, and the stories of those who lived through the war. This trip deepened our understanding of the era and allowed us to connect our historical studies to real-life artefacts and narratives.

Our core subjects were equally filled with fun and creativity. After reading the captivating ‘Manfish’ in English, which chronicles the life of Jacques Cousteau, we were inspired to write our own biographies of this remarkable man. In maths, we consolidated our learning to create a profitable theme park.

During the Lent term, we visited the Senior School to use the Design and Engineering department. We were tasked with creating a functional buggy powered by a mouse trap. We carefully designed and measured our materials to construct a practical vehicle, and it was fantastic to use specialist equipment under the guidance of the DE teachers!

A memorable trip to France added to our exciting year. Many of us had the unique experience of tasting snails, we learned lots of vocabulary, and we practised speaking French with locals at a farmers’ market, which was both challenging and rewarding.

To wrap up our year, we rehearsed songs and dances for our production, Shrek The Musical. And what a performance it was! We loved showcasing our talents for the Junior School and then to our parents and friends that evening. It was a wonderful way to end our time in the Junior School.

Andrew Coley, Head of Section

Junior Prize winners 2024

YEAR GROUP PRIZES

Nursery Ambassador Thalia Godsiff

Nursery Progress Eamonn O’Sullivan

Reception Ambassador Eskil Farrarons

Reception Progress Beatrice Wood

Year 1 Ambassador Margo Mushasha

Year 1 Progress Iona Spence

Year 2 Ambassador Elsie Habberfield

Year 2 Progress Alexander Norman-Saunders

Year 3 Ambassador Nicholas Gilmore

Year 3 Progress Deniz Bilkur

Year 3 Academic Euan Fleming

Year 4 Ambassador Sonny Taylor

Year 4 Progress Charles Buckridge

Year 4 Academic Molly Balnave

Year 5 Ambassador Zara Ewen

Year 5 Progress Sienna Cox

Year 5 Academic Oliver Situ

YEAR 6 COLLEGE VALUES RECOGNITION AWARDS

CONFIDENCE

Oliver Chambers

Benjamin Nayagam

Aditya Dasgupta

Harriet Chiao

Isla Nino-French

Holly Cater

CREATIVITY

Edie Boyd-Fell

Arthur Johnson

William Peto

Alice McDougall Marsden

Niina Wilmer Tsui

COURAGE

Anna Jewell

James Redding

Darshikan Sasikumar

Matilda Williams

Sylvie Howden

COMPASSION

Edie Taylor

Darcey Davies

Maddy Berg

Zak Lamb

Lois Capper

Arjun Kothari

Nikolas Linardatos

Rosa Wills-Walford

CURIOSITY

Felix McVean

Jake Aguguesi

Hector Lindsay

Sebastiàn Maurel

Euan Reilly

Nina Wintersgill

Alex Hill

SPORTS PRIZES

Cross Country Trophy

Cricket Trophy

Football Trophy

Hockey Trophy

Netball Trophy

Rugby Trophy

Swimming Trophy

Sportsperson Trophy

Sportsperson Trophy

ARTS PRIZES

Jake Eaton

Lucas Dyce

George Kerr

Beau Halliday

Ava-Rae Buckman

Henry Pates

Sophia Mason-Whitfield

Josh Davison

Lyla Gibb

Performing Arts Trophy Maximo Palencia Bagarella

Chorister Trophy Zahra Bew

SUBJECT PRIZES

Art Trophy

Design Technology Trophy

Drama Trophy

English Trophy

Humanities Trophy

Computing Trophy

Languages Trophy

Mathematics Trophy

Music Trophy

Science Trophy

Hana O’Sullivan

James Tong

Erin White

Rosie Harris

Rui Wareham Lustosa

Fabio Kadambi

Amelia Marrett-Brown

Laura Forbes

Luke Mitchell

Juliet Illingworth

SPECIAL AWARDS

Progress Award

Junior School Head Pupil Award

Junior School Head Pupil Award

Albam Exorna Award

Albam Exorna Award

Head of Junior School Trophy

Emily Kennedy

Rohan Baggi

Lyla Gibb

Frank Hughes

Lyra Urquhart-Knapp

Kester Stevens

Junior Charities

Between May 2023 and July 2024 the St Dunstan’s College Junior School has raised a total of...

This year has been a really busy year for charities where we have continued to support existing organisations and have made some new community links as well.

The year started with our Harvest collection and Poppy appeal, donations from both were gratefully received. Then for the first time in many years the children enjoyed dressing up in their pajamas or colourful spotted clothing in support of Children in Need, where a grand total of £877.66 was sent on its way to support the very worthy cause that our children can relate to.

December was a busy time when we received a surprise invitation to take 15 children to run alongside Kevin Sinfield in the London leg of his latest 7 in 7 extra mile challenge, raising money and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease. As you can imagine our representatives from Year 3 had a fabulous day and even made it onto BBC Breakfast! The MND community were delighted to welcome us and commented that having children there had made the day extra special. Thanks to donations from the parents of those children, and a collection at the Christmas fair, a further £493.39 was raised in addition to the £21,875 that we raised in May 2023 with our MND 7 hour running challenge.

Miss Staas kindly made an SDC multicultural cookbook with recipes which had been contributed to by staff and pupils, which raised over £700 for the Lewisham food bank. Our annual Christmas present collection for the less fortunate children of Lewisham is estimated to have helped 100 families have a more enjoyable Christmas, and the Salvation Army were incredibly grateful for the delivery of the presents from our Head Boy and Head Girl.

In the Lent term our wear red for Sports Relief brightened up the day and raised £699.39. We then launched an appeal to support a Lewisham charity called MammaKind, which is

£25,000

a growing organisation providing much needed basic items to families who desperately need a helping hand in the most difficult times. We spent the term collecting and sorting pre-loved children’s clothing to donate for distribution by MammaKind. They were overwhelmed by our families’ generosity and impressed to see how much the pupils are involved in our work. I would like to express my gratitude for the support that our families have given to all of our charitable events over the year, and I hope this summary gives you a picture of how much impact your generosity has on our local community and beyond.

Helen Morris

The Big Sing

Lara Marcinkiewicz, St Dunstan’s Junior School Head of Music, coordinated a powerful community choir for the third year running, as part of our end of year Festival, involving 6 local primary schools and over 150 young singers.

All attended a short vocal workshop under our Big Top before rehearsing under their own choir conductor during the afternoon. All six schools came together for an evening performance in front of a large audience of around 500 parents, carers and friends invited for the occasion. A huge choir with all performers on stage performed two finale songs accompanied by a band of drumkit, keyboard and bass guitar.

Junior School pupils were invited to drop off their many bags of pre-loved childrens’ clothes to the Salvation Army Centre in Lewisham, for the charity Mammakind.

An assembly included an interview with Kelly, the founder of MammaKind, which is a charity that provides local mothers with essentials for themselves and their children.

Motor Neurone Disease Run with MND Patron, Kevin Sinfield MBE

In December 2023, 15 Junior School pupils accompanied by three teachers, were invited to run the ‘extra mile’ with Kevin Sinfield in his 7-in-7challenge: seven ultra marathons in seven days in seven different cities.

The pupils cheered on Kevin as he ran, they listened to his passionate talk to the MNDA volunteers, charity supporters and MND sufferers, and then joined him in running a mile. The day was fabulous and will no doubt be remembered by all forever.

As ever, this academic year has seen some wonderful and creative work being produced in the Junior School art room in a range of media.

Year 3 highlights included their wonderful exhibition which showcased rainforest themed work in the medium of collage,

Junior Art

felt making and sewing as well as winter landscape paintings inspired by Welsh artist Kyffin Williams. In DT Pupils designed and made their own set of 3D animals.

Year 4 also put on a wonderful art exhibition with fantastic portraits of Idia from The Benin Empire using soft pastels as well as cardboard relief. Superb Egyptian clay tablets were also on display. Trinity Term saw the pupils designing and making their own pencil cases in their DT topic, learning and perfecting their sewing skills.

Year 5 highlights have included making decorative cushions in DT and stunning Kehinde Wiley inspired portraits of black heroes during Black History Month which incorporated a range of media and techniques. Ancient Greek inspired pottery, 3D sculptures of endangered animals and space themed pictures were also produced.

As always, Year 6 have completed some wonderful outcomes – collaborative work in response to mural artist, Banksy; mixed media self-portraits inspired by graphic artist, Martin O’Neill and elaborate dragon eye sculptures made from clay. They also enjoyed a whole day of Design Technology where they made miniature campervans.

This year Rosie Harris won the annual ‘in house’ Year 6 Black History Month competition and her winning picture is now framed and on display in the corridor outside the art room, along with all the previous winning entries.

This year’s annual IAPS art competition had the theme, ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together’ and once again there were some unique and creative entries from across the Junior School. There were also a record number of pupils who submitted work online for the Royal Academy Young Artist’s Summer Show.

Mrs A Smith, Art Coordinator

Last September, we were lucky once again to receive some of our parents and Sixth-form pupils for Languages Day to help us celebrate the variety of cultures and traditions surrounding us in our school community.

The range of activities and languages discovered was fantastic and too wide to name them all, but the children enjoyed trying their hand at a variety of scripts and had a go at various languages in games and songs. Some of them also tasted a Brazilian drink while others practised using chopsticks before playing another game using some Japanese vocabulary. They were very keen to share any new fact they had learned about a country they “visited”.

“A big thank you to all the pupils who contributed recipes to our Junior School Multicultural Cookbook and to every person who bought a copy. We raised an amazing £715.97 for Lewisham Foodbank!

In February, we celebrated for the first time International Mother Language Day, and it was fantastic to see many children step up to share a poem, song or reading in their home language in front of their peers. I am personally looking forward to celebrating this again next year and seeing how many more children will have gained the confidence to share their home language. We are very lucky to have such a diverse community and we should make the most of every opportunity to celebrate this!

Finally, March is the month of Francophonie and an opportunity to find out more about the countries around the world where French is spoken. While Y5 pupils looked into African French-speaking countries, Y6 pupils investigated Caribbean French-speaking countries. Some very interesting conversations took place and the pupils created amazing fact-files, posters or PowerPoints about it all.

Julie Staes, Junior School MFL Coordinator

www.stdunstans.org.uk

Junior Music

Music in the Junior School has been action packed and loads of fun as always!

As part of our music curriculum, the children (and staff) really enjoy using classroom percussion instruments. Across the Junior School, the children have spent time in music lessons this year playing a variety of instruments, including mini steel pans, djembe drums, violins, bucket drums, boomwhackers, ukuleles and samba drums, as well as the usual glockenspiels, xylophones and lots of untuned percussion.

We have listened to, sung, composed, performed, enjoyed and experienced music from across the world and from closer to Catford! All the above happened alongside our weekly musical Forder offerings of technology, strings & wind ensembles, Pre Prep and Prep Choirs and our fabulous Rock School.

Our children have enjoyed performing for each other, the wider St Dunstan’s community and our local community in performances such as nativities, carol singing, showcases, concerts, services and the fabulous festival events at our Jubilee Ground.

It may be time to fold up our music stands and give our vocal chords a bit of a summer holiday, but many congratulations to all our wonderful young musicians for a great year!

Ms L Marcinkiewicz, Head of Junior School Music

Prep Choir loved the starry curtain at The Catford Broadway when we performed there in March

Junior Drama

Drama has taken centre stage this year, with pupils across the Junior School dazzling audiences and showcasing their incredible creativity and talent. From our youngest performers to our seasoned Year 6 stars, every production has been a celebration of imagination, teamwork, and the joy of performing.

Key Stage 1 and Early Years pupils stole hearts in December with their delightful Nativity performance. Their confidence and enthusiasm brought the Christmas story to life, spreading festive cheer and earning thunderous applause from proud families and staff.

In the Lent term, Year 3 transported us back in time with their Stone Age Showcase. Through lively performances and engaging storytelling, they reimagined prehistoric life with humour and charm. Meanwhile, Year 4 erupted onto the stage with their Volcanoes Showcase, combining drama and science in an explosive production that highlighted their learning in a creative and memorable way.

The drama journey culminated in the Trinity term creatively and memorably when Year 6 opened our Arts Festival with their spectacular production of Shrek Jr. The Musical. Their polished performances, complete with dynamic acting, heartfelt singing, and vibrant costumes, left audiences spellbound. It was a fitting finale for our oldest pupils, who embraced the challenge with passion and professionalism.

Lesley-Brian Gordinsky, Head of Junior School Drama

Junior Sport

Junior Sport

What a year for sport in our Junior School! In EYFS and Pre-Prep pupils have experienced learning lots of different fundamental movements and we look forwards to seeing pupils using them in sports when they make the step up to Prep. All pupils from Nursery to Year 2 have absolutely loved exploring the apparatus this year.

Cross Country this year has been another resounding success. The year kicked off with a bang with our House Cross Country event with our 6 brand new houses. It was fantastic to see everyone thoroughly enjoying themselves and trying their best to win points for their house. Well done to Elm who came home as winners. Some pupils were then selected to represent St Dunstan’s at different Cross Country Events. Some standout moments this year have been: 13 medals at Colfe’s competition, 3 team medals out of 4 at the Year 5 and Year 6 relays at Merton Court, 3 team golds and 1 silver in the Year 3 and Year 4 relays, 21 medals at the Merton Court Prep cross country, 13 medals at Alleyn’s cross country as well as retaining our trophy at the Farrington’s cross-country competition.

Michaelmas saw an enjoyable term of netball and rugby across Years 3-6 with many matches taking place throughout the term for our mixed boys’ and girls’ teams. Many games were successfully contested, and much progress has been made by the children in developing their skills and match play in these sports. Our House competitions for Years 5 and 6 were hugely competitive and the children play so well

“ ”

Every pupil in Prep has represented the College in a sports fixture this year!

when pitted against each other. A huge shoutout to our Year 6 netballers who won the Eltham College tournament out of 10 as well as winning the Lewisham School Games Netball tournament!!

Football was played by all in the Lent term, with Forder clubs, lessons, matches and tournaments. Our girls from Year 1 to Year 6 enjoyed a lunchtime of football in support of the #letgirlsplay initiative led by all three of the Senior School’s Football Coaches. It was a Term of near misses with the College reaching four football finals but unfortunately just falling short!

Hockey Forder clubs have been successful as always, with many children taking the opportunity to develop their hockey skills with Mr Corbin O’Grady and Mr Foulgar, our Senior School coaches. Our Year 6 hockey team managed to get through to the final of the Lewisham School Games losing a close game 2-1. Cricket has spread over two terms with both indoor and outdoor cricket lessons. Our Year 6 boy’s team won the Lewisham School Games Cricket tournament out of 16 teams which is a huge achievement!

Weekly swimming lessons have continued for children from Reception to Year 6, and our swim squad have represented the school in friendly home galas as well as some highly competitive away galas. There have been many successes, including winning the Year 5 and Year 6 Lewisham School’s Gala as well as finalists and a medal for Lyla Gibb at the Swimming World Championship. Pupils in Year 5 and Year 6 loved competing in the annual House Biathlon competition.

The sporting calendar will end with the Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep Sports day, which always proves to be a fun celebration to finish off the year in style.

James Roddy, Head of Junior School Sport and PE

The House System 2023-24

This was a historic year for the House System at the College. Fundamental changes were made in response to the growth of the school aimed at fostering a stronger sense of community, promoting competition, and building a positive culture rooted in our values.

Six new Houses were launched, each named after places of significance in the life of St Dunstan: Canterbury, Ghent, Glastonbury, Mendip, Stepney, and Worcester. This new system has significantly enhanced the college’s community spirit by extending camaraderie beyond traditional year group boundaries, allowing students from different years to collaborate and compete together.

This introduction of the new House system has also brought about the redevelopment of our structured competition calendar. It now includes a variety of minor competitions that provide a diverse range of opportunities for students to participate and showcase their talents. Major competitions, on the other hand, are multi-year group events designed to be inclusive, encouraging widespread participation across the age-ranges. Competitions span various disciplines, including sports, academics, arts, and community service, ensuring every student has a chance to contribute to their House’s success.

Alongside the comprehensive programme of competitive opportunities, commendations for positive behaviour and achievements are balanced against demerits, with both factored into the overall House scores. This system not only promotes a positive and supportive environment but also aligns with the college’s values. The Heads of House and their teams of tutors have taken responsibility for promoting these values and fostering a positive House culture.

The impact of the House system on the college community has been profound. It has created a sense of belonging and pride among students, with House identities becoming a significant part of the school culture. Students have developed stronger relationships across year groups, enhancing their social skills and sense of responsibility. The competitive element has motivated students to strive for excellence, both individually and collectively, while also teaching them the value of teamwork and collaboration. Well done to all for your contributions.

Danny Gower, Assistant Head Co-Curricular

The colours and mottos assigned to the new Houses provide a degree of continuity with the past: 1914 to 1919

Lewisham

Hither Green

Bellingham

Catford

Sydenham

Forest Hill

Ladywell

Brockley

1919 to 1989

Goosey (Blue)

Wilson (Pale Blue)

Thomas (Red)

Bennett (Pink )

Lane (Black)

Ross (Yellow)

Griffiths (Green)

Johnson (Purple)

1989 to 2023

Stuart (Blue)

From 2023

Canterbury (Blue)

Forder (Red)

Usherwood (Yellow)

Hecker (Green)

Ghent (Red)

Glastonbury (Pink)

Stepney (Yellow)

Progredere

Mendip (Green)

Worcester (Purple)

Semper Audete

Motto

Concordia Valemus

Virtutem Quaere

Non Sibi, Sed Aliis

Meliora Sequor

Brief history of the House System at St Dunstan's

A house system was not established at St Dunstan’s until 1914 (the college’s Trustees had originally rejected a house system, noting the “invidious distinctions and favouritism” it could potentially create). When a house system was finally implemented, house names initially reflected the geographic provenance of each pupil (Lewisham, Hither Green, Bellingham, Catford, Sydenham, Forest Hill, Ladywell and Brockley). Those from further afield were attached to their nearest district. One of the main problems of this system was the imbalance of numbers and the corresponding disparity in talent amongst the houses (for example, in its first year, Catford house managed to lose all of its seven rugby matches, conceding 597 points in the process).

In 1919 the system was revised to give each house a better chance of success. The eight houses were allotted equal numbers and, no longer having any geographical basis, were

renamed after eight of the 233 Old Dunstonians who had lost their lives during the First World War - M Lane, F.H. Johnson VC, W.U. Ross, W.H. Griffiths, A.L. Thomas, G.R. Goosey, D. Wilson and R.C.R. Bennett.

In 1989 it was decided to reduce the number of houses from eight to four. The new houses were named after the first four Headmasters of the College: Stuart, Forder, Usherwood and Hecker. To ensure a degree of continuity with the past, the previous houses were amalgamated rather than broken up (Goosey and Wilson became Stuart, etc). Continuity was maintained by each new house generally adopting the symbol from one old house and the motto from the other and, to the extent possible, a merging of the two previous house colours. The latest renaming of the Houses maintains this element of continuity.

“This historic year for the House System at St Dunstan’s has seen the introduction of six new Houses, each named after places of significance in the life of St Dunstan

Dunstan grew up in Glastonbury, and subsequently became Abbott of Glastonbury Abbey. Legend has it that King Edmund experienced a divine intervention while in the Mendip Forest which prompted him to reinstate Dunstan as Abbott of Glastonbury. He was Bishop of Worcester from 957 and Archbishop of Canterbury from 960. He was briefly exiled in Ghent during the 950s and is also the patron saint of Stepney.

Canterbury House Notes From The Houses

It was an eventful first year of the new House system for Canterbury.

The students relished the element of competition and had a particularly strong showing in the sporting challenges. Across the year groups both our boys and girls recorded wins in both the House Football and House Hockey.

The highlight of the year was undoubtedly Canterbury’s victory in the House Debating where our two year 7 students Alma and Kelvina worked superbly as a team to navigate through the rounds and deservedly win the House Debating award.

The highlight of the year was undoubtedly Canterbury’s victory in the House Debating “ ”

Ghent House

Over the course of the year a clear identity was established with Canterbury emerging as the creative house, the house that challenged and asked questions, embracing the Dunstonian motto, Albam Exorna.

Paul Palmer, Head of Canterbury House

“ Seeing their enthusiasm and compassion in action was a reminder of the values we hold dear and the impact we can make

Mendip House

”

I’m thrilled to share the outstanding achievements of our students in Ghent House, whose spirit and dedication have truly honoured the legacy of our school.

Our Victor Ludorum set new standards in athletic excellence, showing us all the power of resilience and determination. Our Quiz Master displayed sharp intellect and quick thinking, proving that Ghent’s commitment to knowledge is as strong as ever.

I was incredibly proud to see Ghent House come together for Charity Week, pouring their energy into swimathons, bake sales, cyclathons, and more. This wasn’t just about raising funds — it was a powerful display of our commitment to charity and community. Each event highlighted the heart and teamwork that define Ghent, as students of all ages united to make a difference.

Harrison Sanford, Head of House Ghent

For the superb support and enthusiastic participation of all Mendipians in Sports Day. From those who fully embraced the spirit by painting themselves green, to the brave few who competed in races with older year groups, to everyone who faced the nerves and exhilaration of racing, and the passionate cheers from the sidelines. A very proud achievement for all.

Olivia McConnell-Wood, Head of Mendip

Mr Healy representing Mendip in the pretty awful Teacher Bushtucker Trial.

Worcester House

We celebrated victories in House Football and House Team Building, showcasing the collective strength and spirit of the House

Stepney House

“ “ ” ”

House Performing Arts was a highlight...an interpretation of Pandora’s Box was a great opportunity for collaboration across year groups

Glastonbury House

2023-24 has been another exceptional year for Worcester House, building on last year’s close second-place finish in the race for the House Cup.

This year, our students shone in House Performing Arts, winning Best Technical Theatre and Best Original Score, with one student composing an entire piece of music from scratch. We also celebrated victories in House Football and House Team Building, showcasing the collective strength and spirit of the House.

Last year’s first-place triumph in House Performing Arts and wins in smaller events like House Photography set the tone for continued success. We now eagerly await the results of House Art, where students designed Christmas cards, hoping to add another accolade to our year of achievements.

Sian Reece, Head of Worcester House

I’m thrilled to share the outstanding achievements of our students in Ghent House, whose spirit and dedication have truly honoured the legacy of our school.

A wonderful first year of the new House system for Stepney.

Our Victor Ludorum set new standards in athletic excellence, showing us all the power of resilience and determination. Our Quiz Master displayed sharp intellect and quick thinking, proving that Ghent’s commitment to knowledge is as strong as ever.

Students began building the Stepney identity, throwing themselves into all House events. House Performing Arts was a highlight, the house created their interpretation of Pandora’s Box with sixth formers writing and directing. It was a great opportunity for collaboration across year groups. The students linked in three songs for this performance, Money Money Money, Survivor and I will Survive.

I was incredibly proud to see Ghent House come together for Charity Week, pouring their energy into swimathons, bake sales, cyclathons, and more. This wasn’t just about raising funds — it was a powerful display of our commitment to charity and community. Each event highlighted the heart and teamwork that define Ghent, as students of all ages united to make a difference.

Another highlight was the Charity Morning for the lower school students. Stepney ran a slip and slide stall which went down a treat in the warm weather. Onwards and upwards for another positive year. Great work Stepney!

Georgia Entwisle, Head of Stepney

Harrison Sanford, Head of House Ghent

Glastonbury were the House with the most commendations consistently throughout the year!

This was a successful first year for Glastonbury House with a podium finish of third place in the overall competition, which is highly reflective of the varied talents across the House.

Highlights throughout the year included winning in two categories in House Performing Arts with both the Music and Movement prize, as well as consistently topping the leaderboard for commendations. Mostly, it was great to see the students come together to embrace their identity as part of Glastonbury House throughout the year.

Charlotte Westrip, Head of Glastonbury House

Senior Art

It has been an incredibly creative and productive year in Art & Design.

KS3 students have experimented extensively with diverse materials like clay, graphite and printmaking. We’ve seen so much talent emerge from our young artists.

A project we all enjoyed this year was on the modernist, abstract sculpture of Barbara Hepworth. It has been wonderful to see so many of our students respond creatively to her ideas and forms through their ceramic outcomes.

Art Scholars have worked on extending their technical and conceptual skills through the work of Sara Shamma, whom they had a wonderful workshop with at Dulwich Picture Gallery. They continue to grow as artists and come into their own stylistically.

GCSE artists have once again blown us away with their creativity and dexterity. Their work tackled subjects from greed and corruption to power dressing and the iconography within architecture, to name just a few.

Year 10 has come in strong as one of the most technically proficient groups we have had in the last few years. From photography to still life painting, they have developed extensively as artists and we are very excited to see how their work progresses.

From ethereal installations, woven rope sculptures, to etchings exploring the grotesque, A Level students continue to tackle incredibly diverse and significant themes in their work, developing visual language well beyond their years. Their maturity, eloquence and genuine creative journeys have fuelled our imaginations.

Year 12 completed a unit of work on the artist, Lucian Freud. Here they developed their portrait painting skills, tackling both acrylic and oil painting. Their works show the making on excellent artists. We celebrated our students’ incredible achievements at our end of year exhibition and we look forward to seeing what comes next!

Jamie Restivo, Head of Art

Senior Design Engineering

It has been another productive and creative year in the Design Engineering Department.

Students have designed and made an LED racetrack where participants must press a button as fast as they can to progress an LED around a track.

Year 12 and 13 students have been looking at new innovations in Engineering and presenting them in a weekly lecture to Engineers from all year groups.

Year 6 students used the Design Engineering workshops and developed some highly successful mouse trap powered cars.

Year 12 students have been looking at the topic of sustainability and designed and manufactured a postmodern inspired concrete table that was displayed around the college.

James Randall, Head of Design Engineering

Design Engineering has offered many exciting Forder opportunities this year. Year 7 designed and developed projects using the laser cutter. They have produced some fantastic jewellery and brooches

Senior Drama

This was yet another busy year for the performing arts with six productions across a range of genres and styles.

The year began with Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons”, superbly led by Sam Mawrey Yates and Katie Kenyon as the Kellers, a family grieving the loss of their son. Staged in the theatre on a detailed realistic set depicting the back yard of the Keller home. The whole cast worked incredibly hard under the careful direction of Ms Reece to bring this tale of guilt and blame to life.

The play was swiftly followed by our annual dance show, “Kind of Magic”, devised and choreographed by Ms Flo from Champions Theatre Arts. The show explored a young girl in a magical toy shop as it came to life. It was so encouraging to see such a large cast enjoying themselves with notable performances by Bronte O’Neil and Tamara Vasey.

The centre piece of the year was our immersive production of the Broadway hit, “Fiddler on the Roof”, a pertinent tale of family and tradition pitted against bigotry and changing ideals. Staged in the Great Hall, the audience sat amongst the buildings of Anatevka and were even invited to dance at Tzeitel and Motel’s wedding. The cast was led ably by William Henderson who imbued Tevye with an affable charm and resignation to the changing world in which he finds himself.

Other notable performances came from Safia Rieb Smith, Lauren Suh and Isabel Reynolds as three of Tevye’s daughters and Izzy Calogeras as the long suffering Golde. With a large

cast from all year groups and student musicians under the expert eye of Ms Money, the show was a joy to watch.

The Festival provided even more performance opportunities with “Finding Nemo – The Musical”, “Romeo and Juliet” and “The Magic Flute”. Joe Donkin and Alberto Casaucao Dowler were the titular Nemo and his father Marlin, taking us on a journey under the sea to the Great Barrier Reef and beyond. The show was an explosion of colour and energy showcasing a large cast of talented students from years 7 – 9. Thomas Lenz and Lauren Suh were our star crossed lovers, superbly supported by Shani Smethurst as the matchmaking nurse.

Mozart provided the musical setting for our 2nd foray into outdoor opera in conjunction with the music department. Full of colourful puppets and amazing vocals, it was treat to sit in the sunshine and listen to Jamie Ozoemena and Florence Craven lead us on a mystical journey.

Richard Gregg, Director of Drama and Dance

Two musicals, one play, one Shakespeare, one dance production and an opera!

Senior Music

This academic year has been an exciting one for pupils involved in musical activities. The Forder programme continues to offer a range of opportunities, and many of these lead to exciting performances in and outside of St Dunstan’s.

A highlight from early in the Michaelmas term was the Chamber Concert which celebrated music by female composers and was curated by pupils from the Sixth Form. Other events included an African Drumming workshop and a concert for Music Scholars. The major event of the term was the Michaelmas Concert, held at St John’s Smith Square, featuring the College Orchestra and Chapel Choir performing Handel’s Messiah. The term culminated in A Festival Of Nine Lessons and Carols at Southwark Cathedral, with all major choirs leading the service.

Early in the Lent term pupils performed in the annual Battle of the Bands, an evening which celebrated the thriving rock music scene within the College. The Chapel Choir led an evensong service at Southwark Cathedral, and groups such as Big Band and Jazz Collective took to the stage for the Jazz Showcase in the latter half of the term. Also towards the end of the term was the Lent Concert, featuring all major ensembles, this year taking place at the Catford Broadway Theatre.

The first half of the Trinity Term saw our Chapel Choir lead an Ascension Day Beating of the Bounds evensong at All Hallows by the Tower, as well as the musical element within the College’s Commemoration Day. As well as this, there was a violin masterclass held for several of our talented violinists. Focus shifts to the Festival during the latter half of the term, with several exciting performances taking place, including a production of Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute.

Mark Dowd, Director of Music

Senior Sport

In a year marked by significant changes, the Sports Department at St Dunstan’s College has flourished with the addition of six newly appointed staff members driving sports forward. St Dunstan’s has experienced measured success across several different sports and clearly moving in the right direction.

Under Mr Palmer’s leadership and in partnership with Chelsea FC, the football program had a strong presence in regional and national competitions, with 167 fixtures played across all year groups. To continue our opportunity for all students, every student in Year 7, boys and girls, all participated in competitive fixtures.

Hockey saw remarkable success with the U12A Girls winning the London Tier 2 competition and the U13B and C teams placing 1st and 2nd in Tier 3. The boys’ U13A team reached the London Tier 2 finals, and the U15 boys finished 5th in the Tier 1 competition!

In swimming and water polo, it was one of the most successful years, with top 5 finishes in the ESSA National Team Relay Championships and multiple medals at the World School Games. The U14 Boys won the Tier 2 London finals in water polo.

The cricket season was dynamic, featuring over 80 fixtures, with the U13 and U15 teams reaching the Kent Cup quarterfinals and Laila Humphrey’s being the first female cricketer to take a wicket for the school’s 1st XI!!

With the new appointment of Miss Clarke, who is currently playing netball for Saracens Mavericks in the Super League, there is a new sense of purpose to our netball program. There is a great buzz around our netball and all the students are excited to start our new program in September.

The newly developed Athletic Development program led by Miss Turner has enhanced athletes’ physical capabilities, promoting performance and injury prevention. These developments herald an exciting future for sports at St Dunstan’s College

The Colleges extracurricular provisions remain strong with over 35 sports options throughout the year which is increasing student engagement and participation.

Overall, it has been an excellent year for sport at St Dunstan’s and the Sport Department are excited for what next year will bring.

Richard Risebro, Director of Sport

CCF

Once more the Combined Cadet Force here at St Dunstan’s College completes another very busy year and as always the first major Contingent event was in November where we took part in the Lord Mayor’s Show.

The weather forecast was good, and the cadets were looking forward to another public performance. Our entry was once again in partnership with the Worshipful Company of Marketors (WCM) who we are affiliated too and with over 50 cadets taking part this was a fantastic opportunity for them.

Both the Royal Navy Section, Army Section and Corps of Drums have had a busy year, and the range of activities has been extremely varied. Activities have included Scuba Diving, Sailing, Kayaking, Range Days, Field Exercises and many ceremonial events to name just a few. This year we have also been delighted to see the highest retention of Year 9 cadets over the academic year. At this year’s Contingent Dinner we were delighted that Lt Col Stanford Tuck, son of Dunstonian Robert Stanford Tuck (WW2 fighter pilot ace) agreed to be our guest of honour. During the evening, he joined with Officers, Cadets and serval other Dunstonians to celebrate both individual cadet success and the Contingent as a whole.

We also have to say goodbye to several CCF Staff this year, Sgt Lucas, SLt Hughes and most notably Lt Davies who has served in our CCF for 19 years. Although leaving the College this year, we are delighted that Lt Karmock Golds has agreed to continue to support the CCF. We also welcome two new Heads of Section with both Cdr Main (Royal Navy) and Capt Whittaker (Army) stepping down in their respective roles, both Officers have served the CCF to the highest level and we are delighted that both will continue to support the Contingent. We look forward to Dr Yu (Royal Navy) and Mr McIntyre (Army) leading the sections next year.

As always, I would like to once again thank all my officers, adult instructors and cadets. The commitment they have shown to the CCF is reflected in all that we achieve.

Major R Davies, Contingent Commander

‘The standard of drill I have seen from the cadets today would rival that of my own unit’

WO1 S Jaffe 151 Regiment

The Royal Logistic Corps

Duke of Edinburgh Award

38 young people took on and completed their Silver/ Gold Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) practice and training expedition in the Peak District, in surprisingly dry weather for late October!

The DofE Expedition section is, in my biased opinion as Head of Outdoor Education, the best section of the award. It offers young people the chance to shake off the shackles of their everyday life, travel to/experience new and unfamiliar places, and spend time outdoors and in nature.

The skills developed on expedition - teamwork; problem solving; communication; resilience, to name a few - help set them up for their futures. They do this with friends and those they don’t know as well, making new friends along the way.

On this adventure, the sense of humour they bring always astounds me. It’s this sense of humour that is pivotal to success when faced with challenge and hardship. And it’s this same sense of humour I still witness at the end of the expedition, flying in the face of adversity.

I consider it a privilege and delight being able to support and spend time with young people on expedition in the great outdoors. I look forward to this group taking on their expedition qualifier in the summer, and seeing them tackle the challenge with a smile on their faces and that steeled sense of humour they brought to this expedition.

Sam Drawbridge, Head of Outdoor Education

- John Muir ” “

‘In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.’

Duke

Middle School Symposium

In the first half of Trinity term, staff, pupils, and parents gathered in the STEM Atrium for the annual ‘Aiming Higher’ Symposium. For the symposium, Year 10 pupils utilised the knowledge and research skills they had accumulated throughout the ‘Aiming Higher’ course to devise, research and present on a question that reflected an area of academic curiosity for them.

Before embarking on their projects, pupils participated in enquiry-led carousel courses across three disciplines: STEM with Dr Currie; Humanities, Arts and Languages with Miss Tournes and Academic Thinking with Miss Riddle. Together, they explored thought-provoking questions such as: ‘How do we think critically in STEM?’, ‘Is the literary canon dead?’ and ‘Is objectivity ever possible in academic research?’

These courses enabled Year 10 to begin thinking about their own specific areas of academic interest. Eventually, these were developed into 27 different research projects, covering an extraordinary range of subject areas. Final presentation topics included: ‘How does your mother tongue affect how you learn?’, ‘To what extent does mental health intervention affect reoffending rates?’, ‘What defines Generation Z?’, ‘What is personality?’, ‘Why do we dream?’, and many more.

During the symposium itself, pupils presented their findings on display boards, engaging in insightful discussions with peers, parents and teachers. Attendees commented on how fascinating, original, and broad in scope the projects were, consistently praising the pupils’ confidence and articulate explanations of their research journeys.

The breadth and depth of the projects were so impressive that picking a winner proved a challenge for Ms Wood, Miss Tournes and Miss Riddle. Eventually, they had to nominate just three runners-up: Sidney Fischer, whose project was on the ‘Future of AI’; Aiden McHenry with ‘How adapted is society to support the deaf?’, and Zemirah Ubazue with ‘Are Generation Z sleep-deprived?’. The winner overall was Emmanuelle Packer, whose project posed the question ‘What were the greatest setbacks life on Earth ever faced, and how did it recover?’.

Overall, the symposium was a huge success, which was a testament to pupils’ commitment and engagement with the ‘Aiming Higher’ programme across the year.

Ella Tournes, Assistant Head of English and Oxbridge Co-ordinator (Humanities, Arts and Languages)

‘The breadth and depth of the projects were so impressive that picking a winner proved a challenge’ ” “

Middle School Symposium

Key Trips

” “

A Year Of Unforgettable Adventures: St Dunstan’s College Trips

Our 2023-24 school calendar was awash with a myriad of trips and visits, offering young people the opportunity to get out and about and learn about the world around them.

Being in the unique locale we are enables trips to some of London’s (nay, the world’s) best galleries and museums; the National History Museum, Tate Modern, National Gallery & V&A Museum – to name a few. There were also multiple trips out for all years to enjoy theatre productions to London’s world famous West end.

Exciting destinations for some of the international trips include the USA (New York and Washington), India, Spain, France, Italy – offering our students a wide variety of language and cultural immersion, Scholars’ trips and the opportunity to explore the world.

As well as far flung places, we also utilise the wealth of opportunities closer to home, be it a Junior school trip to the Catford theatre or Local park, to a trip out to a local climbing wall for fun or competitions.

We are proud of the broad and varied offering of trips and visits on offer to our students & pupils and will continue offering trips that educate, engage and inspire young people as not all lessons need to occur in school.

Sam Drawbridge, Head of Outdoor Education

Exciting destinations for some of the international trips include the USA (New York and Washington), India, Spain, France, Italy...

Graduation

A day of pleasure and reflection, the 2024 Graduation of Year 13 saw this wonderful year group complete their formal school journey.

Parents joined us to hear the keynote address by Yanoulla Kakoulli (2001), an alumni of the first group of women to join College. Her passionate evocation of the challenges of her later life as a women in the law profession made a strong impression on us all, not least her naming of her “self-doubting” voice, Barbara (“Oh do be quiet, Barbara!”). The accolades for all students were then read out and the roll call of honour saw all receive Diploma certificates to mark their time with us. We finished together in the sun and a drink of fizz. Well done all!

Alex Brewer, Head of Sixth Form

Albam Exorna Award

Winner of the Albam Exorna Prize: Livvy Cleverly-Lynch, follows in the footsteps of her brother who won in 2021

This award comes as a gift from the alumni body, “The Dunstonian Association”.

The judges – alongside myself as Head of Sixth Form – are all alumni of the College. In this case that was Zoe Moran and Sean Ming. There is a winner’s prize of £300, and two runners-up prizes of £100 each.

Year 13 were invited to apply earlier this year making their case for why they have best “adorned the white” during their time at St Dunstan’s. We were looking for individual stories that seemed a true reflection on their experiences during their time at St Dunstan’s. This of course made judging difficult because each entry brought a wealth of different experiences, each heartfelt in their own unique way.

The runner up prizes, given for the quality and imagination of their reflections, and the commitment made to the number of things they packed into their time at the school, are awarded to Dita Richardson & Bakarina Kebe.

The winning entry goes to a student who has been with the College for many years, and who has every year consistently adorned their own shield in multiple formal and informal ways. The judges were unanimous is giving the winning award, and alongside a Shield, to Livvy Cleverly-Lynch.

Alex Brewer, Head of Sixth Form

Head of School

Having joined St Dunstan’s in Year 7, everything I knew about this school was from a gated, personal experience, as my memories and experiences allowed me to form an impression of St Dunstan’s.

I’ve seen so much growth and development within the school since I first joined. However, through being Head of School this year, I was given the opportunity to see the school from a broader perspective, through the lives of all the students. Whether it was listening to heated discussions in parliament, or hearing students’ favourite clubs and subjects, it was incredibly refreshing to see you all at different parts of your St Dunstan’s journey, creating your own memories and experiences. Whilst as individuals you are all vastly unique, you all seem to possess the same innate drive and goal: To prove yourselves, in all aspects of life, and I know that this school culture will continue long after I am gone.

This year was probably the most difficult time of my life, and myself standing here now is a testimony to my friends and everyone who supported me up until this point. It was always relieving to know that I constantly had others I could rely on, especially during exam periods, where stress and anxiety were at an all time high. With that said, there are groups of people I would like to express my gratitude towards.

I first want to thank all the teachers and staff of St Dunstan’s. I think it is easy to forget the amount of work and effort that goes on behind the scenes. Behind every floor swept and window cleaned is a member of staff working hard to ensure we can thrive in a clean and safe environment. Behind every meal is a chef cooking to make our lunch experiences as enjoyable as possible. And, behind every lesson taught is a teacher who spent hours thinking of effective and engaging ways to teach their class. Without you all, St Dunstan’s would not be able to thrive as it does, and as such, we are incredibly grateful towards you.

I would also like to thank my prefect team, especially the Red Ties. Whilst it is mostly my voice that is heard, during assemblies and events, I could not do half of what I do without such a strong team, especially my deputies Victoria and Inaya, who to be truthfully honest do most of my work for me.

Lastly, I want to thank all of you, for giving me an unforgettable experience this year as your Head of School.

I will leave you with this: Cherish the time you spend at St Dunstan’s and the bonds you create with friends, as these will serve you no matter where you go in life. It has been an absolute pleasure and honour to be your Head of School, and I hope that my successor finds as much joy in this role as I did.

Rio

Celebrating Oxbridge news

St Dunstan’s College is delighted to announce six students have been offered places at Oxford and Cambridge.

Speaking about the Oxbridge success, Head Nick Hewlett, said: ‘The whole College is delighted with this news, and many congratulations to the students for their hard work and commitment throughout the application process and as they prepare for their final examinations next term.

‘I also want to thank the Futures team for their support during this period, and we look forward to celebrating all our Sixth Formers’ offers as they come in over the coming weeks. I also look forward to recognising Year 13’s achievements at the Sixth Form Graduation Ceremony next term.’

Samuel, who has been offered to read Classics at Balliol, Oxford, said: ‘I am absolutely thrilled, I cannot wait to immerse myself in Literae Humaniores and be taught by the hefty names that populate my bookshelves.’

He added: ‘My thanks to the school are vast and absolute: without the generous bursary and scholarship that have allowed me to attend St Dunstan’s, I would have never stepped foot in a Latin classroom nor be in a position to apply to Oxford, let alone receive an offer.

‘I am especially grateful to Ms Butryn and her wonderful Classics department - who have unfalteringly shared their passion, encouragement, and support throughout all my time here - as well as the Oxbridge team for being a steady tiller in the deadline sea.’

Dita, who has been offered a place to read English Literature at Corpus Christi, Oxford, said: I was really happy to receive an offer, the interviews had been so enjoyable and so I was just excited at the prospect of being able to continue discussing and learning from these academics.

‘The school has been really thorough in helping us at every stage of the application. Everything was always prepared and thought out well in advance, and we were given lots of guidance for all aspects of the process, from personal statements, to interviews and entrance exams.’

Diploma Scholar Symposium

The Sixth Form Scholars’ Symposium took place Thursday 16 November 2023 to celebrate the marvelous final contributions of our Year 13 Scholars.

Projects on display showed the huge diversity of intellectual output in this year group. We learned about so many diverse things from the rise in liver disease, to how CRISPER-Cas gene editing operates, from the relationship between auditing and corporate fraud, to whether the tampon tax should be repealed, or to the engineering of an asteroid in flight – such thought-provoking range!

Our judge, alumni Katie Hulland, was delighted with the contributions and after careful assessment decided on the runners up as Jack Gibson for his study on geriatric medicine, and to Oliwia Wnukowicz for her look at the way violence against women is an everyday threat. First prize went to Wren Clark for their fascinating study on the ‘Gentrification of the Dr Martens Shoe’.

Well done to all involved – a credit to their ingenuity and hard work.

Alex Brewer, Head of Sixth Form

“

26 Diploma Scholar Projects were submitted this year - the most ever!

Leavers 2024

Name Destination

Rufus Aagaard University of Exeter

Natasha Andoh University of Oxford

Leon Bielski University of Liverpool

William Casley University of Sussex

Saskia Chillcott Newcastle University

Olivia Cleverley-Lynch University of Manchester

Sam Coulson University of Birmingham

Adam Cowie University of Leeds

Susannah Dench University of Cambridge

Daisy Duggan University of Surrey

Lily Groenewald University of Liverpool

Keira Ha University of Kent

Nicole Hansle-Madden University of Manchester

Mariandie Haritsis King’s College London, University of London

Gray Herbert University of Manchester

Oscar Hibbert Cardiff University

William Hickey University of Leeds

Jack Higgins Newcastle University

Jamie Holmes University of Bath

Thomas Holohan University of Bristol

Ariene Horner University of Oxford

Emily Kay The University of Edinburgh

Bakarina Kebe University of Leeds

Jude Keyworth University of Warwick

Oliver Kieu Goldsmiths, University of London

Kieran McKintosh University of Leeds

Frank Miller Solent University (Southampton)

Rio Myers University of Warwick

Sami Noraika Manchester Metropolitan University

Eoghan O’Callaghan University of Leeds

Grainne O’Callaghan The University of Edinburgh

Natasha Okoh University of Leicester

Poppy Oswald-Barnshaw Newcastle University

Luke Overett Somnier University of Warwick

Aleytheia Owoh University of Warwick

Lucian Rastall University of Essex

Ella Redford Durham University

Dita Richardson University of Oxford

Inaya Rouse-Farooq University of Sheffield

Amanda Samuel Hull York Medical School

Ayano Scholl University of Cambridge

Bella Scott-Lynch University of Leeds

Ciaran Sellars University of Leeds

Ronan Sheil University of East Anglia UEA

Victoria Sherman-Aguilar King’s College London, University of London

Maya Singh University of Bath

Mirabelle Stanhope University of Bristol

Calum Steele Leeds Beckett University

Samual Strautnieks University of Oxford

Chloe Tasker University of Manchester

Charlotte Tearle University of Liverpool

Charlie Tennant University of Manchester

Una Tepic University of Bristol

Deebha Uthayan University of Manchester

Ben Wedenig University of Kent

James Wilson University of Leeds

Oliwia Wnukowicz The University of Edinburgh

Julia Zhang University of Manchester

Course

Geography with Study Abroad

Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Mathematics

Physics and Astronomy (with a foundation year)

Modern Languages

Medicine

Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences

Modern Languages and Politics

Psychological and Behavioural Sciences

Foundation Acting

Accounting and Finance

Forensic Science

Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology

Economics

Psychology

Business Management

Biology

Accounting and Finance

Modern Languages (French advanced & Mandarin beginner)

Mechanical and Electrical Engineering

History

Geography

Computer Science (High-Performance Graphics and Games Engineering)

Classical Civilisation

Computer Science (Software Engineering)

Politics

Football Studies

Law

Mechanical Engineering

Computer Science

Economics

Clinical Sciences

Combined Honours

Politics, International Studies and German

Philosophy, Literature and Classics

Computer Science (including foundation year)

Geography

English Language and Literature

Materials Science and Engineering

Medicine

Psychological and Behavioural Sciences

Criminal Justice and Criminology

Philosophy and Politics

Computing Science with Study Abroad

English Law and Spanish Law

Psychology with work placement

Film and French

Business Management with Finance

Classics

Social Anthropology

Bioveterinary Science

Film Studies and English Literature

English

History

Business and Management with a Foundation Year

Business Studies with Foundation Year

English Literature

Mathematics and Statistics

University Destinations 2023 & 2024

Special Events

Remembrance Day

On 10 November 2023, the College held its annual Remembrance Service.

We had the pleasure of welcoming back to the College many Dunstonians and Dunstonians’ descendants alike including Frederick Hambrook’s daughter and granddaughter as well as Bruce Cresswell-Jones’ daughters.

All gathered for a coffee before the service in the Great Hall in order to have a look at this year’s exhibition focusing on Dunstonian and WWII hero Robert Stanford Tuck:. We had live footage of Tuck as well as a recounting of his meeting with other Dunstonian and prisoner of war Alan Bryett. A life long friendship was struck by the two men on which Alan Bryett reflected:

“During the summer of 1943 I was shot down over Berlin during a R.A.F. Bomber Command raid and was made a Prisoner of War. There followed an unpleasant and gruelling time in various prisons, and eventually I was deposited unceremoniously by the Luftwaffe at Stalag Luft 111. It was late one afternoon and I was mentally and physically exhausted.

“The camp had a wonderful jungle telegraph and within an hour Bob Tuck was round to see me as he had heard that an Old Dunstonian had just arrived. He brought food, spare clothing, chocolate and razor blades, all gold dust in a prisoner’s sparse possessions, and generously gave me all he could spare.

“I have never been so pleased to meet a fellow O.D., and although it is now 44 years ago I have never forgotten his kindness at a time when it was so particularly appreciated.”

The service in the Great Hall was beautifully conducted by Canon Boswell and Dunstonian John Woolman (’76) read “Anthem for doomed youth” by Wilfred Owen. All guests then filed outside onto the D where the last post was played before several wreaths were laid on behalf of the College and of the Dunstonian Association by John Woolman (’76) and Iain Macdowall (’81).

Isabelle Blake-James, Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations

Beating of the Bounds

Beating of the Bounds is an ancient tradition going back to Anglo-Saxon times when parishes re-affirmed their boundaries by processing around them, stopping at each boundary mark and beating them with willow or birch wands.

Maps were uncommon at the time and this was therefore an important way of ensuring that knowledge of boundaries was handed onto the next generation accurately.

Once again this year, St Dunstan's College was delighted to be part of the annual Beating of the Bounds of All Hallows by the Tower whose parish was linked to the one of St Dunstan in the East which is the College's original City connection dating back to 1446.

Students of the College happily obliged and "beat the bounds" as hard as they could - this involved boarding a boat to the middle of The Thames. Head Nick Hewlett led a reflection on Boundary 4 in the gardens of St Dunstan in the East. Thank you also to Dunstonian David Edwards ('83) for going on the walk with other curious Dunstonians.

Isabelle Blake-James, Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations

Special Events

Lectures & Conferences

We are very grateful to all Dunstonians returning to their alma mater and giving up their time for our students by delivering first class lectures.

Since the start of the current academic year 2023-24, we have welcomed back to the College several Dunstonians:

Lord Michael Grade ('60) current, Chair of OFCOM, Sir Stephen Laws KC ('68), ex First Parliamentary Counsel, and Rev Douglas Dales ('70), author of many books and authority on our Saint, St Dunstan.

We also have a plethora of Dunstonians who have helped move our careers provisions for current students and young alumni along – we are proud to say that we currently have over 400 Dunstonians volunteering to review CVs, provide mentoring, attending the College's career events such as the Higher Education Convention in November.

This is a high number of volunteers we can lean on as and when necessary. In fact we have seen a sharp increase in requests from young alumni in recent months.

Isabelle Blake-James Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations

St Dunstan’s College hosts groundbreaking conference on adolescent addiction

St Dunstan’s College, Catford, London, was delighted to host a groundbreaking conference on Wednesday 5 June 2024 on the theme of adolescent addiction.

The ‘Let’s Talk About… Adolescent Addiction’ brought together heads, deputy heads, pastoral leaders and professionals from schools, both state and independent, charities and community groups working with young people. The event, hosted at Mansion House, followed last year’s inaugural conference, which discussed pornography and sex education.

Opening the conference, Head, Nick Hewlett, told the audience: ‘Young people have always taken risks. They have always wanted to drift into behaviours and actions that engender the risk of addictive habits. As I am sure we will hear about today, their brains are hardwired to do so. Indeed, you and I can all look back to our own childhood, no doubt, and recount choices and behaviours that we would rather forget. Some might argue that there is nothing new in young people wanting to experiment with alcohol, with drugs, with vapes, with gaming – all part and parcel of growing up. Except it is different.

‘The landscape has changed and the challenges and threats are greater than they have been in the past. Firstly, the opportunities for risk taking are now more prevalent than ever. The online world has opened a pandora’s box of opportunities for young people to get the dopamine hit we know they crave, but in ways that have long term consequences. After years of positive strides curtailing the advertising of cigarettes, we see a blossoming market in the slick advertising of vapes –when supermarkets replace their confectionery with vaping devices, surely we know we are in trouble.’

The programme included Professor Adam R Winstock, consultant addiction psychiatrist and Director at Staying Safer, Alicia Drummond, founder of The Wellbeing Hub, Helena Conibear, CEO at the Talk About Trust, Zoe Shuttleworth, Director at It Happens, Asha Fowells, Head of Education and Engagement at the DSM Foundation and Patrick Foster, former professional cricketer, author and Director of GAM-Ed.

Jordon-Lee Squibb Director of Marketing, Admissions and Communications

Fundraising Ball

On Saturday 27 April 2024, St Dunstan's held its first ever Fundraising Ball in the Great Hall of the College.

One hundred current parents gathered for an evening of fun and serious bidding both on our silent auction website and in the room itself. We were lucky to be joined by professional auctioneer and current parent James Hasler with his compere (also current parent) Esther Stanhope. James and Esther not only entertained our guests all evening through fundraising games and live bidding but they also helped us raise over £10,000 on the night alone.

Former Head Boy at the College and Bursary Recipient, Piotr Burda-Zwolinski (’21) made a personal appeal to the audience by recounting his own story and how transformational receiving his bursary was.

In total, thanks to the generosity of parents and Dunstonians alike, we managed to raise just over £20,000 overall. This will enable one extra disadvantaged pupil from Lewisham to attend the College in year 7 in September 2024.

We are particularly grateful to the following Dunstonians for donating prizes: Richard Fagg (’85), David Edwards (’83), Chris Potts (’75), Sam Lewis (’76), Ralph Salmins (’82) and Peter Jackson (’68).

Isabelle Blake-James Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations

Commemoration Day

Reverend Colin Boswell officiated alongside the Dean of Southwark Cathedral during our Commemoration Day service at Southwark Cathedral. Newly appointed Mayor of Bromley and Dunstonian Dr David Jefferys (’70) was also in attendance together with his deputy, Dunstonian Peter Dunn (’78).

St Dunstan’s College’s Commemoration Day was instituted in 1901 by the College’s first Headmaster, Charles Stuart, and the Reverend HR Redpath, rector of St Dunstan-in-the-East, to honour the founders and benefactors of the College who donated the land and the funds to set up St Dunstan’s College in Catford in 1888.

For many years it was held on St Dunstan’s Day which is 19 May, but more recently it has been held on the Friday before the May half-term. Prior to WWII, Commemoration Day was held at St Dunstan-in-theEast where the College has its roots but sadly the church was very badly damaged during a bombing raid in 1941.

The College’s CCF contingent also used to march from Cannon Street station to Southwark cathedral, across London Bridge. The tradition lapsed in the 1960s but the tradition of commissioning a special train from Catford Bridge train station to London Bridge station for all students still stands to this day.

Over 100 current benefactors and donors gathered for the service during which the choral piece especially commissioned by the College from composer and Dunstonian Thomas Hyde (’96) was premiered for the occasion. The Dunstonian who generously funded the commissioned piece, John Nightingale (’64), was also present.

A drinks reception was then held at Mansion House for all benefactors and donors of the College, as is now customary.

Isabelle Blake-James Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations

The Catford Weekender

The Catford Weekender is a community festival in Lewisham which was launched for the first time in June 2024 by St Dunstan’s College.

It was supported by many local sponsors, including 4TY Planning Ltd, Judge & Priestley solicitors in Blackheath, Woodfall Opticians, Munchkins and Studio One Pilates.

The Catford Weekender was a resounding success and surpassed all our expectations in terms of numbers and impact.

• Over 2000 people attending across 4 days at 15 events

• Nearly 300 local performers, including choirs, bands and soloists creating 15 hours of live music

• Residents from 3 Lewisham Care homes attending a quiz and tea party

• 250 pupils from 9 local state schools participating in a joint community choir

• 40 local artisans selling their work in 2 craft market sessions

• 2 youth music programmes curating over 4 hours of live music from local young people

• A free magic show attended by 400 parents and children

Awards & Reports Independent Schools Inspectorate

St Dunstan’s College underwent an inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) in April 2024. Following our last report in 2019, where we were judged to be excellent in all areas, St Dunstan’s was pleased to welcome the inspecting team back to the College under their new framework.

The ISI updated their inspection framework in 2023, introducing the concept of a ‘significant strength’, which serves to recognise any aspect of a school that is truly exceptional. Many schools fail to achieve any significant strengths and it was therefore with great delight that St Dunstan’s received two as part of its inspection – one of the very first schools in the country to do so!

The ‘breadth and relevance’ of our four timetabled curriculums - Hecker, Stuart, Forder and Usherwood - was praised as our first significant strength, with our dedication to embedding and celebrating diversity within the school noted as the second.

Alongside our two significant strengths, the report also praised the focus on our core values of courage, creativity, confidence, compassion and curiosity; our imaginative EYFS curriculum; and our commitment to safeguarding the welfare of our pupils.

Significant strength 1

Leaders have put in place an ambitious, timetabled curriculum which provides extensive opportunities for pupils to acquire the broadest of learning experiences. Leaders have taken great care in the design of this multi-faceted programme which is included as part of the school day. There are four separate strands; together these provide the full range of curriculum subjects, an extensive offering of broader learning experiences, a programme of teaching skills for the future and one that focuses on building pupils’ wellbeing and self-awareness. The breadth and relevance of this curriculum and leaders’ decision that all pupils participate in these opportunities, is a significant strength.

Significant strength 2

The school’s ethos supports leaders in creating a strong community where diversity is celebrated. This works through many facets of school life: through the curriculum, through the varied groups in school, led by pupils which celebrate diversity, and through producing events such as the annual St Dunstan’s Festival. All these promote respect and understanding among the pupils for everyone in their own school and in the wider local community. This is a significant strength of the school.

Awards

In recent years, St Dunstan’s College is delighted to have been widely recognised and endorsed for our forward-thinking and ambitious approach to education.

• Most Progressive School in South-East England Private Education Awards 2024

• Diversity and Inclusion in Sport Education Choices Magazine Awards 2024

• Most Progressive School in London Private Education Awards 2023

• Outstanding Fundraising Achievement Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2023

• Most Nurturing Independent School in London Private Education Awards 2022

• Co-educational School of the Year Independent Schools of the Year 2020

Senior School Prize Winners 2024

USHERWOOD PRIZES

Year 7 Values Prizes Courage

Confidence

Creativity

Compassion

Curiosity

Year 8 Values Prizes Courage

Confidence

Creativity

Compassion

Curiosity

Year 9 Values Prizes Courage

Confidence

Creativity

Compassion

Curiosity

Year 10 Values Prizes Courage

Confidence

Creativity

Compassion

Curiosity

Year 11 Values Prizes Courage

Confidence

Creativity

Compassion

Curiosity

Year 12 Values Prizes Courage

Confidence

Creativity

Compassion

Curiosity

Year 13 Values Prizes Courage

Confidence

Creativity

Compassion

Curiosity

Alma Brown

Felix Cardos

Daria Gilmore

Benedict Goulbourne

Lauren Glazebrook

James McManus

Sophie McGregor

Beatrice Small

Tamara Vasey

Jeishan Kananathan

Audrey Whittaker

Charlie Stiebel

Miles Odili

Iyla Shah

Tyler Smith

Lois Mills

Zemirah Ubazue

Hayden Ennin

Harry Rajkumar-Clifford

Emmanuelle Packer

Lucia Hedges

Thomas Dean

Theo Langham

Mihren Hamilton-Richards

Coco Kitson

Betsy Davies

Alexandra Mussett

Emeka Ozoemena

Eric Ho

Noah Oladele-Ajose

Charlotte Tearle

Victoria Sherman-Aguilar

Maya Singh

Bakarina Kebe

Mahieka Beniwal

COMMENDATION PRIZE

Year 7 Aliyah Hogan

Year 8 Ayotunde Dauda

Year 9 Thea Passmore

Year 10 Arabella Holmes

Year 11 Cimarron Maitland

Year 12 Eric Ho

Year 13 Susannah Dench

USHERWOOD AMBASSADOR

Lower School Alma Brown

Middle School Hamish McGregor

Upper School Martha Labi

STUART PRIZES

Commitment to Stuart – Relationships

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Finlo Horgan

Tallulah Greene

Sofia Gonzalez Antelo

Commitment to Stuart – Skills for the Future and Careers

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Lara Sangaralingam

Kai Mahoney

Cian MacCormack

Commitment to Stuart –

Critical Thinking, Rhetoric, and Public Speaking

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Dominic Martyr

Anya Whittaker-Axon

Sophia Tong

Excellence in Stuart – Middle School

Excellence in Stuart – Sixth Form

Art & Design

History of Art

Business

Latin

Classics

Ancient Languages Reading Cup

Computing

Design Engineering

Drama

Economics

English

Lecture Prize

Charles Pearce Memorial Essay Prize

French

Geography

Peter Davis

Geography Prize

HECKER PRIZES

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

Year 11

Year 12

Year 13

Indiana Garton-Jones

Danika Mleko

Lower School

Middle School

Upper School

Mrs Brenda Atkin Memorial

Upper School

Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers

Upper School

Lower School

Middle School

Upper School

Sir John Moore Memorial

Lower School

RM Presentation

Middle School

Upper School

Lower School

Middle School

Upper School

Lower School

Middle School

Upper School

Basil Harvey Memorial

Upper School

Lower School

Middle School

Upper School

William Barrett Memorial

Lower School

Lower School

Middle School

Upper School Mrs Mirabelle Bennett

Memorial

Lower School J M Williams Memorial

Middle School J M Williams Memorial

Upper School J M Williams Memorial

Kelvina Aidooh

Margo Reece Dennis

Agnes Stanley

Thomas Hedges

Sophia Tong

Sienna Collins

Charlotte Cleaton-Roberts

Aarna Wangoo

Misty Scott-Lynch

Oscar Nurse

Danika Mleko

Elena May

Samual Strautnieks

Maya Singh

Megan Chalmers

Yolanda Moran

Nina Van Roosmalen

Maya Singh

Ayano Scholl

Kieran McKintosh

Ava Reynolds

Oscar Nurse

Samual Strautnieks

Samual Strautnieks

Kelvina Aidooh

Isaac Foster

Harrison Bakowski

Abby Redford

Frederick Humphrey

Isobel Bloomer

Poppy Cole

Lauren Suh

Victoria Sherman-Aguilar

Natasha Andoh

Abby Redford

Misty Scott-Lynch

Dita Richardson

Aliyah Hogan

Chloe Tasker

Eva Chinn

Milla Dao

Jamie Holmes

Tyler Smith

James Nicholls

Sasha Swann

Emily Kay

German

History

Lower School

Middle School

Upper School

Lower School

Middle School

Upper School Douglas Howard Memorial

Jesse Greene

Lucia Hedges

Luke Overett Somnier

Charlie Stiebel

Ruby Meredith

Ariene Horner

Special Events

Mathematics

Further Mathematics

Lower School

Middle School

Upper School Charles Mitchell Memorial

Middle School

Upper School

Mathematics Prize for Progress

Music

Psychology

Robin Austin Memorial

Lower School Mrs Florence Ruston Memorial

Middle School Mr E G Widdowson

Upper School Mr E G Widdowson

Upper School

Religion, Philosophy and Ethics

Lower School

Middle School

Upper School

Science (Double Award)

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Spanish

Sports Science

Middle School Mr Paul Baker

Lower School

Middle School

Upper School

Lower School

Middle School

Upper School Prof. Sir Henry Armstrong Memorial

Lower School

Middle School

Upper School G H Stevens Memorial

Lower School

Middle School

Upper School

Middle School

Upper School

FORDER PRIZES

Spirit of St Dunstan’s Award

Lower School

Middle School

R R D Bodenham Award

Mr & Mrs P A Leigh Stanley Epps

Mr & Mrs B R Allen

Athletics Most Improved Athlete Mr R R D Bodenham

Cricket Most Promising Junior Mr J H A Eames

Player of the Year Middle School

Captain’s Cup M J W Cassy

Cross Country

Junior Training Cup

Senior Individual Championship

Football Most Promising Junior

Player of the Year

Captain’s Cup

Hockey Most Promising Junior

Player of the Year

Captain’s Cup Worshipful Company of Basketmakers

Netball Netball Award (Junior)

Swimming

Netball Award (Senior)

Most Promising Junior Mr P J Milner

Swimmer of the Year Townsend-Gilmour Cup

Captain’s Cup (F H Carter)

Tyler Smith

Yolanda Moran

Susannah Dench

Logan Christensen

Yiwei (Julia) Zhang

Mary Emmerson-Glen

Cristina Gibson-Aguila

Sam Mawrey-Yates

Grey Herbert

Ayano Scholl

Niko Cunningham

Julia Sillanpaa

Charles Tennant

Elliott Johnston

Ava Gibbins

Teddy Black

Amanda Samuel

Rose Richardson

Harry Stevens

Susannah Dench

Jessica Glazebrook

Kyria Peters

Inaya Rouse-Farooq

Amelia Glatt

Theo Langham

Saskia Chillcott

Jessica Nzekwe

Sam Coulson

Laila Humphreys

Hal Elliott

Milla Dao

Sasha Swann

Sam Coulson

Ariana Clarke

Evan N’da Koffi

Laila Humphreys

Matthew Witham & Veronica Farrell

Sam Coulson

Harry Gibb

Luke Overett-Somnier

Callum Grant & Ava Reynolds

Izaak Sajovic Crosland & Zemirah Ubeze

Rio Myers & Sasha Swann

Mariella Plant & Harry Hutchinson

Aiden McHenry & Sian Konijnenberg

Oliver McHenry & Inaya Rouse-Farooq

Zadie Kaleta

Aiden McHenry

Freya Kelly & Ayotunde Dauda

Ava Holohan

Noah Oladele Ajose

James Sugrue

Drama Performance

Drama Technician

Debating

Spoken English

Keyboard Playing Award

Strings Player Award

Brass Player Award

Woodwind Player Award

Senior Singing Prize

Music Composition Award

Commitment to Co-Curricular Music

Lower School

Middle School

Upper School Örs Prize

Ben Chudleigh Award

Lower School

William Henderson

Sam Mawrey-Yates

Isabella Calogeras

Gethin Tonge

Benjamin Barker

Middle School Clemments Barnes Memorial Liv Overett-Somnier

Mr K Ellis

Upper School

Lower School

Middle School

Upper School

Bennett Memorial Award for House Service

Forder Ambassador

Mr Peter Snowdon

Benjamin Davey-Adam

Isabel Dixon

Stanley Colman

Lottie (Charlotte) Harris

Lisle Horner

Oscar Hibbert

Chloe Dolton

Florence Craven

Eleanor Elizabeth Clark

Chloe and Brian Dance Prize Jack Gibson Excellence Award

Bakarina Kebe

Victoria Sherman-Aguilar

Lower School

Middle School

Upper School

The von Einsiedel Cup for Perseverance and Tenacity in Middle School

Academic Achievement

Best GCSE Student

Braddon Cup for Excellence

John Iberson Award for Engagement

Coling Cup

Albam Exorna Award

Deputy Head of School Cups

The Jane Davies Award for Service

Presented by the family of Evelyn von Einsiedel

Lower School

Mr David Moore

R H Braddon

John Iberson

Audrey Whittaker

Mathis Jouy

Rio Myers

Harry McGregor

Eva Chinn

Israa Tunio

Susannah Dench

Emily Kay

Andrew Coling Memorial Jack Gibson

Presented by the Old Dunstonian Association

Runners-Up

Presented by Sir Roger Cork

Olivia Cleverly-Lynch

Bakarina Kebe

Dita Richardson

Inaya Rouse-Farooq

Victoria Sherman-Aguilar

Presented by the Old Dunstonian Association Rio Myers

COMBINED CADET FORCE PRIZES

R N Section Most Promising Recruit

The Junior Rate Award

Presented by Commander E S Main RN

The COLLINGWOOD Telescope

Presented by Captain M G Rutherford RN

Coxswain’s Sword

Christina Mayhew

Lucy Nancarrow

William Casley

Inaya Rouse-Farooq

Presented by the Worshipful Company of Marketors

Army Section Most Promising Recruit

Adrian Jones Memorial

The HUNDRED Trophy

Camille Yoxall

Mathis Jouy

Presented by 100 (Yeomanry) Field Regiment Royal Artillery (Volunteers)

Pace Stick

Presented by the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers

Sword of Honour

James Lyall Memorial

Commanding Officer’s Bugle

The Drum Major’s Award

Presented by Major R W Davies

Best Shot Cup

Sir John Aird Memorial

Lower School Service

Mr and Mrs Withy

Middle School Service

ODA Centenary Prize

Community Service

Lloyds Bank

Reverend Colin Cuttell Memorial

Natasha Andoh

Rio Myers

Jasmine Morrison

Isabel Dixon

Thomas Dean

Rafael Canevero

Calista Grant

Mei Lin Rawlings

Lucas Bryan

Special Events

£195,000

Total investment from St Dunstan’s College

Total number of Lewisham residents at The Catford Weekender

Total number of community events

3217 745 223 27

Total number of children reached

£27,750 2000

Total number of hours given by our sport coaches

Total number of hours in the community

Total amount of funds raised for charitable causes

Outreach and volunteering activities during 2023-2024

• Brent Knoll partnership

• Care Home drama performance

• Chelsea Football Club partnership

• Dalmain FC Girls football

• Dalmain State Primary School Outreach Programme

• Fordmill Workshop

• Higher Education and Careers Convention

• Kilmorie State Primary School Outreach Programme

• LAMDA lessons

• Lewisham Care Homes events

• Lewisham History Society

• Lewisham Sport Schools

• Lewisham Youth Games

• London Youth Games

• LYLA

• Mamma Kind

• Rathfern State Primary School Outreach Programme

• STEM event

• The Catford Weekender

• Ukrainian bursary students

• Ultimate Frisbee

• XLP

Year 5 STEM Challenge Afternoon

In March 2024, St Dunstan’s welcomed more than 80 children to the College from 10 local schools for a Year 5 STEM Challenge Afternoon. During the event, the students took part in a carousel of science activities in our STEM Centre for Excellence and Innovation, with our Senior School students helping. The event was a great opportunity for students in the local area to take part in scientific sessions and experience large laboratories and facilities.

Lewisham School Games

Over the past 12 months, the Lewisham School Games have seen 865 pupils enjoy sport at our Jubilee Ground:

Friends of St Dunstan’s

As we look back on yet another of year of organising fun and exciting events for all our community.

Some of our happiest memories were from being involved in helping the wonderful team in the Development Office put on the fabulous Pearl Anniversary Ball in April, kicking off celebrations of the College becoming co-educational 30 years ago. This fundraising event managed to raise an incredible £20,000 towards a bursary for a well-deserving Year 7 student from the local community, and was also the first black tie ball in the College involving parents. We were immensely proud to be a part of this effort and we thank all the amazingly generous donors and the fantastic hosts who made the evening so spectacular.

Our other spectacular events were held as usual, with the Cheese & Wine evening at the start of the year in September, this time with even more copious amounts of Cheese along, as always, with a varied selection of wines, beer and Indian street food, surrounded by lovely art displays.

The Christmas Fair was tremendously busy this year with plenty to do for all the family accompanied by live carol singing and a musical ensemble. Santa and his Elves adorned the Bursary Garden, and the many market stalls, arcades and fairground rides transformed the rest of the College into a festive winter wonderland.

In March, the 2024 Quiz Night Champions Trophy and medals went to a team in Year 3 “Pizza Drama” just beating “Bad Education” (Year 8) into second place with teams from Years 2 and 5 only a further point behind. Twenty teams of parents competed in this event which was in support of Lewisham Foodbank. The night was expertly hosted by College staff who all graciously volunteered their time to prepare tricky but entertaining questions!

The Summer Fete brought the year to a close, held alongside the College Festival and during the new Catford Weekender event it was bigger than ever, open to both the College and local community, with more stalls, inflatables, rides including bungee trampolines and laser tag, and plenty of cake offerings from the Great St Dunstan’s Bake-off!

At the AGM, the Committee and Mr Hewlett said a fond farewell and thank you to the wonderful Zanine Plante, Tim Kipps and Mrs Davies who are sadly leaving the Committee, and we wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

Lastly, it was hugely satisfying to once again put on successful events involving so many members of our community, with the usual fantastic support from our Year Reps and volunteers. Thank you to everyone for your support!

Friends of St Dunstan’s Committee

This year Friends raised £38,500 from our four events and the College Shop. Grants and donations were given to Lewisham Foodbank and the Year 6 and Year 13 Leavers parties

The Dunstonian Office

Lord Michael Grade ('60)

We were delighted to welcome Lord Michael Grade ('60), Chair of OFCOM, back to the College for a tour with our Head Boy Rio, as well as a lunch with the Head and a superb lecture and Q&A in a packed theatre about the function of the House of Lords and what Freedom of Speech means for our country.

Rupert Evenett ('81)

Congratulations to Rupert Evenett (‘81), who was awarded an MBE in the 2023 New Year’s honours list for services to education and to the community. In his own words “the MBE was chiefly as Chair of Christ the King Sixth Forms which we have grown to three sites and some 2000 students in neighbouring Lewisham, Brockley and Sidcup - three ambitious and inclusive sixth forms with strong A Level and Vocational (BTec and T Level) offers. I have also been a board member of Goldsmiths, University of London and was Treasurer of the Old Royal Naval College. So contributing to education and heritage & culture in south east London as a born and bred south east Londoner.”

Nehemiah Ephrem ('19) Ernst & Young

Congratulations to Nehemiah Ephrem ('19) who started a Graduate scheme at Ernst & Yong in their Canary Wharf offices in Spring 2023 after graduating from the London School of Economics.

"Since leaving SDC in 2019, I have graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) after reading Geography and Economics, yet I have continued my local community support throughout my undergraduate years by providing free weekly tutoring to secondary school students through the education charity IntoUniversity.

More recently, I have begun a new role with Ernst and Young (EY) on their graduate scheme in their Personal Advisory Services (PAS) Tax team. Despite the challenges of this role, I have been keen to maintain my support to various groups of society through other volunteering opportunities, supporting refugees in my local borough in English language, Maths, and other key subjects as of late.

Such education, work and volunteering opportunities may not have ever been grasped without the education I received at SDC. I am forever grateful to the college."

Young Alumni Reunited

It turns out that three contemporaries when at the College, have ended up working at St Dunstan’s, namely Lesley Gordinski ('19), Jack Hall ('19) and Zoe Moran ('19) :

“Returning to St Dunstan's for my teacher training feels like stepping into a familiar embrace. Despite the new facilities, which are great, the essence of the College remains unchanged - a timeless core of shared memories and unwavering spirit.

Lesley Gordinski ('19)

During my time as a student I loved creating productions as an actor and coming back to continue making theatrical magic as a technician is nothing short of an absolute blast. Aside from being thrilled that I can give callbacks rather than be given, it is such a pleasure to continue to develop already wonderful relationships with my old staff members and create new relationships with the newer members of staff and I look forward to see what else is round the corner!

Jack Hall ('19)

Teaching here I've been able to access a warm, welcoming and familiar sense of community that's hard to find as a freelancer. It's good to be back.

Zoe Moran ('19)

Sir Geraint Evans Music Department Plaque

“On Thursday 1 May 1973, Sir Geraint Evans CBE, the world famous opera singer and father of two Dunstonians, opened the new music block at St Dunstan’s. In 1980 Sir Geraint appeared in a College production of Noye’s Fludde by Benjamin Britten.

As part of the recent redevelopment of that part of the College, that building was demolished but the memory lives on. On 12 March, Sir Geraint’s son, Alun Evans (’74), visited the College to help choose the site for the updated plaque (above) at the entrance to the new music department.

Yanoulla Kakoulli (’01) wins award

Yanoulla Kakoulli, who works as a family lawyer for solicitors firm Judge & Priestley in Blackheath, was named “Highly Commended” in the Lexis Nexis 2024 Award for Diversity and Inclusion. Thank you also to Judge & Priestley for sponsoring the Catford Weekender organised by St Dunstan’s in June as part of its wider Festival, all thanks to Yanoulla.

Dr David Jefferys becomes Bromley Mayor

Congratulations to Dunstonian Dr David Jefferys ('70), who was appointed Mayor of Bromley on 15 May 2024. David is also Chairman of Bromley's Health and Wellbeing Board and he has 40 years of residency in Bromley in his various roles in medicine and science.

The newly instated Mayor announced his chosen charities for the year, namely Alzheimer's Research UK, Bromley Youth Music Trust, and Welcare in Bromley. Raising funds for these organisations will be a key activity throughout his term.

David came back to the College to deliver an inspiring lecture to all our aspiring medical students last Autumn and he was also present at this year's Commemoration Day service at Southwark Cathedral on an official basis, as newly appointed Mayor of Bromley.

Archives

Casebow (’40)

Just before Christmas, we were contacted about a bequeathment of beautiful books from the estate of Dunstonian Late Reverend Ronald Philip Casebow ’40.

The books originally belonged to Rev’d Ronald’s father, himself also a Dunstonian, A.R. Casebow (’13), who left prize giving books his father received at the College in the 1910s.

The exquisitely bound books were prizegiving awards and were bestowed on the elder Mr Casebow for personal attributes and far-reaching academic subjects and including Spanish and Mathematics. They are now on display in our new Dunstonian Cabinet in the STEM building outside the Sixth Form Café.

Furthermore, we have since discovered a whole family of Casebow Dunstonians who all seem to have made quite a mark during their time in the college. If you think you recall any of them or are indeed a Casebow or relative yourself, please do get in touch with our Archivist.

The Museum Forder Club visit

It is wonderful when students use the Archives and we recently had a visit from the new Museum Forder Club, run by History teacher Joseph Yu. The aim of this group is to learn the skills of curating a museum and so a visit to see the precious and interesting artefacts we store in the Dunstonian Archive was a must!

The students donned the obligatory white gloves to carefully explore documents from the origins of the college. The were particularly fascinated by our original pupil roll books from the 1880s and the deeds of the land detailing the move of the school from St Dunstan in the East to the then fields of Catford!

Research for granddaughter of William Edward Tallents Teacher at the College during the 1940s -1960s

Mrs Michele Calverly was researching the life of her Grandfather, a Mr Tallents who was a teacher at the school. She told us,

“We have no alumni connection as students, but my grandfather taught at St Dunstan's for many years, retiring as head of the junior school, probably in the late 1950s or early 1960s.

I am researching our family history & was hoping to find out more about his time at the school & if there were any photos of him there - we have a few, but not many. My grandfather's name was William Edward Tallents and he taught at the school during the years of the Second World War and for some years either side (so I understand), including during the period of the school's evacuation to Surrey - where my mother, his daughter, and her siblings were born.”

We were able to give Michele access to the Digital Archive and some documents from his time at the College and she subsequently sent us some fabulous photographs of Mrs Tallents, colleagues and pupils during his time at Reigate during WW2.

Deryck Breakspear ('38)

We welcomed back to the College Debbie Breakspear, daughter of Deryck Breakspear who attended the St Dunstan’s for two years in 1937 and 38 before leaving at the age at 16 to start a career at private bank C Hoare & Co. This is the moment Mrs Breakspear found her father aged 16 on the 1938 school photograph.

Ian Fugeman (‘67)’s donations to the Archives...

In February we spent a great morning with Ian Fugeman of the class of 1967. Ian asked to visit as he had many items to donate to the Archive as well as a stunning Classical Guitar, a 1964 Hofner, bought while a student at the college in the 60s. Before a tour, Ian met with Christopher Rawley, Director of Instrumental Studies at the College to present the guitar. Mr Rawley was delighted by the piece, and it has already been used by guitar students, deepening their understanding of the instrument.

We in the Archive were also thrilled by the huge selection of 1960s artefacts Mr Fugeman brought in; original entrance examination papers, rule books, calendars, CCF and DofE badges and much more. Chris Rawley, Head of Instruments at the College says: “The instrument continues to hold a very special place within the department.”

Thank you Ian!

Valete!

Miss Beth Fowler

Miss Fowler joined the Pre-Prep department in April 2023 where she immediately made her presence felt with the compassion she showed in the classroom. She was adored by the pupils she taught and has left an ever-lasting impression on them. Her fun nature and caring personality will always be remembered! Her compassion also had a huge impact on the staff she worked with. She was a valued member of the Junior School team, and we wish her well for the future.

Written by Mr Clifford

Mr Liam O’Sullivan

Mr O’Sullivan joined the EYFS department in September 2022 and was soon joining in with the fun; singing songs, telling stories and embracing all things Early Years. He has been a huge asset to the team with his gentle nature, sense of humour and commitment to nurturing young children. It has been lovely seeing his enthusiasm to grow his own knowledge around early child development and he has maintained high expectations for our pupils, encouraging them while also challenging them to progress academically. We wish him well for the next steps in his career with young people.

Written by Ms Rose

Ms Tahmena Miah

Ms Miah has made a significant impact since joining the school in September 2021. She has been instrumental in enhancing the academic journey of our students as an excellent English teacher and her dedication and leadership in coordinating Usherwood has been exceptional, fostering excellent relationships with her classes. Ms Miah’s commitment extends beyond the classroom; she has actively supported students in their pursuits, ensuring they are wellprepared and motivated. Her dynamic teaching and excellent subject knowledge have enriched the College community, providing valuable opportunities for student engagement and growth. While we will miss her, we extend our best wishes for her future career.

Written by Mr Healy

Mr Sean Healy

Mr Healy has been an integral member of the English department at St Dunstan’s, bringing expertise, warmth and kindness that have left a lasting impact on colleagues and students. Joining in January 2022 as maternity cover Head of English, Mr Healy quickly made his mark. As Head of Year 12 from September 2022, he played a key role in organizing the Paris trip and the Scholars’ visit to Kew Gardens. Mr Healy’s A Level teaching has been widely admired for its depth and ability to inspire thoughtful discussion. His passion for literature, particularly for authors like Zadie Smith, enriched lessons and fostered a love of reading. He also modernized the department, introducing new texts to KS3 and KS4 and overseeing the transition to the CIE exam board. Mr Healy’s generosity of spirit, dedication and care for others have made him a valued colleague. We wish him every success in his future endeavours.

Written by Ms Thomas

Mrs Beata Wilson

Mrs Wilson has been a valued member of the Geography department, bringing exceptional organisation and a passion for both education and the outdoors. Joining in April 2023, she quickly made her mark not only as a highly effective teacher but also as a dedicated supporter of Handball and Palaeontology during Forder, where her enthusiasm was contagious. Mrs Wilson’s love for travel and the natural world inspired her to organise Geography trips to Costa Rica and other destinations, providing students with unforgettable experiences that extended their learning beyond the classroom. Her contributions to the department and the wider life of the College have been invaluable, and she will be deeply missed. We wish her all the best in her future adventures.

Written by Ms Thomas

Mr Richard Hindes

Mr Hindes joined the Junior School in the January 2017 and made an immediate impact. His warm, caring and funny nature will long be remembered by the children, families and staff he worked with. Always with a smile, Mr Hindes showed a great dedication and enthusiasm to bring learning to life and embed a love for learning for all. In taking on the role of IPC coordinator, Mr Hindes played a key part in promoting and developing an international mindset amongst our children, providing them with the skills required to go into a global community, recognising, celebrating and respecting different backgrounds and cultures. He has been an excellent member of the Junior School team and we wish him well for his future in Portugal.

Written by Mr Murphy

Mrs Jo Anderson

Mrs Anderson joined as Head of Biology in September 2017 and has been an integral part of our community since then. As well as Head of Biology and Head of Science, she has been a mentor, a form tutor, and a champion of both biology fieldwork and university preparation for me dical students, significantly enhancing these areas. Mrs Anderson is an incredible teacher, and a wonderful pastoral presence. She uses these skills to draw the best out of her students, who trust her implicitly and always feel supported by her. Mrs Anderson’s genuine warmth and approachability have made her a go-to person for staff, always offering assistance with patience and professionalism. Her presence is felt in every interaction, whether in lessons, with her tutor group, or with staff. We wish her very well in her move to St Olave’s.

Written by Miss Riddle

Ms Harriet Hughes

Miss Hughes joined St Dunstan’s as a History teacher in 2017 and contributed an enormous amount to the department and wider school community. An enthusiastic and inspirational classroom teacher who became the departmental expert on the Tudors A Level course, she also led the Creative History Forder society for many years, encouraging younger students to develop a passion for the subject.

A highly competitive Head of House and nurturing Head of Year, she gave as much to the development of students outside of the classroom as in it. Being from a naval family, she was a stalwart of the CCF throughout her time at the college, giving up many weekends and holidays for camps, sailing, and diving expeditions.

Her final year at St Dunstan’s was a typically busy one, seeing her take on a maternity cover role as Co-Head of Lower School as well as leading the History and Politics trip to New York and Washington. She leaves us to take up a position as Head of History and Politics at Putney High School.

Written by Mr Thain

Valete! 2024

Mr Graham Sayle

Graham Sayle leaves us after 14 years at the College. He had several roles during his time here, starting in Art with Karren Plumber until Mr Davies convinced him to come down to Design Engineering two years later where he remained ever since.

Graham was an absolute inspiration in the Design Engineering department. He wrote and developed several major projects, including the amazing concrete tables produced by the Year 12 students.

Graham is absolutely fantastic when working with the students. He has a real skill when it comes to turning their ideas into reality. In his time, he has produced over 500 GCSE projects and 70 A-level projects and knows exactly what the exam boards require to get top marks.

Despite not wanting to be one he is also a great teacher. A highlight for me was during lockdown when logging onto Graham’s lessons and he was teaching Year 7 in Wales with his favourite chicken.

Graham will be missed in the department and the College as a whole. He is leaving us to start a world tour in the summer with his band High Vis. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Graham for the last 6 years and we all wish him well for the future.

Written by Mr Randall

Mr Jonathan Holmes

Mr Holmes joined St Dunstan’s in 2016 from Trinity School in Croydon as Head of RPE and quickly established himself as a key member of the College. His enthusiasm and drive led him to many positions of leadership, first as Head of Department, then Assistant Head Inclusion and Enrichment and latterly Deputy Head Academic. A man of many talents, he combined his interests in religion and philosophy with proficiency in languages, including Portuguese.

Mr Holmes proved himself to be an impactful leader setting the highest of expectations of students, colleagues and himself. He had a huge impact on many areas of academic life at St Dunstan’s transforming the higher education, Oxbridge and MDV programme, and running a rich scholars programme, which included a very successful exchange with New Delhi Public School in India.

As a self-reflective practitioner Mr Holmes was always looking to improve and better himself as a leader. It is no surprise that he is moving on to a Headship at King’s College School, Cascais, where his knowledge of Portuguese will stand him in good stead. We wish him all the very best for this exciting move.

Written by Mr Hewlett

Ms Amelia Karmock-Golds

Ms Karmock-Golds leaves us after nine years at St Dunstan’s. She joined the College as a newly qualified teacher in 2015 in the RPE department, and was involved in many academic and pastoral roles during her time here, mostly latterly as an Assistant Head Pastoral and then Head of Department.

A dedicated teacher and form tutor she also fully embraced the co-curricular life of the College and was a mainstay of the CCF Army section throughout her time at the College, where she met her future husband!

With a particular interest in curriculum design and pedagogy she was hugely supportive of the College’s CPL programme. She also enjoyed mentoring and brought a great deal of warmth and support to innumerable members of staff undergoing teacher training or in an ECT role. Staff will also remember her as the co-founding member of the book club, and the morning crossword club! After nine years, however, it is understandable that she seeks a new challenge and we wish her all the very best for her new role as Head of Department at Newstead Wood.

Written by Mrs Davies

Mrs Gemma Davies

Mrs Davies joined St Dunstan’s College 18 years ago as a newly qualified teacher of Biology in the Senior School. She quickly established herself as a valued member of the team –a genuinely kind person who wants the best for every child.

She brought her natural empathy and understanding to a number of leadership roles within the Senior School, firstly as Head of Biology and then as Head of Year, Head of Middle School and Head of Lower School. Moving into more senior roles, she was appointed Acting Deputy Head Pastoral and most recently Acting Head of the Junior School – both maternity cover roles which have proved pivotal to her career progression.

A true part of the St Dunstan’s family, Mrs Davies has seen a great deal of change during her eighteen years here, but has always embraced this with an immensely positive mindset. She has been unfailingly supportive in her approach to line management and working with staff to bring out their best. As Head of the Royal Navy section of the CCF she led students on many exciting trips including a diving trip to Egypt, and founded and co-ran the field gun competition. Many students were also overjoyed when Mrs Davies opened up Quidditch to the Forder programme.

She now leaves St Dunstan’s to take up the reins as Head of Oakfield Prep School in Dulwich and we wish her all the very best in this exciting and well-deserved role.

Written by Mr Hewlett

We take this opportunity to thank those members of staff who have been with us for a year or less. We thank them all for their hard work for the College and wish them well for the next steps in their careers: Ms Biggs, Ms Goakes, Ms Lucas and Mr Rice.

Salvete!

Dr Christopher Austin – Teacher of Religion, Philosophy & Ethics

Dr Austin joins us from the University of Reading where he has been working as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in Philosophy. He has a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Nottingham and an MA in Philosophy from the University of Oxford having completed his first degree at Indiana University. He has held previous research fellowships at Durham and Oxford universities, and prior to his academic career was Head of Philosophy at Sutton Grammar School. He is passionate about teaching philosophy in an innovative and supporting environment, inspiring the next generation with the essential tool-kit of critical thinking.

Dr Harold Bright – Teacher of Biology

Dr Bright joins the Biology department as a newly qualified teacher. He has a BSc in Genomic Medicine with First Class Honours from the University of Bristol, where he also completed his Degree of Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery. Having worked for a year as a junior doctor he realised his true passion lay in education, and he undertook a PGCE Science (Biology) at the Institute of Education. As a lifelong resident of Lewisham, he is looking forward to joining the St Dunstan’s community and inspiring the next generation of students into science.

Miss Lily Davis – Junior School Form Teacher

Miss Davis has been working in the Junior School on a temporary basis and we are delighted that she joins us permanently from September. She has a Bachelor’s Degree of Education with a Double Major in Primary and Special Needs Education from Griffith University, Australia, and has taught English, Maths and IPC to a variety of age groups. She enjoys planning stimulating and challenging activities, and taking responsibility for the education and wellbeing of all pupils regardless of their learning needs. She is excited by the balance between academic rigour, exploratory play and the individualised approach to learning at St Dunstan’s.

Mr Zak Dollimore – Junior School Sports Graduate

Mr Dollimore joins us from Munchkins Sports where he has been delivering fun and engaging after school clubs and holiday camps within multiple schools. He has also been working as a sports coach covering PE lessons in schools across SE London. He has a degree in Sport and Exercise Science from Canterbury Christ Church University and enjoys playing and refereeing football as well as running, having completed a cross-country run from Birmingham to London, and a half marathon.

Mr Isaac Duperreault – Learning Supervisor (Cover Teacher)

Mr Duperreault has been working in the Senior School on a supply basis and we are delighted that he joins us permanently from September. He has a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education degree from St Mary’s University, Calgary and has worked as a cover teacher in a wide variety of settings, delivering engaging lessons and sustaining a safe, disciplined, organized learning environment. Thoroughly acquainted with St Dunstan’s systems and practices, he is looking forward to building on the strong, meaningful relationships he has already established with students and staff.

Mr Jamie Ellis – Junior School Music Graduate

Mr Ellis joins us from Cambridge University where he is currently awaiting the outcome of his degree in Music. He has extensive experience as a teacher, conductor and composer, and is a choral scholar in the Robinson College Chapel Choir. Mr Ellis has also been heavily involved in student theatre as a performer and musical director. He has professional composition experience having worked with two other composers on a full-length film score, which premiered at the Cameo Film Awards in Denmark, as well as composing and directing a regular Christmas pantomime.

Miss Katie Gent – Head of Physics

Miss Gent joins us from Dulwich College where she has fulfilled a variety of posts including Head of Physics (maternity cover) and Assistant Boarding Master. She has also supported trainee teachers from SCITT and PGCE pathways, having completed her Level 2 coaching and mentoring training with NASBTT. She has an Masters in Physics from the University of Exeter and an MSc in Science (Learning and Teaching) from the University of Oxford. Alongside 13 years’ experience teaching Physics in a variety of settings, Miss Gent is looking forward to getting involved in the cocurricular life of the College, bringing her skills as a qualified RFU Level 2 rugby coach and a qualified PADI Divemaster.

Mr Joseph Giles – Teacher of English

Mr Giles joins us from Walthamstow Hall Junior School where he has been teaching English to Year 6 as well leading on Music throughout the whole school, teaching curriculum Music and leading choirs, the school orchestra, productions and performances. He has a BA in English Literature from the University of Cambridge where he was also a choral scholar. He also has an interest in current affairs and journalism and is keen to develop news literacy and critical thinking within the co-curricular programme, alongside his other interests in football and athletics.

Miss Charlotte Handley – Head of Art

Miss Handley joins us from Bolder Academy in Wandsworth where she is currently Head of Art, managing and leading a team of four art educators across Art and Design and Graphics. She has a BA in the History of Art from the Courtauld Institute and completed her PGCE at the Institute of Education. She heads up the Hounslow Visual Arts network where she has been involved in community projects, higher ability trips and building a portfolio of strategy to enhance teaching, learning and academic challenge within art departments across the borough.

Mr Mitchell Hoar – Junior School Form Teacher (maternity cover)

Mr Hoar has been working in the Junior School with our Key Stage 2 pupils, and we are delighted that he will be joining the team in September as maternity cover. He brings a wealth of teaching experience with him from a variety of settings in Australia, and has thoroughly enjoyed working with the Year 6 team in the Junior School, and gaining a thorough understanding of St Dunstan’s processes and systems. He enjoys integrating computing into the curriculum to enhance student learning and engagement, and is looking forward to exploring where this can be integrated further.

Mrs Rosie Jacob – Teacher of MFL (French and Spanish)

Mrs Jacob joins us from St Ursula’s School where she teaches French and Spanish. She has a first class honours degree in Modern Languages and European Studies from the University of Bath and completed her PGCE in Modern Foreign Languages at the Institute of Education. She has been involved in teaching and learning research projects with the University of Greenwich and mentoring newly qualified teachers and is also a trained examiner for the AQA GCSE French writing paper. She enjoys leading and supporting extra-curricular activities and trips, including BFI film studies days in London and residential trips to Barcelona and Boulogne-sur-Mer.

Mr Steven Jankowski – Teacher of Geography and Business

Mr Jankowski joins us from Coopers School where he has been teaching Geography across KS3 and KS4. He has a BA in Geography from the University of Nottingham and completed his PGCE at Goldsmiths College. With 15 years of teaching experience he has a deep commitment to engaging students with the complexities of local, national, and global contexts. He is also enthusiastic about contributing to ambitious fieldwork provisions and co-curricular activities, having led successful international fieldwork trips to China, Iceland and Italy, as well as numerous national and local fieldtrips.

Salvete! 2024

Ms Katherine Leedale – Teacher of English

Ms Leedale joins us from George Green’s School where she has been teaching English across all key stages. She has a first class degree in English Literature from the University of Cambridge and completed her PGCE at the Institute of Education. She also has a PGDip in Image Production (Photography) from University of the Arts London which she gained with Distinction. She has a particularly strong interest in writing as a tool for pedagogic practice and has instituted one-off events and activities for National Poetry Day and National Writing Day.

Miss Bianca Lombardi – Junior School Form Teacher (maternity cover)

Miss Lombardi has been working in the Junior School on a temporary basis and we are delighted that she joins us as maternity cover from September. She has a Bachelor of Primary and Secondary Health and Physical Education (Honours) from Monash University. She describes herself as open-minded, compassionate and diligent, and enjoys inspiring and developing children to their fullest potential. She is looking forward to sharing her love of sport as an experienced coach in netball, futsal and basketball.

Mr Kukomina Mbasani – Teacher of Computer Science and Mathematics

Mr Mbasani has a PGCE in Mathematics from King’s College London having originally gained a BEng in Civil Engineering from Queen Mary College. He already has experience of the St Dunstan’s community having worked in the Maths department on a temporary basis during the course of this year. We are delighted that he joins us permanently from September dividing his expertise between the Computer Science and Mathematics departments.

Miss Natalie Meehan – Junior School Form Teacher

Miss Meehan has been working in the Junior School on a temporary basis with our Year 3 pupils and we are delighted that she joins us permanently from September. She graduated with first class honours in Speech Pathology from the University of Sydney and completed her Master of Teaching (Primary) at the University of the Sunshine Coast. She has enjoyed getting to know our Year 3 pupils and sharing with them her passion for music and the creative arts with her Forder ‘Glee Club’.

Mr Daryush Moussavi – Head of Geography

Mr Moussavi joins us from John Hampden School where he has been working as Head of Geography. He has a BA (Hons) in Geography from King’s College London, an MSc in Globalisation from University College London and completed his Postgraduate Diploma in Education at Canterbury Christ Church University. He passionate about geography and reads geographical literature avidly, aiming to share his enthusiasm with all who will listen. His love of his subject is borne out by his commitment not only to classroom excellence but also to expeditions at home and abroad, from Kew Gardens to Iceland.

Mr Angus Murray – Head of Science

Mr Murray joins us from Harris Westminster Sixth Form where he is Head of the Life Science faculty. He has an MSc in Biochemistry from the University of Cambridge and having initially decided on a career in research, turned to education after working as a snowboard instructor in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Most recently, he completed the Specialist Leader in Education certification with the South London Teaching Alliance and qualified to work across schools in London to advise them on their science provision in a consultant role.

Mr Chris

Perrins

– Teacher of Mathematics

Mr Perrins joins us from Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys where he is Head of Mathematics. He has a BSc (Hons) degree in Politics with Economics from the University of Bath and is also a qualified Chartered Accountant. He leads a large team of 18 people with varying experience from SLT members to ECTs and unqualified teachers. His role includes the development of the team, as well as overseeing the mathematics curriculum initially at KS3 and KS4, and also this year at KS5. Underpinning all of this is a genuine passion for teaching maths and ensuring excellent maths teaching across the team.

Mr Luke Skelly – Teacher of Computer Science

Mr Kelly joins us from The Norwood School where he is Head of IT. He has a BSc in Business Computing from Greenwich University and a PGCE in Secondary Computer Science from the Institute of Education. He enjoys passing on his passion for Computer Science providing students with opportunities to build their own websites, use Python to create their own games and explore the functionality of computers systems, as well as ensuring that students have an understanding of the latest topics in the world of computing including AI, game design and robotics.

Miss Amanda Summers – Junior School Form Teacher

Miss Summers joins us from Dulwich Wood Primary School where she is Class Teacher and Science Lead. She has a BSc Honours Degree in Economics and Law from the University of Plymouth and gained her PGCE via Goldsmiths University through the Schools Direct Programme. She is passionate about science and has been instrumental in setting up an outside science learning area at her current school. She is also looking forward to getting involved in the co-curricular life of the school, having previously set up a plastic free committee to raise awareness about environmental issues and initiatives.

Ms Sarah Thomas – Assistant Head Student Progress and Culture

Ms Thomas joined us in January 2024 as a Senior Leader covering a period of parental leave. Ms Thomas had spent seven years leading the English department at Woodmansterne School, achieving record breaking results year on year, and oversaw strategic change across all phases of the school with regards to formative assessment and innovative marking. Prior to this, Ms Thomas worked in a variety of schools across both the UK and the USA. Ms Thomas studied Liberal Arts at Southern Methodist University, Texas, before undertaking postgraduate study in Education at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, with her research dissertation exploring the intersection between neurodiversity, learning, and literacy. Ms Thomas remains with us next year as she takes up a permanent role from September 2024 as Assistant Head (Student Progress and Culture).

Dr

Kathleen

Waller – Head of English

Dr Waller joins us from Vienna International School where she is currently Head of English. She has a BA in English and Art History from Bowdoin College, Maine where she also gained the equivalent of a PGCE qualification in English and Secondary Education. She has also completed an MA in Literary and Cultural Studies and then a PhD in Comparative Literature at the University of Hong Kong. As a teacher and leader of literature and the arts she is passionate about enabling students to make discoveries through art and language about culture, communities, themselves, and all humanity.