College Life Autumn_Winter 2024 For Online by St Edmund's College and Prep

College Life

A-Level Maths Success!

Completing an A-Level Maths exam in just one year is an extraordinary achievement that few can match, but not for our Further Mathematics students who achieved five A* grades and one A grade.

Students receive an academic masterclass...

Students from Poetry to Rhetoric II were fortunate enough to be able to attend a lecture on science and religion run by Father Alban

National Finals

Having won the regional CCF First Aid competition, we headed to Manchester for the National Finals - see how we got on on page 4

for Mr Cunnah

Our very own Mr Cunnah was recently nominated for the BBC Make a Difference Awards – Carer of the Year 2024

A warm welcome to the latest edition of College Life.

In all of the pain and disruption of the government’s spiteful assault on independent schools, it has been too easy to forget that at the heart of the whole matter are six hundred thousand children who have done nothing wrong and just want to be happy at school. This edition of College Life is a wonderfully uplifting reminder that life goes on, and whilst we parents and school leaders may have been a little distracted recently by politics, your children have continued to thrive, to succeed and to learn to live their lives for other people, doing all they can to make the world a better place. But, most of all, they have been having a lot of fun.

In its four hundred and fifty-seven years St Edmund’s has lived through religious persecution, the martyrdom of one hundred and fifty-eight alumni, the French Revolution, relocation across Europe, near bankruptcy, two world wars and Covid. It will take a lot more than a hate-filled budget to harm a place like this or children like yours.

More donations reach Cape Town

Thank you for all donations and items for the Children of Ikasi School in Cape Town, you can see from the photos below how delighted they were. As mentioned in our last issue, this initiative relies on donations from staff and students to provide essential resources to those in need.

Once again special thanks go to Mr Cunnah for organising!

Matthew Mostyn, Headmaster

Careers Day - Interviews Skills Morning

On Thursday 7th November, the College hosted its first Interview Skills morning for all Rhetoric II students; a fantastic opportunity for them to apply and develop their soft skills ready for future apprenticeship, job or university interviews.

We were so grateful to the interviewers from many different industries and former students and staff who gave up their time and offered their expertise. There was a nervous buzz around the King Room as students prepared for their interviews, but we were so proud of their efforts and the positivity with which they embraced the challenge.

The feedback from both the students and the interviewers has been fantastic! Our Rhetoricians have all said how invaluable the experience was, as they prepare for their next steps beyond St Edmund’s.

Northern Lights

On the 10th of October 2024 Dr Czajkowski captured the stunning colours of the Aurora Borealis. This natural light display happens when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere, creating vibrant colours, most commonly green and pink. The best time to catch this phenomenon is during the winter months in polar regions – but how lucky are we to have seen it on our own schools grounds!

BookBuzz

Headmaster’s book

Huge congratulations go to all of the students listed below who were invited to sign the Headmaster’s Book as recognition for their outstanding work:

Artem S

Nathan W

Maxwell H

Joseph B

Liam S

Fabio L

David C

Isaac B

Thomas C

Alex L

Emma D

Felix H

Leo C

Bella V

Lauren E

Joseph B

Adam B

Ebelechukwu M

Laurens S

Liam S

Abisah P

Megan S

Megan C

Amelia J

Dubem A

Kamdi A

Florence B

Sofiya H

Emediong U

Pippa W

Jessica B

Taylor R

Bella V

Cornelia S

Isabelle L

Achieving C1 Level in Cambridge English Exam

Achieving B2 Level in Cambridge English Exam

National Swimming

Speaking competition finalist during the Summer Literary Festival

DT Rotary Competition

Speaking competition finalist during the Summer Literary Festival

A* in A Level Maths in one year

Playing the bugle at the Remembrance Service

Speaking at the Remembrance Service

Edmundian Spirit, walking 20 miles on pilgrimage

Reading on St Edmund's Sunday

Edmundian Spirit, walking 20 miles on pilgrimage

Organising the Rhetoric Christmas Party

English

Helping with the Grammar Options Evening

Singing solo in the Fauré's Requiem

Singing at a memorial Mass for an OE

Edmundian Spirit, walking 20 miles on pilgrimage

A science project

The national CCF first aid competition

Edmundian Spirit, walking 20 miles on pilgrimage

Dedication to the Music Department

Performing in Fauré and supporting the Royston Choral Society

Dedication to the Music Department

We were delighted to host our first BookBuzz Literary Celebration for Elements pupils at breaktime. The English Department alongside Librarian, Julie Tyne, hosted the event where pupils received a free copy of a BookBuzz book and freshly baked cookies.

Pupils selected a book from a choice of 16 titles, selected by a panel of experts from BookTrust, the UK’s largest reading charity, which places emphasis on embedding a culture of reading for pleasure within secondary schools.

The celebration was thoroughly enjoyed by all and it was lovely to see our younger pupils discussing literature in such an animated way.

Catherine Curran, newly appointed Head of English & Media, aims to develop and foster intellectual curiosity within and beyond the syllabus throughout the academic year and above all, continue to promote a love of reading at St Edmund’s.

Combined Cadet Force

It has been another incredibly busy term for the CCF. In addition to weekly training afternoons, we have had several weekends from fieldcraft to teaching Cadets on the arts of how to instruct their peers. The Contingent did a wonderful job again leading the College in the Remembrance Day commemorations and our annual Mess dinner was another fantastic evening.

Students in Grammar seem to be embracing the Cadet experience with many regularly visiting the hut to take advantage of the flight simulators (and polish their boots!) at lunch time under the watchful eye of the RSM. It has been great to see the Senior Cadets taking an increasing role in supporting other College events, helping at Fireworks night, the Senior Citizens party and the Prep Christmas fete. Congratulations must also go to the Corps of Drums who have put in some outstanding performances with their light sticks bringing some additional flair.

Shooting vs Haileybury

After close internal competition for places, we were able to select an accomplished team for our first shooting fixture in many, many years. Taking on Haileybury, who included a Bulgarian national level shot, the team were millimetres away from pulling off a remarkable win. After some outstanding shooting, however, Millie L claimed bragging rights with the best individual score across both schools and we look forward to hosting the re-match at St Ed’s in the Lent term!

CCF First Aid Competition – National finals

Last year we competed in and won the regional CCF First Aid competition and therefore qualified for the National competition and the opportunity to represent East of England against teams from across the rest of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Travelling up to Manchester for the weekend the team of 4 (Bella, Pippa, Jessica and Taylor) continued to excel. Against some stiff competition from a number of teams who consistently dominate the competition the team did an outstanding job placing third. In addition, particular mention must go to Pippa who achieved an almost perfect individual score across the weekend.

Alumni visit MedSoc

OE Meera Pusparajah returned to St Ed’s to share her experience as a penultimate year KCL medical student, after leaving over six years ago. Meera said “The Medical Society was a massive part of my time at the Collegehaving devoted much of Rhetoric pestering Ms Marrinan about my next big idea for an upcoming session.

It was great to see so many faces at the talk- I was glad to see that the enthusiasm for Medicine and healthcare is still present, despite some of the current pressures within the NHS. My presentation included reflections of my challenging journey into medical school- from my first application during my time at the College, navigating a disappointing A level results day, completing a Biomedical Science BSc and reapplying for Medicine as a graduate. I also covered my highlights of studying in a busy London medical school, including cadaveric dissections, assisting in complex surgeries and the abundance of available research opportunities.

Lastly, we finished off with a Q&A, with tips being shared about the dreaded UCAT entrance exam, interview techniques and balancing life outside of academia.

I am very grateful for this opportunity to visit the College as an OE and I look forward to returning, during the next chapter of my medical career as a junior (resident) doctor!”

Fireworks

go off with a bang!

The annual Friends of St Edmund’s Fireworks night was a great success! With almost a thousand guests and staff on site, enjoying a variety of street food and entertainment from face-painting to rides. Thank you to all those involved in organising such a successful event!

Talbot charity Bake off

Well done to Talbot house who raised an incredible £573 for our school’s charity with their bake off. A huge thank you to everyone who baked, and those who bought and supported!

Welcome liturgy

On the day before term began all new students attended a service of welcome with their parents. The House Captains played an important part in the service by reading their House Prayers and offering all new students a crucifix.

CAFOD is an international development charity who reach out to people living in poverty with practical help, whatever their religion or culture. CAFOD is the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. Their fast day took place on 4th October. In order to raise money and show solidarity with those in need students were invited to wear their own clothes and most opted for the economy lunch, where they received soup and bread instead of the usual fish and chips. The money saved from the ordinary lunch meant that we were able to send just over £2000 to Cafod to help them in their work.

975kg collected for food bank

Looking closer to home we also collected non perishable goods for the Hertford Foodbank. 1 in 5 people in the UK live below the poverty line and many need foodbanks in order to survive. Last year the Hertford foodbank helped over 5000 people. Our parents generously donated food items and toiletries. The donation weighed a staggering 975kg..

Scholars service

This took place at the end of the second week of term. Scholars and their families attended a service reflecting on their God given talents, thanking God for them and promising to make good use of them.

House Prayer Books

Every 2 years we produce House Prayer books. Each member of the House writes a prayer, and it is placed into the House prayer book to be used in House Assemblies. These were blessed by Fr Peter.

Faith in Action

Faith in Action took part in a virtual pilgrimage. We followed the “Jesus Trail” which took us on a 39mi (63km) route from Nazareth to Capernaum, along the stunning coast of the Sea of Galilee. This historical route is said to be the path that Jesus took during his ministry. We started the day with prayer at the crucifix at the front of the College. We then walked up until we joined the boarders for Mass. We continued our pilgrimage throughout the day with times of prayer and meditation. Each student walked 20 miles and by the end were very glad to have some refreshments.

On Red Wednesday students watched a Powerpoint from ACN (Aid to the Church in Need). Then wrote either a message of support or a Prayer for those facing religious persecution. Each House’s prayers were then displayed in the ambulacrum.

The Rosary

In October we joined the “One Million Children Praying the Rosary” prayer campaign, for peace in the world, organised by ACN. Around 100 students said a decade of the rosary in their RE classes. A small group of staff and students also led a decade of the rosary on Fridays in the Ave. There was no shortage of students volunteering to lead which was wonderful to see.

Immaculate Conception

On 9th December the College gathered together to celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception.

During the Mass, some staff and Rhetoric students were commissioned as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion.

Fairtrade fortnight

This has moved to September. We held a Fairtrade quiz which was open to all students with the lucky winners receiving Fairtrade chocolate and a Fairtrade keyring. The FIA group led on this, dressed of course in their banana suits.

Prefects commissioning service

This took place on the first Friday of term and the Prefects were commissioned as servant leaders. They signed the Prefects’ book and were presented with their Prefects’ ties and badges.

ST EDMUND’S COLLEGE

CAREERS FAIR 2025

FRIDAY28TH FEBRUARY

a photo!

We wanted to share this incredible photograph of the stunning sunset, that was taken during Period 7 Polo in Michaelmas Term! We are very blessed by our surroundings.

Students solve crime using DNA

Our students used gel electrophoresis to determine who the criminal was using DNA collected from the crime scene. This was their first time using this technology and it required attention to detail and manual dexterity! Well done to all the students involved.

Mr Cunnah gets well deserved recognition

Mr Cunnah was nominated by Dylan B. for the BBC Make a Difference Awards – Carer of the Year 2024. He serves as the Housemaster of Challoner House, as well as Head of Rugby, Golf, and Athletic Development at the College.

The nomination recognises Mr Cunnah’s work supporting students and staff living with diabetes, both within the College and the wider diabetic community. His efforts include providing vital care and support to students managing the condition, working closely with their families, and ensuring they receive the best possible care.

In 2020, the College was awarded the Good Care with Diabetes Award, reflecting his dedication to this cause.

Mr Cunnah expressed his pride and gratitude in receiving this recognition, describing it as both humbling and an honour.

Author visit

In October, we had the pleasure of welcoming visiting author, Dan Freedman. Dan is the author of the very popular ‘ Johnson’ series of football-themed books and the new ‘Jamie Johnson’ TV series on CBBC. He came along to talk to our Elements and Rudiments students about his novels and his latest non-fiction book, ’50 Ways into FootballDream Jobs on and off the Pitch’.

Barcelona trip 2024

Recently, 30 students from Rudiments and Grammar embarked on an unforgettable threenight trip to the vibrant Spanish city of Barcelona. Immersed in its rich culture and history, the group enjoyed a packed itinerary that combined education, adventure, and fun.

The trip began with a walking tour of the city, where students explored Barcelona’s unique character, from its bustling streets to its charming squares. Highlights included visits to two of the city’s most iconic landmarks: the Sagrada Familia and the Park Güell. These masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí left the students in awe, offering breathtaking views and a deeper appreciation for Barcelona’s architecture.

Dan talked about his love of football from a very young age and his dreams of playing football professionally. Once he realised he was not quite good enough, he found other ways to stay involved with football. He started to write about football and ended up working as a journalist for the Football Association. He travelled to the World Cup in 2002 with the England football team and he has interviewed all the top international football players like Beckham, Rooney, Ronaldo and Rio Ferdinand. The students were enthralled by his amazing stories, and he gave them lots of time to ask questions, giving away a signed football to the student with the most interesting question!

Dan proved very popular with the students, and many queued up to get a signed copy of his books. It really was a special treat for the students.

Cultural exploration continued with the chance to savour local Spanish cuisine, sampling a variety of traditional dishes that gave students a true taste of Barcelona.

The itinerary wasn’t all about sightseeing, though. Students enjoyed a mix of recreational activities, including a relaxing trip to the beach and an exciting visit to the Nou Camp Football Museum, where they learned about the history of one of the world’s most famous football clubs. Adding to the thrill, a day at a nearby theme park and water park.

With glorious weather throughout, the trip was a resounding success. Students returned with unforgettable memories of Barcelona’s beauty, culture, and fun-filled experiences—a trip sure to be remembered for years to come.

High Performance Learning...

Recognising High Performance in our pupils

At the end of the Michaelmas term we were delighted to present HPL badges to around 230 pupils from Elements through to Poetry. These pupils had all excelled in a particular area of high performance coming out top in our analysis of the HPL Rewards data. The group photo is a representation of this huge number of pupils.

It is excellent to be able to reward so many pupils for their excellent attitudes and approaches to learning. There will be one more series of rewards assemblies before the end of the academic year.

The Importance of Singing

Recent developments in neuroscience and technical advancements have enabled scientists to learn more about the brain and observe how the brain responds to certain activities. They have seen how the brain can in fact both grow and heal. Evidence like this has changed people’s perception of activities such as singing, which can now be prescribed by doctors as a means of helping prevent disease, produce healing and support mental and physical well-being.

The wonder of singing is that it can be what we need it to be. It might be a rigorous and focused choral activity, producing spectacular results - we see this in our own Schola Cantorum. It can also bring us simple, but happy and important memories. Singing is for everyone and is good for us regardless of whether we are any good at it.

Singing builds community

The strength and constant nature of the Edmundian community is recognised by those who have a deep connection with it, such as our Alumni, current pupils, and staff. As a faith school, liturgy and prayer are central to the community; these aspects of religious life have been expressed through singing

since before the written word. When singing together we can experience a feeling of real passion and loyalty to a community - pupils singing our school hymn, Sing England’s Sons is a prime example. The same feeling can be achieved when singing a football anthem in support of your team. This type of community singing brings with it a sense of belonging and feeling of ‘home.’

Singing builds character

Singing is an outward expression of your voice, which is unique to you and giving this voice expression and recognition builds personal identity and self-esteem. Through singing, a child will practise self-regulation – they may need to wait for another person to sing, they will be following directions and listening for particular sounds to indicate what to do next. There is a deeper level of rigour too - singing in a group or choir is a safe place to develop challenging aspects of precision; this might be listening carefully to be precisely in tune or ending a phrase at the right time. All the above take focus, grit, an awareness of others and consideration of your contribution and impact on an overall sound.

Singing builds confidence

Just the act of standing taller, paying attention to our posture and being

Recommended

A book worth reading is ‘Great Minds and how to Grow Them’. It is a handbook for parents that shows how you can grow the minds of your children and teenagers and guide them to success both at school and in life.

The latest neurological and psychological research is proving that most children are capable of reaching the high levels of performance, previously associated only with the gifted and talented. By using simple, everyday techniques, children can learn to learn more successfully.

conscious of how we are breathing, affects how we feel and how we present ourselves. Singing releases endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine – the ‘happy’ chemicals that boost your mood and make you feel good about yourself. Scientists believe that this is one of the reasons why people report being on a high during choir sessions and continuing to feel positive, uplifted and motivated afterwards. Singing introduces more oxygen into the blood leading to better circulation and a better mood.

Singing boosts memory

Singing can help improve mental alertness, memory, and concentration as it involves focusing on multiple things at once, engaging many areas of the brain in the process. Regular singing in a choir or musical theatre group for example, can really test and grow these areas of the brain, whilst crucially doing something enjoyable and that has a purpose. Medics are prescribing singing to support people who need support with areas such as cognitive behaviour or dementia as a direct means of growing or resetting brain functions.

Singing helps us to reconnect with and strengthen Mind, Body, and Spirit. It is a skill for life but also for a better life.

Students receive an academic masterclass...

Theology, the study of the nature of religion, is a quintessential aspect of the Edmundian identity. Our patron saint, St Edmund of Abingdon, was a respected lecturer in mathematics, dialectics and theology at the Universities of Oxford and Paris. Therefore, it is important to keep our ethos, values and academic roots alive and well in the students of our College.

On the 26th November, students from Poetry to Rhetoric II were fortunate enough to be able to attend a lecture on science and religion run by Fr Alban McCoy OFM, ConvBA, MLitt, a reputed academic fellow of St Edmund’s College, Cambridge. The masterclass focused on an intricate theological and philosophical issue: has science replaced God?

Fr Alban certainly spared no expense in his thoughtful and articulate exploration of this question. He explored the different approaches to interpreting the Bible outlining how, for example, a fundamentalist’s view may contradict that of a literalist’s. Society’s recent secularisation was also considered, as a link between belief in science and a loss of faith was masterfully drawn by Fr Alban. He covered in-depth definitions of both science and religion, pushing students to question the nuances of placing their trust in either.

Ultimately, this masterclass encouraged students to think far beyond the College curriculum. Experiencing a university-style lecture, according to a member of Poetry, helped to emulate the teaching style that is to be expected in higher education. This ensured that the Douay Hall was completely silent as students listened carefully to Fr Alban in order to understand the, at times, challenging material that he succinctly evaluated.

The ability to critically analyse complex ideas is a vital skill for any member of the College, regardless of whether they aspire to be an astronomer or an anthropologist. Moreover, ethical issues are becoming increasingly relevant in modern society so it is imperative that students are equipped to tackle problems that may not be covered in a regular curriculum. A holistic education is a core pillar of St Edmund’s and this was aptly demonstrated by the

flawless execution and keen engagement during this more advanced lecture.

Following Fr Alban’s lecture, there was then time for group discussion, facilitated by Rhetoric Theology students. Questions relating to the talk were asked by group leaders, and it was brilliant to see each student engaging wholly with the topics. One such question was ‘How is Genesis compatible with the theory of evolution?’. There was a broad range of answers to this, with some students considering how the linear time period of creation set out in Genesis 1 may be flexible, given that the original Hebrew word for ‘day’, ‘yom’, is also used to describe indefinite periods of time elsewhere in the Bible. Other groups considered alternative perspectives, with some stating that God ‘breathing’ life into man in Genesis 2:7 implies immediate creation of humankind, and therefore not the extended process of evolution. This question was just one small sliver of the content covered in the masterclass, which, overall, must not be seen as anything less than a resounding success.

One Year, Infinite Possibilities: A-Level Maths Success!

The recent A-Level examination results have filled our school with pride and joy, especially in the challenging Further Mathematics course. After a year of unwavering dedication and resilience, our students have achieved outstanding success, earning an impressive five A* grades and one A. This remarkable performance reflects not only their hard work but also the invaluable support of our teachers, parents, and the entire school community.

Completing an A-Level Maths exam in just one year is an extraordinary achievement that few can match. This accelerated path demands intense dedication, meticulous planning, and a deep engagement with a curriculum designed to be covered over two years. The journey requires mastering complex topics such as calculus, algebra, mechanics and statistics while maintaining an exceptional level of focus, discipline, and commitment.

Our A-Level Maths students have also excelled beyond the classroom, contributing to the school community through extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and leadership roles. Their ability to balance these commitments with their studies highlights their maturity and drive.

A unique advantage of pursuing A-Level Maths in one year is the opportunity to learn alongside peers who share similar ambitions. Collaborative study groups, lively discussions, and friendly competition foster a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual support. This positive environment boosts confidence and encourages every student to strive for excellence.

These results showcase the power of hard work, collaboration, and a supportive community. We congratulate our students on their incredible achievements and look forward to their future successes!

House Spirit is strong Elementsamongst

Our new Elements have made a fantastic start to their journey at St Edmund's. Pictured here with their house tutor groups, they’re already embracing the vibrant house spirit that makes our school community so special. We can’t wait to see them flourish in the years ahead!

Senior citizens Christmas party!

Over 140 guests joined us for our annual Christmas Party. Guests were entertained by the students and had a Christmas tea before being visited by Father Christmas. Thanks to the tremendous generosity of parents and students, each guest received a gift bag containing some Christmas treats.

Christmas

winner

Anastasiia (Rhetoric 1) was the overall winner in the Education Service Christmas Card Competition 2024 organised by the Diocese of Westminster. There were over 100 entries, so a huge congratulations to her!

Syntax drama students visit the Prep School

Syntax Drama students are creating a piece of Theatre In Education, based on a Fairy Tale of their choice, the piece must have a learning outcome for the children, an example of this would be ‘stranger danger’. This piece must be devised for an audience 5-7 years old.

The purpose of their visit was to spend some time with the children, share story books, learn all about their hobbies and interests, and

think about how they will create and manage not only production, but the piece in action. Making it relevant, keeping the audience’s interest and attention throughout and managing their behaviour within an exciting performance.

The children had lots of fun listening to the stories and the students learnt a lot during their visit, that they can apply in their production.

St Edmund's Day

This years St Edmund's Day once again focused on celebrating College life, raising the profile of House events and fostering House spirit.

Celebrations started the night before with the College Orchestra and Schola giving a wonderful performance of Fauré’s Requiem. The chapel was packed out with families and students treated to an outstanding evening of music.

The day itself started with our St Edmund’s Day Mass, this was swiftly followed by the second edition of the "St Ed’s Winter Games".

All students were participating, whether competing, supporting or managing their peers in a wide range of inter-house competitions from Rugby and Hockey to Dance, Chess, Baking and E-sports.

Despite some initial concerns the rain held off and it was fantastic to see all of the students embracing the day and getting involved.

St Edmund’s Sunday

On Sunday 17th November, Form 6 students Adam, Ebele and Laurens had the great honour of reading at the annual Edmundian Association St Edmund's Sunday celebrations. This is a role that is normally reserved for the College Head Boy and Head Girl but this year pupils from the Prep were invited to do it as the date was also 150 years since the foundation of St Hugh's School in 1874.

The children are pictured with The Right Reverend Paul McAleenan, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster who came to celebrate the Mass with the many OEs who had come back for the day.

Elements induction camp 2024

At the end of the second week of term, all of the Elements students spent a wonderful two days getting to know each other on their Induction Camp along with members of staff who will be prominent in their first year at the College. They started by putting their tents up in the glorious sunshine and having some time to get to know each other better. They then spent the afternoon partaking in various fun and friendship building activities. These included the ingenious ‘Cave on the Move’ which is a mobile caving unit which they disappear into at one end and reappear a few minutes later having crawled their way round in the dark as if they were caving.

Firm favourites amongst the activities were ‘Human Hungry Hippos’, Cresta Run which involved hurtling down a hill on a plastic tray (with a helmet and all safety procedures in place, of course), Aeroball which involved playing basketball on trampolines and Spider Mountain.

On the Thursday night the students enjoyed their time round the campfire, singing songs and eating toasted marshmallows.

Friday morning was spent doing the activities that they had not done the day before including the challenging abseiling. We were all very impressed with how all of the students gave all of the activities their very best effort and how they helped each other to achieve their potential in each one.

We returned to the College on Friday afternoon tired, happy and having got to know each other much better.

Rush Hour Concerts

There have been seven Rush Hour Concerts this term, and the pupils have continued to excel and grow through this opportunity for regular playing. They were initially launched as a platform for pupils to trial new repertoire, learn about performing or prepare ahead of upcoming exams but they now form a central performance platform for all pupils throughout the term.

We have seen a wide range of genres, pupils on differing parts of their musical journey as well as so many pupils who don’t learn at school or teach themselves have come forward to experience performing to a welcoming and encouraging audience. It is the school community at its best, supportive, encouraging coupled with a yearning for personal growth.

The concerts this term have truly been exceptional, highlighting the many talents that our students possess. The performances have displayed a diverse range of skills and musical styles, captivated our audiences and demonstrated the dedication and passion of our young musicians. It is the perfect way to end the day for all who witnessed these events.

Musician of the Year

From 25th - 29th of November, St Edmund’s held its first large scale music competition. Over seven successive heats, musicians performed to a panel of judges. Although a competition, the pupils supported and encouraged each other, and the feeling was more of a celebratory festival as opposed to an X-factor style event. From pupils who had only been learning for six weeks to seasoned performers on the higher grades, every students gave their best and exceeded expectations.

Music St Edmund’s... at Autumn

Concert

Ahead of the Autumn Concert, there was an incredible buzz around the department. It was an ambitious programme but, it is clear music is thriving at St Ed's.

The musicians performed to a very high standard in the Autumn Concert. The concert began with an excellent performance of the last movement of the Mendelssohn's Fifth Symphony played by the school symphony orchestra. This was followed by two solo instrumental works accompanied by a professional orchestra. Our soloists Thomas H and Isabelle L were exceptional in their respective solo works (Glazunov Saxophone Concerto and Fauré Fantasie for flute and orchestra) playing with great finesse and with extraordinary virtuosity. It really was a sight to behold!

The second half saw the choir and orchestra perform Fauré's sublime setting of the requiem. The choir sang beautifully throughout, leading us to moments of heavenly splendour as well as taking us to the dramatic depths of hell. The choir soloists, Patrick M, Isaac B and Amelia J were outstanding, performing with great professionalism and sang with delicately shaped phrasing and great musicality.

This was a concert that we will all remember as it celebrated the many layers of talent within the school.

Rehearsals are in full swing for Fiddler on the Roof. The score and script are so vibrant and funny, yet in the turn of a page, tragic.

This timeless story is set in a Jewish village in Ukraine at the turn of the 20th century and addresses the themes of tradition and change, generational conflict and religious oppression. The students are working very hard on all aspects of the show - the four part harmonies, the Jewish and Russian accents, the exuberant dancing including Cossack! It will be a labour of love, but so far the energy and commitment is fantastic as we work hard towards our show week.

The production dates are 25th28th March and we look forward to seeing you there!

All Saints, Hertford - Soundbites

You would think that after a busy ten days the choir would have nothing more to give. However, the choir hot footed it to Hertford to perform the FauréRequiem at a concert in All Saints Church, Hertford. It was truly wonderful to perform to a packed church and once again work with a wonderful band of professional orchestral players. The choir gave a moving performance which was greatly appreciated by the audience. Ann Stevens-Jones (one of the organisers) was full of compliments after the performance. She commented in her closing speech "they performed with such beauty of sound and great sensitivity, very few schools could take on a work like this and perform it to such a high level. In the last movement, we were certainly taken to heaven"

Scholars’ Concert

The first of our Scholars’ series took place on the 7th October in the beautiful surroundings of the Myers Room.

The Scholars’ demonstrated confidence and determination throughout some extensive and difficult repertoire; both parents and staff were immensely moved by the hard work they put into preparing their pieces. They have been working consistently to continue to grow musically and develop their technique and approach to style. Our Scholars’ continue to be role models for the pupil body, as well as major ambassadors for the college community in the wider community. We appreciate all they do and look forward to the next Scholars’ Concert!

College Sport Play More, Play Better

The Michaelmas Term has been nothing short of extraordinary for sport at St Edmund’s College. With over 250 fixtures played across 12 weeks, the breadth and depth of opportunities for our students to compete and grow has been remarkable. We proudly hosted three festivals—two rugby and one hockey— bringing schools together in the spirit of healthy competition.

For the first time, we also organized a district cross-country event, welcoming athletes from across the region. This term saw St Edmund’s teams competing at district, county, independent schools, and national levels, including the prestigious ESFA, ISFA, Junior NBA, Dynamiks Basketball National Competition, and School Sports Magazine Cup competitions. Our ethos of "Play More, Play Better" continues to inspire our

Football Netball

Our netball teams have continued to excel, demonstrating skill and determination throughout the term. The U12 girls progressed in the School Sports Magazine Cup with an impressive 8-3 win against Westbrook Hay. Eme’s relentless work ethic in the centre and Jemiah’s defensive prowess were key to the team’s success. The U14 team competed strongly at the National Plate competition, securing victories over Broxbourne and Dame Alice Owen’s, with tight matches against Queenswood and Goffs highlighting their competitive edge.

The U15 girls showcased their resilience in a thrilling 22-21 win against a formidable opponent, with Rachel’s defensive work making the difference in a closely contested match. At the U16 level, the team’s participation in the County Finals was a testament to their growth, finishing fourth in a tough group that included Berkhamsted and Sandringham. The senior girls’ team displayed commendable teamwork and pressure against Haberdashers, setting the foundation for future success.

athletes, with outstanding performances paving the way for more fixtures and challenges in 2025.

A particular highlight was the St Edmund’s Day Festival, a celebration of sport and community. Students participated in house touch rugby and hockey matches, showcasing their teamwork, skill, and school spirit. The festival was a fantastic opportunity to foster camaraderie and friendly competition among students of all ages.

Football has been a standout sport this term, with notable performances at all levels. The U15 boys’ team demonstrated their prowess in the ISFA Cup, securing a resounding 7-3 win against Langley and an impressive 7-3 victory over Brentwood to advance to the fourth round. Freddie shone for the 1st XI, scoring a hat-trick in a dominant 4-1 win over Stratton Upper School. Meanwhile, the U16 boys maintained an unbeaten run in the County Cup, with strong leadership from Max and Iremide ensuring a cohesive and disciplined team effort. A highlight of the term was their opportunity to play against Ipswich Football Club’s development team, where they showcased their skills and gained valuable experience. Across the younger age groups, the U12 boys started their season in style with a 9-2 win over Heath Mount, showcasing their attacking flair and Edmundian spirit.

The 1st XI girls’ team faced strong opposition but showed resilience and determination, particularly under the lights against Berkhamsted, where they narrowly lost 3-0 despite a courageous defensive display. The U15 girls’ team celebrated a 4-1 victory over Queenswood, with Sophia leading the way with four goals in an unforgettable performance. The U13 girls, playing their first competitive match, battled valiantly against New Hall, demonstrating their potential and commitment to improvement.

Cross Country and Emerging Sports

Hosting the district cross-country event was a milestone for St Edmund’s, allowing our athletes to shine on home soil. Students from all age groups performed admirably, with many now preparing for the County Cross Country Championships in February. The event was a celebration of athleticism and camaraderie, further cementing St Edmund’s as a hub for sporting excellence.

Badminton has emerged as a new strength, with our girls’ team finishing second at the County Finals and the boys delivering strong performances at the Lee Valley Schools Tournament.

Basketball also continues to grow, with the U12 team competing in the Junior NBA, a fantastic opportunity for our youngest players. The U14 and U18 teams have competed against strong opposition in district, county, and Dynamiks National competitions, highlighting the strength and depth of our basketball program.

Looking Ahead

This term has reinforced St Edmund’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a love for sport. With exciting cup campaigns in football and rugby and promising fixtures across all sports in 2025, we eagerly anticipate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. St Edmund’s College is a place where students not only compete but thrive, embodying the Edmundian values of resilience, teamwork, and excellence.

Rugby

Rugby continues to thrive at St Edmund’s, with our teams excelling across all levels.

The 1st XV made a statement with a commanding 47-10 victory over Bancroft’s, driven by Jacahri’s exceptional solo try and Monty’s brilliant backline play. The U15 boys impressed with victories against Hitchin Boys and Bancroft’s, with standout performances from Fola and Elijah, who combined speed and strength to score memorable tries. Their journey in the National competition has been equally promising, with thrilling matches highlighting their grit and skill.

The U12 boys epitomized Edmundian resilience, claiming their first win of the term in a nail-biting 6-5 encounter against St Columba’s. In the dying moments, Siegle and Upton’s quick thinking turned the tide, showcasing the team’s determination and game intelligence. Across all age groups, the focus on teamwork and discipline has been evident, with our players embracing challenges and demonstrating significant growth in their game understanding.

Hockey

Hockey has been a highlight of the term, with our teams embracing the challenges of competitive play. The 1st XI girls delivered a strong performance against Aldenham, securing their first win of the season with a 1-0 victory, thanks to Maia’s superb strike from the top of the circle. Natasha’s exceptional goalkeeping was pivotal, as the team defended a series of short corners to maintain their lead. The U15 girls’ team celebrated a 3-0 win over Chigwell, with their captain scoring a hat-trick and Mae converting a crucial goal after a brilliant team build-up.

The U13 girls displayed their potential in a busy hockey festival, finishing fourth among seven schools. They recorded wins against Godstowe and Heath Mount B and narrowly lost to Felsted and Haileybury, taking valuable lessons into their league matches. The U12 girls’ team impressed against Bedford Girls, showcasing their cohesive passing and attacking play. Florence B and Teddy stood out, with Teddy scoring multiple goals to secure a dominant victory.

Geography field trip to explore Sicily

Some students in Rudiments to Poetry went on a 5 day geography field trip to Sicily, packed with exciting activities. Highlights included a boat tour to Syracuse and a day at Mount Etna, where 4x4 vehicles took the group to the summit.

The trip also featured a hydrofoil journey to Vulcano, a guided trek to Vulcanello, and time at Sabbie Nere beaches to view the island’s hot springs. The experience offered a unique opportunity to explore Sicily's landscapes and learn about its geography firsthand.

Bake off 2024

This year’s Bake Off was another fiercely contested event, brimming with creativity and culinary skill. Contestants were set the exciting challenge of crafting a spectacular layered cake within a tight two-hour timeframe. The kitchen buzzed with energy as participants showcased an impressive array of ingredients, bringing everything to life from intricate sculptures

Animal Club

of St Edmund’s to some elaborate cakes that were proudly adorned with their house flags. The competition was intense, with every team pouring their heart and soul into their creations. The results were nothing short of extraordinary, a true testament to the talent and effort of all involved.

After much deliberation by the judges, Pole and Challoner rose triumphantly to claim the top spot with their stunning masterpiece. Poynter secured a commendable second place, while Douglas and Talbot ended up sharing the final position, reminding us that in this competition, the joy of participation and creativity is the real victory.

A big round of applause to all teams for their hard work, imagination, and delicious results!

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