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As I sit and reflect on the past 6 years as a Governor, I am mindful of the significant steps both schools have taken and of the hard work and dedication to support, care for and develop our students. This is never more evident than when you visit the schools, where you feel a sense of calm amongst the high energy and laughter that is palpable at breaktimes!
Both schools have received positive school Reviews, which is testament to the clarity of direction being set by their respective senior leadership teams. It has also provided a clear mandate for continuing to build on these Reviews, with both schools continuing to identify and improve on areas that will raise the bar even higher. This drive for selfimprovement is important and one that will help us flourish as a community.
The work, led by the schools and created in partnership with our community, with regards their strategic ambitions, is impressive. This is being weaved into the way they are monitoring and reporting their progress. As a Governing Body, we are delighted with the thinking that has gone into it and the desire to find real and tangible outcomes that match this ambition. Providing line of sight from the boardroom to operational delivery on the ground is hard, however the engagement to make this happen is remarkable.
The continued increase in our roll is an outcome of the significant cultural change that is being led across both schools, and the clarity of thinking. The fact that parents and their boys are seeing our schools as wholly credible and relevant with the focus on an all-round education, supported by an exceptional co-curricular programme, is down to the dedication of all our staff at both schools. With circa 50% of new entries to the school in Year 7 coming from other schools, there is a dynamic and more diverse feel to the groups of students as they make their way into the secondary school arena.
During this period, there has been continued joint working, specifically with JCG as part of the Student Forum and higher profile engagement with VAWG. Speaking to the students involved, they are conscious of the efforts and positive changes their working together is bringing to their school communities. Asked to reflect on how it now felt, they expressed thoughts that this is ‘now the norm’ and that the younger students in the schools are used to regularly engaging with individuals from different age groups within the community. They have done and continue to do sterling work in this field, and we would like to thank and recognise them for their high engagement.
Academic results are of course one marker during a student’s time with us. This year’s results, at both A Level and GCSE, have been impressive. Victoria College is placed in the top achieving 25% of schools in the British Isles for progress at GCSE and in the top 10% nationally at A Level. More impressive is that during their time at school, the boys have the opportunity to grow into young men, who are equipped and ready for the next level – they are respectful, polite, supportive, humorous, self-aware and are supported to be the very best they can be. Good people, make great Victorians.
Massive thank you to Dan, Gareth and their teams, and my team of Governors who continue to give up their time to make the schools even better places. I wish you well and look forward to seeing the schools continue to flourish and develop while keeping a mindful and respectful eye on the past. There is always more to do, and I look forward to seeing even wider engagement in our community. It has been an honour and a privilege.
Floreat Collegium
Richard Stevens Chair of the Board of Governors
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I find myself writing the foreword to this year’s Victorian seemingly only minutes after I wrote the 2023 version, and it is hard to believe we have all completed another journey around the sun. However, as I sit and reflect here at home, with the roar of the end of term awards ceremonies, public examinations, music concerts and sports fixtures finally receding, I can say that the year, gone by so swiftly, has certainly been one of our more unusually packed ones; we have seen so much camaraderie, fun, progress and achievement over the last twelve months and House and College spirit has been nothing short of exceptional.
The Jersey Schools Framework Review report, received after our recent inspection, showed that the College has made some hugely positive steps in recent years, especially around diversity, inclusion and wider culture. Our Victorians are so much more than just academic students, and we work hard to ensure they
gain a holistic education to help them to contribute positively to both school and society.
This year’s Victorian truly has been a labour of love; so much has gone on across the year at Victoria College it has been hard to distill it into a single magazine. I’d like to thank everyone that has worked tirelessly to bring this publication to life. My word for this year has been ‘positivity’, and that certainly permeates through the many pages ahead. I hope that you find it an inspiring overview of the considerable ambition and limitless potential of our wonderful and dynamic community, which I am enormously proud to represent.
Floreat Collegium!
Dr Gareth Hughes July 2024
WAS YOUR ROLE MODEL GROWING UP AND HOW HAVE THEY CHANGED AS YOU’VE GOT OLDER?
I suppose I had a role model and an idol. My idol was Brian May from Queen, and I took up the guitar with the aim of following him into the world of rock and roll. I definitely got my start from him in enjoying listening to, and playing, great music. My role model was my father; he was very outdoorsy, very kind, very family oriented. He taught me the value of looking after other people, being open to new ideas, and trying my best. He was a big influence on my life, but sadly he passed away when I was 31 and he was 63, doing what he loved - climbing a mountain in Andorra. Whilst it is a great sadness that I haven’t had his presence, advice and support since then, I feel so lucky to have had the time with him that I did, and my memories of him provide continuing influence on my life.
SPEAKING OF MEMORIES, WHICH PIECE OF MUSIC IS MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU?
The one that’s most meaningful is the song that my wife and I had our first dance to, which is a song called ‘You and Me’ by Lifehouse. It’s not a very well-known song, but has a great melody and whenever I hear it, I think about how hard I worked to get my dance moves right (well, I didn’t ever get them completely right!), unlike my wife who is a complete natural on the dancefloor!
SO, YOU WON THE INSTITUTE OF DIRECTOR’S (IOD) PUBLIC SECTOR DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD IN 2023, WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE RECOGNISED IN THIS WAY?
It was really lovely because I genuinely wasn’t expecting to win it, and it meant that Victoria College was talked about in such a positive light by so many people that evening and afterwards. Over the last three or four years there’s been a lot of change at the College, as you know, and so many people have worked hard to bring that progress to life, so I did also feel that I was winning the award really on behalf of others. Overall, it was nice to have recognised the results that have come from the recent hard work, but it also reinforced that the job isn’t yet done and none of us can be complacent. The very next morning I went into College and of course, there was plenty to get on with to keep improving Victoria College.
IN ADDITION TO THIS, JERSEY COLLEGE FOR GIRLS (JCG) AND VICTORIA COLLEGE JOINTLY WON THE LIBERATE SPECIAL AWARD. HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO BE RECOGNISED FOR THE CHANGE WHICH HAS GONE ON WITHIN OUR SCHOOL?
This meant more to me than winning the IoD award that we talked about earlier. It celebrated that a school that maybe hasn’t always had the best historical associations with diversity and inclusion is now recognised as being a leader on this issue. It’s lovely to have won it jointly with JCG to reflect the strong relationship that has developed with the students there, and our united work in promoting a positive environment for all. If we are going to produce young people that can make a positive difference in the world, we need to ensure that we are respectful of, and positive about, our differences, and that everything we do in life is underpinned by kindness.
LAST YEAR YOU SAID THAT YOU’RE MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IMPLEMENTING THE COLLEGE’S FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN, HOW’S THIS GOING?
We are a year in, and it has been helpful for the whole community to have a vision and clear direction. Within that everyone focuses on their own goals, so I think of it as commanding an armada of ships – each is getting on with their respective areas in their own departments or teams, but we are sailing in the same direction. It also helped having the recent Jersey School Review, which though very positive and reflected so many recent positive changes, gave us some specific improvements to link into the Strategic Plan. For example, we’ve introduced a new part of the middle leadership team with Heads of Faculties starting in September 2024. This supports the development of staff, quality teaching and learning, and a more collaborative approach. There’s lots of other bits and pieces like this going on, but the most important thing is working to support the cultural development – reinforcing that kindness and inclusivity are the backbone for a great school. Get the culture right, and the results will come. And they are coming, as we have seen.
THE ISLAND AS A WHOLE HAS A TEACHER SHORTAGE. HOW DID YOU FIRST FIND THE MOVE TO JERSEY AND HOW ARE YOU FINDING LIFE ON THE ROCK NOW?
I think the shortage is linked to a mismatch between expectations and the reality of life in Jersey. Supporting teachers or operational staff when they first arrive with subsidised housing costs, for example, could be a positive move. As we all know, Jersey has some great natural advantages – the physical environment, community, safety, culture - so you just want to make sure that if people take the plunge and move from the UK or overseas to Jersey that the job and the Island lives up to expectations. I’m quite lucky in that I love the outdoors and the community, and I have a young family, so I adore it here and never really feel the need to get off the Island.
SO ON A LITTLE BIT OF A LIGHTER NOTE, IF YOU COULD BE THE BEST IN THE WORLD AT ONE THING WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY?
If I could be the best surfer and the best guitarist in one go, I’d take that. The joy I take from being reasonable at both these things at the moment is considerable, so to take them to the highest level I can only assume would lead to even greater enjoyment.
NOW WHICH THREE PEOPLE, DEAD OR ALIVE, WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO HAVE A COFFEE WITH?
You don’t realise what you have until you don’t have it. I could pick from a number of famous people (I would definitely like to have a chat with Ellie Rowsell from Wolf Alice – she’s a brilliant musician and person) but ultimately, I would love to sit down and chat to people that I was once close to and have since lost. So, I’d pick my father, my grandfather (who died when I was very young, and I didn’t really get enough time with) and one of my old university friends and housemate Laurence who sadly passed away from cancer a few years ago. I think they’d all get on pretty well, too!.
PERFECT AND FINALLY, WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE NEXT YEAR?
Bed in the changes we have made, keep striving to improve some of the areas we have identified, stay aspirational and reinforce the need for a positive culture. We have some new staff coming in, so making sure they are settled and ready to make an impact. And, of course, to focus in on the students and make sure each and every one of them feels part of the community and achieves. And finally, if there’s time, to learn to play the guitar a little better too…
With the 175th Anniversary of Victoria College on the horizon, we thought it would be a great idea to remember the previous anniversaries of Victoria College. We’re going back to 1952: it was a hot summer, the academic and games results were good, the States and the Old Victorians (OVs) held splendid dinners in the Hall and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester visited the College for the presentation of the Queen’s awards and the opening of the Art School. It was a time for pride and reminiscences.
A Speech Day was held on 29th September, exactly 100 years to the day of the opening and the present Victorians were reminded that “they are setting the standard for the next 100 years.” During this celebratory year, the OVs held a “festival dinner” (only the 3rd ever) in the Great Hall on 30 September. Over 200 guests attended with catering by the Merton Hotel. This event, as well as marking the 100th anniversary of the school, marked the 50th anniversary of the Old Victorian’s Association (OVA). Honorary membership to the OVs was open to teachers, “conferred for signal services to the school upon those who are ineligible for ordinary membership”, and lifetime
membership was offered for between £5 and £7, 10 shillings, to Old Boys. The President of the OVs was the Wartime bailiff, Sir Alexander Coutanche.
In addition to the States banquet in the Great Hall, with the Duke & Duchess of Gloucester as guests, there was also a Centenary Concert, hymn singing from the Great Hall on 28th September which was broadcast on The BBC Radio Sunday Half Hour Series. It was heard as far afield as California, Yugoslavia & Lagos. Along with this, Victoria College hosted an archives exhibition in the Belk Room (now the Staff Common Room).
It was this special year that confirmed the standardisation of the black and gold uniforms. Buildings were erected and renovations were underway with the “new” De Carteret building being built in the gardens of the old “War memorial”. The Art School opened (the gift of the Old Victorians and now known as Tilling), the Great Hall gained a new Compton Organ and had its pictures cleaned, the main building was floodlit, buttresses were repaired & railings repainted. With banquets, concerts, renovations, and royal visits taking place, 1952 was a great year to be at Victoria College.
Food at Victoria College has come in many varied forms throughout the centuries. Whether this was traditional British food being served in College House in the 1900s, boys buying penny sweets from the tuck shop on College Field in the ‘50s or today’s students getting a sandwich from the Bistro, food has been, and still is, an ever-present aspect of College life. Fuelling students to thrash the opposition at sports and keeping brains running on all cylinders, meals have been key to the school’s success throughout its history.
Food probably wasn’t on offer, but students could go to the lodge house and get a ginger beer. It is likely that it functioned as an unofficial tuck shop!
Traditional British food was served at College House for boarders for a very long time. Hot meals such as roast beef and chicken (which may have been “farmed” by the caretaker- who kept animals on site) were on offer, along with traditional vegetables and desserts such as trifle and rice pudding. Some rather strange things were on the menu as well, however. These oddities included brawn (jellied pig’s head) and fruit for a savoury course! condemned and is no longer in use.
“In addition, I recall the tuck shop operating under the formidable Mrs Forskitt in the entrance corridor cupboard – it was all Cola Bottles and Astro Belts in those days, nothing approaching healthy. And woe betide any boy who tried to sneak off campus to visit College Hill Stores!”
Mr Wooldridge, Archivist, Librarian and Old Victorian
Although christened as Frederick he always preferred to be known by his second name – John. He was born in 1930 in the northern parish of St John to a local family who could trace their origins to Brittany.
Throughout his life John would prove to possess a considerable personal drive, and this is perhaps first evident in his time at Victoria College. He joined in 1942 as a recipient of the prestigious Howard Davis Scholarship. Joining the College during the Occupation he would have witnessed, first hand, the disruption to life during that period – but it doesn’t seem to have impacted his rise, academically, sporting and socially, within the College.
John was an academic achiever, and his commitment to his studies included a two-year period spent boarding at College House to allow more intensive study. Such diligence would help ensure his eventual win of the States Gold Medal for French.
Socially, he was popular amongst his peers (particularly his housemates in Bruce). According to the Victorian magazine, he was often to be found in the Debating Society. Here he once argued for a politically medium way between “democracy and communism” (amongst many other contributions). His standing in a school election for the Communist Party (as a joke) may have seen him come second in the polls, but would later prompt an investigation into his suitability for a job in the Nigerian Civil Service.
By the time he left College in 1950, John had achieved a great number of accolades across a wide spectrum of activities making up College life. He was Head Prefect (and winner of the De Quetteville prize), Captain (with colours) in Football, Hockey, Cricket and Gymnastics, as well as being a Command Sergeant Major in the Combined Cadet Force. This unusually high haul of school honours was capped by the award of the King Charles
I Open Scholarship to Pembroke College, Cambridge (an achievement noted on the Honours Board in the library).
At Cambridge, John achieved a 2nd Class Modern Languages Tripos Pt II. By 1956 he was working in the Administrative Service in Northern Nigeria.
The following information, about his post-College life, has been kindly supplied by his family:
“In 1954, John married his beloved wife Thea and was posted to Nigeria where he worked until Independence. They returned to England and John decided to pursue his passion to become a school master, taking on the Co-Headship of a boys’ prep school in Bath. Not only did he take on joint Headship and a heavy teaching curriculum, but together with Thea, they also ran the boarding house for the school from their home, The Priory. Ever the sportsman, he introduced sport into the curriculum and even created football pitches for the boys up on Lansdown and a cricket square, tennis court and swimming pool at the Priory. He loved teaching and coaching the boys, one of whom wrote that John “had a great sense of humour and much compassion; he was a truly fine gentleman”.
After some years teaching and running the school, he and his wife decided to transform their boarding school into the luxury hotel known as the Priory Hotel Bath, followed by a further transformation of Hunstrete House in 1978 into a second luxury hotel nearby (now known as the Pig near Bath); both hotels enjoyed great success, much to their surprise! Self-taught, he won accolades for his cooking and knowledge of wine, but it was the creation of his gardens that saw his passion and talents for design and planting emerge, not to mention the sheer physical strength and energy needed to create them.
He and Thea retired to Rockwells House in Batcombe, near Bruton in 1989, a place they adored and were at their happiest for almost 25 years. Here, John created a magical garden enhanced by beautiful natural spring water features. Somehow, he also still found time to cook and entertain family and friends on an epic scale. He was Chair of Batcombe Horticultural Society and the judges’ lunches were by all accounts legendary! His poor health in later years gave rise to their final home, Glen House in Bruton, and the creation of a modest sized but nonetheless beautiful garden of some 100 roses, his favourite flower.
His life was a life well-lived: he was a Jersey man, a scholar, a sportsman, a gardener, a master chef, a great traveller and a linguist. For 70 years beloved husband of Thea, father to Nicky, Sarah and Hetty, father-in-law to John and Chris. Poppa to Ben, Jessica, Jonathon, Charlie, Annabel and William and Great Grandpa to Alfie and Archie. He will be sorely missed by us all.”
Floreat Collegium
[He] had a great sense of humour and much compassion; he was a truly fine gentleman
During the aftermath of Storm Ciaran in November 2023, some repairs and alterations had to take place on College Field. These revealed a brick lined room… underground.
The room had been previously uncovered for electrical work in the 1970s, but apart from a few monochrome photographs taken at that time (now in the Town Archives) the site had remained covered over and forgotten.
The space is brick lined, entered via a series of rungs descending from the surface. A small passageway leads to the main chamber which has a concave end wall, and it is there that the presumed heart of the structure lies: a deep cut well.
Directly above the well is a circular, brick-lined opening which seems to have had a later concrete cap fitted that reduces the top aperture. Presumably this is to allow direct access from the surface to the well-head ten feet below.
None of the early photos of College Field give any indication that this space was in use by the school or even existed.
There are several names written on the bricks which line the walls, with the earliest legible being G. Le Gallais, dated 1900. Given the area where the structure is this may indicate that it was related to the construction of College House (now JCG) in 1902.
However, it could equally prove it predates this building and is both out of alignment and situated at the wrong end of the field to indicate any obvious direct connection.
Although Le Gallais is a common local name, the College records do indicate that a Geoffrey Le Gallais joined the school in 1894. He left to move to Canada (for which he would serve in the First World War) in 1900. Could this be his signature? If so it opens up the possibility that pupils could gain access to the room - though maybe not necessarily authorised access!
Could it be something to do with an earlier Sports Pavilion building? Although possible, it seems rather elaborate to be connected to buildings that were short lived and wooden, particularly given it is built from brick.
Intriguingly, College Field, prior to its purchase by the school in the 1860’s was a “Brickfield” – a site where bricks were made or sold. Could this brick construction be a part of that particular strand of the site’s history?
Now duly recorded by the site owners and Jersey Heritage, the entrance has been re-covered and stabilised. There is no danger of any particularly tough rugby tackle ending up with a fall down a well. So, for now at least, this chamber has kept its secrets.
Adam Morris Sartorius
Aiden Pateman Braithwaite
Alex Le Claire Diarmid
Archie McKeon Braithwaite
Archie Scate Dunlop
Barry Beatson Diarmid
Ben Mason Bruce
Callum Cuthbert Braithwaite
Casper Whitewood Diarmid
Charles Bullock Dunlop
Charlie Best Bruce
Harry McCarthy Braithwaite
Harry Millard-Beer Braithwaite
Harvey Sanders Sartorius
Isaac Tarrant Dunlop
Jack Steven Braithwaite
James Courtness Sartorius
James Huelin Dunlop
James Parslow Braithwaite
James Willetts Diarmid
Jared Hilton Bruce
Joe Gouzinis Diarmid
Charlie Brennan Braithwaite
Cian Ridgard Sartorius
Daniel Bryon Braithwaite
Daniel Riley Sartorius
Daniel Wiseman Braithwaite
Eben Buesnel Sartorius
Edward Jeffries Diarmid
Evan Thomas Dunlop
Finley Rentsch Braithwaite
Finn Hennessy-Barrett Sartorius
Harry Evans Bruce
Joe Stoten Diarmid
Joseph Gower Bruce
Jonny Trant Dunlop
Julian Magalhaes Dunlop
Kaden Rivoallan Braithwaite
Kalle Kaliff Bruce
Lachlan Muir Sartorius
Lars Tharme Sartorius
Louis Hedges Dunlop
Louis Hunt Dunlop
Louis Kelly Diarmid
Matthew Webb Diarmid
Max de Jesus Braithwaite
Oliver Laisney Diarmid
Oliver Le Bailly Diarmid
Oscar Watkins Dunlop
Owen O’Leary Bruce
Philip Neal Sartorius
Sam Oldridge Sartorius
Samuel Harris Bruce
Samuel Hunter Sartorius
Samuel Reynolds Sartorius
Samuel Watling Diarmid
Sebastian Kirkby Dunlop
Sebastian Parkes Sartorius
Theo Pirouet Bruce
Thomas Durcan Sartorius
Thomas Waller Dunlop
Simba Mutete Diarmid
William Dengate Braithwaite
William Hodgson Sartorius
William Le Gallais Diarmid
Willoughby Lutkin-Clarke Dunlop
Zachariah Andrews Braithwaite
Zavier Powell Bruce
Suzanne Job – Head of Careers and Assistant to the Head of Sixth Form – reflects on her career
My choice to work at Victoria College in April 2001 was based on a desire to be able to work whilst my children were young, whilst also enjoying the flexibility of school holidays. However, it was soon obvious that it was an amazing place to be. I had always loved the school for its history, academic excellence and reputation for producing well-rounded individuals. Indeed, examples of this were my brother who was Head Boy, my son who was Head of Braithwaite and my husband who I met at one of the Sixth Form discos in the classroom that is now the Mummery!
Starting off working in the main Reception allowed me to get to know all members of staff, parents and the students. As my own children grew older it allowed me to take on more responsibility and my journey has been incredibly varied. What I do hope it shows other people is that you can change career paths at anytime in your life.
Before Victoria College I worked at Lloyds Bank and it was this job that gave me the transferrable skills to be able to work in Education even though they are very different. For example, during my time working in sales at Lloyds Bank, I developed skills that have proven invaluable in my career. In a school environment, much like in sales, you must effectively ‘sell’ yourself to the students. Any perceived weakness or vulnerability will quickly be noticed, and it’s essential to maintain a strong and confident presence. To engage the students effectively, it’s crucial to stay one step ahead, ensuring they believe in your expertise and authority.
Working at Victoria College has provided me with lots of learning opportunities. I was asked by one Head of Sixth Form, the infamous Mr Alan Hamel, to assist him with the administration of Sixth Form and Careers. I jumped at the opportunity to learn and work with someone who was so knowledgeable and had such an excellent rapport with the students. I soon discovered that Careers was a passion of mine. The school encouraged me to do qualifications which would allow me to teach sixth form students and to understand what is required
to run the Careers Department. When Mr Hamel left, I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to teach Year 12 their Careers lessons.
I approached my role with great excitement and enthusiasm, anticipating that the students would be mature, highly engaged, and eager to absorb the material—similar to the dynamic I had observed when they were with Mr Hamel. However, my first year did not unfold quite as expected. I quickly realised that establishing clear boundaries was essential, and I needed to be creative, patient, and fully committed to the program I was implementing. Not every lesson went as planned, as is common in teaching, but I was fortunate to receive tremendous support from my colleagues, which proved invaluable in navigating the challenges. As in all work places, it is so important to feel valued and that you are doing a good job and I can honestly say that this has been the case at Victoria College – I have worked alongside 3 Headteachers and numerous members of teaching and operational staff at the school, too many to count, that have come and gone in the 23 years I have been here.
This role, at the end of my career, has been my dream job. There cannot be anything more rewarding than helping young people to find their path in life, or to give them the skills to be able to adapt and change to meet new challenges. Education has changed so much since I started here. Back then were the early days of the internet which everybody was just getting to grips with. Emails only came into being in my second year at the school, photocopying meant using a mimeograph machine and the best way to get a message to someone fast was by fax! We have come a long way, with AI the next really exciting development for both staff and students.
I will take with me many memories of the College from both my early life (watching my brother perform Macbeth on the stage in the Great Hall and swimming in the pool, which is now under the Bistro) and from my extended career here. Highlights include: the cows on College lawn as part of a talk about agriculture, the tanks that chewed up the tarmac on the Apron (oops!), the 150th Anniversary when the Queen visited, the Head Boy who turned up on his last day at school on his horse, as is his right to do so as set out in the College rules, the Founders’ Walk where the older boys help and encourage the younger students to finish and finally, House Music and House Drama. These iconic events in the school calendar really demonstrate the wonderful camaraderie, collaboration, teamwork and sense of belonging that students experience at Victoria College whilst being able to show off their hidden talents. There are of course many, many more that I will treasure and remember fondly when I am on my travels.
For those considering a career at Victoria College, my advice is to embrace the opportunity wholeheartedly. Be open to collaboration, seize every chance for professional development, and get involved! You can do as much or as little as you would like to but the more you do, the more enriching the whole experience will be as you get to know all the students and staff. This sounds like exactly the same advice I have given to the boys in my Careers lessons! I tell them that they will be working for a long time, so it is important to find a job that you love – then it doesn’t really feel like work.
Working at Victoria College has been an incredible journey, defined by the people who make it so special - the staff, students, parents, governors, and the wider community. And, of course, there’s the added dimension (and privilege) of educating the next generation that ties it all together.
“ We remember and miss her warmth, her joy and her creativity ”
When Liza Choudhury died in October 2023, the English department were stunned. Of course, we’d known that she was ill, but in the face of that illness, she had been so relentlessly positive that we somehow all thought the day would never come. She seemed too young, too beautiful to join the ranks of the dead - she seemed too alive.
We remember her vitality through her endless intellectual curiosity. Her job as a teaching assistant fulfilled her desire to help children reach their potential, but she was also fizzing with thoughts about literature, theology and psychology. She had so many plans - she was always ‘mixing things up’, researching things, taking courses, following threads...
We remember the incredible gratitude she felt for her husband, Shafi and her children, Maryam and Mikael. She used to say that she was a ‘spoilt princess’ and that Shafi looked after her and was so patient and kind, but when you met Shafi, he seemed to feel that he was the lucky one. She was far from spoilt.
As the only Muslim member of staff at the time, she used to enjoy answering questions that pupils had about her headscarves - she was utterly open-minded and capable of relaxing others so she could educate them, bringing in food for Eid al-Fitr or showing people around the Mosque in Jersey - revealing the depth of her knowledge and the profundity and strength her religion gave her.
We remember and miss her warmth, her joy and her creativity; it’s hard, even now, to accept that she’s gone, but her funeral at the Muslim burial ground in Sion, attended by so many, saw someone loved so deeply by her family and valued so highly by the community, leave us.
Liza is not, and will not be, forgotten - we only knew a part of her life and for too short a time, but that was enough to understand what it really means to appreciate your life.
Miss Liv Varney Head of Year 10
“ We all miss her reassuring presence in the school ”
Everyone remembers “Miss Lucas”. I actually used to hear children cheer at the knowledge that they had her for their cover lesson. Although there may have been some mischief in this, there was also a warmth and genuine affection for her charming way. She always sought to build relationships and valued the positive interactions she had with students – she was committed to doing what was best for the students in her care.
Pat started teaching when she was thirteen or fourteen years old, believe it or not. In those days no-one had heard of “supply teachers” so whenever a member of staff was absent, either in the primary school or even in another school, some of the secondary students were asked to support for the day – this could sometimes stretch to even more than one day. Students were expected to take primary school classes, teach, keep discipline and catch up with any of their work. Miss Lucas excelled and was often asked to teach a class on her own. She found the pupils and the work thoroughly enjoyable.
However, she didn’t go straight from school into teaching. Instead, she went to France and studied Philosophy among other subjects. She did this all in French; no one else spoke English. When Pat returned to Jersey more than 3 years later, she did a variety of jobs - working in the fields at planting and harvesting times, waiting at tables in two of Luigi Forte’s restaurants and working in a furniture shop. It wasn’t until she was in her early thirties that she became a student again in Southampton where she studied, among other things, Theology, Philosophy and French and qualified as a teacher.
Returning to Jersey, Pat discovered finding a suitable teaching job a challenge. Most places were taken, and it seemed that few people were moving. Very reluctantly, she left her mother, and the Island, and found work - first in Sussex for a short time and then in Middlesex where she was fortunate to be offered a position as Head of Department.
However, after a number of years, the death of her mother, an increasing workload and a diagnosis of epilepsy, she knew she had
to stop. She took time out of teaching and, a couple of years later, started supply teaching which suited her better. Pat returned to Jersey in July 1999 and started supply teaching.
One day about eight years ago, Pat was teaching at Hautlieu when she was asked to go to the Secretary’s office to take a call from Mr Rotherham from Victoria College asking her to cover for a day or two. Hautlieu let her go for a few days and, when she had completed her time at Hautlieu, she became a regular face at Victoria College.
Talk to students and staff about her and we see a pattern emerge. One of kindness, warmth, empathy and good common sense. Many students are filled with stories of genuine affection; we all miss her reassuring presence in the school.
Pat’s philosophical attitude to life was so refreshing; she was always filled with genuine care and concern for others, as well as a sense of social justice. She would often talk about how inequalities in the world have created problems and how the simple solution was for everyone to be just a little bit kinder.
Mrs Plummer Assistant Head, Staffing
So how does life change as you move up the school? What is life really like in Year 10 as students commence their fourth year at the College and embark on their journey towards GCSEs – a time of transformation, growth, and new challenges, both academically and personally?
Having spoken to these students over the last two years when they were in Year 7, 8 and 9, we caught up with them again to find out about their experiences this year at Victoria College.
HOW HAVE YOU FOUND LIFE IN YEAR 10? WAS IT DIFFERENT FROM LIFE IN YEAR 9 AND, IF SO, HOW?
JAKE: Life in Year 10 was very busy, and it was a challenge to balance the first year of GCSEs with all of the clubs and activities that I enjoy participating in. It was a big step up from Year 9 in terms of needing to stay on top of homework and trying to be organised for coursework deadlines and class tests.
HENRY: I found it a lot more free and very different as you are studying towards qualifications in subjects that you want to spend more time working on and putting time into.
OSCAR: Year 10 is quite different from Year 9; although there are fewer lessons, the courses are more demanding.
NOW THAT YOU HAVE STARTED THE GCSE CURRICULUM, IS THERE ANY ADVICE THAT YOU WOULD GIVE TO OTHER STUDENTS COMING UP THROUGH THE SCHOOL?
JAKE: Definitely pick your GCSE subjects based on what you know you enjoy and are good at. It’s also good to have a mix of traditional and more creative subjects. Drama, Art, Sports Studies, and Geography have been a great blend for me alongside the compulsory subjects.
HENRY: Focus on really getting the most out of all subjects as it will make your life easier when sitting your GCSEs.
OSCAR: Get your coursework done early as it backs up very quickly!
YOU FACED
THIS YEAR, AND IF SO, HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM?
JAKE: Knowing that I would have to sit my English Language GCSE in the October of Year 11 was a big challenge and meant dedicating a lot of time to practising past papers over the summer holidays. It was a great way to help me focus on the year ahead, but did require a lot of discipline.
HENRY: I found managing the increased workload difficult at the start but after I made plans, I realised it wasn’t as bad as I first thought.
OSCAR: Definitely managing my time between school and work.
JAKE: I am in Sartorius House, so my main interests have focused on House activities, and also sport. Being captain of the Colts hockey team was a great achievement for me, but I’ve also really enjoyed House Music and House Drama, both of which gave me the opportunity to do something a little more outside of my comfort zone.
HENRY: I have really enjoyed DT this year; I found the coursework particularly interesting. I have also really enjoyed CCF and all the challenges and opportunities that it has given me.
OSCAR: CCF has been great; the exercises are lots of fun!
WHAT HAS
JAKE: Contributing to the Sartorius House events was the highlight of the year for me. Sartorius is a very inclusive house, and as you progress up through the school you get more and more opportunities to play a key role in House events. Everyone should take this opportunity if they can.
HENRY: I really enjoyed the range of experiences we got from 10 to Sixth Day as well as from Trident work experience. I am looking forward to the responsibility and respect of Year 11.
OSCAR: I have really enjoyed starting my GCSEs as they are a major part of my life going forward.
IS THERE ANYTHING THAT YOU HAVE NOT ACHIEVED THIS YEAR THAT YOU WOULD HOPE TO NEXT YEAR?
JAKE: I would say that academically I have a lot of work to do in Year 11. It is amazing how quickly the school year goes by, and if I want to continue with all the co-curricular activities I enjoy, I will need to study hard and attend extra lessons where available.
HENRY: No, I think my year went well and I hope I can take part in more House events and create a better sense of House spirit.
OSCAR: I have found it challenging to complete all my coursework in time – I hope to improve on this next year.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT THIS YEAR?
JAKE: Project Trident was a fantastic experience in Year 10. It was great to be able to experience life in the workplace and get an idea of what I might want to do after school. I was fortunate enough to be placed at the Jersey Development Company, and they organised a fantastic programme of introductory topics for me to experience such as marketing, finance, project management and construction.
HENRY: I think my biggest achievement was winning House Ensemble in House Music.
OSCAR: I am most proud of getting 9s in a lot of my coursework and mocks.
WHAT IS YOUR BEST MEMORY FROM THIS YEAR?
JAKE: Helping Sartorius to win Sports Day was one of my best memories of the year. I had to run the race of my life to get the points needed and literally threw myself over the finish line. I had some great astro burns to show for my efforts, but it was so worth it to beat Braithwaite!
HENRY: I think that House Music was a good memory, as although we didn’t win, it really shows the hard work that people put into music.
OSCAR: I most enjoyed Army camp; it was great – I made a lot of good memories there.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN YEAR 11 NEXT YEAR?
JAKE: Having the opportunity to wear a suit, and not school uniform, is cool and being a House Leader for Year 11 is great. The biggest task for the year ahead though will be to have a strong year of learning whilst also managing to continue enjoying sports and House events.
HENRY: I am really looking forward to a year of hard work followed by the relief of exams being finished.
OSCAR: Finishing my exams with a good set of grades.
Founded in 2002 during the 150th anniversary celebrations of Victoria College, the Victoria College Foundation was established with a mission to raise funds for capital projects and student bursaries. Since its inception, the Foundation has played a key role in the school’s long-term success, financing major refurbishments and development projects. Today, the Foundation’s primary focus is to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent deserving students from accessing the life-changing education offered at Victoria College.
The Foundation’s core mission revolves around providing means-tested bursaries and essential financial support, opening doors for students from all backgrounds. Committed to inclusivity, the Foundation seeks to break down financial obstacles, ensuring that cost is not a barrier for those eager to benefit from the opportunities at Victoria College.
In the 2023-24 academic year, the Victoria College Foundation has continued its critical work, offering means-tested bursaries to students who may otherwise not be able to attend the school. This
financial support is transformative, providing students the chance to thrive academically and participate fully in the school’s co-curricular activities, which are integral to the Victoria College experience.
‘At Victoria College, we believe in giving every student the opportunity to thrive, regardless of financial background,’ said Paul Willing, Chair of the Board. ‘The Victoria College Foundation is pivotal in making this vision a reality by providing bursaries that allow deserving students to access our world-class education.’
Corporate partnerships have been essential to the Foundation’s ability to continue expanding access and opportunity. Valued partners such as Rathbones, Saltgate, Quilter Cheviot, and Deloitte contribute significantly to the Foundation’s mission, ensuring that more students can benefit from a Victoria College education.
Through the generous support of its Foundation partners and individual donors, the Victoria College Foundation is creating a brighter, more inclusive future for students, widening access to opportunities that will shape the next generation of leaders.
The Victoria College Foundation is committed to:
1. Widening access to the education offered by Victoria College and Victoria College Preparatory School through bursaries
2. Enhancing the educational experience for all students by providing financial support for special projects and developmental programmes
For years, the Foundation has worked to top up the funds allocated by the States of Jersey, ensuring that special projects, programmes, and bursaries are available to enable talented boys from diverse backgrounds to access a Victoria College education. These efforts ensure that financial barriers do not stand in the way of promising students.
For the future, the Victoria College Foundation is in the early stages of planning a campaign to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the college, aiming to further expand its reach and impact.
Corporate partners play a pivotal role in supporting the Foundation’s mission by providing vital financial contributions and creating opportunities for students to engage with industry professionals. These partnerships not only fund bursaries but also connect students with real-world career experiences, enriching their education beyond the classroom. We are proud to have the continued support of Rathbones, Saltgate, and Quilter Cheviot, whose generosity has directly contributed to the success of many students. We are also excited to welcome Deloitte as our newest partner. Deloitte, a global leader in audit, assurance, consulting, and tax services, will work with our students across all year groups, offering invaluable insights into the finance and professional services sectors.
Deloitte’s partnership with Victoria College will open new doors for our students, providing them with direct access to mentorship, career workshops, and practical insights into the professional world. As part of their engagement, Deloitte will be involved in a range of activities, including interview workshops, CV writing sessions, and work experience opportunities.
Headteacher Dr Gareth Hughes commented, ‘I am delighted to welcome Deloitte as our newest Foundation Partner. Strong working relationships with Island businesses and charities are key to achieving both our 2023-28 Strategic Plan and increasing inclusivity in our community. By working with Deloitte, we can support these goals and provide invaluable career guidance to our students.’
Siobhan Durcan, Chief Operating Officer, Islands, at Deloitte, added, ‘We are very proud to support Victoria College Foundation. We have employed many alumni and are passionate about investing in local schools to help students transition from education to employment or university. The Foundation Partnership is a further strengthening of our long-standing ties with the College.’
The success of the Victoria College Foundation depends on the generosity of our corporate partners, whose support enables us to expand our bursary programme and provide transformative opportunities for our students. As a partner, you will gain access to a wide range of engagement opportunities, from workshops to mentoring, and enjoy brand visibility within the College community.
If your organisation is interested in joining the ranks of our esteemed partners, including Rathbones, Saltgate, Quilter Cheviot, and Deloitte, we encourage you to explore the benefits of partnership. Together, we can create a brighter future for our students and ensure that every boy at Victoria College has the opportunity to thrive.
For more information on becoming a Foundation partner, please visit our website at www.victoriacollege.je/foundation or contact our Foundation Officer at foundation@vcj.sch.je.
• Unique Partnership Opportunity: Becoming a Foundation Partner of Victoria College offers a chance to create a lasting, meaningful connection between your organisation and our school community
• Nurturing Personal Development and Shaping Careers: Your organisation’s support is crucial. By contributing to the Foundation, your organisation helps nurture well-rounded, driven young men who are prepared to make significant contributions in their future careers. By participating in events such as our Careers Fairs, Careers Speed Networking, and mock job interviews, Foundation Partners’ time and expertise help to prepare students for life after school, providing them with essential career insights and networking opportunities
• Exclusive Access and Benefits: Depending on the chosen partnership package, Foundation Partners may also gain access to our Graduate K.I.T database - a contact list of recent Victoria College graduates who are entering the professional world. This exclusive access provides partners with a direct link to some of the brightest and most capable young minds as they embark on their careers
• Flexible levels of support; you choose: Bursary provision for one or more students or one-off donations for special projects and programmes - to ensure alignment with partner’s philanthropic goals
Our students not only excel academically but are also taught to become respectful, resilient, and well-rounded individuals. As future graduates, they will bring valuable skills, attitudes, and work ethic to any organisation they join. As a Foundation Partner, your organisation will be investing in future leaders who are equipped to excel in a competitive and ever-changing world. By partnering with Victoria College, you’re not just supporting education—you’re shaping the future of talented young men who have the potential to be an asset to any industry.
For Isaac Tarrant, a recent Victoria College graduate, the sky was not the limit—it was just the beginning. After 11 transformative years at the school as a bursary student, in September 2024 Isaac headed to Columbia University in New York City to study Mathematics, proving that financial circumstances are no barrier to exceptional achievement. His journey is an example of the lasting impact of the Victoria College Foundation and its Foundation Partners, in this case - Saltgate.
This past summer, Isaac stood at the cusp of a new chapter, ready to take on one of the world’s most prestigious universities. But before he packed his bags for the Ivy League, he turned his focus to giving back to the Foundation that made his journey possible. On 30th March 2024, Isaac leaped from a plane at 10,000 feet in a daring tandem skydive, raising an incredible £5,627.78 for the Victoria College Foundation. This not only secured vital funds but also amplified awareness of the Foundation’s mission to provide means-tested bursaries and financial support.
“Financial circumstances should not be a barrier for aspiring young students,” Isaac shared. “Victoria College has given me so much, and I want to ensure others have the same opportunities.”
Isaac’s contribution will help the Foundation continue its essential work, ensuring that every boy, regardless of socio-economic background, has the chance to thrive at Victoria College.
The Victoria College Foundation, in turn, acknowledged Isaac’s generosity in a heartfelt letter. “Your selfless act is a testament to your character and dedication to making a difference,” the Foundation wrote. “You have shown us all the powerful impact one individual can have when they step up to support others.”
As Isaac now begins his studies at Columbia University, his story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. From excelling academically to taking a literal leap of faith, he embodies the values of aspiration, resilience, and kindness that define Victoria College. More than just a bursary recipient, Isaac has become a mentor and role model, demonstrating the transformative power of education and opportunity.
Isaac’s journey is proof that when barriers are broken, potential knows no bounds. From the skies above Jersey to the classrooms of Columbia, he is paving the way for others to dream big, work hard, and give back—reminding us all that the best way to show gratitude for opportunity is to create it for others.
This September, Victoria College celebrated the 171st anniversary of the founding of the College. Back in 1850, on 24th May, the foundation stone of the school was laid with Queen Victoria present on her birthday. The College opened two years later on 29th September 1852, with an accompanying ceremony featuring a military parade. The Lieutenant Governor and the States of Jersey assembled in the Temple and processed to the Great Hall where the Bailiff addressed the audience. It was in this Great Hall, 171 years later that our school community came together to celebrate the founding of the College with the Founders’ Day Assembly. For students today, Founders’ Week also means enjoying a variety of fun-filled activities with some healthy House competition!
The week started off at a fast pace with the annual Knight Shield Relay Race, with special guest Mr Michael Knight in attendance. Braithwaite House were victorious with Jack (Braithwaite) running the fastest time overall in an impressive 3 minutes 31 seconds! Well done to the fastest runners from the other Houses: Teddy, Jacob, Herbie, and Seb. The College is very grateful to Mr Knight for his generous support and sponsorship for the past 40 years.
Braithwaite continued its success into the Tug of War House competition this year with dry and sunny conditions, perfect for tug of war and a fantastic turnout from the boys. Braithwaite took 1st position with Sartorius following in 2nd, Bruce 3rd,
Dunlop 4th and Diarmid in 5th place. The Cannon Race took place on the Wednesday, and it was a brilliantly close contest with the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) teams competing valiantly, displaying skill and strength, dismantling a cannon, and reassembling it under time pressures. Congratulations to the Navy who came 1st, completing the task in an amazing 2 minutes 20 seconds. The RAF came in 2nd place with the Army team closely behind in 3rd. A very strong sense of teamwork was felt from Victoria College’s CCF.
An integral part of Founders’ Week this year was the House fundraising competition in aid of the Victoria College Foundation. The boys took part in a dress down day, donning their House colours, held a successful cake sale and finished the week off with the whole school taking part in an epic 15-mile sponsored walk to Corbière and back. It was another rewarding day filled with community encouragement, scenic views, and school spirit. The College collectively raised just over £10,000 with Bruce House the winners of the fundraising competition, sitting comfortably at the top of the leaderboard having raised a huge £2,365! Go Bruce! Money raised during Founders’ Week ensures that the Victoria College Foundation can continue its work with funding bursaries, making a world-class education accessible to aspirational boys from all walks of life and continuing to create an inclusive and welcoming environment in which boys can reach their potential.
Braithwaite House has had a particularly outstanding year in sport and art, building on our strong tradition of success. From the very beginning of the year, we demonstrated our competitive spirit and teamwork, securing key victories in various sports events and then later in the arts. Our athletes shone across a wide range of sports, including football, rugby, hockey, and cricket, with impressive performances from both our younger and senior students. The year culminated in a thrilling Sports Day, where Braithwaite triumphed once again. Our collective achievements have been a testament to the hard work and dedication of all our students, making this year another memorable one for Braithwaite House.
Led by House Captain, Will Dengate (Year 13), we were off to a great start winning both the Knight Shield and the Tug-of-war! In the Knight Shield we saw incredible performances from Harrison Rogers (Year 7), Myles Christopher (Year 8), Tomek Dobrowolski (Year 10) and Jack Stevens (Year 13). Our success continued with House Football, with every year group winning their respective competitions, something the College Librarian and Archivist - Mr Wooldridge - informs me has only ever been done once before. We also saw success on the rugby pitch with wins for the Seniors, Colts and Year 7s and a comfortable
2nd place for the Year 8s. Special mention to Charlie Hewgill (Year 7), Beau Brennan (Year 7), Jonah Slatter (Year 7) and Dexter Currie (Year 7) as well as Dan Bryon (Year 13), Finn Rentsch (Year 13), James Wiseman (Year 9) and Harry Le Brocq (Year 10). We played well in Hockey with wins for the Colts, and Year 7s. Special mention to Beau Brennan (Year 7), Thomas Cotillard (Year 7) and Oscar Le Vesconte (Year 7).
Moving into the Summer term, we saw our Colts take first place in the House Cricket with both our Seniors and Year 8s taking 2nd place. We also saw success in some of the racket sports with Colts achieving joint 1st in House Badminton with great single performances from Sol Bennett (Year 10) and Will Cornthwaite (Yr 10) and strong doubles pairs of Harry Cutting (Year 10) and Ollie Ferguson (Year 10) as well as Louis Bell (Year 10) and Harry Le Brocq (Year 10). The Seniors came 3rd, thanks mainly to the doubles pair of Ben Byron (Year 13) and Charlie Brennan (Year 13) who won all but one of their games. Special shout out to Ramsey Casely (Year 7) who represented the Year 7 in nearly all racket sports and performed very well indeed.
Our Year 8s won the Swimming Gala with fantastic wins for Ibrahim Khan (Year 8), Jules Lawrence (Year 8) and Brandon Le Brocq (Year 8). Despite the House successes throughout the year, we approached the end of the summer
term neck and neck with Sartorius in the Blomfield. Sports Day was a tense day in the Braithwaite camp. Thankfully, with some incredible performances all around, we managed to hold on and win the Blomfield for the second year in a row. Special thanks to Jack Stevens (Year 13), Ethan Rankin (Year 11) and Cillian Mangan (Year 11) who all turned up to help on the day.
As is customary, our first major arts event of the year was House Drama. Dan Bryon (Year 13) put on a hilarious play inspired by Don Zolidis’ “10 Ways to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse”. We saw fantastic performances from Zach Andrews (Year 13) and Archie McKeon (Year 13) as well as Casey Dunning (Year 12), Edo van Eijden (Year 12) and Finn Bennett (Year 12). With his incredible comic timing, Ben Nash (Year 11) had everyone in stitches and it was great to see Zakari Irtizaali (Year 7), Oscar Le Vesconte (Year 7), Beau Brennan (Year 7), Reuben Grandfield (Year 7), Rafe Dodd (Year 8), Theo Holmes (Year 8), Tom Penn (Year 8), Ibrahim Khan (Year 7) and Henry Paton (Year 8) all join the Seniors in putting on such a funny and informative play! Unfortunately, there was some strong competition, and we only manged 3rd place overall, but everyone was certainly able to hold their heads high and be proud of their performance on the night.
Next up was House Music. Aiden Pateman (Year 13) poured his heart and soul into the House Choir which performed ‘Good Grief’ by Bastille. Despite some fantastic solo
performances from Casey Dunning (Year 12), Josh Pinzari (Year 11), Robbie Tieppo (Year 10) and Henry Paton (Year 8) and a superb effort from our Juniors, who put together an orchestra to play Hawaii Five-O, we were unable to outshine the competition this year and came in 5th place overall. Special mention to Sammy Mosson (Year 7), Alaric Corbin (Year 10), Jack Waller (Year 10), Evan Bosio (Year 8), Rafe Dodd (Year 8), Ibrahim Khan (Year 8), Jules Lawrence (Year 8), Tom Penn (Year 8) and Finch Sibcy (Year 8), who all stepped up when the House needed them. Well done!
We went on to win the House Art Competition with a display put together by the very talented Daniel Wiseman (Year 13) which meant we secured joint 2nd in the Landick Cup alongside Diarmid and Dunlop.
Throughout the year, Braithwaite has also competed in numerous cerebral competitions working towards the Ed Le Quesne Cup. Our Year 8s, Year 10s and Year 13s did well in the House Chess thanks to Henry Paton (Year 8), Robbie Tieppo (Year 10) and Ethan Soar (Year 13). We also fared well in the Senior General Knowledge Quiz. Unfortunately, we had losses in the House Rubik’s Cube competition and the House Flippy Bit competition which meant we came in 5th position overall in the Ed Le Quesne Cup. This is one of our main focuses next year! Overall, another great year for Braithwaite House!
Mr Smith Head of Braithwaite House
HOUSE PREFECTS 2023 - 2024
Zach Andrews
Charlie Brennan
Dan Bryon
Will Dengate
Archie McKeon
Aiden Pateman
Jack Stevens
Finlay Rentsch
HOUSE PREFECTS 2024 - 2025
Edo van Eijden
Gianluca Rizzuto
Casey Dunning
Tyler McGlinchey
Carter Frisby
Francisco Santos
Simpson Cup – Beau Brennan (Year 7)
Stockton Cup - Evan Bosio (Year 8)
Hamel Cup – Reuben Thomas (Year 9)
Montgomery Cup - Robbie Tieppo (Year 10)
Stein Cup – Jack Stevens (Year 13)
Falle-McCabe Cup – Archie McKeon (Year 13)
JUNIOR COLOURS
Beau Brennan (Year 7)
Reuben Grandfield (Year 7)
Zakari Irtizaali (Year 7)
Oscar Le Vesconte (Year 7)
Finch Sibcy (Year 8)
Henry Paton (Year 8)
Ibrahim Khan (Year 8)
Evan Bosio (Year 8)
George Bakewell (Year 8)
Theo Bell (Year 8)
Myles Christopher (Year 8)
Rafe Dodd (Year 8)
Theo Holmes (Year 8)
Tom Ingram (Year 8)
Xavi Shrestha-Allen (Year 8)
Jules Lawrence (Year 8)
Brandon Le Brocq (Year 8)
Tom Penn (Year 8)
Billy Vardon (Year 8)
COLTS COLOURS
Sol Bennett (Year 10)
Riley Brennan (Year 10)
Tomek Dobrowolski (Year 10)
Harry Le Brocq (Year 10)
Robbie Tieppo (Year 10)
SENIOR COLOURS
Jack Stevens (Year 13)
Charlie Brennan (Year 13)
Archie McKeon (Year 13)
Aiden Pateman (Year 13)
Finlay Rentsch (Year 13)
Edo van Eijden (Year 12)
The past academic terms have represented a year of successes for Bruce House. We have exhibited strength of character, resilience, determination, and inspiring camaraderie. It has truly been a privilege to work alongside so many incredible young gentlemen this year, who have exemplified what true House Spirit looks like.
Our year began on a strong note, led by our new Prefect team, which included Zavier Powell, Ben Mason (Well-being Prefect), and Joseph Gower, our House Captain. Joseph’s leadership style, characterised by passion, dedication, and enthusiasm, set the tone for the year ahead. We kicked off with Senior sporting events, and while it may not have been Bruce’s year for total sporting domination, the grit, determination, and overall sportsmanship of all our senior participants deserve commendation. Our Seniors shone within the house, often achieving fourth, third or second place in many sporting events such as Football, Rugby and Hockey. Our Colts should also be commended for winning their House Tennis competition! While we may not have taken home the Blomfield trophy, our third-place finish speaks volumes about our resilience and competitive spirit for sports.
One of the standout achievements of Bruce House this year has been our success in cross-country events. Our athletes displayed remarkable determination and sportsmanship, securing a strong first place for our Colts, second place for Seniors, and third place for Juniors. The spirit of camaraderie among participants was palpable, fostering a sense of unity that truly defines Bruce House.
Our House Music competition was a spectacular showcase of talent, culminating in a well-deserved victory. The enthusiasm and creativity of our participants shone through with exceptional contributions from James Boyce, Sam Carnegie, and Ed Clark, who each won their respective categories. The choir’s stirring performance of The Lumineers’ “Ophelia” and our Ensemble’s rendition of “Ruby” by the Kaiser Chiefs both earned second place in their categories, underscoring the breadth of talent within Bruce House. A heartfelt thank you goes to Morgan and Kai Surcouf, along with Ed Clark, for their incredible contributions to the choir. Their hard work and passion played a pivotal role in our success, and the performances were a true highlight of the year.
In addition to our musical achievements, Bruce House shone brightly in other areas of the arts. Augustin Chamberlayne’s
2024
Joseph Gower (House Captain)
Ben Mason (Well-being prefect)
Zavier Powell
Kai Surcouf (House Captain)
Fin Perree (Deputy Head Boy)
Oliver Pryke (Co-Curricular Prefect)
Ed Clarke
Jamie Chapman
We had many students achieve their House Colours and win cups this year, once again demonstrating the incredible dedication to Bruce House. Matthew McConnell was awarded the Satchell and Webb Cup for his overall contribution to the House, recognising his commitment and involvement throughout the year.
Satchell and Webb Cup for Overall Contribution in Bruce House: Matthew McConnell
Year 7 Cup for Overall Contribution: Filip Jablonski
Year 8 Cup for Overall Contribution: Nat Winchester
Year 9 Cup for Overall Contribution: Felix Mckinnon
Year 10 Cup for Overall Contribution: Will Wilson
stunning Star Wars inspired painting earned him the title of ‘Best Junior Piece’ in the House Art competition, demonstrating the creative flair and artistic talent nurtured within our House. Our House Drama play this year was the quirky ‘Frankie’s Folly’, an original play inspired by Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, designed to showcase the myriad of talents on offer in Bruce House. This included timed Rubik’s Cube solving from Saharsh Singla, a musical performance by Morgan Surcouf, and even a magic show by Gabriel Raimondo! A particular commendation should be issued to our fantastic leads, Fin Perree and Shane O’Brien for their performances. Although this may not have been our year, as we achieved fifth place, it has surely provided the House with enough determination to come out on top next time, so we begin working on the next performance well in advance.
The ever-evolving Ed Le Quesne Cup has provided students with new, exciting ways to commit to House events. This included the Rubik’s Cube competition, in which we came joint second, and the new ‘House Escape Room’ Challenge, in which we achieved an admirable third place. We also came third in House Chess.
Our House Meal at Jersey Bowl was another highlight of the year, providing a fantastic opportunity for students to bond across year groups. The event fostered friendships and teamwork as students competed in bowling, creating lasting memories and a stronger sense of community within Bruce House. Joseph Gower even ran a series of awards throughout the evening to celebrate individual contributions throughout the year.
As we reflect on this year’s successes, it is clear that the spirit of Bruce House is stronger than ever. Our achievements in the Cross Country, House Music, House Art, and communitybuilding events demonstrate our House’s resilience, talent, and camaraderie. We look forward to carrying this momentum into the next year, continuing to build on our successes and striving for even greater heights.
Congratulations to all members of Bruce House for your outstanding contributions and achievements this year! Here’s to more victories and memorable moments in the future.
Miss Shrimpton Head of House
JUNIOR COLOURS
Augustin Chamberlayne
Mohammed Arslan
Lucca Di Santo
Oliver French
CJ Gallichan
Rhys Gilley
Filip Jablonski
Lewis Kemble
David Lundie-Smith
Harry Morison
Jude Pirouet
Willoughby Pirouet
Ben Robinson
Indy Simpson
Yahiya Aleem
James Boyce
Ethan Bwanaisa
Jacob Cox
David Couzens
Ryan da Silva
Henry Edwards
William Felton
Sam Fleming
Amaury Giovannoni
Arthur Jennings
Edward Johnson
William Johnson-Rayner
Kitt Johnstone-Scott
Seb Jones
Harry Journeaux
Jack McConnell
Damilola Osunde
Marley Raimondo
Saharsh Singla
Yianni Sokrati
Jago Taylor
Jayden Wetherall
Nat Winchester
COLTS COLOURS
Ben Carnegie
Sam carnegie
Theo De Poerck
Sebastian Ramasawmy
Ethan Seery
Owen Palfreyman
Morgan Surcouf
Harry Wild
SENIOR COLOURS
Matthew McConnell
Olliver Boyle
Another year has come to an end, and as we look back over the previous year at Victoria College, it is clear to see purple Sharks have once again shown their strengths across the mosaic of events and activities associated with all three Cups. 2023 - 24 was led by House Captain, Louis Kelly, who, with a dedicated team of Prefects and students, propelled the House to many individual victories whilst continuing to promote House spirit throughout the year.
One of the first big competitions in the school calendar is the annual Knight Shield, which is always a gruelling run. This year saw the farewell run of two outstanding runners and annual Knight Shield competitors: Casper Whitewood and Jacob Mauger, with Jacob winning fastest runner for the House. A big thank you to all the runners and everyone who volunteered as a marshal for the event.
Some further sporting highlights this year included a clean sweep for our Senior team taking 1st place in House Cricket, Cross Country and Badminton - well done to all involved. For Year 7, Raphael Franscico showed himself as an excellent allrounder, including his debut on the squash court. Having never played before, he won all but one of his matches, securing the House 3rd place overall for the junior squash team. Well done to Year 8 taking 1st place in Tennis, Cricket, Hockey and Rugby, making them the most successful Diarmid team this year. Overall, Diarmid came in a respectful 3rd place with lots of individual successes. As always it has been a joy to watch you learn and grow during these events, and I will always admire your resilience and positivity as a team - a very big thank you and well done to all involved.
House Drama: Another successful year receiving second place with our version of ‘Monty Python’s ‘The Meaning of Life’. The boys all shone in their acting roles; they had the judges and audience laughing and fully immersed in the play. My personally favourite scene included William Coleshill and Lowell Martins (both Year 9) playing two very questionable doctors. They had the audience in fits of laughter with their portrayal, the perfect opening scene. This play would not have been possible without the immensely talented Senan McAvinue (Year 10) who directed, cast and acted in it this year. Due to his hard work, resilience and professionalism, Senan received the ‘Best Director’ Trophy which was very well deserved and a unanimous vote from the judges. Making their debut from Year 7 were Archie Brimelow and Henry Godwin who did a tremendous job in multiple roles, with Henry winning the ‘Best Newcomer’ award from the judges. I am very glad and grateful that the boys joined the cast, and I look forward to seeing them in future House Drama productions in years to come. I would like to congratulate and thank all the boys involved for their excellent efforts and for providing a much-needed boost of House spirit.
House Art: We had some fantastic pieces submitted for the House Art competition this year with boys from each year group entering. We secured 3rd place which included some incredible individual pieces. A massive congratulations to Simba Mutete (Year 13) winning the Judges ‘Best Piece’ award for the Year 1013 category with an incredible painting of King Street in St Helier and Damian Watson (Year 8) winning the Year 7-9 category with a beautiful painted countryside landscape. A thank you also goes to Davis Lindsay in Year 12 who set up the display of our pieces,
capturing some of our best work. Well done to all boys who took part. It was a difficult competition to judge with some stunning pieces across all Houses and year groups.
House Music: House Music was a fantastic event as always. Our boys were in good spirits with an excellent entrance and friendly support for all participants. Building up from last year we came in 4th place - the boys made a valiant effort and thoroughly enjoyed it. With a range of entries and a few last-minute changes, Diarmid put in a heroic effort and some fantastic individual performances. Our House Choir with their rendition of ‘All of Me’ came in fourth place. Well done to all boys involved. Daksh Nautiyal (Year 7) stole the show with a fantastic piano rendition of ‘Rondo Alla Turca’ by Mozart, earning first place in the Junior Instrumental category. One of my favourite performances of the competition was Archie Brimelow’s (Year 7) stunning rendition of Santa Lucia sung in Italian. Like myself, many audience members were stunned by this beautiful Junior Soloist piece. House Music is always so enjoyable. It is lovely to see the boys having fun and enjoying each performance - we are determined to come back stronger next year.
Ed Le Quesne Cup events: This year saw the adding of some new events to the Ed Le Quesne Cup which were well received by our students including House Rubik’s Cube and our very own escape room - ‘Escape the Library’. We came in 4th place overall. However, there were some outstanding individual efforts across all events. House Chess saw Dylan Thomaidis (Year 12) take 2nd place for the Senior competition and a real valiant effort by Ethan Rollo (Year 10) who stepped in last minute due to illness, facing every game with a smile. A huge congratulations to our Year 7
Chess Team who won all their matches taking a well deserved 1st place. This year saw the start of the Rubik’s Cube Competition, the winner being the fastest to solve the cube. Covey Afolami came 1st (Year 8) with an incredible time of 25.68 seconds. This event was trialled this year with Years 7 and 8 but will definitely be returning after great success and involvement.
A very special thanks to my incredible and invaluable House tutors: Catherine Woodward and James Townsend (Year 7), Iain Durkin (Year 8), Carys Williams (Year 9), Sam Habin (Year 10), Jane Richardson (Year 11), and Gareth Bloor (Year 13) [Ms Kellett herself was the Year 12 tutor, and our thanks is recorded here, Ed.]. I cannot thank them enough for their organisational skills, ensuring the boys had teams sorted ahead of the events and reminders were given when needed. Also, for their enthusiasm and motivation for the events. Not only do they encourage the boys to take part, but they also attend some events too which really boosts morale - thank you team.
Finally, to end the year we had our House charity event which was a night of bowling and games. It was a lovely ending to a great year raising money for our House Charity, ‘MIND Jersey’. Thank you to Jersey Bowl for being incredible hosts and to all boys and staff for attending. I have had a truly fantastic year as Head of Diarmid House. The boys have continued to impress me with their talent, teamwork, kindness and willingness, and I cannot wait to do it all again next year. It is an honour to lead such a great House. Well done on another successful year, Sharks.
Ms Kellett Head of Diarmid House
HOUSE PREFECTS 2023-2024
Sam Watling
Louis Kelly (House Captain)
HOUSE PREFECTS 2024-2025
Ollie Bloor (House Captain)
Lukundo Sikapizye (Head Boy)
Casey Espiritu
Germain Cup (Year 7): Archie Brimelow
Swindel Cup (Year 8 ): Finn Maltby
Mccready Cup (Year 9 ): Lowell Martins
Picot Cup (Year 10): Ethan Rollo
Michael Johnson Diarmid Cup
(Contribution To The House): Matthew Webb
Congratulations to Louis who has amassed a huge number of House Points during his time in Sixth Form. He has always offered his services to help the House and done so in the most positive of manners.
JUNIOR COLOURS
YEAR 7
Oliver Bisson
Miguel Allapitan
Charlie Doherty McGrath
Henry Godwin
Felix Lamond
Freddie Lincoln
Filip Myk
Jack Mootooveerren
Arham Sancheti
Tatva Shah
Rannvijay Shekhawat
Joe Williams
YEAR 8
Covey Afolami
Jayden Barry
Joseph Bayman
Preyaan Bhadiyadra
Harry Glynn
Noah Ip
Kai-lloy McGeever
Thomas Milner
Tyrone Niculae
Charlie Ssendagire
COLTS COLOURS
Robert Milner
Lowell Martins
William Richardson
Sonny Barrow
Malo Guillot-Dodd
Alexander Lincoln
Louie Pullman
Tristan Yagambaram
SENIOR COLOURS
Ollie Bloor
Theo Pullman
Lukundo Sikapizye
Louis Kelly
Simba Mutete
Sam Watling
Matthew Webb
James Willetts
It has been another fantastic year for Dunlop House, and I have been extremely proud to see so many boys participate, showing their talent and commitment. We were led by a strong Prefect team whose encouragement and support for younger students were instrumental in increasing House participation and House spirit. We raised our game enormously in all areas, coming second in both the Landick and Ed Le Quesne Cups and second overall in the Challenge Cup. Within the House, we showed strength and cooperation consistently and many students showed their commitment, talent and leadership.
One of the highlights of the year has to be House Drama where Dunlop were not only crowned overall winners but also took home a further five awards at the end of two nights of performances. An incredible event which truly showcased the high-level talent within the House. Willoughby Lutkin-Clarke led the cast in the ingenious play, “WhoYouMeSomeone” - a hilarious, energetic and mysterious “whodunit” script which had the audience gripped, and in fits of laughter, from start to finish. The hugely talented cast also starred Louis Hedges, Julian Magalhaes, Sebastian Kirkby, Neil Sontakke, Russell Walton, Jake Le Fondre, Freddie Cadoret, Will Price, Mark Edmond, Jasper Maddox, Adam Short, Oscar Thomson, Robert Bennett, Toby Kent and Joseph Huelin, who had some great cameos. Willoughby Lutkin-Clarke scooped three individual awards: ‘Best Director’, ‘Best Actor’ and ‘Most Commitment to Drama’. Russell Walton was awarded ‘Best Female’ and the award for ‘Best Stand Out Scene’ also went to Dunlop House. Proud would be an understatement, and it would not have been possible without all the hard work and commitment of all those involved.
House Music was another fantastic two evenings in the calendar and Dunlop once again put on some outstanding performances. Despite coming 3rd overall, we achieved first place in the House ensemble with an excitingly energetic rendition of “Adventure of a Lifetime”, performed by Thomas Waller, Louis Hunt, Louis Hedges, Neil Sontakke, Henry Lucas, Jake Le Fondre and Daniel Spottiswoode which saw the crowd go wild. The term “robbed” was heard more than once, following the Senior vocal soloists which saw Neil Sontakke coming in second place with his flawless performance of “Can you feel the love tonight”. Our House choir had impressive participation across all year groups and the rendition of “I want it that way” was so smoothly arranged and conducted by Neil Sontakke. Neil was deservedly awarded the Robinson Cup for the biggest contribution to House Music following his incredible efforts to organise and run the event for Dunlop House. The Year 7 sing off and solo performances from Dan Frost on saxophone, Gus Weber on guitar and a vocal solo from Robert Bennett were also superb, and the atmosphere and support the boys showed towards each other was phenomenal.
House Art saw Dunlop students showcase their artistic talent, and what an enormous display of talent it was. Erin McCarthy was the winner for Dunlop House for Years 10-13, producing a stunning piece of art for the competition. For Years 7-9, Adam Short was the Dunlop winner showing another example of wonderful artistic ability. Unfortunately, we were not able to defeat the other Houses in this event, resulting in fifth place.
Our overall standing for the Landick Cup was joint second place, narrowly missing first place by just two points, which shows the tough competition from the other Houses. The students gave each competition their all and I am confident that this year we will come back stronger than ever and be crowned winners of the Landick cup 2025.
We also achieved second place in the Ed Le Quesne Cup, proving that academia continues to be a strength within Dunlop House. Yuvraj Singh (Year 12), gave us a strong start to the year when he helped us secure second place overall in House chess, winning every one of his matches and coming first in his year group. In House Flippy Bit, our Year 12 and 13 students came first overall in their year groups, with particularly impressive participation from Thomas Waller and Johnny Wright. Other commendable scores came from Jonny Locker (Year 11) and Mark Edmond (Year 8) who, along with participants from all year groups, helped us achieve second place overall in this event. Huge congratulations must go to Gus Weber (Year 7), Toby Kent (Year 8), Daniel Spottiswoode (Year 9) and Alex Woodman (Year 10) who together made up our winning Juniors/Colts House General Knowledge Quiz team. They beat off fierce competition to secure first place bringing our overall standing in this event to second place.
Two new events this year were House Rubik’s Cube, organised by Year 8 Dunlop student Theo Voss, and the much anticipated ‘Escape the Library’. House Rubik’s cube was a hugely successful event for Year 7 and 8 students, with Rory Le Masurier in Year 7 coming first in the year group and Ethan Mwanga’s efforts in Year 8 placing us second overall in this event. We are excited to roll this out to all year groups next year. ‘Escape the Library’, the final event of the academic year, was organised by Mr Wooldridge and Miss Kane. This was a brilliant event which saw boys from all year groups working together to crack the code through a series of puzzles. Leading us into second place was Gus Weber (Year 7), Valentino Marzana (Year 8), Felix O’Connor (Year 9), Jake Le Fondre (Year 10) and Johnny Wright (Year 12). The team was strong and they escaped with 1 minute and 10 seconds to spare, only using 2 hints, none of which were taken in the final room, which was impressive indeed. With the addition of these new events to this Cup we have been able to showcase our academic strengths in a variety of ways and I know we will continue to thrive in 2024/2025.
We had some huge successes in House sport this year, with our Year 7 sportsmen consistently performing at a high level across all events. Their outstanding contributions, alongside strong performances from Year 8, were key to securing second place in the Lushington Cup. Year 7 secured first place in House Badminton
and Cross Country, coming second in House Football, Rugby, Hockey, Squash, Cricket, Tennis and Athletics. These are hugely impressive results and show the amazing commitment, participation and teamwork from our Junior students. Rory Le Masurier (Year 7) showed some impressive talent in racket sports, with Oscar Daley and Isaac Dunn-Dempsey’s talent on the football pitch helping us with our achievements in this field. Teddy Wilson has proved himself as an exceptional runner, running the fastest lap for Dunlop in the Knight Shield and winning his Sports Day races. Other admirable performances amongst our Juniors have been seen by Jaxon Reddington and Jack Burchell (Year 7) and Amir Abdelmoati, Freddie Cornic, Harry Swemmer and Joseph de Prey (Year 8).
Successes were also seen in Colts rugby and huge thanks must go to Toby Harris and Dexter Frigot (Year 10) for their efforts in securing second place in this event. There were also games within events where we achieved first place, and the effort put in by all students was commendable. Jack Vowden (Year 10) impressed on both the track and in the field at Sports Day and special mention must also go to Dexter Fraser in Year 9 who has proved himself as a good all-rounder within House Sport as has Joe Griffiths (Year 10) and Ben Heelis (Year 11).
We also did ourselves proud in House Shooting, an open event, where we again achieved second place overall. Unfortunately, we were not able to defeat the other Houses in the fight for the Blomfield trophy, resulting in fifth place overall this year. We will continue with our hard work and hopefully climb up the rankings in this cup to match our successes in the two other cups.
Dunlop House continued to raise funds this year for Macmillan Cancer Support Jersey as their chosen charity. We raised money by holding a House meal at the Bowling Alley, which was a really fun evening of bowling, good food, and a great display of House spirit.
It’s important to recognise that none of the wonderful things that have happened this year would be possible without a strong House Captain and Prefect team and continuous commitment to the House across the year groups. I am very proud of the achievements of all of the boys, and it’s a privilege to see everyone work so hard, share their talent, and dedicate their time to Dunlop House. Well done!
Ms Innes and Ms Pallot Heads of Dunlop House
HOUSE PREFECTS 2023 - 2024
Sebastian Kirkby (House Captain)
Thomas Waller (Deputy Head Boy)
Willoughby Lutkin-Clarke (Arts Prefect)
Isaac Tarrant
Louis Hunt
HOUSE PREFECTS 2024 - 2025
Oliver Winch (House Captain)
Neil Sontakke (Deputy Head Boy)
Johnny Wright (Well-being Prefect)
Russell Walton
John Le Fondre
CUPS AWARDED
The Manning Cup – Year 7: Jaxon Reddington
The Rotherham Cup – Year 8: Jasper Maddox
The Smith Cup – Year 9: Freddie Cadoret
The Kemble Cup – Year 10 and 11: Toby Harris
The Alistair Vine Cup – Commitment to the Arts: Neil Sontakke
The Louis Seigne Cup – Commitment overall: Oliver Winch
JUNIOR COLOURS
YEAR 7
William Aikenhead
James Barton
Jack Burchell
Oscar Daley
Rory Le Masurier
Ewan McBain
Gerry McMahon
Jaxon Reddington
Torin Ruark
Jerome Sullivan
Gus Weber
Teddy Wilson
YEAR 8
Amir Abdelmoati
Freddie Cornic
Joseph de Prey
Rex Frigot
Toby Kent
Jasper Maddox
Charlie Manners
Adam Short
Harry Swemmer
COLTS COLOURS
YEAR 9
Freddie Cadoret
Felix O’Connor
Daniel Spottiswood
Benjamin Wilson
YEAR 10
Jack Band
David Dumitru
Dexter Frigot
Joe Griffiths
Jules Herve
Ben Vieira
Jack Vowden
Alex Woodman
SENIOR COLOURS
YEAR 12
Harry Adam
Ollie Bolletta
John Le Fondre
Russell Walton
Oliver Winch
Alex Wood
Another unbelievable year for Sartorius, champions elect!
Let me describe my proudest moment to date as Head of this great House. Whilst I was sitting on stage in the Great Hall during the Summer Celebration Assembly in July 2024, the Headteacher, Dr. Gareth Hughes, announced that Sartorius were overall winners of the House Cup. Head of House for the following year, Patrick Filleul, lifted the impressive bowl, whilst a gigantic red flag was slowly unfurled at the back of the Hallwhere all the great Sartorians of the past have sat. All the hard work, commitment and talent that had been on display for the previous 11 months had paid off, a collective victory for all students and staff in Sartorius House.
The highlight of the year for me was Sports Day. It was tinged with sadness as our dominant performance was followed by our rivals for the Blomfield pipping us to 1st position. For the second year in a row we narrowly missed out on the House Sport shield. However, the athletic performance, physical prowess and sheer exertion our team pushed themselves to was gargantuan and truly inspiring.
The next event took place on a cold night in February – an occasion that the Reds are starting to excel in, House Music. We didn’t win this year but a close 2nd place was eclipsed by being judged the ‘best choir’ on the night! Third place in the stacked highlight reel was our hat-trick victory in the Ed Le Quesne cup.
The honourable mention was the return, after 5 years, of the Sartorius House meal which was a great event and well attended. The evening started with a game of bowling, prizes for the winner of each lane and ended with a lovely meal. House Spirit was at its highest and all money raised went to our new House Charity, Diabetes Jersey.
I am delighted to announce that the recipients of the individual trophies for Sartorius were:
The Pirouet Tankard – Best Senior Sartorian : James Courtness
The Reakes Cup – Biggest contribution to House Art : Sam Lawrence
The Averty Cup - Previously unrecognised contribution to the House : Zoran Plummer
I wrote last year that an improvement in House Arts and ultimately a victory in the Landick Cup has been part of Sartorius’ strategic plan since I took over as Head of House. I am proud to say that the journey came to an end this year with a close two point victory ahead of three Houses in tied second.
House Drama is always up first with the performance just before the first half term. As usual we were slow to get started, recruiting two talented Year 13s, Lachlan Muir and Sam Oldridge,
to steady the ship and direct. They saw this as their duty after being involved in all things Drama at Victoria College since they had been in Year 7. They chose to recreate an old GCSE piece of theirs in Neville’s Island. They cast the main roles to Zoran Plummer, Noah Rawlins, Hugo Jones and Jake Le Boutillier. They did a good job considering the last-minute nature of our preparations and were marked down due to the small cast we recruited. This was not the start we wanted in the Landick in our quest to improve on last year’s 3rd place!
House Music preparation starts after Christmas and is always a mad rush to get it sorted in a busy six-week window at Victoria College. Defending our title for the first time was not easy and we found ourselves coming 2nd in lots of individual categories that we had previously won. However, the showpiece event is always the choir and I was absolutely ecstatic for the students involved (forty or more) when Sartorius lifted the Derrick Cup for Best House Choir, getting our name back on the historic trophy after a one-year hiatus. What impressed me most was that the Year 13 Prefects chose the song but recruited the musical talent of the year below, a true team effort. Massive well done to Sam Lawrence for conducting and Alex Le Cornu for playing the accompaniment to The Cranberries – Zombie. I look forward to seeing what you both produce in 2025. A round up of some of the highlights are listed below:
• Colts Instrumental Solo – Ethan Hernandez – 2nd
• Senior Instrumental Solo – Sam Lawrence – 2nd
• Senior Vocal Solo – Zoran Plummer – 1st
• Ensemble – 3rd
• Choir – 1st
• Year 7 Sing off – 1st
This means that Dunlop took the lead in the Landick heading into House Art. Sam Lawrence came up trumps for Sartorius yet again putting together a wonderful array of pieces from Years 7-13, gaining us extra points from the judges as a result. Sam and Shaurya Chauhan (Year 9) also picked up individual awards, helping us to come 2nd overall. A slice of fortune saw Dunlop come last and Sartorius leapfrogging them into top spot! The challenge now will be to win the Landick again but hopefully with a win in one of the big three events rather than 2nd place twice and a 4th place finish!
Another agonizingly close race for the Blomfield Shield this year. A small improvement on last year as we lost out by only two points this year instead of three points. To put this into perspective Braithwaite finished on 216 and Sartorius on 214! We lost out by 1% of our overall total!!
Sports Day was extremely tense, again. I could not have asked for more from this House and all the participants. We made what looked like an easy victory for our green rivals a very tense
finale with everyone guessing after our total domination of Sports Day! We saw victory for the Seniors, Colts and Year 7 and an impressive 2nd place for our Year 8’s. Sadly for us it was Braithwaite who came 1st in Year 8 and also came 2nd in Seniors and Colts which resulted in them having enough to maintain a 2 point lead.
It was our Seniors that led by example this year. Victories in Hockey, Tennis, Squash, Shooting, Rugby (joint) and the aforementioned Athletics meant that they romped to victory in the Ferguson (Senior House Sports Trophy). Our Colts came 2nd to a very strong Braithwaite group in the Goulding competition (Colts House Sports Trophy). Their highlights included impressive 2nd places in Hockey, Cross Country and 1st place in both the Year 9 Swimming Gala and Badminton (joint). The Juniors did not fair as well in the Lushington (Junior House Sports Trophy), coming third behind Dunlop and of course you know who! This part of the competition is something we will have to target next year!
A reminder that the Ed Le Quesne Trophy is awarded to the House that accumulates the most points from competitions with an academic or intellectual focus. I’m proud to share that we’ve claimed the trophy for the third consecutive year, finishing with 25 points—just ahead of Braithwaite and Dunlop, who are tied with 21 points. The driving force behind winning this trophy was our continued competitiveness in the Computer Science House Flippy Bit competition which led to another victory. A very well done to everyone who competed especially Alex Turpin and Wakeen Van Doorsen for having the highest score in their respective year groups. Similarly, we saw victory for a second year in a row in the House Chess competition. Well done to Sam Reynolds, Noah Rawlins and Max Forbes who came 1st and joint 1st in their age group categories, respectively. More victories in ‘Escape the Library’ and the General Knowledge Quiz meant that Sartorius were the overall winners this year, the latter being unique and rather exciting as Heads of Houses joined the team. I would like to apologise to the team for being a bit quick on the buzzer at times but I hopefully added value in areas such as Geography and Sport! This year we also had the inaugural House Rubik’s Cube competition and finished joint last so perhaps some room for improvement next year.
This year, Sartorius embraced some exciting new initiatives, including a shift to support a new local charity. We also organized a House bowling event, which raised funds for this cause, bringing our community together in support of a great mission. Each tutor group had the opportunity to nominate a local charity and then the whole House voted for their preferred choice. I am delighted that the winner, nominated by Year 11, Angus McLauchlan, was Diabetes Jersey. All money raised from bowling in March went to this fantastic organisation.
I am delighted to say that our annual Apple Picking event was still able to take place at Hamptonne. The Senior boys were up early to shake the trees and ensure that there were enough apples for the younger years to collect and bag in preparation for the Fete Du Cidre. Most important of all, this event raised £550 for our International House Charity, Sightsavers. Massive thank you to anyone and everyone who donated money or raised sponsorship for this event. Thank you also to all the staff who gave up time on their Sunday morning to help support the boys, the House and, of course, Jersey Heritage!
Mr Royle Head of House
HOUSE PREFECTS 2023 - 2024:
James Courtness (House Captain)
Lachlan Muir (Deputy Head Boy)
Daniel Riley (Student Voice Prefect)
Sam Oldridge (School Prefect)
Seb Parkes (School Prefect)
Will Hodgson (House Sports Prefect)
Thomas Durcan
Adam Morris
Cian Ridgard
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the team listed above who were led fantastically by James. As previously mentioned, it was arguably the most successful year for Sartorius in a generation and the House Prefect team can take ownership for a lot of this success. The names below have a tough act to follow but we have equal strength in Sport, the Arts and Academic expertise within the Prefect team for 2024 – 2025. The toughest part of their challenge will be bridging the gap between us and other Houses in the Junior school.
HOUSE PREFECTS 2024 - 2025
Patrick Filleul (House Captain)
Eddie Rothwell (Sports Prefect)
Merrion Carter (School Prefect)
Hugo Chappell-Jenkins (School Prefect)
Sam Lawrence (School Prefect)
Alex Le Cornu (School Prefect)
Will Read (School Prefect)
Ollie Huelin (School Prefect)
Every event participated in whether sporting, the arts, house charity or academic gets logged and awarded points. These points are collated over years and go towards the awarding of House Colours for significant contribution to the House. Colours are given to Juniors for contribution to Sartorius across Years 7 and 8, Colts for contribution to Sartorius across Years 9 and 10, Seniors for contribution to Sartorius across Years 11, 12 and 13. These Colours are awarded throughout the year and the recipients this year are listed below:
JUNIORS:
Jonny Jones
Sam Le Boutillier
Jonny Pellew
Robin Phillips
Willoughby Spry
Jacques Thomas
Jack Frankham (Year 7)
Theo Robson (Year 7)
COLTS:
Thomas Allo
Alf Barrowcliffe
Elliott Hamilton
William Hernandez
Ed Hodgson
Hugo Jones
Jake Le Boutillier
SENIORS:
Lachlan Muir
Sam Oldridge
Harvey Sanders
Lars Tharme
Merrion Carter
Patrick Filleul
Alex Le Cornu
Eddie Rothwell
At Victoria College we continuously reflect on our Teaching and Learning, inside and outside the classroom. Across the College we have passionate teachers with expert subject knowledge. When undertaking training we consider research into pedagogy (teaching methods) and refine our skills through lesson observations, sharing best practice and INSET (In-service training).
Throughout 2023-24, we have focused on oracy, in partnership with Voice 21, an education organisation who started delivering oracy programmes in 2016 and have since worked with
thousands of teachers and hundreds of schools, supporting them to develop oracy both at classroom and whole-school level. Senior Leaders have attended training that they have then cascaded to all staff and Voice 21 representatives have visited the College to review progress and identify next steps.
Oracy is the ability to articulate ideas, develop understanding and engage with others through spoken language. In school, oracy is a powerful tool for learning; by teaching students to become more effective speakers and listeners we empower them to better understand themselves, each other and the
We believe that there are huge benefits to improving and embedding Oracy across the curriculum, and through this focus on oracy we aim:
To develop confident, fluent speakers, who can articulate their ideas in a wide range of situations.
To provide all students with the skills to be challenged, to learn and achieve, where every voice is valued; active listening and critical thinking are embedded in line with our values of respect, aspiration and resilience.
world around them. It is an important aspect of social equity – some young people have grown up discussing ideas across the family dining table, learning to challenge each other with convincing arguments and experimenting with different vocabulary, but not all young people have had this experience and opportunity; oracy education can narrow the gaps between those who have or have not had such opportunities. This is increasingly important as many of their interactions occur via phone or social media.
Through a high-quality oracy education students learn through talk and to talk. This is when they develop and deepen their subject knowledge and understanding through talk in the classroom, which has been planned, modelled, scaffolded and structured to enable them to learn the skills needed to talk effectively. So often we do this with written work – we scaffold, provide sentence starters or structure strips, but this can also be powerful with oracy.
Like any other subject, oracy has its own technical and specialist vocabulary. Just as in science where we explicitly teach technical language and concepts, the same is true for talk. Much of this is already done in our classrooms, but having a shared language about speaking and listening is key to our success in oracy. It will enable students to give precise feedback and engage in meaningful self-reflection.
Over the course of the academic year staff have considered the importance of teaching oracy explicitly and embedding it into the curriculum. They have been provided with a toolkit of oracy strategies to adapt and implement in their own subject areas.
Karen Palfreyman, Assistant Head: Curriculum, Teaching and Learning
As the 2023-24 academic year closes, we take a moment to reflect on the exciting and enriching events that have shaped the Victoria College English Department. It has been a year full of creativity, exploration, and a deepening love for literature and language. Below are some highlights from a memorable year in the English Department.
We were thrilled to welcome author, Jacky King, for a presentation on her novel, A Cake for the Gestapo. The novel is set in Jersey and Jacky spoke to our students about her writing process, the inspiration behind her book, and the power of storytelling. Her interactive session was both informative and inspiring, giving students a behind-the-scenes look at the world of authorship. The connection to Jersey was particularly meaningful, allowing our students to see how their own surroundings could inspire works of fiction. Jacky’s visit was a highlight of the year, sparking many lively discussions and a renewed interest in reading.
Our KS3 students entered the Jersey Planet Prose competition which was an exciting literary opportunity. This competition encouraged young writers to submit original prose on the impact of climate change on our planet, the importance of addressing climate change and what a future where climate change has been addressed could look like. We are proud to announce that one of our students, João Vieira (right), won the category for Age 11 to
14! Two of our students, Jules Burton and Jack Devitt, were also shortlisted for their outstanding entries. They all received a special invitation to the prize-giving ceremony at the Jersey Library. João’s wonderful story is included for you to read.
Another exciting opportunity this year was our Year 7 students participating in the prestigious BBC 500 Word Story Competition. This annual event challenges young writers to craft a compelling story in just 500 words. It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to unleash their creativity, develop their writing skills and engage with the wider literary community. We were so impressed by the enthusiasm and imagination shown by our students, and several of them received high praise for their entries. The competition provided an excellent starting point for their journey as young writers, and we look forward to seeing what they create next year!
World Book Day is always a cause for celebration at Victoria College, and this year we took it up a notch with our Masked Reader video. The English Department, alongside other staff members, took part in this fun and mysterious activity, where teachers read excerpts from their favourite books while wearing masks, challenging students to guess who was behind each mask. The video was a great success, bringing together students and staff in a light-hearted celebration of reading and literature.
Our Key Stage 3 students also had the opportunity to showcase their creativity in the HIGHVERN Bookmark Design Competition. Students were asked to design a bookmark inspired by the theme of reading and literature. We were thrilled that one of our students, Ben Robinson, was crowned the overall winner, with his design selected from a large pool of entries. The winning bookmark has been printed and distributed, allowing Ben’s work to be shared and celebrated by the wider community. This was an excellent opportunity for our students to combine art and literature.
This year, our students brought literature to life in a magical way by performing scenes from A Midsummer Night’s Dream on the lawn (particularly Miss Kemp’s class!). Rather than simply reading the play, students engaged in outdoor performances, acting out the fantastic scenes of love, magic and mischief. These lively performances allowed students to explore the themes and characters of Shakespeare’s work in a more tangible and memorable way. The setting of the school grounds added to the charm, making it an enjoyable experience that deepened students’ appreciation of Shakespeare in performance.
In another exciting and atmospheric activity, our students were inspired to write spooky tales by taking part in ghost tours led by our Archivist, Mr. Wooldridge. As they wandered through the historic parts of the school (including the cellar!), they were immersed in eerie stories that sparked their imaginations. The experience was a perfect way to inspire their own creative writing, as students crafted chilling ghostly narratives of their own. It was a fun and memorable way to combine history, literature, and a touch of the supernatural to fuel their creativity.
The Victoria College English Department has had a vibrant and successful year. Our students have embraced the challenges of creative writing, been inspired by authors, and participated in some memorable events. As we look ahead to the coming academic year, we are excited to continue fostering a love of literature, encouraging academic growth, and nurturing the writers of tomorrow.
The Computer Science Department has been experiencing exceptional success across Years 7 to 9, thanks to a strategic redesign of the curriculum. By aligning with the demands of emerging technologies and placing a stronger emphasis on programming skills, logical reasoning, and computational thinking, we are not only preparing students for GCSE and A Level courses but also equipping them with skills that support a range of subjects and life beyond school.
The updated curriculum ensures that students develop robust programming skills and algorithmic thinking from the very beginning. Using EduBlocks, a platform designed to bridge the gap between block-based and text-based coding, students are introduced to Python programming in an engaging and approachable way. EduBlocks allows them to visually construct code while simultaneously learning the syntax of Python. This innovative tool has been pivotal in making programming more accessible to younger learners and serves as a springboard for more advanced coding tasks.
To deepen their understanding of algorithmic thinking, students extensively use flowcharts to visualize and structure their problem-solving approaches. By doing so, they are better able to understand the logic behind programming concepts, which helps solidify their grasp of more complex topics later in their studies.
Additionally, students explore binary, denary, and hexadecimal conversions, a critical area of computer science. This culminates in an exciting House competition in December, last year won by Sartorius, where they test their knowledge using the interactive game Flippy Bit and the Attack of the Hexadecimals from Base16. This web based game challenges players to convert numbers between different bases while defending against “hexadecimal invaders.” The game is not only fun and engaging but also reinforces theoretical concepts through hands on practice.
Year 8 students have spent time understanding the importance of primary and secondary storage. They now have a clear grasp of the different types of storage, their uses, and the role they play in computer systems. This knowledge not only supports their understanding of hardware and system design but also has practical applications in their broader studies and everyday technology use.
Year 9 students are delving into advanced topics that bridge the gap to GCSE and even A Level material. Extensive work on
Boolean logic has allowed some students to answer questions from the A Level syllabus, demonstrating their ability to think critically and apply complex principles. Their success in this area highlights the depth and rigor of the curriculum.
Networking is another key focus for Year 9, with students learning about different network types and topologies commonly used in real-world applications. This foundational knowledge equips them to understand how data is shared and managed, preparing them for more in-depth exploration at GCSE level.
The skills and knowledge developed in the computer science curriculum extend far beyond the classroom. Logical thinking, problem-solving, and computational skills are essential across a wide range of subjects and career paths. By embedding these skills into our teaching, we ensure that students are well prepared for future challenges, regardless of their chosen fields.
The department’s success continues at GCSE, where students consistently excel. Last year, one of our students achieved a remarkable 100% in their coursework. Their work was so exceptional that the exam board has requested to use it as an example of best practices for teaching and assessment. This achievement not only highlights the strength of our curriculum but also serves as inspiration for younger students to strive for excellence.
The redesign of the computer science curriculum has created an engaging, challenging, and forward-thinking environment for students. By introducing tools like EduBlocks, emphasising algorithmic and computational thinking, and exploring real-world applications such as storage systems and networking, we are laying a strong foundation for future success.
The achievements of our students, both in their day-today learning and in their external assessments, reflect the effectiveness of this approach. The department remains committed to nurturing these skills, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential in computer science and beyond.
The Modern Foreign Languages Department (MFL) has had a fantastic year, filled with exciting activities, visits, and competitions that have brought the richness of French and Spanish culture to life for our students. From welcoming pen pals from the southwest of France in March, to competing in the French and Spanish Eisteddfod, our students have truly embraced the opportunities to deepen their language skills and cultural understanding. These experiences, whether through letter exchanges, public speaking, or poetic performances, have enhanced their appreciation of the language and culture in meaningful ways. The department is incredibly proud of all the hard work and achievements of its students this year.
Year 9 and Year 10 students were delighted to welcome their pen pals all the way from the southwest of France to visit us in March. After exchanging letters over a few months, the pen pals were excited to meet one another and speak in person. They spent time learning more about each school and the local area – including the history, traditions and culture - before heading off on a tour of the College. It was a lovely opportunity to bring our language learning to life.
Our students were up against some very stiff competition in the French and Spanish Eisteddfod competitions this year. All participating students put a lot of time and effort into practising their poems and prepared reading. They delivered their pieces with confidence and very pleasing pronunciation. The MFL Department and College are so proud of their achievements.
The Department were incredibly proud of Lachlan’s (Y12) confident and excellently executed reading of this French speech, originally made by Charles de Gaulle in London in 1940. It is one of the most important speeches in French history. Lachlan delivered the speech alongside the Honorary French Consul, Maison de la Normandie et de la Manche, the College’s CCF Guard of Honour as well as members of the general public.
Y7 PREPARED READING
Theo R - Silver
Rannvijay - Silver
Y7 SET VERSE
Mohammed - Gold + Cup winner Trophée de l’Alliance Française de Jersey
Daksh - Silver
Rannvijay - Silver
Y8 PREPARED READING
Jasper - Gold
Y9 PREPARED READING
Jack - Silver
SPANISH RESULTS
Y8 & Y9 SET VERSE
Jasper - Gold + Cup winner - The Ronda Cup
Amir - Silver
Robbie - Silver
Theo V - Silver
House Art is an annual exhibition showcasing the incredible talent of students across all year groups at Victoria College. The display brings together a diverse range of artwork, from large GCSE and A Level pieces to more accessible studies and achievements from Key Stage 3. The artwork is grouped by House, and the House with the strongest collection of work from the Sixth Form, will win House Art. This year, Braithwaite triumphed, with Sartorius close behind in second, followed by Diarmid, Bruce, and Dunlop.
The exhibition encourages participation from all students, fostering friendships across year groups and providing a wonderful opportunity for collaboration. Throughout the duration of the exhibition, classes from various year groups visit, appreciating the wide range of artistic styles, techniques,
and themes on display. It serves not only as a celebration of creativity but as a rich, educational experience for all involved.
A standout feature this year was the Space theme, particularly in the GCSE cohort, inspired by our technician Didier Gicquel’s passion for Star Wars. Didier’s creative contributions, including building many of the iconic costumes and props from the films, had a profound influence on students like Leon Hardman, Josh Pinzari, and Max Hazzard, who contributed outstanding pieces in this area.
Ultimately, the exhibition was a stunning showcase of the exceptional standards of art that our students consistently produce, providing a vibrant and inspiring display for all to enjoy.
Helen Ryan, Art Teacher
1st Braithwaite
2nd Sartorius
3rd Diarmid
4th Bruce
5th Dunlop
Braithwaite:
Yrs 10-13 - Josh Pinzari (Yr 11)
Yrs 7-9 - Herbie Hampton (Yr 7)
Sartorius:
Yrs 10-13 - Sam Lawrence (Yr 12)
Yrs 7-9 - Shaurya Chauhan (Yr 9)
Diarmid:
Yrs 10-13 - Simba Mutete (Yr 13)
Yrs 7-9 - Shaurya Chauhan (Yr 9)
Bruce:
Yrs 10-13 - David Osunde (Yr 11)
Yrs 7-9 - Augustin Chamberlayne (Yr 7)
Dunlop:
Yrs 10-13 - Erin McCarthy (Yr 12)
Yrs 7-9 - Adam Short (Yr 8)
As Head of Drama and Theatre Studies at Victoria College, I am proud to reflect on another year of remarkable success and achievement.
Our students have again demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication, achieving outstanding results across the various subject areas. Notably, for the second consecutive year, Sixth Form students achieved a 100% Merit and Distinction pass rate in their Grade 8 LAMDA ‘Speaking in Public’ examinations, showcasing the strength of their public speaking skills. Our students not only took away a valued and wellrecognised qualification, but they also contributed to their UCAS points: a Merit pass counts as 25 points, and a Distinction pass grade is 30 points. I am delighted that Year 12 (now Year 13) students will already have a healthy contribution towards their university entry requirements whilst also developing invaluable public speaking skills.
This academic year we marked the 152nd annual House Drama competition, a long-standing tradition at Victoria College. We witnessed incredible performances from all Houses, with Dunlop House emerging victorious in the College’s first major competitive event of the academic year. It was a pleasure to see the creativity and hard work of our students shine on stage. It was even more encouraging to see how our senior students are supporting and developing younger students in creating, directing and performing to such a high standard. Next year’s competition will see us take to the stage for one night only at Jersey’s own Arts Centre theatre. The defending champions, Dunlop, will no doubt be making yet another huge effort to be back-to-back winners in 2024. However, I am already aware that Sartorius, Braithwaite, Diarmid and Bruce have all begun preparations earlier to try and knock them off their perch. The casts look very strong and I’m confident the students will stun the new judges in October.
In December 2023, we celebrated the talent of the students involved in the Christmas Nativity performance. The dedication and passion they displayed was an inspiration, and it was a joyous occasion for the entire school community. This was the first time in a very long time here at Victoria College where we had a collaboration of both staff and students participating in the December comedy and hopefully not the last. As ever with productions of this nature they would never get off the ground without the support and hard work of many staff in the build-up. My gratitude to every member of the staffing team who gave up weekends and evenings to help make this the success that it was, you were an amazing help to my department and the students who took part.
In examinations, our department has sustained its record of excellence, with a 100% GCSE grade 9-5 pass rate for the fourth consecutive year! This is a testament to the consistent hard work of the teachers and of course, our students’ engagement and desire to succeed at the highest possible level. I am fortunate enough to have seen this year’s Year 11 come through from Year 7 and to witness them succeed with such incredible results is such a pleasure. I wish every one of those students the very best in their A Level studies, and beyond.
We have some incredibly bright and talented Year 12 A Level students who have worked solidly this year to support their final year of study in Year 13. They have worked tirelessly to ensure that study texts, examination and practical performance skills are at the highest level ahead of their final examinations. Theatre Studies at A Level is a highly challenging, but rewarding course, and our students are already doing themselves proud. We wish them every success in examinations in June 2025 where we hope to celebrate another year of A*- C passes.
To conclude, I would like to say that it is a privilege to lead the Drama and Theatre Studies Department here at Victoria College. My goal remains to nurture creativity, confidence, and excellence in every one of our students. Thank you to our parents for their support this year and for believing in the goals and ambitions of our department.
Mr Warburton, Head of Drama and Theatre Studies
This year, the Victoria College Music Department has showcased a series of successful and inspiring events that have greatly enriched our musical community. From the festive Christmas Cracker Concert to the infamous House Music and our celebratory Summer Concert, the department has provided a diverse range of performances that captivated audiences and highlighted the remarkable talent of our students.
As ever, the Orchestral Challenge has sparked a new wave of enthusiasm among our Year 7 musicians. This initiative, paired with the Year 8 Arts Enrichment programme, has allowed our most passionate musicians to engage in weekly orchestral rehearsals as an integral part of their curriculum. This approach not only nurtures young talent but also fosters a deeper appreciation for orchestral music among our students.
In addition to these core events, our Music Department has also been active in reaching out to the broader Jersey community. The GCSE Music Conference, Harmony Men Concert, Bandtastic,
Youth Orchestra Project with Antigua and Barbuda, and the Choral Showcase were all instrumental in sharing our musical culture and achievements with a wider audience and encouraging our students to work with other musicians in the community.
A standout achievement for the Music Department this year was our tour to Italy. This experience saw our students performing in historic venues in Montecatini, Florence, and Lucca, and included visits to the iconic cities of Siena and Pisa. The boys performed with distinction, representing our school with pride and showcasing their exceptional musical talents on an international stage.
Such achievements would not be possible without the tireless efforts and dedication of many individuals. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the prefects, visiting music teachers, and full-time staff whose unwavering support and commitment have made these musical activities possible. Their contributions have been instrumental in the success of our Music Department, and we are immensely grateful for their continued efforts.
Everything about the Music Tour was amazing. The adventurous week began in St Malo. With the coach fully packed with back-breaking heavy drums and equipment, we were off. For some, the coach trip passed quickly, for others the coach trip seemed like it would never end. By morning, the sun had risen just in time to give us a glimpse of the beautiful Alps - something we were to see a lot more of…... We soon got news of a blessing in disguise. The tunnel between France and Italy was closed so we had to take a detour through Switzerland! Everyone was wide awake now with their phones pressed to the window, taking photos of the most amazing mountain range we’d ever seen!
Another couple of hours passed and we were all ready to stand up and stretch our legs for the first time in about a day. The views were stunning. Around midday, we arrived in Montecatini-Terme. After heaving our instruments into the hotel, we had our first food in Italy. A pasta course, followed by a meat course, ending with a dessert course. All the food was amazing – some people had never tasted such delicious bread. After dinner, we explored Montecatini. We had a fantastic time exploring and looking at the wonderful architecture. Due to the rain (and a few slippery marble surfaces) there were a few mishaps along the way.
Our first real day in Italy was spent in Florence. After lugging the equipment into our beautiful venue, we explored the great city and saw sights such as the Santa Maria Cathedral as well as other stunning landmarks. This was also our first try of the authentic, Italian pizza. The food was nothing like what you’d expect to get in Jersey. We also tried ciabatta sandwiches and colourful gelato, which were amazing too. By the end of the day, it was time to do our first performance in Italy. It was wonderful, of course. The great space gave way to an amazing sound echoing throughout.
On the second day, we got a two-in-one. In the morning, we went to the renowned city of Pisa to get the ‘necessary picture’ (if you know what I mean). We were also lucky enough to test our fear of heights by going up the Leaning Tower itself! As we held on tight to our phones, dangling over the edge to get the best picture, we were greeted by the refreshing Italian breeze. A very strong Italian breeze! The rest of the day was spent in Lucca. There was a point when we were all pressed in like sardines under the shelter of a shop front avoiding the rain. For me, this was the funniest time. Those who were lucky enough then had the opportunity to explore the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro - an old amphitheatre turned marketplace. After another amazing performance in the beautiful city, then we were back on the coach to Montecatini-Terme.
On our third day, we spent all of it in wonderful Siena. This city was definitely my favourite. It had beautiful buildings, delicious food and an interesting history. Something that still goes on from time to time is the horse racing around the fan-shaped square. This peculiar square was on a slope to the centre, giving the feel almost as if it was a seating area to watch something at the bottom. Just beyond this was a large tower that we had the opportunity to go up. After countless, cramped stairs, we reached the top. I was amazed with Mr Murton’s ability to get through these winding stairways. It was somehow windier than the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but the views definitely made up for it. Our last performance was back at Montecatini and its own beautiful, modern church. Something I loved seeing was how we worked as a team by the end of our tour. Each performance was better than the last, with the last one being nothing less than perfect.
The last day in Italy was spent in Montecatini-Terme Alto, the old village atop the hill. Some students took the Montecatini Funicolare, a train up the hill, but the braver of us walked it and beat the others! This gorgeous place seemed untouched by modern life. Every building was as it was when it was first built, and we got the most amazing view of Montecatini-Terme.
The next morning, we woke up early, and after our last breakfast, we were off. Back to Jersey after one of the most eventful times of our lives. Like last time, for some the coach ride was short and for some the coach ride was long, but a good break came in the form of a French McDonald’s and its climbing frame. At least as day broke, after an adventurous week, we were on an exciting boat ride back. The time we spent in Italy was one of the best times of my life.
By Alaric Corbin, Year 10
In October 2023, Victoria College’s Headteacher, Dr. Gareth Hughes, was awarded the prestigious Public Sector Director of the Year Award by the Institute of Directors (IoD). This recognition comes as a testament to his exceptional leadership, cultural transformation of the College, and commitment to improving both the academic environment and the wellbeing of students and staff.
The Institute of Directors praised Dr. Hughes for being a driving force behind significant positive change at the school, commending his role in delivering improvements across a range of areas. The award panel highlighted his work to foster cultural change, improve student performance, and enhance staff recruitment and retention.
Dr. Hughes’ leadership at Victoria College has been a true example of transformation. As noted in the judges’ comments, his approach to leadership has been both inclusive and engaging. His ability to connect with students and staff alike, while creating a culture of kindness, has resonated deeply within the school community. According to one of the school’s governors, who nominated Dr. Hughes for the award, his leadership has had a profound impact not only on the school itself but also on the broader Jersey community.
“Having the unique perspective of being both a parent and a member of the Board of Governors, I can personally attest to the positive changes Dr. Hughes has brought to Victoria College. His efforts to engage with the community, support initiatives like the IoD internship scheme, and work with organisations such as the Jersey Women’s Refuge and the Violence Against Women and Girls Taskforce have been truly exemplary,” they said.
A key element of Dr. Hughes’ leadership has been his dedication to creating a culture where kindness, integrity, and collaboration thrive. Students at Victoria College are encouraged to embody these values, not only through academic and co-curricular achievements but also through acts of kindness. Whether it’s helping a peer in the library or supporting one another in times of need, Dr. Hughes’s commitment to kindness has made a lasting impact on the school’s ethos. Indeed, when asked about the school’s culture, students often highlight the sense of belonging and culture of kindness fostered under Dr. Hughes’s leadership.
Dr. Hughes’ win reflects the substantial impact he has had not only at Victoria College but also in the wider community. His approach to leadership - emphasising transparency, inclusivity, and a genuine desire to improve the lives of others - has made him a respected figure among both students and staff. The IoD award judges applauded his visible presence as a leader, his ability to ensure all voices are heard, and his drive to create an environment where every child and member of staff has the opportunity to grow.
The Institute of Directors’ recognition of Dr. Hughes also serves as a testament to the broader cultural shift he has led at Victoria College. Under his leadership, the school has become a place where students not only excel academically but are also prepared to contribute positively to society, equipped with the values and skills they need for the future.
LEADERSHIP
At Victoria College, involvement in the wider Island community is at the heart of our Culture of Kindness, and we actively support both local and global charitable causes. This academic year, we are proud to have raised an incredible £21,544.42.
A huge congratulations to all staff and students who participated in these initiatives, many of which were conceived, planned, and
led by our own students. It’s truly inspiring to be part of a school community where student voice plays such a central role. Our students are empowered to select causes they’re passionate about and take the lead in organising events, instilling a strong sense of ownership and unity. Through their active involvement, they not only make a tangible difference but also develop valuable leadership and teamwork skills.
Student cake sale in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association
Dress down and cake sale in aid of Healing Waves - Ocean Therapy
Supported by Christmas Concert, cake sale with Beaulieu Convent School and Christmas Jumper Day
As part of the IoD Future Leaders Scheme, I was placed at Marbral Advisory to shadow Natasha Egré and the Senior Management Team. I gained valuable insights into client relationships, marketing, partnerships and had access to networking events. Additionally, I had the opportunity to complete some of Marbral’s own online training courses, further enriching my experience.
Throughout this placement I was able to observe and learn about a range of different things including styles of leadership, the processes involved within a startup and how operations tend to take place within a Small to Medium Sized Enterprise (SME).
To start the week, I was thrown into the deep end. On Monday morning I went straight into a partner meeting with another company. Despite my limited business knowledge, I managed to pick up on tangible bits of information. This allowed me to appreciate what was going on and I was able to view the meeting from the perspective of how the meeting was working between two parties. It felt a little bit like a cat and mouse type game, as two businesses tried to get to know each other to build trust while not giving away too much information.
This was great to see as it immediately introduced me to the working world and ‘opened my eyes’ so I could hit the ground running with other tasks.
Time management is important, especially in a crossjurisdictional SME such as Marbral Advisory where there are shared resources. I witnessed the need to balance and intertwine voluntary roles on top of a very busy main job. In an SME you are always busy, and it is particularly important to keep on top of your calendar as it is always full with meetings and introductions. Moreover, I have seen how important time management can become when you deal with clients alongside running a startup.
As a leader, you don’t need to assert dominance or forcefully impose your views on others. Leadership is about inspiring, empowering and listening to those around you. By listening you can understand your team and how they are getting on. This is particularly important within project management as the project manager needs to be able to track the work while ensuring their team is hitting the deadlines set.
This is made more complicated if you are working with more than one client at the same time. In this instance, it is important that you are able to delegate appropriately so you keep an overarching view but don’t overstretch yourself.
The added benefit in listening more than you talk, is that when you do use your voice, people will pay particular attention compared to when a leader overuses their voice.
Marketing in an SME appears a lot broader than just advertising and social media posts, especially when combined with business development. There was a lot of planning involved and working with people in different jurisdictions. On a practical level, I learnt how to use different tools such as Hootsuite and Canva. I also explored how to edit photos quickly, so you have a balance of improving the look but not wasting time.
Through my introduction to business development, I observed the challenges of expanding and working with branches in other countries. With resources spread across different islands it can be harder to work on projects together and you have to hone skills in collaboration and communication. Even with a lot more Teams meetings, you have to work harder to ensure engagement and understanding. This means gaining clarity on everyone’s roles and responsibilities within each individual project is really important, which will lead to better collaboration.
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to attend a couple of IoD events, one of which was the ‘Digital Marketing Transformation Talk’ by Dr Tim Bokket. I was not nervous about this event until I realised that there was a 50-minute break out session. Despite my lack of work experience, I do feel that I contributed well to the conversation, drawing on content from the presentation and using my familiarity with technology to join in. The whole experience pushed me out of my comfort zone, but I embraced the opportunity to immerse myself in this challenging and unfamiliar situation and it allowed me to gain far more from the experience.
Role and name
Head of Client and Product Development
Working with Marbral Advisory’s sister company, Anova, I learnt about the process of creating a startup in the wellbeing industry and how new businesses deal with competing against established companies. Part of my learning was discussing budgets and how you need to redistribute your budget as your startup progresses. This importantly involves a mindful balance between marketing and product development, once you have got your product to a certain point.
In addition, we looked at different marketing strategies that might be viable, such as Red-Ocean and BlueOcean marketing. The Red-Ocean marketing strategy tends to be the traditional style of marketing where you compete in the existing market space and try to beat the competition. Blue-Ocean marketing involves trying to create and capture a new demand.
Blue-Ocean marketing can work well for startups as they would struggle to establish themselves if they are constantly trying to outdo larger companies. What was interesting to me is that for both marketing strategies, you need to understand the competitive landscape so that you can make a decision to either compete with other organisations or find an alternative focus.
What we did Key Lessons Learnt
Natasha Egré Marketing Business Development
CEO
Time management Networking Cross-jurisdictional working
Leonie McCrann Project Management Leadership
Head of People and Operations
Laura Spears
Principal Change Architect
E-Learning On-boarding Employee check ups
Dawn Rutherford Change management Pro4perform software
COO, Anova
Jenny Winspear
IoD Digital Transformation Anova
Building + keeping relationships Time management
Dealing with people + adjusting to change
Relationship with clients Process of a startup Competitive strategies Uses of AI
Overall, I have been able to get a real taste for the working world, experiencing a variety of different areas and a range of different people. I have gained insight into:
- Negotiation
- Leadership
- Time Management
- Marketing
- Collaboration
- Start ups
- Networking
I am very grateful for this experience which I have found extremely helpful both in terms of the lessons learned and the experience gained from this week-long exposure to the workplace. During my time on placement, I have been able to meet people such as Axel Nixon and Kiley Henley who were amazing to talk to about the IoD and the opportunities that it provides. Above all my thanks go to the Marbral Advisory team for making me feel so welcome and to Natasha for making it happen.
Jersey College for Girls and Victoria College are deeply honoured to have been jointly awarded the Liberate Special Award for the work both Colleges have done to reduce the incidents of violence against women and girls (VAWG) and to build positive and collaborative relationships across their student bodies.
The Liberate Special Award is presented for “an extraordinary and significant piece of work in the field of diversity, inclusion, fairness, equality, respect or acceptance” as Vic Tanner-Davy, Liberate’s CEO, explained earlier this year:
“The work done by JCG and Victoria College jointly to reduce the incidence of violence against women and girls is just such a project,” he added. “The way in which the two schools responded to the problem has been exemplary. It would have been so easy to deny the problem or park it, but the leadership team, staff and students instead tackled it head on and, within two years, have become a beacon of outstanding practice through their own initiatives and engagement with the wider island conversation. There was no doubt in our minds that this work needed special recognition as an example of what can be done through dedication and determination – something which the whole island needs to learn from in tackling this issue.”
A joint Victoria College and Jersey College for Girls Sixth Form Working Party was established in 2021 to build positive, respectful and purposeful relationships between VCJ and JCG. With a limited amount of staff oversight, they have conceived, planned and implemented a number of events and projects that have brought students together, including the production of a joint Charter of Respect, running joint events for Year 7 and Year 8 students, engaging in joint lessons within the PSHE curriculum and inviting one another to school assemblies to better understand the history, culture, ethos and processes across the two schools.
Students from both Victoria College and JCG were involved in the work of the Taskforce on Violence Against Women and Girls, working to construct a student survey that led to real insight from young people across Jersey on this issue. The students also attended the launch of the Taskforce Report and have previously presented at other key events such as Freeda’s International Women’s Day breakfast events over the past two years.
In her speech at the award ceremony on Friday 2nd February, Jemimah, JCG’s IDEA Prefect, said:
“This holds a special place in all our hearts as it is a symbol of our collective commitment to addressing the critical issue of violence against women and girls.” She added, “Violence against women and girls is an urgent and pervasive issue that demands our unwavering attention and action. It is something which affects individuals and communities worldwide, regardless of age, race, or socio-economic status. Together we have embarked on a mission to raise awareness, promote education and advocate for systemic change. We are deeply grateful to Liberate, the organisers of this event for shining a spotlight on the importance of addressing issues surrounding equality, diversity, and inclusion. To the survivors of violence, your courage and resilience inspires us all. Your voices matter and your stories empower us to continue our work and our fight for change. As we all stand here tonight, let me reaffirm our collective resolve to champion equality and justice for all.”
Mrs Danielle Mynes, English Teacher and Interim Head of PSHE, added:
“We will continue to champion our students’ voices and work to end all forms of violence against women and girls. Our students across both Colleges have shown that VAWG can no longer be the wallpaper to women’s and girls’ lives. This award recognises how both schools have prioritised respect, inclusion, and equality, and I feel so proud and privileged to work alongside such inspiring young people.”
Headteacher of Victoria College, Dr Gareth Hughes said: “We are so enormously proud that students from Victoria College and JCG were recognised for their outstanding collaborative work. They have worked tirelessly to develop a culture of positive student relationships and mutual respect, actively supporting and championing the work of the VAWG Taskforce in shining a light on, and providing recommendations to address, the issue of violence against women and girls in Jersey. This shows how important student voice and action is in driving forward positive change, empowering students to seek solutions and paving the way for our current and future students to be a part of a society that values each and every individual.”
Head Boy, Lukundo, and Deputy Head Boy, Neil, talk about their experience of the King’s Visit to Jersey
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE COLLEGE’S HISTORY AND LINKS TO THE MONARCHY, PLEASE VISIT: https://www.victoriacollege.je/ourhistory
The British Monarch is the official Victoria College Visitor, so ordinarily, the King would have visited the school as our patron during his visit to Jersey, which would have been a great honour. However, due to his shorter itinerary, Fin (our other Deputy Head Boy) and I were lucky enough to be invited to attend a special States Assembly sitting in the Royal Square.
During the sitting, the King spoke about his fond memories of the Island and its strong ties to The Crown. The speech reminded me of our own school’s links to The Crown, from Her Majesty Queen Victoria’s first visit to the school in 1859, to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II ‘s most recent visit in 2001.
Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The downpour of rain certainly didn’t dampen spirits as the King left and continued his visit of Jersey.
Neil Sontakke, Deputy Head Boy
I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Royal Tea Party, during King Charles III’s visit to Jersey, representing Victoria College as Head Boy. I had the pleasure of sharing a table with the Headteacher (Dr Hughes), the Chair of Governors (Mr Stevens), long serving operational staff (Ms Job, Ms Livingstone, and Mr Wooldridge), two King’s Gold Medal winners (Darius and Leo), the King’s Exhibition Prize and Kings’s Exhibition Award winner (Charles) and of course – for five minutes - His Majesty the King. The food provided by the Pomme D’or Hotel was delicious and the service was spectacular.
From the moment He joined us, King Charles exuded warmth and approachability. He took the time to speak with each representative at the table and was attentive to each of our individual stories. I was struck by how understanding and relatable He was; it felt less like a formal engagement and more like a conversation with a friend.
During our chat, King Charles shared his own experiences as a Head Boy, discussing the responsibilities that come with the role and the importance of leadership in school. His insights resonated with me, especially as I navigate my own responsibilities at Victoria College. We also discussed His time at the University of Cambridge, a university that I am currently applying to. He told me about the beauty of the university and gave me an insight into what it was like. Additionally, His Majesty was intrigued by the College’s relationship to The Crown and was delighted by the fact that he was able to grant us holidays! Lukundo Sikapizye, Head Boy
Victoria College was proud to collaborate with PwC to host the third annual ‘Tomorrow’s Leaders’ conference this year – a pioneering event in the Channel Islands dedicated to empowering the next generation of student leaders. Held in early July, the conference, once again, proved to be an invaluable experience for aspiring and newly elected student leaders from secondary schools and colleges across the Channel Islands.
Building on the success of previous years, the event brought together young leaders eager to enhance their leadership skills. Over the course of the full day, students engaged in sessions covering critical topics such as problem-solving, public speaking, team roles, conflict resolution, and safeguarding. The aim was to equip them with the tools they need to lead effectively in their school communities and prepare for future leadership challenges in their careers.
The conference provided a rare and unique opportunity for student leaders from across the Channel Islands to connect, share experiences, and engage with industry leaders who could offer valuable insights into the challenges and complexities of leadership in today’s world. By focusing on practical skills and real-world applications, the event ensured that participants were well-equipped for their leadership roles.
REFLECTING ON THE EVENT, HEADTEACHER, DR GARETH HUGHES, EXPRESSED HIS PRIDE IN THE COLLABORATION WITH PWC:
We were delighted to welcome PwC on board this year to support us with continuing to grow and develop this really exciting and empowering student conference. The leadership attributes that our two organisations value and encourage have been pivotal to our collaboration; we are pleased to have access to PwC’s extensive experience of developing leaders who will help support Channel Island student leaders to inspire, innovate and drive positive change not just in their schools but in their future careers too.
Ian Ross, Director at PwC, spoke about the company’s continued support for initiatives like the ‘Tomorrow’s Leaders’ conference:
“We’re thrilled to be the sole sponsor of this initiative as it aligns perfectly with our commitment to nurturing talent and equipping young people with essential business, entrepreneurial and leadership skills. We are passionate about developing a sustainable skills base on the island. By supporting our community with pivotal events such as this, we can ensure that we are empowering the next generation, equipping them with the skills they need for their professional careers so they can become future leaders who drive positive change.”
The event was further enriched by the presence of Serena Kersten, Head of People and Performance at Humanise Solutions, who served as the keynote speaker for the day. As a former captain and current Non-Executive Director of England Netball, Serena brought a wealth of experience in leadership and unlocking potential. Her inspiring words resonated with the students, providing them with powerful insights into how they can develop as leaders both now and in the future.
As we look back on the success of this year’s ‘Tomorrow’s Leaders’ conference, it’s clear that the event continues to play a vital role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. The collaboration between Victoria College, schools and colleges across the Channel Islands and PwC ensures that all our students have access to exceptional opportunities for growth and leadership development. By coming together to provide this platform, both organisations are helping students build the skills they need to lead with confidence, drive innovation, and make a positive impact on their communities and the world.
MS REBECCA KANE, ASSISTANT HEAD - SUPERCURRICULUM
As ever, it is wonderful to see the ever-increasing involvement of our students with the diverse array of activities, clubs and opportunities available to them beyond their studies. It is a pleasure to read the student comments about what they
enjoy about their co-curricular enrichment and the wonderful experiences they have through these opportunities, as they grow and develop into well-rounded young men. The skills they develop and take away are so important, whether it be the ability to work collaboratively, developing leadership skills or even just making friends, it is an essential part of school life here at Victoria College, and I would encourage all our students to get involved in the opportunities that are on offer.
This last year has been a busy year in developing our students’ personal and social education, helping them to be ready for a fulfilling and successful life in the 21st Century. Below is an overview of our year in PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) interspersed with various student led initiatives – we hope you enjoy reading about all the amazing things we have been involved in.
Our newly adapted PSHE curriculum was a great success this year. Indeed, it was given a top rating amongst subjects in our annual student survey. Throughout the year, students cover a diverse range of topics that support their development and align with our school values of kindness, aspiration and resilience. All KS3 classes follow a unit each year on careers, relationships and sex, mental health and diversity, equity and inclusion. We then have some variation depending on the year groups, with Year 7 learning about the United Nations Charter of the Rights of the Child and personal safety, Year 8 learning about media literacy and human rights, and Year 9 learning about masculinity and alcohol and drugs awareness.
Throughout the year, students also participated in five joint PSHE sessions, which provided an opportunity to build strong relationships with the students at JCG. These sessions not only enhanced their teamwork and communication skills but also allowed them to have plenty of fun along the way!
Year 8 particularly enjoyed the Building a Safer Community day run by the States of Jersey, where they had sessions from a range of the emergency services. The day was focused on learning about and developing trust between young people and Government services including Fire, Ambulance, Customs and Immigration, Probation and Prison, Police and the Jersey Youth Service. Students learned about the different services, what they do and the people that work in them. They also discussed current and emerging challenges facing young people, what to do in an emergency, all about making positive choices and the consequences and impacts of actions. The emergency services were really impressed with our students and all the brilliant questions they asked. Our students loved meeting the customs dogs and some of them got to be customs officers too! It was fantastic to be part of this island-wide drive to build a safer community in Jersey.
Throughout the year, we have celebrated a number of significant events that highlight and raise awareness of important social topics. These initiatives not only educate and inspire, but also bring our community together to make a positive impact on the world around us.
In October some of our student leaders wanted to draw attention to the brilliant services offered by our Student Support team. They made a video assembly promoting the services and reminding students of how to self-refer to the student counsellors. One Year 12 also wrote to the States of Jersey voicing concerns about the mental health support services for young people on the island.
The theme for this year was ‘Get Moving for Mental Health.’ Led by our Wellbeing Prefect, Johnny Wright, we all came together as a community to focus on our own and other people’s mental health. Johnny put together a busy week with an assembly, a dress down day and cake sale, as well as an inter-form competition where students had to make video entries of themselves getting moving for mental health.
As well as raising awareness about the importance of mental health, fundraising for Mind Jersey and The Mental Health Foundation, we also had a lot of fun making and sharing videos of everyone getting moving. The competition was won by 12 Diarmid, who compiled a Gladiators style video compilation. We also enjoyed students building human pyramids, sitting circles, completing yoga, circuits workouts and much more!
Wellbeing Prefect, Johnny, was delighted with participation levels across the College saying:
‘It was amazing to see so many creative entries for the competition. Everyone was having lots of fun with it - exercise is a great way to improve sleep, increase energy levels and decrease stress. Taking small steps to prioritize our wellbeing can make a big difference.’
The seminar was inspiring – it opened my eyes to the importance of inclusivity in the workplace and demonstrated the vast improvements Jersey has made so far.
This day always provides us with an annual opportunity to shine a light on our ongoing commitment to achieving a gender equal world, a community without bias or stereotypes and how we can all help the island to become a kinder and more respectful place. We were particularly lucky to have an assembly with Libby Barnett, who was Jersey Women’s Football Captain and still does great work on the island promoting women’s sport. The assembly was hosted by Charlie Brennan, our Sports Prefect, who asked Libby questions about her experiences as a woman in sport. A survey by Women in Sport in 2022 showed that 43% of girls who felt they were sporty at primary school no longer saw themselves this way as teenagers. They cited the fear of being judged and a lack of confidence as the main reasons for their waning interest in sport. We hope that Libby’s assembly helped to break down the stereotype that sport is just for boys.
Our Year 13 students had the opportunity to attend the Freeda Brunch for International Women’s Day, where guest speaker Rachel Williams, a survivor and founder of the first survivor-led domestic abuse conference, Stand Up to Domestic Abuse (SUTDA), shared her powerful insights and experiences in her campaign against domestic abuse. Meanwhile, some of our Year 12 students participated in a breakfast seminar hosted by Cary Olsen, focused on workplace inclusivity and the career opportunities available to the next generation in Jersey’s finance industry.
It was a fantastic opportunity to get to support the positive progression of the island.
This year we joined with 6000 schools across the UK in celebrating School Diversity Week, which is coordinated by the charity, Just Like Us, and is a celebration of LGBT+ equality and allyship. Celebrating School Diversity Week supports our mission to be a diverse community where everyone is valued and supported to achieve their potential, as well as encouraging our students to be allies and to inspire every individual in our school to contribute positively to society.
We were particularly proud of our Sixth Form Inclusion Champions, who led year group assemblies and also delivered some PSHE lessons to Year 7. The week culminated in our second Vic’s Got Talent event, celebrating individuality and showcasing the talent and diversity that exists within our College community. The talent on display was amazing, and the sense of community and support for fellow students was heartwarming. Well done to all those who took part and to Soren, the overall winner!
This year, with the support of Mrs. Falla, some of our Sixth Form students have launched the College’s first Diversity and Inclusion Club. The club’s mission is to create a safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental space where queer, neurodiverse, and other minority students can come together, build connections, feel supported, and collaborate on initiatives to improve the school community.
The club has seen enthusiastic participation from students across all year groups, with even some involvement from students at JCG, fostering a spirit of inclusivity that extends beyond our own College.
Student Council continued to have a central role in communicating feedback from the students to the Leadership Group.
Student, Will, reflects on the year:
This year, the Student Council has been better and more active than ever. We have had a new democratic election process within tutor groups for new participants and have started having meetings focused on making a meaningful impact on our school community. Key discussion topics have included organising charity events, collaborating with other schools, and improving our College’s facilities.
One exiting development has been the start of a Joint Student Council with JCG. Together with the JCG Head Girl team, we have organised two meetings so far which have both been focused on fostering positive collaborations and connections between the schools with shared goals and ideas. We’re now beginning to act on these key points, including joint volunteering, joint enrichment, and the evolution of the Joint Charter of Respect. I look forward to writing about the successes of these events soon.
The collaborative spirit and dedication shown by everyone involved fills me with confidence that even more positive change and impactful projects are to come.
Mental Health Peer-Educators
Year 7 particularly enjoyed having Year 12 Mental Health Peer-Educators teach them about mental health. Our Year 12 students are trained by Mrs Falla using the Mental Health Foundation’s resources and then go on to teach 5 lessons to Year 7. This is always an inspiring moment in the year when our student leaders, by teaching our youngest students, help to break down some of the social stigma that still remain for men whilst supporting our younger students with speaking up about their feelings.
Some of the comments from our Year 7s afterwards included the following:
It’s good to have older boys to talk to us as we’re boys and so it’s more comfortable.
When asked what they had learnt from the lessons, Year 7 said:
Instead of feeling uncomfortable, speak to people about the situation you are in.
Being a Peer Educator was one of the most rewarding parts of my school year. I think it really made a difference, not just for them, but for us too. It was an important reminder of how much power there is in starting conversations early and being open about mental health.
The sixth formers can relate to when they were in Y7, so they can make the lessons more fun.
It was more engaging and enjoyable because we were more active.
I learnt how people’s mental health looks and how they cope with it.
It was good to have the opportunity to help others that may have been struggling in a similar way to ourselves in Y7.
I was able to learn more about how to have discussions on mental health and the importance of safeguarding.
This year has, once again, been packed full of events, activities, clubs and societies. As many parents will be aware, I returned to my role in January of 2024, having left Mr Townsend to oversee the co-curricular clubs and activities during my absence. A big thank you to Mr Townsend for all of his hard work ensuring that, upon my return, the clubs were up and running, with a few new additions, and that the Activity Week process had been started ensuring a smooth handover.
This academic year has seen several new clubs and the relaunch of some favourites too. New to the co-curricular line up included Gardening Club, Pokémon Club, Mountain Bike Club and Chess Club. Boys have once again taken these opportunities and made them their own. Other areas, now well established, such as our
Bronze and Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award have continued to flourish under the guidance and leadership of Mrs Blackmore, and our Combined Cadet Force (CCF) team have expanded their staff with some new recruits.
I would like to say a big thank you to all our staff who give up their time to provide these opportunities for our students. This time and effort made by teaching and support staff to benefit our boys is what makes Victoria College so unique.
Floreat Collegium!
Mr Akers Head of Clubs and Activities
CLIMBING CLUB has thrived this year, thanks to the expert guidance of Kazz from Wild Adventures. Participants of all ages have enjoyed climbing adventures throughout the year, fostering a supportive and friendly community. The club has not only provided enjoyable experiences but has also contributed to GCSE Sports Studies grades for some members. The climbing wall was rerouted during the year, offering a change of challenge for some of our regular climbers and staff alike!
Student Comment: My favourite moments in climbing club have always been when someone finally managed to complete a route that they had been repeatedly trying to complete. I’ve also enjoyed watching the progression in both skill and confidence of everyone who has taken part in the club. Carter
THE ARCHERY CLUB has continued to flourish under the guidance of our very own instructor Mr Parkes. Weekly sessions at our range in the Langford Sports Centre have been attended by a range of different year groups providing a diverse group of participants, including many returning archers from Year 8. These students have continued to make steady progress, along with supporting our new Year 7 cohort. Returning members in Years 9 and 10 have reached impressive levels of skill. Several more talented archers have joined those from last year and have advanced to join local archery clubs, providing them with valuable opportunities to compete in the sport.
Student Comment: My absolute favourite memory of archery club was when, my friend, Gus, shot a bullseye, but it went through the target and out the other side. Gus insisted he shot a bullseye, but no one believed him! Jerome
THE SURF CLUB has once again offered exciting opportunities for our Year 7-9 boys. Approximately 8-10 boys participated in the club during the September-October period and benefitted from warm seas and good swell. The summer months saw tide times against us and sessions were cut short. However, on the 2 sessions we were able to run, fun was had on foam surfboards, with instructors showing off performing handstands and riding their boards upside down! A big thank you to Mr Mouazan for continuing to run the club and, of course, a big thank you to the team from The Surf Yard for their invaluable support and guidance. We look forward to seeing Mr Akers back next year showing the boys his best ‘how to fall off’ techniques!
Surfyard comment: The boys had a great few sessions and I was really pleased with their enthusiasm and behaviour. A great bunch of boys who all made the most of the time we had.
THE GOLF CLUB has maintained its popularity at the Longueville Driving Range with, once again, numbers of participants meaning we have run the club over two lunchtimes a week. Our Year 7-9 boys have enthusiastically participated in weekly coaching sessions with Aaron. We express our deep appreciation to Mr Parkes, Mrs Aikenhead and Ms Kellet, as well as our site staff, who provide transport to and from the driving range. Mr Parkes has been so impressed with our Year 7s that House Golf competitions are being planned for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Student Comment: My favourite moment of Golf Club last year was when I beat Harry and Freddie in a 2 versus 1 match. Also, the food was amazing! Yannis
THE CHESS CLUB meets every Tuesday at lunchtime, where students gather in full force to engage in thrilling strategic duels! The club is a popular spot for both players and spectators, offering a dynamic mix of casual and competitive games. Open to students of all year groups and skill levels, there’s always a game to join, whether you’re looking for a relaxed match or a more intense challenge.
A special shoutout to Henry, who has been challenging everyone in sight as he works hard to sharpen his chess skills. With his eyes set on the top spot at the upcoming Ed Le Quesne Blitz Tournament, he’s certainly one to watch! Meanwhile, Charlie has provided some truly exciting moments, particularly in his intense match against Mr Shahin, where his bold, uncompromising style made for an unforgettable game.
Student Comment: My favourite moment was when I won my chess match against the other House, it was a great experience also being supported by my House. Zac
THE CARD CLUB has remained a popular lunchtime activity for many boys throughout the year. The club has provided an opportunity for friendly competition, with boys engaging in duels of ‘Magic: The Gathering’ and Pokémon games. We extend our farewell and gratitude to Noah, who has moved abroad, for his valuable contributions to the MTG club and his generous donation of several card sets for future players to enjoy.
Student Comment: I really enjoyed this club. Beating Mr Akers at a Pokémon battle was my favourite moment! Rob
THE WARHAMMER CLUB has continued to be highly successful among Years 7 to 9. The boys have had the opportunity to build, paint, and play a variety of tactical board games. Over the past several weeks, they’ve dedicated time to crafting and painting detailed models, preparing to battle through post-apocalyptic wastelands. A big shout-out and farewell to Ethan, one of the most fearsome HeroQuest Dark Wizards, who is now moving on to further education. He will be fondly remembered as ‘the most evil of all evil wizards to ever wizard evilly.’
Student Comment: My friends and I go every week to paint and chat. It’s a great chance to focus on model making and we all enjoy working on the same army. Jules
THE SKATE AND SCOOTER CLUB has only got better with age! A very popular activity for our Year 7, 8, and 9 boys, the club has continued to meet weekly, more recently moving to the fantastic new venue at Les Quennevais sports fields following the closure of the town park.
Welcoming riders of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced skaters and scooter enthusiasts, the boys have had great fun using the park, often having it all to themselves. It has been a joy to witness the progress made by all participants. Special recognition goes to Rex for a big leap forward in his progress, moving on to trying rail tricks, and to Simeon for his improved control with flatland tricks.
Student Comment: My favourite thing that I did at Skate Club last year was when I accidentally landed a ‘primo’ (landing on a board when it’s on its side) when I was doing a ‘shove-it’ (180 degree spin.) It was awesome! Simeon
FAITH CLUB is a club based on the faith of Christianity but is open to all students regardless of religion. Over the years we have had boys who have followed the Sikh and Hindu religion join us which has been a real privilege. We are always delighted to welcome Joel, who is currently Youth Minister at St Paul’s Church and Nick Ferraby, who is Youth Minister at Jersey Baptist Church, to run the club. Both leaders have a wealth of experience, learning and professionalism between them. They arrive armed with games and sweet treats, but most importantly, a well considered theme and series of simple and short scriptural studies that promote discussion about life issues. The club is often filled with students from KS3 and KS4 and has become quite a popular lunchtime destination.
Student Comment: Having the opportunity to discuss different opinions about faith and what it means, plus Ms Ryan’s cakes are the best! Gabriel
Last year saw the introduction of MOUNTAIN BIKE CLUB, taking place on the Victoria College site. Students from Years 7 and 8 joined Mr Akers on College Lawn and around the site, developing skills and working on technique to build up towards riding off-road mountain bikes around the Island. Students enjoyed obstacle courses, races around the grounds and watching highlights of the World Championship downhill events during one particularly wet afternoon. All those involved made great progress with their
balance, bunny hops and track stands. We are looking forward to getting out and about around the island next term.
Student Comment: Doing jumps down College Lawn and practising my wheelies were definitely the highlights! Joe
PHILOSOPHY FILM CLUB is a much-enjoyed end of the week activity. Each Friday lunchtime we meet to watch a film, then analyse certain themes within it from a philosophical perspective. This year, we watched a broad range of films including:
• Star Wars - discussing themes around morality and good and evil,
• Inside Out - discussing the metaphysics of the mind,
• Soul - discussing life after death and purpose,
• Madagascar - discussing culture and purpose,
• Big Hero 6 - discussing the rise of AI
This year, the Philosophy Film Club has seen its highest attendance ever, with Year 8 leading the way as our most engaged group of participants. We’re excited for another year of thought-provoking discussions and cinematic exploration, with a diverse lineup of new films to watch, analyse, and debate. We can’t wait to dive into the philosophical themes and ideas that these films bring to the screen!
Student Comment: My favourite thing about this club was discussing all the issues raised in the films; it was fun and informative. Mrs Kellett is really kind to everyone who comes. Matty
Each Friday lunchtime, CULTURE CLUB comes together to organise events, assemblies and competitions to celebrate our school’s cultural diversity as well as our history and heritage.
Highlights this year have been: our Diwali cake sale which raised over £200 for Freeda, a visit from Susan Parker to teach us about our island’s language and history (as well as the Jersey Wonders that she brought with her), creating Victoria College’s own version of the Madeiran Easter game ‘Balamento’ and the Olympic Ring Bingo competition. We have some big plans for next year, including some exciting projects with Victoria College Preparatory School, and creating a Faith room for the College.
House Tournament Day once again saw students from across Years 7-10 take part in friendly competitions at school before walking down to support the finals of the Sports Day events. Students in lower groups took part in a carousel of activities including inflatable football targeting games and bungee runs. Alongside this, students played House team games of Ultimate Frisbee, a cross between basketball, American football and netball. Mr Griffin once again was the “ultimate” adjudicator and helped with the smooth running of the activity.
The inflatable games were changed from last year slightly; Ms Kane oversaw boys trying out two brand new events - the Batak reaction game, a challenge of speed, reactions and concentration which proved a great success, and the nerf gun targeting game which was also hugely popular. A big thank you to both members of staff, along with all their colleagues who helped marshal the individual activities. The boys had great fun.
Our Colts took part in the House Tournament Day as well. However, the activities were once again changed and updated. Outside Langford Sports Centre saw boys taking part in a Battle Archery Tournament (think dodgeball with bows, arrows and paintball helmets!). The event was really well received by competitors and spectators alike (is there anything better than seeing your friend take a large foam tipped arrow to the head for a 14-year-old?). Bowmanship varied and as a testament to Mr Parkes - our in-house archery instructor - those boys who have regularly attended archery club had an advantage. Thankfully, they were relatively evenly spread across the groups, so it was all fair in the end!
A big thanks to our Co-Curricular Prefect, Ollie, for his assistance in running the event, as well as his enthusiasm - jumping in and ‘showing them how it’s done’ on several occasions! The second event for the students was another combative affair, with the House teams taking part in the much-loved Dodgeball competition, where speed, agility and throwing skills were rewarded. Students were in great spirits throughout the tournament, cheering, laughing and shouting encouragement to the teams on the pitch.
Thanks to all the staff for their time and effort, ensuring that the students had a great morning of activities.
Activities Week once again saw students heading across the island and overseas for a week of adventure, learning and fun with their friends and staff. Planning of the event was slightly impacted by the late announcement of the Monday becoming a Bank Holiday to celebrate the coronation of His Royal Highness King Charles, so, with a shortened 4 day week, our providers made sure they packed as much in as possible, with activities ranging from abseiling to escape rooms, kayaking to historical visits - we were everywhere! Behaviour and energy levels from the boys were both excellent with staff and our fantastic activity providers praising the boys throughout the week. Some highlights from the week can be found below:
It was an absolute privilege to spend the week with this great group of Year 10 students. They had a really busy week, which included coasteering, sofa rides (a definite favourite!), kayaking, pier-jumping, paddle boarding as well as lots of cricket, football and beach games. They showed such grit and determination all week, but especially on the last day when they were exhausted and taken on an epic coaststeering trip to Beauport! Louie was channeling his inner PE teacher and did a great job of leading all the boys on their mega-SUP adventure. Mrs Falla
College activities saw staff and students take on a mixed package of activities. Highlights included jet skiing, surfing and lunch at the Hungry Man Cafe in Rozel! Boys enjoyed historical tours of the local castles as well as visits to Durrell. A big thanks to the team of staff who led these events. Mr Akers
We were lucky to have some good surf for the first 2 days, so the boys were exhausted by Thursday after 2 full days on the water. It was lovely to see one of our recent Old Victorians running Thursday’s session. The whole team at Mango Tree were enthusiastic, knowledgeable and made sure that every student got the most out of the week. Mr Gorman
Powerboating was an exhilarating experience—racing across the water at full speed, both forwards and in reverse, rescuing ‘Bob’ and building trust! It was all about building trust and teamwork. Canoeing offered its own adventures, while beach sprints added an extra burst of energy to the day. And then, there were the dolphins. Everywhere we looked, there were dolphins—pairs, groups, leaping and diving in unison. It was truly magical.
Alongside the excitement, we learned valuable survival skills, all while having fun in the great outdoors. And the highlight of the week? Voluntarily getting stranded on the Ecrehous— an unforgettable experience that wrapped up an amazing week of adventure. Ms Varney
The success of the weekly Golf Club meant that many of the boys were already very good at golf and so the week was divided into two groups, those who can play and those who were beginners. Those boys who were skilled enough played a variety of courses across the week with many birdies and even a near eagle! Everybody else enjoyed a week with the professional coaches at Longueville, culminating in the near takeover of Wheatlands golf course and the odd shout of “four!” Mr Parkes
A trip of highlights and challenges! A very early start on Monday saw us get to PGL in time for lunch, and the action never stopped from that point onwards. The boys were fantastic, and got involved in everything, including the ‘tidiest room’ challenge. A week of climbing, jumping, problem-solving and a silent disco left everyone tired but happy as we set off for the return to Jersey. What happened next was sub-optimal, as the global IT crisis caused chaos at Heathrow. We stuck together, and after a bonus night in London, and a tour across England, we got home tired but happy on Saturday. Mr Griffin
Sports Week was, as always, an action-packed extravaganza of action. The boys went toe to toe in football and basketball tournaments. They also played table tennis, badminton, tennis,
volleyball, softball and cricket. For pupils who selected the paid for activities they had the chance to go to Longueville Driving Range for some golf, St Clements for paddle tennis and pickleball and a day of jet ski riding down at St Aubin’s Bay. As the temperature began to soar, the tired legs set in and the boys slowly grinded to a finish on the Friday for a well-deserved rest. Mr Townsend
For the 7th or 8th year in a row, Mr Smith and his team of merry helpers worked with boys to build remote-controlled cars. These kits (kindly supplied to us by Bambola) are no ordinary cars. From 30mph Porsche replicas to the Scooby Doo van, boys were assembling a range of very cool vehicles. We had the biggest ever cohort of students with over 40 boys taking part! Whilst it was a daunting prospect to get all the cars built, we managed all but one, testing them and racing them around the College site. Our only non-finisher was at a disadvantage having only been in school for 2 days, and even then, we were so close!
The top moment for me included the never-ending ramblings of Ben which kept us all entertained whilst trying to decipher the difference between a 3mm and a 3.5mm wide nylon bearing. In Mr Smith’s lab, he was ably assisted by “young Tom” (Mr Broad) and Mrs Le Claire (the greatest Food Technician known) as they worked on finding lost parts, unsticking fingers from drive shafts and generally wondering where Oliver’s plyers were! Stand out students for me included Seb (Y8) who turned into a second teacher and was so incredibly supportive of those around him; I honestly couldn’t have run the room as well without him stepping up so a big thanks from me. Mr Akers
The week of fun was a huge success. Because of the bank holiday it was four days this year. From surfing to beach barbecues, every moment was filled with fun and unforgettable experiences.
Day 1 kicked off with a splash as students tried their hands at surfing and mini golf. The surf was perfect for beginners, and everyone had a blast catching waves. Meanwhile, the minigolf course tested students’ skills and patience, with plenty of laughter along the way.
Day 2 was all about adventure! Students ventured into the historic War Tunnels for an intense Escape Room challenge, solving clues and racing against the clock. Later, the action moved outdoors to an adrenaline-packed airsoft game, where everyone had the chance to team up and strategise.
Day 3 saw the fun continue with the thrilling Flowrider experience, where students got to ride the waves indoors! After some watery excitement, they headed to Pizza Express for a hands-on pizza-making session. Everyone enjoyed crafting their own pizza masterpieces before heading to the cinema for a relaxing movie to end the day.
Finally, Day 4 wrapped up the week with a bang! Students braved the rugged coastline with a coasteering adventure, climbing, swimming, and jumping into the sea. After all that excitement, a beach BBQ and games provided the perfect chance to unwind and celebrate the end of an unforgettable week.
Mr Habin, Mr Lester, Mr Royle
Surfing, as usual, brought fun and a cool attitude to Activities Week. Students enjoyed learning about beach safety and rip currents as well as developing their skills on the boards. The weather improved dramatically after our first day and allowed us to spend numerous hours in the sea each day. It is always a pleasure to see students developing into confident young surfers.
Ms Videt, Mr Mouazan, Mr Picot
Students from Years 7, 8 and 9 had a busy and exciting week with Valley Adventure. We started off with beach activities including kayaking, coasteering and paddle boarding. Then, we were back to the center where the boys completed a range of challenging activities: climbing, abseiling, the zip wire, problem solving, the king swing... to name but a few! The zip wire and king swing were definite favourites and it was wonderful to see the boys encouraging each other and having such a brilliant time.
Jack, Miles, Piers and Arthur were very impressive, getting involved with every activity, working well with their teams and helping others with their harnesses. They demonstrated great teamwork skills in the orienteering water activities and team building exercises,
including leading each other through the spiderweb rope challenge and creating a safe crossing over the lake. Miss Kemp
Year 7 and 8 had a wonderful week out and about with Kazz and Scott. We started the week with bush craft, learning how to whittle wood and start a fire. Then the few that had fire could cook marshmallows. We moved onto climbing, abseiling (a few brave souls went all the way from the top) and building shelters in the woods (not many would have stayed dry if needed!). Kayaking and paddle boarding at St Catherine’s was by far everyone’s favourite activity. It was lovely to see the boys pushed outside their comfort zones and achieving so much. Mrs Williams
At Victoria College, we not only encourage students to engage in a wide range of clubs and activities, but also inspire them to bring their own creative ideas for new initiatives. This year, Gus Weber did just that! His GeoGuessr Tournament, which attracted thirty participants, was a tremendous success, and we’re excited for it to return next year. Here, Gus shares his experience of introducing this fun and educational activity to the College.
What is it?
GeoGuessr is a computer-based geography game, in which you are dropped somewhere in the world, on street view. Using only visual clues, from looking around your location, you must try to guess where you are. The closer your guess is to the actual location, the more points you take from your opponent. You can use different clues, such as car numberplates, telephone poles, architecture and agriculture.
Once you guess, your opponent only has 15 seconds to make their guess, so you have to be quick! Jersey has featured before, so you never know where you will be ‘dropped!’
What do you get out of it?
It is a really fun and educational game. It requires a strong memory, good geographical knowledge and experience. It
uses skills that we may not think about. For example, pattern recognition and abstraction.
It is also really accurate, so you can’t just say ‘London’. You have to zoom in, for instance, right down to which part of Tower Bridge you’d like to be on! Now do that over any part of the world’s landmass, and you see the appeal of the game – it is hard!
How many people took part? Who won?
The tournament ran for three weeks, starting with thirty players, all the way down to one. On the last day, we had four semi-finalists. They were: Oscar Daley, Sanchit Rajput, Dexter Currie and George Sellars. Oscar won his match and George won his, and for the final we had a best of three games. George won 2-0 meaning he won the 2024 GeoGuessr trophy! Well done George!
Will there be another one?
When I started, I wasn’t sure whether ANYONE would enter, so I was really pleased when thirty participants came forward. If there is enough demand, I hope to make it a regular thing – perhaps a lunchtime club over the winter. I would also like to make it an annual competition if more people want to get involved.
Gus Weber, Year 7
18 coaching sports clubs 19 cleaning beaches 2 supporting charities
supporting youth groups 11 supporting local community
As part of the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, the students are required to volunteer at least 1 hour a week over either 3 or 6 months. This year, 30% chose to help coach the younger students on their sports teams, receiving unanimous praise for their dedication and impact. Assessor comments included: ‘a disciplined approach with a refreshingly positive attitude’, ‘we hugely valued his contribution’ and ‘we are very grateful you chose your time to support our organisation.’
Another 30% completed individual beach cleans to support their community and nearly 40% worked with the local community –
at local youth groups, community groups and charities including helping with their local church website, listening to students read and supporting charities such as Beresford Street Kitchen, Bird Song Gardens and the Jersey Hospice shop.
At the time of writing, 67 students have completed the Award by also developing a skill and working on their fitness. In order to prepare for the expedition, the students had to complete routeplanning, campcraft such as using Trangias safely, assembling tents, planning meals and first aid training. The expedition challenge was to complete six hours of walking taking them to St Ouen and back over two days.
It was absolutely wonderful to see ten boys from 2022 (pictured) collecting their Gold Awards at Buckingham Palace this year. We look forward to following the achievements of the current Year 12 Gold group who are trialling a new Channel Island hopping expedition to provide an alternative to completing an expedition in the UK. In the future we hope to offer more choices such as cycling or walking in France depending on what the boys prefer to do!
At Victoria College, we believe that recognising and celebrating student achievements is essential to fostering a culture of excellence and encouragement. Throughout the year, we offer numerous opportunities to highlight the hard work, dedication, and successes of our students across various areas - academics, sports, creative arts, leadership, and beyond. Below is an overview of the key events and initiatives we have in place to acknowledge student accomplishments.
Our prestigious Annual Prize Giving Ceremony, held in the historic Great Hall, is one of the most anticipated events on our school calendar. This formal occasion provides a platform to recognise outstanding achievements across all year groups, with prizes awarded for academic excellence, sporting achievements, and contributions to the school community. With their families in attendance, this event truly showcases the breadth of talent within our student body and celebrates both individual and collective successes.
Celebration Assemblies take place throughout the academic year providing regular opportunities to commend students for their efforts, growth, and progress in various aspects of school life. Whether it’s excelling in academics, sports, the arts leadership, or showing resilience and determination, students are recognised in front of their peers, promoting a positive culture of mutual respect and admiration.
The Headteacher’s Tea Parties are a special and personal way to celebrate student success. Selected students, who have shown outstanding effort, progress, or contribution to the school community, are invited to an exclusive event with the Headteacher. This informal gathering allows for meaningful conversations, and it is a unique way to show students how much their hard work and positive attitude are appreciated at the highest levels of the school.
In recognition of exceptional talent in sports and creative arts, our school awards Colours Ties to students who have demonstrated outstanding ability and commitment in these areas. Receiving a Colours Tie is a significant achievement, as it symbolises not only individual talent but also dedication to teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Whether it’s on the field, stage, or in the studio, students who earn this honour are role models for others to follow.
Academic achievement is at the core of our school ethos, and we recognise this through the awarding of Academic Ties for exceptional GCSE results. Students who achieve top marks across their subjects are presented with these ties, which serve
as a visible marker of their hard work and dedication to their studies. The ties are worn with pride and act as an inspiration for younger students striving for similar success.
This event offers a wonderful opportunity to express our gratitude to those who have exemplified our College values, particularly recognising individuals who have distinguished themselves through their kindness to others. Students are invited up on stage to receive their Kindness badge, whilst the College community learns about the inspiring acts of kindness that earned them this recognition.
These prestigious awards were set up to celebrate our students’ outstanding efforts in a wide range of areas, both in school and outside of school, under four headings: sport, physical, arts and academic. Students can also score points in three additional categories: leadership and service, social responsibility and charity work, and a personal challenge. The awards highlight the students’ significant commitment to a wide range of co-curricular activities, demonstrating dedication and excellence beyond their academic pursuits.
Finally, one of the most prestigious appointments at our school is becoming a College Prefect. This role is given to senior students who have consistently demonstrated leadership, responsibility, and a commitment to upholding the College’s values. Prefects are ambassadors for the school, setting an example for their peers and younger students alike. Their appointment is a significant honour and a recognition of their contributions both in and outside of the classroom.
Rich Picot, Head Celebrations and Awards
Each Year, during a special Celebration Assembly and following a rigorous selection process, our new student leadership team is announced and celebrated. Those chosen as Prefects hold a unique role in the College – expected to model the school values, they are highly visible role models who are trusted, respected and often sought after by the Senior
Leadership Team to help organise and represent the student body. Prefects have the privilege of wearing the traditional ceremonial robes to official school events and when escorting distinguished guests.
Congratulations to the following newly elected Prefects:
Arts
Co-curricular
Wellbeing
Sports
Student Voice
Braithwaite
Bruce
Diarmid
Dunlop
Sartorius
Deputy Head Boy
Deputy Head Boy
Head Boy
Casey Dunning
Oliver Pryke
Johnny Wright
Eddie Rothwell
Will Read
Edo van Eijden
Kai Surcouf
Ollie Bloor
Oliver Winch
Patrick Fillieul
Fin Perree
Neil Sontakke
Lukundo Sikapizye
Prefects: Olly Butlin, Jamie Chapman, Hugo Chappell-Jenkins, Edward Clark, Carter Frisby, Alex Le Cornu, John Le Fondre, Tyler McGlinchey, Gianluca Rizzuto, Russell Walton, Merrion Carter, Francisco Santos, Sam Lawrence.
The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) continues to be a prominent and enriching part of the co-curricular offering at College, giving students from both Victoria College and Jersey College for Girls the opportunity to develop leadership, teamwork, and practical skills through military and adventurous training activities here in Jersey and at British Armed Forces facilities in the UK.
In 2023 the CCF Contingent marked three significant anniversaries - the 75th anniversary of the Combined Cadet Force, formed in 1948, the 120th anniversary of the formation of the Junior Officer Training Corp in 1903, and the 140th anniversary of the formation in 1883 of the Victoria College Cadet Corp, of the Royal Militia the Island of Jersey.
In 2026 we look forward to celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Royal Air Force Section (formed in 1951) and the 50th anniversary of the Royal Navy Section (formed in 1976).
To mark our 2023 anniversaries, the Contingent was presented with new standards, better known as ‘Colours’. In the British Army these flags embody the honour, spirit and heritage of the regiments that proudly carry them. Our King’s Colour is a union flag trimmed with gold and, with the Combined Cadet Force insignia in the centre, it represents the Contingent’s loyalty towards the sovereign. The Regimental Colour is a navy blue, again trimmed with gold and, with the insignia in the centre, it represents the Contingent’s honour, spirit and heritage.
Our new Colours were paraded for the first time on Liberation Day 2024 escorted by an impressive marching contingent. In July the Contingent was on parade again for the visit of His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The Contingent had the honour of providing a marching contingent, who endured a torrential downpour of rain to give His Majesty a local salute, and the Halberdier Guard were present in the Royal Square for a Special Sitting of the States and the Royal Court.
The annual CCF Dinner was held in May at the Savoy Hotel. We said goodbye and thank you to our Senior Cadets led by Cadet Warrant Officer Tom Waller, before we announced their successors. The Contingent would like to take the opportunity to congratulate Warrant Officer Oliver Pryke on his appointment as a Contingent Senior Cadet, Chief Petty Officer Nicole Gibaut as
Senior Cadet Royal Navy Section, Cadet Staff Sergeant Sophie Le Gresley now changed to Libby Hart as Senior Cadet Army Section, and Sergeant Sam Hall as Senior Cadet Royal Air Force Section. The final promotion of the evening went to Cadet Sergeant Jamie Chapman, in the new role of Senior Cadet Contingent Training Team. The aim of the Contingent Training Team will be to bring officers and senior cadets from all three Sections together to improve our programme of training activities and explore the new opportunities for the Sections to work collaboratively.
This year’s Dinner was dedicated to Wing Commander Simon Blackmore, our Contingent Commander since August 2017. Simon relieved Wing Commander David Rotherham to become the second Royal Air Force Contingent Commander. Of course, Simon holds perhaps the most important ‘first’, that of being the first Old Victorian to serve as Contingent Commander. Prior to David and Simon, the Contingent had been led by an Army officer since its formation in 1883. Their ‘light blue’ leadership has enabled our Contingent to become a truly ‘Combined’ Cadet Force. Many Old Victorians will remember a large Army Section flanked by a much smaller Royal Navy and Royal Air Force Section; the picture today is a balanced Contingent with roughly equal numbers in each Section. The Contingent Officers and Cadets wish to express their immense gratitude for Wing Commander Blackmore’s many years of service to the Contingent and to wish him all the best in his new position as Deputy Chief Officer, Office of the Bailiff of Jersey.
The past academic year has been another successful and eventful year for the CCF. The cadets have demonstrated remarkable dedication and enthusiasm, contributing to the continued success and reputation of the Contingent and the two schools they represent. Looking ahead, the new leadership team alongside the senior cadets will continue to build on these achievements, offering even more opportunities for personal and collective growth in 2025. It has been a privilege and honour to serve as Interim Contingent Commander for the past 6 months and I wish the newly promoted Lieutenant Commander, David Thompson, all the very best as the first Royal Navy Contingent Commander.
Major Christopher Rondel
Interim Contingent Commander
Continuing a tradition of collaboration, the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Recruit Troop brought together Year 9 students from Victoria College and Jersey College for Girls, beginning a programme of fieldcraft, drill and military knowledge. Led ably by Staff Sergeant Adam Morris and a team of NCOs, the Recruit training continued through to January when the cadets completed their first CCF ‘Sapper’ (practical exercise) and finally a Pass-Out Parade on the 19th January. The Pass-Out Parade began with a presentation highlighting the cadets’ journey, followed by speeches from Wing Commander Simon Blackmore and Dr Gareth Hughes. Awards were presented to Viktoria Muller (‘Most Improved Cadet’) for her commitment to enhancing her skills within the CCF, and Aaron Isidor Tribe (‘Best Recruit’) for his exemplary performance in various aspects of CCF training and promising leadership. The Pass-Out Parade ended with a presentation of new Section Cap Badges, representing the cadets’ completion of the Recruit Troop Programme and new membership of the Navy, Army and RAF Sections respectively.
The success of this year’s Recruit Troop stands as a testament to the enthusiasm and discipline of the cadets and the hard work of the staff team. Thanks go to Wg Cdr. Blackmore, RSM McGarr, APO Blackwell and SLt Davies for their contribution to the leadership and administration of the Recruit Process. We wish the cadets all the best for their future in the CCF and hope that they carry with them the invaluable lessons that they have learned as Recruits.
SLt, Emma Davies
This year has been one of significant achievement and growth for the Navy Section of our school’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF). Under the leadership of our senior cadet, Thomas Waller, and with the dedication of our junior cadets and CCF Staff, we have navigated a packed calendar of events that has built both our skills and our camaraderie. From training accomplishments to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, the past twelve months will be remembered as one of our most dynamic and successful years.
At the forefront of our Section’s success this year has been Senior Cadet Thomas Waller. His personal accomplishments set an example for all members of the Navy Section. Completing both the Bronze and Silver Navy Wings training, Waller demonstrated not only technical prowess but also determination and resilience. Navy Wings training is no easy feat, requiring intensive commitment and demonstrating expertise in skills necessary for naval aviation. Thomas’ success reflects his leadership qualities and inspires other cadets who aim to follow in his footsteps.
One of the cornerstones of our Navy Section is the Afloat Training conducted during the summer term in collaboration with Wet Wheels and Variety Sailing. This year, cadets were given the opportunity to further develop their seamanship skills on the water, engaging with essential practical tasks such as navigation, ship handling, and safety drills. The experience was not only educational but also served to foster teamwork and leadership among the cadets, proving that there is no better classroom for learning about the Navy than being out on the open water. The challenges faced during Afloat Training were met with enthusiasm and professionalism, leaving all participants with enhanced confidence and a deeper understanding of naval operations.
Another highlight this year was the exciting and diverse Activities Week, where cadets participated in a wide range of experiences. Water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding allowed cadets to continue honing their maritime skills in a more relaxed and recreational setting. Pistol shooting, while not a typical Navy task, gave us valuable exposure to precision and control under pressure, important attributes in any military environment.
Perhaps one of the most memorable moments from Activities Week was taking part in a parade for His Majesty the King. This was not just an honour, but a demonstration of our discipline, dedication, and the high standards of the CCF Navy Section, despite challenging weather! We were proud to represent our contingent, school, and community during this prestigious occasion.
In a rare opportunity, some of our cadets also had the chance to experience flying lessons as part of the Activities Week programme. Although a stark contrast to our typical maritime focus, the flying lessons broadened our understanding of the importance of multi-disciplinary skills in the modern Navy. This exposure to aviation complements our ongoing training, aligning with the Navy Wings program and reinforcing the breadth of skills necessary in today’s naval forces.
In an exciting development for our CCF Navy Section, a Chalet has been constructed for the new ‘Virtual Bridge’, with particular thanks to SSI James McGarr, who has been the driving force behind this project. This state-ofthe-art simulation setup will allow cadets to experience what it’s like to operate on the bridge of a Navy warship. The Virtual Bridge simulates real-world naval scenarios, giving cadets invaluable experience in navigation, communication and decision-making without ever leaving land. This project has been a monumental step forward in how we train, providing a cutting-edge learning tool that will no doubt prepare future cadets for the challenges of naval service. The construction of the Chalet and the establishment of the Virtual Bridge stand as testament to our commitment to innovation in cadet training.
As we reflect on this year, it is clear that the Navy Section of our CCF has gone from strength to strength. The accomplishments of our cadets, particularly Thomas Waller’s leadership, our adventurous Afloat Training, the visit from HM King Charles III and our varied Activities Week programme have all contributed to making this year an exceptional one. The introduction of our Virtual Bridge represents an exciting new chapter, providing future cadets with unique opportunities to prepare for life in the Navy. It is this combination of tradition and innovation that ensures our Navy Section remains an inspiring and essential part of our school’s CCF contingent.
SLt, Emma Davies
One of the best opportunities the Royal Air Force Section offers to cadets is flying lessons and training. The Section regularly has the opportunity to visit the Jersey Aero Club. Cadets are given the chance to fly an aircraft and complete a circuit of the island with an instructor, where they will gain firsthand experience of flying aircraft even if they have never flown. For our most dedicated cadets, there is a great opportunity to be placed on the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme, which is a two-week, all-inclusive flight training course in the United Kingdom to train cadets to experience flying solo. The cadets will have 12 hours of flying lessons with an instructor alongside numerous hours of theory work to then have the chance to complete a solo flight, a truly once in a lifetime experience.
Through the Royal Air Force (RAF) Section, I was accepted into a team where all cadets feel respected and encouraged, which has heavily influenced and helped me develop from my lower years of school to a senior position. The Royal Air Force Section has taught me many valuable skills such as leadership, teamwork and communication skills gained through team exercises, trips away and activities I’ve participated in, that have helped me in all aspects of my life.
Now that I am leading the Section, I have created a space for cadets to learn and progress efficiently where I ensure the most is made out of every opportunity given to them. Through thorough planning and focused work, we have created a team that prioritises friendship and unity, allowing us to get the best results through our participation in competitions and events.
Flight Sergeant Hall
This year, our Royal Air Force Section were able to send a selection of our senior cadets to undertake a gliding course at RAF Kenley in the United Kingdom. The course allowed our cadets to learn the theory behind gliding and gain firsthand experience of flying a glider one-to-one with an instructor. The trip was highly enjoyable for the cadets and provided a fantastic opportunity, as it was their first time flying in gliders and they were treated to stunning views. Our Section has been offered a gliding scholarship for our most senior cadets which will cover theory and the training to fly gliders solo; this is one of the many fantastic opportunities our Royal Air Force Section offers.
Each year, the Royal Air Force Section selects a team of 13 cadets to attend the Royal Air Squadron Trophy Competition at Blandford Camp. The cadets are tested on multiple skills such as first aid, drill, air-rifle shooting and command tasks. Our Victoria College CCF is in the Southwest region, which means we will compete against 15 other Royal Air Force sections from the United Kingdom. The aim of the Royal Air Squadron Trophy Competition is to qualify for the national competition - your team must place in the top 3 positions at the regional event to progress to this stage.
The National Royal Air Squadron Trophy Competition competes against the top 15 Royal Air Force Sections in the United Kingdom and we regularly qualify for this event.
The Royal Air Force Section is frequently given the opportunity to visit active RAF bases which allows them to gain new skills outside of the CCF. Unfortunately, this was not available this summer but our Section remained on island where they were given some flight experience and lots of other excellent opportunities to bond as a team:
“The RAF Camp was an exciting and enjoyable week for us all. The range of activities offered meant that there was something for everyone, and the opportunities provided were surprisingly unique! A personal highlight for me was the chance to pilot a light aircraft. As someone with very little prior flight experience, it stood out as a unique and accessible introduction to flying. Between a mix of beach activities and team-building exercises, the RAF Camp exceeded all our expectations.”
Lance Corporal Hernandez.
It is my pleasure to be handing over command of the RAF Section to Flying Officer Blackwell. An Old Victorian himself, Flying Officer Blackwell was an exceptional cadet in his time at Victoria College and having recently commissioned has been pouring his passion into the development of the Section. Highly qualified for the position, he will no doubt have a very positive impact on the cadets.
I have had a very enjoyable two years as the Officer Commanding RAF section; Flight Sergeant Hall’s reflection above brings back many fond memories enjoyed with the Section. My personal thanks go to him for his hard work and commitment in developing younger members of the section and for nurturing such a strong team spirit. I am particularly proud of his mention that ‘we have created a team that promotes friendship and unity’ – this is what we are about!
Flight Lieutenant Stu Sleath
By Cameron Pirouet, Coach of the Victoria College Shooting Team
It’s been another fantastic year for the Victoria College Shooting Team, and we’d like to start by acknowledging some key moments.
The year began with a series of standout achievements, starting with a special assembly where we proudly presented the Ashburton Shield from 2023. It was a fantastic occasion, made even more memorable by the presence of many OVs who continue to show their unwavering support for both the College and the Shooting Team. It was also a great opportunity to thank Richard Benest and Simon Blackmore for their incredible contributions.
Another landmark moment came with the announcement of our first-ever female Captain, Louisa Crosby, who was supported by her teammates, Lachlan Lawrence (Head of Small-bore) and Oliver Pryke (Head of Full-bore).
Additionally, the Victoria College Shooting Team was invited to attend the Jersey Sport Council Awards evening, where we were honoured to be nominated for Team of the Year. It was a brilliant evening, made even more special when Libby Hart was announced as the Sports Person of the Year. Libby also placed 3rd in the Senior Championships, having qualified in the top spot during the previous round—an outstanding achievement that speaks volumes about the depth of talent and success within our sport.
Stepping off the ferry after a long journey, the team felt a mix of fatigue and excitement. The first day was all about settling in and familiarising ourselves with the surroundings at Bisley. For our new cadets and Ms Loose, it was an introduction to the shooting grounds that would become their home for the next few weeks.
The highlight of the day? A visit to ‘Fat Tony’s.’ The legendary chips and burgers provided some much-needed sustenance and were unanimously declared the fuel that keeps us going through the Imperial meeting. Our bonding session was capped off by watching the Euro finals together, and even though the result wasn’t in our favour, it brought us closer as a team.
Our first official day on the range kicked off with high energy. Despite the rain trying to dampen our spirits, the team pressed
on. Owen was the hero of the day, standing by with ponchos for the coaches and shooters (though, unfortunately, the register keepers were the last to be covered!). Mary Norman again showed why she is a key member of the team. With her unmatched organisation and stats, she ran Ms Loose through the plan and they were a well-oiled machine for the rest of the week.
Scores were already looking stronger than last year’s start, with a promising performance from the whole team. Elise quickly earned the nickname “Pocket Rocket” for her impressive early shoots, and Lachlan set the bar high, topscoring with a 34 at 600 yards.
An early 5am wake-up call was a rude shock for our new recruits, but the hearty full English breakfast at Pirbright Base more than compensated. With a proper breakfast in our bellies, we tackled the first day of real practice.
Our senior members led by example, coaching and plotting for the juniors under the careful guidance of our shooting master, Cameron Pirouet. Despite the tricky winds knocking a few shots off target, we saw scores steadily improving, building anticipation and morale for the big day. Alex and Katya also stepped up, taking time in the coaching chair to test their nerve in preparation for their future roles.
Day 3 began with a bit of a shake-up. Reuben, our youngest shooter in Year 9, took on the role of coach for the first time - a bold move, but he proved to everyone why he consistently delivers such high scores. His calm demeanour and focus were impressive, setting the stage for some excellent performances.
Katya and Louisa put in a stellar effort at 500 yards, shooting back-to-back to score 34 and 35.5 respectively, marking our first possible for the team on CTRs. The team’s true test came at 600 yards. Both shooters and coaches struggled against the tough conditions, but the experience only strengthened our resolve, preparing us for what lay ahead.
We came off the range that third day believing Louisa had clinched the Iveagh on countback, which would have been a monumental result - the first individual competition for the highest score at 300, 500, or 600 yards that we’d have won in many years.
This was it - the big day. The team was strategically organised, keeping the mentality of “marginal gains” at the forefront. Mary and Ms Loose’s admin skills and Owen’s relentless commitment - running up and down the point with cool ammo - were crucial. Sam also did a great job in his adjutant role, making sure no sights were left unchecked.
Our relatively fresh, less experienced team took on the challenge head-on, each person performing their role with determination and learning a lot in the process. With Louisa and Lachlan coaching, and Katya and Ollie plotting, the team executed their plans to the best of their abilities. We were honoured to have Dr Hughes as our guest, who eagerly engaged and quickly caught up on the situation thanks to Cameron’s behind-the-point briefings.
However, there was a sudden twist when we learned that Louisa would have to tie-shoot during lunch for the Iveagh Cup for the best score at 500 yards - against two other schools, one of them being our close rivals, Elizabeth College.
With Louisa on the mat, Cameron coaching, and Pryke plotting, they took on Peter Jory and his cadet. The winds were tricky, picking up just as the shoot began. Cameron opted for a quick shooting strategy to minimise exposure to varying conditions. Starting strong, Louisa converted her first shot into a bullseye. The wind picked up, pushing the second shot to the right, but Cameron adjusted the sights accordingly. Louisa dropped just one more shot throughout the tie-shoot, finishing well ahead of the other two.
With anticipation building, Owen was behind the point, ready to burst with excitement. As each final shot from the competitors drifted off target due to worsening conditions; it dawned on us that Louisa had clinched it. The head range officer confirmed it - Louisa had won by two clear points, securing more silverware for the College.
After lunch, we promptly resumed with the final range of the Ashburton. The team, like a well-oiled machine, performed smoothly at 500 yards to close out the day. While the results didn’t go our way this year, we recognised that the team, though lacking some experience, had shown tremendous potential. With this solid foundation and the same fantastic team dynamic, we’ll return next year with more confidence and experience, aiming to bring home even more silverware.
Although we didn’t clinch the Ashburton, five of our shooters - Louisa, Alex, Katya, Reuben, and Ollie - earned spots in the prestigious Cadet 100, a testament to their dedication and hard work. Later that evening, we were thrilled to discover Hugo and Nicole had placed 3rd in the Schools Pairs Shoot, a tremendous effort that deservedly brought them their medals. Louisa also picked up the Iveagh Trophy and the spoons for a couple of the cadet prize lists she topped with some fantastic shooting during the week.
As the evening came to a close, several team members were presented with their Ashburton ties, an honour given each year to those shooting in the Ashburton 8 for the first time. Louisa Crosby and Oliver Pryke also received their Athelings ties, officially welcoming them to the GB team that will be touring the UK later in the summer, representing the country as a whole.
Everyone had a fantastic Imperial Week, with outstanding performances from our top shots all the way down to our first-year shooters. Elizabeth joined the team and went straight in with some big scores to get her week off to a flying start. Several team members returned with bars for getting onto the prize lists, and a few achieved their first possibles (maximum scores). Even Cameron showed he could still hold his own, making it into the King’s Final.
Some members of the team had the honour of shooting for Jersey against the likes of Australia, Great Britain, and other nations. It was a thrilling experience for all, and we’re already looking forward to next year!
Once again Sport at Victoria College is thriving. However, this would not be possible without my Physical Education team around me. I would like to sincerely thank Mr Picot, Mr Crill, Mr Royle, Mr Lester, and Mr Falle for their hard work and commitment in staffing our extensive extracurricular program, fixtures, and House competitions throughout the year. Special thanks to Mr Crossley for his outstanding efforts in organising and training the Senior and Junior Rugby Sevens teams, as well as his collaboration with Mr Hodder and me in leading the 1st XI cricket team. The impact of their dedication on student enjoyment and development has been incredible, and it is greatly appreciated.
As we wrap up this season, it’s important to reflect on the journey of our 1st XI hockey team - a young squad brimming with potential and resilience. This season was characterised by significant growth, formidable challenges, and notable successes that have laid a strong foundation for the future.
Competing in a tough league, our team exhibited remarkable dedication and perseverance. The season’s record of two wins and two draws may not fully capture the strides made by our players, but it certainly reflects their hard work and the competitive spirit they brought to every match. Scoring a total of 28 goals is a testament to our attacking prowess.
In defence, Jack Stevens was a rock, consistently leading by example. His ability to read the game, coupled with his tenacity and tactical awareness, was instrumental in thwarting many opposition attacks. Jack’s leadership on the field was crucial in maintaining the team’s defensive structure and instilling confidence in the players around him.
In midfield, Sam Watling showcased exceptional talent and vision. His capability to dominate the central area of the pitch and break through attacking lines provided the team with numerous scoring opportunities. Sam’s leadership qualities were evident as he orchestrated play, ensuring smooth transitions from defence to attack. His performances were a driving force behind many of our successful outings this season.
Several players made significant contributions to the team’s overall performance. Will Hodgson’s impressive range of passing consistently opened up the field, allowing for fluid and dynamic attacking moves. His vision and accuracy in distribution were key assets that helped us maintain possession and control the tempo of games.
Joe Gower, Louis Kelly, Theo Pirouet, and Matt Webb also played pivotal roles throughout the season. Joe’s versatility and work rate, Louis’s ability with his reverse stick, Theo’s energy and dynamism, and Matt’s determination and willingness to get in goal scoring positions provided the team with balance and depth. Each of these players brought unique strengths to the squad, enhancing our collective performance.
One of the standout moments of the season was Year 10 student Ed Hodgson winning the prestigious ‘Stick Prize’ for his Man of the Match performance against the Old Victorians (OVs). Ed’s display of skill, determination, and sportsmanship in that match exemplified the qualities we value in our team. His achievement is a fantastic one, as we look forward to him playing senior hockey for the next few years.
With many players returning next year, the future looks bright for our 1st XI hockey team. The experiences gained and the lessons learned this season will undoubtedly fuel our ambition and drive for greater success. The youthful exuberance of our squad, combined with the growing experience and maturity, promises an exciting next chapter.
As we conclude this season, I would like to extend heartfelt thanks to everyone involved with the team.
1st XI squad: Tyler McGlinchey, Archie Scate, Jack Stevens, Louis Kelly, Edo Van Eijden, Patrick Filleul, Will Hodgson, Sam Watling, Eddie Rothwell, Ali Webster, Theo Pirouet, Joe Gower, Matt Webb, Ben Heelis, Barney Aston & Sydney Smith
This year’s 2nd XI Hockey report has been written by Captain Gianluca Rizzuto. He managed the team brilliantly even when injured and unable to play himself. He still attended games and ensured that the team were ready for their fixture. His words are as follows:
This team was unlike any other. We started the season off with a 2-1 win over Jersey Ladies, setting us on the right path. However, due to some squad members being unavailable, our form dipped after that victory. We suffered two consecutive losses, including a 3-0 defeat to our rivals, Victoriana. This setback sparked a fierce rivalry between the 2nd XI and Victoriana, fuelling our determination to defeat them in the future. Our form was inconsistent in the middle of the season, but when we faced Victoriana again, we delivered a dominant 3-1 win, with them fortunate to even score a goal.
After this game, we went on a strong run of form, beating Jersey Ladies 3-1 in our final league match of the season. While we didn’t finish as strongly in the league as we’d hoped, we were determined to redeem ourselves by winning the regional cup, which is played in a round-robin format. Our first match was against our main rivals, Victoriana, once again. The team spirit and cohesion were stronger than ever, and we felt confident going into the game. Unfortunately, we were unlucky in the first match, with some uncertainty surrounding the goals they scored. This affected our morale, and we lost our next cup match 4-3 to the Lions, which was a deeply disappointing result. However, we bounced back with a 3-1 victory over the Panthers. Despite not winning the cup, we couldn’t help but wonder what might have been.
Through it all, the team spirit remained unshaken. Emotions ran high, especially for some of the older students who realised they wouldn’t play for this great team again. Captaining this team in my final season has been one of the greatest achievements of my life, and I am incredibly grateful to the whole squad for their respect and commitment. The legacy of our team will live on through everyone who contributed to our rivalries, successes, and the values we upheld—respect and impeccable sportsmanship.
The Colts hockey team, consisting of boys from Year 9 and 10, with the occasional talented Year 8, faced the challenge of competing in the adult Men’s Division 2 League this season. As with every year, it took some time for the team to adapt to the higher level of competition, and the Autumn term proved difficult in terms of results. However, the potential was evident, and the team showed glimpses of what they were capable of.
After Christmas, the Colts began to find their rhythm, winning games and finishing the season on a high. The primary aim of the Colts is to develop players, and this squad has undoubtedly made significant progress. While Ed Hodgson, already a 1st XI player, led by example with his blistering pace and deadly backhand shots, several others are now poised to make the step up to the 1st XI next year.
Notable performances include Ollie Ferguson, who was fantastic in midfield, constantly driving at defences, and Captain Jake Le Boutillier, whose tireless work ethic set the tone for the team. The defensive line of Beau Johnstone-Scott, Harry Cutting, Hugo Gomersall, and Harry Le Brocq was rock solid, with both Hugo and Harry earning recognition as the most improved players of the season.
In midfield, Zane Simpson was consistently superb, always offering an option and distributing the ball effectively. Will Wilson, who has been part of the Colts for two years, developed into a brilliant goalkeeper, making key saves throughout the season. On the wing, Riley Brennan was a constant threat, using his pace and skill to trouble defences. Up front, Freddie Harben and Louis Bell worked tirelessly, while Year 8s Rufus Aston and Kobi Helmholt-Kneisel both contributed goals throughout the season. Lucas McAllister also provided valuable defensive support.
This season saw the team grow in confidence and ability, and I have no doubt that many of these players will feature in the 1st XI in the near future. The Colts have made significant strides, and I am incredibly proud of their development and commitment.
The squad: Will Wilson, Beau Johnstone-Scott, Harry Cutting, Louis Bell, Hugo Gomersall, Ollie Ferguson, Zane Simpson, Edward Hodgson, Riley Brennan, Harry Le Brocq, Kobi Helmholt-Kneisel, Rufus Aston, Freddie Harben, Jake Le Boutillier (C), Lucas McAllister.
We were delighted to be invited to the inaugural Eltham College Rugby Festival in October. The team flew to London for the weekend, eager to embrace the challenge. This was outside of our normal rugby season so there was very little preparation time available to us but an exciting opportunity, nonetheless.
We had plenty of close games, starting with a victory against the prestigious Gordon’s School. The highlight was a fantastic solo try from captain Jack Stevens, converted by our makeshift goal-kicker Will Hodgson. Our young and relatively inexperienced team found it hard to replicate the intensity of game 1, losing two very close games to Merchant Taylors’ School and the hosts, Eltham College. The boys were a credit to themselves and the school on what was a very long and bruising day trip to London.
The Year 8s had an action-packed term of rugby this year. They played and narrowly lost to two touring sides in St Paul’s School and Wellingborough School. They had wins against St Michael’s Preparatory School, Les Quennevais and Elizabeth College and took part in two Rugby Sevens tournaments at St Michael’s Preparatory School and Rosslyn Park. It was fantastic to see both the progress in development in this year’s group and the high level of enthusiasm reflected in the increasing participation numbers. The future of rugby is very bright in this age category moving forwards. We do sadly say goodbye to scrum half, Kobi Helmholt-Kneisel, and flying back, Myles Christopher, who are off to pastures new in England next year. Both boys have been fantastic performers in numerous sports here at the College and we wish them well in their future endeavours.
The Year 7 Rugby team enjoyed a nice winning streak, showcasing their talent and determination in recent matches!
In an exhilarating game against Elizabeth College, the team clinched victory with a narrow score of 35-30. The match was a true test of skill and teamwork, with both sides displaying impressive plays. The players’ resilience shone through as they held their nerve to secure the win.
The success continued on College Field, where the team beat De La Salle by a 25-5 scoreline. Strong tackles and swift passing were key to their performance, allowing the team to control the game and secure another victory.
Their third match saw them travel to Les Quennevais, where they faced challenging conditions on a pitch with exceptionally long grass. Despite the odds, the Year 7s rose to the occasion, winning 30-10. Their adaptability and teamwork were evident as they navigated the tricky terrain, demonstrating their commitment and spirit.
Overall, the Year 7 rugby team has proven to be a formidable force this season. We look forward to seeing how they continue to develop and achieve success next season!
Rugby 7s has always been a game born out of necessity, created as it was in 1883 by Ned Haig, a Melrose butcher, to raise funds for his local club by putting on a tournament (now the world-famous Melrose 7s). And so it is at Victoria College, where dwindling numbers of opponents to play on island has meant we’ve needed to cast our eye further afield for the quality competition our players crave, and take a keener focus on 7 a side rugby. Having broken new ground in 2023 with the 1st VII’s entry to Rosslyn Park National Schools 7s, in the 2024 season, we embarked on an expanded 7s programme that saw 52 boys represent the College in 4 teams across two age groups, compete in 5 tournaments and score more than 80 tries.
For the uninitiated, 7s is fast paced, physical and lung-busting. 7 minutes each way may not sound a lot, but with fewer players covering the same amount of pitch, the ball almost constantly in play and typically end-to-end running, it is tough and places players’ skills under enormous pressure. It was with this in mind that our two main 7s squads, the U14s and Seniors, began their preparation.
The 1st VII began training in earnest before Christmas, with a weekly conditioning session (lots of sprints on the rowing, lots of front squats and so on), before field training began in January. The squad had two tournaments in their sights:
- Our very own Victoria College U18 7s, the most southerly rugby tournament in the British Isles
- Rosslyn Park National Schools 7s, the largest rugby tournament in the world, with over 250 teams taking part in the U18 tournament alone
College Field welcomed seven teams from England, Guernsey and on island. After a torrid few weeks with the weather, the groundsmen had done a wonderful job and the grounds looked resplendent. All it needed now, was for the team to match the occasion.
One of the challenges of playing mainly on-island opposition is that when you come up against the new and unknown is that teams can go into their shell. And so, in our first game against Wells Cathedral School, it took Wells to take the lead before we sparked into action. Despite two tries from Will Hodgson and Harry McCarthy, we left ourselves too much to do, losing 14-15. Two routine wins followed against Jersey RFC and Wisbech Grammar before our fourth game against St George’s Catholic School from Surrey, who were shaping up to be the team to beat. The lead seesawed, until Victoria College took the lead with two minutes to go with a length of the field try. With our boys needing to see out the final few minutes, we ended with a stout piece of goal line defence for a full minute, closing out the game to win 19-14. Suddenly, all the lunchtime fitness sessions and anaerobic running drills paid off. Two games to go, a straightforward win against local rivals De La Salle set up a final game against Elizabeth College, Guernsey. We probably began the game taking it too lightly, leaving ourselves a bit too much to do in the second half. Despite a late rally and laying siege to the Elizabeth College line, we couldn’t quite snatch victory, losing 12-19.
The evening saw us play host to our guests in the Great Hall for the tournament dinner, before handing the cup to St George’s as tournament winners, with us in second place. We were the only team to have beaten them on the day.
With one successful tournament campaign, the squad now had a few weeks to recover before the highlight of the season, the return to Rosslyn.
After taking part in the tournament last year, where we’d registered one win, been ahead of top team St Paul’s at half time before succumbing, and a final game loss where we’d run out of steam, this year we were targeting winning all three games and winning our group. Preparations were hampered a little by injuries to James Courtness who was only just returning to full fitness after a torn hamstring, and Callum Cuthbert returning from a shoulder injury. What we weren’t banking on was a Sunday morning visit to A&E for talismanic captain, Jack Stevens, who had decided it was useful preparation for a day of 7s to take a hockey ball to the foot in the inter-insular the day before. Thankfully, no break, just very sore. We just about boarded the plane on the Sunday afternoon with a full squad, and settled into the hotel in Wimbledon.
The day arrived, and after last year with Courtness forgetting his socks, the squad were reminded of the need to make sure they had everything they’d need for the day ahead. All was well, until we got to the ground, and Oli Walker muttered the immortal words:
“Sir, I’ve left my boots at the hotel”. An Uber ride across SW18, 19 and 20 ensued...
First game, main pitch, streamed live on YouTube to those watching back at College, was a straightforward 26-0 win against The Harrodian School, tries from the omnipresent Charlie Best (who remarkably played every single minute of every game in the season), Casey Dunning and a brace from Cuthbert. A little rusty, and probably a few opportunities went begging, but a convincing win nevertheless. Second up, and a level up, was Bryanston School. Having learned the lesson from our own tournament of not being awed by fancy kit, branded gazebos and matching
tracksuits, we were ready for this one. Or so we thought, until we kicked off, Bryanston passed the ball to their Kenya U18 international winger, who skipped past three of us and scored under the posts. 20 seconds on the clock, and we were 0-7 down. Slowly, however, we established ourselves in the game, keeping hold of the ball, and clawed back to trail 12-14 at halftime.
The second half was a true display of the grit and togetherness that all good teams possess. The Victoria College boys never gave up, chased down every ball, flew into contact and worked hard for their teammates. Two second half tries to us to give Will Hodgson a hattrick for the match, and only one to them, resulted in Victoria College winning 24-19. The opposition coaching ticket of Nick Williams (ex-Auckland Blues, Munster, Ulster and Cardiff) and Tom Mitchell (ex-GB 7s Captain, Olympic Silver Medallist at Rio) were no match for Mr Royle (PE and IT) and Mr Crossley (Geography, RE and PSHE).
Our final game was against northern rugby powerhouse, St Peter’s York. If truth be told, despite having our moments, we were probably never really in the game, eventually losing 21-47. Most pleasingly, as ever, was the total commitment from the Victoria College team, determined to go to the end. This was typified by the last play of the game, where we kept the ball for nearly two minutes and went end to end. Starting with a turnover penalty won on our line, we strung 17 passes together (including 3 offloads), across 5 phases with everyone touching the ball at least twice, before the ball reached speed merchant Tyler McGlinchey on the right touchline on the halfway line. He beat the first man for pace, stepped the covering defender on the inside and then powered past the final two to score under the posts. A truly scintillating score and fittingly bringing all of the things we’d worked on together in one movement. Rugby from the gods, and thankfully caught on video by Mr Stevens.
Sore bodies and tired limbs were very much soothed by the now traditional visit to Wimbledon’s finest Brazilian Rodizio (a favourite haunt of Mr Crossley’s youth!): all-you-can-eat, endless skewers of meat sliced onto your plate, perfect for recharging the batteries after a long day. Faced with the choice of spending the next day back at the tournament, or having a morning of leisure in Kingston, the squad chose the latter, and enjoyed a competitive game of 10 pin bowling, Mr Royle beating all comers.
So what to make of it all? Well, the overwhelming thing that springs to mind is “Pride”. Pride that our boys went toe-to-toe with some of the best rugby schools in the country, schools that have rugby “programmes”, offer rugby scholarships, and play more games in a season than we have training sessions. We didn’t look out of place, we gave as good as we got and never let each other down. Pride too in the fact that, when the games were at their most difficult, our team stuck together, worked hard for each other, and in the big moments we stood up to be counted. As we said repeatedly, “Big players make big plays.”
The other emotion is “Gratitude”. Gratitude for getting to work with such a committed and decent group of young men, who were keen to listen, learn (and challenge!), who were a pleasure to travel with and be around.
It would be wrong to pick out too many individuals from such a tight squad, but special mention must go to Jack Stevens for his incredible commitment and inspirational leadership; he simply didn’t stop running, even on one leg. Similarly, Charlie Best, for playing all the minutes available, running just as hard in the last minute as in the first. Harry McCarthy finished as top points scorer with 50, and joined fellow returnees to the sport, in Harry McCarthy, Fin Rentsch, Oliver Winch and Jamie Parslow, who all showed remarkable talent and commitment, as well as speedster Tyler McGlinchey, new to the College but who played like a seasoned pro. Eddie Rothwell couldn’t stop talking, Lars Tharme carried the ball into opposition with venom whenever he got the chance, Will Hodgson couldn’t stop scoring tries and Jonny Trant could catch any pass thrown at him. Callum Cuthbert and James Courtness deserve huge credit for recovering from injury to play so well, Oli Walker for tackling anything that moved and Casey Dunning for never taking a backward step.
Senior 7s Squad; Jack Stevens (captain), James Courtness (vice-captain), Charlie Best, Callum Cuthbert, Casey Dunning, William Hodgson, Harry McCarthy, Tyler McGlinchey, Jamie Parslow, Finley Rentsch, Eddie Rothwell, Lars Tharme, Jonny Trant, Oli Walker, Oliver Winch.
Mr Crossley Deputy Headteacher
The 1st XI cricket team had a season filled with both challenges and memorable moments. The unpredictable British summer and squad availability proved to be our biggest hurdles, with several players unavailable due to exams or other commitments, including our captain, Charlie Brennan, who was representing Jersey in the ICC T20 World Cup qualifiers. As a result, we rarely had our strongest squad on the field. However, these gaps provided younger students with the opportunity to step up, and they rose to the occasion, showing they were more than ready for the challenge.
One of the season’s highlights was a hard-fought draw against the prestigious Marylebone Cricket Club in our annual fixture. Against Elizabeth College, the honours were shared, with each school winning on their home field. In our home fixture, Charlie Brennan once again showcased his immense talent, scoring a stunning 127, while Jack Stevens provided crucial support with a well-played 50.
We also had the privilege of hosting the Castle Festival for the first time in six years, and the event got off to a strong start. We secured a win against Kimbolton on the opening day, with standout performances from Freddie Harben (Year 9), who scored 77, and Ben Heelis (Year 11), who added 81. Sol Bennett also shone with the ball, taking an impressive 4-28 off 8 overs, further demonstrating the potential of our younger players. Unfortunately, the weather disrupted the rest of the festival, with rain halting play on the second day against Monmouth and preventing us from playing on the third day. As a result, Monmouth retained the trophy.
While we see Charlie Brennan and Jack Stevens leave us, we also say farewell to Matt Webb, whose seam bowling has been invaluable, and Louis Kelly, whose spin bowling and entertaining send-offs will be sorely missed. Sam Watling
and Will Hodgson, both solid with the bat, have also been exceptional in the field, contributing greatly to the team’s overall success. Their presence will undoubtedly be missed as we transition to a younger squad next year.
However, despite the ups and downs, the development of our younger players has been a significant positive, and we are confident that many will make key contributions to the team next season. While we bid farewell to some of our senior players this year, we remain optimistic about the future, with a young and talented squad ready to take on the challenges ahead.
The season may have been marked by unpredictability, but it also demonstrated the resilience and potential of our team, and we look forward to building on this for next year
The squad: Ben Heelis, Sam Patidar, Theo Pullman, Eddie Rothwell, William Hodgson, Louis Kelly, Sam Watling, Jack Vowden, Freddie Harben, Jack Stevens, Matt Webb, Barney Aston, Sol Bennett, Louie Pullman, Riley Brennan, Charlie Brennan (C).
The Colts (Year 9-10) cricket team had a disrupted season due to the weather, resulting in fewer games than anticipated. However, in the matches they did play, the team performed exceptionally well. They secured impressive victories against touring schools, beating Halliford School by 47 runs and The Edinburgh Academy by 5 wickets. In a closely contested match against De La Salle College, the team narrowly lost by just 8 runs, despite both teams giving their best efforts.
Throughout the season, the team showed significant development, with many players making notable progress. Their growing skills and confidence set them up well for future success, and several players are now poised to make appearances in the 1st XI next year. Overall, it was a season of growth and promise for this talented group.
The British weather played its part in a rather stop start season of cricket. The B team narrowly lost to De La Salle by 4 runs and the A team won against St Michael’s Preparatory School in a last over run chase thriller. Then it was off on tour to Somerset to play Kings College and Taunton School. In glorious sunshine the boys sweated to keep King’s to 122 for 3 from the 20 overs, with wickets coming from Seb Van Der Niet and Tom Ingram. Then in reply, the team posted a respectable 94 all out, falling short after a top order collapse. On day two it was off to Taunton School to play their Year 7A team (with the 8As being out on a field trip). Taunton scored 104 for 8 and in reply we chased down the total losing just 3 wickets. Openers, Rufus Aston and Freddie Cornic both posted impressive 30s with the bat. The behaviour of the group was fantastic throughout the tour and there were some significant signs of development made against quality opposition.
Due to weather and fixture cancellations the Year 7 cricket team only had three games this summer. First up, we met our old rivals, De La Salle, on the artificial wicket at FB Fields. After several weeks of indoor nets in the Sports Hall we had selected an XI stacked with both batting and bowling talent but an unknown when it came to fielding! A De La Salle side with several Year 8s in it put us into bat first. A slow but steady run scoring partnership between openers Flynn Fosse and Oscar Le Vesconte was followed by an explosive knock from Beau Brennan quickly getting to 30 and the agreed retirement limit. Some excellent technical batting from Zakari Irtizaali and an excellent final partnership from Jaxon Reddington and Indy Simpson meant an honourable total for De La Salle to chase. We were just as impressive with the ball, David Lundie-Smith with a very economical and efficient opening spell kept the big hitting Year 8s at bay. William Aikenhead helped out with some tricky seam bowling before Evan Osmand picked up a few wickets
from the De La Salle tail. Charlie Hewgill put in an assured display behind the stumps giving away very few extras. Beau Brennan was captain and set the field with admirable maturity beyond his years, fielded by example and showed what a fantastic leader he will be for Victoria College over the coming years. A good challenge but a relatively comfortable win in the end.
The next game was against St Michael’s Preparatory School, another comfortable victory. What made this particularly pleasing was that the XI selected was quite different, with six players making their debut. The last scheduled fixture was the annual game against Jersey’s U11 island team on College Field. Unfortunately, it had to be cancelled due to rain, meaning the boys would miss their only opportunity to play a home game that season. Not wanting them to miss out, Mr. Royle and Mr. Crill each selected a balanced side of bowlers and batters to play an intramural match at the end of June. In glorious weather, 22 Victoria College boys battled it out, showcasing the impressive cricketing talent within the year group. I have no doubt they will continue to enjoy more matches and victories in the years to come.
What another amazing year for basketball across the school! Provision has increased again with several extra games for Years 10 and 11, on top of all the games for Years 7, 8, 9 and Sixth Form. Most notable games were wins for Year 11s against a strong Les Quennevais side in which Noah Morel top scored. Our new Year 7s were dominant, not losing a single game. Our Year 8s pushed a very strong Elizabeth College to the final play but were pipped at the final buzzer in what was an unforgettable match. Gabriel Graf playing and achieving the highest points average for both Year 9 (his own year group) and Year 10 this season, was testament to his on-going hard work and mesmerising ability.
Increased opportunities for after school basketball training was another of the key factors to the continued success of our basketball program. The introduction of House Basketball for year 11 proved to be a popular decision and has led to the Physical Education department deciding to roll that out to Sixth Form and Colts next year too.
Notable pupils that performed admirably throughout the season were Lukundo Sikapizye, Will Ruff, Josh Penalba, Noah Morel, Rufus Smith, Gabriel Graf, Xander Hoblyn and Joshua Sikapizye with many more pupils applying themselves above and beyond the levels expected on and off the basketball court. I hope the increased introduction of basketball programs across Victoria College next academic year will ensure participation levels continue to increase throughout the school.
Sports Day was once again a brilliant event, eagerly anticipated by students and teachers alike. The new format, with all students attending the afternoon to witness the track finals, added to the excitement. As always, the stakes were high, with the Blomfield Trophy (the combined House Sports trophy) hanging in the balance. Braithwaite led going into the final day, but with plenty of points on offer, Sartorius had a real chance to snatch victory. The weather held out, and the day was filled with some truly standout performances. In Year 7, Jack Elliott won every event he entered, dominating the 100m, 200m, 4x100m, and long jump. Year 8 saw an equally impressive performance from Myles Christopher, who won every event, setting a new 800m record with a time of 2:24, and excelling in the 1500m, 4x100m, and javelin. In the Colts category, Ed Hodgson was unbeatable, winning the 100m, 200m, 4x100m, and discus. Senior athlete, Ethan Rankin, also stood out, winning both the 100m and long jump.
There were two new records set on the day: James Wiseman set a new shotput record with a throw of 11.75m, and Myles Christopher’s 800m record of 2:24 was another highlight.
As the day drew to a close, the results were announced. Sartorius won the Year 7 category, while Braithwaite took the Year 8s, with Sartorius placing second. Sartorius also triumphed in the Colts (Year 9 and 10) category, with Braithwaite close behind, and Sartorius again won the Seniors, with Braithwaite in second place. The competition throughout the year was incredibly close, and it all came down to the final points on Sports Day.
In the end, Braithwaite clinched the Blomfield Trophy by just two points, highlighting how fiercely contested the event had been. Sports Day once again lived up to its reputation as a thrilling and memorable occasion for all involved.
Congratulations to all 19 of our Junior Sports Leaders for successfully completing their Level 1 qualification this year. We were really impressed to see the range of development made in the key leadership skills required including communication, problem solving, teamwork and self-belief. Throughout the program, pupils worked collaboratively to analyse and reflect on their leadership abilities, identifying areas for improvement. The highlight of the course was when each pupil planned and led sports sessions for Jersey College Preparatory School and Victoria College Preparatory School students, successfully completing their assessment.
This year, our Year 12 students successfully completed their Level 3 qualification in Sports Leadership, with practical experience gained through working with local primary schools, including Springfield, St Luke’s, Samares, First Tower, and Grand Vaux. The students were trained to deliver effective PE sessions focused on fundamental movement skills, including kicking, throwing, and catching - essential for physical development across all sports.
Throughout the course, students explored key areas such as behaviour management, effective communication, leadership, and safety when working with younger pupils. They gained valuable insights into how to manage groups of children, ensuring safe and engaging sessions while fostering physical literacy through multi-sport lessons.
A grant from the government allowed us to purchase new PE equipment for these sessions. After the lessons, this equipment was donated to the participating schools, further enhancing their provision of physical education resources. This initiative helps ensure the lasting benefit of these sessions for the schools involved.
The Sports Leadership course has provided our students with a valuable opportunity to develop leadership, communication, and organisational skills, as well as gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of physical education. The impact on both the younger students they worked with and the sports leaders themselves has been immense, offering enrichment and personal growth beyond the classroom.
1ST XI
The 1st XI football team had another outstanding season, remaining unbeaten for the second consecutive year and winning the Channel Island League in style. A particular highlight was achieving the home and away double over Elizabeth College, with the latter fixture ending in a dominant 8-2 victory.
Charlie Brennan captained the side superbly, leading from the rear as a commanding centre-back. His defensive prowess was matched by some spectacular goals, most notably an overhead kick from a corner against Hautlieu. Barry Beatson was a creative force in midfield, controlling the game with his vision and passing. On the wings, Ed Jeffries and Conor O’Keeffe constantly terrorised defences with their speed and dribbling, proving a threat every time they had possession. Up front, Callum Gilroy was clinical, finishing with deadly precision.
Sam Watling and Will Yates were key in recovering the ball and ensuring we maintained possession, providing a solid base for our attacking play. Every player contributed to the team’s success, showing fantastic skill, teamwork, and commitment throughout the season.
The season was further enriched by an incredible football tour to Milan, where we trained three times with Inter Milan coaches at their facilities. The boys played against three of Inter’s affiliate sides, giving them invaluable international experience. We also visited the iconic San Siro stadium, Inter Milan’s headquarters, and took in the sights of Milan’s city centre. This tour was a remarkable experience that I hope the boys will look back on with great fondness as a special memory of their school years.
The squad: James Courtness, Charlie Brennan, Eddie Rothwell, Sam Watling, Will Yates, Edward Jeffries, Callum Gilroy, Aiden Le Saint, Simba Mutete, Merrion Carter, Joe Gower, James Huelin, Jacob Clynes, Barry Beatson, Conor O’Keeffe, and Samuel Harris.
This has been a season to remember, and I would like to thank the entire team for their commitment, determination, and sportsmanship, which made this unbeaten run possible. They should be proud of their achievements, both on and off the field.
It has been a rollercoaster season for the Year 11 football team this year. They had the chance to test themselves Home and Away against Hautlieu and one-off games against Les Quennevais, De La Salle and the Year 10 Victoria College team. Firstly, we had a tough trip to Hautlieu, losing 3-1 with the consolation goal from captain and key player Will Yates. Mr Falle was struggling to decide his best XI so close to the start of the season. A talented Les Quennevais team then bested us 4-1, again Yates scoring our only goal. To pick up the confidence Mr Falle organised a mid-season game against the year below on College Field, the Year 11s running out comfortable 8-2 winners and ready for the biggest game of the year, De La Salle. A dominant performance and a 2-0 win against De La Salle followed with the boys finally showing their strength in depth. This time, we saw goals from Jacob Clynes and Aiden Le Saint, the team’s other two Island players, alongside Yates. The season finished with the return fixture against Hautlieu but, this time, to be played on College Field. It was a bruising battle that ended in a 0-0 draw, demonstrating the progress this team made throughout the season.
A tough season was expected for the Year 10 team with the pick of the footballers from Le Rocquier, Grainville and Haute Vallée all joining Hautlieu. We invited them to College Field for the first game in September and soon realised their attacking threat would be difficult to overcome. A dominant first half display from the visitors had them leading 4-1 at half time, but it could have been more. Credit goes to a swift Victoria College counterattack down the right-hand side that lead to a consolation goal from Cooper Woodcock. A re-group and confidence-boosting team talk from Mr Royle meant that we were more resolute at the back in the second half, eventually losing 5-1.
The next game was a bit of a surprise, a bruising 5-1 loss to Les Quennevais. In previous years, these two teams were always close games with Victoria College usually edging it.
We bounced back with a convincing victory against De La Salle playing lovely football through the middle of the pitch, with Sol Bennett and Riley Brennan pulling the strings and an outstanding performance from Ollie Mulhern in his debut game of the season. Credit to Cooper Woodcock scoring a hat-trick benefiting from all the hard work of those playing behind him.
A trip to Guernsey to play our Sarnian rivals Elizabeth College ended in defeat but the 4-1 scoreline did not tell the story. A missed penalty, a contentious red card and a strong performance against a big and strong team were the facts that Mr Royle conveyed to his team. The final game of the season was an away game at Hautlieu with a very different outcome from earlier in the season, this time with Victoria College winning! Hautlieu started two of their best players on the bench after being 2-0 down at half-time. However, even with the addition of a key central midfielder and a star striker, it wasn’t enough, as Victoria College won the second half 4-1, leading to a final score of 6-1. Dominant defensive displays from Jonty Gallaher, Ben Lynch, Seb Carter, and Jack Vowden, as well as a fantastic brace from Joe Griffiths, were key to Victoria College’s victory.
Our year 9 team had a third consecutive unbeaten local season. An amazing feat for this very talented group of players. They are still yet to suffer defeat in any local football match during their time at Victoria College, with Freddie Harben, JD Dickson and Dexter Fraser showing consistently high levels of performance. Notable wins against our Guernsey counterparts, Elizabeth College, and touring side, Wellingborough School, were the pick of the many positive results and performances throughout this season. We look forward to another positive season next academic year, and wish Gus Dorosz, Xander Hoblyn and Zike Mvalo all the very best at their new schools.
The Year 8 football team has really shone despite mixed results. The team has had an eventful season, showcasing their talent and resilience across a series of challenging matches, including two touring sides from the UK. Their performance has been a testament to their hard work, dedication, and team spirit.
The season kicked off with an exciting match against St. Michael’s Preparatory School, where the team demonstrated their offensive prowess and defensive solidity. In a thrilling contest, our boys emerged victorious with a 4-2 win. The match was characterised by swift counter-attacks and solid defending, setting a positive tone for the rest of the season.
However, the team faced strong opposition in Great Baddow High School, who were touring from the UK. Despite their best efforts, the Year 8 team suffered a heavy defeat. Great Baddow’s well-drilled squad showcased why they are considered a top team, and our players gained valuable experience from this encounter, learning crucial lessons about teamwork and perseverance particularly against physical opposition.
In a tightly contested match against Les Quennevais, the team displayed immense determination and skill. The 2-2 draw was a fair reflection of the game, with both teams creating numerous scoring opportunities and demonstrating excellent sportsmanship. This match highlighted the team’s ability to compete at a high level and their never-say-die attitude. The highlight of the season for sure.
A further season highlight was the emphatic 9-2 victory over Elizabeth College. The team put on a scintillating performance, with every player contributing to the comprehensive win. The
match was a masterclass in attacking football, as our boys dominated possession and converted their chances with clinical precision. Further, their grace and sportsmanship in victory was most pleasing to see.
In their final game, the team faced a spirited Wellingborough School, who were on tour from the UK. In a decent contest, our Year 8 team once again showcased their quality and determination. The boys secured a well-deserved victory, demonstrating their ability to rise to the occasion and perform under pressure.
The Year 8 football team’s season has been a journey of highs and lows, but through it all, they have demonstrated immense growth and camaraderie. Their victories are a testament to their hard work, and even in defeat, they have displayed resilience and a commitment to improving. With the season concluded, the team can look back with pride at their accomplishments and look forward to building on their successes next season
As many as 70 Year 7 boys regularly attended after-school football on Fridays in the Autumn Term and it was magnificent to see such high levels of participation and enjoyment being had. We were able to field 3 teams against Les Quennevais and maximize representation across the year group. The standard is high in this age category with the A team winning 6 of their 7 matches and the B team winning 3 from 3. We are delighted to see a high number of boys represent the island team and look forward to a very bright future of football with this cohort.
As we reach the end of another vibrant and fulfilling school year, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the remarkable achievements and progress we have made as a school community. This year has been marked by outstanding academic success, substantial advancements in Oracy within our classrooms, impressive sporting achievements, and a wealth of wider opportunities that have enriched the lives of our pupils.
Our students have once again demonstrated exceptional dedication and perseverance in their studies, leading to impressive academic results. The commitment of our teachers to providing high-quality education and the enthusiasm of our students for learning have been evident in the outstanding grades and accolades achieved across various subjects. These accomplishments are a testament to the hard work of everyone involved and serve as a solid foundation for future success.
One of the significant areas of focus this year has been the enhancement of Oracy within our classrooms. We have implemented a range of initiatives aimed at developing our students’ speaking and listening skills, fostering confident and articulate communicators. The progress we have witnessed has been remarkable, with students now more engaged in discussions, presentations, and collaborative projects. This improvement in Oracy not only supports academic success but also prepares our students with essential life skills for their future endeavours.
Our school has also celebrated notable achievements in sports, particularly in football, where our team secured
an impressive 5th place in the national rankings. This outstanding accomplishment reflects the dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship of our players and coaches. Their hard work on the field has brought immense pride to our school and serves as an inspiration to all our students to strive for excellence in all areas of their lives.
We have continued to provide our pupils with a wide range of opportunities beyond the classroom, enriching their educational experience and personal growth. From extracurricular clubs and activities to educational trips and community service projects, our students have had the chance to explore new interests, develop diverse skills, and make lasting memories. These experiences are invaluable in shaping well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make positive contributions to society.
Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all parents and guardians for your unwavering support throughout the year. Your involvement in school activities, encouragement of your children, and collaboration with our staff have been instrumental in creating a nurturing and thriving learning environment. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a supportive and engaged parent community.
As we look forward to the next academic year, let us celebrate the achievements of this year and continue to work together to inspire and support our students in their educational journey.
Dan Pateman Headteacher | DSL
YEAR 3 COOKING
Each year, the end of the spring term heralds the beginning of the six-week Farm School programme for Year 3. The week before the Easter holidays the whole of year 3 head off to Sprouts Farm School in St Martin to (usually) brave the weather and begin to farm their own plot of vegetables. Led by the perennially sunny Farmer Grace they learn how to farm organically and of the importance of the pigs and chickens on the farm. After the Easter holidays, the crops have grown at an unbelievable rate and the boys weed and water their plot before harvesting their crops to take home on the final day. Six sessions are never enough and many of the boys join Grace’s after school and holiday groups to maintain their connection to the farm.
YEAR 3
YEAR 3 WORLD BOOK DAY
This exciting unit began with the boys analysing existing chair designs and assessing the effectiveness of certain features. They then thought carefully about which features they would want to include in their dream chair design. When constructing their chair frames, the boys developed a multitude of skills, such as measuring, sawing, sanding and an abundance of resilience! To decorate and personalise their chairs, the boys could choose to use: coloured lollipop sticks for the back or base; stuffing and material to create a cushion; strips of coloured card to create a weaving pattern for the seat of their chair; or coloured wool to create a textured pattern for their seat. Just like the boys who created them, each chair had its own lovely personality, and the boys were justifiably proud of their creations.
The boys were so enthused to each produce their own steady hand game. The aim of the game was to run a metal loop over a wire shape without the loop touching the wire. If the loop touched the wire, a light bulb was switched on. Before designing their game, the boys carefully considered their target audience, the theme of the game and how challenging it should be. Each game needed to have a stable base and a working circuit, which was concealed inside. The boys consolidated their knowledge of electrical circuits before considering which components should be included in their game. They then designed their circuit, along with their background, which complimented their individual theme. The boys worked tirelessly to produce some wonderful results and thoroughly enjoyed playing on each other’s games at the end of the unit.
In this unit, the boys adapted an existing biscuit recipe by adding their own ingredients. They relished the research involved, which required them to describe the features of well-known biscuits, based on taste, smell, texture and appearance. The boys were then asked to choose a target audience for their biscuit and to ensure that their package design appealed to their target audience. Each class followed a basic biscuit recipe with their teacher before deciding upon the ingredients that would elevate their own biscuit batch. Later that week, the day finally arrived where the boys could put their culinary skills into practice. They worked in small groups to follow a basic biscuit recipe and then customised their own batch with their chosen ingredients. There were some delicious results and sugar highs all round!
The majority of our English objectives are taught through learning journeys where we focus on a single text for a number of weeks, using it to cover reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation. We introduce each text with a ‘hook’ –something to grab the boys’ attention and excite them about reading a new book.
Our first learning journey of the Autumn term was a book called ‘Leon and the Place Between.’ It is a magical story about a boy who visits the circus so for our hook we set up the shared area in Year 4 as a circus, complete with a tent, circus music and popcorn. The boys dressed up as magicians and posed for photographs. It started off our year 4 learning brilliantly!
Next, we went for a stroll around the school grounds to look at the contrast between the rather tired looking bank behind Year 4 and our wonderful, wild forest area. This introduced ‘The Promise’ a story of hope and beauty in an urban wilderness and the boys wrote fabulous contrast poems in response to this text.
Later in the term, we had a phone call from the office saying that a large parcel had arrived for Year 4. One by one, the three classes went to the hall to see what had been delivered. A battered old suitcase full of marine mementoes awaited us and the boys were amazed. There were conch shells, fishing line, models of sailing boats, starfish, a buoy and many other items which had been sent by…. well who? ‘Ocean Meets Sky’ is a magical tale about Finn, who misses his grandpa and builds a sailing boat to try to find him. In response to the story, the boys wrote their own sailing away stories which were wonderful!
In January, we read the ‘Iron Man’, an old classic. The boys absolutely loved Ted Hughes’s wonderful modern fairy tale
and their writing was given such a boost by reading the text and studying the language used. The boys produced incredibly creative posters showing how to trap an iron man.
After half term, we went for a walk out of the school grounds and into Howard Davis Park. We were back in school by playtime, but the boys were buzzing with questions in their heads. What could our next learning journey be about? ‘Voices in the Park’ is an unusual text about two very different families and how the adults and children see the world around them. The boys made books and wrote their own versions of ‘Voices in the …’
We finished the term by linking a short learning journey to our history topic of Ancient Egypt. ‘Atlas of Adventure’ is a fabulous, detailed non-fiction text and we studied just one page of it, about the pyramids at Giza. The boys then made their own information page about the Valley of the Kings using the knowledge they had gained from our history learning and the book.
This term, the boys wrote a sequel to the book ‘Flotsam’ another magical tale of an underwater world discovered when a boy finds an old, barnacle-encrusted underwater camera. The boys’ stories that they wrote showed just how much they had developed as writers over the year, and we were all very proud of them.
‘Big Blue Whale’ is our final text, a wonderful, fact filled nonfiction text which the boys love. We finished the learning journey with a voice over recording (Sir David Attenborough style) about blue whales. It’s a great end to our learning journeys through Year 4. What a long way the boys have come!
YEAR 4 MOMENTS
On Thursday, 11th July, Year 4 enjoyed a fabulous day out at Valley Adventure Centre at Les Ormes. The boys were in groups of 11 and spent the day taking part in a variety of activities. They were given the opportunity to try the zip wire (not for the faint hearted!), King Swing (go higher if you dare…), archery, axe throwing, climbing, abseiling and crate stack.
We were so impressed with the boys’ support of each other and their resilience throughout the day. Some boys were really out of their comfort zones, and many surprised themselves by not only having a go, but absolutely loving it! It was definitely a funfilled and challenging day!
On June 21st the whole of Year 4 went on a science-based trip to La Rocque and took part in a carousel of three different activities. They investigated rockpools with Josh Feldman from the National Trust, and used id charts to help identify their finds. Using items they could find on the beach, they created a model map of Jersey to link with their geography studies. The boys were very creative, adding important landmarks and parishes. The last activity was simply to enjoy their time at the beach with their friends - and they did!
On Friday 28th June the whole of Year 4 went on a trip to the Frances Le Sueur Centre at Le Mielles de Morville, in St Ouen. The purpose of our visit was to look at habitats and wildlife in the area and to use our identifying, classifying and grouping skills. We searched for invertebrates with Josh Feldman from the National Trust, pond dipped with Mrs Pateman and dissected owl pellets with Mrs Le Feuvre and Mrs Conboy. We had a great day and the weather was on our side.
We have had a very exciting year in Year 5. The boys have been on many trips, explored lots of different books, learnt about the history of Jersey and about different tribes in the Amazon Rainforest. During the summer term, the boys thoroughly enjoyed our activities week which consisted of Swim Safety at Harve Des Pas and Coasteering. This second activity unfortunately changed at the last minute due to the weather conditions, but the boys had lots of fun exploring the coast as well as creating and building sandcastles. The next day the boys packed their bags and off to
JAAC they went. The trip started with an exciting rib ride where they thoroughly enjoyed the figure of eights and doughnuts! After that it was a coach journey back to the JAAC for some lunch and then a walk to Victoria Tower, the boys were lucky enough to go into the tower after having a session led by Jersey Heritage. Dinner was served and the boys showed off their talents in our VCP’s Got Talent show. After a sleepless night for some, it was onto paintballing and exploring the Dolmen. The boys had a great time and showed excellent resilience throughout their activities week. Well done!
In DT, Year 5 had a variety of experiences using different materials and skills. In the autumn term, they welcomed Catharine Ward, a local artist, who taught the boys how to needle felt a planet, then later in the year they learnt how to sew and embellish their planets, making them into mobiles. The boys kept busy, making some CAMS; sawing, sticking and designing their very own. They also used the DT hut to cook up a storm, learning how to develop their own bolognaise sauce recipe!
The Year 5 pupils enjoyed a return to Farm School as part of their studies on lifecycles. During their morning session they learned about the lifecycle of a bird through working with the chickens, handling them and collecting eggs. This was then followed by the lifecycle of a pig. The boys met pigs at different stages of their lifecycle, from newborn piglets through to the older sows and boars, even going into the pen with some rather mischievous piglets!
As part of their work on Forces, Year 5 were visited by students from the University of Exeter who worked with them to create bottle rockets and launch them on College Lawn.
During the Spring term, Year 5’s History topic was Invaders and Settlers of Jersey, in line with this they went on a trip to Mont Orgueil castle, where they learnt all about the different history of invasions of initially just the castle and then other areas of the Island.
Over the past year, we have been privileged to observe the exceptional growth and accomplishments of this year group. The boys have continually surpassed our expectations with their work ethic, positive attitude, and unwavering motivation to achieve their best. Their dedication to learning has been truly impressive, and we couldn’t be prouder of their efforts and achievements.
In English, the boys have adeptly demonstrated their ability to incorporate Year 6 SPaG elements while maintaining their unique writing styles. They have had numerous opportunities to showcase this skill. One particularly inspiring project was the fact file based on creatures from the Harry Potter universe. The boys’ creations displayed the vast scope of their imagination. Their journalistic talents were evident in their reports on Philippe Petit’s tightrope walk between the Twin Towers. They also let their creativity flourish in the poetry unit, writing about natural disasters and producing illustrated poems that they are justifiably proud of.
During the latter half of the Autumn term, the boys exhibited their ingenuity, resilience, and competitive spirit in a captivating design and technology project centred around robots. Utilising their knowledge of electricity and circuits from our science curriculum, they embarked on constructing robots with moving wheels and innovative features. Their dedication and creativity were truly inspiring, demonstrating their ability to think outside the box and apply their knowledge in practical ways.
In Art, they explored the works of Pablo Picasso and the Cubism Movement, experimenting with a wide range of mediums to create visually striking pieces infused with vibrant colours.
Year 6 students had a fantastic experience in Bude, a highly anticipated trip for many of them. They developed and reinforced many valuable skills, including coping with being away from home for an entire week. Despite a single day of rain, the weather was largely cooperative.
It was delightful to observe how the boys conducted themselves around the site and enthusiastically participated in various activities, such as canoeing, kayaking, surfing, bodyboarding, and mountain boarding. As staff, it was wonderful to see a different side of the boy; from their impressive karaoke rendition of Taylor Swift to their competitive room-cleaning each morning, complete with vacuuming.
Their sewing skills were impressive and the resilience and determination they displayed in learning a new skill was fantastic as highlighted by the success of the entire year group at the Eisteddfod this year.
In History, the boys explored World War II, with a particular focus on the occupation of Jersey. They thoroughly enjoyed the topic, frequently impressing us with their independent research. Their thought-provoking comments often displayed great maturity and understanding, especially when addressing sensitive subjects.
The topic of natural disasters in Geography allowed the boys to showcase their understanding of plate tectonics, in relation to volcanoes, earthquakes, and mountain formation. They also demonstrated strong map-reading skills while examining the specific geography of Jersey, particularly in relation to contour lines and volcanic rock formations.
Throughout the year, the boys have posed deep inquiry questions whilst researching Christianity and Islam. Enhancing their experience, guest speakers enriched the boys’ understanding and enabled them to develop an understanding and tolerant approach to the religious views of others.
As the academic year comes to a close, we are confident that the 2024 leavers are well-prepared for the next steps in their educational journeys. We wish them all the best as they transition to Victoria College and encourage them to embrace every opportunity that secondary school offers. Good luck, boys—you have made us proud!
The boys enjoyed a variety of sports, including football, basketball, and rugby. They competed against other schools, made new friends, and displayed excellent sportsmanship. Their resilience was amazing in their commitment to waking up for a run or swim before breakfast each day.
Many boys showed remarkable maturity in managing their own money throughout the week, utilising the ‘bank’ system set up by staff. Their camaraderie was evident as they encouraged each other to participate in activities and helped each other manage their belongings.
This unforgettable experience was made possible by the dedication and hard work of the staff, and it will remain a cherished memory for the boys.
Welcome to the Music Year Summary for VCP, celebrating our vibrant musical community’s achievements and activities. This year, we’ve launched new clubs such as the Recorder Club, expanded the Ukulele Club, and enjoyed memorable events such as the Tinathon, Choral Showcase, and Christmas Service. Join us in celebrating a year of musical excellence and looking forward to future harmonious adventures.
Keyboard Club: A special thanks to our dedicated music captains for their outstanding leadership in running the Keyboard Club. This club has provided a fantastic opportunity for students to enhance their piano skills, engage in collaborative musicmaking, and share their love for keyboard music.
Recorder Club: We were excited to announce the launch of the new Recorder Club this year. I’ve really enjoyed this club, which offers students a chance to learn and master this versatile wind instrument. It’s been wonderful to see so many students enthusiastic about exploring music through the recorder.
Ukulele Clubs: Due to increased interest and participation, we have successfully split the Ukulele Club into two groups: Beginners and Advanced. This division allows for more tailored instruction and has enabled students at different skill levels to progress and enjoy playing the ukulele in a supportive environment.
Choirs: Our choirs have continued to thrive this year and have performed at some wonderful events both in and outside of school.
Singing at the Tinathon: Our talented choirs had the privilege of performing at the annual Tinathon event. Their heartfelt performance added a touch of musical magic to the charity fundraiser, helping to make the event a resounding success.
Choral Showcase: The Choral Showcase was a highlight of the year for our Junior Choir, featuring performances from our various vocal ensembles. The afternoon was filled with beautiful harmonies and showcased the incredible talent of our singers.
Christmas Service: The Christmas Service was a memorable event, filled with festive music and joyful performances. Our students provided a wonderful soundtrack to the celebration, spreading holiday cheer to all attendees.
Harmony Men Concert In November: We joined Victoria College and a choir of local men in ‘100 Men Aloud’, which was a spectacular evening of choral music. The performance was well-received and highlighted the skill and dedication of our male vocalists.
VCP Live at the Fete: The annual school fete was enlivened by the VCP Live performance, where our soloists took the stage. Their energetic and diverse performances were a hit with the audience, adding to the festive atmosphere of the day.
We are proud to have participated in several JMS Orchestral Projects this year, which provided our students with the opportunity to learn and perform on various orchestral instruments, including the flute, violin and trumpet. These projects have enriched our music program and given students invaluable experience in orchestral playing.
The House Music Competition was a thrilling event that brought out the competitive spirit and musical talent of our students. Each house showcased their best performances, and it was a close contest that highlighted the dedication and creativity of our young musicians. The well deserved winners were as follows:
Junior Instrumental: Arthur Kistler (Diarmid)
Junior Vocal: Henry Hunt (Bruce)
Senior Instrumental: Charles Morris (Dunlop)
Senior Vocal: Mylo Kerley (Braithwaite) and Max Bryant (Dunlop)
Bands: Dunlop and Sartorius
Choir: Bruce
A heartfelt thank you to our exceptional music captains Mylo Kerley, Dhruv Jain, Hayden Turner, William de la Haye and Milo Guy. They have shown remarkable leadership and dedication throughout the year. Their efforts in running clubs, organising events, and inspiring their peers have been invaluable. We look forward to introducing our new musical leadership team shortly.
This summary encapsulates the vibrant and diverse activities of our music program over the past year, celebrating our students’ achievements and looking forward to future successes.
This is the end of my third year as Chairperson of VCP PTA which comprises a group of dedicated members of the VCP family who organise fun events in order to raise funds and to bring the VCP community together. The funds raised are used to enhance the boys’ learning and to give them a greater holistic school experience that wouldn’t normally be met by general school funding.
This year we have been able to repeat previous events and implement new ones. With the help of teachers and staff we were able to administer the boys’ own design of Christmas cards, which are always well received.
A solid fixture and fitting of the PTA is the 2HU Second Hand Uniform Shop, voluntarily run by parents. With our own shed we are fortunate to be able to hold plenty of stock and are grateful for all the generous donations.
The Fete, which while allowing the school community to come together and have fun with the backdrop of wonderful music performed by the boys, also teaches the boys the responsibility of being on time to run their stall, look after the customers, take in the money and generally see a small aspect of running a business. This said, Clare and the team of parents protect them from the harsh reality of setting up, organising, purchasing stock, sourcing equipment and clearing up which went on until after 6pm.
Parents organised two new events this year – the ‘World Cup’ Football Tournament in March, which the boys and parents loved, and the Euro Football Tournament in July. Parents dedicated a huge amount of time to organising these events.
Once again we organised the JCP VCP fun run/walk, bringing the 2 schools together for a healthy event at Les Quennevais, also a Bingo Night, the Friendship Walk and the basket raffle at Christmas time.
Sound equipment
A member of the parent community suggested our PA equipment was of poor quality and with fixed microphones limited the boys ability to perform. During Sports Day and the Fete we enjoyed new sound quality
and look forward to this new asset in the years to come.
The PTA has worked with teachers to create the VCP library as you come into the hall. We bought the shelves and the furniture to create the space. We also bought some books and enjoyed some hand me downs from our families. The boys now have a bright, new, quiet space for break time and some have taken on a librarian role so there are books to take home and read. On the back of this reading the successful Book Challenge was supported where boys had an age appropriate list of a famous author’s favourite books to read - could they manage 10? The PTA bought some further books to support this. Parents cheerfully did a lot of book covering and organising.
Greening up and shading the playground
Mrs Blackstone and Mrs Pateman are spearheading breaking up the outdoors tarmac landscape with all season planters so it really is a golden km rather than a grey km monthly fitness run. They are going to weave this resource into the science curriculum and work towards a school eco badge. Funds are also revitalising the neglected, inert pond and transforming the bank behind the Year 4 building into a meadow. Sadly we couldn’t fund the Year 4 boys’ idea for a moat so they could return to class after the golden km by boat, nor a high walkway back entrance bridge, but it’s good to know that architecture, design, fun and novelty are throbbing inside them.
Contributions to the school trips and leavers events
Learning, memories and friendships go wider than the VCP site and we were delighted to allow these events to materialise with some partial funding.
We are looking forward to an equally, if not more, packed academic year from September 2024 with the aforementioned events already scheduled. We are hoping to also incorporate some new and exciting events.
Finally I would like to thank helpers, staff, the committee and all who have contributed to and supported the events put on this year. Thank you.
Sam Naude Chairperson, VCP PTA
VCP continued their fine tradition of sporting success on the football field. The VCP squads achieved success with all teams in the league structures either winning their respective leagues or coming second.
The A team in particular capped a stellar season by winning the league and cup locally, but also went on to win the ESFA tournament in the Channel Islands. They backed this up by winning the South Regionals in Bristol and therefore making the National Finals (top 8 schools in the country) for the 6th time in 9 attempts. This officially makes VCP by far and away the most successful school for football in the country!
It was great to see the return of Hardball Cricket in the summer term, and VCP had 50 boys out playing on Saturday mornings against various other schools in the Island.
VCP also played with JCP in the Kwik Cricket leagues and it was great to see the pupils of both schools grow in confidence as the season progressed.
Trent Shield final is yet to be played!
The VCP squad had a wonderful trip to Loughborough for their tour and once again were fortunate enough to use the National Cricket Centre (home of the England team) for training purposes. They beat annual rivals Fairfield Prep in their first match and also managed a win against the Y7s from Loughborough Grammar.
The Hockey Club was the venue of the Primary Schools Hockey tournament, and VCP had a number of sides out who represented the school with a super attitude against some tough competition.
VCP enjoyed success in both Cross Countries, winning both Y6 events and coming second in the Y5 competition.
More success was experienced in the Primary Schools Athletic Championships as VCP won the inaugural Schools Cup. We also had numerous individual winners who were testament to all the hard work the boys put in during the fitness aspect of the PE lessons.
6
In September we had a whole school Multicultural Art Day. Each year group studied the art of a different continent:
Year 3 went on a journey to India and created some amazing Rangoli patterns on filter paper as well as some amazing elephants and fish designs.
Year 4’s art took them to South America, and they created some cheeky llamas and cacti paintings.
Year 5 journeyed to Africa producing some amazing giraffes, zebras and other animals as well as looking at Black History artists’ work.
Year 6 were inspired by Aboriginal art and created some amazing boomerangs using acrylic paints and lots of cotton buds.
Cathryn Ward, a local textile artist, came in to work with Year 3, Year 4 and Year 5.
Year 3 needle felted some Autumnal shapes which they then embellished and stitched on to some hessian.
Year 4 wet felted some flower designs inspired by their studies of Georgia O’Keeffe. They then needle felted more detail and stitched these designs on to hessian.
Year 5 followed their space studies which they covered in science. They made 3D spheres by wet felting and molding shapes, which they then embellished and with stars and rockets to make some amazing mobiles.
One Year 6 class went down to the Harbour Gallery and made some jolly clay snowmen and pots with a local artist.
In February 2024 we entered the French Eisteddfod poetry classes with some of our boys in Years 5 and 6. Year 6 boys performed their poems confidently and received some Gold and some Silver certificates. In Year 5 we had a lively performance from Andrei Fernandez, who jointly won the class and received a Platinum certificate. The other Year 5 boys also performed well and received Gold and Silver certificates. In addition to the poetry class, VCP entered a new class in the French Eisteddfod for this year: role play. Both Year 5 and Year 6 boys formed small groups to perform a role play which they had written and rehearsed. This was a tough competition, and the boys gave entertaining performances, receiving well-deserved Gold and Silver certificates.
At the recent Creative Arts Eisteddfod VCP entered 218 pieces into the Textiles and Needlework section. Overall 24 Platinum certificates, 112 Gold and 82 Silver certificates were awarded. We also managed to retain the Mirehouse Trophy for the third consecutive year as the school with the highest amount of points awarded. Individual successes came from Tom Le Quesne who was awarded the Eisteddfod Art Committee Cup and a Platinum certificate for his stitch work on his super Georgia O’ Keeffe inspired needle felting. Charles Morris was awarded the Mrs Porter Cup for the best piece of junior needlework for his amazing cushion.
Further success came in the Creative Art section with 2 Platinum certificates, 6 Silver and 7 Gold in the 2D section and a further 4 Gold and 7 Silver in the 3D section. Hugh Bosio impressed the judges with his amazing canvas work.
We are always asking for people who work in a STEM career to come in and speak to the boys. This year we welcomed Mrs Hacquoil who spoke to the pupils about her career as a clinical statistician, developing new medicines and Mr Slater who spoke about the use of generative AI. Both gave a fascinating insight into science careers and prompted lively debate within the classroom.
This year, the students of Year 6 embarked on an out-of-thisworld adventure in the hilarious and action-packed musical, “Star Warts.” The show took the audience on a journey to a galaxy far, far away, where they experienced the trials and tribulations of an interstellar battle between good, evil, and downright weird.
This quirky musical followed Luke Warmwater and his aunt, Daft Ada in their lonely life on a secluded space station, Junction 51. But when Princess Nebula’s
ship crash lands into Luke’s bedroom, they soon learn of the evil Umpire and his dark desire to conquer the universe.
Along with Toby Wonky Nosebleed, Zak Solo and Nigel the Nookie, they follow Princess Nebula in her rebellion. Aboard the Millenium Penguin, they whizz warp-speed through the galaxy to the Umpire’s High Tower on Planet Wimbledonia where they battle, have family reunions and finally join forces, leaving evil plans behind them.
“Star Warts” featured catchy songs, dynamic dance numbers, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. With its witty script and vibrant set designs, the musical was a delightful experience for the boys and the audience. The Year 6 students showcased their talents in acting, singing, and dancing, bringing this galactic tale to life with enthusiasm and skill.
Reflecting on the performance, it was clear that “Star Warts” was not just a show but a celebration of friendship, courage, and standing up for what’s right. The production left a lasting impression on everyone who attended, providing an evening of intergalactic fun and adventure that entertained and inspired. “Star Warts” will be remembered as a stellar show that highlighted the incredible talents and hard work of our Year 6 students.
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