Colfeian Magazine 2023-2024 by Datum Creative Media

Cover:

Torin and Isabella in The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾ The Musical, photographed by Mr I Bassett.

EDITOR: MS L CHAPMAN

WHAT’S INSIDE

51-55 Modern Languages

56-57 Geography

58-59 History

60-61 Religion & Philosophy

62-63 Classics

64-67 Music

68-69 Business, Economics & Politics

70 Computer Science

71 Media Studies

72-87 Drama

88-89 Design & Technology

90-96 Art & Photography

97-119 Physical Education

120-125 Old Colfeian Sport

126 Duke of Edinburgh

127 Outdoor Education

128-131 CCF

132-133 RAF

134-135 Partnerships

136-137 Equity, Diversion & Inclusion

138 Feminist Society

139-140 The Gambia Trip

141 Ski Trip

142-143 Junior School Staff

144-145 A Year in the Life of the Junior School

146 House Charities & Summer Fayre

147 Wonderful Workshops & Terrific Trips

148 Junior School Music

149-150 Junior School Performances

151-152 Prizegiving & Art Exhibition

153-154 Junior Sports Day

155 A Reading School

141

146

148

151

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

EX OFFICIO

The Master of the Leathersellers’ Company

Mark Williams

APPOINTED BY THE FOUNDATION TRUSTEE

Matthew Pellereau BSc FRICS (Chairman)

Daniel Coulson BSc (Hons) MA MRICS (Vice Chairman)

Serena Cooke

Edward Dove

Timothy Lister FCA

James Russell BA

Mark Russell

Prof Laura Tunbridge

CO-OPTATIVE DIRECTORS (APPOINTED BY COLFE’S)

Julie Bradley LLB

Belinda Canham BA (Hons) JP (Safeguarding)

John Guyatt MA (Oxon)

Dr Nicola Jones (Cantab)

Joseph Mafe BSc

Christopher Ramsey MA (Cantab)

Chairman of Governors, Matthew Pellereau, School Captains 2023-24, Fredrick Kasindi and Mirja Hjalm, Master of the Leathersellers’ Company, Mark Williams

SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM

Mr R Russell MA (Cantab) Headmaster

Mrs D Graham GRSM LRAM Deputy Head

Mr M Adamson MA (Cantab), FCA Bursar; Clerk to the Governors

Ms M.C. Gilfedder-Bonnar BSc (Hons), LLB (Hons), PGCE Head of Junior School

Mrs K Bridgman BA (Hons) Director of Admissions & Communications

Mr S Drury BA (Hons), MA Director of Sixth Form, Deputy Safeguarding Designated Person

Mrs J German BA (Hons) Director of Pastoral Care, Designated Safeguarding Lead

Ms M Schramm BA, MA Director of Studies

Mrs J Sansome BSc (Hons), MSc Director of Teaching & Learning Senior School

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY

Mrs N Gudge BA (Hons) Head of Department

Mrs J Burton BA (Hons) Head of House: Beardwood

Mrs D Feddes LLM

Mr R Sibley BA (Hons)

Mrs M Ward BA (Hons) Technician

Miss M Grassi BA Art Graduate Assistant

BUSINESS, ECONOMICS & POLITICS

Mr N Carter BA Head of Faculty

Mr M Cox BSc (Hons) Head of Business

Mr C Emmerich BA, MA, MSc Head of Economics

Mr M Poolton BA (Hons), MSc Head of Politics

Mr M Amran BA (Hons)

Mr S Drury BA (Hons), MA Director of Sixth Form, Deputy Safeguarding Designated Person

Miss K Lindley BSc (Hons) Head of House: Norton

CLASSICS

Mr H Biggs MA (Oxon) Head of Department

Miss H Batten MA (Cantab) Assistant Director of Sixth Form Academic (UCAS)

Mrs A Bendall BA (Hons)

Mr R Russell MA (Cantab) Headmaster

Mr D Titcombe BA (Hons)

Mr S Wakeham BA (Hons), MA

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Mrs K Walsh BA (Hons) Head of Department

Miss C Beale BSc (Hons), MA Digital Learning Co-ordinator

Miss J Li-Sue BA (Hons) DipNFTS Head of House: Prendergast

Mr G Sycamore BA, Dip MusEd

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

Ms R Mott BA (Hons) Head of Department

Mrs C Cox BA (Hons) Head of Department

Ms Y Bellis, BA (Hons)

Mr P Mayes BA (Hons) Assistant DofE Expedition Manager

Ms M Way BA (Hons)

Technicians

Mr C Bradford

Mrs E Chereau

DRAMA

Ms N Maher BA (Hons), Acting Dip Director of Drama

Ms E Johnson BA (Hons)

Mrs S Diamond BA, MA

Mrs D Sutherland BA (Hons) Assistant Head of Year 7, Assistant PSHEE Co-ordinator

Mr R Peters BA (Hons)

Theatre Technician

ENGLISH

Mrs K Guy BA (Hons) Head of Department

Miss F Anand BA

Miss A Flegg BA (Hons) KS5 Co-ordinator

Mr T Cook BA (Hons)

KS3 Co-ordinator, Enrichment Co-ordinator, Y7-11

Ms S Diamond BA, MA

Mrs S Duke BA (Hons)

Mr J Hope BA (Hons), MA

Debating Co-ordinator, Assistant Head of House, Beardwood

Miss C Norton BA (Hons)

Miss M Schramm BA, MA Director of Studies

Ms M Solley

GEOGRAPHY

Mrs H Nissinen BSc (Hons), MA Head of Department

Mrs F McAuliffe BSc (Hons)

Miss C Shanks BA (Hons)

Mr O Snell BSc (Hons), MSc Assistant Director of Studies

Mr W Walker BSc (Hons)

HISTORY

Ms O Crummay MSc Head of Department, CCF

Miss M Forbes BA (Hons)

KS3 Co-ordinator

Mr F Mashiter MA

Ms G. Needham-Bennett BA (Hons)

LEARNING SUPPORT

Miss A Coode BA (Hons) Head of Department

Mrs S Beard

Assistant Director of Learning Support, Assistant Head of Y7

Mrs S Duke BA (Hons)

Mrs J Francis BSc (Hons)

Learning Support Assistants

Mrs F Hale

Mrs R Jagger BA (Hons)

Mrs C Scanlan BSc

Ms N Thornhill BA (Hons)

Miss L Vallance-Bull BA

LIBRARY

Mrs H Englefield BA (Hons), Dip Lib

Head Librarian

Mrs T Carter BA (Hons) Library Assistant

MATHEMATICS

Mr A Guy MEng (Hons) Head of Department

Dr C Buescu BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD KS5 Co-ordinator

Mr E Hughes MEng

KS4 Co-ordinator, Assistant Head of House: Bramley

Miss C Beale BSc (Hons), MA

Digital Learning Co-ordinator

Mrs P Bharat Hirani BSc (Hons)

KS3 Co-ordinator

Miss C Hotchkies MEng

Mr S Chimmalgi MSc

Miss M Collett BSc, MSc

Assistant Head of House: Norton

Mrs E Cordell BSc (Hons)

Miss K Lindley BSc (Hons)

Head of House: Norton

Mrs J Sansome BSc (Hons), MSc

Director of Teaching & Learning

Mrs C Santry BSc (Hons)

Assistant Director of Sixth Form (Pastoral)

MEDIA STUDIES

Mr C Foxall BA (Hons)

Head of Department

Miss J Li-Sue BA (Hons), Dip NFTS

Head of House: Prendergast, Co-ordinator of ICT and Computing

Mr J Osei-Tutu BA (Hons), MA

Head of PHSEE, Head of Year 7

Mr Y Cheung BA (Hons)

Media Technician

MODERN LANGUAGES

Mr M Koutsakis MA

Head of Department, Head of German

Miss L Chapman BA (Hons)

Head of Spanish, Editor of The Colfeian

Mrs C Davies BA (Hons)

Head of French,

Assistant Director of Schools Partnerships, EDI Co-ordinator

Mrs E Biggs BSc (Hons), MA

Lead Trainer

Ms G Frate BA, MA

Mrs J German BA (Hons)

Director of Pastoral Care (Designated Safeguarding Lead)

Mr S Ollerenshaw BA (Hons)

Mrs A Lukawska BA

Mrs K Thomsen MA

Miss G Walton-Green BA (Hons)

MUSIC

Mr T Newberry BA (Hons), Dip ABRSM Director of Music

Miss E Bryden BA (Hons)

Mrs D Graham GRSM LRAM

Deputy Head

Mr G Sycamore BA, Dip MusEd Teacher of Music, Music Technician

Miss L Salter MMus, DipLCM Musician in Residence

Ms J Barber BA (Hons) Music Administrator

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Major C Cherry BSc (Hons) Head of Department, Duke of Edinburgh Award

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Mrs N Rayes BEd (Hons), EMBA Director of Sport, KS5 Co-ordinator

Mr A Bateson BA (Hons) Assistant Director of Sport, Master in charge of Rugby

Ms H Russell BSc (Hons) KS4 Co-ordinator, Head of Netball

Mr C Barthorp BA Head of Football

Mr C Collins MSc

Ms R Hughes-Bunn BA (Hons)

Miss S Manzi BA (Hons) Head of Swimming

Miss A Owen BSc (Hons) Head of Hockey

Mr O Nash BSc

Mr J Potter BA (Hons) Head of Cricket, Assistant Head of House: Prendergast Graduate Sports Assistants

Mr C Harris BSc

Mr T Lam BA (Hons)

Mr S Leamon MSc (Hons)

Mrs C Waters BSc PE Department Administrator

RELIGION & PHILOSOPHY

Ms Z Kendrick BA (Hons), MEd Head of Department, Director of School Partnerships

Ms A Rycroft BSc Assistant Head PSHEE

Miss L Wraw BA (Hons) Head of House: Bramley

SCIENCE - BIOLOGY

Dr G Zimmermann BSc, PhD Head of Biology, Head of Science

Mrs H Clough BSc

Dr S Ibendahl PhD

Mr C Morriss BSc (Hons) Head of Student Leadership, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Person

Miss A Pavesi BSc (Hons)

Assistant Head of Y7

Mrs B Smith BSc (Hons), MA Lead Science Practitioner

SCIENCE - CHEMISTRY

Mr T Armstrong BSc (Hons)

Head of Chemistry

Mrs R Hooks MSci

Mr J Kiddey BSc (Hons)

Ms E Moore MChem

Overseas University Application Co-ordinator

Mr J Worley BSc (Hons), DIS

Assistant Director of Pastoral Care

SCIENCE - PSYCHOLOGY

Dr J Lea PhD, BSc (Hons) Head of Psychology, Master in charge of Work Experience

Mrs L Dunster BSc (Hons)

Mrs D McKay BA (Hons) Eudaimonia Co-ordinator

SCIENCE - PHYSICS

Mr J Fishwick BSc (Hons) Head of Physics

Mx J Ariti-Alamonte BA

Mr M Hillmer BSME MS

Dr S Jangra, MEng (Hons), MScR, MRes, PhD University Medical Applications Co-ordinator

Mrs J De Bolla Senior Technician

Mrs J Greenshields BSc (Hons), CBiol, MSB Physics Technician

Mrs J Kalaravy BSc

Chemistry Technician

Mrs C Smales BSc (Hons) KS3 Technician

COMBINED CADET FORCE

Mr R Roberts BSc (Hons) Commanding Officer

WO2 A Coyle SPSI

SUPPORT STAFF

Mrs A Salmon CSBM

Executive Assistant to the Headmaster

Mrs K Bridgman BA (Hons) Director of Admissions & Communications

Mrs K McNeill BA (Hons) Director of Development

Mrs E Foster BA (Hons) Donor Relations and Engagement Manager

Mrs P Willis Development Assistant

Mrs N Entwistle BA (Hons) Communications Manager

Mrs H Phipps BSc (Hons) Admissions Manager

Mrs E Silk BA (Hons) Admissions & Communications Officer

Mrs M Tranter BA (Hons) Admissions Officer

Fr S Hall BA, MA (Oxon) School Chaplain

Mrs D Bean BA (Hons) Head of Careers

Mrs L Banks Archivist

Miss H Roberts BSc (Hons)

Examinations Officer, Cover Manager

Mrs M Bassett MSc

Sixth Form Administrative Co-ordinator

Ms M Kane BSc

Office Manager

Mrs J Pickering

Deputy Office Manager

Administrative Officers

Miss H Arnold BSc

Miss M Goomany BA (Hons)

Mr S Anthony BEng (Hons)

Data Manager

BURSARIAL STAFF

Mr M Adamson MA Cantab, FCA Bursar & Clerk to Governors

Ms P Keogh BSc (Hons) Bursar’s Secretary

Mrs C Finch BA (Hons), FCCA Assistant Bursar

Bursary Assistants

Mrs L Moules

Mrs E Fitzpatrick BA (Hons)

Mrs C Conti

Bursary and Admissions Assistant

Mrs A Ross MA

Human Resources

Mr N Bradford

Operations Director

Mr M Lawrie-Raison

Operations Manager

Mr P Montague BSc (Hons)

Projects & Estate Manager

Network Technicians

Mr N Constant

Mr S O’Hara

Mr O Almenoar

IT Support Technician and Administrator

Mr I Bassett

School Technician & Photographer

Mrs K Bateson

School Nurse

Dr N Lawrence MBBS, BSc, MRCGP, DRCOG, DFSRH

School Doctor

Mrs K Kashif BEd (Cantab), MACounsPsych, Reg BACP (Accred)

School Counsellor

Mr L Almenoar BA

Leisure Centre

Mr P Taylor

Premises Manager

Mr A Hammett

Deputy Premises Manager

Ms S Stone

Site Support Administrator

Maintenance

Mr L Keswick

Mr J Coombes

Schoolkeepers

Mr G Dymond

Mr J Hammett

Mr M Habgood

Mr J Verlander

Mr I Whitlock

Mr B Atkins

Head Groundsman

Groundsmen

Mr S Bullen

Mr B King

Mr P Reed

Ms A Jakiene

Catering Manager

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE

The academic year began on a high with some fantastic GCSE and A level results which underscored the postpandemic upward trajectory of the school.

80% of GCSE entries were graded in the top 9-7 category and 87% of A levels were graded A*/A/B. It is now clear that the integration of Microsoft Surface technology into class work and homework, which was a direct consequence of lockdown, has improved the organisation and effectiveness of pupils throughout the Senior School. I would stress, however, that the collective efforts of my teaching colleagues were a still more important factor in determining this historically high success rate.

Achievement at such a high level opens many doors. Four pupils won places at Oxford or Cambridge and six were successful with applications for Medicine or Veterinary Science. We are also seeing an increase in the number of pupils who are choosing not to follow conventional degree courses and opting for degree apprenticeships instead. This year’s leavers have won places at Goldman Sachs, Astra Zeneca, BDO, Bloomberg, Ernst and Young, PwC and Deutsche Bank.

Individuals and teams continued to excel in competitive sport, with a Year 9 girl representing Great Britain in Fencing and a Year 12 boy getting called up for the England U17 rugby squad which toured South Africa this summer. Three Old Colfeians have been signed up by professional football clubs, for West Ham, Arsenal and Derby County.

The end of the academic year saw the retirement of Mrs Jane German after 28 years at Colfe’s. Her massive contribution to the success of the school was acknowledged by all at the end of the Summer Term and her dedication and compassion will be hugely missed. She has earned her retirement more than most and we hope very much that it will be long and rewarding.

On a related theme, readers may have heard that I will be retiring myself at the end of the coming academic year after two very happy decades at Colfe’s during which I have enjoyed the friendship and support of countless members of the Colfeian community. I was delighted to hear of the appointment of Mr Dan Gabriele as my successor. Having spent time with him already, I feel very confident that the school will be in safe hands.

For now, however, we are all looking forward to the excitement of a new school year, confident that the school will continue to thrive.

With best wishes to all.,

Richard Russell, Headmaster

STAFF NEWS

Leaving us to move to pastures new after one to two years of service at Colfe’s are Ellen Bryden (Music), Alex Flegg (English) and Ella Johnson (Drama). All three have made a significant contribution to the life of the school, and we wish them well for the future. Christian Emmerich (Economics), Edward Hughes (Mathematics), Alice Pavesi (Biology) and Will Walker (Geography) are moving on after three to four years of service. Christian joined the Economics Department and was quickly and deservedly promoted to the Head of Economics role. Edward has made a fantastic contribution to the Mathematics Department as the Second in Charge and will also be sorely missed by the Music Department for his superb singing voice. Alice joined us as a trainee and has become an experienced and highly regarded member of the Biology Department. Will has been an excellent colleague, both as a central part of the successful Geography team and for his outstanding contribution to the co-curricular life of the school.

We also say farewell to Onor Crummay (History) and Kristin Thomsen (Modern Languages) who leave us after four and six years respectively. Onor has led the History Department with passion and commitment whilst playing a pivotal role in the CCF. Kristin will be very much missed in the Modern Languages Team where she has been a highly regarded colleague and teacher of German.

Mike Cox and Gary Sycamore have been at Colfe’s for 8 and 12 years respectively. They will both be very much missed, leaving behind a legacy of committed and passionate teaching. We wish Mike all the very best in his new role and Gary a very happy retirement.

And finally, Jane German leaves Colfe’s to retire after 28 years. She has served the school in many different roles over the course of her time here and has excelled at them all. In her final role, as Director of Pastoral Care for the past eight years, she has been a simply superb colleague. She leaves behind a legacy of the highest standards of pastoral care and will be very much missed by pupils, parents and colleagues. We all wish her the very best for the next exciting chapter.

Thank you to all departing colleagues for all their commitment, hard work and contribution to the success of the school.

Donna Graham, Deputy Head

THE COLFE SERMON

Abraham Colfe was born on 7th August 1580 in Canterbury. He was a third-generation immigrant, a religious refugee whose Huguenot grandparents had fled after the wars of religion in France. He was Fr Steve’s illustrious predecessor here, appointed Vicar on 18th April 1610 and dying here, in Lewisham, on 5th December 1657. By the terms of his will of the previous September (7th September 1656) he left a bequest to endow the grammar school that he had founded in 1652, intending it to be for 31 boys drawn from across the Blackheath Hundred.

I rather suspect that we do not think of Jesus as a teller of jokes. However, there are, in his exchanges with the scribes and Pharisees, occasions of witty repartees that can be construed as such. Some, if not quite laugh out loud belly laughs, are also, like all the best jokes, half concealed with an unexpected punch line.

His choice of a name for the man who becomes his closest disciple, the apostle Simon Peter, is perhaps the most famous example although the joke only properly works in Aramaic and, as it happens in French, the language of Abraham Colfe’s Huguenot grandparents, Almundus and his wife, who were Huguenots who fled from Calais when it was seized from the English by the Catholic French in 1558.

Then, leaving behind their family’s estates at Guînes, in the Pas de Calais, next to the Field of the Cloth of Gold, the Colfes crossed the Channel in small boats and lived in Sandwich, which the English ring-fenced for asylum seekers, rather like Sangatte, before they were later allowed to move to Canterbury to occupy former monastic properties in a city that rapidly became a centre for foreign Protestant settlers. I doubt the young Abraham Colfe had a satellite dish for Sky TV growing up, but his uncle became a Canon of Canterbury when he was a kid (1581).

In the district of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus, according to Matthew’s Gospel account (Matthew XVI, 13 – 20), asked his disciples who he was known as by those who flocked to hear him. Various answers (John the Baptist, Elijah, and Jeremiah) were suggested, and Jesus asked outright whom they thought he was.

Simon, son of Jonah, as their spokesman acclaimed him, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God,’ prompting Jesus to give him a nickname or a surname. ‘You are Peter and, on this rock (πέτρά in the Greek) I will build my church.’

I assure you the joke works better in Aramaic but sadly Aramaic-speaking Christians are now few and far between, having been persecuted and forced illegally from their homes and villages in the Holy Land ever since 1948 although some dialectal forms survive in the Diaspora of north west Syria, south eastern Turkey and in parts of Armenia and Georgia, lands far from those known to Jesus and his first disciples.

Jesus and his disciples, however, spoke in Aramaic so what we have in the New Testament Gospels are largely texts translated from Aramaic into Greek, or at least rendered into Greek given that the first gospel accounts would have been in an oral tradition.

‘You are Peter and, on this rock, (πέτρά in the Greek) I will build my church.’

Alongside the word πέτρά for rock, is the New Testament Greek for a stone, λίθος that occurs some sixty times in the New Testament. It gives us words like ‘lithograph’ and ‘monolith.’

These are the stones that the Devil taunted Jesus to change into bread (Matthew IV, 3) when he was tempted in the wilderness for forty days

after his Baptism in the River Jordan and ‘The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner; this was the Lord’s doing and it is marvellous in our eyes’ (Matthew XXI, 42)

And at the burial of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea directed Jesus’s body be laid ‘in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock (πέτρά), and he rolled a great stone (λίθος) to the door of the sepulchre and departed’ (Matthew XXVII, 60)

Saint Paul, proud of his inheritance as a Jew trained in a rabbinic school would have known the Temple of Solomon, the building of which we heard in the first reading, the place where the Israelites believed their God YHWH dwelt in Jerusalem (I Kings, VI, 1 – 13)

That temple was destroyed and razed to the grounds by the Romans in the year 70, but Paul would have had it in mind when addressing the church in Corinth. Some Orthodox Jews want to rebuild it in our own day.

Writing in Greek, Paul (who would not speak Aramaic) stresses (I Corinthians III, 9 -11):

For we are God’s servants, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Each builder must choose with care how to build on it. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ.

The foundation, the substrata, hewn from rock on which a stone edifice is to be built, is to be richly decorated, but he goes on to issue a warning of which all rogue builders need to be cognisant:

Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw the work of each builder will become visible, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each has done. If what has been built on the foundation survives, the builder will receive a reward. If the work is burned, the builder will suffer loss; the builder will be saved, but only as through fire.

Abraham Colfe, by his 1652 charity for 31 poor scholars of the Blackheath Hundred, laid the foundation for a school that thrives to this day. He did so in the conviction of a believing Christian that in following the Way, the path set before us by Christ, we can seek the Truth and together we can come to understand something of our inheritance in Eternal Life.

That was not just the piety of his age as it remains the Faith of many to this day, here in Lewisham and across the globe, where there are more Christians alive and practising their faith than in Colfe’s own lifetime, but it is also the bedrock for your school that today welcomes so many with the open arms that Christians believe support us daily, with the generosity that comes from being assured of God’s love and welcome for all, regardless of race, colour, gender or social status, and that believes that in sharing knowledge, in learning from one another and in seeking the Truth we become better citizens both in the world and (for those of us who believe in the Risen Lord of Easter and him ascended and glorified) in the world to come.

The Revd Canon Dr Nicholas W S Cranfield FSA, Vicar, All Saints’ Blackheath

CHARITIES

As has become a regularity at Colfe’s, pupils, staff and parents weighed in with a fantastic year of charitable fundraising full of effort and enthusiasm.

A wide variety of events were once again planned and undertaken, with individuals, groups of friends and House teams contributing to support a wide range of worthy causes. Overall, we raised a grand total of £27,295.44 as well as donating many useful goods and items in addition as usual. As ever, I would like to thank everyone who ran an event or contributed in any way to this brilliant effort. I would also like to express the school’s continued gratitude to The Leathersellers’ Company for their matched funding scheme, now in its ninth year of operation, which allows fundraising pupils to apply for matched funding for their charitable donations from an annual kitty. Pupils submit an online proposal form to The Leathersellers’, detailing their plans and chosen charity, for consideration. This has now led to around £45,000 of donations to school fundraising initiatives in the lifetime of the scheme.

The charitable year has fallen into a regular pattern in recent years, but a pattern that is always embellished by pupils suggesting extra fundraising causes and events. This academic year kicked off as usual with two events early in September; Jeans for Genes Day quickly followed by the ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’ for Macmillan Cancer Support. On Jeans for Genes Day, pupils donated money to wear their own casual clothes to school and ended up raising £1485.33 to help children with life changing genetic disorders.

After this, the Sixth Form students, expertly guided by Mrs Santry, once again organised a large and successful bake sale in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support. These cakes proved very popular with pupils and staff alike and an overall total of £584 was raised (which included a matched funding donation from The Leathersellers’ Company). Later in the term the Sixth Form also organised their annual raffle, this time supporting the charity Tushinde Children’s Trust, which does valuable work supporting vulnerable children and families in the settlements surrounding Nairobi in Kenya. A total of £133 was raised and again The Leathersellers’ Company then matched this, so thank you to them and to the Sixth Form fundraising team.

Talking of Sixth Formers, Year 13 pupil Isaac (Beardwood House) ran the Royal Parks half marathon in the Autumn Term for the Norrie Disease Foundation and raised an impressive total of £1835 for them, which included a

donation from The Leathersellers’ Company, so well done to him. The new Year 7 cohort continued the recently established tradition of being in charge of fundraising efforts for Children In Need and this, in addition to the Autumn Term outdoor pursuits, helps to galvanise them as a year group as well as raising money for a good cause. Led by Mr Osei-Tutu, Miss Pavesi and Mrs Taylor, Year 7 put on what has, I believe, been officially confirmed as the senior school’s biggest and most successful ever bake sale which eventually raised £870, and this was then match-funded by The Leathersellers’ Company for a grand total of £1740 donated –a really great effort and thank you to all involved.

Each academic year, the pupils in our senior school Houses continue to choose a charity (or charities) to support for the duration of the year and carry out their principal fundraising during their allotted House Charity Week. This year was yet another great example of how the student House leaders work with each other, younger House pupils, and House staff to ensure that as many people as possible contribute to the fundraising efforts. It was Prendergast House’s turn to go first and Miss Li-Sue, Mr Potter and the Prendergast student House leaders organised a week of events to collect donations supporting three different charities – British Heart Foundation, London Air Ambulance and Versus Arthritis. Activities included a bake sale, a football penalty shootout tournament, a chocolate tombola, a cinema screening of The Grinch and a hot chocolate sale. Overall, a total of £816

(including Leathersellers’ matched funding) was split between Prendergast’s three chosen charities.

As Christmas approached, we made our annual appeal for food and essential items to give to projects helping those in need during the festive season. This year, we continued our support of the Helping Hands Food Bank, part of a project called Action for Refugees in Lewisham (AFRIL) run partly by the Church of the Good Shepherd with St Peter, Lee. We also continued our support of the Trussell Trust Lewisham Food Bank. In addition, we also collected sanitary goods, blankets and clothing for the Solace Women’s Aid charity. Thanks to the continued generosity of pupils, parents and staff, around £500 of food and items were again collected, split between these three charities and donated via a very full school minibus.

FemSoc, led enthusiastically this year by Miss Flegg and Miss Solley, were behind the expanded goods donations to Solace and they also raised £608 for the Women for Women charity, with that total including a donation from The Leathersellers’ Company. Lastly, we also held our annual Christmas Jumper non-uniform day in aid of Save The Children that raised £1279, again with some truly awesome/awful jumpers on display.

After Christmas it was Beardwood’s turn to fundraise via their charity week, and they chose to support two local charities – Greenwich Night Shelter and Lewisham Foodbank (Trussell

Trust). The student House leaders organised a fun week of fundraising that included a Krispy Kreme donut sale (always popular), a table tennis tournament, football penalty shoot-out competition, and lastly a ‘soak the teacher’ event. I must at this point, as ever, offer up a huge vote of thanks to all my colleagues who volunteered to subject themselves to this in the name of a good cause. A lot of fun was had over the course of the week and overall a grand total of £1104, which includes Leathersellers’ matched funding, was split between the two charities.

Also early in the Spring term, the Senior School held a non-uniform donation day in aid of the ongoing Kotu School project in The Gambia. More information on that can be found in the separate Gambia article and £1453 was raised. Towards the end of the Spring term, another non-uniform day also raised £1429 for Comic Relief. Lastly, Bramley House put on their charity week for Cancer Research UK. Miss Wraw, Mr Hughes and their student House leaders organised an action-packed week including food sales, a pupil vs. staff football match that proved incredibly popular and, of course, more soaking of teachers with sponges and buckets (again, thank you to all staff for taking part so selflessly in these events). A good time was had by all and a total (inclusive of matched funding) of £1284 was donated.

The start of the Summer term saw many staff embark on myriad charity fundraising activities, supported in part by student and parent donations. Mr Barthorp and Miss Russell both ran the London Marathon, raising over £6000 between them for Propsect Hospice and The London Samaritans. One of our peripatetic piano teachers also ran the marathon, raising £2363 for Ukraine Aid. WO2 Coyle, our CCF Quartermaster, jumped out of a plane (with a parachute) and skydived in aid of British Heart Foundation to raise £290 and Miss Bellis completed her swimming project to donate £2060 to Macmillan Cancer Support. Finally, Mrs Bassett completed her Trek26 event to raise £610 for Alzheimer’s Society. Thank you to all these staff for their fundraising efforts and thanks to all staff, pupils and parents who supported them.

Following on from a suggestion by a parent to support Epilepsy Society as part of epilepsy awareness day, and a visit to the Sixth Form by the Oddballs charity raising awareness of testicular cancer, a little research showed that both charities had the same fundraising idea – donate to wear purple for a day. So, we did, with many pupils joining in and raising £225 to split between the two causes, as well as raising awareness of both issues on the day.

Norton were the last House to undertake their dedicated charity week this year and they chose to support the three charities being fundraised for in memory of Rycroft Foster – Colchester Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital and SDS UK. This week involved more food sales, more pupil vs. staff football matches and more soaking of my very tolerant colleagues. Thank you to everyone involved in this week – overall Norton raised £1039 (inclusive of Leathersellers’ matched funding) to be split between the three charities.

All these fundraising successes would not be possible without the tireless efforts of pupils, staff and parents at Colfe’s, and I would once again like to sincerely thank them all for their dedication to charitable giving this year. I would also like to again thank The Leathersellers’ Company for their continued support of our charitable fundraising via the matched funding scheme. It has been another year of enthusiastic and innovative fundraising by so many and I look forward to more of the same come the Autumn of 2024.

Chris Morriss, Head of Student Leadership

A YEAR OF COMMUNITY, CELEBRATION AND CHARITABLE SUCCESS!

As the school year draws to a close, we reflect on a period brimming with community spirit, fun celebrations, and impactful charitable efforts. The Parents and Friends Association (PAFA) is proud to share the highlights of a year that not only continued our most popular events, but also embraced some new ones too.

Our year commenced with a delightful Family Picnic on the school field - an opportunity for families to bond and for new students to integrate into our vibrant community. We welcomed Jambs Owls to the event, and children and adults alike enjoyed having the chance to meet and hold some of the owls. Thanks go to the Sixth Form pupils who helped entertain the children with bubbles and games. Despite an early conclusion due to rain, the spirit of camaraderie shone through, and we eagerly anticipate sunnier skies for our next gathering.

The Autumn Term was marked by our signature events: the annual fireworks show and the Christmas Fair. The former, a visual spectacle hosted at Old Colfeians, saw tickets vanish within the first day of going on sale, a testament to its enduring popularity. This year we were blessed with better weather and the fireworks were as spectacular as always. We’re grateful to everyone who helps make this event such a success –volunteers, staff, teachers and the CCF (who delivered another great BBQ to keep us all fed!).

December saw another popular Christmas Fair with many favourite stalls making a return, alongside some new additions. We’re pleased to have delivered our most successful Christmas fair ever and raised over £4,700! A massive thanks also goes to Paul, a Year 5 dad, who was able to triple a large part of this donation through his work’s charity match scheme, meaning we could donate an amazing £11,850 to our three worthy charities: Young Minds, The Christmas Dinner Project & Greenwich Wildlife Network.

In December we also hosted our first wine tasting event, in partnership with another Paul (an ex-Colfeian) from Wildwood Vineyard. Paul talked us through his journey to creating his wines, while attendees got on with the serious work of tasting them. We followed this event up with a beer tasting in the Spring term, with Bexley Brewery. The family team shared their passion for brewing as attendees got to try a number of their most popular brews. Both events were a resounding success and offered a taste of local craftsmanship.

We finished the Autumn term off with a fun Santa Dash for junior pupils across the school field. The children all enjoyed this light-hearted event with many wanting to go back for another run!

During the Spring term we hosted the annual KS2 Disco. The kids all had a wonderful time - with the bubbles and foam machine massive hits. There were even a few cheeky teacher dance moves witnessed! Thank you to everyone who helped make the event such a success, as always! As a new addition for our younger pupils, we also organised a KS1 Magic Show during the Spring term. Amigo’s Magic came into school to astound the children with a fun and energetic show. He even made a real, live rabbit disappear!

‘We have continued with termly MAD Days, with great success and the local foodbanks which we have supported have received these donations with great thanks.’

Our first pub quiz in six years, hosted at Old Colfeians and run by Jonathan, a reception dad, was a huge success. Jonathan expertly took us through a delightful challenge of wits and creativity, even tasking us to build the tallest tower out of marshmallows and spaghetti! Massive thanks go to the winning team who kindly donated their prize back to PAFA.

During the Easter holidays we repeated our popular Easter Trail, where 20 parents who live close to the school kindly put up posters in their windows. Children followed the map to spot the posters and enter for a chance to win an Easter prize. We’re hoping to make this an even bigger event next year with more posters to spot!

Last year we launched Make A Difference (MAD) Days, where we collect food or household items to donate to local foodbanks and charities. We received great feedback from parents on how this prompted conversations with children regarding the need to support our local community. We have continued with termly MAD Days, with great success and the local foodbanks which we have supported have received these donations with great thanks. A particularly popular collection was of Easter treats and it was a delight to see the joy on the faces of those who the donations reached. Thank you to everyone who continues to support our MAD Days.

Our Used Uniform sales continue to be extremely popular amongst both junior and senior families. These sales not only generate funds for PAFA, but they also provide cost-effective options for families and reduce the need for clothes to reach landfill. We have forecast for the profits from our uniform sales to decrease in the next school year, while we wait for new style uniform items to be donated. As these sales continue to give a solid boost to our PAFA fundraising, please do think of donating any outgrown new style uniform (especially sports kit) to us. A lot goes on behind the scenes to enable these sales to go ahead and a huge thanks goes out to our wonderful volunteers who help sort, pick and pack the items!

PAFA volunteers continue to tackle the mammoth task of junior school lost property on a weekly basis, returning labelled items to their rightful

owners. Please remember to label all your items to give the team a chance of getting them returned! A new lost property shed is currently on order and we’re hopeful it will ease finding lost items in the new school year.

As well as organising events to bring our school community together, another of PAFA’s objectives is to fundraise throughout the year. This money then allows us to support the school by buying the ‘nice to haves’ that enrich the pupils’ school experience. Throughout the year we received funding requests from many school departments, which are presented at the termly PAFA meetings and, along with Mr Russell and the meeting attendees, we have approved many items for purchase which the children have been enjoying. A few examples of the items we have funded are:

• EYFS outdoor wellie storage

• House flags

• Senior School table tennis tables and basketball hoops

• Senior library jigsaws and games

• KS1 library carpet and supplies

• Junior pop-up football goals

• Camera lenses and timelapse cameras (Junior and Senior School)

• Sewing machines and equipment

• Junior School book vending machine

• Playground storage and equipment (games, balls, bikes, chalk, plants and planters, to name but a few)

• Senior DJ Club equipment

• Water polo costumes

Our PAFA reps and volunteers have been the backbone of our success, from managing lost property to organising events. Their dedication is the engine that drives our initiatives forward and we thank them all!

For more information on anything PAFA related please email pafa@colfes.com

PAFA Team - Nerida, Suzanne, Duncan, Pritie & Steve

DEVELOPMENT & ALUMNI RELATIONS

MEET A FORMER LEATHERSELLER SCHOLAR

Joseph Mafe: OC 2014 and current School Governor

Joseph left Colfe’s in 2014, having joined from Conisborough College in Year 12 with a Leatherseller Scholarship. On hearing about the scholarship programme, he immediately recognised “this is an opportunity, something that could aid me in achieving the kind of life that I want”. Joseph was also excited about our range of sports, especially rugby, something he gravitated towards. He created life-changing friendships; some of the friends he met at Colfe’s were his groomsmen and even introduced him to his wife.

He remembers being inspired to attend maths clinics, something that would not have been offered at his previous school. These helped him to make an academic step-up, and he went on to read Maths at the University of Bristol. He compliments the teachers who “took time out of their own breaks in order to help the students”.

Today Joseph is our youngest school governor, having been appointed in May 2020. He is a role model and is proud of the equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) progress that the school is continuously making. As well as his role within our school, Joseph is an ACA qualified accountant at KPMG, one of the largest accounting firms in the world.

100% Scholarships: Every year, up to 12 pupils from non-privileged backgrounds at state schools across south-east London are awarded means-tested, 100% scholarships to join Colfe’s Sixth Form. Named our Leatherseller Scholars, these pupils are academically bright but often qualify for free school meals, and many have no access to a sixth form at their current schools.

10% on Free School Meals: Because of our Leatherseller Scholarship Programme, 10% of pupils in our Sixth Form qualify for free school meals, compared to an average of 3% at state grammar schools.

100+ Pupils since 2009: The Leathersellers’ Foundation helped launch this programme, and since 2009 have funded over 100 pupils. Today, their grants are combined with donations from our wider community, which are donated to the Colfe’s Charitable Trust and earmarked for these scholarships.

100+ Applicants: Knowledge of the success of our programme is widespread within the neighbourhood and at the local state schools with whom we have strong partnerships. As such, we are overflowing with interest: More than 100 applicants compete annually for these prestigious scholarships.

Help us continue our Leatherseller Scholarship Programme and support more pupils like Joseph. Learn how you can donate to the Colfe’s Charitable Trust today by visiting www.colfes.com/alumnidevelopment/support-us/ways-to-give

Samantha, Year 12

‘There were opportunities I got at Colfe’s that, at the time, I don’t think I would have got anywhere else.’

Joseph Mafe

DONORS GIVE £2.3 MILLION TO THE LEATHERSELLER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

How the Colfe’s Charitable Trust is helping the Leatherseller Scholarship Programme become self-sustaining into the future.

Established in 1978 as a vehicle for all donations to Colfe’s School, the Colfe’s Charitable Trust allocates gifts to the school based on donors’ intentions while also managing the investments of endowed gifts.

Last fiscal year, 94% of donors asked the Trust to direct their gift to the Leatherseller Scholarship Programme. Nearly £2.3 million from donors has been raised to date to support the Leatherseller Scholarship Programme As such, the Trust plays an instrumental role in ensuring the future of the Leatherseller Scholarship Programme.

The Trust relies on bequests, standing orders, one-off gifts and the interest from endowments to fund these scholars, and additional grants are made

HOW GIFTS IN WILLS TODAY HELP PUPILS TOMORROW

Colfe’s Charitable Trust receives £1.3M worth of legacy pledges of the living

Dozens of former pupils and friends of the school have left gifts in their wills to the Colfe’s Charitable Trust. In fact, over the last school year, the Development Office has secured £1.3M in legacy pledges of the living who plan to leave gifts in their wills. Many of their gifts are earmarked to support means-tested scholarships, which include our Leatherseller Scholarships – 100% awards for disadvantaged pupils from local state schools looking to join our Sixth Form. The Leathersellers’ Foundation and hundreds of other donors to the Trust have helped fund these scholarships today, but a gift in your will can help us guarantee the future of this programme.

Gifts in wills can be made in a variety of ways – a percentage of estate, a specific amount or shares. Beyond, the gift’s value won’t be counted towards inheritance tax, reducing what your beneficiaries have to pay. If you are interested in receiving a helpful brochure about leaving a gift in your own will, you can request this from development@colfes.com

from the Leathersellers’ Foundation. Whilst the school is deeply grateful to the Leathersellers for their ongoing support, Headmaster Richard Russell’s and the trustees’ long-term objective is for this scholarship programme to be fully endowed and self-sustaining in the future.

The Trust itself is comprised of six trustees, three of whom are Old Colfeians, and each brings a unique skillset to the role. While fundraising for the programme is managed by the school, the trustees attach huge importance to the scholarship programme, including their management of the Trust’s endowed investments. The Chairman of the Trust, Simon Polito, recognises the importance of the Leatherseller Scholarship Programme, stating that it can be “transformational to the lives of the scholars. We would very much like to see that continue long-term.”

The Trust is currently capable of fully funding three scholarships, with the aim of moving towards five in the future. With the help of further donations, the Trust would be able to fund even more scholarships, creating life-changing opportunities for more children across southeast London.

Ned, Year 12

Hear what our legacy intenders say about their decision to leave a gift in their own wills:

MAURICE CRAFT (OC 1950)

I joined Colfe’s Grammar School during World War Two. At that time, the London County Council offered scholarships to fee-paying secondary schools. I successfully passed an examination for one of these scholarships and entered Colfe’s in 1943. At age 16, lacking knowledge of professional career avenues – my parents were both manual workers – I left Colfe’s and became an office-boy. I remained in touch with friends at school, and after four months, I felt I had made a mistake. I visited the Headmaster and asked to re-join Colfe’s, and the Head agreed!

I returned to join the Sixth Form, passed the examinations and became a student at the London School of Economics. After graduation, and two

OLD COLFEIANS GATHER IN SYDNEY

Having received the Old Colfeian Society’s e-bulletins, alumnus Steve McDermott (OC 1993) contacted the Development Office about hosting a group of Old Colfeians residing in Australia.

We wrote to those living in Australia, asking them to get in touch with Steve to express interest in attending. As such, three OCs joined Steve at the Royal Exchange in Sydney in December 2023; Ian McLean (OC 1980), Jeremy Thorp (OC 1982) and Joe Millward (OC 1997). Because of our help, Steve is now in touch with eight other Old Colfeians living there, including Sam Howard (OC 2014), Peter Moon (OC 1958), and Ben Jenkins (OC 1993). There was great interest to host another meet-up again soon.

What motivated you to organise this gathering? As I’ve gotten older, I’ve appreciated what Colfe’s is and what it stands for. I wish I had put more into it at the time. It was an honour to try to do something positive for the school and perhaps add some small value to the Old Colfeian Society community.

Would you like to establish regular gatherings of OCs in Australia? Definitely. Having familiar faces and being part of a trusted group definitely holds some value; a support network, maybe business opportunities. One of the chaps who responded is circa 90 years old – I’m genuinely excited to meet him. The Old Colfeian Society has afforded me an opportunity I wouldn’t normally get in my peer group. So, for me, it was a chance to re-ground myself, remember where I’m from, and focus on those core values again. When I meet an OC, I have an immediate level of trust and respect just knowing they went through similar schooling and structure.

Ned,

Year 12

If you are also planning a reunion of classmates or wish to host an Old Colfeian gathering, our office can help! Do get in touch with alumni@colfes.com for assistance in connecting with other alumni.

years’ National Service in the Army, I worked in education, eventually becoming a Full Professor in several Universities in the UK, Australia and Hong Kong. I have always felt very grateful for the opportunities Colfe’s offered, and in particular for allowing me to return after leaving school at 16. I am including a gift in my will for the Colfe’s scholarship programme, which provides support to enable pupils of a similar background to benefit from what the school has to offer.

MARTIN CARTWRIGHT (OC 1962)

The Colfe’s community has been part of my life since the age of eleven when I started my education at the Lewisham grammar school. Lifelong friendships were forged, and life values instilled. My academic achievements may not have set the world ablaze, but the education I received has supported me all through

Alumna Anna Gregory (OC 1992) and current parent Rebekah Heaton-Armstrong, both working in the legal profession, enjoy the chance to meet and network.

OLD COLFEIAN SOCIETY SPONSORS FIRST-EVER SECTOR NETWORKING EVENT

We had a packed house of nearly 50 people from across the Colfeian community at our first-ever Sector Networking Event, this time focused on the legal profession. Many of the attendees had never come along to one of our events previously. Thanks again to Greg Jones KC (OC 1986) and Serena Cheng KC (OC 1996) for hosting us at Greg’s chambers at Inner Temple.

The newly launched Sector Networking Events are free and open to anyone in the Colfe’s community who is working, studying or has a keen interest in the sector being spotlighted. It’s a chance for all alumni and current and former Colfe’s parents to network and build mentorships and connections. Our current Sixth Form students are invited too. The next Sector Networking Event, due to be held on 19th September, is now sold out with nearly 100 people registered to attend. It will be focused on the finance profession and hosted by Bernard Fairman (OC 1967), Group Chairman, Foresight Group at his offices in The Shard. If you wish to host a future event for another sector, do get in touch at alumni@colfes.com

“It

is my intention to continue to support Abraham Colfe’s legacy into the future by leaving a legacy of my own to the Colfe’s Charitable Trust.”

my working life and I remain grateful for that. Attending a grammar school was transformative. A fee-paying education was not an option for me; my parents could never have afforded it, but at Colfe’s we all received a firstclass education that gave us the opportunity to fulfil our potential.

After my schooldays I enjoyed many years of sport at Old Colfeians and, more recently, have played an active role in the Old Colfeian Society. One of the Society’s key roles is to support the school in maintaining the ideals laid down by its founder, Abraham Colfe. Central to these is making that high-quality education available to new generations of talented local children, regardless of their means. The Colfe’s Charitable Trust provides finance for scholarships to suitable candidates and the Old Colfeian Society is pleased to provide additional financial support to scholarship pupils for extracurricular activities. It is my intention to continue to support Abraham Colfe’s legacy into the future by leaving a legacy of my own to the Colfe’s Charitable Trust.’

YOUNG COLFEIANS’ HAPPY HOUR

In an effort to better support our younger alumni in the society, our office gathered some 20- and 30-something year old OCs for a focus group in May 2023. Around drinks and dinner at the Old Colfeians Club, we asked them how our office can help ensure the activities of the Old Colfeian Society remain relevant to their generation. Events were overwhelmingly popular, including providing events specifically for them. As such, the inaugural Young Colfeians’ Happy Hour took place in October 2023 at The Founder’s Arms in London. More than 30 guests registered for the event. The second one took place in May 2024 at the Old Colfeians Sports Grounds. If you are interested in receiving more information about this initiative, email alumni@colfes.com

OLD COLFEIAN SOCIETY AUTUMN DRINKS

The Old Colfeian Society hosted their Autumn drinks in November 2023 at The Boot & Flogger near London Bridge.

Francesca Stephenson (OC 2021), Eleanor Wenbourne (OC 2021), Harry Turner (OC 2022) and William Ogburn (OC 2009)

Class of 2016 mates Kiran Remzi, Kane Foster, George Fisher, and Mali Weatherill pause for a moment together.

Class of 1959 friends Keith Stibbards, Peter Adams, David Shaw and Ian Watts.

OBITUARIES

BARGERY, JOHN (1951-1956) AGED 83. CLASS OF 1958

CASSON, EDWARD A. (SQD. LDR) (1940-1948) AGED 91. CLASS OF 1950

CATCHPOLE, MARTIN PIERS (1985-1992) AGED 46. CLASS OF 1991

MASTERSON, REBECCA K. (2001-2008) AGED 33. CLASS OF 2008

MEW, KENNETH F. (1947-1951) AGED 88. CLASS OF 1953

MONEY, STEPHEN (1982-1989) AGED 53. CLASS OF 1989

Sister asked for obituary notice for the magazine.

NEWSON, PETER R. (1954-1961) AGED 80. CLASS OF 1961

Peter grew up in New Eltham and attended Wyborne Primary School. At Colfe’s, as well as doing well academically, he proved to be an outstanding sportsman, playing for the school rugby and cricket teams and excelling at athletics and swimming. From Colfe’s he won a place at Imperial College, London, where he gained a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and later became a Chartered Mechanical Engineer.

After graduating in 1964, Peter’s first serious job was with the British Aircraft Corporation at Weybridge in Surrey, where he worked on the design and manufacture of passenger aircraft, principally the BAC Oneeleven, but later worked on the development of Concorde. He began to specialise in Production Engineering, focusing on streamlining all aspects of the manufacture of aircraft. This involved working on new computerised flow processes in all parts of the supply chain ensuring the flow of materials to the right place at the right time.

Peter then joined a firm of management consultants where his production engineering skills were put to use in many different projects. He had spells working abroad in Nigeria and Venezuela. In both of these he was embedded in the oil industry working to improve their operational efficiency.

The Old Colfeians Rugby Club was always at the centre of his life, and he became a club stalwart and a lifetime Vice-President. He played at all levels, including the veterans’ team before finally hanging up his boots at the age of 50. For many years he organised the annual rugby tours, both in the UK and abroad including South Africa and Australia. Managing a rugby team on tour was not a job for the faint-hearted but his calm, effective handling of whatever incident might come his way, earned him the affectionate nickname of “Sir Alf”, after England’s World Cup-winning football manager.

After his playing days were over, for years he would still be seen at the club on most matchdays supporting the teams, home or away, before Alzheimer’s disease sadly narrowed his horizons.

Peter never married and had no children.

SHARPE,

JAMES A. (1958-1965) AGED 77. CLASS OF 1965

Professor James Sharpe, who died on 13th February 2024 aged 77, was a social historian of early modern England who wrote about crime and punishment, witchcraft and violence.

Jim was born in Lewisham, South-East London, to James, a labourer, and Margaret, a cleaner. He attended Colfe’s school in Blackheath, and he won a place at Oxford University, where he studied a history degree and then a doctorate under Keith Thomas, author of Religion and the Delcine of Magic (1971), a landmark study that set the agenda for decades of scholarship on the history of popular religion and supernatural beliefs. He spent all his career from 1973 as a history lecturer at the University of York, where he was a marvellous and generous teacher and rose to be Professor before retirement in 2016.

SMITH,

ANTHONY C. (1950-1955) AGED 84. CLASS OF 1957

SPRINKS, NEIL

W. (1939-1947) AGED 93. CLASS OF 1947

WINTER, SAM (2007-2014) AGED 28. CLASS OF 2014

SIXTH FORM

It has been another challenging year where it has been a pleasure to work with the Sixth Form students and staff over the course of the last twelve months.

The results for Year 13 were outstanding with over a quarter of A level grades awarded an A* and so many students winning places on highly competitive university courses. However, success at this level is often about personal improvement and it would be wrong of me not to mention that so many students exceeded their goals, most notably my star student Kaiyan.

Our Year 13 students have never been less than a pleasure to have in the Sixth Form and I know we have all enjoyed the open, charming way so many students have dealt with their teachers. I could mention so many individuals, but Evie has been an absolute star as a Senior Prefect and a key organiser in so many Sixth Form events. It was lovely that so many students including Evie, Aurelie, Will, Io, Sophia and Emily regularly dropped in just to chat during the course of the school week. As a Sixth Form team we all enjoy dealing with the students and this year the chit chat really lifted everyone’s spirits, especially when Ms Batten was absent due to illness in the Spring Term.

The results for Year 13 were outstanding with over a quarter of A level grades awarded an A* and so many students winning places on highly competitive university courses.

I can’t stress enough how impressed I am by the way Mrs Santry (Deputy Head of Sixth Form – Pastoral) and Ms Bassett (Sixth Form Administrator) stepped into their new roles in September. In both cases, they had big shoes to fill with Mrs Biggs and Ms Fitzpatrick being such positive influences in previous years, however the transition was almost seamless with Maria and Claire bringing their own style to their roles.

I was also pleased to introduce the first Sixth Form Council to Colfe’s, with many students contributing and providing really useful feedback about ways the school could improve. I am grateful to Jonny who took on the role of chairing the Sixth Form Council despite being new to the school. The meetings ranged over many issues but my hope is that we can spend less time discussing the toilets next year…

I should also mention the impressive number of students in the Sixth Form who are doing just amazing things in addition to their studies. Among the many top quality sportspeople at Colfe’s, Jack’s achievement in being selected for the England Under 18s rugby squad is impressive, but there are so many others runners, swimmers and water polo players that I cannot list them all. In addition, Will is combining his studies with acting in Bridgerton and attending premieres across the globe.

I was particularly pleased to have a good number of Year 12 students take their Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award this year despite not being in the Combined Cadet Force where so many students also managed to complete their Gold awards.

I was grateful to Ms Bassett for organising the Young Reporter competition for Colfe’s Sixth Form students. Kai did an amazing job winning a prize for his entries and very nearly managed to smile during the photoshoot by the Newsquest Media Group.

Spencer

Drury,

Director of Sixth Form

CAREERS

In a recent Year 7 classroom session talking about careers of the future, it was slightly alarming to find that most of the students thought that AI would steal everyone’s jobs and although there were some great optimists in the group, hoping that AI would lead to new opportunities, on the whole the year group were cautious about the impact of AI on their futures.

So, armed with this knowledge, our careers programme includes advice on how to find whether an industry is growing or declining through factors like AI. With an estimate of 65% of students predicted to be employed in careers that do not currently exist (LinkedIn 2023), understanding and negotiating the complexity of the career options available has never been more important.

Meanwhile, looking at some of the fastest growing industries; Renewable Energy, Telehealth services, Cybersecurity and Educational Technology (www.plimsoll.co.uk ), it is obvious that the vast majority of future careers will need some element of digital literacy, as well as the usual problem solving, creativity and communication skills. Unsurprisingly, Computer Science is now the most competitive course to get into at university, requiring extremely high grades.

WHERE DID OUR STUDENTS GO THIS YEAR?

A detailed breakdown of student locations is included (over the page) in the Valete entry, but we are once again delighted that 95% got their chosen university this year, including Art Foundation courses, medical schools, Oxbridge and competitive and specialist university places.

In line with the growing trend of applications to degree apprenticeships, seven students have been accepted this year and several students had two offers as well as university places and so they were able to pick the best option available on results day.

THE 2023/24 CAREERS PREFECT

One of our most diligent apprenticeship applicants this year was our Careers Prefect Kamaledine. In total he made 49 applications and received two offers. In July he shared his experience in the HE and Careers Newsletter:

“I received an offer for a consulting apprenticeship and for a banking apprenticeship (the better one in my opinion) and I didn’t get any offers for the 45 technology apprenticeships. Looking back, I realise it’s because it is not what I really wanted to do, and employers could see that. My advice when considering what to apply for, either for university or for an apprenticeship, is to consider what you’re strong at as well as what you enjoy. You are more likely to progress in a role/course you actually enjoy, and employers know if you aren’t interested in their sector.”

Kam is going to take up a Degree Apprenticeship at Deutsche Bank in September 2024 and he has been much appreciated in his role as Careers Prefect this year.

NEW THIS YEAR –APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME

In addition to the Competitive Courses and Medic programmes we run at Colfe’s, this year we introduced the Apprenticeship programme, providing students with training on how to tackle assessment centres and interviews. With most degree apprenticeship applications involving five stages, the more support we can offer our students, the better their chances in a hugely competitive environment.

Year 7s think robots will be stealing our jobs

Cardiff University is one of the most popular destinations for this year’s students

Some of our successful degree apprenticeship applicants

Kam, the 2023/24 Careers Prefect

Annie and Juliet from Gradconsult on one of the apprenticeship training days

ALL YEARS NOW ON UNIFROG

With the rollout of devices, we have now been able to introduce our careers platform, Unifrog, to all years. In Year 7, we looked at Careers of the Future, Year 8s imagined their futures at 19, 25 and 40, Year 9s were given advice on choosing their GCSEs, Year 10s do psychometric profiling to give them an insight into how their personality, skills and interests can help in their future choices, Year 11s create their CVs and look for work experience, Year 12s do virtually everything relating to university choices, including drafting personal statements, and this follows into Year 13.

WOMEN IN STEM EVENT

In April, a collaboration between Sixth Form, Careers and FemSoc, supported by Ms Flegg, resulted in a really successful Women in STEM evening. The inspirational speakers from Colfe’s parents and friends, were followed by a busy networking session with Old Colfeians who were keen to share their experiences.

YEAR 10 AND YEAR 12 CAREERS INTERVIEWS WITH EXTERNAL ADVISERS

For several years now, we have worked with EC Careers, an external careers company, providing every Year 10 and Year 12 student with independent and impartial careers guidance interviews to help them as they make decisions about A Levels and university, apprenticeships or work. All the careers advisers working for EC Careers are highly experienced and it is through their work with us and the day-to-day, ondemand meetings with students, that we are able to exceed the highest industry standard in this area, with students receiving one interview by the time they are 16 and the opportunity for a further interview by the time they are 18.

PREPARATION FOR LIFE AFTER COLFE’S

At a Bath University presentation attended by the Head of Careers in July, students were asked what their school could have done better to prepare them for going to university and they were unanimous in their answer; they wish they had known more about finance. So, it was reassuring that for the third year running, we had invited Jo Baldwin from Fiscorum to come in and talk about finance, budgeting, debt and student loans at our Year 12 Forum.

Sessions were also run on preparing CVs, using LinkedIn and networking and this has been particularly useful for one Year 13 student with a niche interest in rollercoaster engineering. It is one of the very enjoyable parts of careers work, being able to give tailored one-to-one advice and guidance.

Debbie Bean, Head of Careers

WORK EXPERIENCE

This year, we encouraged Year 11 as well as Year 12 students to obtain work experience during the school holidays to boost their applications to university or industry, and to understand more about different potential fields they may want to pursue a career in.

We rely heavily on the generosity of our alumni network and current parents to offer placements for the pupils and are extremely grateful for all their support. In total, we secured 64 placements across a wide range of industries, but many students and parents also independently found their own work experience.

The placements offered this year included: Architecture; Care/Nursing; Charity work; Communications & PR (Social media content creation, public relations, event planning); Dentistry (three providers); Digital Marketing (for movies); Digital Media; Energy Trading; Events Management and Consultancy; Finance; Accountancy; Film and Television; Football Academy; Journalism; Law (four separate providers); Marketing; Medicine (Vascular surgery, Gynaecology & Ophthalmology); Surveyor and a Veterinary Surgery.

We also had students go to Northampton for a four-day workshop on cybersecurity, and we had a placement offered (but, unfortunately, not taken up) by Ancestry.co.uk that would have covered interests in both history and marketing.

One placement was with Sony Pictures theatrical marketing department. They work on the marketing campaigns for movies that are released in the cinema. Our student was able to shadow the digital marketing team working on the releases that are coming this summer including Garfield, Bad Boys: Ride or Die and Fly Me to the Moon.

Another placement was with the in-house editorial legal department of the Times/Sunday Times. Our student worked with a team of five lawyers who advise Times journalists on a variety of pre- and post-publication legal issues.

In a final example, students were shown how a leading branding agency developed and defined brands across finance and technology. The work experience involved students doing internet research, creative writing, creating mood boards and giving PowerPoint presentations.

There were numerous other examples of professionals going out of their way to give our students an invaluable insight into their industries and help them acquire new skills and expertise along the way. All of this has meant that our students are really well prepared for life beyond school.

Jerry Lea, Work Experience Coordinator

Year 8 Unifrog session on imagining their future

Women in STEM evening

VALETE

SCHOOL LEAVER DESTINATIONS 2024

UNIVERSITY

Arts University Bournemouth

Aston University, Birmingham

Bournemouth University

Bristol, University of the West of England

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Cardiff University

City, University of London

Durham University

Falmouth University

Imperial College London

Keele University

King’s College London, University of London

Lancaster University

COURSE

Film Production

Product Design and Management

Media Production

Aerospace Engineering (with Foundation Year)

Filmmaking

Sport and Exercise Science

Mechanical Engineering

Banking and Finance with a Professional Placement Year

Medicine

Environmental Geography

Business Economics with a Professional Placement Year

Economics

Media and Communications

Modern History and Politics

Computer Science

English Literature

Television & Film Production

Mechanical Engineering

International Relations

European Studies: French Pathway with a Year Abroad

General Engineering

Medicine

History and Politics (Study Abroad)

Accounting and Finance

Finance

Sports and Exercise Science (Study Abroad 4yr)

London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London Law (Bachelor of Laws)

Loughborough University

Manchester Metropolitan University

Newcastle University

Northumbria University, Newcastle

Queen Mary University of London

Swansea University

The University of Edinburgh

UCL (University College London)

University of Bath

University of Bristol

University of Cambridge

University of Derby

University of East Anglia UEA

University of Essex

University of Exeter

University of Hertfordshire

University of Kent

University of Leeds

Sport and Exercise Science (with placement year)

Finance and Management (with placement year)

Computer Science (with placement year)

Animation

Psychology

Fine Art

Accounting, Finance and Economics Foundation year

Biological Sciences with Foundation

Business Management with a Year Abroad

Arabic and Spanish

Philosophy and Theology

History and Politics

Linguistics

Biochemical Engineering

Accounting and Management with work placement

Medicine - MBChB Standard entry

International Business Management with Study Abroad

Mechanical and Electrical Engineering

Classics

Modern and Medieval Languages

Asian and Middle Eastern Studies

Mechanical Engineering

Medicine

Computer Science including Foundation Year

Politics, Philosophy and Economics with Study Abroad

Film and Television Studies and Communications

Film and Television (Production)

Law with a foundation Year

Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering

University of Leeds

University of Liverpool

University of Luiss, Italy

University of Manchester

University of Nottingham

University of Oxford

University of Reading

University of Sheffield

University of Strathclyde

University of Surrey

University of the Arts London

University of Warwick

Film, Photography and Media

International Business and Marketing

Architecture

Liberal Arts

Business Management

Economics and Geography

Economics

Communication and Media

Criminology

Economics

Physics with Theoretical Physics

History

Film Studies and Music

Liberal Arts

Earth and Planetary Sciences

Archaeology and Anthropology

International Business, Finance and Economics

International Media and Communications Studies

International Management

English Language and Literature

Art and Film

Biomedical Science

Mechanical Engineering

Sport and Exercise Science

Commercial Photography

Biomedical Science

Economics

Mathematics

University of York Law

University of York

DEGREE LEVEL APPRENTICESHIPS

Barclays

BDO

Bloomberg

Crowe Audit

Deutsche Bank

Post office

Employment

BGC Group

Art Foundation

UAL

University of Ravensbourne

WM College

GAP YEARS

Film and Television Production

Business and Management (with a Year in Industry)

In addition to the students mentioned above, five students are taking gap years and applying to university in 2025. Plans include travelling and one student is working at Colfe’s in the Sports Department.

LEAVERS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS APPLYING TO UNIVERSITY FOLLOWING GAP YEARS

City, University of London

King’s College London, University of London

Leeds Arts University

Royal Veterinary College, University of London

The University of Edinburgh

University of Aberdeen

University of Bath

University of Leeds

University of the Arts London

Sociology

Music

Fine Art

Veterinary Medicine

Business Management

English and History

Politics and International Relations

English and History of Art

Religion, Politics and Society

Fine Art: Photography

ACADEMIC REPORT

It is a delight to be able to report on another year of extraordinary achievement by pupils at Colfe’s.

First to A level and BTEC results’ day on Thursday 15th August. This day is anxiously awaited by all pupils in Year 13, as the grades they receive often determine whether they can continue to their next chosen step in life. All predictions were a drop in A* and A grades this year nationally and although we knew the cohort was academically strong and motivated, we were unsure how they would fare; very well as it turned out! In particular, the percentage of A* grades rose from the previous year by nearly 20%, with 26% of all A-level grades an A*. (Nationally, A*/A grades rose by 4.1% so Colfe’s pupils’ performance was well above this margin.) BTEC results were also very strong, with the vast majority of pupils achieving Distinctions and even double Distinction* grades. There are many individual success stories within these headline figures, with a number of pupils exceeding their own expectations. The true measure of success, however, is how many are now moving on to their university course of choice or degree apprenticeship, or being well-placed to start a new job.

Expectations were high, then, for GCSE results’ day the following week. The previous year’s GCSE cohort had incredible results, especially against the background of significant national grade deflation. I knew that the pupils had come out of their exams feeling confident, and it turned out this was in no way misplaced. Following one of our strongest cohorts for the school, this year’s pupils achieved an even higher grade 9-7 percentage, with just over 79% of all GCSE grades at this level. As with the Year 13 pupils, there are so many individual triumphs within these headline figures and there were many, many smiling faces on the 22nd August.

All these excellent results do not just happen – they are the culmination of years of developing pupils’ knowledge and skills and building their resilience and confidence, starting the moment pupils enter Colfe’s, for most at Year 7 but also for those joining in the Sixth Form. Excellent classroom teaching is at the heart of this, of course, but of equal importance is the superlative pastoral support and mentoring pupils receive, without which they would not be able to reach their potential and achieve their individual goals. The many exciting and engaging enrichment and co-curricular opportunities on offer also significantly contribute, from the Year 7 Challenge to the competitive courses programme in Sixth Form, as well as the many subject-specific activities offered by departments.

Our congratulations go to all pupils in Year 11 as they start their A level and BTEC courses and to Year 13 students who are beginning university courses or apprenticeships, embarking on gap years or entering the job market. My thanks go to all my colleagues at Colfe’s for their dedication, support and encouragement of pupils in the Senior School.

Melissa Schramm, Director of Studies

‘All these excellent results do not just happen –they are the culmination of years of developing pupils’ knowledge and skills and building their resilience and confidence, starting the moment pupils enter Colfe’s, for most at Year 7 but also for those joining in the Sixth Form’

HOUSE SYSTEM

Last year’s House competition was ridiculously close, with Norton edging out Bramley by a mere 34 points to take the title. So, this time around, Bramley were out for revenge, whilst Beardwood and Prendergast were looking to close the gap on the other two Houses, naturally leading to a fiercely contested competition.

Pupils and staff thus enthusiastically embarked on a comprehensive programme of events on behalf of their respective Houses. I am, as always, very thankful to the Heads of House, Assistant Heads of House, House tutors, student House Captains and other student House leaders for all their efforts in organising their teams, as well as to the staff who ran the events and the pupils who participated in them. Thank you to you all.

With this year’s enormous Year 7 cohort, the House competition kicked off for just Years 7 and 8 with the annual House Cross Country with bonus points for House staff runners. This year we continued with the new course, twice around the main field and then once around the cabbage patch, to avoid the astro-main block gap which is a bit of a choke point. As it is a team competition, all participants earn House points and the top twenty placement finishers from each House contribute towards the overall result of the event. This year the overall team race winners were, as per last year, Norton with Ethan (Year 7, Norton) also crossing the line first.

House Drama was next and student House leaders had been hard at work since July choosing and honing their scripts, planning their staging and costumes and crafting their

auditions and rehearsals for the Year 7, 8 and 9 pupils. Once again families and friends of participants packed into the Beardwood Theatre for an evening of quality entertainment. Could Beardwood’s version of Legally Blonde have contained any more pink? I don’t think so, but it certainly entertained us with its songs and courtroom drama finale. Bramley put on a brilliantly costumed version of Fantastic Mr Fox in which the evil Boggis, Bunce and Bean shone and there was some interesting political commentary, seemingly borrowed from Les Misérables, intertwined with the story. Norton gave us a very funny rendition of Peter Pan Goes Wrong with some excellent comic timing on show. Lastly, Prendergast presented a rip-roaring rollercoaster ride through the world

of American teenage angst with a pedal-to-themetal version of Grease. The quality on show was, as usual, excellent and each House did itself proud with all pupils contributing excellently to a very entertaining evening. In the end it was Bramley’s funtastic Fantastic Mr Fox that emerged victorious so congratulations to their directors, cast and crew.

Moving onto the sports field, honours were fairly evenly spread in boys’ House Rugby as Bramley won the Year 7 competition, Beardwood the Year 8 and Prendergast the Year 9 events. Ironically, Norton finished second in each of these. It was looking a similar story in the girls’ House Hockey when Prendergast won the Year 7 competition and Beardwood the Year 8. However, Bramley’s girls then put the accelerator down, winning not only Year 9 and 10 Hockey but also Year 8 and Year 10 House Football as well. Bramley’s Year 12 students also got in on the act, triumphing in both mixed House Basketball and mixed House Netball. Norton and Prendergast managed to stem the tide a little, the latter winning Year 7 girls’ Football and both Houses sharing the spoils in Year 9 girls’ Football.

Into the swimming pool now, and we once again ran the House swimming galas early this year. Thanks to Mrs Nurse for stepping in to help with these during Miss Manzi’s maternity leave. Beardwood did well here, scooping the wins in the Years 8, 10 and Senior (11-13) competitions. Prendergast won in Year 7 whilst Norton won in Year 9. Bramley bounced back in the pool, though, winning Senior House Water Polo.

Moving into the classroom, the House Maths competition continued in its new format and was thus contested by Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 pupils. After a good battle it was the Norton team who won the day, so well done to them. Prendergast won House DT with some excellent Christmas-themed electronics skills on display from their team of Emily, Esha and Tara, and they also won House History thanks to Esha and Emily again, along with Immy and Thea. House Geography was a close competition, but Norton eventually earned the win, successfully represented by Chris, Nkemka, William and Zagros. Norton also has James to thank for sealing victory in Year 7-9 House Chess, so well done to him. Lastly, a very fun House Art competition saw teams produce their own take on famous works of art and the winner was team Beardwood’s amusing rendition of a classical painting of a Victorian girl in a boat looking at swans.

All House points accrued by House pupils from subject and pastoral staff, for example for good work, kindness and helpfulness, were also totalled with Norton emerging with the biggest total. However, this year it was Bramley who showed the most consistency in the Autumn term as, when they weren’t winning

competitions, they were invariably finishing second. Totting up the scores as Christmas approached, it came as no surprise then that Bramley had sprinted into an early dominant lead of 269 points in the competition from Norton in second place and Prendergast in third. There were, however, plenty of points to be played for in the new year.

House Music continued in its new venue of the Senior Hall this year and was packed out by contestants, parents and pupils who enjoyed a wonderfully entertaining evening of music. The solo performances were very strong and wideranging, but it was Sohan (Year 9, Beardwood), with soaring vocals and skilful guitar strumming, who took the win in the Solo category. The Houses then performed their Ensemble pieces, and the standard was exceptionally high this year, with Beardwood’s superbly emotive rendition of Viva La Vida by Coldplay winning out in the end. Thus, as last year, Beardwood took a clean sweep of the Solo, Ensemble and Overall trophies. Thank you as ever to all student House leaders who directed their Ensembles and to Mr Newberry and Mr Sycamore for running the competition.

Moving indoors, it was the turn of the senior pupils (Years 10-13) to battle it out in their chess tournament which proved as popular as ever. Thanks to Mr Guy for continuing to run these competitions and promote chess in general at Colfe’s. In the end, Ollie (Year 12, Prendergast) took the title for Prendergast so well done to him. Prendergast also successfully tackled the mind-based knowledge and skills tests of House Psychology to claim victory thanks to Jaya and Seb (both Year 12).

The library staff continued to enthusiastically support the House Competition with their reading and speed jigsaw events, and it was Prendergast who were victorious in the gargantuan Year 8 Reading Through Time competition, with Marlena (Year 8, Prendergast) providing the most significant contribution. They also triumphed in the Year 9-11 jigsaw competition thanks to Nick, Thea and Flo (all Year 9, Prendergast). However it was Beardwood who took the win in the English Department’s Year 10 Debating League thanks to Elsa, Fikayo and Natalie.

The Science department continues to run its House competitions for Years 7, 8 and 9 in the Spring term with different challenges that ask pupil teams to use scientific logic, deduction and skill. In Year 8 and Year 9 it was Prendergast again who emerged victorious with Norton taking the win in Year 7. Thank you as ever to Mr Kiddey and Mrs Smales for running these events. Also in the Spring term, Year 12 teams compete to solve riddles and logic puzzles as quickly as possible in the House Escape Room with Beardwood’s excellent teamwork and communication eventually seeing them to victory.

Bramley finally managed a Spring term victory though, in House Media run as ever by an enthusiastic Miss Li-Sue. Once again, some excellent journalistic talent was on display, both written and in front of the camera, and Cecilia and Torin (Year 8) and Euan and Maks (Year 9) brought home the win. The very popular House Harry Potter, a quiz expertly run by Ms Chapman and spectated by an enthusiastic audience, was won by Norton this year, so well done to Amelia, Cody, Ellie and Leila.

On the sports field, the Spring term saw football replace rugby as the main boys’ House sport and an impressive display was seen from Norton as they kicked their way to winning

most of the competitions – Year 7, Year 8, Year 11-13 and a share of the victory in Year 10. Prendergast shared the win with Norton in Year 10 whilst Bramley took the spoils in Year 9. Netball was a House sporting focus for the girls and Beardwood did very well this year, triumphing in the Year 7, Year 8 and Year 10 competitions with Bramley wrestling the Year 9 trophy away from them to prevent the clean sweep. An extra set of basketball and netball competitions were also run for the whole of Year 11-13 and Prendergast won them both.

Bramley accrued the most Roebuck House Points for general good deeds in the term so, as we approached Easter, it did not come as a surprise that, after sustaining their good start to the year, Bramley still led the standings by over 250 points from Beardwood in second who were themselves only a handful of points ahead of the other two Houses. A frantic race to the finish beckoned in the Summer term – could anyone catch Bramley?

During the Summer term, Mrs Englefield and her library team continued to provide the pupils with lots of fun opportunities to compete. The Year 7 Reading Around The World competition was won by Bramley, with Louise making the most telling contribution, and, due to its popularity in the previous term,

House Jigsaw was repeated for Years 7 and 8, this time seeing Beardwood triumphant thanks to Charlie, Philip and Zeke. There was also the Battle of the Books quiz for Year 9 and for the third year running Norton emerged victorious thanks to Chloe, Leila and Turma. In addition, Beardwood House claimed the win in House Classics with Bramley coming out on top in House Philosophy. Thanks to Mrs Davies and the EDI committee who continued with their EDI House competition this term which was won by Norton.

House Dance saw a good number of very talented entries who not only demonstrated excellent choreography but also showed a keen sense of theming. In the end, once both solo and duet dances had been seen, it was Bramley who triumphed, and a particular mention should go here to Aliyah and Eni for their contributions. The judging panel were most impressed.

With cricket and tennis being the term’s main sports, along with athletics, there were myriad competitions contested. Whilst each year group plays a separate event, there is one overall trophy for boys’ cricket, kindly run for the first time this year by Mr Rameaux and one for girls. So, plugging all the results into a calculator it was Beardwood who won the boys’

competition whilst Norton and Prendergast shared the win in the girls’ event. House Tennis saw Mr Nash organising the event for the first time this year, so thanks to him. Norton won in both Years 7 and 9 whilst Bramley triumphed in Years 8 and 10. Bramley also gathered the most ‘good egg’ House Points for the term as well.

In addition to the athletics events run for the House competition at the school Athletics championships, which were won overall for the third year in a row by Bramley, the rest of the school remained on the school site for House Competitions Day. Varied activities such as archery, quidditch, space hopper racing, a quiz, human table football and football tennis put the

pupils through their paces in a fun packed day that culminated with the traditional tug-of-war competition. Overall, Norton won the Years 7 and 8 competitions, Bramley won the Year 9 competition and then Beardwood triumphed in Years 10 and 12.

So, once all these points had been added to the House totals it was clear that, unlike last year’s photo finish, this year there was only going to be one winner – Bramley, by around 500 points from Norton in second and Beardwood in third. They had led from the beginning and had never looked to falter throughout the year, a remarkably consistent performance. Congratulations to the Bramley House student

leaders – Jayden, Mirja, Alice, Flick and Jack; and also to Head of House Miss Wraw and Assistant Head of House Mr Hughes. Thank you to all pupils who represented their House in events with their customary enthusiasm, competitiveness, intelligence and sportsmanship. As ever, a huge thank you to all staff who organised and ran events in the House Competition this year.

Lastly, we now say goodbye to the four House format and look forward to welcoming Glyn House to the competition in September 2024.

Chris Morriss, Head of Student Leadership

HAMP LIBRARY

It has been another busy year in Colfe’s Library. Like their predecessors, the 2023 intake of Year 7 students has embraced Library life enthusiastically, and every break time sees students reading, doing some homework or research, or enjoying a jigsaw or game with friends. We were delighted that the ISI report included a mention of the positive impact of the Library.

The school’s focus on reading continues, and the Library works closely with the English Department to enable students to access a wide range of both fiction and non-fiction books. Every year, we continue to expand the fiction collection, working on the mirror/ window principle: fiction should offer students a mirror of their own lives or a window into the lives of others, or both.

We have sought to curate the non-fiction collection with the help of academic departments, to ensure that Library resources are relevant to our students and the curriculum – this process continues. Our new Library Management System is now well established, and all KS3 students, staff and sixth formers have received training in using it via a web app.

We ran the Reading Round the World (Year 7) and Reading Through Time (Year 8) challenges once again, together with the Genre Challenge for Year 9. These challenges are an excellent way to encourage students to discover authors they might otherwise never have encountered, and there is plenty of advice available for those students who are unsure what to choose. We add recently published titles to the challenges each year. This year the author Tom Palmer came to launch the Reading Through Time challenge, which really brought historical writing alive for the students.

Library Club was filled with games and laughter as always and offered new Year 7 pupils a lovely chance to get to know members of other form groups. This year our Library Assistant, Tracy Carter, introduced a Book Club for a small group of enthusiastic readers, which has been much appreciated and will continue next year.

Our Book Quiz Squad is always fun to be part of. Having won the National Reading Champions Quiz for the last two years, this year Colfe’s experienced a tense tie-break for a place in the national final, which went to three rounds, at which point our team conceded gracefully! We took three teams to a South London book quiz, including several new Year 7 pupils. One of our teams took second place, and everyone had a great time. Many thanks to all the students involved. Inter-House Battle of the Books provided another chance for the students to show off their knowledge of fiction, with impressive scores. Norton were welldeserved champions.

Team who tied for first place in the regional heat of National Reading Champions (then lost the tie break)

Beardwood celebrate winning Year 7 and 8 House Jigsaw

‘Colfe’s will always continue to promote reading as a source of pleasure, a route to empathy, and an invaluable contribution to academic success.’

House Jigsaw competitions were hotly contested, and fun for everyone involved. Beardwood’s winning Year 7 and 8 team was particularly impressive in their teamwork – it will be difficult for any future team to complete a jigsaw more quickly!

Year 6 pupils from the Junior School attended Library taster sessions, where they were introduced to the Senior Library. Every student who attended will remember the bit about the dog who ate a book. We are glad to showcase the Library through these taster opportunities, as well as on Open Mornings and as part of parent tours – reflecting the Library’s place at the heart of the school.

This year we introduced Drop Everything and Read Days – first for Years 7 to 9, and then for all students in school in June. Students and teachers read together for the first five or ten minutes of each lesson. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and we hope this will become a regular occurrence.

The June Drop Everything and Read Day was marked for Years 8 and 9 by a visit from the author Alex Wheatle, who spoke about the importance of reading in his life, and how he came to write his many bestselling books. Alex grew up in SE London and it was important for the students to see how different life in this area can be, and how personal experience so often underlies successful fiction.

Colfe’s will always continue to promote reading as a source of pleasure, a route to

empathy, and an invaluable contribution to academic success. We were pleased to have this recognised in June’s Open University/ Harper Collins Reading for Pleasure awards, with a prize for championing reading in school awarded to Colfe’s. The joint focus on reading by both English and Library staff enables this to happen – long may it continue!

Henrietta Englefield, Librarian

HARPER COLLINS READING FOR PLEASURE TEACHER AWARDS 2024

The summer term ended on a high in the Library with Mrs Englefield being awarded a prestigious School Reading Champion Award by a panel of judges from the UK Literacy Association and The Open University. This national award celebrates teachers who find innovative ways to inspire reading for pleasure, and the judges commended Mrs Englefield’s “clear aims … and insightful and thoughtful approach”.

That the dedication and talent of Mrs Englefield to the Library has been recognised by such an esteemed group does not come as a surprise to Colfe’s –her commitment to creating a welcoming space and helping children develop a love of reading is seen across the Senior School.

Mrs EnglefieldNational Award Winner

Norton celebrate winning House Battle of the Books

Poster for Drop Everything and Read, with kitchen staff

MATHEMATICS

The Mathematics Department has enjoyed a year of exceptional accomplishments, reflecting our commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching, and comprehensive student enrichment.

Our students have achieved remarkable success in their IGCSE and A-level Mathematics and Further Mathematics examinations this year. The rigorous preparation and dedication of both students and faculty have paid off handsomely. At the IGCSE level, 43% attained a Grade 9 and 83% of students scored Grades 9-7. The IGCSE Further Maths results were our best ever with 71% achieving a Grade 9 and 100% gaining Grades 9-8.

Similarly, at A Level our students excelled, with 56% obtaining a Grade A* and 83% scoring A*-A. Further Mathematics at A Level also yielded record results of 73% A* grades and 100% A*-A grades.

One of the highlights of the year was the “Maths in Action” lecture series, led by Dr Buescu for our Year 12 students. These lectures delved into advanced mathematical concepts and real-world applications, sparking intellectual curiosity and a passion for mathematics among the attendees. This year’s topics included advanced calculus, the use of statistics in this unpredictable world and the magic of music and maths.

Dr Buescu, with the help of Mrs Hirani, also hosted a masterclass for Year 5 pupils, designed to inspire local junior school pupils through fun puzzles and challenges. This event aimed to ignite an early interest in mathematics by demonstrating its playful and intriguing aspects. The enthusiasm and engagement of the young participants were clear indicators of the event’s success, which culminated with Mr Guy awarding gold, silver and bronze medals to the teams involving pupils from Breaside Preparatory School, Brindishe Manor and Blackheath Preparatory School as well from our own Junior School.

Miss Collett’s organisation of the House Maths competition was another significant event of the year. This event fostered healthy competition among students while promoting teamwork and problem-solving skills. Norton House emerged as the unbiased winner(!), showcasing their mathematical prowess. Additionally, the “Maths Vegas” event featured challenging puzzles that stretched students’ thinking and enhanced their collaborative skills. Both events were highly successful in making mathematics an enjoyable and interactive experience.

The annual Year 9 trip to Bletchley Park, led by Mrs. Cordell, was an educational and memorable experience. Pupils learned about the crucial role of cryptography during World War II and had the unique opportunity to use an Enigma machine. This trip not only provided historical context to their mathematical studies but also highlighted the profound impact of mathematics on global events. The students returned with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the subject’s real-world applications.

Our aspiring mathematicians in Years 7 and 8 demonstrated their exceptional skills in the highly anticipated Junior Mathematical Challenge. This event showcased the talents of our students, with an impressive tally of 24 gold, 48 silver, and 52 bronze awards from 274 participants. Fifteen pupils were invited to take part in the prestigious Junior Kangaroo, including Philip C, Justin, Benedict, Lauren, Ifijen, Alfie, Truc, Philip S, Eli (all Year 7), Oliver, Spencer, Zacharie, James H, George and Doris (all Year 8).

A special mention goes to Philip C, Justin, Truc, James H and Doris, who achieved a merit. Moreover, Luyang, Joshua (both Year 7) and James W (Year 8) qualified for the highest tier competition, the Junior Mathematical Olympiad, and we are eagerly awaiting results.

To foster healthy competition and encourage personal growth, selected pupils in Years 8, 9, 10 and 11 embraced the opportunity to participate in the Intermediate Mathematical Challenge. Their commitment and

enthusiasm in facing the challenges presented were truly commendable with 48 pupils achieving a bronze certificate, 30 gaining a silver certificate and 7 being awarded a gold certificate. Freddie’s and James’ (both Year 8) performances were so outstanding that they were invited to the follow-on round (Grey Kangaroo).

Our school’s commitment to promoting gender equality in Mathematics was evident in the Mathematical Olympiad for Girls. This prestigious competition provided a platform for talented female mathematicians to demonstrate their skills and challenge themselves at an advanced level. We applaud all the participants for their dedication and congratulate Jennifer, Emily, Freya, Mirja, Anisa, Pelin, Aminah, Faith, Alexandra (all Year 12) and Cerennaz (Year 13) who achieved exceptional results.

A-level Mathematics and Further Mathematics students, along with selected Year 10 and Year 11 pupils, were entered into the notoriously difficult Senior Mathematical Challenge. Out of 142 entries, 54 gained bronze, 31 gained silver and the following students achieved gold certificates; Ahan, Jesse and Ryan (all Year 13). All three students were also invited to the follow-on round, the Andrew Jobbings Senior Kangaroo, where Ahan and Jesse were rewarded with a merit for exceptional performance.

Colfes’ Mathematics Department has once again competed in the Hans Woyda competition, a team event among independent schools in London, focusing on quickfire mental maths. Our students went head-to-head with formidable opponents from Eltham College and Dulwich College and emerged victorious against St Dunstan’s with their outstanding performances. Special commendation goes to Ahan and Ryan (both Year 13), Moses and Jonny (both Year 12), Rohan (Year 11) and Verity (Year 9) for their remarkable contributions to the team.

As we reflect on this year’s achievements, we are filled with pride and anticipation for the future. The Mathematics Department is committed to continuing its tradition of excellence, fostering a love for mathematics, and providing students with opportunities to excel both academically and personally. The successes of this year serve as a solid foundation upon which we will build even greater achievements in the years to come.

Antoine Guy, Head of Mathematics

ENGLISH

In English we started this year on a high, celebrating some amazing exam results, and reflecting on how we can match them in the future. We also welcomed Ms Anand to the team, initially as maternity cover, though she settled in so well that we’re keeping her for at least another year!

Sadly, arrivals tend to be balanced by departures and we’re sorry to say goodbye to Ms Norton, who has decided to take some time to focus on motherhood. She will be missed by everyone she taught as well as her colleagues, who continue to be surprised and impressed by pupils’ knowledge of the unheimlich!

We’re also very sorry to lose the amazing Ms Flegg, whose impact in her various roles (teacher, form tutor, Acting KS5 Co-ordinator, co-founder of FemSoc etc.) cannot be underestimated. Her drive and passion inspired many pupils, and the department will not be the same without her.

It’s been an incredibly busy year – the reports below showcase just a fraction of what has been going on in English.

Kirstin Guy, Head of English

KS3 REPORT (MR COOK)

As another year winds down, it feels fitting to reflect on the many highlights of our Key Stage 3 English programme. In Year 7, the emphasis on empathy and identity was quickly adopted by pupils in their responses to contemporary and dynamic short stories. The anthology, entitled Change is Going to Come, is one that was explored in greater detail this year, and led to some extremely impressive creative compositions with settings that included charity centres and refugee camps. The subsequent Balloon Debate competition, where Year 7 pupils assume the voice of an influential figure, felt much more poignant this year as a result, with very strong cases put across on behalf of Stevie Wonder and Tu Youyou. Congratulations to all finalists, and especially to Elizabeth who won the competition.

Year 8, meanwhile, have enjoyed exposure to literature which channels the spirit of standing up for yourself: The study of Benjamin Zephaniah’s play Face was especially pertinent this year in the wake of his passing in December, and the English Department were so impressed with the mature and impactful delivery of all finalists in the annual Year 8 Poetry Slam competition which followed the study of the play.

COMMUNITY BY

IRIS

A multicultural society is good for everyone:

Hello – Fish and chips on a Friday night, cultural diversity makes life more bright.

Konnichiwa – Let’s get some sushi, driving forward with new technology.

Bonjour – A fresh tasty baguette, each language with its own alphabet.

Hola – A paella with seafood, creativity to brighten the mood.

Namaste – A delicious, spicy curry, new religions helping to build community.

G’day mate – Stick a shrimp on the barbie, on our traditional days, let’s have a party.

In a tapestry of languages we weave, In each other we must believe

For in a multicultural society everyone agrees!

In a world where cultures intertwine, multicultural diversity brightly shines and, in the streets where languages blend, voices harmonize while hearts transcend.

As we work together in our divine light we come together while equity stands bright:

Inclusion

Kindness

Diversity

And

Equality

This is what makes a community stand out, without a doubt!

OUR PLANET IS DYING BY ISABELLA

Our planet is dying crumbling away

Now the price is too big to pay

We are living our best lives

While everything around us dies

What will it taken to open up your eyes

To make you realize

To make you see behind the lies that are painted for you

It’s all a disguise

All an illusion

And to believe it would mean you’re stuck in the delusion

Listen to the polar bears they’ll tell you how they have lost their homes

While we are spending our lives on our phones

Worrying about makeup hair and clothes

Our problems extend to gossip on group chats

Forgetting about the melting ice caps

We are losing a sense of reality

Fading through every scroll

Now our ignorance must take its toll

Photoshop and filters are expected

And anything you say will be dissected

We only see models on our phones

Turning us into their clones

Now when humans don’t want to pay the price

We use the earth as a sacrifice

We’re dumping our harmful chemicals onto the ground

Hoping it won’t make too big a sound

So, listen to me when I say

Our planet is dying slipping away

Now the price is too big to pay

Act before it’s too late

This is not a debate

‘The English Department were so impressed with the mature and impactful delivery of all finalists in the annual Year 8 Poetry Slam competition’

TOGETHER BY RUTH

Climate change, Conflict, Social media, Discrimination, All in our nation. War, What more? No peace at your door.

Slow down and shine the light, Hold my hand tight, For the journey will be rough, But together we are tough. Turn down the screams And bring to life the dreams, Of our world full of peace.

Until we are equal, In our world full of people, nothing will change, or even brush our brains. They won’t realise ‘till they see eyes, with the evil other’s face.

So, send the wave, Which we have made, To flood the path to apathy.

Turn down the heat, Turn down the hate, And hold my hand tight. For the journey will be rough, But together we are tough.

I won’t make a change, You won’t make a change, We will make a change. Together.

WHAT WOULD THEY THINK OF US NOW?

BY TORIN

Gazing down upon our home,

Black skies of choking dust enshroud its opaque waters, Plains of grass now reduced to fields of bare stone, The world slowly ending, contently caving in

But the little people deep down below can’t see how What would the dead folk think of us now?

As the news blares on loud

As ever through propaganda speakers

Their fluid news poured into the ears of millions of sleepers, All resting at the bottom of some forgotten seabed, While the cameras float above the endless stream of Great TV we all once dreamed of, But is this really what we bargained for,

Wagering our patience in a bet with the machine

As it wins while it plays us through its malicious screen, And it’s not like we didn’t see it coming, Since communications commenced it hit the ground running

So, what would the dead folk think of this now?

Media now sped up to seconds of enjoyment, Condensing information sending workers to unemployment

The machine must gift us our secondly does of dopamine, Unrealism spreads through the short form Impossible standards taking us like a storm

No image remains untouched by the editor’s icy fingers

A constant reminder of inadequacy lingers

Something that we just allow to stay What would the dead folk think of today?

As the lonely children stumble into the gaping maw of the net

They remain oblivious to each other Upon their skulls lie transparent headsets

While a constant intake leaves them smothered, The information-action ratio

We’re paralyzed by knowledge

All the statistics from the loudspeaker radio, But nothing to do with them, They learn to make a living in a world where it’s already provided Where their decisions have already been decided

A disappointing world where the scroll on a screen gets them excited.

After all the mountains have been climbed, All the competitions have been won, When all the songs have been sung, What would the dead folk think that we’ve done?

They sit observing in outer space, Watching as humanity struggle keep hold of their place

The dead folk, Long forgotten Downtrodden

Knowing it’s too late for them to save the dying planet, As it’s killed by its self-destructive habits, So, as they gaze upon our ruined realms, The dead folk wonder what we’ve done to ourselves.

Year 9 have had an equally varied and interesting year, with sustained focus on a new poetry anthology of marginalised voices. The sensitivity of responses to contemporary issues from across the year group has been a consistent feature, and students have made remarkable progress with their essay writing skills in the process. At the same time as introducing new voices to our curriculum, we continue to pay homage to the classics of the past, with productive studies of Dickens, Angelou and, of course, Shakespeare.

The year started with a new academic enrichment trip to Stratfordupon-Avon, where a group of Year 8 and 9 pupils were treated to a tour of the bard’s birthplace and a production of Macbeth, and the summer term concluded with an interactive tour and hands-on workshop at The Globe Theatre for our Year 7 cohort. All in all, a fantastic year and we wish all Key Stage 3 pupils a restful, reading-heavy holiday.

KS4 REPORT

At KS4, there is a little less fun and a little more work. That said, Year 10 participated in the second Drop Everything and Read Day alongside KS3 pupils. I’d like to thank all my colleagues for their enthusiastic support of both DEAR days, and the positive feedback which lead to the summer one. Particular thanks to Mrs Englefield, our amazing librarian, and Ms Schramm, the Director of Studies, who were driving forces behind the success of this initiative.

Years 10 and 11 produced some impressive work, as shown in the creative writing below, and also improved their speaking and listening skills in discussion and debate, culminating in the Year 10 Debate at the end of term, as well as getting their tongues around some Shakespeare. Drama is now very much back on the syllabus after a post-COVID period of grace. We even have two theatre trips booked for next year!

THE LIGHT BY

CHRISTINA

Derelict buildings encased the tight alleyway, the grimy, earth brick walls dripping with foreign substances. The grey rain pitter-pattering on the red clay tiles slowly flowed down the cast iron drains. Sombre clouds drifted in the smoky, polluted air over packed streets.

In the cold early morning, the industrial factories were filled with penurious children, slaving away for the petty change from the pockets of the rich in their sleek, spruce fedoras.

The army green and dirt brown planes hummed over the burnt bronze angular buildings as golden rays shone down on to the busy, open street.

“Star! Get your evening Star!” shouted the news vendor. “Eight dead, including women and children! Get your Star!” the desperate woman announced to the army of swarming Londoners.

A towering, hollow-cheeked man with combed over wavy chocolate curls, tossed a couple coins into the jar and swiftly grabbed a paper out of her hands. Scrunching his dark angled eyebrows, he glanced at the headline which read ‘CASUALTIES IN AIR-RAID OVER LONDON.’ He flicked through the paper as he headed up the pavement with long strides.

“Evening, ladies,” he nodded while folding the paper into his arms, ignoring the dying flames on the charred open roof in the distance.

“Good evening, Detective Whiting,” replied the passing group wearing knee length, shoulder cut dresses. Their intense colours stood out in the pool of earthy fabric.

Quickly squeezing into the entrance of the boisterous police station, the Detective weaved his way through the active officers to the food cart and selected a cup of tea. He sauntered to his desk piled with files and set down his belongings.

“You’re late Charles,” said the blonde-haired woman sorting files opposite his desk.

“What’s your excuse this time?” as she settled in her seat.

“There’s a war on?” he answered with a growing smile while he handed her the tepid tea.

A MURDER UNDERGROUND BY OLIVER

All sorts of everyday commuters make good use of London’s Circle Line. While the other lines weave through the leafy suburbs, dart straight through the city’s centre, before emerging on the other side, only to stop, turn, and head back the other way, the circle line joins them all together like a yellow keyring, proving itself invaluable for thousands of journey makers.

It had no start and no stop. It continued forward in that same direction from sunrise to sunset, and it was this characteristic that was taken advantage of by the more troubling type of passenger. Some would board the train early on a Sunday morning, get off at every stop, buy a pint of beer, before getting back on again. One young individual used the last carriage as a venue for their twentieth birthday party. He seemed happy with himself when he was removed by staff and police before a crowd of onlookers. Then there were the people who told of a man. A man who sat solemnly in his seat, going around and around without making a sound or movement, because he was dead.

The man attracted no attention, they said. In his right hand was a loosely gripped umbrella, resting on his legs, sheltering his unassuming briefcase. He was dressed for work. His jacket was buttoned up and a hat was tilted forward over his eyes. A crumpled handkerchief occupied his front pocket. His head leaned against the divider to his right, dead.

They did not agree on how he died or when. Some claimed to have known about it for years, some had only heard it a week earlier. In the eyes of any regular person, he had simply fallen asleep on his way to work and was being whisked around London as he slept. It wasn’t rare, especially among people who lived several hours away. You’d leave home at six in the morning and, half of the year, you wouldn’t see your home in daylight. No one would try to wake him up. When you’re discouraged from even looking at someone else on a train, no one would try waking up a sleeping man, and so no one ever did.

Those who listened thought of it as an interesting story, but far from a true one. They were wrong for doing so – because not only was it true but there were more truths that these storytellers were not aware of. They did not know that the dead man was Brian Donaldson, 59. They did not know that his sudden disappearance was reported by his mother, Pat Donaldson, whom he visited often. They did not know that it was investigated by inspector John Roberts. Neither of them had known he was dead, let alone how he had died. No one had known that he had been murdered.

KS5 REPORT (MS SOLLEY)

Literary Society resumed in the Autumn term with a focus on Shakespeare, designed to provide the students with a foundation in the playwright that extends beyond the curriculum. We explored topics from Shakespeare’s enduring legacy, evident by references in modern day popular music to a consideration of the early-modern theatre, and the technological advances afforded to Shakespeare by the move indoors from the Globe to the Blackfriars. Mr Wilcox impressed us with his historical links to Shakespeare’s sources, whilst Ms Diamond helped us to consider Shakespeare’s portrayal of madness, something that was particularly pertinent to the Year 13s and their study of Hamlet. We paired these sessions with two Shakespeare-themed theatre trips; Hamnet, which complemented our book club reading of the novel, as well as The Motive and the Cue, an innovative play about the 1964 John Gielgud production of Hamlet. Finally, we were lucky enough to be visited by Cecile Pin who spoke to us about her debut novel, Wandering Souls, about the Vietnamese boat people, as well as her writing and research process.

The Summer Term provided students with more opportunities, such as a production of The Lonely Londoners, a coursework text for some, as well as a trip to Stratfordupon-Avon for a Shakespeare by Women conference, which comprised a series of lectures by women writing in this field. Topics included consideration of contemporary church and legal records that challenge the prevailing presumption of the early-modern woman as confined within the home. The trip included a visit to the Hidden Voices exhibition at Shakespeare’s New Place, a collection of objects and artefacts from the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

The Spring term continued with a fascinating talk on Greek Tragedy by Mr Russell, an introduction to postcolonialism and the work of J. M. Coetzee by Mr Cook, and our first ever panel debate on Rossetti, focusing on celebration and overindulgence in ‘Goblin Market’; it was a lively and informative evening with Ms Diamond and Mrs Guy, hosted by Ms Schramm. We were also visited by Shani Akilah, a Black-British writer from South London of Caribbean heritage, who talked to us about her debut short story collection, For Such a Time as This, before leading us in a short creative writing workshop. Finally, we rounded the term off with a trip to see The Duchess of Malfi, one of our A Level course texts, and a book club on Gabrielle Zevin’s Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow

We were also visited by a wealth of external speakers this term. Charlotte Davies came in to give us a talk on Transmedial storytelling in myth retellings and a partnership with the Jewish Literary Foundation resulted in three fantastic speakers: Helen Joyce talked to us about her cross-generational novel Good for a Single Journey, drawing inspiration from her own family heritage to explore Jewish history in the wake of persecution across Europe from the perspective of a fictional family. Nancy Ludmerer, author of Sarra Copia: A Locked-in Life led us in a flash fiction workshop, and Amelia Gentleman came to speak to us about her book The Windrush Betrayal, discussing the process behind her investigation into the damaging repercussions of the government’s policies at that time, as well as key aspects of its legacy, notably the ongoing challenges faced by those affected who are still awaiting long-promised compensation. We rounded off the year with our inaugural Modernism Trip, starting off with a walking tour of key literary areas of London, followed by a creative writing workshop and then a trip to Tate Britain to visit the ‘Room of One’s Own’ exhibition.

announced!

Two new initiatives from last year have continued to flourish, thanks to the work of Mr Wilcox, Ms Diamond and a relatively small but hugely talented group of pupils.

LINGUISTICS SOCIETY (MR WILCOX)

A co-production of three departments (Languages, Classics and English), the Linguistics Society meet every week to discuss a range of topics from the factors affecting the evolution of language to the process of language acquisition and social attitudes towards dialects and accents. In the Spring term, the small yet dedicated group entered the International Linguistics Olympiad, a global competition that challenges entrants to decode a language that none of the competitors have seen before. Considering that this was the first time that the school had entered this competition, it is especially gratifying to report that Amabel (Year 11) achieved a Bronze Award and that Alexandra (Year 12) achieved Silver.

Finally, I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr Hope, a stalwart of the English department, on his promotion to Head of Glyn House. Happily, he’ll still be teaching lots of English lesson, but he is stepping down as Head of Debating. Here is his final report:

DEBATING (MR HOPE)

In a year when televised public debates made many of us want to hide behind the sofa, Colfe’s students continued to show how it’s done. Our outstanding Year 13 cohort, so stalwart in their commitment to the weekly Debating Club for so many years, were joined by a new group of Year 12 students, with Fred, Tabitha and Janaii in particular leading the way. It was also great to see some fantastic Year 10 talent coming through, with Natalie, Anna and Michaela all regular attendees. This year, motions ranged from the future of the United Kingdom and the harmful impact of Air BnBs to the thorny issue of how to deal with vampires.

Debating competitions were also consistently excellent this year. The sixth form-only Adam Stuart Prize continued to thrive in its second year, culminating in a high-quality final in which Fred, Janaii and Ellen took on Xanthe, Ned and Alex. Both sides did a great job exploring the nuances and complexities of a challenging motion – This House would cease the development of ever more powerful AI – with Fred, Janaii and Ellen ultimately prevailing for a hard-fought but well-deserved win.

Beardwood, in the form of Natalie, Elsa and Fikayo, won House Debating this year, defeating a strong Norton side in a well-argued debate on monuments to controversial historical figures, and many of the finalists also took part in an excellent Year 10 debate on cancel culture in the Summer term.

Lower down the school, the new Year 7s produced a fantastic display in this year’s Balloon Debate. The finalists Charlotte, Greta, Maya, Luyang, Hugh and Elizabeth all spoke confidently and persuasively, with Elizabeth speaking as Stevie Wonder, ultimately winning a close and entertaining debate.

Otherwise, this year has also seen a return to competitive debating against other schools, including fixtures against Alleyn’s and Eltham College home and away. The standard of debate has been consistently excellent and the results very encouraging. Thank you to Year 13 leavers Josh, Maya, and Valentino as well as Tabitha, Janaii, Ellen, Alex and Fred for all their contributions to the debating team this year – hopefully this is just the beginning!

SCIENCE

‘After

years of disruptions due to COVID-19, this was the first group of students since 2019 to sit exam papers that tested the entirety of the biology syllabus, so we were thrilled by their success.’

BIOLOGY

The 2023-24 academic year began with a set of remarkable exam results for Biology. Over 90% of our A-level students achieved A*-B results in the 2023 exam series, with over one third of the students achieving a top A* grade. These results are a testament to all the hard work these talented biologists invested into their studies to prepare themselves for the A-level exams. Not to be outdone, over 90% of our Separate Science GCSE Biology students achieved 9–7 grades in their exams, with close to half of them achieving the top grade 9. After years of disruptions due to COVID-19, this was the first group of students since 2019 to sit exam papers that tested the entirety of the biology syllabus, so we were thrilled by their success.

One of our principal goals is to encourage our biology students to think about the subject beyond the constraints of the GCSE or A-level courses. The department therefore runs a number of co-curricular activities to promote the students’ sense of wonder at the complexity of living processes. Our Year 13 students had the opportunity to participate in a ‘walking safari’ of the Knepp rewilding project. This project provides a sanctuary for many endangered species, such as nightingales, turtle doves and purple emperor butterflies. Knepp has seen the return of animals that have not been seen in Britain in 100 years, particularly the magnificent stork that now build their nests within the 3,500 acres that was used as a farm a mere 20 years ago.

In the autumn term, our Year 12 students attended the ‘Science-Live: A-Level’ lecture series. In this event a group of renowned scientists gave presentations on recent advances in a variety of biological fields, ranging from the transition of our hunter-gatherer ancestors to an agricultural system, to the genetic control of human body mass. We chose this lecture series in order to expose our Sixth Form students to topics beyond the A-level syllabus. This was reflected in one student’s response: “I was amazed by the effect that something as small as the absence of leptin can have on a person’s life”.

The Biology Department also ran our second annual ‘On The Fly’ after-school club in the autumn term. In this short course, our Year 13 students had the opportunity to breed strains of fruit flies that carried different genetic mutations. By doing so, they were able to explore many of the genetic mechanisms that underlie inheritance of specific physical features. Students were involved in sorting flies under the dissection microscopes, setting up the crosses and scoring the physical traits of the offspring that were produced. This had the added benefit of solidifying their understanding of key topics covered in A-level Biology.

This coming year will bring some changes to the Biology department. Ms Pavesi will be leaving the school at the end of the year to pursue

further career opportunities. She has been a highly valued member of the department for the past six years. We thank her for all her hard work and wish her success in all her future endeavours. We will be joined by Dr Walshe, who will be teaching Science and Biology. Prior to becoming a teacher, Dr Walshe undertook her PhD on biochemical and structural studies of the prion protein at University College Dublin and went on to work as a Research Fellow in developmental neurogenetics at Trinity College Dublin. Her enthusiasm and extensive subject knowledge will certainly be an asset to the department and to her students.

Gregor Zimmermann, Head of Biology

Year 13 students at a walking safari in Knepp

Can you spot the mutant trait? A view of two fruit fly strains as viewed under dissection microscopes.

CHEMISTRY

Firstly, I would like to congratulate our Year 11 and Year 13 pupils for their exceptional attainment in their GCSE and A-level exams. They have worked incredibly hard in their preparation for these assessments, so it is wonderful to see that pupils achieved some fantastic results. Pupils from Years 9 and 10 also impressed with some excellent scores in their end of year exams, and I am delighted to note that our new Year 13 pupils produced some outstanding achievement in their GCiE exams last year, which gives them a strong platform to build on in what will be a very important year. It has been wonderful to see pupils across all year groups approach their Chemistry lessons with engagement and enthusiasm, both when participating in practical work, or when faced with the more challenging abstract ideas that make up parts of the course.

Once again, we have continued to offer pupils a range of co-curricular activities throughout the year. Firstly, I want to commend our students for their outstanding achievements in the RSC Chemistry Olympiad. Our chemists approached what is a challenging activity with a high degree of enthusiasm, earning an impressive array of bronze and silver awards. These achievements reflect their strong grasp of chemistry and their ability to apply their knowledge in unfamiliar situations. Moreover, I extend my recognition to our Year 12 students who took part in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge. Their eagerness to engage in this activity showcases their passion for the subject and their desire to test themselves. We eagerly await the results, confident that their dedication and hard work will bring about positive outcomes. I am incredibly proud of our students’ commitment and determination, which have clearly been rewarded in these prestigious competitions. We have been greatly impressed with the entries for the Colfe’s Chemistry Competition, now in its second year. As in previous years,

Year 12 students researched a contemporary area of chemistry that interests them and wrote an essay to present their findings. We have had some brilliant essays on a range of topics, with the work providing some incredibly interesting reading.

As a further part of our extra-curricular offering, on 29th February 2024 our students attended the “Chemistry in Action” event at Emmanuel Centre, London. The day was filled with captivating talks from renowned scientists, exploring topics such as nuclear science, materials innovation, green energy, and tropical disease diagnostics. Highlights included Dr. Tim Gregory’s insights on nuclear chemistry, Dr. Heather Au’s presentation on sustainable battery technology, and Dr. Alex Baker’s work on snake bite diagnosis. The interactive sessions, including quizzes and Q&As, made the experience engaging and educational. Our students left inspired and eager to pursue scientific careers.

I am also excited to announce that Elizabeth in Year 13 will be leading on a new Chemistry Society within the school, where pupils with a keen interest in the subject, from a range of year groups, will be able to come together to collaborate on experimental work and learn about the fascinating world of chemistry.

I would also like to acknowledge the important role that two members of the Chemistry department, Mrs Herman and Mrs Hooks, played in the Women in STEM evening. We are lucky to have two such inspiring teachers, who themselves can encourage our female pupils to succeed in STEM subjects.

I am delighted to confirm that there will be no staff changes in the Chemistry department for the upcoming academic year. As a result of this, I am certain that the Chemistry department will continue to grow with ever increasing success. I would like to say a huge thank you to an

‘It has been wonderful to see pupils across all year groups approach their Chemistry lessons with engagement and enthusiasm, both when participating in practical work, or when faced with the more challenging abstract ideas that make up parts of the course.’

exceptional team of Chemistry teachers; Mrs Herman, Mrs Hooks, Mr Kiddey and Mr Worley. Their efforts over the course of last year have been hugely appreciated and have allowed pupils to make sustained progress, whilst at the same time enjoying the experience of studying chemistry. A special thanks must go to Jey Kalavary, our Chemistry technician, who plays a vital role in the organisation of practical work within the Chemistry department. Without her support, we would not be able to carry out a wide range of practical learning activities across all year groups.

Lastly, I would like to take a moment to sincerely thank all the parents for their consistent and dedicated support throughout the year. Your involvement and encouragement have played a crucial role in fostering the academic success and personal growth of our students. Reflecting on the accomplishments of the past year, it is evident that our students have not only advanced their knowledge and skills in chemistry but have also cultivated important traits such as perseverance, analytical thinking, and collaboration. These qualities will undoubtedly be invaluable to them in their future pursuits. We are looking forward to your support in what will be another enriching academic year.

Tom Armstrong, Head of Chemistry

PHYSICS

GCSE AND A LEVEL RESULTS

The Physics department enjoyed record success in the summer 2023 exams, 90% of students achieved Grade 7-9 in GCSE Physics and 55% A/A*at A Level. Year 13 leavers went to a number of excellent universities to continue with a variety of Physics related subjects and we wish them well with their further education.

PHYSICS CLUB AND OLYMPIAD

The Physics Club, a new program for Years 10-13, has seen keen students interested in learning more. The club focuses on exploring different areas of physics and solving problems together. It has also focused on training pupils for various physics competitions, run by the British Physics Olympiad. This initiative provides a space for students to learn more about physics in a relaxed and collaborative setting.

The 10-week Experimental Group was a new opportunity to allow students to explore practical, collaborative, and scientific skills. In the summer term, our experimental group tackled a fascinating project; investigating the motion of a Slinky. Students weren’t just playing with a toy –they designed and conducted a real experiment to analyse how the Slinky moves.

Students learned valuable research skills by carefully documenting everything they did in a detailed report. They also analysed their results critically, gaining a deeper understanding of the science behind the Slinky’s movement. This gave them the opportunity to focus on any hazards presented by their designs, methods for improving experimental set up, and methods for experimental set up.

TRIPS

We are very lucky to have some excellent educational venues in London, and this year we have made a number of visits with various year groups. The Physics and History departments took all of Year 9 for a trip to the Royal Observatory and National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, enjoying a tour of the universe in the planetarium.

Year 12 attended a day of talks at Science Live! These included both A Level material and cutting-edge research, such as the possibility of quantum Physics being responsible for the ability of pigeons to navigate. The same A Level students joined together with Geography students to enjoy a lecture at the Royal Institution to learn about the latest developments in rechargeable batteries and the social and economic benefits that a reliable electrical supply can have for developing countries.

In June, all Year 12 physicists had the opportunity to travel to Switzerland to visit the large hadron collider at CERN. See report opposite!

ELECTRIC CAR CLUB

12 Year 8 pupils built electric cars this year under the supervision of a team of Year 12 students. The teams laminated bodywork for the car as well as securing sponsorship to pay for race kit. One car was modified with an Arduino, programmed to monitor engine temperature and battery health which caught the eye of the scrutineers, who awarded Colfe’s the Best Presented Team award.

With an early race in April, testing time was limited, but the cars survived both races around the historic 3.8km Goodwood circuit, completing 23km with just two car batteries.

UK SPACE DESIGN

Eight students participated in the UK Space Design Competition at Imperial College London, highlighting exceptional talent and teamwork. They devoted themselves to meticulously designing a lunar mining base named Balderol, complete with living spaces and plans for operating and repairing the nuclear power station on the moon. Their goal was to design, cost, and provide construction schedules for this futuristic settlement. They conducted a full cost analysis along with construction deadlines for the space settlement envisioned in 2045. The students drew inspiration from the natural world, specifically the intricate patterns of butterfly wings, to enhance the efficiency of solar panel electricity generation. This futuristic vision was specifically lauded by the judges because engineering often looks to evolutionary parallels in nature for solutions.

Despite not advancing to the finals, our team’s progress since last year was remarkable, impressing judges with their forward-thinking design and innovative use of bioengineering insights. The event included presentations by the Imperial College Space Society on their goal to achieve the world record for a rocket with the highest thrust to weight ratio. Our students’ presentation stood out for its originality and technical depth, reflecting their comprehensive understanding of space architecture.

John Fishwick, Head of Physics

Year 13 students investigating projectile motion from the roof of the school.

SIXTH FORM TRIP TO CERN

This June, 22 physicists in Year 12 embarked on a visit to Geneva with two members of staff. The purpose of this trip was to visit CERN on the Swiss-French border and learn about the cutting-edge research being conducted by scientists which continues to inform our knowledge about the very earliest moments of the universe. Taking advantage of all that Geneva has to offer, the group took in the sights and visited a range of iconic monuments and museums.

After an early start on Thursday, the group arrived in Geneva ready for a full day of exploration. Students explored the historic Vieux Genève and the Plaine de Plainpalais, stopping for photos with the famous Frankenstein statue. Thursday afternoon was spent in the Patek Philippe museum where the students were taken on a guided tour and had the opportunity to peruse the museum’s extensive collection of watches, automata and horological art. The students were fascinated by the intricacy and complexity of the watch making process, commenting on the intersection between science and art demonstrated in timepieces.

The group had another early start on Friday morning for the highly anticipated visit to CERN. We were greeted by our tour guide, a data scientist with several years’ experience working on a range of experiments at CERN. Our tour began with an interactive introductory presentation, in which our students were victorious in a head-to-head battle of knowledge against students of a similar age from a Spanish school. A coach transported the group to our second stop on the expansive site; the CERN Control Centre. Students were given an overview of the four stations in the Control Centre from which scientists monitor and operate the accelerators and detectors 24 hours a day. The students were amused by the numerous champagne bottles lining the walls of the Control Centre, marking milestones in CERN history, including the first proton beam in the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and the first particle collisions. We were then transported across the site to ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment) where a detector dedicated to heavy-ion physics at the LHC is used to study

the interaction of matter at extreme energy densities, including quark-gluon plasma forms. After a morning discussing the complexities of particle physics and unsolved questions about dark matter and dark energy, the students explored the interactive exhibits at the Science Gateway. Here, the students put their physics knowledge into practice, operating a model control room, analysing data from a detector, operating a crane to install equipment in the underground tunnels and a game of proton football. Following a hearty lunch in the CERN café amongst scientists and staff, we departed CERN to return to the city.

On Friday afternoon, we made our way to the UN Palais des Nations where students were given a guided tour of the buildings. A highlight of this tour was the opportunity to observe a meeting of member states where delegates discussed women’s rights and unpaid labour in the developing world. The students noted how vast and thoughtfully designed each of the conference rooms were; the clear favourite being the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room, decorated by Miquel Barcelò.

Saturday was another action-packed day, starting with a visit to the History of Science Museum in the morning. The students explored the collection of apparatus dating back to the 17th century, including sun dials, microscopes and telescopes. Following a walk through the

Parc de Perle du Lac, a visit to the Brunswick Monument and a much-needed pit-stop for ice cream, we made our way to the International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. The students immersed themselves in a self-guided tour of the exhibits exploring the organisation’s humanitarian work. The students commented on the ingenuity and creativity displayed in the works of art crafted by prisoners of war in the face of adversity.

On Sunday morning, the group visited the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens of Geneva. The students explored the expansive grounds, visiting the arboretum and multiple greenhouses where numerous species of flora and fauna were displayed. We concluded our visit to Geneva with a boat cruise and guided tour of Lake Geneva on Sunday afternoon. On the lake, the students learned about the geography of the lake and surrounding area and engineering involved in the installation and operation of the impressive Jet d’Eau, one of the most iconic landmarks of Geneva. The group departed Geneva in the evening, returning to school just before midnight.

Mr Fishwick and I were hugely impressed by the students’ engagement in all aspects of the trip and their exemplary conduct, presenting themselves as model Colfeians throughout.

Suneina Jangra, Teacher of Physics

‘The students were amused by the numerous champagne bottles lining the walls of the Control Centre, marking milestones in CERN history, including the first proton beam in the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and the first particle collisions.’

PSYCHOLOGY

We are so proud of our Psychology students who, last summer, achieved stupendous results: 29% A*, 77% A*/A, 100% A*/B. Their interest and enthusiasm for the subject will be pursued further at university, with several of them choosing to read Psychology degrees for undergraduate study. Psychology also has an appeal outside of the department and several students who do not take the A Level have, nevertheless, decided to complete EPQs on psychological questions.

We have organised two trips this year. The first was a visit to the Freud Museum, where students participated in a workshop on ‘Little Hans’. Little Hans was just five years old when he developed an intense fear of horses. There were 70,000 horses in Vienna when Little Hans developed his phobia, and the family lived in a coaching Inn, so he could not avoid them. His parents consulted with Sigmund Freud, who later published a study of Hans’ phobia, claiming that it supported his controversial theory of the Oedipus complex. The session really brought Freud’s case study to life. A subject expert guided students through Freud’s key claims and how they stand up to modern scrutiny. One thing that is incontrovertible is how deeply Freud was thinking about the emotional worlds of children.

Another trip was to the Royal Courts of Justice. Here, students role played judges and lawyers for either the appellant or prosecution in a re-enactment of a real-life case. The case was about a woman who, after having asked to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital, left the hospital and went into Asda where she bought a large knife. She then attacked a person at a nearby bus stop and then stole

‘This was a thoroughly memorable day, and students learned a lot, not just about psychiatric illness but also about the legal process.’

another large knife from a butcher’s shop. She then violently attacked another stranger and killed her. Students had to investigate evidence given by psychiatrists and decide whether the perpetrator should be granted an appeal to the original judgement of murder. The defence claimed that she should be instead convicted of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility due to mental illness. Students were fully engaged and gave powerful arguments for each side. This was a thoroughly memorable day, and students learned a lot, not just about psychiatric illness but also about the legal process.

Year 12 pupils are now post GCiE, and are designing and conducting independent practical projects to learn about research methods. Some are doing a memory study, some are doing their own version of Loftus & Palmers’ classic study on leading questions, some are investigating the ‘Stroop effect’, and others are exploring gender differences in how males and females carry school bags. The idea is that taking ownership of their own topic will create more enthusiasm for understanding statistical analysis of their data.

We wish all our Year 13 pupils the best of luck with their exams and wait to celebrate with them on results day. My thanks, once again, go to Miss McKay and Miss Dunster for all their hard work supporting our students.

Jerry Lea, Head of Psychology

Trip to the Royal Courts of Justice

MODERN LANGUAGES

This past academic year started with excellent omens for the Modern Languages Department as we achieved some of our best ever examination results at both GCSE and A Level. Additionally, or maybe as a welcome side effect of the academic success we have been experiencing, record number of pupils are joining our A-level classes, a development that pleases us as a department particularly, given the opposite trend registered nationwide otherwise. We also have good numbers of Year 13 students starting a ML degree and I wish Katie who will study Chinese, Millie who will start a Spanish and French degree as well as Freddie who will study Spanish and Arabic, all the best for their future studies. We are particularly proud of the two students who have been offered places to study Modern Languages at the University of Cambridge.

As a department that by nature is in the heart of the EDI provision of the school, we take pride in not only teaching excellent language lessons, but also exposing our pupils to other cultures, celebrating them and highlighting similarities and differences, and above all teaching respect towards them. This year’s foreign language assistants incorporated cultural elements from their respective countries (Argentina, Austria, France, and Spain) in their lessons with our pupils, whilst a plethora of trips inside and outside the country brought our young learners closer to our European neighbours as well as the cultures they represent. Members of our department were representing their own heritage in the school’s inaugural Culture Day in June in which pupils and staff could taste delicacies and listen to music from different countries. A range of extra and crosscurricular activities, clubs and competitions took place across the year inside and outside school, and all of them contributed to making our pupils a little bit more aware of the fantastic world we live in.

TRIPS

Our annual trip to the Christmas markets took place on a freezing December weekend, but despite the cold and at times wet weather our brave Year 8 pupils and their teachers travelled to France and Germany to experience the festive atmosphere of the traditional Christmas markets. Our first stop was the quaint town of Saint-Omer with its pretty old town streets and its impressive cathedral. The gothic architecture of the structure was awe-inspiring and after a short visit, we continued our journey to the old mercantile town of Arras. It was Colfe’s first visit to this beautiful northern French town. Its Flemish-style market square hosted a beautiful Christmas market with delicacies, produce and handcraft from the Pas de Calais region. Our pupils explored the markets making use of their French skills to buy souvenirs and to order their pastries and chocolat chaud from the local sellers.

The next day we travelled through Belgium and entered Germany’s most western city, the imperial city of Aachen, the coronation place of German kings and emperors in medieval times. This market felt more traditional than the one in Arras but was also much more visited. The weather had turned for the worse and after some hours of rain and some Currywurst and Pommes later, we visited Aachen Cathedral, Germany’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site to finish our trip. Despite the crowds and the bad weather, our pupils’ behaviour was exemplary and so was the curiosity they showed towards the places we visited, and we can’t wait to welcome them on another of our future trips.

I am grateful to Mrs Biggs, Miss Lindley and to Lisa, our French assistant, for accompanying me on this trip.

Sixth Form pupils studying Spanish and French had the opportunity to visit Seville and Paris in our annual Sixth Form Cultural City Breaks. Both trips included visiting cultural highlights in these metropolises, as well as practising their language skills. Whether at the Musée d’Orsay, a ride in the Seine or a climb up the Giralda belfry and the experience of a flamenco show, once again, the impeccable behaviour of our students made the school proud. My thanks go to Ms Chapman, Ms Frate, Mrs Davies and Mrs Biggs for organising the trips and accompanying our students to these visits. Read more about these trips below!

However, we did not always have to leave London to expose our pupils to different cultures. Three trips to the British Film Institute for learners of all three languages took place throughout this year and the focus of each Film Studies day varied. Year 10 German students watched short films which explored the topic of identity, whilst Spanish Sixth Formers studied the topic of the lasting trauma of living under Hispanic dictatorships. The French A-level students spent their day analysing contemporary and New Wave French cinema.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

The Modern Languages Department at Colfe’s prides itself on being one of the most prolific, if not the most prolific, provider of extra and cross-curricular activities in the school.

In September, in our annual celebration of the European Day of Languages, Year 9 pupils created a quiz on European language diversity which was delivered across the school during form time. In our Modern Language lessons, we asked pupils to prepare a lesson in a different language from the ones we offer and teach it to the rest of the class. Many pupils opted for their own native language, and it was inspiring to see how proud many of them felt to be able to teach some basic items of vocabulary and phrases, such as greetings or numbers, of their own language to their peers. In other areas of the school, the Maths department taught the Greek alphabet to all pupils, whilst our canteen offered a European heritage menu to all pupils where they could try Lithuanian mushroom soup, Ukrainian dumplings, a Greek beef stew, Spanish paella and German Black Forest Gateau.

Our long-standing Breakfast Club for Linguists reconvened in the colder and darker days of the year to listen to some inspiring talks and presentations (usually not from our own Modern Languages teachers) about a variety of language or culture-related topics, whilst warming up with a hot cup of coffee and a savoury or sweet pastry. This year’s themes focused on personal experiences, such as Ms Ibendahl’s own language learning journey from textbook-based studies at GCSE German to embracing technology and cultural exposure through social media clips or language learning apps to master the language in adulthood. Mr Barthorp took us with him on a journey back to his university days when he was studying Spanish and Portuguese. His vivid account of his experiences in his years abroad in Spain and Latin America showcased what studying Modern Languages at university bring with it and I hope that many of Sixth Formers found his presentation inspirational, to say the least. Ms Axelle Oxborrow, from the French Institute, sketched out her way into learning English and her love of linguistics, whilst Ms Batten and Mr Biggs from the Classics Department parallelled learning Latin to learning Italian. Finally, our language assistants gave us a heartfelt presentation on what their country means to them personally, breaking with stereotypes we might have about places like Argentina or Austria. I thank all speakers for giving their time to speak to our Sixth Formers and inspire them to find their own way in their long journey of learning languages.

This academic year saw the first nomination of Prefects responsible for Modern Languages. Two Sixth Formers, Aurelie and Emilie, offered us some of their free time to support the department in many ways, but above all I would like to highlight their contribution in running the department’s Stretch and Challenge Club. Among other things, they prepared the participants for the prestigious Anthea Bell Prize for Translation, organised by the University of Oxford. Their efforts did not go to waste, as we had a winner this year! Leila in Year 9 submitted a

‘This year, we ran Mandarin, Italian, Polish, and Modern Greek clubs at various points of the school year, and we also offered support to native or near-native speakers of our curricular languages in our native speakers’ clubs.’

translation from French into English of a literary text for which she was awarded a commendation. A massive achievement given that Oxford received over 16000 submissions!

A cross-curricular club, the school’s Linguistic Society, produced more competition winners! Mr Wilcox from the English Department coached keen students of English, Modern Languages and Classics in the materials of the United Kingdom Linguistics Olympiad and two of our participants won awards: Alex in Year 12 won a Silver Award and Amabel in Year 11 won Bronze! Congratulations to all of them and many thanks to Mr Wilcox.

In our second year in taking part at the French Debating Competition at St Paul’s School, our contestants fought against the best French departments in the country and will take with them a valuable experience. Thanks to Holly, Jayden, Charlotte and Tabitha from Year 12 as well as Mrs Davies and Mrs Biggs for preparing them.

I am also grateful to Mr Ollerenshaw, Mrs Biggs and Ms Frate for running preparation classes for some of our most able linguists who took part in the prestigious language diploma examinations that the national institutes of Germany, France and Spain offer. The Zertifikat Deutsch, DELF and the DELE clubs ran weekly throughout the year to offer the opportunity to our keenest linguists in Years 11-13, often to pupils who have stopped studying languages at A Level, to acquire an internationally accredited language diploma at B1 level. At the time of writing, results had not been published yet, so good luck to all participants! Read more about these clubs below!

Finally, I would like to briefly mention our extracurricular languages as well as the native speakers’ clubs. This year, we ran Mandarin, Italian, Polish, and Modern Greek clubs at various points of the school year, and we also offered support to native or near-native speakers of our curricular languages in our native speakers’ clubs. As Head of Modern Languages, the enthusiastic participation of our students in so many of our extra and cross-curricular activities and trips fills me with pleasure, but also pride that our students experience that learning languages is more than conjugating verbs and learning vocabulary; it is a gateway to the world!

FAREWELLS

After six very successful years as a German and French teacher, we say goodbye to Ms Thomsen who will be leaving the school to spend more time with her family. I am very grateful to her many contributions to the department and the learning of her pupils, and I wish her all the best for her future. I also would like to wish all the best to our Head of Spanish, Ms Chapman, who will be taking maternity leave next year.

Marios Koutsakis, Head of Modern Languages

The DELE Club enjoyed significant popularity this academic year. We commenced with a robust group of exceptionally talented linguists from Years 11 and 12. The group convened every Monday at lunchtime, delving deeply into the intricacies of the Spanish language and rigorously preparing for the various components of the DELE exam. This was a

‘The DELE Club evolved into a hub for the exchange of ideas and cultural awareness.’

highly enriching experience, and the DELE Club evolved into a hub for the exchange of ideas and cultural awareness. By the conclusion of the summer term, several members undertook the actual exam at the Instituto Cervantes, subsequently reporting how well-prepared they felt and the success they achieved. Congratulations to Charlotte and Freya (Year 12) for taking the exam, and to Xanthe and Aminah (Year 12) and Lora, Amelie, Ines, Emily and Rohan (Year 11) for participating in the course.

Giuseppina Frate,

Teacher of Modern Languages

It has been a pleasure to run the DELF super-curricular club again this year and I am praiseworthy of the three candidates who chose to sit the B1 examination the day after completing their GCSEs, and then to sit the speaking examination on the Founder’s Day holiday. The course offered its usual opportunities to engage in fun, but real life scenarios where the intention is to get one to encourage, compromise, disagree and challenge or to implore (e.g. on the coach close to the airport upon one’s return from a ski trip and the realisation sets in that you have left your passport in the hotel!).

Noémie, Lora and Annabelle stated that it was just so much fun, it was a great opportunity to keep connected to French after sitting the GCSE exam and it will serve them well in the future, with it being a challenging qualification with authentic francophone texts. For one pupil it is now time to think about the B2 qualification ahead of an application to study in a French university!

Elizabeth Biggs,

Teacher of Modern Languages

The Spanish Department were thrilled to be leading a trip to the beautiful city of Seville in early February. The group met bright and early at Gatwick Airport on the Friday morning, very excited and animated despite the 2am alarm! After catching up on a couple of hours sleep on the plane, we landed in sunny Spain and were met at the airport by a very enthusiastic local tour guide. We were driven to our accommodation and were delighted to see it was the beautiful TOC Hostel right in the centre of the city. Leaving our luggage behind, we set off to explore the local area and indulge in some delicious tapas.

SEVILLE 2024

The sun was shining and spirits were high as we gathered at the magnificent Alcazar. The buildings and grounds of this royal palace were absolutely stunning, and we enjoyed exploring and admiring the different styles of architecture and design. In the early evening, we walked along the banks of the Guadalquivir and made our way to a cooking workshop.

The students were tasked with preparing gazpacho and paella, and they did a fantastic job! Xanthe was a superstar frying the chicken and Ms Chapman and Ms Frate were very impressed with the quality of the food. Rufus so enjoyed the food that he managed to consume four cups of gazpacho and six dishes of paella! We headed back to the hostel for a relatively early night, to catch up on some much-needed sleep.

On Saturday, we enjoyed a breakfast of pastries, cereal and toast in the hostel and then strolled down the street to the Cathedral. The amount of riches and plundered Mexican gold inside the Cathedral impressed and horrified us in equal measure. We climbed the 100m-tall belltower, known as the Giralda, and witnessed stunning views over the city from its highest viewing point.

Our second activity of the day was a team treasure hunt, where we explored various areas of the city in small groups, cracking codes and solving puzzles in Spanish, to find the mystery key to unlock a box and break the city’s curse. This was fun and competitive and the drawing task at the end produced some interesting results! Congratulations to Zahrah, Isaac, Charlotte and Aminah for winning the task!

After a well-deserved lunch of tapas, we reconvened and made our way to the Bull Ring. This was an eye-opening tour and provoked interesting discussions about the validity of traditions and customs that may nowadays be deemed “cruel”. In the evening, we watched an authentic flamenco performance, which particularly impressed and inspired our music students, Oskar and Rufus.

Having consumed our body weight in Iberico ham and paella, we staggered onto the bus to return to the airport. The students and teachers had an amazing weekend soaking up the spring sunshine and exploring a stunning Spanish city. We look forward to our trip in the coming academic year – will we get to explore the delights of Barcelona, Granada or perhaps Valenica..? Watch this space!

Thank you to Señora Frate for her wonderful company and support on this trip!

Laura Chapman, Head of Spanish

PUPIL REVIEW:

“Mientras los estudiantes del año doce y trece esperaban en el aeropuerto de Gatwick por el vuelo que estaba despegando a las seis de la mañana, nadie pensó que el viaje a Sevilla tendría éxito. ¡Pero estuvimos equivocados! El viaje a Sevilla fue dos días de sol, cultura y recuerdos agradables.

Pasamos el primer día explorando el centro de la ciudad y visitando el Alcázar, que solo fue un paseo de dos minutos de nuestro hostal. Ver la historia del palacio no fue aburrido, como he anticipado, porque los jardines y paredes fueron tan hermosos y el tiempo precioso enfatizó su belleza. Durante la tarde, participamos en un taller de paella y gazpacho, una actividad muy divertida. La paella y el gazpacho también estuvieron deliciosos.

Después de una noche muy cómoda en el hostal, el segundo día fue lleno de actividades interesantes. Incluyó visitas a la catedral y a la plaza de toros, un camino por expolorar más de la ciudad, y una presentación flamenca. La música, el baile y la emoción de la actuación flamenca la hicieron lo más destacado del viaje.

Si tuviera que resumir Sevilla con tres palabras, serían “histórica, hermosa y caliente”. Recomiendo la ciudad a todos y me gustaría mucho visitarla otra vez en el futuro.”

Xanthe, Year 12

PARIS 2024

It had been four years since the French department was able to relaunch the annual A Level visit to Paris and this year resulted in much cultural and social enrichment as usual. Students were full of joy as the long and busy Spring term was brought to a close with an early morning boarding of the Eurostar and a rather pleasant journey to the La Ville-Lumière. The itinerary was suitably charged with a visit to the Musée d’Orsay, dinner at the chaotic but supremely entertaining Chartier restaurant where students were delighted with a tasting of cow’s tongue, snails and the more traditional bœuf bourguignon. A bright and brisk start to the day allowed students to enjoy a long walk along the rive-droite and a boat ride on the Bateau Mouche, taking in the delights of the most famous of Parisian sites and getting a close-up of the intricate scaffolding surrounding Notre-Dame. Students were enthralled at the scale of the restauration project and equally as saddened by the impact of the fire in 2019. Another 10,000 steps got students closer to the desired free time to explore the shopping areas and here they didn’t fail to make personal and souvenir purchases from Galeries Lafayette and more independent stores peppered along the Boulevard Hausmann. The sun shone and the warmth of the Spring day meant we were able to people watch whilst sitting on the steps to the Opéra House. Inside, the tour of the Opéra Garnier was a little more eye opening as the beauty of the main staircase was clearly now a significant backdrop for any Instagrammer. Visitors dressed for the opera itself or indeed appeared to have been modelling for an exclusive Paris fashion house allowing us to indulge in a lot of self-fulfilling posing!

Mme Biggs and Mme Davies extend their thanks to the students who accompanied them on the visit and who were excellent ambassadors for the school, proving themselves to be curious, well mannered and linguistically keen (at times!)

Lizzie Biggs,

Teacher of Modern

Languages

ARI SHARES HER REFLECTIONS BELOW:

Le voyage à Paris a été la meilleure partie de mes vacances à Pâques ! J’ai particulièrement apprécié le cinéma Grand Rex car il était interactif et pas aussi ennuyeux que certains musées. Le Chartier Restaurant m’a appris de nouvelles cuisines françaises comme la langue de bœuf et les escargots. Les bateaux touristiques m’ont également permis de découvrir l’histoire de la ville de manière ludique et relaxante.

SIMILARLY, ISIS GIVES RECOMMENDATIONS:

I most enjoyed going to the traditional French Chartier restaurant; it was very traditional and the food was amazing with some great classics. I would recommend going to the Galeries Lafayette which is the French equivalent of Selfridges and going to the viewing platform at the top to see an amazing view of Paris and the Eiffel Tower.

GEOGRAPHY

This year’s highlight has undoubtedly been our trip to Iceland in April 2024. After a fantastic tour of Sicily in October 2022, expectations were high for this year’s excursion. We had a bigger than ever group of pupils ranging from Years 9 to 13, and we are so proud of the way in which the pupils represented the school. Their enthusiasm, positivity and conduct throughout the trip was praised by staff at every location we visited. Please read a more comprehensive report by Mrs McAuliffe later in this article. She is our Iceland expert, and her knowledge and thorough organisation is the main reason this trip is so loved by pupils and staff alike.

The geography we teach in our classrooms should reflect the world around us and we feel it is important to update our teaching and resources regularly. This year we have focused on our KS3 curriculum and updated units to ensure that we offer relevant and engaging lessons to all of our pupils. In Year 7 we look at a wide range of environmental challenges we are facing, and pupils are more knowledgeable than ever about these issues. Our new Year 8 scheme of work now includes a unit called Our World, which looks at physical aspects of our planet such as the creation of the Earth and its natural cycles, including some geology, which we have not done for a while at Colfe’s, but has proven very popular with pupils. Another new unit, Unequal World, will offer pupils a broader and a more balanced view of global development than individual country studies have previously.

All the usual trips have kept us busy again this year: Natural History Museum, coastal fieldwork in Kent, regeneration in Kidbrooke and residential river investigation to mention a few, offer pupils opportunities to explore areas near them and understand how they can find geography close to home. It is lovely to see how our pupils engage with local, regional and global geography and many want to continue studying the subject after leaving Colfe’s. We have had ex-pupils coming back to the department to

talk about their studies and it is fascinating to hear what they been up to. Last summer, for example, an ex-pupil spoke to our aspiring geographers about her PhD work in the field of Dendrochronology at Cambridge University and others have offered to come and visit too.

Talking about an ex-pupil, William Walker, who was a pupil at Colfe’s from 2009-2016 and has been a wonderful Geography teacher in the department for the last three years, has decided to leave us in favour of New York. Whilst we are very happy for him, we are also envious of his new adventure and are already planning a trip to visit him! I would like to thank Mr Walker for the energy and positivity that he has brought to the department, he will be truly missed.

Henna Nissinen, Head of Geography

ICELAND EXPERIENCE, APRIL 2024

We had the pleasure of taking 45 Colfe’s students to Iceland during the Easter break to experience some of the breathtaking sights and learn about its dramatic physical geography.

A highlight for most of the students was our first visit to the Sky Lagoon, a serene spa pool heated by geothermal energy. The following day we walked up to one of my favourite waterfalls, Skogarfoss, then on to Vik, a tiny coastal town in the south. There we walked along the black volcanic beach to view the remarkable sea stacks, Reynisdrangar (famous in Icelandic troll folklore) and took photos on the basalt columns. Here at Vik, we had a unique opportunity to experience actual molten lava during a fascinating presentation. The afternoon was equally as busy as we walked up to Solheimajokull ‘sun house glacier’ noting how rapidly it has been retreating in recent years. This was followed swiftly by my favourite part of the trip to Seljalandsfoss 60m waterfall with a rainbow and the pretty little-known waterfall beside it hidden in a narrow gorge. It was breathtaking to look up to see the sun shining through, highlighting this beautiful sight. Our second night was spent in the cosy rural hotel Vatnsholt, with a hearty homecooked meal, friendly local cat and a good night’s sleep and we were rewarded with a beautiful sunrise the next morning.

Juniper Hall Rivers fieldwork

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall in Iceland

Kidbrooke urban fieldwork

Solheimajokull Glacier in Iceland

The penultimate day began with the lava tunnel Raufarholshellir. The expansive cave was a real insight into the inner workings of a lava tube with icicles resembling stalactites and stalagmites. A gentle walk around and into Kerid’s dramatic volcanic crater lake was a perfect site for a photo in the sunshine. Later that day, we followed the famous Golden Circle tour of Gullfoss waterfall, a 33m plunge by the glacial Hvita river into a mile-long gorge with colours varying from deep aqua to translucent grey, then watched the spouting ‘Strokkur’ geyser at Geysir and finally looked out across Pingvellir (where the first parliament was created in 930AD) which straddled the Mid Atlantic Ridge where we stood on the North American plate and looked across the rift valley to the Eurasian plate. After a delicious sourdough pizza meal, we visited the local swimming pool in Reykjavik where many of the students enjoyed a wonderfully inclusive and fun game of basketball/water polo in the outdoor heated pools and the exhilarating waterslide; a wonderful experience at nighttime! Shopping and sightseeing around Reykjavik centre was our final activities of the holiday in the sunshine before flying home.

The whole Icelandic experience was incredible and one that was made possible by our friendly and knowledgeable guide Hlif and driver Barbara, our caring accompanying staff Ms Nissinen, Mr Walker, Ms Coode, Ms Valance Bull, Mr Kiddey and Mr Collins and the wonderful attitude and behaviour of all the students.

Flo McAuliffe, Geography Teacher

“There were many highlights of the trip for me including the first night when we went to the Sky Lagoon. It was amazing to swim in a lagoon heated by geothermal heat and the view from the edge made it even better. Furthermore, the competition some of us had of who could stay in the freezing plunge pool the longest was great fun, especially when the teachers realised that they had all been beaten by the students. Another highlight for me was all the incredible waterfalls we got to see, especially when we got to walk up close to one, Skogarfoss, and even though we all got sprayed with water it was definitely worth it. Overall, Iceland was an amazing trip and a great experience, and I hope I get to go back there some day.”

Jamie, Year 12

“The Iceland trip was an absolutely fantastic experience for everyone who participated. Iceland is such a beautiful location and one I probably never would have visited if I hadn’t gone on the trip. While we were there, we saw some of the best natural sites the country has to offer, we were fully immersed in the culture, and we had some great food. We spent three nights and four days in Iceland and each day was full of adventure and excitement. The most awe-inspiring moment for me was when we visited Skogarfoss, which is a 60m waterfall. The 527 stairs to reach the top were definitely difficult but so worth it as the view was absolutely breath-taking. Overall, I think my favourite experience was the visit to Seljalandsfoss ,which was another waterfall. The best part about this is that close to this waterfall is a cave that when you enter you are greeted by another huge waterfall that you can get really close to. It is absolutely mesmerising. Other locations that we visited include: the Sky Lagoon, the Black Sand beach, a glacier, a lava tunnel, Geysir and various other natural wonders. Thank you to all the staff that came on the trip along with our tour guide and coach driver. “ Alice, Year 9

“One look from the plane’s window and you could see the beauty of Iceland. The contrast between the glaciers and the Martian-like soil trickling with lava flows already surpassed the high expectations of the trip. Soon after landing and checking out, we went to the world-renowned Sky Lagoon. Floating around the beautiful warm geothermal pool, combined with the gentle cool breeze from the wind made the Sky Lagoon one of the highlights of the trip. The following day we started off by visiting the majestic waterfall, Skogarfoss. The 60-metre jaw-dropping waterfall that produced rainbows towards the bottom captivated everyone’s attention, with stairs on the right for those who wanted to get a better view whilst completing a workout. After everyone was finished admiring the spectacular view, we went to a small coastal town called Vik to watch the Lava show. This unique show enabled us to witness and feel the heat of molten lava whilst learning about the history and understanding the hazards of volcanoes. The next day we went to one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls, Gullfoss. The breathing taking view combined with the power of the waterfall made this waterfall particularly stand out compared with the rest. Its unique beauty made it worthwhile when taking pictures in the extremely cold wind chill. We later went to visit a Geysir where the poignant sulphur smell was negated by the eruptions of the Geysir, allowing everyone to truly soak in Iceland’s picturesque nature. I know I will remember this trip forever and will often look back on the memories I have created and the experiences I have been through. I am very grateful and appreciative of this once in a lifetime opportunity and I cannot thank the staff enough.”

Daniel, Year 13

Raufarholshellir lava tunnel in Iceland

Kerid crater in Iceland

HISTORY

Off the back of some excellent Year 11 GCSE results and huge success in the British component of the History A Level particularly, History has had a busy and thriving year with a plethora of trips, as well as the launching of a diversified and thematic study on Protest and Representation for Year 8, who have tackled issues of who holds power, civil rights and worker rights with gusto. This has included depth studies on the ‘hidden figures’ of the British civil rights movement, such as covering the Bristol bus boycott in 1963, as well as analysing sources relating to the experiences of servicemen from the British Empire in the First World War.

In the run up to the July 2024 election, Year 13 were treated to real-time campaign tactics dominating the news which helped them compare the 1987 and 1997 election campaigns under Thatcher and New Labour in considering the role of the press. Year 7 have tackled independent learning projects in order to develop their research skills in what has been a big year for the History Department. In the autumn term, we were treated to an amazing lecture on handling sources as a source of inspiration by children’s author Tom Palmer, who spoke about his love of writing novels based around major historic events such as D Day. The excellent work Ms Forbes has done on study skills has also allowed pupils to foster extended writing skills and to become more reflective when considering their own progress.

A highlight of the year also goes to Mr Mashiter’s innovative French Revolution history trails made around London, which required Year 13 selfies galore at key sites relating to the French Revolution course. This was rounded off by his star ‘Bastille Baker’ cake featuring a chocolate guillotine no less. We are very keen to keep the concept of edible revision going forward! Cake was also the theme of Year 13’s leaving party, who were each provided with a coursework-themed cupcake as well as a rendition of the 1997 election campaign song ‘Things Can Only Get Better’, which thanks to social media was a big boost for History and Politics revision.

Coursework topics this year were varied and impressive; from the success of the French Resistance to British colonial policy in Burma and the foreign policy of Bill Clinton. A number of pupils opted to focus on British elections, covering 1997 and 1964, as well as the development of the Holocaust and US withdrawal from Vietnam. Ms Crummay’s work on ‘blended learning’ with Year 8 to encourage research skills and use of trusted online sources via Surface use, such as utilising the online National Archives, allowed for pupils to consider the 5 Rs in historical significance in selecting an important historical figure; remembered, revealed, remarked, resonates and resulted in change.

We’d also like to say a huge well done to our amazing Year 11s who tackled the sheer volume of Germany 1890-1945, the Cold War 1945-72, the entirety of the Elizabethan Period, and 1000 years of protest including the English Civil War, American War of Independence, civil rights and trade union movements all within two years.

The GCSE course is plentiful of incredible moments in time but is content and skills heavy and incredibly rigourous. Many pupils, such as Amelie, came up with some colourful and impressive revision materials relating to proxy conflict. We also were extremely impressed by the engagement of potential pupils in our two taster sessions; current Year 6 pupils, who evidence hunted around Room 104 to locate the Colfe’s ‘Christmas Truce Tree’ to discover former Colfeians who took part in it, as well as Year 12 holding a War Cabinet style tribunal to assess whether Thatcher should have ordered the Belgrano to be sunk during the Falklands War.

WALKING THE HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT

On a dark, cold early December morning, bleary eyed but excited, Ms Crummay, Ms Needham-Bennett and honourary historian for the weekend (and lifesaver!) Mr Fishwick embarked on the Eurostar with the Year 12 and 13 cohort for their much-awaited Paris field trip to develop their knowledge of the French Revolution and Charles de Gaulle component of their Second World War studies in the British A Level section.

This was a true highlight given pupils walked the corridors of Versailles, as well as visiting the spot in the Hall of Mirrors where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, an event that of course transformed the 20th century in

sparking a Second World War. The most moving part of the trip came at the Shoah memorial; pupils were able to look at the 70,000 names of French Jewish deportees during the Holocaust whose lives were lost in extermination camps. The exhibition resonated with staff and pupils, who remained silent throughout much of the visit due to the harrowing and poignant nature of the exhibits, with Maisie in Year 12 commenting that ‘it was a moment in time’ for her in looking at some of the artefacts used to carry out such mass persecution.

The Deportation Memorial on the banks of the Seine was also a moving visit, with pupils venturing through labyrinthine memorial underground. This is a must visit for those visiting Paris. Off the back of the release of the much scrutinised ‘Napoleon’ we also paid a visit to Napoleon’s tomb in the Musée des Invalides, with pupils noting how useful and informative the Second World War galleries were, which included de Gaulle’s BBC radio used to deliver the passionate plea to resist from June 1940. Pupils were able to draw parallels with his rhetoric to Zelensky’s speeches in Ukraine.

With the examinations now fully returned to normal and full specification post-Covid, there was scope to once again slot back a in a number of trips for Key Stage 4 pupils also. For Year 11, whose ‘Historic Environment’ component this year was overseas exploration, this meant a hugely exciting trip to the Golden Hind at London Bridge, where pupils were hands on privateers loading cannons and hauling on ropes. With the Spanish Navy thankfully not present to fire on us broadside, the main challenge that a number of Year 11 boys had to contend with was the low ceiling height below decks, with many breathing a sigh of relief upon arriving in the more spacious hull, only to be shocked at just how cold it would have been below the waterline.

Our commitment to teaching engaging lessons based on skills and content was further boosted by a trial workshop for Year 10 hosted by the Imperial War Museum’s Holocaust Learning Workshop, where pupils were given primary sources to analyse to better appreciate the diversity of experience of those who suffered in Europe at the hands of far-right tyranny and persecution. Year 12 walked the corridors of the Cabinet War Rooms as part of their Churchill source enquiry, with many awed that the site had been left as it was on the final day of the war in 1945.

A key moment in this year’s calendar was the D Day 80th anniversary assembly, given that a number of Colfeians took part in the allied landings on the 6th June 1944. It is always an honour and personal joy to deliver these important events to pupils and staff, and the inclusion of a video involving actress Vicky McClure and her grandfather, who shook hands with a Frenchman who had been liberated by his unit, led to some damp eyes. A number of Year 8 pupils were so inspired that they requested to produce some extra work on the significance of D Day, which will soon be available for parents to see in the corridor. A whole-school

PSHEE allowed pupils to learn about the role of women on D Day, and we look forward to commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day next academic year. At the time of writing, pupils have also been embarking across Year 7 and 8 on their end of year trips to the London Docklands Museum to better grasp London’s history, from the slave trade to the bombing of the docks in 1940, with Year 7 walking the battlements of the Tower of London. How lucky we are to immerse pupils in these important historical spaces.

It has been an utter privilege to lead this department and to breathe life into an incredibly important subject for the past six years as Head of History. This school sits on Henry VIII’s former hunting grounds, our original building was destroyed in 1944 by a Nazi rocket, and 97 Colfeians fell in the Second World War, as well as 129 in the First World War. It is situated a stone’s throw from where Wat Tyler and John Ball led the Peasants’ Revolt in 1381 and is located close to some of the most significant protests in Thatcher’s Britain. The local area is thus at the centre of local, national and world history. Thank you to all the parents who have supported the department, and it has been wonderful to hopefully inspire your child to love History. As the outgoing Head of History, I wish all Colfe’s pupils well in their journey, with a gentle plea to remain in love with the subject, and I am sure I will still see many pupils at CCF events.

Onor Crummay, Head of History

RELIGION & PHILOSOPHY

I would like to start by considering a question that we start looking at in Year 7 in the Religion and Philosophy department; what is real?

One of the key areas of epistemology is to consider if we can have certain knowledge of anything (if indeed this is possible) and how we can successfully discern when we are presented with it. For example, as you read this page, you would very much like to assume that it exists in an objective reality. However, the sceptic might argue that actually, beyond your own assumptions, real, indisputable proof of the page in front of you is impossible. If this is beyond our grasp, it seems to be a relatively swift process for us to end up in a sceptical pit of despair, unsure if we are really the thinking things that we assume ourselves to be, or are simply brains in jars being manipulated by evil scientists to believe that we are reading the Colfeian. Whilst Descartes’ answer to this problem was to build knowledge from a certain existence of his own self as a thinking thing, progressing to proof of the existence of God and using that to underpin all other truths, others in more recent years have been less convinced.

All is not lost, however. Whilst it seems that seeking certain reality could very much be impossible, I would like to argue that this is not as important as it seems. Note that I am not discussing in this case a critical approach to information that we are presented with (as this is an essential topic, not enhanced by the examples to follow). I will explore this by looking at the example of professional wrestling, seeking to establish that actually, whatever reality is, it is our experiences that are fundamentally the most significant in determining much about our lives.

Professional wrestling as we know it today evolved from matches in the 19th century, the result of which was either determined by the sheer brute strength of the opponents, or pre-determined. This developed into the theatrical spectacle of athleticism that it is today, where all match results are predetermined in order to suit a specific narrative arc. These stories are ‘booked’ to elicit a specific reaction from audiences, enhanced by the wrestlers’ commitment to their characters. Broadly, these fall in to two categories; the ‘heel’ (who is the bad person), and the ‘baby face’ (who is not). This acting on behalf of everyone involved is underpinned by a concept known as ‘kayfabe’, where a wrestler will commit with such gusto to their character that the audience is no longer able to determine what is a real part of the individual, and what is simply a character, invented for entertainment.

So, the question in this case is, if we are unable to discern what reality is from a presented illusion, should it matter? Stephanie McMahon entered into a kayfabe marriage with wrestler Triple H in 1999, marrying in real life in 2002. How much of their early relationship was simply a show on screen as opposed to genuine feeling may not matter as much as we think; if something fake is indiscernible from the real thing, how can it be seen as anything other than reality?

To look at this another way, Bishop George Berkeley claims that proof of an external world is impossible as we cannot compare how something appears in our heads to how it actually is in reality. If this is the case, we should stop trying, and rely on how something appears to us. This is perhaps where the joy of professional wrestling lies for many, and perhaps not a solution to our sceptical woes, but some reassurance.

‘Inside the Philosophy classroom, however, the complex challenges of thinking continue, and long may they. This year the department has run a trip to the Jamyang Buddhist Centre and continued to build on the success of our examination results.’

Scottish wrestler Joe Hendry peaked at number six in the UK charts in May after becoming a Tik Tok sensation with his entrance music ‘I believe in Joe Hendry’. Such is the commitment to his character that he has written the music for an entrance so cheesy that most of us would cringe. Does it matter whether Joe Hendry is, himself, horrified that his entrance music has been recognised by the Official Chart Company? No. Does it matter that it has clearly brought joy to a significant number of people? Arguably, yes.

It is here where we can bring the threads together and use professional wrestling and kayfabe to ease our sceptical woes. Ultimately, sometimes we may lose something in looking below the surface too much when trying to understand our own perceptual reality. It does not mean that this is not a valid philosophical approach, I am merely suggesting one way in which we might answer this question. If we really delve in to the reasons why Joe Hendry became an overnight chart success, we may shatter an illusion that, on the surface, is meaningless fun. It is for this reason that, outside of a Philosophy classroom, we do not need to look too deeply, and we can be content with this.

Inside the Philosophy classroom, however, the complex challenges of thinking continue, and long may they. This year the department has run a trip to the Jamyang Buddhist Centre and continued to build on the success of our examination results (100% A-B at A-Level and 50% grade 9 at GCSE). Philosophy Club remains successful in Years 7-9, and this has explored issues from Doctor Who to our moral responsibility to have good thoughts. I remain incredibly grateful to Ms Wraw and Ms Rycroft in my department for their continued support.

I will sign off this year’s article, ever the teacher, with a further opportunity to explore the Philosophy/wrestling crossover, with a quiz:

PHILOSOPHER OR PRO-WRESTLER?

‘There is nothing more powerful in the world than human spirit and human will.’

‘I don’t know why we are here, but I am pretty sure it is not to enjoy ourselves.’

‘Everything is happening for a reason; it’s preparing you for bigger things.’

‘If you are lonely when you’re alone, you are in bad company.’

‘The only antidote to mental suffering is physical pain.’

‘We’re all humans living on this tiny little rock, floating through space at, like, thousands of miles an hour. We should all just get along.’

Zoë Kendrick, Head of Religion and Philosophy

Answers:

Wrestler – The Big Show

Philosopher – Ludwig Wittgenstein

Wrestler – The Undertaker

Philosopher – Jean-Paul Sartre

Philosopher – Karl Marx

Wrestler – Finn Bálor

CLASSICS

In Greek mythology, Theseus, mythical king and founder of the city of Athens, rescued the children of Athens from King Minos after slaying the Minotaur and then escaped onto a ship going to Delos. Each year, the Athenians would commemorate this by taking the ship on a pilgrimage to Delos to honour Apollo. A question was raised by ancient philosophers: After several hundreds of years of maintenance, if each individual piece of the Ship of Theseus were replaced, one after the other, was it still the same ship?

Now at the end of my second year of guiding this particular ship, and my third year at Colfe’s, it caused me to think about the identity of the Classics department through time. Are we still the same department that we were a few years ago? Indeed, what will we be like a few years from now? Is change a good thing or a bad thing? Is it inevitable? Or is there something essential in the spirit of a department that lives on? With this in mind, it will be instructive to consider what we’ve been up to over the course of the last academic year.

In a busy year of trips, the first in early October saw the Year 9s return to Bath. Once again, the students reveled in the chance to sword fight and explore the Roman barracks and amphitheatre at Caerleon, before heading to Bath for dinner and the ever-popular quiz. The morning saw them enjoying a self-guided tour of Aquae Sulis itself as well as getting hands on with our Romano-British past in an artefacts session.

In the October half term, we were delighted to take our students back to Rome and the Bay of Naples for the first time since Covid. Students were treated to highlights including a guided tour of Pompeii and nearby

‘In a busy year of trips, the first in early October saw the Year 9s return to Bath. The students reveled in the chance to sword fight, explore Roman barracks, enjoy a self-guided tour of Aquae Sulis as well as get hands on with our Romano-British past in an artefacts session.’

Herculaneum, a climb up Mount Vesuvius, a trip to Hadrian’s sprawling villa at Tivoli and of course a full day exploring the Eternal City itself. It was a genuine pleasure to take our Year 9, GCSE and A Level students around iconic monuments such as the Colosseum, Pantheon and Ara Pacis and this will no doubt be hugely beneficial to their studies. The students enjoyed themselves immensely and rose well to unexpected challenges including lost airline baggage and a group of ultra-strict nuns! My deepest thanks go to my colleagues David Titcombe, Alicia Bendall, Alex Coode and Jo Ariti-Alamonte for all their help in ensuring the great success of the trip.

Next it was Year 12 and 13’s turn to go on a trip, this time to see extracts from the Aeneid performed in the original Latin with accompanying aulos music. Apart from being a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the original Latin performed in this way, this was a thought-provoking and useful complement to their classroom studies.

In the Spring term, Year 7 were again challenged to create a project on an episode of Graeco-Roman mythology of their choice. Without exaggeration the standard of this year’s entries was the most impressive yet, so much so that we decided to include a fifth category; best baked product. Our congratulations go to our runners-up and especially to our overall winners; Louise and Daisy (best arts & crafts), Alex (best written piece), Austin (best digital entry), Zeke (best drawn piece), and Alisa (best baked product).

‘Year 8 once again had the chance to engage with a new ancient language; Classical Greek. All Year 8 students were introduced to the alphabet and explored the Greek derivatives of many English terms, culminating in a murder-mystery which challenged their transliteration skills.’

Year 8 once again had the chance to engage with a new ancient language; Classical Greek. All Year 8 students were introduced to the alphabet and explored the Greek derivatives of many English terms, culminating in a murder-mystery which challenged their transliteration skills. Following this, 35 students put themselves forward to sit the EMACT Greek certificate in recognition of their progress with the language. We would like to commend all our students who sat the certificate.

The department led two further trips in the Spring term, one for the Year 12s to Cambridge for the annual Oxbridge Classics Open Day and one for Years 10 to 13 to see a performance of Euripides’ Bacchae at the UCL Bloomsbury Theatre. Students who otherwise don’t get the opportunity to study Greek tragedy in school thoroughly enjoyed Euripides’ profound exploration of the human psyche and the appalling consequences of King Pentheus’ resistance to Dionysus, the god of wine and unfettered emotion.

In the Summer term the entire cohort of Year 10 Classical Civilisation visited the British Museum’s summer exhibition Legion: Life in the Roman Army. Students were thrilled to see firsthand so many excellent artefacts, ranging from a full suit of crocodile armour to the world’s only surviving example of a perfectly preserved and painted Roman shield.

Throughout the year, Senior Classics Club has gone from strength to strength, now having become a student-led forum with presentations on (to name but a few) ancient music, the epic of Gilgamesh, Mycenean tombs, the construction of aqueducts and heroism across Greece, Rome and China. My special thanks go to Matthew, Jacob, Morgan, Max and Maya for all their initiative and enthusiasm.

Such a busy programme of trips and supercurricular activities simply couldn’t happen without the commitment and energy of an outstanding team of individuals. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to give my heartfelt thanks to my colleagues Holly Batten, Alicia Bendall, David Titcombe and Scott Wakeham for all that they do. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Scott for his hard work and efforts over the last two years and to wish him well as he leaves us for pastures new and to welcome our newest member of the department, Beth Whiskerd, who will join us from September.

To conclude then, there has been change in the three years since I joined Colfe’s. We have now settled into our new home in the Laurel Building; we have replaced Classical Greek at GCSE with Classical Civilisation, in the process tripling in size at GCSE; we have record numbers choosing to study Classical Civilisation at A Level; and we now once again offer a full suite of trips from day trips to residential, domestic and foreign. But despite this change we remain recognisably the same department; one determined to inspire our students, to achieve excellence and, perhaps most importantly, to have great fun along the way. So, from this particular version of the Classics department at least, we hope you have a lovely summer break.

Harry Biggs, Head of Classics

‘Students were treated to highlights including a guided tour of Pompeii and nearby Herculaneum, a climb up Mount Vesuvius, a trip to Hadrian’s sprawling villa at Tivoli and of course a full day exploring the Eternal City itself.’

MUSIC

We have seen yet another busy year for the Music Department at Colfe’s. Co-curricular music continues to play a large part in school life, and it has been pleasing to see so many pupils involving themselves in ensembles, concerts and recitals. Many thanks to all the staff in the Music department, the visiting music teachers and staff who are involved in co-curricular music for your support in what has been a very successful year.

CONCERT HIGHLIGHTS

The first big musical event of the year took place at St Alfege’s Church, Greenwich, for the Autumn term performance of Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem. It was fantastic to combine the forces of the Senior Choir, Senior Orchestra and Junior Chamber Choir to perform this iconic, large-scale choral work. Special thanks go to Katie (Year 13), Ari (Year 12) and Ed Hughes (Teacher of Mathematics) for their solos in the ‘Offertory’, ‘Sanctus’, ‘Pie Jesu’ and ‘Libera me’ movements. The concert also featured a spirited performance of Bizet’s Carmen Overture by the Senior Orchestra and an uplifting performance of Hepplewhite’s Us by the Junior Chamber Choir. A more reflective moment was provided by Orlando (Year 13), whose expressive performance of Chopin’s Mazurka in A minor (Op.17, no.4) on the piano was a personal highlight of mine. Thank you to my colleagues and all of the performers who contributed to the success of the concert.

The Autumn term concluded with our annual Carol Service at St Mary’s Church, Lewisham. The service opened in the traditional fashion with the ‘Once in Royal’ solo, sang beautifully by Rose (Year 7). The Senior Choir performed

a premiere of Paul Martyn-West’s Lullaby my own dear child whilst the Junior Choir sang the ever-popular Away in a Manger. The service also featured the school Folk Band, who performed an original arrangement of the Wexford Carol and the Senior Chamber Singers, who performed Dan Forrest’s lively arrangement of the Sussex Carol. Benjamin (Year 9) performed Wilbur Held’s atmospheric arrangement of O little town of Bethlehem on the organ before the service and Ludwig (Year 12) performed Bach’s rousing Chorale Prelude ‘In Dulci Jubilo’ as the organ voluntary.

Musical Theatre Club at the Winter Concert

Orlando (Y13) playing piano at the Winter Concert

This year the Spring Concert took place in the atmospheric setting of St James’s, Piccadilly and was one of the highlights of the year. The concert featured many of the school ensembles, as well as a selection of soloists who performed an eclectic range of repertoire from Vivaldi to Karl Jenkins. Highlights of the concert included the Senior Choir’s poignant performance of Dan Forrest’s Good Night, Dear Heart and Oskar’s (Year 12) performance of Hoffmeister’s Viola Concerto in D major, accompanied by the Senior Chamber Orchestra. Other soloists at the concert included Luyang (Year 7), Ludwig (Year 12) and Maria (Year 11), with performances of pieces by Chopin, Beethoven and Fauré respectively. Congratulations to all pupils and staff who performed in the concert.

The Summer term was typically busy with numerous performance opportunities for pupils, especially for those in the school choirs. Of particular note was the Chamber Singers’ trip to Rochester Cathedral in May to sing choral evensong. The programme of music performed at the service included Duruflé’s Tota pulchra es, and John Ireland’s Ex Ore Innocentium. The organ voluntary was Karg-Elert’s Marche Triomphale: Nun danket alle Gott (Op. 65), performed by Ludwig (Year 12). A special thanks to the director of the Chamber Singers, Ed Hughes for his invaluable choral leadership this year. Later in June, the Senior Choir performed alongside pupils from Prendergast School at the Leatherseller’s Election Service at St Botolph-withoutBishopsgate and at St Mary’s Church for the annual Colfe’s Sermon. John Rutter’s A Gaelic Blessing proved to be a popular hit at both events.

Outside of choral music, it was enjoyable to again collaborate with the Drama department for the lower school production of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole. Congratulations to Lauren Salter (Musician-in-residence) who was Musical Director for the show and to James (Year 8) who was part of the band. The Summer term also featured a highly enjoyable Pop and Jazz

Concert with performances from the school Jazz Band, Wind Band, Musical Theatre Club, Singing and Signing Club and Jazz Quartet, as well as other soloists and bands. The term concluded fittingly with the Summer Concert in the Senior Hall, which, as always, provided a fitting setting to round off co-curricular music for yet another year.

ABOVE: The Wind Band performing in the Pop and Jazz Concert. RIGHT: Maya (Y11) singing in the Pop and Jazz Concert. BELOW: The Folk Ensemble performing at the Spring Concert at St James’ Picadilly.

The Senior Choir performing at the Spring Concert at St James’ Piccadilly

Oskar (Y12) performing at the Spring Concert

HOUSE MUSIC

House Music again proved to be highly popular this year, with a packed senior hall of pupils, parents and teachers alike attending the event. The adjudicator this year was the professional composer, conductor and presenter Leo Geyer. The event opened with the solo performances and the prize went to Sohan (Year 9) of Beardwood House for his performance of Ain’t no sunshine by Bill Withers. Despite some fierce competition, Beardwood were also the victors in the ensemble category for their lively performance of Viva la Vida by Coldplay, making them the overall victors for yet another year. A special thanks to all of the Sixth Form coordinators and teachers who were involved in making the event a success.

PLATFORM CONCERTS

This year we continued to offer numerous opportunities for pupils to perform as soloists. The termly platform concerts, open to all pupils of any ability, offered students the opportunity to sign up and perform any piece on any instrument and in any style. The events proved to be extremely popular and were wonderfully eclectic, with pupils displaying their own musical interests. Personal highlights of mine included Rufus’ (Year 12) performance of War Pigs by Black Sabbath on the drums and Esme’s (Year 8) rendition of Chopin’s ‘Revolutionary’ Étude on the piano. Congratulations to all pupils who performed in any of the platform concerts this year.

TRINITY LABAN

The Trinity Laban Recitals have continued to provide an excellent opportunity for pupils to experience musical performances from a range of soloists and ensembles made up of students from Trinity Laban Conservatoire. The ensembles that visited Colfe’s were once again of an excellent standard, ranging from piano trios to string quartets. A particular highlight was the visit of the San Jiao Trio, who performed Debussy’s Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp

Jesse (Y9) playing drums at the House Music Competition

Bramley House performing at the House Music Competition

Beardwood – Champions of House Music

Faye (Y7) performing at a Platform Concert

Fred (Y12) performing at a Music Scholar Recital Harpist from the San Jao Trio at a Trinity Laban Recital

Valentino (Y7) performing at a Music Scholar Recital

WORKSHOPS AND TASTER SESSIONS

This year pupils had the opportunity to partake in numerous workshops and taster sessions with visiting professional musicians. In the Autumn term we welcomed the Blues and Roots Ensemble for a highly successful jazz workshop and concert. The autumn term also featured a Strings Day, with workshopping and performances for string players across both the Junior and Senior schools led by Ellen Bryden. The spring term offered a series of instrumental taster sessions on lesserplayed instruments including the organ, harp and DJing. Lastly, in the summer term singers were treated to a vocal masterclass led by the talented Ed Hughes. These workshops have proved a fantastic way for pupils to broaden their musical horizons and engage in unfamiliar musical experiences.

YEAR 7 INSTRUMENTAL SCHEME

This year the Instrumental Scheme has been a big success, with the vast majority of pupil participants making notable progress on their instruments. Repertoire performed by the Year 7 Band has included C Jam Blues, Uptown Funk and Pirates of the Caribbean, all played with suitable enthusiasm by the pupils. The year concluded with the Year 7 Scheme Band performing in the Summer Concert and I look forward to seeing the continued participation of the pupils in concerts for the years to come.

ABRSM MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

Pupils have continued to perform excellently in ABRSM examinations taken at the school, with over 100 pupils taking exams this academic year. Noteworthy successes include Maria (Year 11), who achieved 142/150 for Singing Grade 5 and James (Year 8), who achieved 139/150 for Piano Grade 8. Many thanks to the visiting music teachers who put in a lot of time and effort in preparing pupils for examinations. Thanks also to

FAREWELLS

This year sees the departure of a number of colleagues from the Music department. Ellen Bryden (Teacher of Music) is departing after two years at Colfe’s and Gary Sycamore (Teacher of Music and Drum Teacher) is also leaving after eighteen years. Earlier this year also saw the departure of Tim Kipling (Flute Teacher) after over twenty years of teaching at the school. I would like to thank all of them for all of the wisdom, support and guidance that they have given me during my time at Colfe’s and wish them the very best in their future endeavours.

Tim Newberry, Director of Music

Blues and Roots Ensemble with workshop participants

Harrison (Y8), Edward (Y8), Isobel (Y9) and Esme (Y9) playing double bass at the Strings Day

Maria (Y11) performing at the GCSE Music Solo Recital Y7 Instrumental Performance 2024

James (Y8) performing on the cello at the Strings Day

Mrs Rumpelt-Meyn who oversaw the running of the exams with efficiency and organisation.

BUSINESS, ECONOMICS & POLITICS

It has been a busy year for the faculty, with many trips and clinics run throughout each term to support and extend the academic progress of our students. In addition, staff members have been pivotal in running the Current Affairs Club (Mr Poolton), Debating Club (Mr Emmerich), Asian Society (Mr Amran) and the Triathlon Club (Mr Carter).

BUSINESS

The Annual Wharton Investment Challenge administered by the University of Pennsylvania provides our students with an opportunity to learn about the world of investing, while also building analytical, teamwork and communication skills. One thing for sure with our students is that they are up for a challenge and this year’s teams did not let us down. The competition consisted of an allowance of a virtual fund of $100,000 that the teams

ECONOMICS

were freely able to invest into various stocks and ETF’s. Meeting weekly with our very own investing guru, Mr Cox, students used qualitative and quantitative analysis to understand the value of the companies in which they chose to invest. This focused and disciplined decisionmaking process led to considerable success for one team led by Gleb and consisting of team members Fredrik, Josh, and Mylo. Their strategy was to have a range of short-term and longterm investments. In the long term, the team looked specifically at ETF’s, mostly the S&P 500.

In the short term, there was a greater focus on tech companies (Nvidia, AMD, Apple, Tesla, etc). This competition allowed Gleb to gain leadership skills through encouraging the team to work together and promote discussion as well as organisation of roles when writing midterm and final reports. The reports had to have detailed quantitative and qualitative analysis on the sectors invested in.

After a slow start with initial negative returns, through learning to persevere and sticking with their investments it led to a 12% return over 10 weeks; a fantastic result, which for a number of weeks had them in the top 20 position in the competition, well done!

Trading Tales and Tall Lattes: Year 13’s excursion into London’s two financial hubs

In November 2023, the Economics and Business departments at Colfe’s took their Year 13 students on an enriching and eye-opening trip to Canary Wharf and the City of London. This adventure was designed to delve into the fascinating world of economic history and contemporary finance, providing our students with both a historic perspective and a taste of their potential future careers.

Our journey began in Canary Wharf with a visit to the Museum of London Docklands. Here, students explored the historical significance of the docks, from the pivotal roles in the sugar and slave trades to how the transformative effects of containerisation first undermined the entire business model of Canary Wharf as an economic hot spot, but then finally turned it into a modern financial hub. Students shared their reflections on our group Padlet feed, sparking lively discussions about the economic history of London and the UK. They pondered the connections between the British Empire and the sugar trade, the economic context of the arrival of the Windrush generation, and the significant post-1950s transformations that shaped the Docklands, including deindustrialization, urban regeneration, and the rise of the service economy, all contributing to the diversity and economic vibrancy of East and Southeast London.

The exploration continued with a journey through the City of London, where we learned about the historical roles of livery companies like the Leathersellers, and visited the London Stock Exchange, gaining insights into the evolution of trading culture. Our tour included a stop at the

Our departing Year 13 successfully took their AS Business examinations back in October, and as usual, there were some stand-out results with Joe securing 97 out of 100 followed by Daniel and Jacob securing noteworthy 93 and 91 out of 100 respectively. All faculty staff have been impressed by the students’ determination, resilience and thirst for learning, and we are incredibly proud of them and look forward to celebrating their successes in the summer.

With regret, Mr Cox is leaving Colfe’s and we wish him a fond farewell. Mr Cox will be taking his wealth of experience and expertise as he joins the Harris Federation taking responsibility for Economics and Business across their Federation.

Nathan Carter, Head of BEP

‘All faculty staff have been impressed by the students’ determination, resilience and thirst for learning, and we are incredibly proud of them.’

Bank of England, offering students a firsthand look at the institution that underpins the UK’s monetary policy.

One of the most engaging aspects of our City tour was the coffeethemed exploration of the City’s history. From the coffee houses that served as precursors to the London Stock Exchange to the modern “Silicon Roundabout,” where young entrepreneurs use coffee shops as coworking spaces, brainstorming startup ideas over a flat white.

Students left with a deeper understanding of both the historical and modern financial landscape of London, and perhaps a few were inspired to pursue a coffee-fueled career in Canary Wharf or the City.

Chris Emmerich, Head of Economics

POLITICS

WESTMINSTER TOUR AND DEBATE WORKSHOP

The academic year began with a trip to Westminster Parliament for Year 13 students. Aside from learning about the history of the Palace of Westminster, and the law-making process, students had the privilege to observe a Commons debate from the public gallery. This involved the Secretary of State for the Cabinet Office, Oliver Dowden, fielding a range of topical questions from the government’s response to a major breach of security with the escape from Wandsworth prison of terror suspect Daniel Abed Khalife, to the ‘tradition of gingers’ across the Dispatch Box.

After the tour there was a special debate workshop organised by the Parliament Education Service which saw the group divided into two and seated in an adversarial layout replicating the Commons. In a rare moment of consensus, students agreed to debate a motion to introduce capital punishment.

GUEST SPEAKERS

Throughout the year, the department organised a series of guest speakers. Coinciding with the teaching of the topic ‘Voting Behaviour and the Media’ in Year 12, a Q&A was organised with Dan Hodges, a columnist for the Mail on Sunday. Students were treated to Dan’s personal insights on the state of British politics, the influence of the press, and the media more broadly. American journalist Ryan McNeill who works for Reuters spoke to Year 13 students about the key issues in American politics. While Mr Denis Edwards delivered a fascinating lecture into the US Supreme Court and the Constitution, opening students’ eyes to the legal ambiguities of the 2nd, 8th and 14th amendments and the challenges this presents to the Court.

SIXTH FORM MOCK GENERAL ELECTION

A year of elections! With the French parliament elections just before the UK general election, perhaps the most significant one – the US presidential election - for international affairs is yet to come. As local elections in May took place in real life across England, many Year 13 students had the opportunity to vote in local elections for the very first time. Anticipating a Spring general election the Politics Department organised its own Sixth Form Mock General Election.

Five Year 12 students ran for office, each standing as candidates representing a political party. The candidates were: Janaii (Green Party),

Fred (Liberal Democrats), Dharma (Labour), Ollie (Reform UK) and Ted (Conservatives). The mock election was a very useful exercise for the students to learn first-hand the process and organisation of an election as well as providing an opportunity to perfect public speaking skills. The candidates researched their party’s main policies that they thought would appeal to sixth formers, presented draft speeches to each other for constructive feedback, before delivering their final campaign speeches at a Sixth Form assembly. A polling station was set up in the Beardwood foyer with volunteers running the station on voting day – complete with the requirement for voter ID – and counting the votes. Returning Officer (Xanthe, Year 12) announced the results at form time on the day of the real-life elections themselves, with a resounding win for Fred and the Liberal Democrats securing 50 of a possible 128 votes, representing 39% of the vote share.

Finally this year, the Politics Department welcomed back Mr Drury after an absence of almost five years – too long! - to share teaching of the US part of the course. Unfortunately, it’s “farewell” to Mr Emmerich who has cotaught Year 12 Politics classes for the last couple of years. Mr Emmerich has done much to engage and inspire students in political debate both in and beyond the classroom through his costewardship of the Debate Club. We wish him well and all the very best in his new role as Head of Economics at Eltham College.

Mark Poolton, Head of Politics

COMPUTER SCIENCE

It has been another busy year for the Computer Science Department. In November, all the Computer Science students participated in the Bebras Computing Challenge, and we had our best set of results so far. 70 students achieved Gold Awards, which are awarded to the students with the top ten percent of scores in the country. These students were consequently invited to participate in the prestigious Oxford University Computing Challenge along with previous Gold Award winners.

It was a tough challenge, and it was a good opportunity for students to develop resilience when facing difficult problems. The following students should be commended for achieving a Merit Certificate in the OUCC. Justin, Ben, Ifijen (all Year 7), George, Michael (both Year 8) and Leif (Year 12). Verity in Year 9 achieved the highest score in the whole school and achieved an OUCC Distinction award. Only 140 students in the whole of the UK achieved a Distinction so this is quite the achievement.

In January, we held our annual Technology Inspiration Day where we had a guest speaker talk to our students about how they use technology in their career. It helps students explore different career paths that they may not have previously considered.

This year, we were delighted to host Innovation Strategist and Industrial Designer Roger Gray, who spoke with our students about how he has used technology in the development of a wide range of products. This includes SwimAR (augmented reality goggles), which provide a holographic heads-up display for swimmers. These can tell you how many lengths you have swum and at what speed, they also allow you to follow navigation when open water

swimming to keep you on track in triathlons. He discussed the use of CAD (computer aided design) and 3D printers to build prototypes, and also the programming and electrical engineering involved in displaying the hologram in the water.It was interesting for students to see the vast array of products that Roger has been involved in developing, and the many ways different technologies are used in the development. Computer Science and its related fields are some of the most in demand skills in the workplace and it is growing in popularity at Colfe’s. It is useful for students to see how these skills can be used in the real world and alongside other skills such as innovation and industrial design.

The Computer Science Department is expanding and the number of students taking the subject has grown each year. We will have three classes starting the course in Year 10 in September and our Year 12 intake is also strong. We have been trying to improve the diversity of students taking the subject and it seems to be working as it is becoming a popular choice amongst our female students. Our current Year 12 class has one female but in the new Year 12 intake it will be over 50%.

Our first cohort of A-level students have completed their exams, and we are expecting a strong set of results. They have worked tirelessly on their coursework projects and exam preparation, and I am excited to see how they do in August. Several of them are continuing with Computer Science studies at university and I look forward to seeing them progress into careers in the tech industry.

AI is still the topic of conversation for many and is becoming part of everyday life, particularly amongst young people. It is therefore important that our students understand how this works and the ethics around its use. We have continued to teach our Year 9 pupils about the different types of AI and machine learning, and they have enjoyed creating and testing their own AI models. Several of our Sixth Form students attended a lecture by a Colfe’s parent, Frederic Maréchal, on Machine Learning and Data Science. He explained some of the mathematical concepts involved in data science and AI and discussed how he has used

them in various roles in industry. He left me wanting to learn more and inspired me to join an online course on ‘Linear Algebra for Machine Learning and Data Science’. Thank you to Mr Maréchal for giving us his time and to Mr Guy for organising it for the Maths and Computer Science students. Some of our Year 12 students are also deepening their knowledge on this topic and attended an online lecture by the University of East Anglia on ‘The Mathematics Behind AI’. Several of them are considering studying this further at university.

Our Lego Robotics Club continues to be popular, and I continue to be impressed with the pupils. Some have extensive experience already upon joining, and others are only just starting. However, they all work together well and support each other to solve challenges with the Robots. This will continue next year, and we hope to have even more members.

Mr Sycamore has left the department after many years of teaching Computer Science alongside his Music lessons. He has a wealth of technical knowledge and has been incredibly supportive since I joined the school as Head of Department. We will miss him and wish him all the best in his retirement.

Mrs Modhvadia has joined the team as our new Computer Science teacher. She is an experienced teacher and had previously worked at Colfe’s as a cover supervisor. She also delivered a Coding Club in the Junior School so some of our new Year 7s may have recognised her when they started in September.

We are proud of the success of the department, particularly our excellent results in public exams and competitions. We are bucking the national trend and increasing numbers of students choosing the subject and increasing the diversity of the cohort. It is a difficult subject, but we always try to make lessons as interactive and fun as possible and encourage all students to get involved in extracurricular activities. We look forward to the year ahead and building on these successes further.

Katy Walsh, Head of Computer Science

MEDIA STUDIES

The Colfe’s Media Studies End of Year Show took place on the 23rd of April. The event is a celebration of work produced by A2 Media Studies and BTEC Creative Digital Media Production students. This special evening was coordinated by Mr Osei-Tutu and Mr Cheung and is an opportunity to screen many of the excellent moving image projects produced by our talented Media students.

The show comprised of an hour-long screening showcasing both Year 12 and 13 Media Studies coursework, along with the Creative Digital Media Production students’ Unit10 Film Production final films. In Year 12 the students are required to create the opening two minutes of a commercial film, including institutional elements such as production company logos and title sequences. In Year 13 A2 Media, the students have to make a fully realised music video, whilst the Year 13 BTEC students have the chance to make their 5–7-minute short film. The students embraced a range of genres and styles, although they clearly enjoy creating scary content as the vast majority of them were inspired by the horror genre, with their creations producing several ‘jump scares’ throughout the evening!

The BTEC Creative Digital Media Production students are to be commended for imaginative, professional and well executed short films. Orlando’s was a gritty, imaginative and well stylised production, whilst Andrii’s and Alex’s were atmospheric, tense and in places, absolutely terrifying! Orlando even found the time to write the musical score for his own film and Alex’s. We are so proud that our students had the opportunity to see their work on the big screen with over 130 people in the audience. We would like to thank all family and friends who attended the event along with a special mention to all of our Media Studies students for their hard work. Next stop; Hollywood!

Craig Foxall, Head of Media Studies

DRAMA

NOTES FROM THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR 2024

Another incredibly busy and productive year! We have had the opportunity to see so much student progress and success in the Drama Department and we have seen so much young talent emerge, evolve and develop that the time has really flown by. Especially in our highlight of the year, the Summer Production of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole 13 ¾ The Musical!

For the seventh consecutive year we have put forward students to audition for The National Youth Theatre of Great Britain. Representatives of NYT have come to Colfe’s to lead audition workshops with 20 students in our very own Beardwood Theatre. As always well over 5,000 young people audition for only 500 places. This year we were also hugely successful and maintained our track record with five students gaining places on the acting course and one on the technical theatre course. This means that over the last seven years, 25 Colfeians have won places at NYT! We are immensely proud of their achievements.

I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to my team for all their hard work, resilience, dedication, determination and enthusiasm in the Drama Department. Danielle Sutherland, Ella Johnson, Sarah Diamond and I have collaborated effectively to create the best curriculum and co-curricular provision for our students at Colfe’s. Ross Peters, our theatre technician, has been of great assistance on our Winter Production of ‘Two’ and to our A Level sound candidate. He has continued to provide an excellent Technical Theatre Club and create an aesthetically pleasing set for our production of ‘Adrian Mole’. Over 70 pupils in Years 7-10 auditioned for our production, and we featured approximately 40 students who were acting, singing, playing in the band, assistant directing and Technical Theatre Club helping backstage. They all deserve praise for their hard work and dedication. It has been an absolute joy to work with such a fantastic group of young talented pupils and teachers both on and off the stage.

In addition to these productions, we also held GCSE and A Level performance evenings which ranged from devised pieces to scripted extracts. Consequently, every Drama and Theatre Studies student in Years 10-13 has had at least one opportunity to perform. ‘Memory of Water’ was the A Level production performed in The Beardwood Theatre and this was the final performance for our outgoing Year 13. We look back with nostalgia at the roles they played over the last seven years including ‘Romeo and Juliet’, ‘James and The Giant Peach’ and ‘The Real Inspector Hound’ and the various Summer and Easter schools they participated in. Goodbye

to our Year 11 and 13 students who are leaving Colfe’s, we will remember you and wish you the best of luck in your future endeavours.

At the other end of the school, it was lovely to see the Year 7s and 8s bring in costumes and do group performance assessments of ‘Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations’ and ‘James and the Giant Peach’. Lower School Drama Club was well attended throughout the year. There are some incredibly talented pupils coming through the school. They have demonstrated enthusiasm, engagement, teamwork, leadership, and growing confidence in performance skills.

House Drama at the start of the year in The Beardwood and the recent House Dance competition was a lovely reminder of the enthusiasm and wealth of performance talent our students have across the years. Both these well attended competitions showcased great Sixth Form leadership skills. The theme this year was freedom, and we were pleasantly surprised at the high standard of the young dancers coming through in the group and solo pieces.

In addition to my department who have provided our students with high-quality experiences, opportunities, and unique memories, I have enjoyed teaching LAMDA alongside our Co-ordinator Evelyn Smith and have taught sessions in acting, public speaking and musical theatre to students ranging from Year 7 to 13. Last half term, students took part in the LAMDA Showcase Evening to a full Beardwood Theatre of parents, friends and teachers. The results were outstanding.

On a personal note, I have enjoyed supporting MFL students with “stage fright” ahead of their language speaking examinations, being an Edexcel A Level Visiting Examiner, facilitating Keynote Education courses on “Leading an Outstanding Drama Department”, Hosting

Teachers Talk Radio shows and reviewing theatre and interviewing West End actors on my weekly Theatre Audience Podcast.

Thank you to all our students who have helped backstage on technical elements such as costume, stage management, lighting, sound and make up. Thanks to Michaela Snee for choreography and Dance Club, Lauren Salter for musical direction for Adrian Mole, Ellen Bryden for support with Musical Theatre Club and Ian Bassett for attending, filming and photographing all our productions.

I would like to extend our gratitude to all members of staff who have supported the department over the last year and those parents who have attended our performances. Furthermore, I would like to take this opportunity to send best wishes to my team; Danielle Sutherland, Ross Peters, Sarah Diamond and wish Ella Johnson the best of luck at her new school.

Natalie Maher, Director of Drama

A LEVEL EXAM PERFORMANCES

For Component One Devising Theatre our Year 12 A Level students were tasked with devising an original piece of theatre, using an extract from a chosen play as an opening stimulus. This year the play students used as their stimulus for their devised piece was ‘Pronoun’ by Evan Placey.

The task was to extract a theme, scene or character from a chosen part of this play and, using a practitioner, devise a piece of theatre of their own. The students proved they were more than up for this task, and throughout the term-long process, experimented with various ideas around various themes. The students researched the topics, looking at documentaries, conducting personal interviews, reading articles and looking at art forms that share this theme. Students were lucky enough to experience a two-hour workshop with their practitioner Frantic Assembly Theatre Company. Months of research, experimenting with the techniques of physical theatre and developing storylines resulted in poignant and fantastically executed performances, which left audience members touched and inspired by the characters and narrative. Thanks to Miss Diamond and Mrs Sutherland for collaborating on this project.

PERFORMANCE 1:

WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND

After the loss of their wife and mother, family members are lost in a search for identity and connection. The dynamics within the family are explored through memory and the need to belong.

Cast: Charlie, Will, Emerson, Britney Sound Tech: Matthew

PERFORMANCE 2: PASSING PRESENT

Lola and Cece have known each other for years, meeting in a hospital waiting room in 2001. They were bonded together through grief, through seeing each other every day, through the high points and the low ones. Years later, they’re still as close as ever. But they have forgotten something, something that will cause their carefully constructed reality to collapse around them. Join Lola and Cece as they sift through their memories searching for the answer, missing the obvious, and missing Amaia.

Cast: Anoushka, Sofia, Alice, Flick, Ellen

YEAR 13 SCRIPTED PERFORMANCE – ‘MEMORY OF WATER’ BY SHELAGH STEPHENSON

Our Year 13’s final performances took place in the Spring Term and consisted of monologues and a scripted piece. Lola, Evie and Isobel showcased their talent with a play that covered a variety of themes exploring sibling rivalry, relationships and grief.

We are immensely proud of our A Level Drama students and commend them for their exceptional devotion, passion and hard work this year.

Natalie Maher, Director of Drama

‘The task was to extract a theme, scene or character from a chosen part of this play and, using a practitioner, devise a piece of theatre of their own.’

GCSE PERFORMANCES

YEAR 11 SCRIPTED PIECES

Group 1: Slow Time

By Roy Williams, 2018

Quinn - Ashley

Jack - Delroy

Khari - Nabs

A tough, eye-opening play set in a Young Offenders’ Institution, inside three adjoining single cells. In the middle cell, Delroy, who is white, has just spent his first night behind bars. On one side is Nabs, who is Asian, and is the first to make him cry. On the other side is Ashley, who is black, and knows Delroy from the estate, from when they went shoplifting together. But once they’ve finished intimidating the new arrival through the walls, the stories of the teenagers begin to emerge, and their bravado begins to falter. For even the hardest and most macho of boys, imprisonment is frightening and lonely, driving them to the most desperate of acts.

Group 2: The Believers

By Bryony Lavery, 2014

Joshua - Joff

Thav - Ollie

Maria - Marianne

Greta - Maud

Name one certainty. . .

One sure thing. . .

One thing you truly believe. . . Two families are flung together on a night of cataclysmic weather. Bruised, tired and seduced by the flow of alcohol, they wrestle with their differences until, suddenly, the unthinkable happens. Something unbelievable. . .

Group 3: Leaves

By Lucy Caldwell, 2007

Thomas - Lori

Katherine - Poppy

Gia - Clover

Maya - Phyliss

We are where we come from? That’s not true. That’s not true because if that’s true there’s no hope for any of us.

Lori is coming home from his first term at university. It’s only been a few weeks and already things have gone badly wrong. But none of the rest of the family knows, or understands, what really happened.In this fiercely observed family drama, three siblings and a mother

struggle to define who they are, and why, and where they might be going.

Group 4: Shakers

By John Godber & Jane Thornton, 1987

Ellie - Adele (Sharon, Melvin)

Amelie - Nicki, (Daz, Elaine)

Ines - Mel, (Susan, Willy)

Chloe - Carol, (Trev, Gerry, Tracey)

The play follows the stories of Carol, Adele, Niki, and Mel as they work in a “wanna-be” classy cocktail bar. As they serve and imitate clientele from every walk of life and the bar becomes a perfect petri-dish of humanity.

YEAR 10 DEVISED PIECES

“During the Autumn term, Year 10 performed our Mock Component 1 drama pieces using the practitioner of Frantic Assembly. In our individual groups we worked together to create our own scripts and storylines whilst including devised techniques.We also incorporated techniques from the Frantic Assembly workshop. Frantic Assembly promotes the physical confidence that we needed to be brave and bold with the material we are making. It uses production specific exercises from shows; Things I Know to Be True, Lovesong, Stockholm, Beautiful Burnout and Othello The practitioner instructed us on the various devising processes used by Frantic Assembly when working collaboratively to produce multi-disciplined performance, which transferred perfectly to our own productions. It addressed the skills required for us to enhance our abilities in the areas of performance, movement, directing and critical analysis including the opportunity to workshop movement into meaning”.

Isla, Year 10

FINAL DEVISED PIECE

“In April, we performed our final Component One Devised pieces for drama. We had produced our own storylines and scripts based on a stimulus and used a practitioner to showcase our skills. All drama students in the year were in small groups of 4-5 and had to perform for 12-16 minutes. Everyone had the chance to contribute, and we all thoroughly enjoyed the experience of collaboration”.

Natalie, Year 10

Group 1

Practitioner: Frantic Assembly

Stimulus: Broken Doll, Paloma Faith

Title: Like Mother, Like Daughter

Natalie - Past June

Isla - Present June

Fikayo - Past Riley

Naomi - Present Riley

James - Mike

Summary:

When Riley returns to her mother, eight years since their estrangement, both their lives are changed forever by the unveiling of their complex past. Since their last meeting, June has married and so much has changed, but they have not healed. Can they find a way back to each other?

Group 2

Practitioner: Brecht

Stimulus: Beware: For I am fearless, and therefore powerful

Title: Code Blue

Aura - Freya and Valery

Rowan - Theo and Mark

Behruz - Kyle and Brian

Charlotte - Alex and Nurse

Rebecca - Grace and Scarlett

Summary:

Scarlett dislikes paramedics because they could not save her father but after an accident occurs outside her house, she forms a bond with the survivor, which changes her perspective. Four people are all connected by one crash...

Group 3

Practitioner: Frantic Assembly

Stimulus: Broken Doll, Paloma Faith

Title: Grateful

Esme - Emma

Izzie - Rose

Charlotte - Margerie

Aaliyah - Scarlet

Summary:

‘Grateful’ is the story of four women battling a harsh and toxic work environment. As the story continues to unfold, each character shows their true emotions and explores how they got here. Gradually over the story, the four women come together and face decisions on whether they should come forward and stand up for what’s right.

Group 4

Practitioner: Brecht

Stimulus: ‘Escaping Criticism’, Pere Borrell

Del Caso

Title: The Truth

Sam - Rebel 1, Student 1, Person 1, Weather Reporter 1, Assistant, Game Show Host, David Attenborough

Matilda - Rebel 3, News Reporter, Student 3, Weather Reporter 3, Teacher, Person 3, SouthEnders Cast Member 2 and Fitness Instructor 2

Francesca - Rebel 4, Host, Student 4, Advert 1, Weather Reporter 4, SouthEnders Cast member 1, Fitness Instructor 1 and Person 4

Summary: Set in a dystopian future, the world faces a climate crisis fueled by the government’s money-making measures.

In this future, ‘Just Stop Fuel’, a banned rebel group, challenges the planet-destroying actions caused by President Temp. As they unveil the truth of Temp’s actions to the naive globe, they experience difficult situations which urge the audience to confront the dire reality of our planet’s future. Will their rebellion change the world for the better, or will they be silenced by those in power?

WINTER PRODUCTION: TWO BY JIM CARTWRIGHT

We spread a little joy with our Winter Production in the Beardwood Theatre. We presented an evening of drama performed by our Year 10, 11, 12 and 13 students and supported by our crew of student technicians.

A sharp and touching slice of English life set in a northern pub owned by a savagely bickering husband and wife. Two is a series of short vignettes that skilfully combines pathos and humour. Jim Cartwright’s intention is that all fourteen characters are played by two actors, but here we gave our students the opportunity to perform a series of duologues and monologues. During the evening assorted customers pass through the pub including a little boy left behind by his father – an evening which triggers a movement towards a fragile reconciliation between the pub couple, as their own dark tragedy is revealed.

Two is written by award winning playwright Jim Cartwright whose other plays are consistently performed around the world and have been translated into twenty languages and include Road, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice upon which the film Little Voice was based.

Huge thanks must go to our Theatre Technician, Ross Peters, for building the set, providing all things technical and making real my vision. I am very lucky to have such a wonderful creative Drama team and my thanks go to Ella Johnson and Sarah Diamond for their support.

Big thanks to our wonderful creative costume and prop making team, Caretakers, Site Team, SLT, Catering, Office and staff helpers in Front of House roles.

We hope you enjoyed our production!

Amelia -President Temp Junior, President Temp Senior, Weather Reporter 5, Advert 2, Director 2 and Person 5.

Isla -Rebel 2, Lead Rebel, Director 1, Student 2, Person 2 and Weather Reporter 2.

“I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of the recent production Two. Being involved in the production was truly a rewarding experience that I will always cherish. The process of bringing the characters to life, exploring the themes of the play, and working alongside my peers has been incredibly fulfilling and I really appreciate the guidance, support, and creativity that everyone brought to the production. An outstanding collaborative effort that resulted in a performance that I am sure everyone will remember for many years to come.”

Will, Year 12

“It has been such a rewarding experience taking part in the production of Two. I have really enjoyed delving deep into my character’s psyche and exploring the emotions provoked by this. This role has creatively challenged me, pushing my understanding of a mature role and relationship. Deciphering the messages and symbols hidden under the surface of this play has been fascinating and has broadened my knowledge of how to understand a character in terms of their motives, reactions and behaviours. I could not have done this without the help of our incredible director and technicians, who brought this production to light.”

Charlie, Year 12

‘A sharp and touching slice of English life set in a northern pub owned by a savagely bickering husband and wife. Two is a series of short vignettes that skilfully combines pathos and humour.’

“It was a thrill to see the dialogues come to life and to be part of such an original production. From the first rehearsal to the ending show night, I enjoyed every second. What was so appealing was how different the characters were to our cast. Playing middle-aged, northern Mrs Iger was definitely new, and the excitement of attempting this will always be remembered. I couldn’t have done it without our excellent director and cannot wait to see what they next bring us.”

Naomi, Year 10

“I enjoyed every second from rehearsing to performing Two because of how fun it was to play a distinctive character from my own personality. I had also enjoyed playing my character, a small but confident man, Mr Iger. It was a new and exciting attempt to remember, and I couldn’t have done it without the help of the director and the technicians.”

Behruz, Year 10

COLFE’S SUMMER PRODUCTION:

SUE TOWNSEND’S THE SECRET DIARY OF ADRIAN MOLE AGED 13¾ THE MUSICAL

Dear Diary,

I loved reading The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾ when I was a teenager and ever since taking my own son aged 13 ¾ to see this musical by Pippa Cleary and Jake Brunger at the Ambassador’s Theatre in London’s West End in 2019, I’ve wanted to bring it to Colfe’s. As soon as the rights became available, I knew this would be the perfect show for our Summer Production for Year 7 to 10 pupils.

It was an absolute joy to work with such an enthusiastic and hard-working cast and crew, both on and off the stage. We are proud of them all. Our performances were sold out, but we remained cool, calm and collected with our new air conditioning.

Huge thanks must go to Ross Peters and the production team for building the set, providing all things technical and making real the vision of myself and my creative co-directors Danielle Sutherland and Ella Johnson. We would also like to thank our Musical Director Lauren Salter, the Music Department and the band. It has been a joy once again to work with Michaela Snee, our brilliant choreographer.

I hope you enjoyed our production; it was a triumph and a true reflection of the talent of all the pupils involved and the creativity and dedication of my Drama Department.

Many of the parents and teachers in the audience said how professional the standard was!

I was tempted to give it a 5-star rating on Theatre Audience Podcast.

Natalie Maher, Director of Drama

DIARY ENTRY FROM TORIN WHO PLAYED

ADRIAN MOLE

Dear Diary, I’ve had so much fun over the past months rehearsing for The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾ The Musical, it’s really been a great experience. I’ve made new friends, spent more time with old ones and enjoyed it lots. It’s opened me up to other opportunities and I’m very glad I took part in it. I really miss it now that it’s over!

Torin, Year 8

DIARY ENTRY FROM NAIMA WHO PLAYED MR. SCRUTON

Dear Diary,

I am so happy that the production went as well as it did; the choreography, the scenes and the lighting were such an incredible experience that I would do it again in a heartbeat. I am so sad it’s over, but I am happy with the new friends I have got, and the more experience I have got doing this play.

Naima, Year 8

DIARY ENTRY FROM CECILIA WHO PLAYED PAULINE MOLE

Dear Diary,

During my time doing the production, I enjoyed every moment! I am so grateful for the role that I was given and had lots of fun exploring Mum as a character. Within this play, it has created an amazing community of great people and friends for life. Everyone worked so hard and achieved lots. All the teachers that directed and helped us really made a difference to the end product, and we couldn’t have done it without them! I wish I could do it all over again and I cannot wait to try out for the next play!

Cecilia, Year 8

DIARY ENTRY FROM ISABELLA WHO PLAYED PANDORA

Dear Diary,

Performing in Adrian Mole was amazing! I made lots of new friends and the show challenged everyone to try new things. The cast and stage crew were incredible, and I was so lucky to be surrounded by such talented people. The experience is one I will always remember and I’m so excited to see the shows that we’ll perform in the future!

Isabella, Year 7

DIARY ENTRY FROM JAMES WHO PLAYED MR. LUCAS

Dear Diary, Working on the production was such an enjoyable experience. I loved getting to know my character better and being able to do things that were outside of my comfort zone. I was so appreciative of the trust that was put in me to play such a unique role. None of it would have been possible though without the tech crew, choreography staff, band and teachers directing it, so to them we are all eternally grateful.

James, Year 10

DIARY ENTRY FROM GRACE WHO PLAYED DOREEN

Dear Diary, I have loved rehearsing and performing Adrian Mole and working with new people. I have made new friends with people in the cast, which is one of my favourite things about taking part in the school productions. I will have so many amazing memories from on and off stage of Adrian Mole. It has also challenged me to try new things and become more confident on stage. I will look forward to seeing what the next production will be.

Grace, Year 8

DIARY ENTRY FROM HENRY WHO PLAYED ENSEMBLE AND ADRIAN’S DOG

Dear Diary, I loved performing Adrian Mole. I really enjoyed crawling around and being a dog even if it did wreck my knees for a few days after! The creativity and love put into these school plays is something so hard to find in other areas. Everyone helps everyone and the company was perfect. I got to get to know so many new people who I wouldn’t necessarily normally talk to. This show brought a bunch of people together and made something incredible. What a blast. Woof!

Henry, Year 8

MUSICAL THEATRE CLUB

The Musical Theatre Club is open to all students and is a brilliant collaboration between the Drama and Music departments. Many keen and enthusiastic students attended all year round, showing strong talent emerging across KS3. This year, the students worked in groups to take greater ownership of their own choreography, rising to the challenge with eagerness.

My favourite part of the year was working with the students on by Taylor Swift, which was performed in a Musical Theatre style for the Pop and Jazz Concert. It has been a pleasure to work with the Musical Theatre Club this year and see the confidence and performance skills of our students grow.

Ella Johnson

In the Autumn term, the Musical Theatre Club performed ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’ from the musical Hairspray, for the Winter concert. This was accompanied by Rufus (Year 12) on drums and Mr Newberry on piano, which was well received by all. It was a fantastic opportunity for the Musical Theatre students to experience performing with a live band. I was delighted to have the pleasure of working with the Musical Theatre students throughout this year, building their confidence in projecting their vocals with clear diction, and creating band opportunities for student instrumentalists to get involved with accompanying the performances for the end of term concerts.

Ellen Bryden

‘Many keen and enthusiastic students attended all year round, showing strong talent emerging across KS3.’

“I have enjoyed Musical Theatre Club this year because I have liked singing songs from some of my favourite musicals and then performing what I have practised over that term. I enjoy how we are encouraged to come up with our own ideas.”

Grace, Year 8

“My experience in Musical Theatre Club has been absolutely wonderful and such an exciting endeavour to be able to participate in. The bonds and connections I have formed with people have been so valuable and we have spent such an enjoyable time together, working collaboratively to produce an engaging piece while maximising our fun. It was such a joy to be part of this amazing group and learn simultaneously. Musical Theatre Club is a very positive and beneficial one and I encourage you to join if you can!”

Eni, Year 9

“Musical Theatre Club is really fun, and I attended all the concerts. I loved the concerts, and it is an inclusive and welcoming club to go to even if you haven’t danced or sung before.

I love going to this club and it makes me look forward to it every week. I recommend this club to anyone who wants to sing or dance in a group.”

Saskia,Year 7

“I really like Musical Theatre Club because it’s an enjoyable experience to perform on stage and sing with friends. I really liked “Shake it off” for the Jazz and Pop Concert as we were able to choreograph it as a group which gave us an idea of what it was like to create a dance routine.”

Tara, Year 9

“Prior to Colfes, I had no experience in Musical Theatre, so this club has really helped me a lot! A highlight for me is when we perform the songs and dances, we have been rehearsing in the big concerts, where we get to showcase our work and get used to performing on stage. I am so happy that this is a club, and I am excited to continue it in the future. I have also really enjoyed my Musical Theatre LAMDA sessions.”

Naima, Year 8

TECHNICAL THEATRE

As the interest in technical theatre continues to grow here at Colfe’s, students have been finding more ways than ever before to get involved behind the scenes both academically and with the many co-curricular opportunities presented to them. It is wonderful to reflect on this year and see the various contributions made by students within the Drama Department with several ambitious GCSE and A Level exam performances and two spectacular school productions, as well as providing technical support for events with other departments and House Competitions. Many of these events were in part prepared and crewed by members of Technical Theatre Club, with students from Year 7 all the way up to Sixth Form. There is much to celebrate, and lots that the students should be proud of.

Technical Theatre Club now has over 100 members in the team, with many coming to the weekly sessions and others who are involved with the school shows and other events. We have continued to diversify what we explore in these sessions to show the different potential elements that could be utilised to add to a production. During our sessions this year, we have done workshops on lighting, sound, set design, costume, and puppetry. This wider portfolio of work has opened new possibilities of what students can explore and the skills they can develop in theatre, which has translated into their drama curricular work as well as the school shows. One element that we have workshopped for the first time this year is shadow puppetry, playing with perspective and the use of silhouette to allow students to create characters very different to themselves and conjure powerful imagery. We have since seen the use of shadow puppetry in a Year 12 devised piece for their Component 1 exam performance, and in KS3 lessons this summer term.

As well as learning a plethora of new skills, the sessions have also been fun! The costume game remains as popular as ever, but our workshop implementing different sound effects to a scripted scene comes a close second. It has also been wonderful to see our Year 12 students (many of whom have been dedicated members of Tech Club before I joined the

‘During our sessions this year, we have done workshops on lighting, sound, set design, costume, and puppetry. This wider portfolio of work has opened new possibilities of what students can explore and the skills they can develop in theatre, which has translated into their drama curricular work as well as the school shows.’

school) now helping to support and teach some of the younger students themselves. They have also begun doing freelance technical theatre work with organisations hiring our Beardwood Theatre space, putting their theory into practice. Congratulations also to Morgan who joined Colfe’s in the Sixth Form this year and has been involved with every facet of Technical Theatre Club in the school, attending our weekly workshops, school events and prep for school productions. They have successfully secured a place on the highly competitive National Youth Theatre course, specialising in lighting. Well done!

The standard of GCSE and A Level work continues to be excellent, with students devising their own work as well as putting their individual interpretation for their scripted work. I’ve been impressed with the students putting their knowledge to use with the lighting, sound and set designs they have wanted to incorporate into their pieces. They have created a variety of scenes ranging from naturalistic prison cells and family homes to more liminal spaces that allow the audience to garner their own interpretation. We are fortunate to have our Beardwood Theatre space, and the students are never shy to utilise all the technical assets we have on offer to enhance their performances and make the most of the space.

This year, we have also been fortunate to see many productions in London’s West End and beyond with every year group. GCSE and A Level Drama students have seen several productions specifically to help with their live evaluation segments of their exam papers. I have been running several lessons focussing on production elements after we have seen the plays, and students have made excellent progress from the start to the end of the year. They have shown great engagement in these sessions and can see how the various production elements amplify the performance as a whole and help immerse the actors more deeply in their character and audience within the narrative. This helped to build a solid foundation of knowledge ready for their exams, and more greatly appreciate the amount of work that goes into putting on a professional theatre production.

We have a growing number of KS3 pupils who are expressing an interest in the GCSE Technical Design route, focussing on lighting and sound disciplines rather than acting. With the experience they are already gaining assisting with school event and shows, it puts them on a really strong

foundation for their future studies. The opportunity to design and run technical elements at the calibre we offer here at Colfe’s is something I personally did not experience until I was at university. It is fantastic that we can offer such specialist courses here at the school, so watch this space for updates on our budding technicians!

Our two school productions this year were a triumph and ran impeccably thanks to the pupils that were involved in the production teams. Pupils assisted in a variety of ways, with some helping to build and paint props and set in advance in the run up to the show, and others actively programming and running the various lighting and sound equipment for the show itself.

For our Winter Production of Two, our tech crew was mainly comprised of students in Year 12 who programmed the lighting and sound in the tech box, and KS3 members of Technical Theatre Club who helped craft and paint various set and props. The Winter production always has a quick turn around with auditions, rehearsals and the show all coming together in the span of just a couple of months, so the students’ help is invaluable. As Two is set in just one location, we could be more detailed than usual with our set design, to transform the Beardwood stage into a 1980s northern pub. In previous schools I have worked at, students were not given the trust, responsibility or opportunity to be involved to the same degree that they are here at Colfe’s. But, knowing that I had the experienced Year 12 students on hand to cover lighting and sound, I could work with the younger pupils to add the extra details to our pub set, pork scratchings and all!

For our Summer production of Sue Townsend’s The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾: The Musical, we continued our ethos of getting as many pupils in Years 7-10 involved as possible. We had a tech crew helping in production week whose size nearly rivalled that of the large cast, and

more pupils involved in the run up to the show helping to create the colourful backdrop of our musical that used every inch of the theatre except the seats to perform in. The students did phenomenally well with most doing something completely new to them including, but not limited to, working as stagehands, operating follow spots, balancing the sound of twelve different head mics and helping cast with their stage makeup. It was a steep learning curve, but one they took on brilliantly with students supporting each other as well as the cast. I’m incredibly proud of their efforts, the show they helped to create, and I’m thrilled to see what they will achieve in the future with some exciting projects on the horizon.

I’d like to thank all the students and staff for helping to make my time as a full-time Technician as wonderful as it has been. Special thanks in particular go to the rest of the magnificent Drama Department who have shown nothing but endless support and enthusiasm as I trial new ideas, and Mr Bassett who has provided excellent advice, wisdom and support regarding the many eclectic events that happen in this special place. Whilst I will still be involved with technical theatre, I will be handing over the reins to our new Technician starting in September as I start my role as a Teacher of Drama here at Colfe’s in September. I’m looking forward to this new adventure which allows me to continue what I love to do; sharing my knowledge and a joy of theatre with students, staff and parents.

Ross Peters, Theatre Technician

LAMDA LESSONS & LAMDA SHOWCASE

We have had a brilliant year in LAMDA. Each student has progressed in leaps and bounds in their confidence, skill and technique in their lessons, and their hard work has paid off in the outstanding results they achieved in their LAMDA exams, which was exhibited in the end of year Showcase.

Students have had lessons in Acting, Speaking in Public, Musical Theatre and Verse and Prose. Each subject has taught them how to communicate with confidence, express their ideas, deepen their literary analysis ability and learn how to positively engage an audience.

98% of Students achieved either a Distinction or Merit in their LAMDA Grade Exams, with 70% achieving a Distinction and many of those being over 90%; which is an amazing accomplishment for the students.

The pieces they learnt, wrote, prepared and performed were extremely diverse. We had everything, from an Oscar Wilde comedy to a speech about the future of AI, a contemporary ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and even Cher from ‘Clueless’

The LAMDA Showcase gave everyone a wonderful opportunity to share what they have been up to in their lessons and what they’d worked so hard to prepare for their exams. They shared their performances with both their peers and their parents. The evening was a resounding success. We had a marvelous mixture of monologues, songs, poetry and speeches. It was lovely to see how much each of the students supported each other and took personal pride in their hard work.

‘98% of Students achieved either a Distinction or Merit in their LAMDA Grade Exams.’

All students were encouraged to challenge themselves and try things that were outside of their comfort zones, something which really helped them all to excel and believe in their abilities as performers and communicators.

I am incredibly proud of all of their achievements and look forward to continuing to teach and support them to continue to reach their fullest potential. Miss Smith

I have thoroughly enjoyed working with my Public Speaking and Musical Theatre students this year, we have had so much fun in our sessions, and I am so proud of their Merits and Distinctions! Well done everyone.

Natalie Maher, Director of Drama

Quotes from students about their experiences this year:

“I tried Public Speaking for the first time with LAMDA and it has really helped me become more confident with speaking in front of a big crowd of people.”

Lily

“LAMDA has improved my confidence and helped with other skills such as learning lines.”

Isabelle

“I’ve loved the variety of LAMDA pieces - they really allow you to pick what you want to perform, which has helped me progress a lot.”

Elizabeth

“LAMDA has really helped me to become more confident talking to big crowds and acting in front of people.”

Katerina”

“LAMDA has been a great opportunity, and I have learnt so many new skills.”

Rose

“LAMDA has helped me so much develop my inside acting and my facial expressions which I struggled with before taking the classes.’”

Naima

NATIONAL YOUTH THEATRE

A bumper set of six students are celebrating receiving offers for the coveted National Youth Theatre Programme for 2024. Alice (Year 9), Natalie and Esme (Year 10) and Chloe and Greta (Year 11) have received offers for acting, while Morgan (Year 12) has been invited to join as a theatre technician.

The offers take Colfe’s to a total of 25 students that have got into the NYT in the last seven years; quite a track record! This is a huge achievement as over 5,000 students apply each year for just 500 places.

For the seventh year we offered an energetic workshop with NYT practitioners in The Beardwood. We are incredibly proud of all our students who auditioned this year. Taking part in the audition process alone is an exciting experience as it is an opportunity to work with an industry professional. Often it takes hard grit, determination and resilience to get through a round of auditions. The National Youth Theatre is a wonderful stepping stone for our ambitious and talented students.

The National Youth Theatre is a prestigious theatre and arts organisation, whose alumni include many successful UK performers and technical theatre experts. As well as participation in a summer course, winning a place means becoming a NYT member with access to auditions and professional castings, creative training opportunities and invitations to audition for the NYT Rep Company.

‘Taking part in the audition process alone is an exciting experience as it is an opportunity to work with an industry professional.’

The group is eagerly awaiting the course as the summer approaches:

“I am really excited about the chance to work as a team, and particularly exploring scriptwriting.”

Greta, Year 11

“Taking part in the NYT course is really exciting. As well as being part of the community, being a member afterwards will bring excellent opportunities.”

Chloe, Year 11

“I really enjoyed the audition; the workshop included lots of improvisation and was really fun, and I am very excited about the course itself.”

Alice, Year 9

Director of Drama Natalie Maher said, “I am delighted for these conscientious talented drama students. The competition to gain a place on the NYT course is intense so they have done extremely well. The programme itself provides fantastic experience and training, and membership of the NYT will bring many opportunities which I’m sure they’ll fully make the most of.”

YOUTH THEATRE

TRIPS AND VISITS

WHOLE COHORT THEATRE TRIP YEAR 7 – THE WITCHES, NATIONAL THEATRE

“In January, we went to the National Theatre to see The Witches the Musical. I had read the story previously, so it was incredible to see how the book by Roald Dahl was adapted for the stage. The actors brought it to life so well and it was hilarious! My friend and I couldn’t stop laughing! My favorite part was Bruno’s song because it was dramatic and over the top, which enhanced the comedy of his character. There were many special effects such as making people and objects disappear, which made the show very exciting and interesting; in our lessons afterwards, we discussed how we thought the special effects were done. Overall, the rest of Year 7 and I had an amazing time watching the show and we all admired the incredible lighting and sound effects. I would definitely recommend this show to people of all ages because it has a perfect mix of comedy, horror and musical theatre, which was a delight to watch.”

Isabella, Year 7

Motivated by their visit to The National Theatre to see The Witches, Year 7 students were tasked with creating their own characters and costumes inspired by the performance.

WHOLE COHORT THEATRE

TRIP YEAR 8 - MRS. DOUBTFIRE, SHAFTESBURY THEATRE

“In January, we visited the Shaftesbury Theatre in London, where we watched Mrs Doubtfire the Musical with the rest of Year 8. I was expecting a funny, but serious themed show. I knew the show would be good as Ms Maher, Director of Drama, had highly praised it. I loved the show! It was so fun and great for all ages. The costumes and sets were incredible, and the actors were brilliant. I was very impressed by the show and recommended it to all my friends and family. It was a great pick by the Drama Department. Thank you for taking us!”

Ruth, Year 8

“When we went to go see Mrs Doubtfire in the theatre, I was in disbelief. The set and the effort of all the actors was incredible. Going into the theatre, I didn’t expect there to be any level of depth in the storyline but as time went on and they started talking about the sensitive topic of divorce, I slowly realized the deeper meaning. The way the storyline was executed to have the perfect balance of humor and real-life situations was excellent and clearly depicted. I am so happy that Colfe’s has given us the opportunity to see yet another breathtaking theatre performance.”

Naima, Year 8

“In January, Year 8 had the privilege of going to watch Mrs Doubtfire at the Shaftesbury Theatre. My first thoughts before the production were that it would be filled be laughter, happiness and great songs and I was right! I enjoyed it from start to finish. The lighting, props and staging were very

‘I would definitely recommend this show to people of all ages because it has a perfect mix of comedy, horror and musical theatre, which was a delight to watch.’

impressive. I especially liked Mrs Doubtfire’s costume; you could tell the amount of work that went into making it since it was so detailed. All the actors were very inspiring since they conveyed great emotions to tell the story. All of them had amazing voices and had great expressions while singing. I recommend this production to all ages as people can relate to their characters. I am so thankful that the Drama Department took us to watch it!”

Cecilia, Year 8

“In January, Year 8 got to see Mrs Doubtfire at the theatre. I hadn’t seen the movie so I wasn’t aware of how funny it would be. I thought it had good songs that made me laugh. I liked how they changed the dad into Mrs Doubtfire because it

worked on stage. I thought Act 1 and Act 2 were equally entertaining. My favourite scene was when Mrs Doubtfire gets discovered.”

Grace, Year 8

“In January, Year 8 got to go see Mrs Doubtfire the Musical. As a big fan of the movie, I was praying it had done it justice. It had done more than doing it justice, it built up on so many different parts of the story by using songs to bring it to life. The costumes and sets were amazing and hats off to the actor who played Mrs Doubtfire because performing musical numbers under a fat suit and a mask can’t be easy! I really enjoyed Mrs Doubtfire and highly recommend it.”

Henry, Year 8

Zagros,Year 7

Louie,Year 7

DRAMA GCSE YEAR 9 &10

THEATRE TRIP - HAMILTON, VICTORIA PALACE

THEATRE

“In May we went to watch Hamilton with the Year 9 and 10 drama students. As someone who has always wanted to watch Hamiliton, I knew most of the songs and story already. Initially I knew it would be this fast paced and energetic performance, which was true, especially in Act 1, however Act 2 was a lot more emotional, which brought many people to tears. I loved the cast during the time we watched it, especially the actors for Eliza and Arron Burr, as they had such strong abilities to convey emotions through all their songs and I also really loved the staging and the lighting as it created such an effective atmosphere. I loved this show so much, and it is now one of my top 3 favorite theatre shows.”

Tara, Year 9

“This year in May, we all were given the opportunity to watch Hamilton, this is because part of our GCSE study was to watch live performances. I was so surprised at the effect the performance had on me, I found I was thinking about it for days after. The actor that played Hamilton really allowed the audience to connect with him through his expression and eye contact throughout, which made the performance so much more engaging and exciting. I would recommend this show and happily watch it again!”

Esme, Year 10

“In May this year, Drama students in Year 9 and 10 went to see Hamilton in the West End. I personally already had the privilege of watching the show in 2021, so this was my second time going to see the musical. I very much enjoyed my second time as much as my first because it allowed me to spend less time focusing on the main characters and trying to follow the storyline, and more time observing individual ensemble members and paying close attention to the set, lighting, costumes and the strength of the cast as a whole. I love listening to all the songs in the production but seeing them performed live has blown me away both times. All the actors were incredibly talented, but I found those playing Eliza and Hamilton particularly impressive. The atmosphere in the theatre was at times so intense and I couldn’t help but let myself be immersed in the world of Alexander Hamilton!”

Turma, Year 9

YEAR

11,12

& 13 A LEVEL

THEATRE TRIP - OCEAN AT THE END OF THE LANE, NOEL COWARD THEATRE

“On November 7th 2023 Year 12 and 13 Drama students went to see the play Ocean at The End of the Lane at the Noel Coward Theatre. The play is an interpretation of Neil Gaiman’s novel which created magic, entertainment and childhood fears brought vividly to life on stage. I found this production to be an incredibly powerful and entertaining

‘I love listening to all the songs in the production but seeing them performed live has blown me away.’

“The trip to Hamilton was especially beneficial to a future GCSE drama student like myself, but it was also extremely entertaining as well as educational and inspirational. I found that the ensemble was particularly special due to their focus, concentration and desire to avoid mistakes and show off their amazing talents of singing and dancing. Finally, the Victoria Palace Theatre accommodated us very well due to their outstandingly friendly members of staff.”

Caedan, Year 9

“Last May, we went to see Hamilton in London. I thought this was a great experience as we got to see a great musical and learn more about the different aspects of lighting that was used in this musical. This was exciting for me especially because I find the tech side of theatre to be really interesting. I thought the cast and crew did an excellent job at bringing Hamilton and his story to life.”

Charlotte, Year 10

“In early May this year, the Year 9 and 10 pupils had the privilege of seeing Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London. At first, I had no understanding of Hamilton and thought that it was a play by Shakespeare, luckily it was the complete opposite. The purple and green flooded stage created a mesmerizing and mysterious atmosphere which fully engaged me and the other audience members into staying locked in on what was happening on stage. I also enjoyed the inventive rap battles between Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson which I thought was hilarious and further engaged the younger audience.”

Rowan, Year 10

piece, using both technical elements and performance skills. The visual elements involved in the performance really helped to enhance the narrative, creating an entertaining atmosphere for the audience.”

Emerson, Year 12

“In November, Year 12 and 13 Drama students went to Ocean at the End of the Lane which we saw at the Noel Coward Theatre. It is an interpretation of the novel by Neil Gaiman, it brought to life his dark visuals and more ethereal

YEAR 11, 12 & 13 THEATRE TRIP - THE LITTLE BIG THINGS, SOHO PLACE

The Little Big Things in October was one of the most surprising and transformative performances I have seen. We all went in with certain expectations that it would be melancholy and hard-hitting because the show was based on a book and a real story. However, the performance became a celebration of diversity and experience that was unexpected but entirely welcome to us all. The Soho Place ‘in the round’ new theatre added an exciting element with the vivid colours produced by the light up stage linking the themes of art and colour. Overall, this performance was very impactful (with a few tears being shed by our group) and I have recommended it to many friends and family.

YEAR

11, 12 & 13 THEATRE TRIP - METAMORPHOSIS, LYRIC HAMMERSMITH

In the Spring term we were taken to see Metamorphosis at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. Going into this performance, each student had individual expectations, many of which were positive due to the fact that this was a Frantic Assembly adaptation that took influences from various directors like Steven Berkoff and David Farr. Since we were lucky enough to work with Frantic Assembly in private workshops, many of us were excited to see how movement would be created to further the experience and contribute to the complex dynamic of this play. However, the physicality used felt underwhelming and mostly uninspiring for a younger audience member. Having said this Metamorphosis did have some complex messages that, although concealed, still managed to come up in discussions postperformance.

and complex

subjects onto a live stage production that created horror, amazement and wonder to varying degrees of success. The technical elements consistently surpassed all expectations and reminded me why theatre is still so relevant and enjoyable year after year.”

Matthew, Year 12

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

Design and Technology have enjoyed another productive year, with the move towards surfaces allowing every student access to even more tools to bring their ideas to life!

Year 7 and 8 pupils worked on their Resistant Materials and Textiles skills, using hand tools and CAD (Computer Aided Design) to create speakers, lights, pencil cases and swimming bags. Year 9 have enjoyed utilising their design skills to create pewter adornments, bucket hats, culture inspired lighting and wireless phone chargers. Year 10 Resistant Materials pupils have made an excellent start to their GCSE with a plywood laminated lamp, and our Year 10 Textiles pupils have made aprons inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Our GCSE pupils have tackled design challenges as diverse as a wind powered battery charger for use on a bike and colour changing water themed clothing to promote climate awareness, to desk tidies for siblings lower down the school to store their art supplies. This year’s A-level students tackled challenging technical topics, including cleaning glasses using UV, tackling sun glare with automatic roller blinds, as well as the difficulties involved in owning a growing and ageing dog, including tackling hip dysplasia!

To supplement their learning at A Level, our Year 12 and 13 students took a trip to the Mini Factory in Oxford, an enlightening day that put into real-world context a lot of the A-level Product Design course. Here is a report from one of our Year 12 students:

“Hello and welcome to my very comprehensive description of our trip to the Mini Factory!

We began the day as all days should be at the crack of dawn, in the middle of a storm, driving along a motorway. It was lovely. I think I even slept a bit! Fast forward an hour or so and we arrived. Ready and possibly raring to go! I say possibly as we were also quite possibly suffering from sleep deprivation at that point. Suffice it to say, we were very excited. We had high hopes coming in, and coming out they were more than validated.

After a brief browse of some Mini cars in the in-house museum, we were led following a very informative safety briefing into the first construction bay. Picture the immense roar of machinery and machinists working both in tandem to sate the hunger of Mini consumers around the world.

Nigel, our tour guide (lovely chap by the way), gave us a first-class tour around the site. We dodged and weaved around both people and machines, paying special attention to all the different kinds of welds and assemblies. The Mini came from around 386 individual pressed metal parts (not mentioning other accessories!) with around 280 machines per car.

It was truly amazing to watch the speed and efficiency with which the robots assembled and worked together on different parts. Before our eyes, we watched individual pieces get pressed and welded together into the car we know and love. Each car chassis takes six hours to be fully assembled.

Following these steps, the car body, Nigel said, was sent in for painting. Cleaning is extremely important for them, with each car chassis going through several camelback baths (called camelback for how it is dipped in and out on humps) filled with demineralized water and then finally into phosphoric acid to ensure the paint would stick to the car.

From there it is then dunked into a paint solution which has been electrostatically charged. Through careful control of the charges, they can ensure that each layer of paint is only 25 microns thick. Absolutely amazing, isn’t it?! Plus, it only takes 11 hours!

From the car bay we were then whisked away to the main assembly line where, through the use of JIT and manual labour, the car chassis is fully fleshed out and put together. Here, surprisingly, the only automated parts were the engine and windscreen assemblies.

Each BMW associate works on a specific line, given only 67 seconds per car to do their job and the bleak warning that if they mess it up, they’ll be the ones who fix it.

Nigel now thought it apt to tell us about the sequence, quite possibly the most important part of the entire manufacturing process, for it controlled the sequence of construction and delivery of parts through the use of Just In Time. A single mistake in it could lead to wheels on the wrong chassis,

‘A single mistake in it could lead to wheels on the wrong chassis, leather on the wrong seat and a major headache for everyone involved.’

‘Our GCSE pupils have tackled design challenges as diverse as a wind powered battery charger for use on a bike and colour changing water themed clothing to promote climate awareness’

leather on the wrong seat and a major headache for everyone involved. Thankfully, however, in the whole 39 years that Nigel worked there he had never had the displeasure of experiencing one of these events, though during the tour he did significantly annoy one of the automated part carriers by standing in its way. Did you know that BMW for any large, bulky or heavy parts (8kg and above) will supply robots to help lift and place the parts into place? I didn’t!

Finally, after a successful assembly, the car was driven through the finish line and taken in for testing or, in the case of the first car we saw, to get completed for retroactive repairs by the person who messed it up.

Mini cars are stored for up to four days on a six-acre field with up to around 260 of them being lugged by twice a day by train (they have their own private stop you know!) to Southampton and Tilbury for further exportation. In the beginning, 520 Minis a day exported sounds good until you realise the factory manufacturers 1000 easily, with on average one Mini released every minute and seven seconds, which is bonkers.

So concludes my chronicle of the Mini Factory.” Max, Year 12

Rosie Mott, Head of Design and Technology

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY

A LEVEL ART

A LEVEL PHOTOGRAPHY

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

PARTICIPATION, EXCELLENCE, AND LEARNING FOR LIFE

The 2023-2024 academic year has been incredibly busy and successful for the Physical Education department at Colfe’s School. Our achievements span participation, trophies, and academic excellence.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the PE department teachers, visiting coaches, and support staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly – from teaching and coaching to preparing pitches, organizing teas, maintaining facilities, and managing communications. Sport thrives when everyone plays their part. A special thanks also to our parents who spend endless hours commuting pupils to and from fixtures, washing kits, and ensuring pupils are well fed and rested for the next game.

At Colfe’s, we celebrate not only our victories but also our failures, as the latter provide us with reasons to keep striving. We are proud of the virtues that our sports programme embodies, which align neatly with the school’s Driven Awards.

Dedication and Commitment: Across the Colfe’s sports programme, we are always impressed by the unwavering dedication to training and personal goals. The pupils who attend co-curricular sports sessions week in and week out, and the effort and work ethic they display during training and match play are to be commended.

Resilience: Our pupils have an amazing ability to recover from setbacks, whether it’s a loss at a fixture or recovery from injury. They are also learning to focus on self-care while managing a demanding schedule. Life is busy at Colfe’s with so many different opportunities on offer, and it is brilliant to watch the pupils learn how to negotiate and prioritise.

Inquisitiveness: The willingness to explore new sports, try new ideas, travel, and learn from our wonderful coaching team will set you up well for the future. We love hearing about all your memories and the friendships that you create on tour, which is a special part of our programme.

Versatility: Learning to adapt and problem solve is a constant in sport, and the unpredictable nature of our varied competitive situations will help you master skills required for everyday life.

Environmental Awareness: We have been impressed by your conscious efforts to bring reusable water bottles to lessons and fixtures, and we continue to look at the best options for transport to fixtures.

Nurturing Spirit: The care and support you show for your teammates is the heart of our team spirit. Watching out for each other, especially after a tough game or a loss, makes you a special part of the Colfe’s family.

These principles not only shape you into exceptional athletes but also into responsible and caring individuals. They are the essence of our sports program and the foundation of the Driven Awards.

‘At Colfe’s, we celebrate not only our victories but also our failures, as the latter provide us with reasons to keep striving.’

ACADEMIC PHYSICAL EDUCATION

While the sports field is important in helping to shape our students for the future, so too are our KS4 and KS5 academic programmes. The students following our courses have achieved superb results once again:

GCSE RESULTS

5x Grade 9

11x Grade 8

8x Grade 7

8x Grade 6

3x Grade 5

BTEC Sport and Exercise Science Results A Level Equivalent

D*D*: 4 A*A*

DD: 1 AA

MM: 1 CC

The BTEC really supports the students’ preparations for following courses in Sport and Exercise Science at University. The nature of the course affords them the opportunity to reference, write articles, produce and deliver presentations, and undertake scenario career-based coursework in addition to the traditional externally set examinations.

To our pupils: As we celebrate another fantastic year in sport, the underlying message remains the same – Purposeful Engagement is at the heart of your learning process, whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or during your PE lessons. We love working with you to provide opportunities to develop as athletes and individuals, and to hear about your achievements, whether they are national sporting honours or that you simply enjoy participating in and playing sport with your friends. We don’t mind which path you take; we just want you to keep moving to stay fit and healthy in later life.

This year we say farewell to a few members of our team:

Mr Michael Moon, who has decided to relocate overseas to spend time with his family and continue sharing his love of football and PE.

Mr Samuel Leamon, who has been a fantastic graduate, supporting the team with both coaching and administrative tasks. Sam leaves us to pursue a career in the Police Force.

Mr Jack Kelly, our amazing undergraduate who has contributed so much, having crossed the line from pupil to staff. The good news is that Jack has decided to train as a teacher and is off to university to pursue this.

While it is always sad to say goodbye, we are excited to welcome a new team of talented sportsmen and women to our department next year.

Nicci Rayes, Director of Sport

RUGBY

The U12s began their rugby journey at Colfe’s with a festival of rugby at Reigate Grammar, combining a joint training session with numerous competitive games.

What was particularly pleasing throughout the rest of the season was seeing the dedication and commitment from such a large number of boys who regularly attended training and competed for places on the teams to play on Saturday morning. It was evident from the first training session that we were fortunate to have some players with exceptionally high skill levels and this helped us throughout the season. However, what was also fantastic to see was the amount of boys that had never played rugby before but got stuck in, learnt quickly and developed into excellent rugby players over the course of the season. The highlight was definitely beating Kings Rochester in a very closely contested game. The boys showed excellent resilience when defending their try line and scored some fantastic team tries during the game too.

The U13s started the season in great form. After a narrow loss to Reigate Grammar, they went on to post a string of impressive victories against Beths, St Olave’s and University College School. These performances were characterised by some very intelligent play accompanied by significant athletic ability. These qualities also served them well during the 7s season. Although many tournaments were cancelled due to poor weather, they were able to compete at the National 7s with much distinction, narrowly missing out on qualification from a very challenging group.

Under the stewardship of Mr Dunseath, the U14s had worked hard to develop connections amongst the group and form a strong identity. This connection then widened to include parents, family and other coaches. The group have undoubted ability and there was significant competition for places throughout the year. This in turn led to an impressive run in the national cup including victories over Dulwich College and Reeds School alongside wins in the regular season against Eltham and Caterham amongst others. The 7s season brought about more impressive performances with the team reaching the semi-final of the county tournament.

The focus for the U15s this season was to start to develop a more mature game plan. The boys learnt how to structure multiple phases in attack and how to better organise their defence. This culminated in impressive victories against Eltham College and University College School. However, what truly characterised this group of players were the effort and attitude they displayed every time they took to the pitch, for which they should be commended.

In what is always a year of transition for the U16s, the boys gave a very good account of themselves both playing for the U16s and representing the senior teams when opportunities presented. They played an attractive brand of rugby which combined instinctive attacking with aggressive defending. These qualities were employed to good effect in impressive wins over University College School, Eltham College and Caterham School. The development made by this group bodes well for the 1st XV in the coming years.

It would be fair to say that the win/ loss record does not tell the full story for the senior sides this year. The 2nd XV, under the guidance of Mr Collins, recorded some notable victories over the likes of St Olave’s and University College School. The 1st XV never really received the reward for all their efforts throughout the year. The group showed lots of endeavour in their performances which led to hard fought victories against The Cedars School and Bancrofts. However, the highlight of the season was undoubtedly the now annual fixture against Bradford Grammar. In front of a fantastic crowd under the lights at Charlton Park RFC the team claimed the Walton Thompson trophy. For what was a young 1st XV there is the exciting prospect for many of the team making the trip to Yorkshire next year to defend the trophy.

Finally, I would like to thank all the players, staff and parents who make it possible for the rugby at Colfe’s to continue to be such a success.

Alan Bateson, MIC Rugby

HOCKEY

We had another positive and exciting hockey season, marked by the usual ups and downs against both local opponents and those from further afield. Along the way, there was a lot of hard work, progress, and fun.

Our U12 and U13 teams saw record numbers at training, and it was fantastic to watch the players reap the rewards throughout the season. They grew in confidence, improved their skills and understanding of the game, and challenged strong opposition. Across the eight teams in these two age groups, we achieved notable victories against Forest, Eltham College, JAGS, Woldingham, Royal Russell, and Bromley High.

The U13A team showcased their talents at the county tournament, finishing unbeaten. They advanced to the England Hockey Tier 2 regional finals, where they secured 6th place in the region.

The U14s adapted well to the 11-a-side game, which suits them perfectly. They displayed great resilience against strong opponents, earning victories to be proud of against Bromley High and Woldingham.

The U15s continued to impress despite inconsistent training attendance, securing strong wins against St Dunstan’s, Eltham College, and Radnor House. The U15A team reached the regional finals of their England Hockey area tournament, narrowly missing the final with a one-goal loss in the semi-final.

Our U16 team was particularly strong this year. They reached the England Hockey Tier 3 regional finals, remaining unbeaten and just missing out on a place in the national finals due to goal difference. They can be proud of their silver medals, though they were understandably disappointed to come so close.

Our 1st and 2nd XI sides faced a tough season but grew stronger as it progressed. I was hugely impressed with their development as a team. Their connections and confidence improved significantly, and they demonstrated tenacity in defence, although they often struggled to convert opportunities into goals.

Several of our players were selected to represent London in regional tournaments this year. Congratulations to Amelie, Amelia, Daisy, Anna and Orla.

Additionally, Amelia and Amelie are currently trialing for the England Hockey Talent Academy. We wish them the best of luck in their next trials in September.

We are immensely proud of everything our players have achieved this year and have enjoyed working with each of them. A huge thank you to all the coaching and support staff who contributed to making this another great season.

U12 Hockey

U16 Regional finals silver medal winners

U13 Hockey team

U14 Hockey

COLFE’S SCHOOL HOCKEY TOUR TO HOLLAND: A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE

During the October half term, 34 enthusiastic pupils from Years 8, 9, and 10 embarked on an unforgettable hockey tour to the Netherlands. With three teams - U13s, U14s, and U15s - we set out for a five-day, four-night adventure filled with hockey training, fixtures, team-building activities, and cultural experiences that left a lasting impression on everyone involved.

The journey began with an early morning departure from Abergeldie Road, traveling by coach to the Port of Dover and then crossing the Channel by ferry to Calais. Upon arriving in Holland, we settled into the Postillion Hotel Utrecht in Bunnik, where the excitement for the days ahead was palpable.

Our tour was a perfect blend of rigorous hockey training and enriching cultural experiences. One of the highlights was a professional coaching session at SV Kampong, one of Holland’s premier hockey clubs. The girls relished the opportunity to train with top coaches, gaining valuable insights and honing their skills. This session was a testament to their dedication and love for the sport.

In addition to training, the teams played fixtures against local Dutch clubs, including HC Amersfoort and HC Kromhouters. These matches were not only competitive but also showcased the camaraderie and sportsmanship that define our teams. The girls played some excellent hockey and were warmly welcomed by their Dutch counterparts, experiencing the wonderful hospitality for which the Netherlands is known.

Beyond the hockey field, the tour offered a variety of team-building and cultural activities. In Amsterdam, we experienced “This is Holland,” a captivating 5D experience that provided an engaging overview of the country’s rich history and culture. The girls enjoyed a delightful Pancake Canal Cruise, where they savoured delicious pancakes while taking in the scenic views of Amsterdam’s iconic waterways.

The fun continued with activities like glow-in-the-dark mini-golf and a visit to Efteling Theme Park, where everyone enjoyed the thrilling rides and

U14 Hockey

attractions. These experiences were not only enjoyable but also helped strengthen the bonds among the team members, fostering a sense of unity and friendship.

Evenings were filled with laughter and relaxation, whether it was over dinner at the hotel or during a lively game of bowling. The girls demonstrated exemplary behaviour throughout the tour, making us proud of their conduct both on and off the field.

As we travelled back, there was a sense of accomplishment and reflection on the wonderful experiences and achievements of the past few days. The tour was more than just a series of events; it was a journey of growth, learning, and camaraderie.

We are immensely proud of everything our players achieved during this tour. Their dedication to the sport, coupled with their enthusiasm for cultural exploration, made this trip truly special. A huge thank you to all the staff and coaches who made this tour possible and to the pupils for their outstanding participation.

As we look forward to future tours and tournaments, the memories and lessons from our Holland trip will undoubtedly inspire and motivate our players to reach new heights in their hockey journeys.

Annabel Owen, MIC Hockey

BOYS’ FOOTBALL

For the U13, U15 and U18 squads the football season kicked off in September in preparation for their respective ISFA fixtures which started in October/November.

The U13s started with promise, beating a strong City of London Freemans side away from home. Unfortunately, in the next round, they were drawn against Buckswood School, a football academy, where they performed valiantly taking a 2-0 lead. However, they fell short in the final minutes, conceding 3 late goals.

The U15s followed a similar pattern, winning their first-round fixture against St Edmunds College but losing narrowly in the last 16 to a strong Dunnottar team. The U18 story was one of many mixed emotions. Two excellent wins in the early rounds gave us a great platform to succeed as it meant the next rounds would be played after Christmas, giving us more time to train. The next round was won comfortably 2-0 against John Lyon and was part of a four-game winning streak, which gave the boys plenty of confidence going into the semi-final.

By this point in the season, the pitches had worsened, meaning the passing football we would’ve liked to play was becoming more and more difficult. However, the boys managed to find a way to put on a fantastic display and go into half time with a 2-0 lead. Everyone knows the dangers of this scoreline, and Cranleigh knew this game was far from over. Despite absorbing the pressure of their attacks well with some excellent defending from the whole team, we were unable to protect the lead and conceded late on in the game and then again with the final kick of the 90 minutes.

The game went to extra time where the boys were rallied by what had just happened, managed to find a new gear, and took a 3-2 lead with 4 minutes to play. With the whistle looming, their Goalkeeper sent a long ball up field and after a melee in our own box the ball somehow trickled in, again with the last kick of the game. To then lose the game on penalties was a cruel way to exit the competition.

For all the other teams the season started after the Christmas holidays. There were worrying signs when the first day of term brought snow and embraced us for what was to come and unfortunately some fixtures were cancelled due to the condition of the pitches. However, a total of 78 games were played and plenty of students were involved in an excellent season.

A special shout out must be given the 2nd XI who went the whole season unbeaten, securing a 5-3 win on the final day of the season having been trailing at half time. Four Year 7 students, Max, Fergus, Toby and Elliot, have been nominated to trial for the ISFA District Team, and if successful, they will have the chance to trial for the full national ISFA team next season. We wish them the best of luck as well.

I would like to thank all the students, parents and coaches for their efforts in football this year. The dedication and commitment shown by you all was superb and I look forward to the same enthusiasm and high-level performances next year.

Charlie Barthorp, MIC Football

GIRLS’ FOOTBALL

This year, Colfe’s girls’ football programme has truly flourished, fielding five teams across the U12 to U16 age groups and competing in an impressive 34 fixtures. The sport’s rising popularity at Colfe’s has opened doors to a variety of competitive arenas.

Training for the season started back in October, with the girls preparing for the cup matches through early morning and Friday after-school sessions. Despite the weather not being on our side, with persistent rain and waterlogged pitches, the girls’ spirits remained high. We adapted by reintroducing 5-a-side games at the Goals Centre in Eltham, which proved so popular that we decided to host our own 5-a-side tournament.

Our teams have shone in the Sisters in Sport competition, with the U13s reaching the third round, and all teams battled in the English Schools Competition (ESFA) and showcased their skills in the Independent Schools’ Competition (ISFA). Additionally, they made their mark in the Thomas’ Battersea 5-a-side tournament, placing second overall, and triumphed through penalties in the final against Hayes School in our very own Colfe’s 5-a-side tournament at Goals Eltham. We also enjoyed welcoming Paul Kilbride (Former Head of History at Colfe’s) and his touring girls’ team from Old Swinford Hospital.

We extend our congratulations to Year 7s Frances, Florence, Florence and Grace, who have been selected by the Independent Schools Football Association to play at the prestigious Gothia Cup in Sweden this summer.

Alongside them, our Year 8s Madison, Orla and Iris have also been selected to train with the squad.

A special mention must go to Madison of Year 8, whose talent as a goalkeeper has earned her an 8-week trial at the esteemed Arsenal academy. This is a significant milestone for Madison and for Colfe’s girls’ football programme.

With such remarkable achievements this year, the future looks bright for Colfe’s girls’ football. We look forward to seeing our teams continue to grow and succeed in the coming seasons. My thanks go to Mr. Nash, Ms. Billing, Mr. Barthorp, and Mr. Hatherill for supporting the girls’ football programme so ably this year. I am delighted that Mr. Nash has agreed to drive the programme alongside Mr. Barthorp next year.

Nicci Rayes, MIC Girls’ Football

‘A special mention must go to Madison of Year 8, whose talent as a goalkeeper has earned her an 8-week trial at the esteemed Arsenal academy.’

NETBALL

It was another successful netball season this year, and with that in mind it is time to reflect on the incredible journey our teams have undertaken.

27 teams represented the school across the age groups from the U12s to the U18s; each age group has shown remarkable growth, determination, and sportsmanship. All players have worked diligently in training, matches and tournaments even in the face of adversity. We have had several players trial for county positions this year in both U15 and U13, so we wish them all the best and we are all very proud of them. Olivia in Year 10 was training at regional level with London Pulse in their hubs and training at county level and will be trialling again for these this summer.

The hard work and determination of all players, coaching and support staff has been the foundation of our success. We have developed several elements of our netball programme, and we are very excited for the forthcoming year, to increase participation, continue our success and build on what we have established this season. Let’s celebrate their achievements and look forward to the future.

Firstly, the 1st VII have shown maturity and excellence on the court throughout the entire season. Their experience and dedication have been evident in every game. Captained excellently by Dharma, the team qualified for the Kent County Finals and came in the top 32 of a plate competition. They also had a hugely successful 1st VII tournament at Eltham College, bringing home a gold medal and beating teams such as Eltham College, Sydenham High and Langley School for Boys. A memorable match and a nail-biting finish were against Trinity School, Croydon, where it came down to the final minute, but the team was victorious, winning 27-25. As a coach, you only dream of working alongside girls like these - dedicated, passionate and all rounded athletes. At the end of the season, we bid farewell to two of our talented U18 netball players. Roshie and Nell; their contributions to the team have been invaluable, and their presence on the court will be greatly missed.

The 2nd VII netball team have shown great resilience this year with some tough competition against schools like King’s Rochester Girls with an

extremely close loss, Emanuel School, and Brentwood School. The team, captained by Aurelie, to whom we wish the very best in the future as she moves on from school to the next part of her journey, grew in confidence. Amidst the tough matches, the team celebrated some wonderful victories against Eltham college, Hayes School and Trinity School, Croydon. These wins have not only boosted their confidence but also highlighted their growing synergy on the court. Each victory has been a testament to their hard work, dedication, and showing true leadership within the team with players stepping up to take on more responsibilities and guide their teammates. This season, coaching the 2nd team has been an absolute pleasure. The players have shown incredible dedication, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. Their positive attitude and commitment to improving their skills have made every training session and match a rewarding experience.

The U16 team has had a season marked by mixed commitment but undeniable talent. Despite some challenges with attendance and consistency, the players’ natural ability and passion for the game have shone through. The highlight of the season was the team’s excellent performance in the Sisters ‘n’ Sport competition. Their determination and skill carried them through several tough matches, showcasing their potential and teamwork. This talented team also made it to the quarter finals of the National Plate, which is such a significant achievement. This milestone reflects the team’s hard work, resilience, and ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most. Their journey through the competition has been inspiring and a testament to their capabilities.

Throughout these competitions, Amelie and Olivia from Year 10 played up a year group, demonstrating not only great skill but also maturity beyond their years. Their performances have been pivotal in many matches, showcasing their ability to handle pressure and contribute significantly to the team’s success.

The U15 netball team faced a difficult season, encountering numerous challenges along the way. Despite the tough competition and setbacks, the team showed remarkable resilience and determination. One of the standout aspects of the season was the dedication of certain players who consistently attended training every week. The team, captained by both Anna and Izzy, showed their commitment to improving their skills and supporting their teammates. These players set a positive example for the rest of the team and year group, demonstrating the importance of perseverance and hard work. Even in the face of adversity, the team made significant progress. The dedicated players’ efforts in training translated into noticeable improvements on the court. Their hard work paid off in better coordination, enhanced techniques, and a stronger overall performance. As we reflect on the season, it’s clear that the dedication of these players has laid a solid foundation for future success. Their commitment and positive attitude will continue to inspire the team in the seasons to come. We look forward to building on the progress made and achieving even greater heights together.

I am super thankful to each and every athlete who played a part in the U14 netball team this season. Despite the challenges faced, the players continued to show up and express themselves in the best way possible, and for that, I am beyond proud; I honestly could not have asked more from them all. The progress made together on the court was very rewarding to see, and I am excited to see where their talents take them. However, it is the relationships we cultivated throughout the season that have made me realise the immense privilege I had and still have to be able to work with such a lovely group of players. The U14A team had a tough season with several fixtures but were victorious against Hayes School and drew against Farringtons School. The U14B team were also faced with tough opposition but had great wins over Royal Alexandra & Albert School and Farringtons School.

The U13 netball team faced a challenging season, but their journey has been one of remarkable growth and unity. Despite the obstacles, they came together as a cohesive unit, learning and developing their netball skills with each passing week. Their progress has been evident, with their performance going from strength to strength. Throughout the season, the team encountered numerous new opponents, such as Royal Alexandra & Albert School, and New Hall School each bringing different challenges. These experiences tested their abilities and resilience, but the U13s rose to the occasion, showcasing their skill and determination in every match. In the National Cup the team reached the second round playing

a tough Latymer Upper School, and in the Plate competition the team demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience against Churcher’s College. Their hard work and dedication were on full display, earning them respect and admiration from their peers and competitors alike. As we reflect on the season, it’s clear that the U13 teams from A to E have laid a strong foundation for future success. Their commitment to improving their skills and their ability to work together as a team will undoubtedly lead to even greater achievements in the seasons to come.

U12 netball teams have shown seriously good talent and fierce determination throughout the season. It has been an absolute pleasure working with the Year 7 girls, many of whom were new to netball but embraced the sport with boundless enthusiasm. The girls worked incredibly hard and flourished as a team during their training sessions. Each player was given numerous opportunities to experience different positions and squad combinations, allowing them to showcase their new skills during matches. This approach not only enhanced their individual abilities but also strengthened their teamwork and understanding of the game.

The U12A team enjoyed some fantastic wins against Cranbrook School, Royal Alexandra & Albert School and Farringtons School and experienced a few close defeats against Emanuel School and Brentwood School. The U12B and C teams both had successful wins against Royal Alexandra & Albert School, Farringtons School, and Eltham College. Regardless of the outcome, every team always gave their best effort, demonstrating a positive attitude and graceful sportsmanship. Their commitment to the sport and each other was evident in every match they played. As we look forward to the future, it’s clear that the U12 teams have a bright path ahead. Their talent, hard work, and sportsmanship have laid a strong foundation for continued success. We are excited to see how they will continue to grow and develop in the coming seasons.

Hope Russell, MIC Netball

‘Eva

(Year 7) was crowned the new Regional Champion in the 50m Breaststroke in the London Regionals Final with an incredible personal best of 37.76!’

AQUATICS

SWIMMING

Once again, we have had an incredibly busy year of Aquatics with brilliant numbers at training and continued success against local schools. We competed against Brentford, St Dunstan’s, Bancrofts, Blackheath, Alleyn’s and Eltham to name but a few. Our Year 12s and 13s also competed in the annual Bath Cup, a relay only event, held at the London Aquatics Centre.

There have been exciting results for many of our individuals who achieved PBs (personal best times) in a variety of events at the Kent County Championships. These pupils include Ben (Year 9), Daisy (Year 9), James (Year 10), and Millie (Year 12). Several swimmers also achieved podium places; Eva (Year 7) Gold and Silver in 50m & 200m Breaststroke, Euan (Year 9) Bronze in 200m Freestyle, Natasha (Year 12) Gold & two Bronze in 50m, 100m & 200m Breaststroke and Henry (Year 12) with Silver in 200m Backstroke and Bronze in 100m Backstroke. In addition, Eva, Euan, Daisy, Natasha & Henry qualified for the London Regionals Finals with all finishing top 10 or getting PBs in their respective races and Eva crowned Regional Champion in 50m Breaststroke!

WATER POLO

With the continued success of our swimming programme comes new highs in water polo. With two fabulous new coaches joining us, Mr Hill and Mr Spencer Boyce, the water polo programme has thrived under their tutelage. The number of swimmers who have tried the sport, train regularly and have competed for the school continues to grow, while many are now also playing for local clubs outside of school. We have a

number of pupils selected for the National Pathway Talent Centre; Ralph (Year 7), Esma (Year 7), Issy (Year 9) & Lily (Y11), while we must also congratulate Jakab and Jack (both Year 12) who have been selected to train for the GB U19 water polo teams after their recent performances at the regional and talent centre competitions.

This is the first year we have been able to enter a team in all age groups in the ESSA competitions, showing how many boys and girls we now have playing. 2023/24 also saw the introduction of the LISSL, an U14 girls only competition, in which Colfe’s finished 2nd, plus continued highly competitive fixtures in the local London League. There have been many notable team achievements, including the U18 Girls winning the ESSA Plate Competition and the U18 Boys winning Division 2 of their London League competition – a big congratulations to both.

There are definitely more exciting things to come next year with even more ‘aquatic disciplines’ being added to the programme! The brilliant Aquathlon run by Greenwich Tritons in June saw 26 of our pupils competing, with a special mention to Matthew (Year 12) finishing third in the Youth event and Stanley (Year 4) finishing third in the Tri1 event with William (Year 4), Harry and Seb (both Year 5) finishing 4th, 6th and 7th respectively in Tri1.

Finally, I must thank all of our pupils for their hard work this year, to the parents who support all our aquatics fixtures and finally our wonderful swimming and water polo coaches who we could not run this programme without; Ms Grover, Mr Woodward, Mr Graimes, Mr Pilkington, Mr Hill and Mr Spencer Boyce.

Thank you, and here’s to another successful year next year!

Gemma Nurse and Sarah Manzi, MICs Aquatics

ATHLETICS & CROSS COUNTRY

CROSS COUNTRY

Colfe’s hosted the first round of the English Schools Cross Country Cup, where our Junior Boys and Inter Boys teams successfully qualified for the regional finals.

In the Greenwich Schools Cross Country, our boys triumphed once again with both the Year 7 and Year 10/11 teams winning their respective trophies. We had an impressive nine individual medalists, with Sam (Year 11) and Miya (Year 7) both securing Gold. Additionally, five of our Year 7 and 8 pupils were selected to represent Greenwich at the London Schools Inter Borough Championships. Following the London Schools Cross Country Championships, Olly (Year 10) earned the honour of representing London at the English Schools Main Championships.

We have consistently set high standards in previous years, making it challenging to maintain such excellence. Nevertheless, all pupils are dedicated to working hard to perform at their best next year while continuing to enjoy their running.

ATHLETICS

Having taken 4 out of 6 trophies last year, the Cambridge Cup was always going to be an event where Colfe’s was a target for other schools to emulate. Although we could not defend our titles this year, all competitions were very close, with most teams finishing 2nd. In the English Schools Track and Field Cup, for the third year in a row, Colfe’s qualified all four teams for the regional finals, an impressive feat considering we had never qualified a single team before these recent successful years.

In the Greenwich Schools competitions, our boys’ teams in Years 7, 8, and 9 all finished third, with the Year 10 boys lifting the title for the third year in a row. For the girls’ teams, the Year 7 girls were victorious, while the Year 8 and 9 teams narrowly missed out on first place, finishing second due to individual wins and a half-point difference, respectively. The Year 10 girls finished third.

Heidi (Year 9) became the London Schools Combined Events Champion, with Harry (Year 10) securing a Bronze. In the London Schools Individual Championships, no fewer than 24 pupils were selected to represent Greenwich. There were many outstanding performances and medals won across various events, with Colfe’s particularly dominating in the Hurdles. Gabby (Year 11), Heidi (Year 9), and Miya (Year 7) all took gold in their respective categories.

A special mention goes to Sam (Year 11) and Gabby (Year 11), who have both been selected to represent London at the English Schools Main Championships.

Colfe’s Athletics Championships this year was a record year for records broken, as they continued to tumble, just as they have done year on year. Another fantastic, professional Championships, demonstrating just how high the standards have increased across the board, with over 300 Colfe’s pupils taking part and enjoying track and field events.

Colfe’s has consistently demonstrated prowess in track and field, and maintaining these high standards is a challenge. However, everyone is excited to work hard next year, showing resilience and determination to continue our tradition of excellence.

Alex

Kashis, MIC Athletics and Cross Country

TENNIS

This year has been a landmark one for the tennis programme at Colfe’s School, marked by increased participation, impressive competition results, and an array of inspiring events.

The tennis programme saw a significant rise in the number of students participating and competing across all age groups. Our players demonstrated exceptional skill and sportsmanship in the LTA School Kent Leagues, culminating in a triumphant victory for our U13 girls’ team, who clinched the Kent Finals.

Our dedication to excellence was further evidenced in the Kent Doubles Championships, where 14 boys from U12 to U18 represented Colfe’s with pride. A standout achievement came from Ralph and Alex, who emerged victorious in the U15 boys’ category. We are eager to increase our representation in these championships next year, building on this success.

In an effort to inspire and motivate our players, we organised a memorable trip to Wimbledon for eight of our top tennis talents. This experience provided them with a firsthand look at the pinnacle of the sport, igniting their passion and ambition.

Throughout the senior school, we held 31 friendly and competitive fixtures, providing ample opportunities for our players to hone their skills and experience competitive play. Additionally, we hosted the inaugural Colfe’s Girls’ Doubles Tennis Tournament, which saw an enthusiastic participation of 32 girls from Years 7 to 9. This event not only showcased the growing interest in tennis among our students, but also highlighted the camaraderie and competitive spirit within our school community.

As we reflect on a fantastic year, we are filled with optimism and determination to build on these achievements. The enthusiasm and dedication of our players have set a high standard, and we look forward to further expanding our programme, increasing participation, and achieving even greater success in the coming year.

With such a strong foundation, the future of tennis at Colfe’s School is indeed bright, and we are excited to see what the next year will bring.

Ollie Nash, MIC Rackets

BOYS’ CRICKET

The Boys’ Cricket programme at Colfe’s has taken massive strides in the last few years, with this season seeing the largest amount of students from Year 7 to Year 13 attending our winter programme. As well as this, Colfe’s saw wins across all age groups on three separate block fixtures.

At U12 level we have seen a particularly strong year group, with a number of our players playing district matches but also in James (Kent) and Johnny (Surrey) players on county pathways. This transpired in their results, winning 5 out of their 8 fixtures with strong wins vs City of London and King’s School Rochester. There were many notable individual performances throughout the season, however the most impressive factor was the strength in depth this year group has, with many students new to cricket excelling during the season.

Despite our U13 team having on paper a less successful season, they achieved comprehensive wins vs City of London and Hayes School.

The losses they sustained during the season were very close, often coming down to single figure runs, showing that to win these matches the boys must gain consistency in all three disciplines (batting, bowling, fielding) and not just one.

Our U14s and U15s experienced a challenging season with a far tougher fixture card. However, wins over Radnor House and St Dunstan’s, coupled with narrow losses to Westminster in the T20 Cup, have led to huge improvements. This has been seen by several pupils representing the 1st XI in games vs Mumbai Cricket Club and the XL Club, where Sid (Year10) Harry (Year 10) and Max (Year 9) performed well.

The main success has been seen with the 1st XI this year, despite the common disruption by poor early weather and the later exam period. The season started well with wins over City of London as well as knocking Eltham out of the National T20 Cup where spinner, Ryan, opened the bowling with figures of 4 overs 2 wickets 5 runs. The team struggled during the middle of the term with tough fixtures along with a constantly changing team. However, the end of the season saw a huge uplift in performances and results, a commanding 9 wicket victory in the highly anticipated annual Leathersellers’ T20 match, where Alex (Year 11) hit an unbeaten 50, taking his average to an impressive 55 for the season.

Along with a victory vs XL Club, where a game that lasted all day came to the final wicket pairing of Josh (Year 12) and Mylo (Year 12), the latter hitting the winning runs showing that the 1st XI can be successful in multi formats of the game. Aside from the results, the main positive to come from the season is the amount of students who have represented the 1st XI, with individuals from Year 7 to 13 all representing the 1st XI at some point, displaying the high levels of skill throughout Colfe’s and the encouraging future of cricket. A massive thanks to Year 13s William, Alex, Fraser and Ryan, who not only continued to play throughout the exam period, but also acted as outstanding role models for our younger players on the pitch.

A massive thanks also to all the staff for aiding with the cricket programme as well as all the parents for their support throughout the term.

Tom Rameaux, MIC Cricket

GIRLS’ CRICKET: A YEAR OF REMARKABLE PROGRESS

This year has been a landmark one for our girls’ cricket programme, with a record 16 teams taking to the field. Each age group has proudly fielded an A team, all embracing the challenge of Hardball Cricket. With block fixtures on Saturdays, cup fixtures mid-week, and friendly matches during sports lessons, the girls have been kept busy.

Year 7: Our Year 7 girls have shown exceptional enthusiasm and dedication. Despite being new to hardball cricket, we now have three players who have joined local cricket clubs, and 18 more who are eager to take up the hardball game. Under the captaincy of Grace, the girls learned the rules and started to work well as a team, even in the face of persistent rain. Special mentions go to Miya and Ronella for their outstanding bowling performances this year.

Year 8: The U13A squad came heartbreakingly close to glory, narrowly missing out on spots in both the County Indoor Finals and the County Hardball Finals by just one run. Orla and Madison have continued to impress at the County level, while Elena & Iris have caused problems for the opposition both in the field and with the bat. The B squad enjoyed a mix of softball and hardball training with eight fixtures this season and the C and D squads enjoyed playing during their sports lessons.

U14 Team: The U14 team has made commendable progress this year, securing victories over Eltham, Bromley, and Radnor House. Their significant improvement in both batting and bowling has been a highlight of the season. Special mentions go to Tara, Aliyah, Gabby, Issy, Shazadeh, Emily H, and Izzy for their progress and the encouragement they provide to the squads.

U15 Team: The U15 squad had a difficult season with a tough fixture card and injuries, but stalwarts Daisy, Ellie, Amelia, and Verity worked hard to minimize opportunities for the opposition. The squad came agonizingly close to qualifying for the County finals, but were pleased that they didn’t have to miss out on Athletics Champs’ Day.

Senior Team: Meanwhile, we entered a senior side for the first time into the U18 Girls’ National Hardball T20 Competition. I could not have been prouder of the squad. Facing four county players, they achieved a respectable 116 runs with the bat, with Emily (Year 11) retiring at 50. Hosting the opposition on a warm, sunny Friday evening gave me an opportunity to reflect on how much learning had taken place for Holly, Anisa, Dharma, Xanthe, Jen, and Amandeep, particularly this term.

It is important to acknowledge the technical support the girls have received this year from our cricket coaches in addition to our team managers. It has been a very productive season, and we are incredibly proud of all our girls and their achievements this year.

Nicci Rayes, MIC Girls’ Cricket

U18 Cup Squad

U13 Indoor County Cricket

SPORTS PRESENTATION AWARDS 2024

RUGBY PLAYER OF THE YEAR

U12 A Fintan J

U12 B Felix L

U13 A Caleb W

U13 B Dylan A

U14 A Nicholas OK

U14 B Xavy L

U15 A Nkemka A

U16 A Logan PK

2nd XV Christopher T

1st XV Fraser W

1st XV Players’ Player Fraser W

RUGBY COLFEIAN OF THE YEAR

U12 A Charlie S

U12 B Ben R

U13 A Roan F

U13 B Ajisnu U

U14 A Lucas S

U14 B Taran T

U15 A Zak S

U16 A Thomas S

2nd XV Alex R 1st XV Daniel T

HOCKEY PLAYER OF THE YEAR

U12 A Frances B

U12 B Florence H

U12 C Olivia A

U13 A Madison G

U13 B Marli A

U13 C Ivy H-A

U14 A Emily H

U14 B Grace D

U15 A Amelie W

U15 B Michaela O

2nd XI Isabella T

1st XI Evie O 1st XI Players’ Player Evie O

HOCKEY COLFEIAN OF THE YEAR

U12 A Alecsia S

U12 B Isabella J

U12 C Aarvi B

U13 A Emmeline S

U13 B Juliette G

U13 C Victoria N

U14 A Emily H

U14 B Isabel R

U15 A Daisy J

U15 B Charlotte N

2nd XI Rose J & Isabel D 1st XI Xanthe O

BOYS’ FOOTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR

U12 A Max C

U12 B Thomas A

U13 A Zach T

U13 B Arik P

U14 A Huxley L

U14 B Daniel B

U15 A Alfie H

U15 B Jake D

3rd XI Matthew C 2nd XI Christopher T 1st XI Fraser W 1st XI Players’ Player Fraser W

BOYS’ FOOTBALL COLFEIAN OF THE YEAR

U12 A Charlie S

U12 B Adel D V

U13 A Sam S

U13 B Nicolas G

U14 A Henry M

U14 B Josh G

U15 A Sami H

U15 B Ralph W

3rd XI Oliver B

2nd XI William W 1st XI Mylo AM

GIRLS’ FOOTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR

U12 A Grace L

U13 A Jemima E

U14 A Kitty M

U15 A Amelia H

GIRLS’ FOOTBALL COLFEIAN OF THE YEAR

U12 A Frances B

U13 A Marlena VO & Orla J

U14 A Emily H

U15 A Lois D

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

NETBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR

U12 A Miya C

U12 B Daisy WC

U12 C Genevieve M

U13 A Monet D

U13 B Gwyneth J

U14 A Aliyah K

U14 B Ariaana S

U15 A Ellie KW

U15 B Mariana GQ

3rd VII Emily S

2nd VII Aurelie M

1st VII Dharma H

1st VII Players’ Player Roshie LSF

NETBALL COLFEIAN OF THE YEAR

U12 A Daisy OB & Faye W

U12 B Elizabeth LO & Nneoma E

U12 C Isabelle G

U13 A Nancy D

U13 B Louisa K

U14 A Isabelle F

U14 B Lucy L

U15 A Pasha H

U15 B Verity M

3rd VII Amelie L & Lucy P

2nd VII Holly S

1st VII Anisa H

TENNIS PLAYER OF THE YEAR

U12 Girls Sofia S

U12 Boys Vansh P

U13 Girls Iris LP

U13 Boys Matias GQ

U14 Girls Issy R

U14 Boys Alex M

U15 Girls Mariana GQ

U15 Boys Ralph W

U16 Girls Emily S

U16 Boys Karl O

TENNIS COLFEIAN OF THE YEAR

U12 Girls Maya S U12 Boys Benjamin R U13 Girls Elena P

U13 Boys Lucas M

U14 Girls Charlotte TM

U14 Boys Nico A

U15 Girls Verity M

BOYS’ CRICKET PLAYER OF THE YEAR

U12 A James C

U12 B Imran A

U13 A Dylan A

U13 B Akinloluwa A

U14 A Alex M

U15 A Siddharth S 1st XI Alex D 1st XI Players’ Player William W

CRICKET COLFEIAN OF THE YEAR

U12 A Dylan T

U12 B Dylan J

U13 A Lucas M

U13 B William B

U14 A Leon F

U15 A Harry S 1st XI William W

GIRLS’ CRICKET PLAYER OF THE YEAR

U12 A Rose B

U12 B Grace L

U13 A Orla J

U13 B Jojo I

U14 A Tara S

U14 B Emily H

U15 A Amelia H

GIRLS’ CRICKET COLFEIAN OF THE YEAR

U12 A Ronella DW

U12 B Naomi L

U13 A Charlie P & Ruth F

U13 B Chryssie V

U14 A Shazada A

U14 B Grace D

U15 A Daisy J

CROSS COUNTRY ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

U12 A Girls Charlotte F

U12 A Boys Max C

U13 A Girls Iris LP

U13 A Boys Ethan D

U14 A Girls Isla S

U14 A Boys Matthew F

U15 A Girls Luci B

U15 A Boys Oliver C

U16 A Girls Noemie K

U16 A Boys Samuel SF

OF THE YEAR

U12 A Girls Saskia M

U12 A Boys Edward A

U13 A Girls Keira G

U13 A Boys Freddie B

U14 A Girls Daisy S

U14 A Boys Kitan C

U15 A Girls Willow J

U15 A Boys Harry S

U16 A Girls Ella S

U16 A Boys Felix T

ATHLETICS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

U12 A Girls Miya C

U12 A Boys Elliot M

U13 A Girls Elena P

U13 A Boys Caleb W

U14 A Girls Heidi C

U14 A Boys Ryan L

U15 A Girls Daisy B

U15 A Boys Oliver C

U16 A Girls Gabby N

U16 A Boys Sam SF

OF THE YEAR

U12 A Girls Amanda O

U12 A Boys Zeke T

U13 A Girls Monet D

U13 A Boys George R

U14 A Girls Harriet D

U14 A Boys Caedan C

U15 A Girls Michaela O

U15 A Boys Nkemka A

SWIMMING SWIMMER OF THE YEAR

U12 A Girls Eva K

U12 A Boys Adel DV

U13 A Girls Milena R

U13 A Boys Benjamin M

U14 A Girls Daisy S

U14 A Boys Euan K

U15 A Girls Izzie B

U15 A Boys James B

U16 A Girls Noemie K

U16 A Boys Logan HA

U18 A Girls Natasha G

U18 A Boys Henry N

SWIMMING COLFEIAN OF THE YEAR

U12 A Girls Lauren H

U12 A Boys Issac F

U13 A Girls Eleanor J

U13 A Boys Eliot O

U14 A Girls Isla S

U14 A Boys Ben T

U15 A Boys Oliver C

U16 A Boys William B

U18 A Girls Millie A

U18 A Boys Matthew M

WATER POLO PLAYER OF THE YEAR

U12 A Girls Beatrix C

U12 A Boys Ralph T

U13 A Boys Piers GC

U14 A Girls Issy R

U14 A Boys Oscar R

U15 A Girls Izzie B

U15 A Boys Edward S

U16 A Girls Lily E

U16 A Boys William M

U18 A Girls Mirja H

U18 A Boys Jakab V & Jack H

WATER POLO COLFEIAN OF THE YEAR

U12 A Girls Elizabeth M

U12 A Boys Edward M

U13 A Boys Matias G-Q

U14 A Girls Gabriella W

U14 A Boys Lucas S

U16 A Boys Joseph S

U18 A Girls Josie W

U18 A Boys Thomas G

ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIP DAY 2024

The Athletics Championship Day was an excellent event. Our students’ competitive spirit was truly inspiring as they broke and reset an impressive 35 records, making this a very successful year for our school. We appreciate their hard work and dedication, and we eagerly anticipate next year’s event.

Please see below the list of pupils who are new record holders.

TRACK EVENTS

‘Our students’ competitive spirit was truly inspiring as they broke and reset an impressive 35 records, making this a very successful year for our school.’

FIELD EVENTS

H (U11 boys)

L (U12 boys)

Sohaib M (U12 boys)

Miya C (U12 girls)

Luca A (U13 boys)

Nkemka A (U15 boys)

OTHER NEWS

FENCING

THEA’S REMARKABLE YEAR IN FENCING AND BEYOND

This year has been extraordinary for Thea in Year 9, who has made her mark in fencing. At just 14 years old, Thea’s selection to represent Great Britain at U17 level is a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication.

Thea’s prowess on the fencing piste has been evident in her numerous victories across highprofile competitions nationwide. One of the highlights of her year was her calm performance at the Public Schools Fencing Competition, where she showcased her skill and determination and lifted the trophy in the Mount Haes Epee competition, a prestigious event that saw 86 competitors battling it out over a long and grueling day at the Lee Valley Centre.

CYCLING

At the Herne Hill Velodrome Inter Schools Cycling Championships, our U18 and U16 mixed teams secured the bronze medal, while our U18 girls team took home the silver. This impressive performance was made possible by the dedication and hard work of students like Josh and Felix (Year 11), Caleb (Year 9), Isabel (Year 13), Billy (Year 10), Millie and Matthew (Year 12).

CELEBRATING OUTSTANDING STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS

HOCKEY MASTERS

We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ms Nurse, who has achieved remarkable success as a member of the England Hockey Masters team. Ms Nurse and her team clinched the gold medal at the prestigious Home Nations tournament held in Cork, showcasing their exceptional skill and teamwork.

This victory is a testament to Ms Nurse’s dedication and passion for the sport. Her commitment to excellence has not only brought pride to our school but also serves as an inspiration to both students and colleagues.

Looking ahead, Ms Nurse and her team are now gearing up for the World Cup, which will take place in New Zealand this November. We wish them the best of luck in their preparations and look forward to cheering them on as they aim for further glory on the world stage.

MR CARTER’S REMARKABLE PERFORMANCE IN THE EUROPEAN AQUABIKE CHAMPIONSHIPS

In addition to our students’ outstanding performances, it is also important to recognize the remarkable achievements of our dedicated staff this year.

Mr Carter proudly represented Great Britain in the European Aquabike Championships held in Portugal in June.

The European Aquabike Championships is a grueling event that tests the endurance and skill of its competitors. Participants are required to complete a 1.9km swim, immediately followed by a challenging 90km bike ride with an elevation gain of 200m. Mr Carter’s dedication and hard work paid off as he secured an impressive 9th place in his age category and finished 40th out of 197 competitors overall.

Mr Carter’s achievement is a testament to his commitment to excellence and his ability to inspire both students and colleagues alike. His performance at the European Aquabike Championships highlights his personal dedication. Congratulations to Mr Carter on this outstanding accomplishment! We look forward to celebrating more successes from our incredible staff in the future.

SOUTH AFRICA SPORTS TOURS 2023

BOYS’ RUGBY TOUR

Before the school rugby season was even underway, a party of 42 players and staff set off to South Africa in July to experience what one of the world’s iconic rugby cultures had to offer on and off the field.

Predominantly based around the Western Cape, two teams pitted themselves against some ferocious schoolboy teams. The manner in which the boys approached these challenges and embraced them was exactly what sport tours are about. The first fixtures were part of a festival of sport held at Belleville School where pupils from numerous South African and British schools were able to socialise together after their matches.

The tour then took in fixtures around Cape Town and further along the Western Cape. However, it was the experiences away from the field that the boys will certainly cherish as much as those on the field. In addition to zip lining, scaling Table Mountain, an overnight stay

Nicci Rayes, MIC Additional

Sports

in a game reserve, and whale watching from the beach in Hermanus, there were two incredible excursions that captivated the boys and staff alike. A guided tour of Langa Township by one of its proud residents showed how a community can take control of its destiny and ensure a positive future for all involved in the face of such social challenges. Also, the visit to Robben Island to hear firsthand from former political prisoners the stories of struggle and hardship during the apartheid period by its inhabitants, including Nelson Mandela, was incredibly moving and inspiring.

Sports tours are not only an opportunity for Colfe’s pupils to experience cultures and create memories that would otherwise be unobtainable, but also a vehicle for pupils to represent the school in a positive manner. I can confidently say that the Colfe’s pupils on this tour achieved both those objectives and more.

GIRLS’ HOCKEY AND NETBALL TOUR

On Wednesday 12th of July 2023, Colfe’s senior girls began their lifeenriching tour to South Africa. With a jam-packed itinerary, they started their trip at London Heathrow Airport and headed straight to Stellenbosch.

The tour began in this picturesque town, where the girls played two thrilling netball matches. The team showcased their skills and sportsmanship, making their mark on the local netball scene. In between matches, they experienced the adrenaline rush of the Ceres Zipline, soaring over breathtaking landscapes and creating unforgettable memories. Next, the team traveled along the scenic Garden Route to the Garden Route Game Lodge. Here, they embarked on a two-day safari, witnessing the majestic Big Five in their natural habitat. The sight of lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffaloes left the girls in awe, providing a deep appreciation for wildlife conservation.

The journey continued to Knysna Quays, where the girls played their first hockey match. The match was intense and competitive, reflecting their dedication and teamwork. Here in Knysna, they enjoyed a boat cruise to the Knysna Heads, taking in the stunning coastal views around the lagoon and reflecting on their experiences. In Cape Town, the girls’ adventure reached new heights with a visit to the iconic Table Mountain. They played their second hockey match, demonstrating their growth and resilience. A whale-watching excursion provided one of the most breath-taking experiences, as they witnessed these magnificent creatures up close. A highlight of the tour was the visit to the Inspire Charity. The girls met incredible people, leaders, and children, witnessing the remarkable work done at the farm. The efforts and love these children receive from the charity along with creating a safe space for learning and personal growth, left a lasting impact on the team.

The tour concluded with a visit to Langa where we ate locally with a musical treat and the girls played their final netball match. They enjoyed a visit to Boulders Beach to see the penguins, followed by an exhilarating surfing lesson.

The Girls’ Netball and Hockey Tour to South Africa was truly a trip of a lifetime. From thrilling sports matches and adventurous activities to meaningful community engagement, the tour provided a rich tapestry of experiences that will be cherished forever. The girls returned home with a deeper appreciation for sports, nature, and the power of community.

OLD COLFEIANS CRICKET CLUB

COMMITTEE

Richard Burton Chair

Christopher Tarrant Hon. President (ex-officio)

Manjeet Bahra Vice-Chair

Mark Renshaw Secretary

Dean Stevens Treasurer / 4th XI Captain

Kevin Hunt Welfare and Safeguarding Officer

Jack Wilkins 1st XI Captain

Stephen Cowburn 2nd XI Captain / Junior Cricket Manager

Richard Yorke 3rd XI Captain

Dom Adolphe/Vikas Desai Sunday Cricket Managers

Tom Rameaux Colfe’s School and OCRFC Liaison

Stephen McNeill Fixtures and Social Media Secretary

Jack Woods Social Secretary

Club email address: oldcolfeianscc@gmail.com

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

After a difficult season in 2023, especially in terms of results on the field, I am now increasingly confident that our cricket club has turned a corner and can look to the future with optimism.

Indeed, we enjoyed a purple patch of three weeks in mid-summer when the club’s league teams won 10 out of 12 matches – including a lesser spotted clean sweep of wins on the final Saturday of July!

Saturday 10th August, on its own, produced an array of highlights, and a night to remember on the terrace of the back bar:

• The 1st XI posted a massive 363 for 8 at Holmesdale to climb out of the relegation places. Is this a record? (I don’t know)

• Andra Henry’s brilliant 195 (off 146 balls) is the club’s highest ever individual 1st XI score this century and the third overall behind Matt Lorimer (234* for the U16s in 2009) and Richard Pallett (200* for the 5th XI in 2003)

• Fielding in the deep, Josh Kelleher ran 30 yards and then dived full length to catch Holmesdale’s gun bat (50 off just 21 balls) and end their hopes of chasing our total. Possibly the greatest ever OCs catch, say those who were there.

• The 2nd XI came into the day with two wins on the bounce for the first time in the last three seasons (but sadly lost a close match with Sidcup).

• The 3rd XI kept its promotion hopes intact with a huge 146 run victory against Old Roan, including a second hattrick of the season (Thriyam Ravi, following Louis Jagger’s earlier threesome against Sidcup).

• The 4th XI extended its winning run to five on the bounce, jumping from bottom at the start of July up to fourth place.

• Our Friendly (5th) XI took to the field for the sixth Saturday this summer, scoring 200 at Chelsfield Park.

Sadly, in true Old Colfeian fashion, this couldn’t last, and the following Saturday saw a sudden lack of availability due to summer holidays, and some resounding defeats! Then, the weekend after (the last before the deadline for this report) saw all Kent League matches washed out by Storm Lilian. These two wasted Saturdays, off the back of three such encouraging weeks, now mean that both of our 1st and 2nd elevens need to win their two last matches to reach safety in their respective divisions – and our 3rd XI most likely has too much to do to overhaul the teams in first and second place. Never mind! Suitably encouraged, we will go again next season!

More detailed reports on our Saturday league teams follow at the end of this report.

PLAYING MEMBERSHIP

We have continued to recruit heavily from the local community, including some players with potential to play competitively at 1st or 2nd XI level. This has included a whole household of 20-something cricketers (Ben, Tom and Kit), who recently moved to Hither Green, were ignored at their first (and only) Catford & Cyphers net and thankfully tried their luck next at the OCs. Young men who can bat, bowl, catch and field – why wouldn’t we welcome them with open arms?

We’ve also been lucky to pick up some talented Indian and Pakistani cricketers, especially:

• Anil Gehlot, who started in the 4s and has now passed through all of the teams on his way to the 1s – a very fine all-rounder.

• Asfand Yar Ahmed, who has scored two centuries for the 2s – another player rolling off the Dom Adolphe conveyor belt of East London based talent.

• Vivek Muralidharan, our 3s opening bowler who had never played hard ball cricket before he came to the UK in April. Vivek recently took his first ever “5-for” at Orpington and is also a destructive batter near the end of an innings.

• Aamir Yousaf, who moved to the UK halfway through the season and has already notched his first century for the 4s – a very exciting player to watch.

The last three will undoubtedly play for higher sides next year when they qualify as “home” players under ECB rules.

This burst of recruitment has combined with many of last year’s recruits kicking on nicely and also some of our more established players moving up to play at a higher level – a very pleasing development. Stephen McNeill is a prime example of this – our 4th XI opening bowler for years and generally “too good to get an edge” playing at that level, Steve has come up to the 3s and now the 2s, and looks comfortable playing at this higher level.

What has also become clear is that, in this era, we need a playing membership of around 80 in order to put four league teams onto the field every week. Luckily for us, we now have this and can be confident of persuading at least 44 of these people to play each week. But it’s by no means uncommon for 35-40 players to declare themselves unavailable for a particular Saturday. If this reduces to “only” 20-25, we may have a chance of putting a fifth side out too.

New recruit Asfand Yar Ahmed celebrates his maiden century for the OCs with hat-trick hero Louis Jagger.

GROUND

I have to say that our ground has looked in great nick since mid-June. Much credit goes to groundsman Brian Atkins for turning this around from the horrendously damp start and well-grassed outfields we suffered throughout May (“great shot, no need to run for that, oh no it’s stopping, two at least, wait, no, just a single then”). Even the infamous drainage ruts, which spelt danger for many a fielder in the last two years, have settled down nicely.

Over 600 runs in the 1st XI home match on 3rd August showed that the constant moaning about the quality of our wickets is a bit over the top. That said, some proper refurbishment of the wickets would certainly

FRIENDLIES

A sign of the club’s strength in depth is that we have been able to field a 5th friendly side so often, all under the intrepid stewardship of Mark “Pike” Renshaw. The team doesn’t win many, indeed sometimes turns up with less than a full eleven, but the matches are always competitive. This is a great way of giving a chance to new players and also our more long-standing members who wouldn’t get to play regularly in the league sides (or no longer want to). At a time when other club sides are struggling to fulfil their league fixtures, even after mergers, this really is an achievement of which we can be proud. We must be doing something right!

The Sunday side has also played most weeks, including a welcome return to Horn Park for

be of benefit for the longer-term health of the squares. We understand that the school has commissioned this work to be performed after the season ends, which is warmly welcomed.

The early receipt of subs money this year (amazing what an “early bird offer” can achieve) also enabled us to invest in two sparkling new sight screens for the 1st/2nd XI pitch and a new roll-out net for practice, while also repairing the old net and repurposing two of the older sight screens for use by the 3rd/4th XI. A big thank you is due to all who helped with building these, especially our very own “Odd Job”, Dave Hodgson – what would we do without him?

two home matches against Blackheath and London Nigerians. We may look to do more of these next year, now that CGL has paused sub-lets to other Sunday leagues. And the match at Bexleyheath produced a magnificent undefeated century from Manjeet Bahra – his ninth for the club, all on Sundays. He’s not called “Sunday Manj” for nothing! He also passed 11,000 runs for the club during this innings, a country mile ahead of any other current player. Other star turns for the friendly sides have been Sunday captain Vikas Desai, with 400 runs at average of 44.4, and newcomer Jony Singh, one of the most enthusiastic players at the club, who has so far taken 19 friendly wickets at only 10.3 runs each.

JUNIOR CRICKET

Sunday mornings at the club have once again seen the whole field swarming with our All Stars and Dynamos kids – around 150 this year, our biggest ever attendance! Adding in the legions of parents/ carers and coaches/ activators, this makes the club a vibrant and fun place to be.

Of course, we couldn’t do this without the leadership of Stephen Cowburn and help of our many club volunteers and parents, plus the regular support from our partners at Greenwich Junior Cricket Academy.

Horn Park has also played host to a number of Greenwich Juniors matches, mainly at U11 and U13 level. On the downside, we haven’t yet seen any pipeline of junior players from the Greenwich system coming through to our senior teams – a major flaw in the concept which we collectively plan to address during the winter.

To end on another positive, the appointment of Tom Rameaux as master in charge of the 1st XI at Colfe’s (congrats Tom!) has brought with it early signs of a closer relationship with the school. We are keen to encourage this. Our current cohort of Colfeians (Ryan, Luke and Will a.k.a. “Thing 1, Thing 2 and Thing 3” for fans of Dr Seuss) have just finished their A levels, leaving us with precisely zero playing members currently at the school. We have to change this.

The spirit of Sunday cricket: Dominic Adolphe and his niece Aysha

Our youngest player Miles (U14) is congratulated by Rajeev Hemdev on a fine bowling performance for the Saturday 4th XI.

Our Colfe’s School U18 cohort of Will, Luke and Ryan.

Cricket on a summer’s day at Horn Park (don’t like the look of those clouds though!)

almost bedtime!)

MIDWEEK T20

Now for the biggest innovation this year –we entered a midweek T20 league!

This was partly by chance (a call to our fixture sec Stephen McNeill) but partly by design, as the clamour from our players to play T20 has been growing steadily louder. Anyway, we quickly grasped the nettle and agreed to play in a new league of 6 teams (consisting of 10 matches from May to July, plus a play off at the end).

This was all a big new adventure, played on an Astro pitch at a single venue (Hervey Road), with batters obliged to retire at the end of the over in which they reached 25 runs (though some big hitters made it all the way to 40 by some skilful counting) and two runs awarded for a wide instead of the ball being re-bowled. Except in the final over of the innings, when normal cricket laws applied. You get the drift –and so, eventually, did most of the players!

In summary, everyone had a lot of fun and we won more matches than we lost, finishing a creditable third (actually joint second on points but our net run rate was vastly inferior). We then lost the 3rd vs 4th play off comfortably to a team we’d previously beaten – a true Old Colfeian finish to the tournament. Over 40 OCs players took to the field during the course of the tournament, an encouraging take-up and something that had a real buzz around it. We’ll definitely look to repeat this next year.

‘In summary, everyone had a lot of fun and we won more matches than we lost...’

AND… SOCIAL MEDIA!

Rain stopped play, but this doesn’t deter Will Walker, Arvind Thirumaran and Markus Conneely from inventing “shower cricket”

INTERNATIONAL

CRICKET FESTIVALSUNDAY 7TH JULY

Our first contribution to fundraising for “Project 100 – Changing Rooms for All” was to hold, or attempt to hold, a cricket festival at the club in early July. Via the chairman’s contacts, we lined up two attractive fixtures, one for

an OCs Invitation XI and one for Greenwich Juniors, against touring teams from the elite Mumbai CC Academy in India.

It was all set up to be a fantastic day, with two quality home sides raring to go, Caribbean food van, bar open, an array of attractive raffle prizes, then the heavens opened around midday, no cricket was possible, and spectators came there none. What a shame, but one of the big risks of arranging a one-off fundraiser around cricket in the English summer.

Despite this, the sterling efforts of various wives and relations who sold large quantities of raffle tickets to our All Stars and Dynamos parents throughout the morning and then to the rugby club after their AGM, plus some online sales to our playing members and a donation from Greenwich Juniors, ensured that we raised over a thousand pounds towards Project 100. A good effort under the circumstances, but much less than we had hoped for given a full afternoon’s cricket. We’ll give it another go next year.

KENT SENIORS

It’s been a bit of a frustrating year for our OCs on the seniors’ county circuit - a sorry tale of injuries combining with indifferent team and individual form. We also discovered that the rain generally falls on a Tuesday, at least during the whole of May.

But we can record that Christopher Tarrant, still Kent Over 60s captain, now qualifies for the Over 70s too! In between some frustrating knee injuries, “CT” has notched scores of 108 and 97 not out opening for the over 70s and a vital 60 not out to lead the Over 60s to victory against Wales, very well done! The only problem being that he then can’t walk for a week afterwards (but we are very grateful to him for umpiring on a Saturday!). Chris even managed a rare appearance these days for our 1st XI, keeping wicket very tidily in an otherwise forgettable match at Dartford.

One of the other things we’ve worked hard to reinvigorate this year has been our social media presence, focusing on Instagram, arguably one of the more user-friendly, less toxic outlets. Team sheets and previews published every Friday, live status reports from matches, video interviews of players, “Team of the Week”, pen pictures of team captains – yes, it’s all been happening on our “stream” and “story” this season!

You can keep up to date with the club on our Instagram account: @oldcolfeianscc. Or, if that’s a bit newfangled, more traditional internet users can view our latest results, scorecards and forthcoming fixtures on our Play Cricket site: https://oldcolfeians.play-cricket.com/home

Richard Burton, Chair – Old

Colfeians

Pyjama cricket arrives at the OCs (nice sunset too, must be

TEAM REPORTS

Note: all team and individual statistics are up to 24th August, with two matches still to play.

SATURDAY 1ST XI

After avoiding relegation in 2023 by winning the last match, any hopes the 1st XI may have harboured of competing for promotion this year were immediately hit by Jonathan Radhakrishnan’s work move to New York in April. If you could rely on anyone to turn up and perform week-in week-out over the last decade, it’s absolutely been Jonny. He still manages to fly back for the odd game though –great dedication to the cause!

Andra Henry has returned for a fourth season as our “overseas” and is once again our leading league run-scorer (625 at 48.1) and wickettaker (31 at 17.8). He has been well supported by another all-rounder, Wilson Massey, with 240 runs (including a crucial 78 in a narrow win at Gravesend) and 19 wickets. Matt Lorimer, Josh Kelleher, Jack Williams, Peter Tarrant and newcomer Ben Westhead have all batted beautifully at times but none are available regularly due to work or family pressures.

Our veteran Rupert Staple has again borne the brunt of the seam bowling, with 11 wickets and a miserly run rate conceded of 4.22 per over. Too often though, the bowling and fielding has proved to be our Achilles heel, as evidenced by conceding over 300 runs twice against Chislehurst & West Kent and a massive 368-8 at home to Minster (Sheppey) 2nd XI, a club with vastly superior resources to ours at this level of amateur cricket.

It’s worth noting that the 1st XI currently plays in Division 4, a county-wide level where three out of ten teams go down each year to accommodate those promoted from the more regionalised structure below. The threat of relegation looms large over all but the top few teams in this league. Fingers crossed the team can eke out a couple more wins to avert the drop for another season, especially with Andra’s return to his imperious best after an indifferent run of form.

SATURDAY 2ND XI

The 2nd XI has continued to struggle with a lack of quality and consistency early season, even pressing the chairman into service for a full nine overs of leggies at Sidcup. But there were jubilant scenes at Catford Wanderers when the team’s first victory for two years (!) was sealed, and by quite some margin (195-8 vs. 116 all out). Three further wins have followed, including a recent two in two after bowling out Gravesend for 83 (Harry Butler 6 for 17 in a rare appearance) and Catford Wanderers (again) for 122.

Asfand Yar Ahmed leads the run-scoring charts with 337 runs at 48.1, which has included two

The 2nd XI after breaking a two-year duck at Catford Wanderers: (standing left to right) Vikas Desai,Will Wray, Chitrang Jindal,Tom Francis, Manj Bahra, Stephen McNeill, Jack Woods, Hasta Vanchinathan,Thriyam Ravi, Naman Nagra; (seated) James O’Dowd; (out of shot) Stephen Cowburn

superb centuries against Orpington and Old Wilsonians. The skipper, Stephen Cowburn, has gamely battled his way to 284 runs at 25.8, including 76 against Old Roan, supported by regulars Mark Chakravarti and Vikas Desai with a half century each. Anil Gehlot’s match-winning 50 not out off just 25 balls against Catford Wanderers will also live long in the memory.

The leading wicket-takers this year have been off spinners Thriyam Ravi (15 wickets at 24.1) and Asfand Yar Ahmed (13 at 19.5, including 5 for 26 against Old Roan), supported by seamers Hasta Vanchinathan (11 at 27.7) and Sai Ananthakrishnan (10 at 17.1). Yet, all too often, the batting has collapsed under pressure and the bowling has not been consistent enough for long enough. For these reasons, the team again finds itself mired in the relegation places with only two matches to play.

SATURDAY 3RD XI

After finishing bottom of Division 10 last year, the 3rd XI has been rejuvenated and is back to its best form of 2021 and 2022. The team currently sits in third place, with an outside chance of teeing up a promotion decider against Hayes in the last match of the season. Our task would have been a little easier had the batting not imploded at various key points of the season, not least a disastrous start of 16 for 6 at Chislehurst, failing to chase just 105 to win at bottom side Old Wilsonians and letting Hayes’ medium pacer bag the ridiculous figures of 5.5-2-3-7 (including 4 wickets in 4 balls). Oh well, it wouldn’t be OCs cricket without a few unnecessary dramas.

Richard Yorke, freshly promoted from the 4s, has proved a popular and astute skipper, also scoring a match-winning 57 not out to defeat Catford & Cyphers. Nishant Das, another promotee from the 4s, has continued his good form with the bat, with his 72 against Sahrudaya Royals, 49 versus Blue Star, 44 against Orpington and 40 against Sidcup all firing us to convincing home wins. It was also great to see Arvind Thirumaran back from university and playing regularly – two half centuries and an average of 36.4 showing his class with the bat.

Yet it was the bowling attack that really made the difference in most games. Vivek Muralidharan has been outstanding in his first season with us, taking 23 wickets so far at just 9.3 each. He has been supported by left arm swing bowler Chitrang Jindal, always a tricky prospect for top order batters, with 21 wickets at 17.8 (including his early season appearances for higher teams), the evergreen Kevin Hunt (12 wickets at 11.5) and Andy Hughes, with 12 victims at 17.2 before world travel cut his season off in its prime. Off spinner Louis Jagger has also benefited from a full season in a settled side, so far taking 22 wickets at 14.3, including an unforgettable 6 for 12, including a hat-trick, against Sidcup.

SATURDAY 4TH XI

The 4th XI started slowly, suffering the knockon effect of early season availability issues across the club. Bottom at the halfway stage, the team has succeeded in turning its season around in dramatic fashion. The arrival of Aamir Yousaf (203 runs in his first four innings, including 119 against Beckenham) has certainly added a new confidence to the batting, but in truth it’s been a real team effort by everyone involved.

One 4s stalwart certainly deserves a mention though - when he’s not away quizzing, playing jazz and whatever else floats his boat, Patrick “Paddy” Pamment’s left arm spin has been unplayable (19 wickets at 11.1, including 5 for 42 against Bexley and 4 for 27 versus Streatham & Marlborough). Is there no end to this man’s talents? Paddy has been well supported by seamers Austin Riddle (16 wickets at 13.5), Fahim Khan (15 at 13.5) and Isa Pandor (11 at 22.9), each of whom have taken four wickets in a match. Further fourwicket hauls were also recorded by Gethin Bond and Richard Thomas.

Another home victory for the 3rd XI at “Fortress Horn Park”

OLD COLFEIANS RUGBY

Yet another season over and we have so much to look forward to next season, particularly with the launch earlier this year of our new changing rooms project – Project 100 Changing Rooms For All. I am indebted to the Build team (consisting of Dickie Oliver, Steve Edwards, Clive Corlett and Ian Smith) for their hard work this far. We still have a long way to go but I know their commitment will make it a huge success and modernise the rugby club and its facilities.

I must next move to the sad news of the passing in April of a former Colfe’s schoolboy and Old Colfeian. Peter Newson had OCs at the centre of his life, and he became a club stalwart and a lifetime Vice-President. He played at all levels, including the veterans’ team, before finally hanging up his boots at the age of 50. For many years he organised the annual rugby tours, both in the UK and abroad. Managing a rugby team on tour was not a job for the faint-hearted but his calm, effective handling of whatever incident might come his way earned him the affectionate nickname of “Sir Alf”, after England’s World Cup-winning football manager.

Our 1st XV, under the leadership of Angus, who despite having undergone shoulder surgery just before the Christmas break was still pitch side for most of the matches, once again found Level 6 rugby tough going. Andy O’Malley led the charge on the field in Angus’s absence and, as always, set standards very high, sufficiently so to earn himself Player of the Season. Results were mixed but the average age of our team at 23 years, puts us as one of the youngest squads in the league. The players have had a

steep learning curve and will go into the new season much wiser and more savvy at this level. Next season we welcome back both Darts and Thurrock into our league along with a new team that I don’t believe we have played before, Old Tiffinians.

It was very good to see some of our former players from the cup-winning team of the ‘70s attend our Club Supper at the end of May. Thanks to Brian Edwards and others’ efforts, they were able to fill a table and it was a lovely moment at the end of the evening where the

first winner of the Young Player of the Season award (Andy Grant 1974) presented it to this season’s winner, Myles Jones.

Our 2nd XV started the season incredibly strongly winning their first seven matches backto-back, scoring over 400 points in the process! Understandably, some players found winning so easily off-putting and that, plus the injuries that both the 1st and 2nd XV were amassing, meant that the second half of the season was not quite as easy. But I am glad to say, thanks to Vicky making a sound case with the league secretary, our 2nd team have been promoted to Counties 4 Kent for the new season. A league of 12 teams, some of which are other clubs’ 1st teams, should offer much sterner competition for us.

The 3rd XV once again struggled for consistency with nearly half of their matches cancelled due to the opposition not having sufficient player numbers. At times, we also struggled for player numbers, but I know there is now a good group of players determined to increase player numbers and we will be considerably more successful in that regard for next season.

I am pleased to report that the coaching team of Vicky as DoR, Alan as 1st Team Head Coach helped by Tom as Backs’ Coach, along with Keith as our 2nd Team Coach all remain in place for the coming season. Consistency is key here and I know that their focus and commitment to the teams will be fruitful for us next season!

Following on from my comment of how young our 1st team is, it is worth noting that results aren’t the be-all and end-all. Alan pointed out to me after our 1st team won away at Sidcup in the first half of the season that “from the

match day squad of 18, 17 of them were Colts and/or Colfe’s school boys, and in the 2nd team that applied to 13 of the 17 players.” All the hard work that our coaches and team managers do to keep OC’s Minis and Juniors going every Sunday is paying huge dividends for the rugby club – keep it up!

At the end of April, we hosted a charity match for the son of one of our former players. Andrew “Foz” Foster’s son passed away last year, far too young, from a rare genetic condition called Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS). The weather just about held for us, and three teams competed in the right spirit with a very healthy amount of money raised for Rycroft’s charity.

I would like to thank our outgoing Club Secretary, Mary Jane Moore, who is stepping down at the end of this AGM. She has been in this role for many years dealing admirably with many matters behind the scenes and has a deep love for the rugby club. She will be sorely missed but I know will still be pitch side for most, if not all, home and even some away matches next season. Thank you, MJ!

Tom Rameaux will continue to be our School’s Outreach Officer next season. His work this past season has seen a solid uptick in player numbers for the Junior age groups and with Project 100 eventually going to give us two valuable new changing rooms for male and female players, the work he does to recruit more female players is worth its weight in gold.

‘At the end of April, we hosted a charity match for the son of one of our former players. The weather just about held for us.’

Numbers for the Minis and Juniors continue to be in rude health, and we could see numbers for our Colts well above 40, meaning we should be able to field 2 teams. A lot of other clubs sometimes struggle to field even one so this is a very privileged position we find ourselves in. Our U18 female squad are now in a cluster with Blackheath and OA’s and have close to 30 players and our U12’s also enjoy good player numbers. All positive stuff but there is more that we can do hence we are stepping up our search for someone to specifically look after the female side of the rugby club. If this is something you are interested in, please get in touch.

The reports below from the Minis and Juniors only give a glimpse of what has been achieved. The hard work and dedication that goes into each and every training session from the coaches and the managers to make the process look smooth should not be underestimated. I am grateful for all the hard work and dedication shown by each of the coaches, managers and first aiders that are out on the pitches come rain or shine every Sunday.

There are many other volunteers across the club, but we always need more. Even if you can only give an hour or two a week, it would make a big difference to the running of this fantastic rugby club. Please reach out and get in touch if you would like to help.

A note of thanks to all the Members and Sponsors (with some new sponsors) who throughout the year have continued to support the club financially. Simply put, without your generosity the club would not be here. Thank you.

Touch rugby is already up and running and we are enjoying very healthy numbers – once the exam season is over, I expect the numbers to increase even further.

Our mantra of being “the best amateur rugby club in Southeast London” still holds and I believe that we are well on our way to being that.

My thanks to Dickie Oliver doing a sterling job on both Project 100 and as our Vice President and thanks, as always, to Dave Hodgkiss for his support and guidance, the Board of Directors for all their assistance, and every single volunteer for doing what they do, week in week out.

Enjoy the Summer!

Rob Gardiner, Old Colfeians RFC Chairman

DUKE OF EDINBURGH

This year’s Duke of Edinburgh expeditions have been a resounding success, showcasing the resilience, teamwork and adventurous spirit of the participants. The 15 Bronze teams embarked on their journeys in the picturesque Lenham and Maidstone area, while the five Silver teams took on the challenging terrains of the North Downs near Eastbourne.

The Bronze teams, comprising students new to the DofE experience, navigated the rolling landscapes of Lenham and Maidstone with determination and enthusiasm. Their expedition tested their navigation skills, teamwork and endurance over two days of trekking and camping. Despite the unpredictable weather, all teams successfully completed their routes, with many participants expressing a newfound confidence and appreciation for the outdoors. Their experience was enriched by the scenic beauty of the Kent countryside, which provided a perfect backdrop for their adventure.

Meanwhile, the Silver teams faced the more demanding North Downs, a region known for its steep hills and stunning views. These expeditions were more challenging, requiring advanced navigation and greater physical stamina. Over three days, the Silver participants demonstrated exceptional planning and perseverance, overcoming various obstacles and bonding as cohesive units. Their qualifying expeditions not only solidified their skills but also reinforced their commitment to the DofE ethos of self-discovery and community spirit.

Overall, this year’s Duke of Edinburgh expeditions have been highly successful, highlighting the participants’ ability to overcome challenges and work collaboratively. Both the Bronze and Silver teams returned with a wealth of experiences, having grown in confidence, resilience, and camaraderie. Their achievements underscore the enduring value of the DofE program in fostering personal development and adventure in young people.

Paul Mayes, DofE Coordinator

‘Overall, this year’s Duke of Edinburgh expeditions have been highly successful, highlighting the participants’ ability to overcome challenges and work collaboratively.’

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

It’s been a successful year for the Outdoor Education Department, but we have made several changes over the last couple of years. The legacy of Covid has affected the outdoor world hugely and many instructors left the industry or companies changed direction.

Our Junior School programmes have continued well using our fantastic centres in Essex for Years 4 and 5 and our Dorset coasteering course in Year 6. Year 3 have moved from Swattenden and now spend two days at Bewl Water, which is an excellent venue.

This year we coped with 160 pupils visiting the Lake District in Year 7 as we added a third January week to our two October weeks. These went very well but sadly these will be the last groups to travel to Glaramara, our base for over 20 years! The company has always been known for its excellent accommodation and has made the decision to close the outdoor department and continue as a hotel. We have run some wonderful courses from there and thank them for their service over the years.

Similar changes have taken place with Year 8, where our venue of several years in Snowdonia closed abruptly. We have used the nearby

Towers Centre for the last two years, which has been great, but the next Year 8 course will be run from the Peak District. This will offer a change of scene, some great activities and reduce our travel times considerably.

Similarly, our Year 9 programme run by the Bushcraft Company went ahead as usual. It was another very wet year, which added to the challenge, but everybody enjoyed it and came away with some new skills and the confidence that this course always develops. Living under canvas for a week in the woods in March takes preparation and concentration as pupils learn how to live off the land. It truly is a back-tobasics experience and is eagerly anticipated each year. This course will move from Kettering next year to Penshurst in Kent, again to reduce travel times.

I am pleased to report that the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is bigger than ever. Our license inspection reported how extensive our programme is and how well run. We currently run our Bronze expeditions in Kent, Silver in the South Downs National Park and Gold in the Peak District.

Obviously, all these courses require lots of adult assistance and I am grateful to all my colleagues who volunteer their time to come and help. Our pupils gain much from these courses in terms of teamwork, skills and knowledge and I think everyone involved enjoys watching their confidence grow as they navigate our varied programmes.

Chris Cherry, Head of Outdoor Education

COMBINED CADET FORCE

AUTUMN 2023

After the summer break the Squadron returned to training in September as usual in what had been an unusually long holiday season with no Summer Camps. Due to the global situation and operational requirements across the MOD, both the Army and RAF sections had their summer camps cancelled, much to the dismay of the cadets and staff. However, it was pleasing to note that in July, 24 cadets did attend the Gold DofE and Mountain Skills training in Snowdonia with Maj Cherry where 16 cadets passed their Gold expedition and eight Year 10 cadets completed their Mountain Skills qualification.

At the start of the term Senior Prizegiving saw the Edwards and Hall swords awarded to LCpl Colyer and LCpl Pant for their commitment to the squadron over the past year and the Squadron was present at the school open mornings where a number of younger cadets who recently joined the Squadron were keen to talk to potential recruits. October saw the

PAFA fireworks evening where cadets under the direction of WO2 Coyle made sure the burgers were served and the crowd remained orderly. Over the same weekend elsewhere, five

other Colfe’s adult volunteers attended a range course with London District Training team. Lt Dean, Lt Wells and Sgt Swords completed the Range Safety Supervisor Course (K Qual) whilst Lt Green and 2Lt Withers completed the Long Range Conducting Officer’s Course.

With the lack of military training fresh in the mind of the cadets, October Range Camp attendance was high, and once again with over 60 cadets present, the exercise was a massive success. All cadets in Years 10 to 13 fired over 150 rounds each, some up to distances of 300 metres. A special mention to then Sgt Ben May who took the best shot title in the Year 13 300m shoot-off, pipping Will Rockall and Max Turner. The Year 9 cohort were introduced to the Pirbright obstacle course, conducted foot drill and command tasks and visited Brookwood Cemetery. All cadets were then taken on the Squadron day out at Thorpe Park’s Fright Night. At the end of camp, I was pleased to make some well-earned promotions, with Cadet Lewis being promoted to Lance Corporal and Sgts May, Rockall and Turner all receiving their small crown and being promoted to Staff/Flight Sergeant. Promotions also took place for the adults with Sgt Swords promoting to SSgt and Lt Green receiving his third pip and moving up to Captain.

After half term the busy schedule resumed with Remembrance Sunday where over a hundred members of the squadron paraded at Old Colfeians Rugby Club in front of family and friends to celebrate the contribution of Colfeians in service of their country both past and present.

Remembrance Sunday was followed by the annual Remembrance Dinner but this time, thanks to the efforts of Lt Dean, in a rare first for the Squadron the dinner was held at the East India Club in St James’ Square, one of London’s most prestigious private clubs. We were also lucky enough to have serving Brigadier General and Old Colfeian, Joe Butterfill as a guest on our top table who spoke fondly about his time in Colfe’s and his career in the Army. After the 3-course meal, cheese and refreshments, it was over to the speeches led by Sgt Maj Samson Jones who let the parents and guests in on some of the lesser-known stories from the sixth formers’ cadet experiences. With a number of special mentions and thanks the final award of the evening, the Comradeship Bowl, was deservedly presented to FSgt Ben May.

SPRING 2024

2024 began with a cold leadership weekend at RAF Northolt where the Year 10 cadets completed their Adair Leadership award under Major Cherry which, combined with the Method of Instruction training, was enough to earn them their Junior Cadet Instructor badge. The cadets also visited the Battle of Britain Bunker at nearby RAF Uxbridge and undertook a conceptual study of RAF leadership during the Battle of Britain led by Fg Off Crummay. In the same month four RAF cadets also attended a gliding day at Kenley airfield getting some airborne hours in the glider.

February Camp took place at Pippingford Park at the start of half term with a focus on fieldcraft training and learning section tactics.

‘Over Easter the Squadron made Colfe’s history with 12 cadets and accompanying

adults completing their static line parachute jump from 4000ft over Netheravon Airfield.’

Building on last year’s trip to Gibraltar, cadets were split into sections and learnt how to react to enemy fire, form a baseline, set up an ambush and conduct flanking assaults. The exercise intensity built with each day and by the end of day two the cadets were springing an ambush at dusk for the unsuspecting enemy (SSgt Swords and his rag-tag sixth formers). On the final day the sections led by newly promoted Cpl’s Lewis, Noyce and Woodhouse conducted dawn section attacks under the cover of smoke to finally clear out the enemy before EndEx. With over 3500 rounds of blank ammunition expended and additional rifles on loan from Alleyn’s, all cadets got to fire several mags of ammo, some for the first time and got plenty of experience with the weapon system. The exercise was led by Capt Green and 2Lt Withers, who shortly after returning from the exercise was duly promoted to Lt.

Over Easter the Squadron made Colfe’s history with 12 cadets and accompanying adults completing their static line parachute jump from 4000ft over Netheravon Airfield. The courage and skill displayed by the Year 11-13 cadets was impressive, all were out in a heartbeat, expertly conducting their drills as taught and safely landing into wind. The adrenaline-seeking cadets who completed the solo jump each received their Cadet Parachute ‘Wings’ and we will look to conduct the exercise again next year.

SUMMER 2024

Following the recruiting drive up to Easter, Colfe’s CCF enrolled a new batch of 55 recruits, with the partnership with Dartford Grammar School continuing to bear fruit with their new intake of 20 recruits. The surge in numbers takes the overall unit roll up to the unprecedented number of 150 cadets in strength. In order to prepare the senior cadets for assisting with the instruction on the upcoming recruit camp the Year 10 and 12 cohorts attended Ex MODEL COLFEIAN in April, the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) cadre at Longmoor where cadets are put through their paces in a series of battle scenarios with blank ammunition, smoke grenades and flares. Under the watchful eyes of the adult staff the cadets took turns to be squad leaders in what turned out to be some of the worst weather seen on exercise in my time at Colfe’s. The NCO cadre helped identify the best Year 10 leaders in a challenging tactical

exercise; ‘if it ain’t raining, it ain’t training!’ as the saying goes. All cadets performed well and following the cadre there were promotions to Lance Corporal for Eldridge, Redfern, Smith and Totty and Corporals Bell and Perry-Wade were promoted to Sergeant.

With the arrival of the summer term, we also moved into DofE season, run in conjunction with the Outdoor Education Department under Major Cherry. Over 30 Year 9 cadets began the Bronze award and Year 10 cadets made up the bulk of CCF students completing the Silver expedition to the South Downs. As normal the Gold expedition will take place during the summer break and route planning is well underway.

May half term saw the new Year 8 recruits attend their first residential camp – Exercise FAWN COLFEIAN 24, at St Martin’s Plain camp in Folkestone, where the Squadron

was able to make use of the firing range and training area. The camp was a huge success, not only in that due to operational requirements it should never have taken place (our camp booking changed location three times as we went from Crowborough to Longmoor to Brunswick to finally a very busy St Martin’s Plain) but the quality of DS instruction and the recruits themselves meant all recruits who attended passed the cadre. Of particular note was the fun had by all recruits on the night recce, where guest DS, Major Smith of Skinners School and Under Officer Collins, donned woolly hats and other non-uniform items to put in a roleplay stint as notorious smugglers the ‘Cheriton Couriers’, only to be foiled by the intelligence gathering skills of the quick-learning Colfe’s recruits.

The final event of the year was the Summer Parade where this year we were fortunate enough to have Lieutenant Colonel Jono Mills MBE, Commanding Officer of the University of London Officers’ Training Corps, as our Reviewing Officer. In a change of tradition from our aviation roots this year’s RO, Lt Col Mills, is a regular infantry officer who has a wealth of experience on operations serving with The Rifles regiment and his parade address to over 120 cadets and over 250 parents and friends gave the cadets in particular an opportunity to hear the perspective of an officer from another branch of the armed forces.

The Headmaster was also pleased to welcome the Headmaster of DGS as a guest to the parade to witness the 30 DGS students across Years 8 and 9 in action. The parade was overseen by Cadet Sgt Major Samson Jones and Parade Adjutant Captain Green and finished with notable awards to Cadet HarringtonBernier for top recruit, FSgt Ben May winning the Tyler Cup and WO2 Rockall taking the Headmasters’ shield in a very competitive field.

As always, it is a sad farewell to our Year 13 cadets, to whom after receiving their Commanding Officer’s Coin to thank them for their five years’ service, we must bid farewell. We wish the following Year 13 all the best in their future ventures – Cpls Goode and H. May, Sgts Bianco, Brinn, Carter and East, SSgts Edney-Harrison and Hadingham,

‘As always, it is a sad farewell to our Year 13 cadets, to whom after receiving their Commanding Officer’s Coin to thank them for their five years’ service, we must bid farewell.’

FSgt Turner, CWO May and WO2s Jones and Rockall. We wish them all the best and hope to see as many of them that wish to return to the Squadron to join the adult staff at some point in the future.

For the remainder of the Squadron, we continue to go from strength to strength; we are still growing and with a range camp

to Pirbright in October, February camp to Leicester and Northampton ACF’s new £7 million Cadet Training Centre at Yardley Chase already booked, not forgetting the provisional overseas trip to Cyprus, next year is already looking set to be a year not to be missed.

Capt Roberts

RAF

One sunny morning in late August, the RAF Flight of Colfe’s CCF embarked at London Euston for Operation Bluestreak, the annual summer camp with Fg Off Crummay. Some four hours later, we had arrived at RAF Spadeadam, the RAF’s largest base, but possibly the smallest in terms of staff.

Home to the Electronic Warfare Training Centre for fast jets and low flying helicopters, we were immersed in Cold War history as well as being surrounded by the remnants of Roman Britain, with Hadrian’s Wall a stone’s throw away. Classed as a ‘green camp’, the highlight of the week for many was the day-long field exercise where cadets navigated their way across several miles in the vast Northumberland hills past Cold War relics; from Mig 29 fast jets to radar dishes and former East German tanks.

Cadets were expected to manage radio comms and their mock weapons, as well as undertake map reading and decision making. Run by a junior officer who recently graduated from RAF College Cranwell, where RAF officers are trained, the aim of this exercise was to promote leadership and teamwork. The permanent RAF staff at the base –a mixture of regulars and reserves – also went out of their way to accommodate our cadets and show a side of the RAF not often seen. A standout visit featured the chance to handle some of the equipment inside an SA6 tracked vehicle and an SA8, which is used to track and target fast jets. These very vehicles and their operators had only recently returned from NATO deployment duties, so it was a real insight into current RAF capabilities worldwide.

‘Cadets were expected to manage radio comms and their mock weapons, as well as undertake map reading and decision making. Run by a junior officer who recently graduated from RAF College Cranwell, where RAF officers are trained, the aim of this exercise was to promote leadership and teamwork.’

Voted the best visit of the week, however, were the two day visits with the fire section. As is often the case with several RAF trades, be it RAF Police or Mountain Rescue, the fire service stands ready to assist their civilian counterparts when required, able to offer a set of specialist skills. This included instructing cadets how to safely cut through metal to free casualties in a road collision, similar to freeing

airmen trapped in aircraft, as well as managing water pressure from hoses and learning how to tackle a blaze safely.

Another highlight however was the house clearance; dressed in fire equipment, cadets were sent into a darkened room and taught how to communicate clearly, navigating their way through a building to find and evacuate

casualties. Here several of them impressed with their calm manner, and ability to give clear instructions. Visits to Vindolana and the Roman Army Museum, as well as a 10km walk along Hadrian’s Wall, offered some downtime, local heritage enrichment and a chance to see the beauty of Northern England. A final stop at Carlisle Aviation Museum also saw cadets able to climb inside a perfectly preserved Vulcan bomber.

In terms of camp awards, Cadet WO May, outgoing Year 13, won ‘Best Field Exercise Participant’ for his excellent leadership and instruction of cadets from another unit who were amazed at the leadership qualities and field craft experience of Colfe’s cadets, and Cadet Manito won ‘highly commended cadet.’

All cadets, however, encapsulated perfectly Colfe’s CCF ethos; ‘Prepare to Lead’. This was certainly the case when visiting RAF Boulmer, where the underground bunker houses a 24-hour watch of RAF personnel watching the UK’s skies, ready to scramble RAF fast jets and monitor any issues with commercial

‘Voted the best visit of the week, however, were the two day visits with the fire section.

aircraft. As the forefront of UK defence, this was a privilege and cadets were delighted to take part in aircraft recognition tasks, as well as seeing just how far the commercial aviation and military spheres work together in a post 9/11 world.

In an about-turn, cadets then had the unique experience of visiting the armoury, which involved handling current weapons, as well as those used on the D Day beaches, but the most eventful moment came in visiting the modern-day reincarnation of ‘Operation Fortitude.’ A brainwave of Churchill’s to fool Nazi Germany prior to D Day, dummy tanks and aircraft, be it metal, wood or inflatable, were strategically placed by the British military to confuse the Germans as to where the D Day landings would be. This also confused German reconnaissance operating over the UK. Still an essential part of military exercises, RAF logistics personnel were only too happy to inflate a tank, as well as allowing cadets to produce their best Saving Private Ryan poses with mockup weaponry from the 1940s up to the present day.

Speaking of all things aviation, a special mention must go to Cadet WO May. Whilst Colfe’s RAF Flight were busy hanging out with fast jets and serving RAF pilots at the Royal International Air Tattoo with Pilot Officer May, Captain Roberts and Flying Officer Crummay, meeting the US Air Attache and Ms America, a serving US Officer no less, just a few miles away, WO May was busy breaking a record hundreds of feet above the ground as a worthy winner of not one, but two RAF Flying Scholarship Awards: May soloed a glider in the minimum time possible.

So impressed were his flying instructors that they wrote an extremely positive write-up of his flying credentials. May’s Grob Tutor flying course at RAF Wittering starts in due course, where he will be given a taste of the RAF’s Elementary Flying Syllabus. Given that there are so few places available, that the RAF have recognised his talent and afforded him both these opportunities reflect his natural talent for flying, as well as his dedication to leading Colfe’s RAF Flight as a senior cadet alongside balancing his studies.

We would like to thank all the RAF personnel at RAF Spadeadam for welcoming us, especially the fire section for going out of their way to make our visit so engaging.

Special thanks to the US Air Force engagement team, as well as Flight Lieutenant Shaw, for showing us round the Texan at RIAT, as well as the rotary and fixed wing training crews who allowed cadets inside a Juno and a Phenom.

Finally, a huge well done to Pilot Officer May who, like Flight Lieutenant Shipp and Flying Officer Crummay, successfully passed his OIC course at RAF College Cranwell to train RAF CCF Officers, and an ongoing shoutout to Sgt Gray for his ongoing support with the RAF Flight from RAF Northolt.

Fg Off Crummay

PARTNERSHIPS

As Director of School Partnerships, it is my role to develop relationships with local 11-16 state schools and charity organisations. This started as Colfe’s running enrichment activities for pupils at our partner schools and has developed in recent years to involve our pupils from Colfe’s. The aim here is for all pupils to experience genuine academic enrichment, whilst meeting people from other schools. Some who participate may join us as Sixth Formers. Our charity partnerships have also increased this year, with a range of organisations participating in what is now our annual community day.

We kicked off the enrichment events in the first term with our science afternoon, where three external schools and Colfe’s pupils attended practical science workshops run by Mr Fishwick, Mr Armstrong and Dr Zimmermann. Mrs Hooks gave a lecture at the end of the day where she outlined her career as a scientist, trying to solve problems with the solution of Pepto-Bismol when it was being brought to market in the UK. Ms Beale ran a successful set of weekly Computer Science enrichment sessions for pupils from Prendergast Vale.

A further highlight in the Spring term was the school’s exciting new partnership with the British Library. We wanted to show that hands-on experience of the humanities could be just as exciting as the experiments in the science afternoon, and so, we coordinated a trip with Bonus Pastor, Conisborough College and Prendergast Vale to attend a workshop called ‘Windrush Voices’. The same day that we visited, Just Stop Oil decided to try to smash the Magna Carta, so the plan had to be adapted. The fantastic ‘Black British Music’ exhibition downstairs had thankfully not experienced the same problems, and we were welcomed there to explore how music from black artists in the UK had developed over time.

This term has seen the largest event held on site for partner schools since I started working as Assistant Director of Partnerships in 2018. The ‘New at A Level’ afternoon brought together approximately 60 pupils from five different schools to get a sense of what A-level study is like in seven different subjects, from Art Photography to Further Maths. The day finished with a talk and Q&A session from Cerennaz and Xavier, two Year 13 pupils, offering their wisdom to current Year 10s.

Our partnerships with organisations aside from other secondary schools have continued to flourish. The Catalyst (St Catherine’s College, Oxford Sustained Partnership Programme) continued this year with Year 10s visiting the college along with Year 10s from partner schools in June. Year 12 students from Colfe’s and Prendergast School joined together for a trip to the college in May and for an application and interview workshop in July. Year 10 volunteers have been busy at St Winifred’s

‘We

kicked off the enrichment events in the first term with our science afternoon, where three external schools and Colfe’s pupils attended practical science workshops.’

Primary School helping teachers in a variety of activities; everything from reading to maths, music, drama and games.

As part of our partnerships work, we are constantly seeking to evaluate its impact. In consultation with the schools that we work with, we are looking to grow our programme for next year, offering something for each year group across a full range of subjects. We are hoping that this will enable us to continue to build on the success of the last few years.

To charity partnerships now, where our relationship with the Brun Bear Foundation continues to be a mainstay. Edwin, the charity’s

Director, was responsible for coordinating the charity contacts for this year’s volunteering day, which spanned nine different organisations, involving approximately 300 hours of volunteer time. Activities this year were once again varied; the pizza oven built at Sydenham Garden last year has had a lot of use, and this year our pupils were cleaning their greenhouse. Nunhead Cemetery provided a hands-on opportunity for pupils to learn just how challenging bramble roots are, and Beckenham Place Park had pupils dressed in waders removing rubbish from the river Ravensbourne. This continues to be an enriching day for our pupils and is an exciting part of the school’s partnership with local charities and community projects.

This year has been another incredibly busy one for our small partnerships team, and I am incredibly grateful to Cécile Davies for her support, creativity and enthusiasm. Additionally, Tim Cook as Academic Enrichment Coordinator has been instrumental.

Zoë Kendrick, Director of School Partnerships

‘This year’s volunteering day spanned nine different organisations and involved approximately 300 hours of volunteer time.’

EDI

What a busy year for the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee!

Now established and growing in numbers, the EDI Committee delivered assemblies every half term to promote values of tolerance and respect among our school community. Pupils from the African Caribbean Society led our Black History Month assembly, shining a light on their role models.

We then attended the RWB parade at Charlton Football club for the second time. We thank our school captains Millie and Ejiro who proudly represented us before watching a game against Reading.

We reminded our school community of the importance of breaking down barriers and showing empathy in our Disability History Month assembly. 12 Sixth Formers worked with Dr Fiona Peters in a workshop on how to be a better ally and started a mentoring scheme with our KS3 pupils.

We celebrated LGBT+ History Month in February and demonstrated how to actively challenge hate in our Spring term assembly. We finished the academic year with our first ever Culture Day. This student-led initiative showcased the rich diversity of our school community, and we had a range of interactive activities to discover different cultures through games, foods, dances and traditional costumes.

We would like to thank staff, pupils and parents for their overwhelming support and the Culture@Colfe’s editors for reporting on this special day. We hope to make this event an even bigger and better one next year!

Cécile Davies & Jo Ariti-Alamonte, on behalf of the EDI Committee

Mentoring sessions

TESTIMONIALS FROM THE AFRICANCARIBBEAN SOCIETY

In my opinion ACS is a vital aspect of the student community at Colfe’s. Being of Caribbean origin myself, I attend as it affords me the opportunity to bond with my peers over shared experiences and backgrounds, as well as creating a sense of family and loyalty between the ACS members. My old school didn’t have an ACS, and so I didn’t know what to expect prior to attending my first session. Despite this, I emerged from the first meeting with a sense of gratitude and satisfaction, leading me to attend every successive meeting. It’s also refreshing to see those who don’t usually feel comfortable expressing themselves come out of their shells to participate in the discussions. For example, in a recent session, we talked about receptive bilingualism, a discussion that liberated those who had previously felt ashamed for not speaking their “native language”. Next year, we hope to continue to host these sessions, and are excited to discover new common ground between the African and Caribbean students at Colfe’s.

Jayden, Year 12

ACS was a society founded by Mr Osei-Tutu, which was further propelled by the teachers Mrs Davies and Mrs Sutherland. I remember receiving my first email from Mr Osei-Tutu, around January-February 2023, inviting us to congregate in one of the classrooms opposite his office.

When it started out, I believe Sir and Mrs Sutherland called this meeting to establish a

safe space for students of African-Caribbean descent. It was therapeutic to have my thoughts heard and to hear the thoughts of other students of their experience as a minority in a PWI and how exactly we all navigated through it and how we could better do so.

The longer it went on the more it continued to grow, and you could tell! We changed our location to a more tranquil room in the Drama department and we had more students engaging from various year groups. Unfortunately, Mrs Sutherland had to leave temporarily for maternity leave, but Mrs Davies soon came along and ensured we still had that balance in perspectives from teachers who had their own stories of growing up a minority.

This is when ACS started to change or evolve rather; it was still a safe space as per its roots, but it was now a place of discussion and debate when we saw the introduction of the new Year 12s. This only breathed new life into it as it ensured that we were all informed on the issues affecting our community and the events such as the ACEN Conference, BHM Presentation on Influential Black People and outside visits from various peoples only elevated our way of thinking as well as our cultural pride.

It was honestly hard to attend my last meeting seeing all the teachers and students I had met along the way as it had grown so much from its inception, and I like to think I was part of that growth. It has nothing but potential which I can see, and with events such as Culture Day in sight I can only hope to imagine where it would be in a couple of months, let alone a couple of years.

Abubakar, Year 13

FEM SOC

This year, Fem Soc has made its debut at Colfe’s and has proved itself to be a powerful place for students to learn, connect and make a difference.

The initial inspiration was to create a safe space for students to share positive stories, celebrate successful figures and discuss current affairs connected to women’s roles in our societies. Students from Year 7 to Year 13 have been attending weekly meetings to share thoughts and ideas, whilst building relationships with students in different year groups and friendship groups, creating networks founded on mutual respect and shared experiences.

Alongside meaningful discussion of current affairs and key and important topics, each week we have shared literature, television, social media and music recommendations, even creating our own Fem Soc Spotify playlist, and student-led Instagram account. Our weekly meetings have offered a space for girls to reflect and share what they have found challenging that week and how they are building their confidence in facing those challenges.

As part of Fem Soc’s activities, we have been lucky enough to have guest speakers visit. Shani Akilah, a writer and activist, shared her experiences and the inspirations behind her debut short story collection ‘Such a Time as This’. Our very own Deputy Head, Donna Graham, inspired students with her own personal career journey, empowering Fem Soc with her story of resilience and aspiration.

We have also raised an incredible amount of money – a total of over £600 – through hosting a Christmas Pub Quiz. This was donated to Women for Women International and Lewisham’s Women’s Aid. We have also become

pen pals with Grace, our sponsored sister, through Women for Women International’s letter exchange scheme.

In collaboration with the Careers Department and the Sixth Form team, Colfe’s first Women in STEM evening was a huge success. Women in STEM make up only 26% of the workforce, and in a sector that is continuing to grow at a rapid rate, with more than 1 million more STEM jobs in the UK created over the last seven years, members of Fem Soc felt strongly that it was a cause we could represent.

We welcomed six inspirational guest speakers: Nidhi Kapoor, Director at Visa Government Solutions; Dr Laura Currin Salter, Clinical Director of Gynaecology at St Elizabeth’s Hospital; Florrie Igoe, an Actuarial Trainee Consultant at Hymans Robertson and Old Colfeian; Jo Smith, Associate at DDA Engineers; Dr Alysson Thirkell, CIO at Energy Storage Africa; and finally, Dr Raia

“It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.”

Madeleine Albright

Hadsell, VP at Google Deep Mind. It gave students from Years 10-13 an opportunity to learn about the achievements, routes into, and also the challenges of careers in the STEM sector.

We look forward to continuing to empower students at Colfe’s through Fem Soc in the years to come. (Fem Soc runs every Friday at 1:15 in L4 and is open to all students.)

Alex Flegg and Amalée Rycroft, Fem Soc Founders

THE GAMBIA TRIP

COLFE’S TRIP OF A LIFETIME TO CELEBRATE 19 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP WITH KSS!

We were eagerly waiting to return to The Gambia after the pandemic interrupted our yearly trip to the Senegambia. In October, twelve eager pupils embarked on a unique adventure trip to The Smiling Coast of Africa accompanied by Madame Davies, Miss Lindley and Major Cherry. This journey was not just a travel experience but an immersive learning adventure, blending cultural exchange, environmental awareness, community service, and historical education.

The journey began with a warm welcome at Kotu Secondary School, where the pupils met their pen pals for the first time. After having exchanged emails, meeting in person was an emotional and joyous event. They participated in lessons together, sharing insights into their respective education systems and cultures. This interaction fostered mutual respect and a deeper understanding between the students. The visit included attending school assemblies where pupils showcased their talents; songs,

plays and poetry recitals which highlighted the rich cultural heritage of The Gambia. These performances were not only entertaining but also educational, providing the visitors with insights into Gambian history, social issues, and traditions. In a hands-on community service project, the KSS and Colfe’s pupils worked with a local builder to construct new benches for the school. This activity was more than just manual labour; it was a lesson in teamwork, perseverance, and the importance

of contributing to the community. The benches would serve future students, leaving a lasting impact of their visit.

A highlight of the trip was the Gambian cooking experience with Ida Cham, a renowned local entrepreneur. Under her guidance, the pupils learned to make Chicken Yassa, a traditional Gambian dish known for its tangy and flavourful marinade. This culinary session was not only a feast for their taste buds but also an introduction to the rich culinary traditions of The Gambia. After sampling the food, the pupils naturally danced with their pen pals to celebrate their time together.

Later in the week, we took a trip to the Abuko Nature Reserve, which offered a breathtaking glimpse into The Gambia’s diverse wildlife. The pupils saw monkeys, various bird

species, hyenas, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The experience was both exhilarating and educational, emphasizing the importance of wildlife conservation. They also went on a visit to the Reptile Centre where they had the opportunity to pet snakes, learning about these often-misunderstood creatures. This visit helped demystify reptiles and highlighted the importance of biodiversity. We spent an afternoon at the crocodile sanctuary, where the pupils had the unique experience of petting crocodiles, a thrilling and somewhat nerve-wracking activity. This visit emphasised the importance of respecting wildlife and understanding the ecological role of different species.

One of the most profound experiences was the visit to Kunta Kinteh Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This island is historically significant as it was a major point in the transatlantic slave trade. The visit provided a sobering reminder of the past, emphasising the importance of history in understanding the present and shaping the future.

Towards the end of our stay, the pupils visited the Kotu Fire Station, which provided the pupils

with insights into the vital role of emergency services. They learned about the daily operations of the fire station and the challenges faced by firefighters, gaining a newfound respect for these brave individuals. The final stop was at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) cemetery. Here, the pupils paid their respects to the soldiers who fought and died in the World Wars. This visit was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for peace and the importance of remembering history.

The last evening was spent on the beach with the pen friends, playing the drums and dancing around the fire. This amazing trip to The Gambia will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on our pupils’ lives, shaping their perspectives and inspiring them to make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond.

Cécile Davies, The Gambia Trip Organizer

SKI TRIP

Seventy Year 8-10 pupils enjoyed a great week of spring powder skiing in Alpe d’Huez in France at Easter.

The beginners made superb progress, all tackling red runs by the end of the week, whilst the experienced skiers were lucky enough to tackle the world’s longest run at 16km starting at 3300m. Après ski activities included karaoke, a luge on rails, indoor climbing and lots of hot chocolate!

John Fishwick, Head of Physics and Ski Trip Organiser

JUNIOR SCHOOL STAFF

SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM

Mrs M-C Gilfedder-Bonnar LLB (Hons) Strathclyde, BSc (Honours) Psychology, PGCE Head

Mrs S Gurr BEd (Hons)

Deputy Head, DSL & Early Years DSL, PSHE Subject Leader, Library Coordinator, Fire Officer, Paediatric First Aider

Mrs G Fisher HND OCR Level 7 Cert SpLD Director of Learning Support

Miss L Kirkland BA (Hons) MSc PGCE Director of Studies

SUPPORT STAFF

Mrs E Benjamins BEd (Hons) PA to Head & SMT, Office Manager

Mrs D Finn

School Administrator, First Aider

Mrs R Middleton

School Administrator

Mrs J Di Mascio BA(Hons) PG Dip BACP (accred) Junior School Counsellor

Miss Z Humphreys RCN (Registered Sick Children’s Nurse)

Junior School Nurse, Paediatric First Aider

Mr T Highland

Junior School Keeper, Fire Officer

EYFS & KEY STAGE 1

Mrs S Gurr BEd (Hons)

Deputy Head, DSL & Early Years DSL, PSHE Subject Leader, Library Coordinator, Fire Officer, Paediatric First Aider

Ms D Wheater BEd (Hons) Nursery A Teacher

Miss A Renfrew

Nursery A Teaching Assistant, Paediatric First Aider, Late School

Ms N Sutherland Nursery A Teaching Assistant

Miss E Bray BA (Hons) Nursery B Teacher AAPL EYFS

Mrs K Chapman NNEB NVQ Level 3 Management Nursery B Teaching Assistant, Paediatric First Aider

Ms G Scala NVQ3

Nursery B Teaching Assistant, Paediatric First Aider

Ms J Halloumas BSc (Hons) PGCE Reception A Teacher

Ms H Crossfield Sandhu BSc (Psychology) PGdip (Law) Reception A Teaching Assistant

Ms A Thompson BA PGCE Reception B Teacher

Ms S Lapena Reception B Teaching Assistant

Ms V Lee BSc PGCE MA) Reception C Teacher, Academic Phase Leader EYFS

Ms A Brown BEd (Hons) Reception C Teaching Assistant

Mrs T Lee Oliver STILS CACHE Level 3 1A Teacher, Paediatric First Aider

Mrs N Blythe NNEB 1A 1A Teaching Assistant, Late School

Miss L Clarke BA PGCE MA in Educational Leadership 1B Teacher, Academic Phase Leader KS1

Miss S Terry CACHE Level 2, Level 3 Early Years 1B Teaching Assistant, Late School

Ms E Francis BA EYT QTS 1C Teacher

Ms L de Montfort NVQ3 1C Teaching Assistant

Miss H Ferris BSc (Hons) PGCE 2A Teacher, Assistant Academic Phase Leader KS1

Mrs E Carey BA (Hons) STILS CACHE Level 3

2A Teaching Assistant, Paediatric First Aider

Ms S Hodges BA PGCE Med 2B Teacher, Humanities Subject Leader

Ms C Ryan NVQ3 2B Teaching Assistant, KS1 Forest School, Breakfast Club

Mrs S Quinn BA (Hons) MA NPQH 2C Teacher

Mrs A Barlas BSc CACHE Level 3 2C Teaching Assistant, Paediatric First Aider

Ms K Jardine NVQ2 All Years HLTA, Library Assistant

Miss M King BA PGCE All Years HLTA, Library Assistant

Ms N Mensah BSc (Psychology) PGCE All Years HLTA, Forest School

Mrs N Kingswood BSc (Hons) PGCE EYFS & KS1 Cover Teacher

Mrs D Hills BA (Hons) PGCE QTS All Years Cover Teacher

Mrs L Scanlan BA (Hons) PGCE EYFS & KS1 Cover Teacher

Ms V Paterson BSc (Hons) EYFS & KS1 1:1 SLA, KS1 & EYFS Midday Meal Supervisor

Ms D Tucker KS1 & KS2 Midday Meal Supervisor

KEY STAGE 2

Mrs C Epps BA PGCE MA

3A Form Tutor, Assistant Academic Phase Leader Lower KS2

Ms M Hughes BMus (Hons) MMus, PGdip, PGCE

3B Form Tutor

Miss A Manning BA PGCE

3C Form Tutor

Mrs P Scobie PGCE (M)

3C Form Tutor

Mr C Kitchen BA PGCE

4A Form Tutor

Ms A Mawer BA (Hons) PGCE

4B Form Tutor

Mrs E Higgs, BA PGCE

4C Form Tutor, Co Academic Phase Leader Lower KS2, KS2 Art Subject Leader

Mrs V Taylor BSc (Hons) PGCE (M)

4C Form Tutor, Co Academic Phase Leader Lower KS2

Miss A Lennon BSc PGCE

5A Form Tutor, Head of Values, PSHE & RS

Mrs S Gibbons BA (Hons)

5B Teacher, Academic Phase Leader Upper KS2

Mrs K Martin-Eggins BSc (Hons) PGCE

5C Form Tutor

Mrs H Lowth BSc PGCE

5C Form Tutor

Mr J Dunne BA PGCE

6A Form Tutor, Assistant Academic Phase Leader Upper KS2, Lead Practitioner

Ms C Reynolds BA (QTS), MA

6B Form Tutor, Head of Science

Mr J Ford BA (QTS)

6C Form Tutor

Mrs J Dunmore, BA (Hons) PGCE KS2 General Subjects

Ms G Walton-Green BA PGCE KS2 French Teacher

Ms S Grover NNEB

KS2 Teaching Assistant, Paediatric First Aider, Swimming Teacher

Mrs S Green CACHE Level 3

Teaching Assistant & Breakfast Club Assistant, Paediatric First Aider

Mrs L McDougall NVQ Level 4

Teaching Assistant & Breakfast Club Assistant

LEARNING SUPPORT

Mrs G Fisher HND OCR Level 7 Cert SpLD Director of Learning Support

Mrs D France BA (Hons) EYFS & KS1 Learning Support Teacher, Deputy DSL

Ms A Spinney BSc PGCE PG Dip Systemic Theory KS2 Learning Support Teacher

Mrs K Gerard BA (Hons) HLTA Level 4 CACHE Level 2 NQT, Level 3 Diploma Specialist Support KS2 Teaching Assistant for SEN, Late School

Mrs Isabella Warnke BA (Hons) MA PGCE KS1 Learning Support Teacher

Mr J Gregory One to One Support

Ms O Latimer One to One Support

Mrs G Hepden HLTA, Learning Support Teacher

MUSIC DEPARTMENT

Mrs S Smith BEd (Hons) Head of Music

PE & GAMES DEPARTMENT

Miss S Manzi BA (Hons) Head of Swimming

Mr A Knowles BSC (Hons) Head of PE & Games, Head of Co-Curricular

Mr L Kimberley Head of KS1 PE & Games

Ms R Hughes All years PE & Games Teacher

WRAP AROUND CARE

Mrs C Wilks NVQ Level 3

Wrap Around Care Manager, Paediatric First Aider

Mrs P Pin

EYFS & KS1 Late School Supervisor, Paediatric First Aider

Mrs S Simmons

EYFS & KS1 Late School Supervisor, Paediatric First Aider

A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

THE AUTUMN TERM

A new chapter opened in the life of the Junior School this year as we welcomed three new form teachers; Miss Pain in Reception A, Mrs Walsh in Reception B and Mrs Truscott on maternity cover in 2A. We also welcomed into Nursery and Reception a new cohort of Early Years children. They have settled really well, quickly adapting to new faces and new routines. Our Friday morning Stay & Play sessions for Nursery and Reception parents have been tremendously successful and each Friday starts with a buzz of excitement around the EYFS classrooms as parents linger a while to look through their child’s learning and chat to the early years staff. Within a month of joining, the children were confident to join KS1 for our annual Harvest Assembly, led by Sarah Vitty from the Lewisham Foodbank, and with all food donations going to this organisation.

On Monday 11th December we hosted our first ever ‘Santa Dash’, organised by PAFA for the children, and featuring a short run across the field wearing a Santa hat. The children loved participating in the event and were a cheery sight on an otherwise dull December day!

This year’s EYFS Christmas production, ‘Away in a Manger’, culminated in a beautiful nativity tableau and all children participated with enthusiasm, singing their hearts out and performing their actions with confidence.

The Junior School trips and workshops programme began on a musical note with our Year 6 children joining together with students from the senior school and enjoying an all-day Blues and Roots workshop. The same evening, and with only one day’s rehearsal time, they

performed to parents, confidently improvising on the rhythms they had been rehearsing. Year 2 also enjoyed a workshop in school, finding out about Neil Armstrong during sessions delivered by the Freshwater Theatre Company and recreating the key events in the life of this famous person in history.

Trips out of school took the children further afield, with Year 1 travelling to the Sealife Centre at Southend, where they journeyed around each of the ocean zones there and immersed themselves in the wonders of life on planet Earth, experiencing everything, from the mysteries of our oceans to the diverse beauty of our jungles and deserts.

Year 5 took the coach to the Imperial War Museum and took on roles of reporters, selecting artefacts from the museum galleries and filming each other talking about the significance of their chosen pieces within the museum collections. Meanwhile, Year 3 enjoyed an LSO concert at the Barbican where, inspired by the great Indian tale of Ramayana, the LSO and Kuljit Bhamra brought to life the story of how Diwali came about, with Indian instruments and the music of A R Rahman, Mozart, Handel and Elena Kats-Chernin.

Opportunities for parents to come into school and celebrate their children’s learning were abundant throughout the Autumn term and came in the form of EYFS Stay & Play sessions, KS1 Share, Read and Celebrate mornings and KS2 Parent Pop-ins. Our half-termly KS2 Teatime Concerts for parents are always popular and the range of instruments played by the children has increased in past years, with our new school harp making its debut in the Spring term.

THE SPRING TERM

Class outings started early in the Spring term with our Year 1 children taking the coach to the Little Angel Theatre to see Julia Donaldson’s lively story, ‘Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book’. Reception also took in a play, this time at the Unicorn Theatre, where they saw a performance of ‘The Three Billy Goats Gruff,’ to support them in their traditional tales topic. The children were enthralled by the tale of the brave Billy Goat family and their desperate hunt to find new ways of outwitting the horrible and ‘tricksy’ Troll. Meanwhile, our youngest Nursery children enjoyed their trip to the Discover Story Centre in Stratford, where they explored the Story Worlds and Story Garden there; these were

immersive and exciting play spaces where they could creep through caves, find hidden ships and perform in a puppet castle, each new experience igniting their imaginations and providing an excellent stimulus for their creative writing back in school.

Leeds Castle provided a glamorous backdrop for Year 2’s trip. This imposing Norman stronghold became a Tudor palace, a Jacobean House and a Georgian Mansion before returning to its castle heritage in the 19th century, and the children marvelled at its size and beauty, set as it is on islands in a lake formed by the River Len.

Year 4 found it hard to contain their excitement in the week leading up to their Legoland trip, and all their expectations were met at the Windsor venue. They took part in two STEM workshops in preparation for STEAM Week (Science Technology Engineering Art Mathematics). The first was a Lego Robotics workshop where they built and programmed their own interactive Lego model and the second was about the Science of Rollercoasters, where they had the opportunity to explore forces and energy. Naturally, they were also eager to enjoy the rides too and this will be a day to remember for all the Year 4 children.

The children in Year 5 toured the Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre in Greenwich and were impressed by the inspiring objects they were able to view through the access they were afforded to parts of the centre normally kept away from public view. They also found out many interesting facts about conservation and storage from the teams that care for the collections.

Year 6 travelled back in time to the Golden Age of Theatre when they visited the Globe Theatre in London, participating in a range of active drama workshops and finding out about the staging, costumes and props, and how they would have looked during Shakespeare’s time. This was a trip to complement their English text, Macbeth, and they enjoyed going on a short tour of the theatre itself, led by actors who perform at the venue. They came back to school enthused by the history of the theatre and its link to Shakespeare, and inspired to recreate the Scottish play for their end of year performance.

As the term drew to a close, the children set about their preparations for Easter and World Book Day, and in Nursery this was also combined with Mother’s Day, an exciting event in the Nursery calendar, with children curling up for a story and hot chocolate in the morning, pairing up with a Year 5 ‘Reading Buddy’ in the afternoon and then enjoying a Mother’s Day tea with visiting mothers, yummy iced cakes and lots of juice!

In March PAFA organised a special treat for our EYFS and KS1 children, in the form of Amigo’s Magic Show. This was a fun-filled event, with Amigo the Magician performing a host of magical

tricks, often outwitting staff members that were voted in by the children to endure such antics as being drilled into!

World Book Day was also celebrated by the rest of the school, and to reinforce reading for pleasure at both school and home, the children were encouraged to come into school in pyjamas to mark reading as a cosy and relaxing activity. A competition to design a book spine was also held and two visiting authors came into school to celebrate reading with children across the school. Rachael Mortimer visited EYFS and KS1 to read from her ‘fractured fairytale’ books, and Helen Peters joined children in KS2 to explore historical fiction with them.

A buzz of excitement pervaded the KS1 Hall as mixed age teams in KS2 pooled together their general knowledge to answer a range of questions in the Spring term House Quiz. Mr Kitchen was Master of Ceremonies and kept the children to time, and Miss Manning ensured that the House Quiz guidelines were abided by, and timings for answers kept to. Everyone in the hall learned a lot and great fun was had by all!

THE SUMMER TERM

This term simply flew by amidst a flurry of exciting opportunities and interesting events.

A number of trips needed to be packed into a short term and our youngest Nursery children travelled to Charlton House Library, where they gathered to be entertained by the library’s storytellers, listening to enchanting tales that ignited both their imaginations and curiosity. They then browsed the book collection and selected their favourite texts to read.

Children in Reception enjoyed a scientific theme across the term. They were incredibly excited to come across a huge Wonderdome in the senior hall and were treated to a show about Space inside the dome. This was followed up four weeks later when they took a trip out to the Royal Planetarium at Greenwich, here watching a light show about Ted’s adventures across the solar system, learning many factors about outer space along the way.

Year 2 thoroughly enjoyed their day at the Wildcat Wilderness in Catford, a large and natural space in which to romp and let off steam; this they certainly did, coming back to school a little more disheveled than when they had left but infinitely more knowledgeable about bees, minibeasts, den building and tree climbing!

Year 4’s trip to the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, was a huge success, and it was planned to coincide with the year group’s reading of ‘The Boy at the Back of the Class’, which centres around a young Syrian refugee’s experience of life in an English school. This production was thoughtful, funny, and engaging, and served to enhance the children’s understanding of the text.

In quick succession, both Year 5 and Year 6 enjoyed a week away on Outdoor Pursuits, and for Year 5 this was their first overnight trip with school. Year 5 enjoyed sailing, cycling, bushcraft, archery, crabbing, raft building and ‘high ropes’ as well as some stunning scenery at Bradwell Bay in Essex. Year 6 travelled further to Swanage in Dorset, sampling the delights of camping and an outdoor kitchen, coasteering at Dancing Ledge and catching their own mackerel for a fish and chips supper at the seafront.

Our first Junior School Wellbeing Week was highly successful, and this was the perfect opportunity to introduce the children to ‘The 5 Pillars of Wellbeing’. One of these is ‘Active’ and we certainly achieved this goal in abundance during the week; Sports Day coincided with Wellbeing Week and all children took part in a singing and dancing ‘Wake Up Shake Up’ routine at morning drop-off, to the delight of watching parents, some of whom joined in!

Towards the end of term, the children in EYFS demonstrated great resilience in their enjoyment of our annual Beach Party Day; this year succumbing to traditional British holiday weather!

Sue Gurr, Deputy Head

HOUSE CHARITIES AND THE SUMMER FAYRE

This has been another busy year for fundraising in the Junior School with charity initiatives continuing to support worthy causes at home and abroad. House charities continue to flourish, with the children devising engaging initiatives to raise funds for their specific cause.

PEGASUS

Pegasus House hosted a highly successful jumble sale in line with our commitment to sustainability. The children were asked to bring in their unwanted toys and books so that other children could experience the joy of playing with them; this was to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Altogether Pegasus raised the grand total of £1577.92.

AQUILA

In aid of Children in Need, Aquila invited all children to participate in a Great SPOTacular event by coming to school dressed in spotty themed clothing. Consequently, the Junior School was awash with spots of every imaginable hue and a brilliant £866.85 was raised for this worthy charity.

ORION

As part of the nationwide ‘Children in Need’ day, Orion House encouraged children and staff to sport ‘Sports in any Form’ for the day. A great deal of creativity ensued, and some people were simply unrecognisable due to the wigs they were wearing! Great fun was had by all, and Orion was able to send the Children in Need organisers the grand sum of £1706.34.

LYNX

This year it was the turn of Lynx House to raise money through the annual Junior School Summer Fayre. The fayre is always a wonderful way to round off a happy and successful year and provides a fantastic opportunity for the host House to invite their fellow Houses to join them in organising a large-scale fundraising event. The Fayre is very much planned by the KS2 children themselves, organising the event for the entertainment of our younger children, whilst also thoroughly enjoying the afternoon themselves. This year was no exception, and new challenges were set due to our school wide sustainability initiative; prizes were formed from donations of unwanted toys and books brought in by the children. A healthier alternative to sweets was agreed upon in the form of fruit ice poles and this was welcomed because past fayres have always taken place on hot July days. Many engaging activities were planned during House meetings, and on the day the playground and field was buzzing with excitement as activity holders persuaded friends and staff to join the fun. By the end of the fayre, Lynx House had raised a whopping £1630.35.

House meetings have continued to take place in the Junior School on a bi-weekly basis and discussions within these have been wide ranging this year. The children have been actively engaged in looking at their outside play spaces and reflecting hard on future planning as well as ‘tweaking’ some of our playtime rules; for example, our guidelines for the Kingball Squares and how to manage the climbing frame sensibly.

House Games flourished and in a special assembly led by the PE Team at the end of the year, House colours were awarded for Football and Cricket, with Orion House taking the lead for the former, and Lynx House the latter.

Our annual Junior School Summer Fayre took place on Wednesday 26th June. This was a Lynx House charity event to raise money for Guide Dogs for the Blind, and the entire school took part.

‘By

the end of the fayre, the magnificent sum of £1630.35 had been raised for Guide Dogs for the Blind.’

The children in KS2 made games, with each class responsible for their own stalls, and there were prizes galore from donations of unwanted toys and books brought in by children across the key stages; this was indeed a highly sustainable event. Everyone had fun and the weather was very kind to us; we ended the fayre cooling down with the aid of some delicious ice pops! By the end of the fayre, the magnificent sum of £1630.35 had been raised for this worthy charity, and this figure will be match funded by our Governors. The children are delighted to be in a position to give so generously to Guide Dogs for the Blind.

A YEAR OF WONDERFUL WORKSHOPS AND TERRIFIC TRIPS

Trips and visits across the year were many and varied, ranging from as far afield as Kew Gardens for Year 1, Leeds Castle for Year 2, Legoland Windsor and Marlow Theatre, Canterbury for Year 4 and Chessington World of Adventures for Year 6.

Nearer to school, Nursery visited the Charlton House Library, Reception went to the Greenwich Planetarium, Year 2 climbed trees and enjoyed the great outdoors in the Wildcat Wilderness, Catford, and Year 5 visited the Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre in London.

Workshops within school included those about Amelia Earheart, Florence Nightingale, Flamenco dancing, Neil Armstrong and Ages of Early People.

Trips, visits and workshops are an important part of our curriculum; they offer unique opportunities for our pupils to explore new places and be exposed to new ideas, all of which help to encourage the children’s personal growth and social development.

RENTASAURUS

SAMBA WORKSHOP

We consider ourselves very lucky to be able to draw upon a range of expertise across our parent body, and Mr WilkinsonHunt’s visit into school in the Spring term was no exception. The children were enthralled by the rhythmic drumming that Mr Wilkinson-Hunt set up early in the session, and they were soon joining in with great enthusiasm. This was a music journey the children will not forget and we count ourselves blessed to have so many creative parents, willing to share their skills and knowledge with the children.

During the Summer term the children in Nursery were visited by Dr Fossil and Shelley, a pair of intrepid fossil hunters that wanted to share their knowledge on all things prehistoric with the children. They brought with them a range of fossils, dinosaur teeth and measuring tools to demonstrate the actual size of a T-Rex footprint. To everyone’s surprise, the children then got to meet ‘Long-Tail’, a baby T-Rex, ‘Stig’, a baby Stegasaurus and ‘Trixie’, a Triceratops. Finally, and from the back of the hall, appeared ‘Spike’, a very naughty Spinosaurus! The children learnt that he likes to eat fish and so, millions of years ago, would have lived near a river to stay close to his favourite food. Dr Fossil taught the children how to train dinosaurs so that they would follow the end of a stick, and some very brave children came to help. The workshop finished with a rousing dinosaur song and an opportunity to take a close look at some fossilised amber.

ZOOLAB

Alongside a fully packed trips programme, children across the school enjoyed a number of workshops, spanning the full Junior curriculum. During the Spring term, Zoolab came back to visit our Year 1 children, bringing with them a collection of African animals to introduce to the children. The children found out many interesting facts about the animals they met, and the visit sparked off some inspired recount writing.

PETER AND THE WOLF

Our Reception and Year 1 children were treated to an exciting enactment of Peter and the Wolf, delivered by an acting and singing troupe of two musicians. The children were spellbound as they watched the performance, and they joined in with gusto!

JUNIOR SCHOOL MUSIC

This has been an incredibly busy and very successful year for our Junior musicians. Each year we look forward to being represented by children from KS2 at the Young Voices event, held at the 02. Joining together with other schools across the country to become the world’s biggest schools’ choir, the event has become something of a Junior School tradition.

As ever, this year the 02 Arena was transformed into a magnificent symphony of youthful musical talent with a staggering total of over 8,000 children participating and singing to a packed audience. There was a ‘rock and roll’ theme this year and both children and teachers could be seen ‘air guitaring’ in the aisles!

Our highly successful half-termly Teatime Concerts continue to grow from strength to strength and form a perfect showcase for the extraordinary talent and commitment among our KS2 musicians.

Our end of year KS1 Mini Maestros performance to parents was extraordinarily successful and, with the support of our brilliant peripatetic music teachers, the children were able to demonstrate the huge amount of progress they have made in their individual instruments across the year.

Year 5’s production this year had its roots in music from the Caribbean. The children in this year group showcased their considerable musical talents through both individual, ensemble and whole year group singing and music, and invited wholescale audience participation when they performed the ‘Banana Song’ with dance actions!

MINI MAESTROS

TEATIME CONCERTS

YEAR 5 PRODUCTION

JUNIOR SCHOOL PERFORMANCES

Our children love to perform, and this year was no exception. The standard of performance was high, and our parent audiences were treated to a year of stellar productions, from our youngest Early Years children acting out much loved stories, to our older pupils, keen to demonstrate more sophisticated performance skills, all our children enjoy opportunities across the school year to fulfill their creative passions.

YEAR 1 SING ME A STORY

YEAR 2 FIT FOR A KING

EYFS NATIVITY

EYFS SPRING PERFORMANCE

YEAR 6 MACBETH

YEARS 3&4 JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

JUNIOR SCHOOL PRIZEGIVING AND ART EXHIBITION

On Tuesday 2nd July we held our annual Junior School Prizegiving for children in Years 3 to 6, a significant event in our Junior calendar which also offers up an opportunity to showcase our KS2 children’s artwork from across the year. Parents were invited to view the exhibition before the ceremony began and the hall looked splendid; bedecked with artwork from across the disciplines, all united by the topic title of STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art Mathematics).

Mr Mark Williams, Master of the Worshipful Company of Leathersellers, gave his opening remarks, and Mrs Jane Williams presented the prizes and leavers’ certificates. Mrs Marie-Clare Bonnar, Head of Juniors, presented the Junior School end of year report, and each child stepped out to thunderous applause as they walked on stage to receive their prize.

MRS BONNAR’S PRIZEGIVING 2024 JUNIOR SCHOOL REPORT IN FULL Prizegiving gives us a moment to pause and acknowledge the efforts and achievements of our wonderful pupils over the last year. I want to begin by saying that I am impressed by every one of you here. I’m impressed by your maturity and understanding that not all of you can take away a prize this evening and I’m impressed by the joy you show for your friends who do. That is something to celebrated.

You have all been involved in creating the beautiful artwork that we see displayed around us. Our theme for this year was STEAM –that is Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics. Some ask why Art is now included. My answer to that is to look to Leonardo da Vinci. A pioneer in many fields, he was a great painter and sculptor, an inventor, a polymath and the grandfather of paleontology. The benefits of STEAM include encouraging creativity, developing problem-solving skills and improving critical thinking. These are all skills that were highlighted in our NACE report. NACE is the National Association for Able Children in Education, and we were delighted to be awarded accreditation in April.

This recognition is down to the work of the teachers here tonight. They ensure that pupils are challenged and supported both academically and pastorally. They work hard to make your learning engaging. I would like to thank them for their professionalism and enthusiasm.

There is not enough time to talk about everything that the pupils have achieved this year but I will talk through some highlights.

In the Autumn term, we celebrated Harvest, and we collected for Lewisham Foodbank. Thank you all for your generosity. Reading is a particular focus at Juniors and, in the Spring term, we enjoyed Book week. With our new library we celebrated books and, being a Junior School, we made sure there was an opportunity to dress up! We also celebrated NSPCC Number Day where pupils and staff dressed up as Times Tables Rock stars. Many of you sitting listening

tonight were awarded certificates for your efforts in the associated maths competition –well done! There were many wonderful activities during Science week and, as ever, the explosions in the playground were the most popular!

Learning is not confined to the classroom and this term every pupil here has participated in our Outdoor Pursuits programme to build their resilience and confidence. We talk more than ever about resilience yet as a society we often shy away from activities that promote it. Major Cherry ensures that pupils build confidence by facing and overcoming challenges, improving teamwork and learning new skills.

Of course, these were not the only trips that the pupils went on. A very popular trip was the Year 4 coding trip to Legoland. Year 5 visited the Imperial War Museum and Year 6 visited Chessington World of Adventure – which was a treat after their efforts this year!

It has been wonderful to observe pupils developing their leadership skills and taking the lead in running events, such as the recent house fair and the many charity events organised throughout the year. We have raised over £6000 this year for various charities, including Guide Dogs for the Blind, Comic Relief and Children in Need. That is something for you all to be very proud of.

All pupils here have the opportunity and the ability to walk onto a stage in front of a crowd of people and sing, dance or deliver

lines – sometimes all three! Year 4 did this in December with their wonderful production of Jack and the Beanstalk. Last week Year 6 excelled themselves with their performance of Macbeth

Our pupils have spoken at poetry recitals, performed at our teatime concerts, sang at the O2, led assemblies and more. ISI commented that ‘there is something for everyone’ at Colfe’s and this is certainly true.

All pupils are encouraged in sport. Sport is central to wellbeing and health. Pupils have excelled in sporting competitions in the pool, on the athletics track, and on the sports field. Many of you represent the school at fixtures and in regional and national competitions. We celebrate these achievements together at our Sharing Assemblies on a Friday and it is always heartening to see how their friends congratulate them.

To all of you – take pride in your many achievements this year. Your families and your teachers are very proud of you.

Finally, I’d like to finish with a message to our Year 6 pupils. Our Year 6 pupils leave Colfe’s Junior School with a great foundation on which to build. Each of you has brought something special to our school. As you move onto Seniors, continue to be curious, ambitious and kind. You have been a terrific year group so go forth and set the world aflame!

JUNIOR SPORTS DAY

On Tuesday 4th June, our Junior Sports Day took place, this year as a combined Early Years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 effort. The weather did not let us down and the children put all our School Values into action as they competed to eclipse their personal best and score points for their House. A high level of integrity, fair play and enjoyment came to the fore during the event, and medals and accolades were presented on the day and later in the week during a special outdoor assembly.

A READING SCHOOL

This year we have promoted reading for pleasure across the school and our aim is for all children to become confident, keen, lifelong readers that are excited by the process and derive joy from exploring new worlds within a text. Staff have been engaged in a series of reading workshops with Dr Emily Corbett at Goldsmith’s University, who is supporting our work around selecting and using children’s literature across the curriculum.

There has been a focus on book areas and displays in the classrooms, ensuring that these are appealing and enticing to the children, providing welcoming working spaces where the children can read, choose and talk about books.

So that we utilise all the time available to promote reading, our newly refurbished KS2 Library is also open beyond school hours and for regular lunchtime library clubs. All KS2 classes have a timetable library session each week in which they engage in a group guided read as well as browse for books to read at school in our reading dedicated ‘Period A’ or to take home.

Miss Jardine and Mrs King have now completed their second year as Library Assistants, working with children across the school and ensuring that our library spaces are refreshed and revitalised and our stock replenished and updated. We were very pleased and excited when Mrs Belinda Canham, one of our Colfe’s Governors and erstwhile Head of Colfe’s Pre-Prep and Nursery, came to officially open the new Library. Mrs Canham skillfully cut a length of ribbon and then met our School Captains and Library Prefects who shared their passion for books and reading, talking enthusiastically about the positive impact that reading had for them personally.

Reading is celebrated in assemblies, special events and author visits. This year we were joined by a local author, Rachael Mortimer, who used puppets and a variety of props to bring ‘fractured fairytales’ such as ‘Snoring Beauty’ and ‘The Three Billy Goats Fluff’ to life for our younger children.

‘The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.’

Dr Seuss

As part of their transition process to the Senior School, our Year 6 children enjoyed an excellent library session in the Hamp Library, delivered by Mrs Englefield, the Senior School Librarian. Mrs Englefield talked to the children about the huge stock of fiction and non-fiction books in the library and outlined how her Library sessions will fit within their English curriculum. She also introduced them to the ‘reading passports’ they will need to embark on activities such as the Reading Round the World challenge. She also talked them through the wealth of additional library activities they would have the opportunity to take part in, such as co-curricular activities, competitions, societies, and clubs.

The children are looking forward to the Autumn term of 2024 when we will receive our own book vending machine into school. We will be rewarding and celebrating reading by creating opportunities for them to collect a special token, take it to the machine and be rewarded with a brand-new book to read!

Colfeian Magazine 2023-2024

WHAT’S INSIDE

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM

CLASSICS

COMPUTER SCIENCE

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

DRAMA

ENGLISH

GEOGRAPHY

HISTORY

LEARNING SUPPORT

LIBRARY

MATHEMATICS

MEDIA STUDIES

MUSIC

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

SCIENCE - BIOLOGY

SCIENCE - CHEMISTRY

SCIENCE - PSYCHOLOGY

SCIENCE - PHYSICS

COMBINED CADET FORCE

SUPPORT STAFF

BURSARIAL STAFF

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE

STAFF NEWS

THE COLFE SERMON

CHARITIES

A YEAR OF COMMUNITY, CELEBRATION AND CHARITABLE SUCCESS!

DEVELOPMENT & ALUMNI RELATIONS

MEET A FORMER LEATHERSELLER SCHOLAR

DONORS GIVE £2.3 MILLION TO THE LEATHERSELLER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

HOW GIFTS IN WILLS TODAY HELP PUPILS TOMORROW

MAURICE CRAFT (OC 1950)

OLD COLFEIANS GATHER IN SYDNEY

MARTIN CARTWRIGHT (OC 1962)

OLD COLFEIAN SOCIETY SPONSORS FIRST-EVER SECTOR NETWORKING EVENT

YOUNG COLFEIANS’ HAPPY HOUR

OLD COLFEIAN SOCIETY AUTUMN DRINKS

OBITUARIES

SHARPE,

SMITH,

SPRINKS, NEIL

ARCHIVE

SIXTH FORM

CAREERS

WHERE DID OUR STUDENTS GO THIS YEAR?

THE 2023/24 CAREERS PREFECT

NEW THIS YEAR –APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME

ALL YEARS NOW ON UNIFROG

WOMEN IN STEM EVENT

YEAR 10 AND YEAR 12 CAREERS INTERVIEWS WITH EXTERNAL ADVISERS

PREPARATION FOR LIFE AFTER COLFE’S

WORK EXPERIENCE

VALETE

SCHOOL LEAVER DESTINATIONS 2024

UNIVERSITY

COURSE

ACADEMIC REPORT

HOUSE SYSTEM

HAMP LIBRARY

HARPER COLLINS READING FOR PLEASURE TEACHER AWARDS 2024

MATHEMATICS

ENGLISH

KS3 REPORT (MR COOK)

COMMUNITY BY

OUR PLANET IS DYING BY ISABELLA

TOGETHER BY RUTH

WHAT WOULD THEY THINK OF US NOW?

KS4 REPORT

THE LIGHT BY

A MURDER UNDERGROUND BY OLIVER

KS5 REPORT (MS SOLLEY)

announced!

LINGUISTICS SOCIETY (MR WILCOX)

DEBATING (MR HOPE)

SCIENCE

BIOLOGY

CHEMISTRY