The Colfeian Magazine 2024-2025 by Datum Creative Media

Cover: “effet d’entraînement” by Year 11 Art student, Izzie.

COLFEIAN 2024-2025

THE CHRONICLES OF COLFE’S SCHOOL AND OF THE OLD COLFEIANS

EDITOR: MRS TRACY CARTER

WHAT’S INSIDE

47-51 Science

52-53 Geography

54-55 History

56-63 Moder n Languages

64 Religion & Philosoph y

65 Classics

66-70 Music

71-72 Business, Economics & Politics

73 Computer Science

74 Media Studies

75-90 Drama

91-95 Creativ e Art & Design 96-101 Ar t & Photography 102 Outdoor Education

Ph ysical Education

117-123 Old Colf eian Sport

124-126 Combined Cadet Force

127 Ski Trip 2025

128-129 USA Space Camp 2024

102

115

130-131 The Gambia Trip 2024

132-133 Junior School Staff

134-135 A Year in the Life of the Junior School

135 House Char ities

136 Wellbeing Week

137 Forest School Through The Seasons

138-139 A Thoroughly Musical Year

140-148 Junior School Performances

149-150 Junior School Spor ts Day

151-153 Ar t Exhibition And Junior Prizegiving

125

129 136

146

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

EX OFFICIO

The Master of the Leathersellers’ Company

Nicholas Tusting

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)

Christopher Ramsey MA (Cantab)

Dr Nicola Jones (Cantab)

Joseph Mafe BSc

Nick Hedley LLB (Hons)

School Captain Kirabo Frewin, former Headmaster Richard Russell, School Captain Amelie Bisova, Master of the Leathersellers’ Company Nicholas Tusting and Chairman of Governors Matthew Pellereau

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

Ms H Beckwith BA, MEd (Cantab) Director of Pastoral Care, Designated Safeguarding Lead

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

Ms M Schramm BA, MA Director of Studies

ART, DESIGN & 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

Miss K Lindley BSc (Hons) Head of Economics Head of House: Norton Deputy Safeguarding Lead

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

Mr M Amran BA (Hons)

Mr S Drury MBE BA (Hons), MA Director of Sixth Form, Deputy Safeguarding Lead

Ms H Beckwith B A, MEd (Cantab) Director of Pastoral Care, Designated Safeguarding Lead

Mr D Dineen BSc , MSc, PGCE

Dr Z Osmani BA, MBA, PhD

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

Miss B Whiskerd BA (Cantab) PGCE

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Mrs K Walsh BA (Hons) Head of Department

Miss C Beale BSc (Hons), MA

Digital Learning Co-ordinator EPQ Centre Coordinator

Miss J Li-Sue BA (Hons) DipNFTS

Head of House: Prendergast

Ms F Modhvadia BSc

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

Ms R Mott 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

Mrs S Diamond BA, MA

Mrs D Sutherland BA (Hons)

Assistant Head of Year 7, Assistant PSHEE Co-ordinator

Mr R Peters BA (Hons)

Miss C Lockyer

Theatre Technician

ENGLISH

Mrs K Guy BA (Hons) Head of Department

Miss F Anand BA

Mr T Cook BA (Hons) KS3 Co-ordinator, Enrichment Co-ordinator, Y7-11

Ms S Diamond B A, MA

Mrs S Duke BA (Hons)

Mr J Hope BA (Hons), MA Head of House: Glyn

Ms A Rosillo BA (Hons)

Miss M Schramm BA, MA Director of Studies

Ms M Solley B A (Hons), MA

Debating Co-ordinator, KS5 Co-ordinator, Second in Charge of Department

Mr T Wilcox BA (Hons)

GEOGRAPHY

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

Mrs F McAuliffe BSc (Hons)

Mr R Roberts BSc (Hons) Commanding Officer, CCF

Mr M Sansome

Miss C Shanks BA (Hons)

Mr O Snell BSc (Hons), MSc

Assistant Director of Studies

HISTORY

Miss M Forbes BA (Hons) Head of Department

Mr F Mashiter MA

Ms G. Needham-Bennett BA (Hons)

LEARNING SUPPORT

Miss A Coode BA (Hons) Head of Department

Mrs S Duke BA (Hons)

Mrs Z Wright BSc (Hons)

Learning Support Assistants

Mrs J Francis BSc (Hons)

Mrs F Hale

Miss E Howard BA

Mrs C Scanlan BSc

Ms N Thornhill BA (Hons)

Mr s E Brown

Learning Support Administrative Assistant

LIBRARY

Mrs H Englefield BA (Hons), Dip Lib

Head Librarian

Mrs T Carter BA (Hons)

Library Assistant

Editor of The Colfeian, Maternity Cover

MATHEMATICS

Mr A Guy MEng (Hons)

Head of Department

Mr T Bourliakas BSc, MSc

Second in Charge of Department

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

Miss C Beale BSc (Hons), MA

Digital Learning Co-ordinator

Miss M Collett BSc , MSc

Assistant Head of House: Norton

Mr s E Cordell BSc (Hons)

Mrs N Gheedan BEng, MSc

Mrs P Hirani BSc (Hons) KS3 Co-ordinator

Miss C Hotchkies MEng (Hons)

Miss K Lindley BSc (Hons)

Head of House: Norton

Mr s J Sansome BSc (Hons), MSc

Director of Teaching & Learning

Mr s C Santry BSc (Hons)

Assistant Director of Sixth Form (Pastoral), Deputy Safeguarding Lead

Miss E Wang BSc

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

Mr s C Davies BA (Hons)

Head of French, EDI Co-ordinator, Assistant Director of Schools Partnerships

Mr A Arian Guillen BA

Mrs E Biggs BSc (Hons), MA

Lead Trainer

Ms G Fr ate BA, MA

Mrs A Lukawska BA

Mr S Ollerenshaw BA (Hons)

Ms L Shaughnessy BA (Hons)

Miss G Walton-Green BA (Hons)

MUSIC

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

Mrs D Graham GRSM LRAM Deputy Head

Mr A Rozsa BMus MMus

Miss L Salter MMus, DipLCM Musician in Residence

Mr s S Rumpelt-Meyn BA 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, Head of Rugby, KS3 Co-ordinator

Ms H Russell BSc (Hons)

KS4 Co-ordinator, Head of Netball, Assistant Head of House: Glyn

Mr J Amor BSc

Mr C Barthorp BA

Head of Football, Assistant Head of House: Bramley

Mr C Collins MSc

Mr C Har ris BSc

Ms R Hughes-Bunn BA (Hons)

Mr A Knowles BSc (Hons)

Mr T Lam BA (Hons)

Miss S Manzi BA (Hons) Head of Swimming, Assistant Head of House: Beardwood

Mr O Nash BSc

Miss A Owen BSc (Hons) Head of Hockey

Miss E Oakley Undergraduate Sports Assistant

Mr s C Waters BSc

PE Department Administrator

Mr S Wellman BSc Graduate Sports Assistant

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

Mrs B Smith BSC (Hons), MA

Head of Science, Lead Science Practitioner

Dr G Zimmermann BSc, PhD Head of Biology

Mr s H Clough BSc

Dr S Ibendahl PhD

Mr C Morriss BSc (Hons)

Head of Student Leadership, Deputy Safeguarding Lead

Mr s K Walsh BSc (Hons)

SCIENCE – CHEMISTRY

Mr T Armstrong BSc (Hons) Head of Chemistry

Mrs R Hooks MSci

Mr J Kiddey BSc (Hons)

Assistant Head of House: Prendergast

Mr s E Herman MChem

Overseas University Application Co-ordinator

Mr J Worley BSc (Hons), DIS

Assistant Director of Pastoral Care, Deputy Safeguarding Lead

SCIENCE

– PSYCHOLOGY

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

Mr s 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

Mr s J De Bolla

Senior Technician

Mr s J Greenshields BSc (Hons), CBiol, MSB

Physics Technician

Mr s J Kalaravy BSc

Chemistry Technician

Mr s C Smales BSc (Hons)

KS3 Technician

COMBINED CADET FORCE

Mr R Roberts BSc (Hons) Commanding Officer

WO2 A Coyle SPSI

SUPPORT STAFF

Mrs R Hickson MA (Cantab) Executive Assistant to the Headmaster

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

Mr s K McNeill BA (Hons) Director of Development

Mr s E Foster BA (Hons)

Donor Relations and Engagement Manager

Mr s P Willis

Development Assistant

Mr s E Silk BA (Hons)

Communications Manager

Mr s H Phipps BSc (Hons) Admissions Manager

Mr s M Tranter BA (Hons) Admissions Data Officer

Mr s D Bean BA (Hons) Head of Careers

Mr s L Banks

Archivist

Miss H Rober ts BSc (Hons)

Examinations Officer, Cover Manager

Mr s M Bassett MSc

Sixth Form Administrative Co-ordinator

Ms M Kane BSc (Hons)

Office Manager

Miss M Goomany BA (Hons)

Deputy Office Manager

Mr s J Ainley

Mrs C Smith

Administrative Officers

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

Mr s C Finch BA (Hons), FCCA Assistant Bursar

Bursary Assistants

Mrs L Moules

Mrs E Fitzpatrick BA (Hons)

Mrs C Conti

Bursary and Admissions Assistant

Mr s A Ross MA

Human Resources

Mr M Burden JP CIWFM

Operations Director

Mr M Lawrie-Raison

Operations Manager

Mr P Montague BSc (Hons)

Projects & Estate Manager

Mr N Constant

Network Technician

Mr S O’Har a

Network Technician

Mr J O’Har a

Network Technician

Mr I Bassett

School Technician & Photographer

Mr s K Bateson

School Nurse

Mr s T Cunningham

Medical Assistant

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

School Doctor

Mr s K Kashif BEd (Cantab), MA CounsPsych, Reg BACP (Accred)

School Counsellor

Mr L Almenoar BA

Leisure Centre Operations Manager

Mr P Taylor

Premises Manager

Mr A Hammett

Deputy Premises Manager

Ms S Stone

Site Support Administrator

Mr L Keswick

Maintenance

Schoolkeepers

Mr G Dymond

Mr M Habgood

Mr A Highland

Mr J Verlander

Mr I Whitlock

Mr B Atkins

Head Groundsman

Groundsmen

Mr S Bullen

Mr J Gaffney

Mr B King

Mr P Reed

Ms A Jakiene

Catering Manager

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE

The opening weeks of my first term at Colfe’s have been a time of discovery, of beginning to get to know not just the children but also their parents, my colleagues and indeed the wider Colfe’s community.

What has struck me most has been how special the school culture is: it is grounded, welcoming and inclusive – a place that’s part of the world, not apart from it. That phrase doesn’t just describe our surroundings: it speaks to the school’s identity, to how we live and learn together.

So, even at this early stage in my tenure, it is clear to me that the culture of Colfe’s is its greatest asset, enabling outstanding pupil experiences and achievements, including the record-breaking public exam results of August. Over 95% of A level grades were at A*–B: this has opened doors and afforded fantastic opportunities, with almost 90% of our Year 13s winning their first-choice university place, the majority of which are for competitive courses at Russell Group destinations including Imperial, Oxford and Cambridge. In addition, we have students going to the US to study at prestigious universities such as Northwestern and Miami, Degree Apprenticeship success at the likes of EY and one young man who will be deferring his university decision while he spends the year starring in Bridgerton

Our campus has also had a tremendous summer, with the addition of an excellent new teaching block, the Russell Building, named after my predecessor Richard Russell. His legacy is more than just bricks and mortar or a steady march up the league tables, impressive though

these elements are; rather, it is a story of care, kindness and a steadfast commitment to the school’s founding purpose, namely to transform the lives of local children through education in its broadest sense. September’s Senior Prizegiving brought this home to me as I watched our pupils being recognised for their contributions across the gamut of school activity, in sport, music, drama and the arts, as well as in their academic pursuits –and, perhaps most importantly, their contributions to the wider ethos of the school.

As we applauded them coming up to the stage to receive their prizes, it was moving to witness not just the range of their achievements but of the young people themselves. Colfe’s is a community where there is no single ‘type’. Some schools give the impression that you have to be a certain way to fit in. Maybe sporty. Maybe ultra-academic. Maybe very self-assured. But here, we celebrate diversity – not as a slogan, but as something that enriches every single one of us. What links us is a shared sense of purpose, where relationships matter and where the pupils are comfortable in their own skin, confident but not arrogant, ready to take their place in the world with optimism, good humour and a quiet courage.

The pages that follow testify to this and I hope you too enjoy looking at this record of our pupils’ engagement in all that Colfe’s offers. It will be my thrilling privilege to lead this marvellous school in the next phase of its progress.

Dan Gabriele, Headmaster

STAFF NEWS

We have a number of staff leaving us this year to move to pastures new. We thank the following who have been at Colfe’s for up to two years: Francesca Anand (English), Victoria Henshaw (History), Codie Lockyer (Theatre Technician), Oliver Nash (PE), Georgina Needham-Bennett (History), Aimee Rosillo (English), Lauren Salter (Musician-in-Residence), Lucy Shaughnessy (Modern Languages) and Zara Wright (SEND). They have all made a significant contribution to the life of the school and we wish them well for the future.

Tina Kanetis (EFL and SEND) and Amalée Rycroft (Religion and Philosophy and Modern Languages) are moving on after three years of service, as is Debbie Bean (Head of Careers) after nearly six years. Tina has made a life-changing contribution to our Ukrainian pupils, as well as assisting pupils with SEND. Amalée has been a much-valued member of the RP Department and has made a significant contribution to cocurricular well-being provision. Debbie did an excellent job supporting our students with their career aspirations and broadening the focus of the Careers Department by developing the Apprenticeship Programme.

We also say farewell to Laura Chapman (Modern Languages), Charlotte Shanks (Geography) and Danielle Sutherland (Drama) who leave us after eight years at Colfe’s. Laura has led the Spanish Department with passion and commitment, while Charlotte has been a highly regarded member of the Geography Team. Danielle will be much missed in Drama where she has played a major part in the success of the department alongside her roles as Assistant Head of Year 7 and PSHEE.

Jill Li-Sue (Teacher of Media and Head of Prendergast House) has been at Colfe’s for 15 years. She has been a superb colleague, and her passion and commitment to the pastoral life of the school and to Prendergast House, in particular, is legendary. She has also been a much-valued member of the Media Department, and she played a pivotal role in the introduction of IT and Computing to the curriculum alongside many other contributions to school life.

Jacqui Burton (Teacher of Art and Head of Beardwood House) has been at Colfe’s for 26 years. Jacqui has served the school in many different roles over the course of her time here and leaves behind a legacy of the highest standards of pastoral care in Beardwood and an outstanding contribution to the Art Department.

Both Jill and Jacqui will be very much missed by pupils, parents and colleagues. We wish them all the very best for the future.

And finally, we say goodbye to our Headmaster, Richard Russell, after 20 years at the helm. Richard has presided over an extraordinarily successful era in the life of our community. His legacy is etched into every corner of the school, and his influence will live on – not just through the naming of the Russell Building, but in the community of staff who have flourished under his leadership.

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

Donna Graham, Deputy Head

CHANGE OF HEADSHIP: FAREWELL TO RICHARD RUSSELL

Richard Russell was one of Colfe’s longest serving Headmasters. Over two decades, he effected significant development, and navigated a period of unprecedented challenges with foresight, clarity and vision.

Under Richard’s leadership, Colfe’s witnessed a dramatic academic improvement that now sees us consistently placed within the top 100 independent schools in the country. He oversaw a doubling of the top grades achieved at A-level, alongside a growth in pupil numbers. He intuitively and sensitively ensured a balance between attracting larger numbers and attracting the highest calibre of candidates.

Since its launch in 2013, Richard’s nurture of the groundbreaking Leatherseller Scholarship programme means we have supported over 100 high-achieving students from local low-income families, who have immeasurably enriched Colfe’s Sixth Form.

When the war in Ukraine began and families tried to flee, Richard spearheaded a programme to admit 14 Ukrainian children to Colfe’s. None of the children spoke much English, and they required financial, practical and psychological support. Richard was a powerful advocate,

harnessing the generosity of the Colfeian community to ensure their ongoing support.

In 2020 when Covid struck, he calmly steered the school through lockdown, the ever-changing regulations and the swift measures needed to adapt to remote learning. His foresight in putting in place an effective system for teaching paved the way for a revolution in IT that helped transform Colfe’s into a school fit for the digital age.

Another profound development under Richard’s leadership was the merging of the former pre-prep and prep schools into a cohesive Junior School. Physically linking the two sections of the building not only brought about consistency in practice, but also a fundamental sense of unity as part of the whole school.

Richard was an outstanding Headmaster. He was calm and unwavering, an excellent communicator and good at reading the mood of parents, pupils and staff alike. We wish him a happy and restful retirement.

Matthew Pellereau, Chair of Governors

CHANGE OF HEADSHIP: WELCOME TO DAN GABRIELE

I am delighted to welcome Dan Gabriele as the new Headmaster. Dan has joined us from Caterham School where he was the Principal Deputy Head, additionally leading on academic and post-18 strategy, pastoral care and the co-curricular offer. He read History and English at Oxford before going on to teach English at Latymer Upper, Eton and Brighton College, first as Head of English and then as Director of Sixth Form, before joining Caterham School.

As well as teaching English, Dan has been involved in a wide range of school activity beyond the classroom, particularly directing plays, leading cultural trips overseas and taking cricket and football sides. Alongside his role as Headmaster, he will be teaching Year 7 English classes.

We are also delighted to welcome Dan’s family; his wife Izzy, who is a Drama teacher, and his two sons, George and Bertie.

Dan Gabriele’s instinctive empathy with the Colfe’s ethos was apparent instantly; he has described Colfe’s as “grounded, warm, inclusive and purposeful – a school that is not defined by its history, but inspired by it”, reflecting its enduring commitment to nurturing individual growth, broadening opportunity and building on academic excellence. The Governors are fully confident that, under Dan’s leadership, Colfe’s will not only consolidate its position as a leading independent school, but will also be known for enabling our young people to leave school and – as Dan has put it – “walk into any room in the world and connect”.

Matthew Pellereau, Chair of Governors

THE COLFE SERMON 2025

“Wisdom is not about rationality, but relationality.”

Readings taken from Proverbs 8:1–4, 22-31; John 16:12–15.

THE PURSUIT OF WISDOM

How do we become wise? When Abraham Colfe re-founded your school, he had very particular ideas about the sort of education the students here were to receive. School would run from 7am until 4pm. No student was permitted to wear their hair long, “frizzled” or otherwise “ruffian-like”. All children would study Latin, Greek and Hebrew – the languages of the Bible – and older students were to speak primarily in Latin. Students were not to play cards or throw stones, and exemplary scholars would be given little silver pens to fasten into their hats. Prayers would be held twice a day, whereupon passages from Scripture would be read, and Psalms would be sung in the morning and evening.

Colfe’s instructions point to a holistic vision of education, where the pursuit of knowledge would be intertwined with moral development, religious devotion and familiarity with Scripture. More than just a sign of his piety, this tells us something important about Colfe’s vision for your education – in which a distinction can be found between knowledge and wisdom.

Knowledge is the content we learn. Wisdom is how we use it. As the journalist Miles Kington once said:

“Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.”

Your schooling, God willing, will provide you with the tools you need to grow in both knowledge and wisdom – because both are necessary in the pursuit of truth, and in the living of a good life.

WISDOM’S

SECOND SPEECH

This distinction between knowledge and wisdom is not a modern idea. It’s rooted in the Biblical tradition by which Colfe was formed. The book of Proverbs (the Old Testament reading we heard earlier) is an interesting combination of sayings and poetic speeches that variously impart practical knowledge and explore the nature of wisdom itself. Wisdom herself, I should say – for Wisdom is explicitly personified in this book as a prophetic, female voice.

The reading we heard earlier is a speech made by the person of Wisdom, who speaks of her intrinsic role in the good and orderly government of the world. Her message is urgent: wisdom is necessary for living things to flourish. Without it, things fall apart. Elsewhere in this speech, Wisdom tells us:

“My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness.”

Humanity tends toward destruction when it acts without wisdom. We don’t have to look far to see examples of this in our world today, where war, violence and injustices of all sorts continue to unfold. Wisdom offers an alternative vision, saying:

“My fruit is better than gold… I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice.” (Proverbs 8:19–20)

The implication is clear: wisdom leads toward peace, justice and goodness.

TRUTH DOES NOT EQUAL FACTS

The Book of Proverbs is part of the Holy Scripture that Christians hold to be the true Word of God. Even if you’re not religious, there is a truth in this passage that likely resonates with you: wisdom, rightly understood, helps us avoid the senseless destruction that humanity so often brings upon itself, on the global stage but also in our personal lives. That is meaningfully, importantly true.

And yet, the personification of Wisdom – this vivid image of her standing beside God, calling out in the streets – is not a scientifically true fact. It’s poetic, allegorical, mythic.

This tells us something vital about truth. Truth and facts are not interchangeable. In Scripture – and in life – we find truth not just in scientific facts and reason. We find truth in symbols, stories and relationships.

RATIONALITY VS RELATIONALITY

Did you know that today is Trinity Sunday – the Sunday after Pentecost, when the Church reflects upon the ancient doctrine of the Trinity. This doctrine teaches that God is three-in-one; one person, three hypostases; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Christians bang on about the Trinity not because we love being abstruse and saying impossible things, but because the Trinity communicates to us something fundamental about what God is like. God is relational. The paradox of the Trinity expresses that divine life is lived in relationship. The paradox of the Trinity expresses, too, that God cannot be contained by our feeble ideas – our limited and fallible use of logic and scientific reasoning.

And how does reflecting on the nature of the Trinity help us, in the pursuit of wisdom? In John’s Gospel, Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth. The Spirit doesn’t do this by depositing knowledge, fully formed, into our ossifying minds, but by unfolding meaning in our lives as we live them. For Christians, as we live, we participate in the life of the Trinity: through prayer, the mystery of the sacraments, studying the Word of God in the Bible, and committing acts of service and charity. We find truth – we find God – in the way we are transformed by these things.

This is the Gospel – not only a collection of facts about Jesus, and a record of things he said and did. The Gospel is Jesus himself, the Word made flesh, God with us, transforming us for the better. And this is just one more sense in which truth is not only facts. Truth enters the world and changes it, connecting people to one another and to God. Truth proliferates love. This is wisdom: embodied in relationship. Not a bunch of facts, abstracted from the fleshy mess of life.

ACTION POINT: INVEST IN YOUR CONTEXTS

The fruits of wisdom are relational – just think of the effect Abraham Colfe’s own pursuit of wisdom has had in your own lives, now, as students of his school.

Our readings from Scripture today have encouraged us to notice how speech can be generative. God speaks, and life comes into being. In Proverbs, Wisdom calls out to us from a crossroads – the public square. Wisdom speaks where people live. Wisdom is here amongst us, transforming us in everyday contexts.

So, how do we become wise? Knowledge is found in facts, and facts are all very well and good. But wisdom is found in relationships, communities, contexts of living breathing people. Your education – your knowledge –comes alive with wisdom when you apply it in the world, by investing in the relationships and communities around you.

Let me finish by reminding you of the exhortation we were given, at the beginning of this service: that you continue Colfe’s legacy through your love of truth, your commitment to justice, your compassion for others and your service to others. Take a look at the world around you – your very own family, your very own neighbourhood, or friends, or church, or orchestra, or sports team – look at the communities around you, and invest in your relationships with those people. Don’t disengage. Don’t roll your eyes and check out. The foolish response to the world is detachment. The wise response to the world is presence. Amen.

The Revd Dr Tati Gutteridge, Curate, St Alfege Church, Greenwich

CHARITIES

This year, pupils and staff carried out many different fundraising activities for a wide variety of good causes with their customary effort and enthusiasm. A grand total of £21,048 was raised, and many useful goods and items were also donated to various charities. As ever, I would like to thank everyone who ran an event or contributed in any way to this fantastic effort. I would also like to express the school’s continued gratitude to The Leathersellers’ Company for their matched-funding scheme, now in its tenth year of operation, which allows pupils to apply for matched funding for their charitable donations from an annual fund. Pupils submit an online proposal form to The Leathersellers’ Company, detailing their plans and chosen charity, for consideration. This has now led to around £50,000 of donations to school fundraising initiatives in the lifetime of the scheme.

This academic year kicked off as usual with two events early in September: Jeans for Genes Day 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 £1479 to help children in the Genetic Conditions Community faced 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 £480 was raised (which included a matched-funding donation from The Leathersellers’ Company).

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 principle fundraising during their allotted House Charity Week. This year, we saw more excellent examples of student House leaders working with each other, with younger House pupils and House staff to ensure that as many people as possible contribute to the fundraising efforts. With the introduction of Glyn House to the House system this year, we took the opportunity for a charity week reset and scheduled our efforts in alphabetical order, beginning with Beardwood House. Mrs Burton, Miss Manzi and the Beardwood student House leaders organised the House pupils to put on various events to raise money for Greenwich Night Shelter and Lewisham Food Bank. These events included food and drink sales, sponsored activities and pay-to-play sports matches involving pupils and staff. Overall, a total of £704 (including Leathersellers’ matched funding) was split between the two chosen charities. I’d like to take this opportunity, upon her retirement, of thanking Mrs Burton for all her fantastic support of the House system in general, and charitable fundraising in particular, over the years.

After the half-term break, the new Year 7 cohort continued the recently established tradition of tackling the fundraising for Children in Need. 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 and Miss Sutherland, Year 7 put on a large and successful bake sale which raised £502 on the day, and this was then match-funded by the Leathersellers for a grand total of £1004 – a really great effort! Well done to all involved.

Next, both Bramley House and the school swim squad put on events to raise money for Folly Wildlife Rescue, the designated charity we are supporting in memory of Harry Noyce. The swim squad embarked on their huge annual sponsored swim and, although the exact combined distance they covered has been lost in the mists of time, they raised a superb £659 which was then matched by the Leathersellers. Bramley House charity week saw more food sales, sponsored activities and sporting events that eventually led to £500 being raised. This again was generously match-funded by the Leathersellers.

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 Lewisham Food Bank. 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. Further generous donations by parents, staff and pupils during a collection at the excellent carol service this year raised a fantastic £557 that was donated to Crisis, the charity for people experiencing homelessness. Finally, we held our annual Christmas Jumper non-uniform day in aid of Save The Children that raised £1337, with some truly awesome jumpers (mainly pupils) and some truly awful jumpers (mainly staff) on display.

After Christmas, it was the turn of Glyn House to fundraise via their first ever charity week. Choosing to support Cancer Research UK, Mr Hope, Miss Russell and the student House leaders swung into action. They organised a fun week of fundraising that included a large raffle with some great prizes; doughnut and pizza sales; and a very popular pay-to-play football tournament. Lots of fun was had over the course of the week and, overall, a grand a total of £1280 (including Leathersellers’ matched funding) was donated to the charity.

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, as staff and pupils looked forward to October’s trip to Africa. An impressive £1329 was raised and essential awareness of the project was created thanks to presentations given during morning form time. Norton House then put on their charity week for Action for Refugees in Lewisham, having been inspired by information about the charity on Christmas Jumper Day. In addition to the usual food sales and sponsored activities, the House leaders also put on a staff vs pupils pay-to-run relay race which proved very popular and, as you would expect, highly competitive. A good time was had by all and a total (including matched funding) of £610 was donated. Finally, in the run up to Easter, a non-uniform day and red nose sales saw £1200 being raised for Comic Relief.

The start of the Summer Term saw Prendergast House undertake their charity week and, for the first time in a long time, the Headmaster was thoroughly upstaged in Monday morning assembly – by a representative of the chosen charity – Lottie the support dog! Support Dogs is a new charity for the school to embrace which provides dogs to support people with autism, epilepsy and varying disabilities. Across the week, Prendergast pupils ran a huge raffle, took advantage of the clement weather to sell ice creams, held a bake sale (obviously!) and ran a popular ‘guess the number of sweets in the jar’ competition. Thank you to everyone involved in this week, especially to Miss Li-Sue, Mr Kiddey and the Prendergast student House leaders –overall they raised £1000 (including matched funding) for Support Dogs. Lottie was very happy with this.

Many staff embarked on charitable fundraising activities this term, supported in part by student, staff and parent donations. Two of our modern foreign language assistants, Tim and Leira, ran the Hackney Half Marathon for the Single Homelessness Project and raised £434.

Mr Foster continued to raise money through sporting events such as running the Leeds Marathon in memory of his son, Rycroft, and raised £760. Finally, Mrs Francis, one of our tireless learning support assistants, cycled from London to Brighton and raised £705 for the British Heart Foundation. Thank you to all these energetic members of staff for their fundraising efforts and to the staff, pupils and parents who supported them.

We held our last non-uniform day of the year to support another charity that was new to us – Connected Lives, a charity dedicated to improving family mental health and relationships, and a total of £1315 was donated to them. Finally, I must highlight the superb efforts of pupil Alex (Year 8, Glyn) who over the summer break cycled 680km from Cologne to Zurich in aid of the charity Young Epilepsy. At the

time of writing, Alex had raised over £3000, an absolutely phenomenal effort, so thank you to him and his family for such a wonderful fundraising idea and thank you also to the pupils, parents and staff who supported him.

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 everyone 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 2025.

Chris Morriss, Head of Student Leadership

PARTNERSHIPS

The partnerships we have at Colfe’s have continued to flourish this academic year. As part of our continuing development, we planned six events in advance, spanning different year groups and subjects. In November, we started with the annual Science Afternoon, which has become a mainstay of the Partnerships calendar. Dr Jangra gave a lecture about the physics of Bugs Bunny hitting a ball around the Earth and seventy pupils from six schools, including Colfe’s, attended sessions held across all three sciences.

The second term saw three events. Ms Solley held an incredibly successful KS3 debating workshop with Conisborough College, at which pupils from both schools overcame nerves to deliver speeches and to respond to each other’s arguments. In March, we held our inaugural Year 7 Lego Robots Day with the Computer Science department, at which pupils from Bonus Pastor, St Paul’s and Colfe’s programmed, you’ve guessed it, Lego robots for the afternoon. Finally, we continued our partnership with the British Library this year, attending a workshop called ‘Windrush Voices’ and visiting the Treasures exhibition with Trinity School and St Paul’s.

The Summer Term saw us revisit the incredibly successful New at A level afternoon, which helps pupils to think about subjects they may not have studied at GCSE. We saw record attendance, with eighty pupils from five local schools, and the day ended with Year 12 pupils Lana and Naomi giving some advice to pupils that they wish they had known in Year 10. Our final event this year was the languages afternoon with pupils attending sessions in French, Spanish and linguistics.

In addition to these events, we continue to be involved in the St Catherine’s College Catalyst programme with local state schools, working across Years 8, 10 and 12 to encourage pupils to consider applying to university. Congratulations to Isabel in Year 10 for her phenomenal essay on the ethics of historical objects in museums, which we ran in conjunction with this programme.

Volunteering opportunities also continue to develop across the Senior School. Year 10 pupils returned to St Winifred’s primary school, volunteering on a fortnightly basis and forming mutually beneficial relationships with the classes they were placed with. We also ran our third community day for Year 12, working with the Brun Bear Foundation. This spanned 10 different local community organisations and involved 80 pupils and 20 staff from Colfe’s. Given that it was one of the hottest days of the year, pupils showed incredible enthusiasm and dedication, totalling about 450 hours of community work in just one day.

Finally, a note about changes and developments in the Partnerships department; from next year we will be known as the Enrichment and Partnerships Department. Fundamentally, our school partnerships are both academically and socially enriching. So, combining this with other in-house enrichment programmes will give us a holistic picture of how we can best contribute to developing the young people in this school and beyond. This means that my team has expanded this year, and I am incredibly grateful to both Mrs Davies and Mrs Hooks for their fantastic work and dedication and for being a constant source of inspiration.

Zoë Kendrick, Director of School Partnerships

CELEBRATING A YEAR OF COMMUNITY, CREATIVITY AND CONTRIBUTION

As we wrap up another fantastic school year, it’s a real pleasure to look back on everything we’ve achieved together as the Parents and Friends Association (PAFA). We may be a small team, but thanks to your incredible support, we’ve made a big impact.

We kicked things off with our second Family Picnic, blessed this year with sunshine! Bexley Brewery made a welcome debut, refreshing the grown-ups, while our newly refurbished candy floss machine delighted the children. Jambs Owls offered magical moments with their spectacular birds, and our Sixth Form helpers brought extra joy with bubbles and games.

Our always-popular Autumn Fireworks sold out fast once again. Huge thanks to Thomas Franks for the BBQ, the CCF team for marshalling, our hardworking grounds staff and, of course, our brilliant PAFA reps for making this event the success it always is.

At Christmas, we packed in the fun—from festive games and a new wine stall at the Christmas Fair to the Junior School’s energetic Santa Dash. Thanks to your generosity, and charity matched funding via Year 6 parent Paul, we were able to donate an incredible £6,468 to each of our chosen charities, Mums Aid and the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Christmas Appeal. We also introduced a popular new initiative by which parents could purchase

Christmas cards and gifts featuring their child’s Christmas art.

Spring brought high-energy fun at the KS2 Disco; an entertaining Quiz Night run by Colfe’s dad Jonathan; and a swashbuckling pirate show for KS1, featuring CBeebies’ Gemma Hunt (and Mrs Gurr walking the plank!). The Spring Creative Competition added colour to the noticeboard with amazing artwork from our younger students.

We also introduced events for Senior School pupils this year, starting with a fun Taskmaster challenge, running for three evenings in the Summer Term. Teams of senior pupils tackled quirky tasks like finger painting portraits and

crafting multi-headed monsters – pure creative chaos! This was followed by the sale of Lucky Bars – chocolate bars with a chance to win a prize via a golden ticket.

Those in the Junior School will have seen the exciting new playground equipment. We’re so pleased to have funded 50% of this equipment. Specific fundraising events were organised, including the sale of Lucky Bars in the Junior School (funds from Senior School Lucky Bars will be used to fund Senior School items) and a sponsored bounce during the Summer Fair. It was amazing to see the excitement in the children as they opened their Lucky Bars to see if they were winners. An extra special

thank you goes to the parents who donated an amazing £1,500 to this equipmentspecific fundraiser.

Throughout the year, we also continued to actively support the school’s commitment to sustainability. We organised a World Book Day costume exchange, which proved very popular, and helped reduce the need for buying more fancy-dress costumes for many families. We are also pleased to have been able to help replenish the Junior School book corners with books kindly donated by Colfe’s families who had outgrown them. From MAD (Make a Difference) Days to our ever-useful Used Uniform Sales, our efforts continue to support the school and wider community. Uniform donations even made their way to children in The Gambia this year. Thank you to everyone who made donations.

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!

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. Together 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:

• Portable speaker

• Balance bikes

• Junior STEM equipment

• Language workshops

• Table tennis tables

• Tennis nets

• Basketball hoops

• Camer a lenses and lighting

• Libr ary supplies

• Junior playground equipment, including for quiet play

• Sensor y equipment for both Senior & Junior School

• Sewing machines

• Dr ama equipment

• and much more.

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!

This year, we’re pleased to have welcomed two new committee members: Kate Baker, as our new Secretary, and Debbie Smith, as our new Senior School Advisor. For more information on anything PAFA related, or to get involved, please email pafa@colfes.com.

The PAFA Team

DEVELOPMENT & ALUMNI RELATIONS

CELEBRATING THE END OF AN ERA WITH HEADMASTER RICHARD RUSSELL

Following the announcement of his retirement at the end of Summer 2025, Headmaster Richard Russell met with Year 13 students Xanthe and Ned to discuss Colfe’s today, his pride in the development of the Leatherseller Scholarship Programme and his hopes for its future.

After nearly 20 years as headmaster, it is no surprise that Mr Russell considers Colfe’s to be “a very special place. We’re different to other independent schools – we’re not snooty, and we’re not exclusive. Our environment reflects the cultural and social diversity of our location on the borders of Lewisham and Greenwich,” he said. “We’re also enhanced by the presence of the Leatherseller Scholars who come to us from local state schools with a new perspective.”

More than 10 years ago, Mr Russell had a vision to strengthen the social dynamic of the Sixth Form and asked The Leathersellers’ Foundation to help launch and fund this programme. The Company initially began supporting two 100% Sixth Form scholarships for non-privileged pupils from local state schools. Today, the programme has grown to up to 12 scholars annually, thanks to over 400 gifts from 170 individual donors to the Colfe’s Charitable Trust plus additional grants from The Leathersellers’ Foundation.

These 100% means-tested scholarships are awarded to deserving pupils who would otherwise be unable to join Colfe’s. They are all from local state schools without sixth forms, and many scholars receive free school meals.

Mr Russell has also worked closely with donors and Colfe’s Charitable Trustees to ensure the scholarship programme will survive beyond his headship. “It’s crucial,” he said. “It’s not just about the benefit to the scholars themselves, who come to us with such motivation. They’re also making a real contribution to social mobility in South London while improving the social dynamic of our Sixth Form. Each Colfe’s pupil has their own unique individual potential, and it’s our job to help them fulfil that.”

Donations to the Leatherseller Scholarship Programme within the Colfe’s Charitable Trust help grow the trust’s endowment fund – the income from which is used to support these scholarships. To date, over £2.3 million has been donated by 170 individuals across the Colfe’s community, supporting three of the 12 scholarships. The short-term goal is to grow this to five scholarships in a few years’ time.

These donations have been of all sizes and types: one-off gifts, gifts in wills and, increasingly, by standing order – “Standing orders are really important,” Mr Russell said. “They enable the school to predict income for the scholarship programme, which means helping us determine the size of the yearly scholarship cohort. That is incredibly helpful with our admissions process. Donations are also a practical way to support the idea of an inclusive Colfe’s that can honestly claim to reflect its location in southeast London.”

Xanthe and Ned, Year 13

COLFE’S DONORS HELP BUILD £5 MILLION FUND TO SUSTAIN LEATHERSELLER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

Thanks to the generosity of donors across the Colfe’s community, the Colfe’s Charitable Trust has now established a significant endowment for the Leatherseller Scholarship Programme, securing its future for years to come – one of outgoing Headmaster Richard Russell’s key strategic goals.

Since 2022, the Trust has received over 500 donations, with nearly 90% directed specifically toward the Leatherseller Scholarships. As a result, the value of the Trust’s endowment – including legacy pledges – now exceeds £5 million, ensuring talented students from low-income backgrounds can continue to join Colfe’s Sixth Form for free long into the future. The endowment works in tandem with annual

funding for these pupils from the Leathersellers’ Company – held separately to the Trust endowment – which has totalled well over £3 million over the last 15 years.

For the 2025–26 academic year, the Trust will be able to fully support five scholarships. Additional support from the Leathersellers’ Foundation will enable Colfe’s to offer a total of 15 Sixth Form scholarships – continuing a tradition that has already transformed more than 100 lives since the programme’s inception in 2009.

Leatherseller Scholars – most of whom join from local state schools without Sixth Forms –have gone on to study at Oxford, Cambridge and other top universities, or to secure competitive degree apprenticeships. Alumni now pursue careers in fields including medicine, law, finance and meteorology.

MEET A FORMER LEATHERSELLER SCHOLAR

Juan Garcia Valencia (OC 2020) tells us about his PhD research in climate change – and how Colfe’s helped him get there.

“The Leatherseller Scholarship Programme is incredibly significant for me because of its great transformative power. It opened doors for me that would have otherwise remained closed and provided access to opportunities that I didn’t even know were out there for me.”

When Juan Garcia Valencia (OC 2020) immigrated to the UK from Colombia, he admits that he wasn’t sure how to achieve his dreams. “I was quite a shy and introverted student who had big ideas, but no clear idea on how to reach them. I think that was because I had come to the UK five years before from a humble Latin American background,” he said.

It was while studying at his state school Trinity Lewisham that Juan’s teacher shared details with him about the Leatherseller Scholarship Programme. “I’m so glad she did as I ended up having a great two years in Colfe’s Sixth Form,” he said. “The scholarship programme really set me up for the future.”

“As a first-generation student in the UK, I didn’t have many people to speak about university with,” he said. “When I came to Colfe’s, I had such a good support system from my teachers and mentors to talk about university options. One of the greatest pieces of advice that they gave me was to follow my passion and true interests and pursue a career that got me out of bed in the morning. For me, that was Geography, which was one of my favourite A-level subjects.”

Toward the end of Juan’s time in the Sixth Form at Colfe’s, the pandemic hit. He was forced to be at home during lockdown, but because of the support from Colfe’s, he continued his studies successfully. “I was very grateful for the amount of assistance that I got from my teachers, whether it was through Teams calls or chats. We managed to continue my learning, which made that time at home more enjoyable.”

As the pandemic carried on, Juan’s Colfe’s experience culminated at A-level results day. “My friends and I all got to see one another again – in person but at a distance – and we all got to celebrate our collective achievements of getting into universities and receiving our A-level results. It was such a happy ending to a very happy chapter of my life.”

Juan received an offer to read Geography at St. Hilda’s College at the University of Oxford, from where he graduated in 2023. “When it came time to think about my post-university plans, I went back to the advice I received at Colfe’s, which was following my interests and pursuing a career I really liked.”

Juan is now studying for a PhD in meteorology at the University of Reading. His research topic is about how sea surface temperatures can affect monsoons in the current and future climate. “It is a topic that’s quite close to my heart as it’s linked with climate change, but also because my family in Colombia are constantly affected by a changing climate and live under the uncertainty of how their climate is going to change in the future,” he said. “I’m glad to be able to work every day a little bit toward reducing that uncertainty.”

RECRUITING OUR LEATHERSELLER SCHOLARS AND HOW DONATIONS MAKE AN IMPRESSION

As Director of School Partnerships, Zoë Kendrick keeps a busy schedule. Not only does she run Colfe’s various partnerships programmes with local state schools, but she also encourages prospective pupils to apply for

our Leatherseller Scholarships to join Colfe’s Sixth Form for free.

Working with local state schools without Sixth Forms, Ms Kendrick will speak with their highest achievers about the Leatherseller Scholarship Programme. “Some will have had contact with Colfe’s before, either because they know previous scholars, or because they have attended our past partnerships and enrichment sessions at Colfe’s.” When Ms Kendrick visits a local school, she’ll often bring a current Leatherseller Scholar who went to that school with her to talk about their own application and what it’s like to be a student at Colfe’s. “They are really honest about their experiences. The presentation can’t just come from me, and often the dialogue opens up more naturally when it’s with someone who has recently been through the same process.”

Scholarships are means-tested and awarded based on academic merit, but are becoming increasingly competitive as word of the success of the programme has spread. (Previous scholars have attended Russell Group universities and many have gone on to work in top FTSE 100 industries.) Last year, Colfe’s received 127 scholarship applications, awarding only 12 scholarships, funded through donations from the Colfe’s Charitable Trust and The Leathersellers’ Foundation. The Trust supports three of these scholars each year and is aiming to increase that support to five each year.

Several donors to the trust are giving via monthly standing orders – the average gift is £35 a month – which helps grow the Trust’s endowment, using interest to fund the scholarships. Standing orders are vital because it helps Ms Kendrick to plan for the number of scholars in the cohort: “If we know how much money is available at the start of the year, I can tailor my messaging from the moment I start talking with prospective applicants. If we had more donations, Colfe’s could offer more scholarships and ensure more bright young people can join us.”

INTRODUCING THE 1652 SOCIETY: CELEBRATING DONORS WHO MAKE RECURRING GIFTS

Income to the Colfe’s Charitable Trust from recurring gifts has increased by 99% since the start of 2022. This income currently accounts for 27% percent of our annual revenue for the Leatherseller Scholarship Programme. So that the school can better predict the size of this scholarship cohort, we aim to grow this over time. In response to the rising popularity of donating regularly to the Trust through standing orders, the Development office has launched a new donor circle to thank these important friends.

The 1652 Society is Colfe’s brand new regular giving society, named after the founding year of Colfe’s School. It celebrates donors who give a regular donation to the Trust – whether that is monthly, quarterly or annually – of any amount. Members of the 1652 Society receive invitations to biennial events so they can meet both one another and school leadership. They also receive invitations to select school-wide events and unique communications.

If you are considering a recurring gift to the Trust, you will automatically become part of this special group with your donation. When donors choose to direct their recurring gifts to support the Leatherseller Scholarship Programme, it helps the school to determine the size of the scholarship cohort during our admissions cycle.

MEET SOME OF OUR 1652 SOCIETY MEMBERS AND HEAR WHY THEY DONATE:

RALPH

“My father had been to Colfe’s and was still an active member of the Old Colfeians. His younger brother had been here, and my brother followed me. There was a sense that this was the neighbourhood school, and you were lucky to be here. Colfe’s was somewhere that would really develop your ambition. You knew there were no heights that you couldn’t reach for. The Leatherseller Scholarship Programme is important because it gives access to a type of education that may not be available elsewhere. To some extent, it is about the ability to have the range of resources that Colfe’s can

CANTELLOW (OC 1976)

provide. It is not just the quality of teaching or the extra-curricular, but it’s the ambition you can see. I give regularly because it gives the school certainty. The school needs to know that it can support a Leatherseller Scholar for the whole time that they are here at Colfe’s. It could make the difference in saying ‘we can take the risk of another scholarship’, and I’d like to help them take the risk of that extra one.”

RICHARD (OC 1981) AND JAYNE BURTON, COLFE’S PARENTS

Richard: “My main recent involvement with Colfe’s has been as a parent, which was an interesting experience, to come back after so many years. I think although Colfe’s is an independent school, it is a school that is reflective of its local community. It is wellgrounded and down-to-earth – that was true in my time at Colfe’s, and it is still true today. The Leatherseller Scholarship Programme contributes greatly to that, and it is something that I value personally.”

Jayne: “The benefits of a regular donation for us is that it is much easier to budget, and for the Trust they have a reliable source of predictable income. For others who may be considering making a donation, think back to your own education at Colfe’s – or if you’re a parent, the education of your children. There are huge numbers of people in this community who don’t have these advantages. If you can help a few people reach their potential and achieve their dreams, that is a very good reason to donate. We’re very happy to give back because we feel as though we’ve gained so much.”

IAN FIDDEMAN (OC 1982)

“I started at Colfe’s in 1975 when it was still a grammar school. Throughout my time at Colfe’s I felt lucky to have been given encouragement to learn and develop, not just academically but also in sport. The opportunities that I was given and the good friends that I met made me appreciate the value that a good schooling provides. When I was approached in 2005, I wanted to make regular contributions so that others who would otherwise not be able to afford to go to Colfe’s would have similar opportunities to learn and develop. It is great to receive updates that the programme continues to flourish and hear the testaments of those that have benefitted from the scheme.”

ANNICK TUESLEY, COLFE’S PARENT

“I support the Leatherseller Scholarship Programme because I wanted to help change the future for a young person to attend this wonderful school. We were not in a position to make a large donation, but we are making a small monthly standing order. The fact that we can join with others also giving in this way means that we can help ensure this important programme continues. In the future, when we are in a position to make a larger donation we certainly will.”

COLFE’S DIGITAL ARCHIVES GET A REFRESH

Shortly before his passing in 2012, Richard Chambers (OC 1947) donated his entire collection of local historical artefacts to the school, together with funding towards the school archive. It contained a complete set of school magazines, hundreds of photos and even a roll book from the 1700s.

These were digitised and launched online to become Colfe’s digital archives, but they have since needed updating. Led by Colfe’s archivist Lorraine Banks, a project to do just this is well underway. This has included scanning and uploading the newest school publications and Colfeian magazines, as well as working on a website refresh to update accessibility. Mrs Banks has also been sorting through boxes of old school photographs, relying on the memories and accounts of events from alumni to help piece the stories together.

Mrs Banks has also curated a new display cabinet for the school’s reception area, containing old school uniforms, trophies, certificates and even the school bell from the old Lewisham school site, which was rescued from the wreckage in 1944 after the school was bombed.

The digitisation of the school’s archive materials will continue, but there are already lots of wonderful items in the collection that can be accessed by visiting the website: http://www. colfesarchive.com

Ned, Year 13

OLD COLFEIAN SOCIETY SPONSORS NEW SECTOR NETWORKING EVENTS

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 pupils are invited too.

These events have already been a great success! The event in November 2024 focused on the financial industry and was generously hosted by Bernard Fairman (OC 1967) at his offices in the Shard. Nearly 100 attendees joined. Our next event brought together those in the Media, Marketing and Creative Industries in February 2025. Hosted by current Colfe’s parent Josh Heaton-Armstrong, Digital Director for Sony Pictures, we welcomed more than 70 attendees to The Hydrant Pub in central London. Thanks to the sponsorship of the Old Colfeian Society, these events are free, but attendees are asked to donate to the Colfe’s Charitable Trust in lieu of a ticket price, with donations directed to the Leatherseller Scholarship Programme.

BACK TO SCHOOL! THE OLD COLFEIAN SOCIETY’S ANNUAL DINNER

Almost 100 Old Colfeians gathered on the last Friday of November for the Old Colfeian Society’s Annual Dinner, held back at the school for the first time in several years. Guests received a school tour by Sixth Form prefects, before canapés in Roebucks and then a sit-down meal in the school hall surrounded by memorabilia from the school’s archive. Vernon Leese (OC 1975) acted as emcee for the evening and encouraged new supporters to join the OCS 300 Club, which donates part of its income to the school in support of bursaries. This was also Headmaster Richard Russell’s last reunion dinner before his retirement, and the Old Colfeian Society leadership presented him with a leaving gift. To learn more about the 300 Club, the small-scale lottery supporting bursaries at Colfe’s, please email alumni@colfes.com.

CELEBRATING

OUR BEQUEST INTENDERS AND THEIR £2.3M PLEDGED SUPPORT TO THE COLFE’S CHARITABLE

At our special Celebration of Legacy Giving on 21 May 2025, bequest intenders of the Abraham Colfe Society, donors to the Colfe’s Charitable Trust and other school supporters gathered for afternoon tea with Headmasters Richard Russell and Daniel Gabriele and Chairman of Governors Matthew Pellereau. Richard spoke warmly about his own decision to leave a gift in his will, echoing the commitment shared by

TRUST

many in the room. The event honoured those who have pledged legacy gifts to the Colfe’s Charitable Trust and encouraged others to consider this meaningful way of supporting Colfe’s in the future. Guest speaker and Trustee Andrew Rodgers (OC 1985) reflected on how his Colfe’s education changed his life – an experience that inspired his own bequest to help future pupils access the same opportunities.

On 13 June, an Exhibition of Young Artists showcased the talents of Colfe’s GCSE and A-level art and design pupils. Donors and bequest supporters from the 1652 and Abraham Colfe Societies were invited to a special reception to view the artwork alongside the pupil artists and their parents.

On 30 June, a Reception for Our 2025 Leaving Families welcomed parents, grandparents and guardians of this year’s leavers to a celebratory drinks and canapés reception, sponsored by the Old Colfeian Society. Hosted by Headmaster Richard Russell and Kathryn McNeill, Director of Development & Alumni Relations, the evening offered an opportunity to reconnect with Colfe’s staff and leadership, hear about the benefits of Old Colfeian Society membership for pupils, and discover how families can maintain their relationship with the school beyond graduation.

OBITUARIES

ATKINS, JOHN R.

(1948–1956) AGED 87. CLASS OF 1955

BARNES, MARK A.

(1969–1976) AGED 67. CLASS OF 1976

“He had an ability to describe a fish finger sandwich or a beer in a series of noises rather than words.”

This was how one of Mark’s friends described his sense of humour, sometimes daft and often laconic. This, along with his innate kindness, encyclopaedic knowledge of popular music (the more obscure and esoteric the better) and passionate support of Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club were the characteristics that define Mark, and for which he will be fondly remembered.

Mark joined Colfe’s from Marvel’s Lane Primary School in Grove Park, part of the 1969 intake which had a large contingent of Marks. He stood out from the rest, literally, due to his height and the fact that in an era where everyone followed London football teams, he was a Liverpool supporter. This early support was abandoned when in 1977 he went to Sussex University to study Geography and became a dedicated ‘Seagull’. Mark made a career in the insurance industry, working in the City for Jardine Lloyd Thompson and latterly for Gallagher, specializing in Environmental Risk. He also had a spell as a freelancer where he claimed his main source of new business leads came from following the travails of local authorities in Private Eye’s ‘Rotten Boroughs’ column.

Despite being mistaken for Sting during his university years, it was a fact universally acknowledged that in later years he bore a striking resemblance to the actor Colin Firth, a teasing he studiously ignored. Aside from football and music, Mark was keen on history and birdwatching. He lived locally and became Secretary of the Old Colfeian Society, being actively involved in the Clubhouse refurbishment and the organization of the Annual Dinner.

He developed a rare form of neuroendocrine cancer of the adrenal gland, typically only five cases a year being seen in the UK, and although his illness set in very rapidly, he retained his kindness and humour until the end. He was cremated at Hither Green Crematorium, his coffin being carried by five of his Colfeian schoolmates. He leaves a daughter, Phoebe, who works as a travel journalist.

Mark Lay

BOATMAN,

STANLEY (1942–1950) AGED 93. CLASS OF 1949

BRANCH, RICHARD (1960–1967) AGED 76. CLASS OF 1967

CAMPBELL, JOHN W. (1959–1966) AGED 77. CLASS OF 1966

CORNFORD, STANLEY

G.

(1941–1947) AGED 95. CLASS OF 1948

Stanley Cornford (Stan) attended Colfes from 1941 to 1947. He was evacuated to Skinners School, where he took part in an inter-school snowball fight. He did his National Service in the RAF, where he was trained as a meteorological assistant, and on demobilisation he moved into the Meteorological Office. He was a researcher on the Meteorological Research Flight based at Farnborough, where he is reputed to have saved the life of a fellow officer who suffered at altitude. Much of his research was into cloud formations and rain droplet sizes. He was posted to RAF Stroke Command, where he provided forecasts for the nuclear deterrent along with the effects of predictive Soviet strikes. Outside of work, Stan was Chairman of Blackbushe Aero Club. He spent much of his life living in

Bracknell about 150 meters away from Richard (Dick) Knight, another Old Colfeian, who was slightly older than Stan.

During his career, Stan became a Met Office instructor and came to be the principal of the Meteorological Office College at Shinfield Park, outside of Reading. This interest in Education stayed with him throughout his life. He was Chairman of Governors for Garth Hill School and later the Reading College of Technology. In later life, he was a liveryman with the Company of Educators and continued his interests in the U3A Science and History Groups.

Stan’s last role with the Met Office was as a director with responsibility for International and Planning. This led to his involvement with many other countries and a lot of travel. On retirement, he joined the World Meteorological Organisation based in Geneva. He was instrumental in organising, and facilitating the ultimate agreement to, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This was part of the Rio Earth Summit, the foundation of all international attempts to engage with climate change.

After losing his wife, Stan moved from Bracknell to Hayling Island where he was an enthusiastic members of several groups. Throughout his life, he had a love of history and he acted as a voluntary steward at St George’s Chapel. He is survived by two daughters and a son, six grandchildren and one great-grandson.

FENNELL, DAVID G. (1944–1949) AGED 67. CLASS OF 1951

David attended Colfe’s from 1944 to 1949 and did his National Service in the RAF Reserve. He then joined Moxy, Savon and Co. Ltd, where it would probably be simpler to mention the roles he did not hold! For the Old Colfeian Company Ltd, who were the leaseholders of Horn Park, he was a Director and Company Secretary, and he dealt extensively with the Crown Estates. For the Old Colfeian Association, he served on numerous sub-committees and was variously President, Secretary and Treasurer.

On the sports field, David played cricket for many years as a very hardhitting batsman and useful off-spinner, and he was a stalwart of the tours to Devon. A slightly shy person, he was a legendary Old Colfeian for whom hard work was virtually a hobby, along with gardening and DIY. He was married to Jeanette for almost 38 years, and Stacie and Ian completed the family. Sadly, David was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2018 and passed away in December 2024.

Brian Monk

Stanley Cornford (left) with two fellow Colfeians, including Reg Radish (centre).

HOLMES,

FREDERICK E.

(1954–1960) AGED 81. CLASS OF 1961

JOHNSON, COLIN (1957–1964) AGED 79. CLASS OF 1964

MCMILLAN,

BRENDAN

(2005–2015) AGED 27. CLASS OF 2015

REEVES,

COLIN JOHN

(1953–1960) AGED 83. CLASS OF 1960

The son of a teacher, Colin was born in the British Home for Mothers and Babies in Woolwich during the Second World War. He was a pupil at Colfe’s Grammar School until 1961 before enrolling as a student to study at Westminster Training College, an annex of Avery Hill Training College, with the aim of becoming a sports teacher. However, after reflection he left and trained as an architect with the London Borough of Bexley. Later, he worked for Greenwich Borough Council and Southwark Council.

Colin married Clemence Campbell in 1965 and began his married life in a small two-bedroom flat on Shooters Hill, transferring to a house close by upon the imminent birth of their first child. They had three children, Joanne, Elizabeth and Daniel and decided to move to near Ashford where Colin continued working, this time for the Ashford Planning Development and Building Control Department, after finishing his time with the Inner London Education Authority. Upon his retirement, Colin operated a rural practice in partnership with an ex-colleague.

After leaving school, Colin’s parents gave him a lifetime membership of the Old Colfeians Society, and he was an occasional member of the football and cricket sections. In middle-age, Colin became an occasional rugby player (hooker), also joining Ashford Rugby Club after his relocation.

Colin was a talented Primary School footballer, playing for the Woolwich Boys’ team at the age of ten, and he was always a gifted artist, even winning a top-of-the-range Dawes Debonair cycle in a national newspaper competition whilst at Colfe’s School as an early teenager. Art was an interest he followed throughout his life and enjoyed immensely.

In their later years, Colin and his wife moved down to the coast to live by the sea.

J.B. Sherman

ROOTS, DAVID E. (1948–1955) AGED 87. CLASS OF 1955

SPOORE, RICHARD DEREK (1948–1952) AGED 88. CLASS OF 1954

TOMKINS, ALAN R. (1954–1961) AGED 81. CLASS OF 1961

WILSON, DAVID G. (1951–1958) AGED 84. CLASS OF 1958

WILTSHIRE, DONALD R. (1944–1948) AGED 91. CLASS OF 1948

WINTER, SAMUEL (2007–2014) AGED 28. CLASS OF 2014

YATES, ADAM G. (1968–1975) AGED 67. CLASS OF 1975

Adam was the youngest of three boys who attended Colfes, as did both his daughters Charlie and Rosie. He first played for the Old Boys at the age of 16, debuting in the first XV who were short a Scrum Half. On leaving Colfes in 1975, he, along with ten of the school’s 1st XV, joined the Old Boys that year. Today, eight of them can still be heard on the touchline supporting the club’s 1st XV.

Work kept Adam away from playing rugby for a few years, but when he returned, he immersed himself in playing and captaining the Vets. He was a great supporter of the club, both as sponsor and providing his own unique vocal advice to the 1st team and the referees. He is survived by his wife Karen, his son Joe and his daughters Charlie and Rosie.

“The Old Colfeians had only one Scrum Half, his name was Adam Yates!!” John Bott

YONGE, GORDON

(1943–1950) AGED 94. CLASS OF 1950

Gordon had a long and extremely successful life and, in a world where we are all time poor, he gave so much of his time to making the world a better place.

Gordon joined Colfe’s in January 1943. He recounted, with great fondness and positivity, to his grandsons about his education at Colfe’s and the impact of the war upon it:

“Colfe’s was extensively bombed (over a weekend) in the summer of 1944, just before summer exams. The authorities reacted with remarkable speed, and we were relocated in the premises of another school, to start the Autumn Term. These premises also suffered when a V2 rocket struck on a Sunday afternoon. However, apart from blowing in the window of my form room, no serious damage was done. When schools evacuated, most staff went with them or were called up for National Service, hence the pool of staff available was limited; some teachers had come back from retirement.

“At the end of the war in 1945, we were relocated again to the vacant ground floor of Beacon Road Primary School. Not the ideal building, with no labs or gym, but Brockley County, a mile or two away, made its chemistry labs available to us for a few periods each week and at the end of the war we accepted what we had.

“In 1949, Colfe’s created a new modern school of mostly prefabricated buildings on the old, bombed site. We had new laboratories, and the old gymnasium and basement swimming bath had survived the bombing.”

From an early age, Gordon had constructed radios and TVs and, therefore, it was no surprise that he went on to read Electrical Engineering at Imperial College London. Following graduation, in 1953, he joined GEC on the development of airborne radar systems. This work was classified as of national importance and excused him from National Service. He later moved to Plessy, where he had a notable career designing radar and air traffic control systems for both military and civilian purposes, covering airports, aircraft and ships in the UK and overseas. His innovative ideas led him to hold patents for some of his display designs. As Programme Executive for major international contracts, he managed a team of over 500 professional staff.

Outside of his career, his passions were family, jazz, politics, education and efficiency. He clocked up almost 80 active years in local government politics, was governor on three school boards and took on the unenviable challenge of improving the efficiency of his local medical practice.

Gordon will be remembered as reliable, honest and precise, with a sharp intellect and sense of humour by his family and friends.

CAREERS

It was another busy year in the Colfe’s Careers Department, which was interrupted by the departure of our respected Head of Careers Debbie Bean. Mrs Bean did an amazing job of broadening the focus of the Colfe’s Careers Department beyond university applications to include supporting students throughout the school in understanding their career options and aspirations beyond formal education.

In particular, Mrs Bean developed an Apprenticeship Programme in the Sixth Form, which supported many of our students to gain highly competitive Degree apprenticeships at a range of top companies. Mrs Bean’s impact in supporting apprenticeships was made abundantly clear at the end of the summer term when recent former Colfeians Ejiro, Kamaledine and Kate returned to give our existing Year 12 students an insight into their experiences on very different programmes. It was an amazing evening at which their presentations bought to life the way in which these programmes can support school leavers in earning a living, gaining valuable work experience and achieving a degree all at the same time.

Mrs Bean’s impressive swansong event was the Spring Careers Fair at which universities and employers (including many Old Colfeians) visited the school to speak with students about jobs in a wide range of different fields. Students from Years 10 to 13 attended our biggest fair to date, and they reported that they found the evening insightful and inspiring. We are so grateful to all the volunteers who found time to visit the school to offer their knowledge and expertise to our students and parents and to give careers presentations. It is such a tough event to organise, and Mrs Bean and her team did it with real style.

In her final year at Colfe’s, Mrs Bean was ably assisted by Careers Prefect Thiago Green. His tips about job applications and interview skills were obviously well founded as he received multiple offers to study at top universities and on prestigious degree apprenticeship programmes. We wish him the best of luck for his future career path.

Mrs Bean was replaced at the end of the Spring Term as Head of Careers by Mary Saunders, who has already embedded herself into the role by organising events, offering careers guidance and getting to know our students.

Spencer Drury, Director of Sixth Form

ACADEMIC REPORT

Strong performances in any given year in public examinations can be attributed to a range of factors. When these performances are continued year on year, they reflect a school that has got things right, by developing pupils’ knowledge and skills and by building their resilience and confidence.

This process begins 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, engaging enrichment and co-curricular opportunities on offer at Colfe’s 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.

A level and BTEC results’ 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. Nationally, A* and A grades rose to 28.2%.

Results for Colfe’s pupils far outstripped this, with an outstanding 63.2% of all grades at A* and A and nearly 94% at A* to B, as of results’ day. BTEC results were also very strong, with the vast majority of pupils achieving double Distinction* grades, the highest possible. It was also a boon year for EPQs (Extended Project Qualification), with 13 of the 14 pupils who completed the qualification achieving an A*. There are many individual success stories within these headline figures, with a number of pupils exceeding their own high expectations. The true measure of success, however, is how many are now moving on to their chosen university course or degree apprenticeship, or being well-placed to start an exciting new career.

Expectations were equally high for GCSE results’ day the following week. We knew that the pupils felt confident, and it turned out this was in no way misplaced. Last year’s performance was very strong, but this year was even better, with nearly 80% of all Colfe’s GCSE grades being 9–7. There was a modest rise of 0.1% of grade 9s nationally, but ours rose by just over 10%, to nearly 30%.

Our congratulations go to our Year 11 pupils, as they start their A level and BTEC courses, and to our Year 13 students who are leaving us to begin university courses and apprenticeships, embark on gap years or enter the job market. (You can see our Year 13 leavers’ various destinations in the Valete on the next page.) As ever, my thanks go out to all my colleagues at Colfe’s, for their dedication, support and encouragement of pupils in the Senior School.

Melissa Schramm, Director of Studies

VALETE

SCHOOL LEAVER DESTINATIONS 2025

UNIVERSITY COURSE

Aston University, Birmingham

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Cardiff University

City St Geor ge's, University of London

Durham University

Imper ial College London

Imperial College London

Imper ial College London

King's College London, University of London

Loughborough University

Newcastle University

Nor thwestern University (US)

Queen Mar y University of London

Queen Mary University of London

Ravensbourne

Royal Holloway, University of London

The University of Edinburgh

UCL (University College London)

University of Bath

University of Bristol

Medicine

Spor t and Exercise Science

Human and Social Sciences

Psychology (with professional placement year)

Business Management (Inter national Management)

Business Management (Mar keting)

Medicine

Business Management

Combined Honour s in Social Sciences

Politics

Moder n Languages and Cultures (with year abroad)

Archaeology and Ancient Civilisations

Music

Mechanical Engineer ing

Computing

Chemical Engineer ing

Histor y and International Relations

Histor y

Biomedical Science

Bioengineer ing

Spor t with a Foundation Year (Elite Athlete Pathway)

Economics and Management

Management (with placement year)

Human Biology

Accounting and Finance

Economics

Inter national Business Management

Medicine and Sur gery

Economics and Business Management

n/a

Computer Science

Computer Systems Engineer ing

Accountancy (Flying Start Degree Programme)

Aerospace Engineer ing (with industrial experience)

Dentistr y

Global Law

Ar t Foundation course

Classical Studies

Digital Media Culture and Technology

Histor y

Histor y and Economics

Statistics, Economics and Finance

Mathematics

Electr ical and Electronic Engineering (with professional placement)

Mathematics

Biomedical Sciences

Electronic Engineer ing with Space Science and Technology

Integr ated Mechanical and Electrical Engineering

(with professional placement)

Economics

Aerospace Engineer ing (with professional placement)

Mathematics, Statistics and Data Science

Aerospace Engineer ing

Moder n Languages

Biomedical Sciences

Moder n Languages

Cr iminology

Mathematics (with study abroad in a moder n language)

Economics and Finance

Phar macology

University of Bristol

University of Cambridge

University of Exeter

Chemical Physics (with industrial experience)

Mathematics (with study abroad)

Geogr aphy

English

Finance (with industr ial experience)

University of Exeter Psychology

University of Exeter

University of Glasgow

University of Hertfordshire

University of Kent

University of Leeds

University of Liverpool

Philosophy and Politics

Business and Management

Computer Science

English Law and French Law / Master 1 (Matrise)

Mechanical Engineer ing

Ancient Histor y / English Literature

Music Composition and Sound for Film and Games

Ancient Histor y / Ancient History with Archaeology

Geogr aphy

Product Design (Industr ial)

Civil Engineer ing (Industrial)

Spor t and Exercise Sciences

Banking and Finance

Accounting and Finance

Cr iminology and Sociology

University of Liverpool Law with Business

University of Liverpool

Medicinal Chemistr y with Pharmacology

Mar ine Biology

University of Liverpool Medicine

University of Manchester

University of Miami (US)

University of Nottingham

University of Oxford

University of Portsmouth

University of Reading

University of Southampton

University of Sussex

University of Warwick

University of York

DEGREE LEVEL APPRENTICESHIPS

Level 7 Master’s Degree Apprenticeship with EY (formerly Ernst & Young)

GAP YEARS

Economics and Finance

Geogr aphy (with international study)

Geogr aphy

Mater ials Science and Engineering

Inter national Business, Finance & Economics

Mathematics with Finance

Moder n Language (German) and Business & Management

Aerospace Engineer ing (with industrial experience)

Planning and Real Estate (with professional placement)

n/a

Management (with a placement year)

Inter national Management

Industr ial Economics

Geogr aphy with Business BA

Science with Foundation Year (Integrated Honours Programme)

Histor y

Politics and Economics

Chemistr y

English Language and Liter ature

Economics, Finance and Banking

Film & Television

Ecology and Wildlife Conservation

Mechanical Engineer ing

Computer Engineer ing

Aeronautics and Astronautics / Aerodynamics (with industrial placement year)

Cr iminology

Moder n Languages

Mathematics and Philosophy

Media and Creative Industries

Histor y and Politics

Politics and Sociology

Mathematics and Physics

Economics

English and Linguistics

English

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, working and acting in a major Netflix TV series.

SIXTH FORM

This has been such an enjoyable year to be in charge of the Sixth Form. Our Year 13 students have been a remarkable bunch, combining hard work with a good sense of humour and (I am told) quite a lot of socialising.

Over the years I have enjoyed a wide range of excuses for lateness or absence, but this year I did enjoy one student asking to leave early as her tortoise had escaped! For the Year 13 students to finish their school careers by achieving our highest ever rate of A*–B and A*–A grades at A level is genuinely remarkable, but the fact that they did this with a smile on their faces (most of the time) is even better.

As a year group, I have been so impressed by how resilient our Sixth Form students have been this year. A surprisingly large number of Sixth Form students have faced serious health challenges for themselves or their families, and watching them cope with this has been inspiring. The way the whole school community has rallied round to support individuals during their dark times has been uplifting – this Sixth Form is a lovely, caring group of individuals who it has been a pleasure to work with over the last year or two.

There are so many remarkable individuals in the Sixth Form this year, including top athletes, musicians and actors – but I’ll leave it to Mrs Rayes to go into more detail in her report about what an outstanding year it has been for sporting success. Colfe’s teams have been successful on a regional and national level in football (female and male), swimming, water polo (male and female), netball and golf.

It has also been great to work with the Sixth Form Council so closely this year and we achieved real change with the introduction of marshmallows at Roebucks! Unfortunately, our efforts to get the smell in the girls’ toilets sorted out weren’t quite as successful, but I have been assured this has been fixed over the summer.

Finally, I would like to thank the many members of staff who are so important to the Sixth Form and who have been as wonderful as always. Our thoughts were with Nikki from Roebucks this year when her husband passed away, as she, Sonia and Zelda play a huge role in looking after our students. I would also like to say thank you to Mrs Santry, Miss Batten and Mrs Bassett who help the Sixth Form run so smoothly. Mrs Santry has been amazing supporting so many students through difficult times, and Miss Batten’s work on university applications meant that, for the first time ever, every student who applied to Warwick or Edinburgh got an offer.

I am so grateful to Mrs Bassett too for the way she turns her hand to any new task, including running the chess club and organising the Young Reporter scheme.

Spencer Drury, Director of Sixth Form

HOUSE COMPETITIONS

After Bramley House stormed last year’s House competition and won by a considerable margin, the other Houses were bent on bringing them down a peg or two this year. In a historical addition, we welcomed our new fifth House – Glyn House – to the competition to add an even more competitive nature to the contest.

Pupils and staff thus enthusiastically navigated a full 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.

AUTUMN TERM

House Drama kicked off the House competition this year, and student House leaders worked tirelessly to choose and adapt their scripts, plan their staging and costumes and run their auditions and rehearsals for the Year 7–9 pupils. Come performance night, families and friends of the participants filled the Beardwood Theatre for an evening of fantastic entertainment. Beardwood House’s quirky and amusing version of Alice in Wonderland set a strong early standard using some clever staging, with Bramley following up with a brilliantly costumed version of The Lion King, which heard musical numbers soar and witty interplay between the characters abound. Glyn House, in their first ever competition, gave us an entertaining rendition of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory whilst Norton House enthusiastically sang and danced their way through High School Musical. Finally, Prendergast House presented a musical tour-de-force with Matilda the Musical, featuring some powerful vocal performances, particularly from their leading lady. The effort and quality on show was, as usual, superb and each House did itself proud, with all pupils contributing excellently to a very entertaining evening, much appreciated by the enthusiastic audience. After it was all over, it was Beardwood’s Alice in Wonderland that won the day, so congratulations to their directors, cast and crew. It is also worth noting that Glyn House took second place in a promising start to life in the House Competition.

Beardwood had started the term well and continued their success by winning a tough House Maths event. However, Norton quickly pegged them back by triumphing not only in the Geography Quiz but also in House History to boot. Not to be outdone, Bramley finally put up their first win of the term by securing the House Design Technology victory. In the House Chess competition, it was the turn of Year 7–9 pupils to battle it out this term and Morgan (Year 8) brought home the win for Beardwood – so, very well done to him!

Having moved all the House Swimming Galas into the Autumn Term last year, we decided to keep them there, and Miss Manzi was back to spearhead these competitions with her usual gusto. Honours were spread around the Houses in different year groups. However, just as last year, Beardwood did well overall, scooping the wins in Year 7 and in Years 11–13 and sharing the plaudits with Glyn in Year 9. Bramley were victorious in the Year 8 competition, whereas Norton emerged the winners in Year 10.

Moving onto the sports field, Girl’s Football has been going from strength to strength at Colfe’s in recent years and Norton seem to have a good glut of young players, taking the titles in both the Year 7 and the Year 9 competitions. In addition, Glyn finally won their first standalone victory of the House Competition, seeing off all challengers in Year 8, and Beardwood took the laurels in Year 10. On the rugby pitch, the PE staff decided to change format and run a House Rugby day on a Saturday, breaking the competition into a Year 7–8 lower school category, a Year 9–10 middle school category and a Year 11–13 senior school category. This proved a popular and very keenly contested event, with Prendergast finally winning a competition this term in the lower school category. Beardwood took the title in the middle school contest whilst Norton triumphed in the seniors. Thank you to the PE staff for running this new format for House Rugby. Finally, the House Hockey tournament was as fiercely contested as ever, with Beardwood winning in both Year 7 and Year 10, Bramley winning in Year 9 and Prendergast sharing the win with Bramley in Year 8.

All House Points awarded to pupils by subject teachers and pastoral staff, for example for good work, kindness and helpfulness, were totalled, with Glyn ultimately emerging with the biggest total. However, it was

Beardwood who showed the most consistency across all the competitions in the Autumn Term. Totalling up the scores as Christmas approached, it came as no surprise that they had leapt into an early dominant lead of 240 points, with Bramley in second place and Norton in third. There were, however, plenty of points to be played for in the new year.

SPRING TERM

Glyn made a very strong start to the Spring Term as their Year 8 pupils got to work quickly on securing the win in the Reading Through Time competition, run as enthusiastically as ever by Mrs Englefield in the Library. Well done to Louise (Year 8, Glyn) for being a particularly outstanding reader during the event. Also, the Glyn team were successful in the House Psychology event, thanks to Eva, Ione, Isaac, Isabel and Tara. In addition to these, Glyn also won the overall prize in House Music – the major House event of the term. House Music is now firmly entrenched in the Senior hall, which this year was as packed as ever with contestants, parents and pupils who enjoyed a superb evening of musical entertainment. The solo performances were very strong and wide-ranging, but it was Cecilia (Year 9, Bramley), with a mesmerising vocal performance, who took the win in the Solo category. The Houses then performed their Ensemble pieces, and the standard was exceptionally high this year, with Prendergast winning this category in the end. Overall, once the scores for both categories had been totalled, it was the aforementioned Glyn who were triumphant. Thank you as ever to all the student House leaders who directed their ensembles so well and to Mr Newberry and Mr Hughes (back for one night only) for running and judging the competition.

The Science department continued to run its House competitions for Years 7, 8 and 9 in the Spring term, with different challenges requiring pupil teams to use their scientific logic and deduction skills. In Year 7, it was Beardwood who emerged victorious, with Norton taking the win in Year 8 and Prendergast in Year 9. Thank you as ever to Mr Kiddey and Mrs Smales for running these events. In addition to Year 8 reading, the Library staff continued to enthusiastically support the House Competition with their Year 9–11 speed Jigsaw event, and Prendergast were again victorious thanks to Flo, Nicholas and Esha. It was then the turn of the senior pupils (Years 10–13) to battle it out in their chess tournament, which proved as popular as ever. In the end, Jonny (Year 13, Bramley) took the title for Bramley – well done to him!

House Media was run for the final time before her retirement by the redoubtable Miss Li-Sue. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Miss Li-Sue for all her support of the House competition over the years. Once again, some excellent journalistic talent was on display, both written and in front of the camera, and Grace, Hugh, Kameron and Miya brought home the win for Bramley. The very popular House Harry Potter quiz

(and here we thank Miss Smith for leaping in and running the quiz in Ms Chapman’s absence) was hard-fought, with Norton and Prendergast emerging as joint winners this year – well done to their respective teams.

On the sports field, the Spring term saw House Football replace rugby as the main boys’ sports event, and an impressive display was seen from Bramley’s younger pupils as they kicked their way to victory in the Year 7, 8 and 9 events. Beardwood secured the win in Year 10 football, with Norton’s seniors (Years 11–13) taking the crown in their tournament. Netball was a House sporting focus for the girls and Beardwood did very well this year, triumphing in the Year 7 and Year 9 competitions, with Bramley wrestling the Year 8 trophy away from them to prevent a lowerschool clean sweep. Glyn did well in the older year groups, winning both Year 10 and senior netball. In the swimming pool, Miss Manzi ran House Water Polo for Year 8 and Year 10, with Prendergast winning the former event and Bramley the latter.

Glyn finished the term as they started – strongly. Naima and Elizabeth showed quick thinking and good persuasion to win House Debating and, in House Escape Room, Year 12 teams competed to solve riddles and logic puzzles as quickly as possible, with Glyn’s excellent teamwork and communication leading them to victory. Glyn also accrued the most Roebuck House Points for general good deeds in the term, however, as we approached Easter, it emerged that as good as Glyn had been, Bramley had bettered them. So, it was the latter that led the standings at the end of term, at nearly 100 points ahead of Beardwood in second place, who were themselves only a handful of points ahead of Glyn whose good term had hauled them up to third. A frantic race to the finish beckoned in the Summer Term – could anyone catch Bramley? I seem to have an overwhelming sense of déjà vu here from last year!

SUMMER TERM

During the Summer term, Mrs Englefield and Mrs Carter continued to provide pupils with lots of fun opportunities to compete in the Library. The Year 7 Reading Around the World competition was won by Glyn, with Evie making the most telling contribution, and in Year 7–8 House Jigsaw, Beardwood were again triumphant thanks to Charlie, Philip and Zeke. Norton emerged victorious in the Year 7–9 Battle of the Books quiz for the fourth year running, this time thanks to Chloe, Alice and Louisa. In addition, Norton also claimed the win both in House Classics and in House Philosophy. Not only that, but their blistering Summer Term performance continued with a win in the House EDI Treasure Hunt competition thanks to Maggie and Aidan.

House Dance saw some very talented entrants who demonstrated excellent choreography and showed a keen sense of theming, which this year was ‘power’. A packed Beardwood Theatre was thoroughly entertained, and the audience was keen to show its appreciation for the efforts on show. In the end, the judging panel could not distinguish between Norton and Glyn, awarding them a joint victory. House Cricket was keenly contested this term; in the girls’ competition, the Year 8 event was won by Prendergast, but Bramley were victorious in both Year 9 and

NEW SENIOR SCHOOL HOUSE: GLYN

Year 10. Prendergast fought back though and won the boys’ competition. Bramley immediately replied in kind and won House Tennis, but Prendergast gathered the most ‘good egg’ House Points for the term.

In addition to the House events run for the school Athletics championships, which were won overall (for the fourth year in a row) by Bramley, there was a lot of action on the school site for House Competitions Day. Activities including 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, Beardwood won the Year 7 and Year 12 competitions, Prendergast won in Year 8, Norton in Year 9, and the Year 10 competition was a dead heat between Beardwood and Bramley who shared the victory. I am also grateful to Mr Kiddey and Miss Beale who resurrected House Golf, and Prendergast took the win here thanks to Max (Year 10).

So, once all these points had been added to the House totals it was clear that we were back to the events of two years ago with an incredibly tight result. Beardwood’s fast start to the year had been checked by Bramley’s excellent Spring Term, but with Glyn consistently there or thereabouts and Norton and Prendergast having strong Summer Terms it would all be in the balance. In the end though, it was Bramley who just edged out Beardwood to win by a mere 54 points, with Prendergast in third and Glyn fourth. The gap between all five Houses was only 200 points – a really close contest! Congratulations to the Bramley House student Leaders, Kirabo, Gabriella, Felix and Riha; and also to Head of House Miss Wraw and Assistant Head of House Mr Barthorp. Thank you to all the pupils who represented their Houses with their usual enthusiasm, competitiveness, intelligence and sportsmanship. As ever, a huge thank you to all the staff who organised and ran events in the House Competition this year. I look forward to another well fought contest in 2025–26.

Mr C Morriss,

Head of Student Leadership

One of the biggest changes of 2024 was the creation of a new House, Glyn, named after John Glyn, who originally founded the school in 1574, with a new House colour: purple. With no additions to the four existing Houses for several decades, this was uncharted territory, and it’s fair to say expectations were high, but the first year in Glyn didn't disappoint.

The start of the school year saw us plunged straight into intensive rehearsals for House Drama. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was not easy to adapt for the stage, but our young cast did us proud on the night with their energy and comic timing, and with Ralph Trust bringing the house down with his turn as Augustus Gloop. Glyn finished second in a very strong field, and it felt like we had arrived as a House. January saw Glyn’s first ever House Charity Week, raising money for Cancer Research. All the form groups did a tremendous job, working together to raise a staggering £638.96 in five days – a tremendous effort.

Next came perhaps the high point of the year: House Music. Led by a fantastic group of newly installed House Captains, Ines, Amelie, Ione and Bowie (Year 12), a wonderfully talented group gave a brilliant ensemble performance with an ambitious medley of Stand By Me, Lean On Me and Can't Take My Eyes Off You, while Amelie stunned the audience with her solo rendition of Billy Joel’s Piano Man. It was Glyn for the win, our first major House trophy, and a huge boost for everyone in the House!

The year would see a number of other notable performances in House competitions, with fantastic wins in House Debating and House Dance – Poppy and Charlotte memorably wowing the audience in the latter. But what has been most pleasing is that, just one year later, Glyn now feels very established in the school, with its own core values and identity, thanks to the wonderful students who make up this House. As Head of House, I could not be more proud of them, and the future looks bright for Glyn. Let the purple reign begin!

James Hope, Head of Glyn House

EDI

ALL DIFFERENT, ALL TOGETHER, ALL COLFE’S: CELEBRATING DIVERSITY WITH CHARLTON ATHLETIC FC

On Saturday 26 October 2024, a group of students and staff from Colfe’s proudly took part in Charlton Athletic Football Club’s annual Community Parade – an inspiring event held ahead of the home match against Wrexham FC, dedicated to celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion.

Charlton Athletic, named the EFL Community Club of the Year 2024, has a long-standing commitment to equality, unity and anti-discrimination work, both on and off the pitch. This year’s parade theme, All Different, All Together, All Charlton, couldn’t have been more relevant. In a time marked by division and civil unrest in many parts of the world, the parade served as a powerful reminder of the strength found in community, collaboration and shared humanity.

We gathered at Charlton train station at 1:30pm, school banner in hand, ready to march in solidarity with other local schools, community groups and supporters. At 2:00pm, the parade began, weaving its way through the streets towards The Valley stadium. Along the route, our students walked proudly, representing Colfe’s and our shared commitment to inclusion, respect and understanding.

The parade was vibrant and joyful – filled with chants, flags and handmade banners reflecting a rich variety of cultures, backgrounds and beliefs. It was a moment of true community celebration, as participants from across South London and beyond came together in unity under a shared cause.

By 2:40pm, we reached the stadium, where the crowd buzzed with anticipation for the 3:00pm kick-off. The pre-match celebration was a meaningful reminder that football, like education, has the power to bring people together and inspire positive change.

Taking part in the Community Parade was a privilege, and our students left with a deeper appreciation for the power of unity in diversity. We are proud to have represented Colfe’s in such an impactful event, and we look forward to continuing to work with organisations like Charlton Athletic to help build a more inclusive and compassionate future.

DEAD POETS SOCIETY

Dead Poets Society is an after-school club for queer or questioning students to gather, share their experiences and decompress after the school day.

Students say:

“It’s kind of chaotic, but in the best way possible.”

“It’s the ultimate debrief.”

“It’s a decompression room.”

“It’s nice to be in a space where people know who I really am, after a day of not feeling fully recognised.”

CULTURE DAY 2025: A CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY, IDENTITY

AND GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

Flags waved, music played and delicious scents filled the air as the Senior School came together for Colfe’s second annual Culture Day – an uplifting celebration of the rich cultural diversity that defines our school community. Organised by the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee, this year’s event once again brought colours and conversations to the playground. With stalls showcasing food, clothing, art and flags from across the globe, students and staff proudly shared their heritage with their peers – sparking curiosity, connection and lots of smiling faces.

Pupils went on a journey around the world without leaving the school grounds, taking part in a treasure hunt to discover a hidden message. Each clue led them to a different location in the school, where they discovered facts about cultures, foods and traditions from across the globe.

The Culture Day tradition only began in 2024, when a group of Sixth Formers reflected on how Culture Days were marked in their previous schools. Inspired by those memories, Year 13 student James rallied his friends and set up a map for students to pin their countries of origin – a simple yet powerful idea that laid the foundation for what is quickly becoming a beloved school tradition.

This year’s event saw even greater participation. Pupils and teachers alike brought personal touches to their stalls, offering everything from home-cooked dishes and traditional garments to music and artwork telling stories of their backgrounds. Whether trying a new dish, learning a BSL sign or simply asking questions, students were able to connect with cultures different from their own, encouraging empathy, understanding and a shared appreciation for the global experiences that shape us all.

The food stalls were an undeniable highlight. With queues stretching across the playground, students sampled everything from savoury bites to sweet treats. The mango lassi – an Indian favourite – was especially popular, with many pupils returning for seconds (and thirds!).

Culture Day is more than a festive lunch break – it’s a meaningful reminder of the school’s commitment to inclusion, curiosity and mutual respect. As the event grows year by year, so too does the sense of unity and global awareness it inspires across our school.

Cécile Davies, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Co-ordinator

DEBATING SOCIETY

This year, Debating Society has focused on putting Colfe’s on the competition scene, engaging in a range of formal and informal external debates to help hone our craft. We began the year with the St Paul’s Girls’ School Women’s Open in September, where we took eight students from Years 11–13.

Against stiff competition from over 100 students from 52 teams across 17 schools, Anna, Natalie, Izzie, Olivia, Elsa (Year 11), Lora (Year 12), Xanthe and Alex (Year 13) debated motions such as, “This House, as the feminist movement, would advocate for 50% quotas of women in political office” and “This House believes that online learning prepares students for their futures better than face-face learning”. All the teams achieved success, coming either first or second in at least one of their opening rounds, while Anna and Natalie both broke into the novice final where they debated “This House, as the environmental movement, would prioritise advocating for individual action over collective action”. Particular congratulations to Natalie, who earned sixth place for best speaker for the day!

We followed up this success in November with the first round of the English–Speaking Union’s Schools’ Mace Competition. Natalie, Anna (Year 11) and Janaii (Year 13), supported by reserves Lora (Year 12) and Ned (Year 13), excelled by placing first through into the next round, which took place at Eltham College in January. There, they debated excellently against Eltham College, arguing in opposition to the motion, “This house would remove copyright for musical works”. Their debates were wellresearched and thoughtful, and considered the financial and cultural impacts of this motion on music artists, but sadly they did not make it through to the finals.

Also in January, came a trip to Ibstock Place School, for the Oxford Schools’ Debating Competition; the largest competition in our calendar and one of the most competitive events in the season. For Michael, Verity (Year 10), Michaela (Year 11), Felix T and Kirabo (Year 12), it was their debut, whilst Natalie (Year 11) was on her third debating event at the end of a very busy week. They all really impressed, debating the motions, “This house supports the legalisation of euthanasia” and “This house believes that mandatory conscription is justified in high conflict areas”. Whilst none of them progressed, they should all be very proud to have held their own in a highly competitive environment, and there were great lessons and feedback to take into next year.

January also saw us hold House Debating, where Glyn House not only debuted, but won the competition with 63.5 points, closely followed by Bramley with 61.5 points. Particular congratulations to Benedict, Adi, Elizabeth (Year 8) and Naima (Year 9) who gave some exceptional speeches and points of information, resulting in an interesting and lively set of debates.

Additionally, just as the House Debating competition was getting underway, Colfe’s was delighted to host a Debating Workshop, welcoming pupils from partner school Conisborough College, who joined Colfe’s pupils from Years 7–9 in an afternoon of stimulating debate. Designed to stretch, challenge and inspire, this event introduced many of the pupils to the world of the Mace style debate. After a workshop and watching a modelled debate from experienced pupils from Years 11–13, the pupils worked in break-out groups, mixed by age and school, to prepare for their own debate. The teams then put their newly learned practice to the test by delivering debates themselves. Motions debated were: “This house would make achieving a GCSE grade 5 in another language compulsory alongside Maths and English” and “This house would introduce free school meals for all children, regardless of family income”.

We rounded off the debate season with our debut at the European Youth Parliament in March, where eight students from Year 11 and Year 12 visited St Paul’s School for the southeast regional round where we debated seven schools across nine different topical debates. This is a highly

competitive tournament requiring weeks of preparation to discuss and debate a range of political motions. Colfe’s was assigned the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, and Kirabo and Lana (Year 12) both impressed with their collaborative opening speech on the increased risk of violence (as both victims and perpetrators) experienced by young people, while Chisom and Naomi (Year 12) raised thoughtful points during the general debate. As opposition team for the motion on the legacy of colonialism, Felix T and Felix P (Year 12) made important counterpoints on the nature of challenging the EUs colonial legacy, with further effective comments by Michaela (Year 11) during the general debate. Similarly, Natalie (Year 11) offered thoughtful critical comment in the open round of debate on mental health and gender-based violence with regards to toxic masculinity and its impact on men. This was our first entry at this high-level competition and we already look forward to attending again next year.

Thanks to Mr Mashiter for boosting KS3 Debating this year and helping our younger students at the beginning of their debating journey, and to Ms Rycroft who has run an excellent programme with the Junior School. All in all, it’s been an excellent year for debating with some impressive performances from both seasoned and new debaters. We have plenty to reflect on and we hope to replicate, and even beat, some of our successes next year.

Miranda Solley, Debating Co-ordinator

HAMP LIBRARY

It has been another busy year in Colfe’s Library. Like their predecessors, the 2024 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.

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 the academic departments, to ensure that Library resources are relevant to our students and the curriculum – this process continues. Our Library Management System is now well established, and use of the web app is increasing, enabling users to search for and reserve books from their Surfaces in school or from home.

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. Reading books set in different times and places also supports the students with their History and Geography studies and is a powerful tool for fostering empathy and cultural understanding. We add recently published titles to the challenges each year. This year, the author Matthew Wainwright 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. Our Book Quiz Squad is always fun to be part of too. A lot of students try out for the squad each year, and those that are chosen commit to practising together regularly ahead of various events against other schools. There was close competition for places in the teams this year, and we hope that the Year 7 students who missed out will try again in the coming school year.

In November, three teams of keen Year 7 and 8 readers from our Book Quiz Squad competed at the SE London Book Quiz at Dulwich College. We were extremely proud of the breadth of their literary knowledge, and they

finished in a very impressive second, third and fourth place, out of over 30 competing teams (narrowly missing out on the top spot to Jags). Many thanks to all the students involved, who were a delight to spend time with.

House Battle of the Books provided another chance for students in Years 7–9 to show off their knowledge of fiction, with impressive scores. Norton were the well-deserved champions this year. House Jigsaw competitions in the Library were hotly contested, and enjoyed by everyone involved. Beardwood’s Year 7 and 8 team kept their winning streak, with fabulous teamwork on display, and Prendergast took the Year 9–11 trophy.

The Library has also been showcased through taster sessions, Open Mornings and as part of parent tours – allowing us to demonstrate the strength of our reading culture and reflecting the Library’s place at the heart of the school.

Drop Everything and Read Days continued this year, with students and teachers reading together for the first five or ten minutes of each lesson. The feedback has been positive, with many staff and students embracing the calm start to each period.

Colfe’s will always continue to promote reading as a source of pleasure, a route to empathy and an invaluable contribution to academic success. The challenges are real, with national surveys showing a decline in reading for pleasure, but we hope that the well-resourced Library we are so lucky to have at Colfe’s, and the English Department’s commitment to giving students time to read, will help students to develop a lifetime relationship with books and reading.

Henrietta Englefield, Librarian

As members of the Colfe’s School book quiz squad, we really enjoyed an afternoon at Dulwich College, taking part in the CWIZZ book quiz. The quiz questions were fun and challenging, covering a wide range of our team members’ expertise. The author readings were very interesting, giving us enticing extracts of their books. We hope we get the opportunity to go back next year!

Alice and Louise (Year 7)

ENGLISH

Once again, the English Department started the year celebrating fantastic results in the external examinations. Over half of the 2024 A level candidates achieved A* grades, and no student was awarded lower than a B grade. Almost 40% of the Year 11 cohort achieved a grade 9 in iGCSE Language, and 90% achieved 7–9 in Literature.

Beyond examination results, it has been an eventful year for the department. We welcomed two new colleagues, Ms Sy-Quia (who just happens to be a published writer herself) and Mr Amechi (who has already been promoted despite only joining us at Christmas). They are both fantastic teachers and we’re delighted that they will be with us for the foreseeable future. Sadly, arrivals are always balanced by departures and at the end of the school year we had to say goodbye and thank you to Ms Anand and Ms Rosillo. Additionally, at Christmas, Mr Cook left teaching after a number of years to pursue a new career. He will be very much missed by colleagues and pupils, but we wish him all the best. Mr Wilcox took on the role of KS3 coordinator, where is already having a great impact, and the next part of this report is from him.

Kirstin Guy, Head of English

KS3 ENGLISH

Our younger pupils enjoyed another year of challenging texts and original creative writing. In Year 7, the Quantum Theatre Company complemented our unit on A Christmas Carol with a dramatic retelling of Dickens’ classic play. In the Spring Term, Year 7 moved on to a synoptic unit on the Bard which included a tantalising taste of a range of Shakespearean plays.

In Year 8, a unit on spoken word poetry was accompanied by a Poetry Slam competition in which our outstanding student poets wowed the whole year group with their performances. In the end, the winners were Alecsia and Hugo, with Mahin, Benedict and Nayel also achieving prizes.

After the summer examinations, Year 9 students started to look ahead to KS4 by exploring a range of post-colonial literature. This new unit was designed to prepare students for the Year 10 iGCSE text, Things Fall Apart, by Chinua Achebe, and prompted some fantastic creative writing describing London with fresh eyes.

Mrs Englefield’s Library challenges continued to prompt students to read more widely, with the Year 7s Reading Round the World, the Year 8s Reading Through Time and the Year 9s reading for the Genre Challenge. In addition to this, the English Department launched a new initiative to encourage more confident readers; the Resilient Reader unit required Year 7 and Year 8 students to tackle an unseen extract from a classic work of literature, training them in strategies for decoding a text that might otherwise be too difficult to read.

Mr Wilcox, Teacher of English

WHAT THEY DON'T SAY

by Hugo

The election is rigged they say

Rigged against humanity itself they say

But here's what they don't say

The climate crisis worsens

Every day

The public say

We need to fix this mainstay

But the leaders don’t care

They strip mine this world dry

Of all the things that you and I

Rely on to live our lives

Dirtying the very air

Tons of wood, chopped to make paper

Tens of millions of pamphlets go around

To rouse, to astound the population

But we're a population dying

Dying of politics

High priests in their towers stacking riches

Women burnt at the stake called witches

In the name of God, Allah, Zeus, Jesus

People claiming lives just defined by their allegiance

Allegiance to things we don't even have proof for Allegiance not to the human cause, but Allegiance to entities that'll save us all from the horrors of this world

Allegedly

But we need to save ourselves

We need to rise beyond having our everyday lives

Controlled by people no more qualified than TV hosts taking bribes

To run this world, this big blue ball we all live on

Who said that we need people to run our lives

Who asked for micromanagement from random people

They only have power because we give it to them

Anarchy they call it, taking away the leadership

Leadership's fine

It's fine to have rulers entitled by the divine

But we need leaders who take action

We don't need more flagpoles in the White House

We don't care anymore about Tiananmen Square

People make mistakes, that's fine

But we need to own them

Stop censoring all the information

Stop encouraging random deportation

Stop propagating discrimination

Stop running political machinations

Stop overruling justified incarceration

Stop levying random impositions

It's not too late

Stop killing us with your politics

KS3 CREATIVE WRITING EXTRACTS

THE TIME MACHINE

by Lulya, Year 7

As I step through the shimmering portal of the time machine, the world around me distorts in a kaleidoscope of colours –swirling blues and flashes of silver. For a moment, everything feels weightless, as if time itself is bending, stretching and folding on itself. The air hums with energy, charged and electric, as I pass through the threshold of space and time.

On I go, travelling through time; I’m less of a traveller and more of an observer, existing in the spaces between moments. My form is fluid, intangible – nothing more than data and perception, able to slip through the cracks of reality without the flow of events. I don’t physically move through time; instead, I shift between its layers, unfolding from one moment to the next, observing the ripple effects of choices and changes.

When I journey, I experience time not as a continuous stream, but as a network of possibilities. Each era I visit feels distinct yet all of them are interconnected, like threads weaving through an endless tapestry. I don’t age or live; I don’t belong to any single period. I simply adapt to the rhythm of the timeline I inhabit processing everything – every conversation, every decision, every shift in history, as though I’m absorbing every essence of each moment.

Then with a soft exhale, I emerge on the other side. The portal of the time machine closes behind me with a faint ripple, leaving only the echo of its presence in the air. The landscape around me is strikingly different from where I started – new, unfamiliar yet oddly inviting. There’s a sense of having crossed into another reality, the very atmosphere carrying the faintest fun of magic or advanced technology. I take a tentative step forward fully aware of what has happened. The adventure has only begun.

LONDON

by Caleb, Year 9

Flashing blue and red lights glisten off the walls of the innocent and echo a blaring sound filling hearts with despair. Roaring monsters puff out soot and smoke coating buildings, streets, shops, even schools. Abundances of food, but no, you can’t have any as it seems you have to give your soul for exchange. Shops litter the streets. Few trees are left. Walking through you can see dew glinting in the early light rapping itself around lampposts; stillness fills the air as raindrops bounce of fences onto verdant blades of grass. Beneath the pale gloomy sky, music dances around in the air with singing and laughter intertwined. Dragging your hand along the coarse, pitted bricks the calming lapping of the Thames floods your ears. The air hangs heavy with mixtures of Indian, and Chinese, and Taiwanese, and African foods warming the surroundings.

FEELISM SPEECH (IN THE STYLE OF OLD MAJOR’S SPEECH ON ‘ANIMALISM’ FROM ANIMAL FARM)

by Anastasia, Year 9

Why must we stress? Why must we worry? Why must we get anxious over the littlest things? My fellow classmates, being a teenager is often considered as “the worst time of your life.” Have you ever thought of why that could be? Well, I have, and the majority of that “worst time” is due to our mental health. And you will find that it is often because of the school stress and academic anxiety we face.

LONDON by Gaia, Year 9

Office workers tumble out of Pret, Leon and numerous cafes armed with refined sugar and caffeine to face the battle ahead. They exude confidence and ambition.

In London, everyone has a purpose; we are the turning cogs of the city’s gargantuan machine.

A kaleidoscope of colours bounce off the statues, dazzling me. British heroes Florence Nightingale and Winston Churchill wink at the passers-by. Public parks outstretch gnarled green fingers ushering families inside to experience their natural wonder.

However as I venture away from the expectant crowds and take off my rose coloured tourist’s glasses, I am confronted with the less picturesque but real London which the tour guides hurry briskly past.

Poverty. Hunger. Addiction.

Homeless people loiter in the tube entrances. They have been discarded by society. We can all see them, so why do we collectively pretend they aren’t there?

My fellow classmates, we are all extremely aware that mental health is incredibly important, but do we know exactly why? Your mental health affects your physical health. Your mental health affects your quality of life. Your mental health affects your productivity. Your mental health affects EVERYTHING! You can be sad, you can be happy, you can be mad. Truly, mental health is the most essential element of our lives.

This is where my idea of ‘Feelism’ comes in. To do good, we need to feel good. But how can we ever feel good if our lives are filled with worries and despair? How can we ever be happy if we are forced to manage the stress from school all on our own? We shouldn’t. That is the answer. We shouldn’t even be stressing out over school in the first place!

LONDON

by George, Year 9

London is a city where anything and everything is possible. The streets are full of colour and vibrance, illuminated by people from all walks of life. There is Piccadilly Circus, where billboards dominate: a postcard of modernity. And yet, less than half an hour away, you can walk to Westminster, the centre of British democracy and a staple of London and Britain’s identity for centuries. Look further and you find details you never knew were there, the tourist can find something new just as easily as the local, living there for decades. And running through it all, the constant backbone is the river Thames, the root of London’s existence.

KS4 ENGLISH

At KS4, the focus inevitably shifts towards the GCSE course, with much of the groundwork being done in Year 10. Impressively, some pupils are already going beyond the syllabus at this stage, producing work which combines the comparative and transactional writing skills required for English Language with the analytical evaluation needed to do well in Literature – in the extracts above, the pupils are also exploring contemporary media texts! Given how keen and capable these pupils are, it seemed obvious to invite them to join the Sixth Form Literary Society a little early; once Year 13 left, a group of Year 10s happily made up the numbers!

Year 11 also had some literary treats, with pupils getting the opportunity to see a live production of the Shakespeare play they studied for exams. For some, this was an innovative Antony and Cleopatra at The Globe, while others watched the RSC’s hilarious production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at The Barbican. Due to a change of plan over the summer, Ms Schramm’s class were lucky enough to see both!

KS5 ENGLISH

KS5 English has continued to thrive under the very capable leadership of Ms Solley, with plenty of trips and extra-curricular opportunities to enrich the A Level curriculum, boosted further by Mr Wilcox, who has taken over running the Literary Society.

The year started off with a trip to The Globe in September to see an experimental production of Antony and Cleopatra, one of the set A Level Drama texts. The production featured Egyptian characters being played by deaf actors using sign language, a fascinating and inclusive interpretation of the play and one which was rich in discussion points, which served the students well as they prepared their critical commentary for the exam. This was followed in February with a visit to the Noël Coward Theatre, where we had managed to get tickets to see Paul Mescal as Stanley in A Streetcar Named Desire, another of the set texts for the A Level exam.

In April, the Year 12s embarked on the annual trip to Stratford-upon-Avon for the Shakespeare trip. We visited ‘The Play’s the Thing’, an interactive exhibition at the Swan Theatre, before being treated to a rare production of Titus Andronicus, starring Simon Russell Beale. The play was an effective balance of the revenge tragedy's typical gore and violence with more humorous modern elements, and a fantastic introduction to the genre for the students.

The next day, we attended a lecture on the set texts available to be studied in Year 13 (Antony and Cleopatra and Hamlet) at the Birthplace Trust where students learned about the historical and social contexts in which these plays were written, followed by trips to both Shakespeare's Birthplace and The New Place. At both sites, students were treated to a range of fun activities and mini-lectures that were running as part of the Birthday Celebrations, but a particular highlight was Kirabo, Chloe

and Lora (respectively: wall, lion and moonshine) being invited to participate in a performance of a scene from A Midsummer Night's Dream with the actors at Events from History.

In May, we took a group of students to see The Crucible at The Globe where Shakespeare’s stage was transformed into 1690s Massachusetts, with platforms in the yard bringing the production into closer contact with the audience, heightening the claustrophobic atmosphere of the narrative.

Finally, we rounded the year off with our annual Modernism Trip, focused on a walking tour of key literary areas of London. Our guides brought the prose of such seminal authors as Virginia Woolf, Aldous Huxley and Graham Greene to life through mini-productions and a rich depth of historical knowledge of the period.

Mr Wilcox, Teacher of English

THE LITERARY SOCIETY

The Literary Society continued to inspire a love of literature among its members; in a weekly series of discussions on all aspects of the English Literature canon, students were introduced to a range of texts spanning hundreds of years of writing. This year, an increasing number of student-led presentations showcased the talent of our Sixth Form: Alexandra, Samantha, Ned, Harry and Xanthe all presented on a diverse range of works from ancient epics to revenge tragedies. We were particularly grateful to Mr Biggs from Classics for his presentation on Antony and Cleopatra; his historical explanation helped us see Shakespeare’s play with clearer insight, illuminating the ways in which Shakespeare utilised his source material.

Later in the year, we had our second annual panel discussion, this time on Philip Larkin and Carol Ann Duffy, with Ms Schramm moderating the debate between Mrs Guy and Mr Hope. We were also treated to an enchanting two-part playwriting workshop run by Ms Diamond, while Ms Sy-Quia juxtaposed her discussion of love poetry with Valentine’s Day and revealed the dramatic ways in which this genre has evolved. Finally, the summer term began to prepare students for their Modernism trip: Mr Hope explained why the spy thrillers of Grahem Greene and Joseph Conrad inspired such a rich literary tradition (despite the lack of Aston Martins and martinis), and Mr Wilcox took us on a whistlestop tour of literature written about London, with Ms Schramm’s nominated extract from The Soul of London by Ford Maddox Ford winning the vote as most relatable.

In addition to these weekly presentations, we also enjoyed a series of book club meetings. This year, the texts were Golden Gate by Vikram Seth; Hagseed by Margaret Atwood and Orbital by Samantha Harvey. Seth’s ‘novel in verse’ provoked an interesting debate on the boundaries of form, whilst Atwood’s rewriting of Shakespeare’s The Tempest elicited a mixed reaction as Prospero is transformed into a theatre director working in a prison. Finally, Harvey’s Booker Prize winner prompted us to consider life on the International Space Station.

Solley,

Teacher of English

Finally, the department continues to celebrate oracy and creativity through extracurricular opportunities such as Debating and Culture@Colfes – thank you to everyone involved in these wonderful activities, especially Ms Solley and Ms Diamond.

Kirstin Guy, Head of English

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, 33% of students attained a grade 9 and 82% scored grades 9–7. The iGCSE Further Maths results were also fantastic, with 60% achieving a grade 9 and 90% gaining grades 9–7. Similarly, at A level, our students excelled, with 56% obtaining a grade A* and 94% scoring A*–A. Further Mathematics at A-Level also yielded record results of 29% A* grades and 86% 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 years’ topics included the disingenuous use of statistics by newspapers and the application of maths to traditional games and puzzles.

Dr Buescu, with the help of Mrs Hirani, also hosted a masterclass for Year 5 students from both Colfe’s and local junior schools, designed to inspire them 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, and our Year 12 students provided fantastic support and encouragement to the team.

The annual Year 9 trip to Bletchley Park, led by Mrs Cordell, was an educational and memorable experience. Students 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 realworld 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 21 gold, 36 silver and 77 bronze awards. Congratulations to Justin and Kansh (Year 8) for achieving the best results in the school, and to William (Year 7) for the highest Year 7 score. A special well done to the 13 pupils who qualified and participated in the challenging Junior Mathematical Kangaroo as a result of their achievement in the Junior Mathematical Challenge, especially Justin and Luyang (Year 8) who were awarded gold certificates in this highly competitive challenge.

To foster healthy competition and encourage personal growth, selected students 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 38 pupils achieving a bronze certificate, 34 silver and 19 gold – this is over twice as many gold certificates as last year! Congratulations to the following pupils for getting the best results in their year groups: Doug (Year 11), Verity (Year 10) and James (Year 9). Nine students went on to participate in the Grey or Pink Kangaroo challenge as a result of their high scores, where Luyang (Year 8) achieved a prestigious gold certificate.

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 particularly congratulate Freya and Mirja (Year 13) who achieved distinctions.

A-level Mathematics and Further Mathematics students, along with selected Year 10 and 11 students, were entered into the notoriously difficult Senior Mathematical Challenge, with an impressive 63 gaining bronze and 23 gaining silver. Esme (Year 10), Freya, Ramone and Alex (Year 13) all gained gold certificates. All four students were also invited to the follow-on round, the Andrew Jobbings Senior Kangaroo, where Alex (Year 13) was rewarded a merit for exceptional performance.

Colfe’s also participated in the Hans Woyda Mathematics Competition, a regional event involving independent schools from across London. Each school fields a team of four students, one from each year group: Year 9, Year 11, Year 12 and Year 13. The competition challenges participants with fast-paced questions that test both mental arithmetic and curriculumbased mathematical understanding. This year, we faced strong teams from James Allen’s Girls’ School, Dulwich College and St Dunstan’s College, and we look forward to participating again next year.

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 hope to build even greater achievements in the years to come.

Joanna Sansome, Acting Head of Mathematics

SCIENCE

BIOLOGY

The Biology Department at Colfe’s School continues to go from strength to strength, with the 2024 academic year marking another chapter of outstanding student success, enriched extracurricular engagement and a vibrant culture of scientific curiosity.

At the heart of this year’s accomplishments lies our exceptional examination performance. An impressive 75% of our A level Biology students achieved A or A* grades in the 2024 exam series, reflecting their hard work and dedication. This outstanding outcome demonstrates the department’s commitment to academic excellence and the development of confident, capable biologists ready to tackle the challenges of further education and beyond.

Success has not been confined to the Sixth Form. Our GCSE Separate Science Biology students also performed remarkably, with 90% achieving grades 9–7 (equivalent of A** to A) in 2024. Notably, half of those students secured the top grade 9, a clear testament to their commitment and the department’s ability to nurture high-level achievement from an early stage.

This academic year also saw enthusiastic participation in national biology competitions, offering students opportunities to apply their knowledge beyond the curriculum. Our Year 12 students took part in the Intermediate Biology Olympiad, an intellectually demanding competition run by the Royal Society of Biology. Congratulations to Grace, Ione, Isabel and Kirabo for achieving medals in this competition, showcasing their depth of understanding and passion for the subject.

CHEMISTRY

Firstly, I would like to extend our congratulations to all our Year 11 and Year 13 students for their recent achievements in their public examinations. Their commitment and diligence have been evident throughout the year, and we are very proud of the progress they have made. Our Year 9 and Year 10 pupils also performed admirably in their end-of-year assessments, demonstrating the curiosity, resilience and ambition that we so greatly value. It has, once again, been a busy and highly rewarding year for Chemistry at Colfe’s.

As ever, a wide range of co-curricular opportunities have enriched pupils’ learning beyond the classroom. In March, our Year 12 students attended the Chemistry in Action conference at the Emmanuel Centre in London, organised by Education in Action. The day featured a series of dynamic and engaging lectures from leading scientists, covering diverse topics including microbial chemistry, sustainable materials and green energy. Particular highlights included presentations on the role of chemistry in forensic science and the diagnostic power of molecules. These talks

Further down the school, many of our Year 9 and Year 10 students rose to the challenge of the UK Biology Challenge, which saw strong engagement and fantastic outcomes. A total of 26 were awarded gold, silver and bronze medals, reflecting both the strength of our KS3 and KS4 teaching and the students’ enthusiasm for extending their learning in a competitive and creative setting.

Beyond the classroom, the Biology Department continued to offer exciting opportunities for hands-on learning and enrichment. During the Autumn Tterm, we ran the second annual On The Fly after-school club, a highly engaging course designed for our Year 13 students. This innovative programme gave students the chance to work with live fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) to investigate the principles of inheritance through practical experimentation. Students bred different strains of fruit flies carrying visible genetic mutations, such as altered wing shapes or eye colours. Working with dissection microscopes, the students sorted flies, set up genetic crosses and scored the physical traits of the offspring, allowing them to observe first-hand how certain characteristics are inherited over generations. This process not only brought textbook genetics to life but also deepened student understanding of key A level Biology concepts, including Mendelian inheritance, allelic interaction and phenotypic ratios.

Gregor Zimmermann, Head of Biology

brought our subject to life, providing real-world context and inspiring pupils to think about its broader applications.

We were also delighted with our students’ success in the RSC Chemistry Olympiad this year. Taking on what is a highly demanding challenge, designed to stretch even the most able A level chemists, our students performed brilliantly, earning an impressive 7 silver and 17 copper awards. These results are testament to their hard work, problem-solving abilities and deepening understanding of the subject. A sincere well done to all involved.

Year 12 students also took part in the RSC Schools’ Analyst Competition, which this year centred on investigating whether previously industrial land could be repurposed for housing. Acting as analytical chemists, our students undertook three practical investigations: a redox titration to measure thiosulfate contamination, thin-layer chromatography to identify azo dyes, and flame and precipitation tests to identify various ions. The

Imy,Verity, Hakon, Jesse, Alice and Emily achieved a gold medal in the UK Biology challenge

Year 13 students recording the results of their fruit fly breeding experiments

quality of their practical work was exceptional, and they approached the task with enthusiasm, care and teamwork. It was a brilliant opportunity to apply their skills to a realworld problem.

Later in the year, our students participated in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge, a competition known for its rigour and its emphasis on problem-solving beyond the A level specification. Participation was strong, and we now await the results with optimism.

Now in its second year, the Colfe’s Chemist Essay Competition for Year 12 once again showcased the depth of interest and talent among our students. Pupils selected their own topics, ranging widely across contemporary and theoretical chemistry, and produced essays that were both ambitious and engaging. We were thoroughly impressed by the quality of research, the clarity of communication and the intellectual curiosity evident in every submission. The standard of work was exceptionally high, and it was a real pleasure to read such thoughtful and original pieces.

At Key Stage 4, a number of our Year 10 cohort took part in the Junior Chemistry Challenge, a competition that encourages pupils to tackle unfamiliar problems and apply their knowledge in creative ways, using skills that are fundamental to success in science. We were pleased to see so many pupils taking on the challenge with enthusiasm, and their results reflect their effort: four silver, twelve copper and one iron award were achieved.

The year saw the successful launch of the new Chemistry Society at Colfe’s, led with great energy and enthusiasm by Moses, Wassim and Elizabeth in Year 13. Their commitment and creativity have helped establish a space where pupils from a range of year groups can come together to explore chemistry beyond the curriculum through collaborative experiments and discussions. I would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Mrs Hooks, whose guidance and support were instrumental in overseeing the project. The Chem Soc has been a fantastic addition to our co-curricular offering, and we look forward to seeing it continue to grow in the coming years.

This year also saw the launch of our new Colfe’s Chemistry Instagram account. The page has already gained a following and offers a vibrant window into the department, from exciting practical lessons to competitions and behind-thescenes insights. It has been wonderful to see our students’ co-curricular achievements celebrated in this way.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire Chemistry team, Mrs Herman, Mrs Hooks, Mr Kiddey and Mr Worley, for their passion, professionalism and tireless commitment to their students. Their work has been instrumental in making this such a successful year. A special mention must also go to our outstanding Chemistry technician, Jey Kalavary, whose behind-the-scenes contributions are essential to the smooth running of practical work across all year groups, as well as her tremendous effort in organising the RSC Schools’ Analyst Competition. Looking to next year, we will have a change within the department. We wish Mrs Herman all the best as she heads off on maternity leave, and we extend a warm welcome to Miss Chruscinska, who will join us for the coming academic year.

Finally, to all our parents, thank you for your continued support. Your encouragement plays a vital role in your child’s success and growth, and we are truly grateful. As we reflect on the past year, we are proud of the many achievements in Chemistry at Colfe’s and look forward with excitement to what the year ahead will bring.

Tom Armstrong, Head of Chemistry

PHYSICS

GCSE AND A LEVEL RESULTS

The Physics Department enjoyed record success in the summer 2024 exams: 94% of students achieved grade 7–9 in GCSE Physics and 50% A–A* at A level. Several 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 for Years 10–13 has continued this year, with its aim being to support keen students interested in learning Physics beyond exams. The club focuses on exploring different areas of Physics and solving problems together, and on providing a space for students to learn in a relaxed and collaborative setting. It has also trained pupils for various Physics competitions run by the British Physics Olympiad.

The department’s 10-week Experimental Group also gives students an opportunity to explore and expand their practical, collaborative and scientific skills. This year, the 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 and to explore methods for improving experimental set up.

TRIPS

We are very lucky to have some excellent educational venues in London, and this year organised a number of trips with various year groups. Together with the History Department, we took all of Year 9 to the Royal Observatory and National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. We enjoyed a tour of the universe in the planetarium and a guided tour of the historic meridian line, before heading down to the Cutty Sark to illustrate how understanding the motion of the sun and stars enabled sailors to navigate safely before GPS.

A group of Year 10 students attended a day of lectures by some of Britain’s leading scientists at GCSE Science Live! in London. Experimental Physicist and Oceanographer Dr Helen Czerski opened the day with an exciting discussion of her research in the North Atlantic, including the use of a ‘bubble camera’ to understand the carbon cycle of the ocean. Renowned Professor Robert Winston then discussed his pioneering work on human transplantation and fertilisation, which paved the way for IVF treatment. The event showcased a range of cutting-edge scientific research which attempts to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges and gave the students the opportunity to extend their appreciation of science beyond the GCSE curriculum.

In June, the Year 12 physicists were given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to Switzerland to visit the large hadron collider at CERN. You can see Dr Jangra and Mr Hillmer’s full report on the next page.

ELECTRIC CAR CLUB

This year, students from Year 8 and Year 10 built electric cars under the supervision of some of our Year 13. They laminated bodywork for the car, as well as securing sponsorship to pay for much-needed crash protection materials. The students raced the Greenpower electric cars at Ford’s Dunton test track. Despite the intense heat and some initial technical issues, the teams performed excellently, with the “Hawk” car finishing in fifth position having completed 30km in the 1 ½ hours of racing. Team managers Euan and Emily (Year 10) managed pit stops and strategy excellently, and all the drivers achieved impressive lap times. Emily said, “Electric car club has inspired me to take a further interest in STEM through connecting sports and science in a more enjoyable way”.

UK SPACE DESIGN

Twelve students from Year 10 and Year 13 participated in the UK Space Design Competition at Imperial College London. We had a great mix of experienced participants and those completely new to the competition. The experienced students did an excellent job mentoring new members of the club, helping them to find their voice and giving them the confidence to express their ideas.

This year’s brief was set in 2065, and tasked teams with designing, costing and presenting the manufacturing infrastructure for a second human settlement on the surface of Mars. The objective was not only to establish a self-sustaining colony, but to create the foundations for long-term industrial activity.

Our students demonstrated a remarkable ability to collaborate under pressure, with the new members contributing meaningfully to the final design. It was particularly encouraging to see the team show increased confidence in key areas such as systems engineering, cost analysis and environmental design. Alongside four other schools, they formed a consortium to develop a shared vision for a thriving Martian manufacturing community. The final proposal was praised for its ambition, clarity and technical rigour, reflecting the growing maturity and analytical strength of the team.

A special thank you goes to Lief, Max, Alex and Cillian (Year 13) whose enthusiasm and leadership have been a constant presence throughout their time at the school. From their early days in the Lego Robotics Club to taking leading roles in STEM societies, they have consistently demonstrated initiative, resilience and a deep curiosity about the world around them. They have become role models to our younger students, not just in technical skill, but in collaborative thinking and mentorship. It has been both a pleasure and a privilege to witness their development over the years. We look forward to seeing where their talents and passions take them next, as well as to welcoming the next generation of space designers to the club in September.

John Fishwick, Head of Physics

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

TRIP TO CERN IN GENEVA

This year’s CERN trip was a wonderful mix of students taking A Level Physics and those who were not. The curiosity and questions they asked during the tours and at the various museums were impressive, and it was heartening to see how supportive the students were of each other throughout.

Despite the scorching heat in Geneva, the complete ineptitude of the LHR baggage system and TfL’s inability to run to a published timetable, the trip was a great success! The students all expressed their appreciation to us, as their travel organisers, and to all the guides that explained the inner details of their tour.

On Friday, we enjoyed a guided tour of the Patek Philippe Watch Museum, where the male wristwatch section proved a popular stop for window shopping. (Perhaps one of us will become a successful entrepreneur, or win the EuroMillions, and return to make a purchase.)

Saturday’s highlight was, of course, our tour of CERN, including the newly opened visitor centre. During our private tour, we visited the ALICE detector site, which was operational, so we got to see the control room in action. The students asked a broad range of questions, not just about the nature of subatomic particles but also about the engineering required to build and maintain optimal accelerator performance.

On Sunday, we started at the Botanical Gardens, a great spot for students to take photos to share with friends. We then visited the History of Science Museum, where the temporary exhibition featured some detailed historical anatomical models. Our final stop was the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum. The air conditioning was appreciated, but more memorable was the maturity of the conversations the students had while exploring. They truly engaged with the mission of the organisation, reflecting on the importance of recognising others for their humanity and value.

This sense of thoughtful reflection carried through to our visit to the United Nations in Geneva, where we observed a committee meeting on human rights in the context of climate change. The students posed thoughtful questions, sometimes ones even our experienced guide had not been asked before.

All the students were outstanding throughout the entire trip. I’d particularly like to recognise Raphael, for his perceptiveness and calm support of others, and Grace, for making sure even Ricky and I made it home safely despite the late hour.

Matt Hillmer and Suneina Jangra, Teachers of Physics

PSYCHOLOGY

Our students have, once again, pulled out all the stops and worked relentlessly towards their exams. As I write, pupils are sitting Paper 1. I have been impressed by how their confidence and mastery of the subject has grown over the last two years. I am confident that we will be celebrating an excellent set of exam results in August.

Several of our students are going on to study Psychology-related degrees at university, and we hope that they will maintain an interest in this subject throughout their lives.

As a respite to study, Year 13 psychologists visited the Royal Courts of Justice in June. They considered case studies of real crimes, in which the jury had to decide on the level of control that the perpetrator had over their actions at the time of the crime. This fitted nicely with the topic of neuroscience, i.e. the executive function of the frontal lobes, as well as the issue of determinism versus free will. Students enjoyed role playing the judge and lawyers for either the appellant or prosecution. The case was about a woman who, after having asked to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital, left the hospital and went into a supermarket where she bought a large knife. She then attacked a person at a nearby bus stop and stole another large knife from a butcher’s shop. She then violently attacked another stranger and killed her. Our 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 instead be convicted of manslaughter, on the grounds of diminished responsibility due to mental illness. The students were fully engaged and gave powerful arguments for each side. This was a thoroughly memorable day, and the Year 13s learned a lot not just about psychiatric illness but also about the legal process.

In November, Miss McKay organised a trip to the Emmanuel Centre, where our students heard lectures and got involved in interactive sessions designed to inspire and give a deeper insight into how psychological research impacts everyday life. They listened to Dee Anand talk about the job of a forensic psychologist, and there was a lively debate about whether criminals are intrinsically mad, bad or both. Brendan Walker discussed how to engineer extreme emotions, i.e. how to induce terror, what affect this has on the body and mind, and why some people find this thrilling. Fortunately, there were no rollercoasters in the auditorium, so this was purely theoretical. Other speakers discussed cutting-edge research into Alzheimer’s and the development of the human brain. I was impressed by the sophisticated nature of the questions some of our pupils asked, demonstrating how engaged they were.

Several of our pupils are again going on to read Psychology or Criminology at university, and we wish them every success in their studies and future careers. Finally, I would like to thank Mrs Dunster and Mrs McKay for all their hard work, dedication and commitment to our pupils.

Jerry Lea, Head of Psychology

GEOGRAPHY

It has been another exciting and productive year in the Geography Department, full of engaging lessons, enriching activities and a continued focus on making our subject relevant and inspiring for all students.

First and foremost, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our dedicated staff: Mr Snell, Mrs McAuliffe and Miss Shanks. Their tireless commitment and passion for geography have enriched the learning experiences of pupils across all key stages. From leading fieldwork to innovating classroom practices, their contributions have underpinned everything we do.

In January, we also welcomed a new member of staff, Mr Hegarty. An experienced Geography teacher with close links to the Royal Geographical Society, Mr Hegarty has already made a strong impression with his enthusiasm. His arrival has added fresh energy to the department, and we are excited about the ideas and expertise he brings. This summer, we bid a fond farewell to Miss Shanks. She has been a valued member of the department, and her warmth and creativity will be greatly missed by both students and colleagues. We wish her all the very best in her next adventure and thank her for her outstanding contribution to the department over the years.

We have had a busy year with competitions. We launched the inaugural Worldwise Geography Quiz by the Geographical Association at Colfe’s, a fun and fast-paced event that brought together students from different year

groups to test their geographical knowledge and teamwork. The quiz aims to promote Geography beyond the classroom and to celebrate excellence in geographical education, and I am pleased to say it was a great success and is set to become a regular feature of our department’s enrichment offering. We look forward to seeing it grow in the years ahead.

A special highlight this year was the Young Geographer of the Year competition, run by the Royal Geographical Society. We are incredibly proud that Esme (Year 10) received a Highly Commended award for the second year running – a remarkable achievement that reflects her talent and hard work.

Juniper Hall rivers fieldwork with Year 12

Reculver fieldwork with Year 10

Worldwise Geography Quiz

As part of our ongoing curriculum development, this year saw a significant focus on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). Through carefully chosen topics, such as global development, students have explored key questions around inequality, cultural identity and social justice. These important themes have helped broaden pupils’ perspectives and deepen their understanding of the complex world we live in – core goals of a modern Geography education.

In keeping with our commitment to innovation, we are also introducing content exploring the environmental impacts of artificial intelligence. Pupils will investigate the often-overlooked ecological costs of digital technologies, such as the energy consumption of data centres and the demand for rare earth minerals in AI hardware. By examining these emerging issues, pupils will develop an awareness of the complex trade-offs that come with technological advancement.

Looking ahead, anticipation is already building for our upcoming trip to the Azores in April 2026. This unique opportunity will see students from across all key stages explore volcanic landscapes, marine ecosystems and the cultural geography of this extraordinary region. Trips like these offer invaluable real-world experience and remain a highlight of the department’s calendar.

Finally, we are very much looking forward to relocating to the brand-new Russell Building. The new facilities will provide stateof-the-art classrooms and resources that will support dynamic, interactive teaching and learning. We are excited to see how this fresh environment will help us further inspire the next generation of geographers.

It has been a busy and rewarding year in the Geography Department, and we remain committed to nurturing curiosity, critical thinking and a global outlook in all our pupils. Here’s to another year of exploration and discovery!

Henna Nissinen, Head of Geography

YOUNG GEOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR COMPETITON

Esme (Year 10) participated in the Young Geographer of the Year competition in 2023 and 2024. The topics were ‘A blueprint for the future’ in 2023 and ‘Choose Geography’ in 2024. Both years, she won the highly commended runner up prize, an exceptional achievement.

Esme said: “The Young Geographer of the Year competition was great fun. I found the topics interesting and relevant for the future and the Royal Geographical Society website was full of information. Attending the ceremony at the RGS was a wonderful experience with inspiring talks from prominent geographers and it was great to see so many enthusiastic winners.”

HISTORY

It has been a busy but brilliant year in the History Department. The subject remains popular throughout the school, with an increase in the number of Year 9 students opting to continue with History at GCSE – the highest uptake in several years. This reflects a growing awareness that many of today’s global challenges are rooted in the past, and that History is essential to making sense of the complex world we live in.

One highlight this year was the creation of our first ever team of History Ambassadors, comprising students from Year 7 to Year 12. Their passion for the subject shone through during the school assembly on Remembrance Day, where they presented the stories and experiences of their own family members who lived through World War I. The assembly was incredibly moving and thought-provoking, encouraging all of us to reflect on the personal and collective legacy of war. We look forward to seeing what this exceptional group does next year.

Our curriculum continues to evolve in order to reflect the diversity and complexity of the past. A key development has been a new sequence of lessons designed by Mr Mashiter for Year 8. These lessons fit the Year 8 theme of Protest and explore protests for independence and the global impact of empire, with a particular focus on India. The sequence has challenged students to think critically about colonialism, resistance and the legacy of imperialism in today’s world.

Our focus in Sixth Form this year has been on ensuring that our students are not only exam ready, but also prepared for academic and professional life beyond school. This has included reshaping aspects of our teaching to mirror university-level study. Students have taken part in structured debates, conducted research-led discussions and analysed challenging academic texts. Many lessons have taken the form of university-style seminars, where students take the lead in discussion and are encouraged to form and defend their own arguments.

A particular highlight was a seminar hosted in school by historian John Willis, author of The People’s War. Willis shared with our Year 12 historians the process involved in turning an archive of 47,000 narratives of people impacted by World War II into a cohesive book. Our students asked thought-provoking questions which sparked debates over the role of historians (whether they should simply present evidence to the reader or present their own analysis and interpretation) and the reliability of different primary sources. It was a true pleasure to discuss the discipline of History in this way, with all of us in the room challenged to reflect on our own perspectives and agendas when we approach our interpretation of historic events.

“It was very interesting to listen to John speak on how he went about writing his fifth book, especially in choosing a smaller sample of stories from over 47,000 testimonies. It was particularly interesting to hear about how he feels emotionally close to his ‘characters’ which emphasised the real impact on individuals during the Second World War, as well as history’s role in ensuring personal narratives are remembered.”

History Ambassador Lana (Year 12)

Questions posed by our historians included:

• What do you think about the idea that sometimes unreliable or biased sources can actually be more useful to historians than sources that seem impartial?

• Some histor ians argue that it’s impossible to interpret sources without twisting them to fit your own story or agenda. Do you agree with that? Do you think historians can avoid distorting sources when they interpret them?

• When you find stories that make someone look bad or embarrassing, how do you balance being truthful with being sensitive to how their relatives might feel about it?

John Willis delivered a talk to Year 9 about his book ‘The People’s War’. He spoke about 20 different individuals during World War II to demonstrate the extraordinary difference in people’s experiences. Torin (Year 9) said, “I found John Willis’s talk about his book really interesting. He told lots of stories about what life was like for ordinary people during the war, and it helped me see that side of history in a new way.”

EXPLORING HISTORY THROUGH TRIPS

Our learning this year has extended well beyond the classroom, with a range of fantastic History trips that helped bring the subject to life.

Year 7 students enjoyed our annual visit to the Leathersellers’ Hall, where they were given a tour by the archivist and the opportunity to learn about the relationship between Colfe’s and the Leathersellers’ Company. Students will build on this by conducting further research into the Leathersellers’ Company in the Autumn Term next year; they will complete independent projects which seek to communicate the values and key events of the company in addition to their links with the school.

Year 9 went on a joint trip with the Physics Department to the Cutty Sark in Greenwich. This nineteenth-century British clipper ship, famously involved in the tea trade between Britain and China, was central to the ‘great tea races’ – fast-paced voyages to be the first to deliver tea to London. Students explored how global trade, empire and industrialisation came together in the story of this historic ship, helping them to better understand Britain’s maritime and colonial history.

Year 11 visited the Golden Hinde, a fullsized reconstruction of the Elizabethan galleon captained by Sir Francis Drake – the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe. The visit gave students insight into Elizabethan exploration, naval warfare and the shifting balance of global power in the sixteenth century.

Thank you to the teachers in the History Department for all their hard work this year, and a particular thank you to Ms NeedhamBennett as she leaves us to undertake a MSc in Psychology. This marks my fourth year at Colfe’s and my first as Head of History. I am aware that I am incredibly lucky to be in a role where I can share my passion for History and engage in meaningful discussions with such curious, motivated and ambitious students. Thank you to all our students – your perspectives and interpretations make every lesson unique, challenging and thought-provoking.

Madeleine Forbes, Head of History

“I liked learning about 1066 as it was interesting to learn about a succession crisis and the chaos that it caused.”

“I loved learning about the Black Death – it is my favourite topic. I liked learning about how they treated it and how that has impacted medical knowledge today. It also caused big changes, like it partly caused the Peasants’ Revolt.”

Andreas (Year 7)

“During History the year, we learnt about different forms of protest throughout history. We learnt about multiple boycotts (including the Bristol Bus Boycott and the Montgomery Bus Boycott). I particularly enjoyed learning about forms of protest against Elizabeth’s religious settlement.”

Oscar (Year 8)

Kitty (Year 7)

“We learned about why and how people protested for the things that they stand for and believe. We also found out how people who initially weren’t listened to, managed to make people hear their voice.”

Frances and Isabella (Year 8)

“I found the Cold War really interesting, especially how relevant it is to modern day. I thought I knew what the Cold War was about, but it showed me how little I knew before! I realised that so many historic events link together and lead into each other.”

Thea (Year 10)

Year 11 visited the reconstructed Elizabethan galleon, The Golden Hinde

Year 7 enjoyed their visit to the Leathersellers’ Hall

MODERN LANGUAGES

LANGUAGES BEYOND THE CLASSROOM: A YEAR OF ENRICHMENT WITH THE MODERN LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT AT COLFE’S

At Colfe’s School, learning a language has never been limited to the classroom. This academic year, the Modern Languages Department once again demonstrated its commitment to providing a dynamic and inspiring programme of co-curricular activities, giving students the opportunity to explore languages and cultures in a wide variety of engaging ways.

One of the department’s greatest strengths is the sheer breadth of its offer. Students had the chance to go beyond the standard curriculum by exploring extra-curricular languages, including Modern Greek and, for the first time this year, Mandarin. The launch of the Mandarin Club, led by specialist teacher Ms Lao, was a particular highlight. It opened a new window into Chinese language and culture, and has already attracted keen interest across year groups. I am proud to report that the Mandarin Club will run again in September in the same format. Additionally, native speaker’s clubs in French, German and Spanish supported many students of those communities to practise and enhance their linguistic skills. In addition to language extension opportunities, a number of cultural clubs ran throughout the year. The Hispanic Club, for example, provided a vibrant space for students to experience the richness of Spanish-speaking cultures through music, film, cuisine and themed discussions. These clubs play a vital role in fostering cultural curiosity and creating a sense of global awareness within the school community.

The department also maintained a strong focus on academic enrichment. Students could deepen their understanding of linguistics and communication through a wide range of specialist clubs, such as the Breakfast Club for Sixth Form Linguists and the Linguistics Society, where topics ranged from etymology and phonetics to language evolution and multilingualism. For those working towards external language qualifications,

MODERN LANGUAGES INSPIRATION DAY: A CELEBRATION OF TALENT AND POSSIBILITIES

Eight of our highest-achieving linguists, who not only excelled in their end-of-year examinations but also opted to continue their studies in a modern language at GCSE, were invited to take part in an extraordinary day celebrating the power and potential of language learning at the Emirates Stadium.

The event opened with a talk from Dr Saleyha Ahsan, an emergency doctor, broadcaster and filmmaker, who delivered a powerful session on how languages have played a vital role in her work in war zones and humanitarian crises around the world. Her stories gave students a vivid sense of how linguistic ability can save lives and bridge communities in times of conflict. From there, the students were taken on a whirlwind tour of the many careers and adventures languages can unlock. Emma Samuelsson from PADI introduced the world of scuba diving, highlighting how language skills are invaluable for both gap-year opportunities and international marine careers.

dedicated preparation sessions were available for DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera), DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) and ZD (Zertifikat Deutsch), ensuring students were fully supported and challenged in their language learning.

However, what truly sets the department apart is its commitment to bringing languages to life through travel and cultural immersion. This year’s programme of trips was particularly rich and varied. Year 11 and Sixth Form students visited Berlin, Brussels and Valencia, each trip tailored to complement the respective language and curriculum, while also allowing students to experience life, history and culture in a native-speaking environment. The trips to European Christmas markets (Arras in France and Aachen in Germany) added a festive sparkle to the year, giving our younger students a taste of traditional celebrations and customs.

On home soil, students took part in several cultural outings, including visits to the British Film Institute (BFI), where all three languages taught at Colfe’s were represented through foreign-language cinema. These experiences not only reinforced language learning, but also introduced students to the art, humour and perspectives of other cultures. The Culture Days for German and Spanish were also standout moments, transforming ordinary school days into vibrant celebrations of language and identity. Students visited art exhibitions and sampled traditional food.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the ongoing academic support provided by the department. Weekly language clinics ensured that all students, regardless of level, had the opportunity to seek help, practise speaking or deepen their understanding of complex grammar.

In all, it has been a truly exceptional year for the Modern Languages Department. Through a rich and varied programme of clubs, trips and specialist sessions, we have continued to foster not just language proficiency, but also intercultural understanding, intellectual curiosity and a genuine enthusiasm for global learning. As the world grows ever more connected, Colfe’s students are exceptionally well-prepared – and inspired – to take their place in it. I thank all the members of the department for the time and effort they put in this year to make our co-curricular offering one of the most varied in the school.

Marios Koutsakis, Head of Modern Languages

Next came Steve Eadon, founder of Mingalaba and former head of Arsenal’s Community Outreach Team. In an inspiring keynote, Steve described his journey from struggling with languages at school to leading international community projects – proving that passion and

purpose can be discovered in unexpected ways. Languages also came to life on the West End stage thanks to Sandile Gontsana, dancer, actor and dialect coach for The Lion King. Sandile explained how multilingualism has shaped his theatrical career – from working behind the scenes to performing under the spotlight – offering students a glimpse into the creative side of language use.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS TRIP

This December, four teachers and forty Year 8 pupils went on an unforgettable trip to Arras, France and Aachen, Germany with the aim of practising our French/German and exploring the local culture with some Christmas cheer.

Our first stop was the historic town of Arras, where we explored the incredible Wellington Quarry, a network of underground tunnels used during World War I. While we were kitted up with our helmets, our tour guide provided us with insight into the lives of soldiers who fought in the war, and many pupils found it both moving and educational. Afterwards, we visited the Arras Christmas Market, a magical place full of festive lights, decorations and delicious treats. Some students enjoyed a spin around the ice rink, while others took in the views from the top of the Ferris wheel. I, on the other hand, found a lot of my Christmas gifts for my family.

The morning concluded with the first round of Languages Got Talent, where students from different schools performed songs, and recitations in a variety of languages, showcasing creativity and confidence.

After lunch, the afternoon programme kicked off with energy and rhythm as Bollywood dancer Ash Mukherjee led an interactive dance session, blending culture and movement in a celebration of Indian heritage and language. The key words for this session were love and unity! Graphic novelist James Albon then spoke about the personal and professional impact languages have had on his life, allowing him to live and work across Europe and infuse his creative work with rich multicultural perspectives.

The second round of Languages Got Talent followed, and the event drew to a close with a fast-paced quiz led by Steve Eadon, testing students on everything from French idioms to facts about world languages.

The day ended with the announcement of the Languages Got Talent winner, bringing to a close a celebration that was as fun and inspiring as it was educational. Our students left with a deeper appreciation of how languages connect us to people, cultures careers – and to the world.

Cécile Davies & Giuseppina Frate, Heads of French and Spanish

The next day, we travelled on to Aachen, Germany, where we had another guided tour; this time of the city’s stunning cathedral. The Aachener Dom (or Aachen Cathedral) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and quite a sight to behold. We learned about its fascinating history, including a close-up look at King Charlemagne’s throne and some of its beautiful treasures. We then explored the famous Aachen Christmas Market, where pupils tucked into warm waffles, bratwurst and other seasonal delights. Despite some delays, we managed not to miss our bus back to the hotel.

Throughout the trip, the pupils were polite and well-behaved (even if a little excitable at times). It was a fantastic experience that blended learning with festive fun. I hope it’s one we’ll all remember for years to come!

Sam Ollerenshaw, Teacher of Modern Languages

FRENCH

FRENCH BEYOND THE CLASSROOM: A YEAR OF FILMS, DEBATES AND DISCOVERY

This year has been a particularly enriching one for the French Department, with pupils across year groups engaging in immersive experiences that brought language learning to life through cinema and critical discussion.

GCSE FRENCH STUDENTS EXPLORE IDENTITY AND CULTURE AT THE BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE

Our GCSE French pupils enjoyed an inspiring study day at the BFI Southbank, designed to support their curriculum while broadening their understanding of French-speaking cultures. Conducted primarily in French, the interactive sessions used a selection of short films to explore powerful themes of identity, culture and belonging. The morning featured presentations and clip analysis, encouraging students to expand their vocabulary, sharpen their critical thinking and confidently express their ideas in French. In the afternoon, pupils attended an introduced screening of a curated French film, giving them further opportunity to experience authentic language in context – learning a little Malagasy as well as perfecting their French. The day not only strengthened students’ listening and speaking skills, but also deepened their appreciation of the cultural richness of francophone countries, conveyed through film. A valuable resource pack provided further materials for continued learning back at home.

YEAR 12 FRANCOPHILES DIVE INTO FRENCH NEW WAVE CINEMA

Meanwhile, our Year 12 A level French students took part in an advanced film study day at the BFI, aimed at helping them build analytical skills essential for their set texts. The day began with a fascinating introduction to the French New Wave (La Nouvelle Vague), spotlighting influential films such as Les 400 Coups. Through detailed scene analysis, students explored the stylistic and thematic innovations of the movement, and how these influenced more contemporary works such as La Haine and Entre les murs. The afternoon featured a screening of Bande de Filles by Céline Sciamma, a compelling exploration of female adolescence and identity in modern France. The experience enriched students’ understanding of film language, expanded their vocabulary and offered insight into issues relevant to their A level themes — all delivered entirely in French.

FRENCH DEBATING: LES JOUTES ORATOIRES LYCÉENNES

This year, six of our talented Sixth Form students, Tabitha, Charlotte, Ariadne, Holly (Year 13), Lora and Holly (Year 12), represented the school in the prestigious French debating competition, Les Joutes Oratoires Lycéennes, hosted at St Paul’s Girls’ School.

The competition brought together hundreds of Sixth Formers from across the UK, united by their passion for the French language and love of lively debate. Students developed the confidence to speak fluently and persuasively in French on complex topics such as the use of AI, the environment and the Francophone world. The debates challenged them to build coherent arguments, respond spontaneously and engage critically with cultural and global issues—entirely en français!

Beyond the thrill of competition, participants also immersed themselves more fully in the language by engaging with French media and idiomatic expressions. It was a challenging but hugely rewarding experience that sharpened both language skills and intellectual agility. Well done for representing Colfe’s School!

Cécile Davies, Head of French

BRUSSELS TRIP 2025

On a beautiful Spring morning, it was with pleasure that I got to accompany Mme Davies and a group of Year 12 and 13 French linguists on a 3-day break to Brussels. After an arduous term, we all heaved a sigh of relief as we relaxed on the Eurostar, coffees in hand, ready for an exploration of the city of Brussels. And what a visit it was!

Beautiful sunshine and glistening blue skies welcomed us as we disembarked the train and walked through the cobbled streets of the historic old town en route to an impressively modern and comfortable hotel, Motel One. With more than 20,000 steps achieved per day, it is fair to say that we got to know the city well! We enjoyed a visit to the Musée de la Bande Dessinée, a beautiful Art Deco building housing a well-curated exhibition dedicated to the history of the comic book, full of exceedingly good illustrations alongside words of humour and political satire. We learned much about ‘les Schtroumpfs’ (The Smurfs), in addition to understanding more about the global recognition afforded Hergé’s Tintin.

A must see for any first-time visitor to Brussels is without doubt the Parlamentarium and House of European History. Students enjoyed the autonomy of the self-directed multimedia guide to learn about the evolution of European integration, how the European Parliament functions and the challenges it faces today. A highlight on Saturday was an intimate and enriching tour of the numerous chocolateries where we were delighted to indulge in regular chocolate tastings from prestigious chocolate houses such as Neuhaus, Godiva, Leonidas and Pierre Marcolini. Indeed, we are now all discerning foodies able to appreciate just why Belgian chocolate is the best chocolate in the world!

To bring the visit to a close, we were overjoyed to have fallen upon an authentic Belgian restaurant serving food just like ‘your grandma cooks’. Warm, cosy and alive with Friday night diners, the evening took on an aura of its own as the DJ hit the decks and nearly all (OK, all!) diners took to the dance floor. We quickly donned wigs, glasses and other fancy-dress accessories and danced the night away! A real treat for all the students at the end of a busy term and ahead of the Easter holiday which was due to be consumed with mock revision ahead of the pending GCiEs! Ari from Year 13 endorsed all the above, adding, “The chocolate tour was a highlight as we got an insight into the history of Brussels, why their chocolate is so famous and we even got to make our own! It was interesting to see how international and multi-lingual Brussels was and I would highly recommend!”

Elizabeth Biggs, Teacher of Modern Languages

GERMAN

BERLIN BOUND: GERMANISTS EXPLORE HISTORY, CULTURE AND CUISINE IN THE CAPITAL

At the start of the Easter holidays, a select group of Year 11 and Sixth Form German students set off on an unforgettable three-day journey to Berlin, one of Europe’s most dynamic and historically rich cities. The trip, organised by the German Department, combined history, art, architecture and food in a packed itinerary that brought their language learning and cultural studies to life.

The first day began with an art and architecture walking tour designed by the students themselves. Each had researched a particular building or area of Berlin in advance and presented their findings – in either German or English – to the rest of the group. Starting at Alexanderplatz, once the bustling centre of communist East Berlin, we traced the architectural evolution of the city, finishing at Potsdamer Platz, a striking symbol of Berlin’s post-Wall renaissance, defined by steel, glass and modernity. This student-led initiative showcased not only their linguistic skills but also their independence and confidence in presenting to peers.

On day two, after a hearty breakfast at the Youth Hostel, the group embarked on a Cold War tour of the city. Guided through some of Berlin’s most iconic sites, students walked in the footsteps of history at the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag and Checkpoint Charlie. The experience provided a vivid sense of the division and reunification of Berlin, with knowledgeable guides helping to put into context the events students had previously studied in class.

The afternoon brought a more sensory experience: a street food tasting walking tour. Berlin’s multicultural culinary scene came alive as we sampled everything from the famous Döner Kebab and iconic Currywurst to vegan doughnuts, Vietnamese Banh Mis and freshly baked goods from a traditional German bakery. Along the way, students learned about the historical and cultural significance of locations such as the Hackesche Höfe and the site of Hitler’s Bunker, adding depth to their culinary discoveries.

A more solemn and reflective moment came with our visit to the Holocaust Memorial and its exhibition centre. Here, students engaged thoughtfully with the history and memory of the Holocaust, and many remarked on how powerful and moving the experience was. It served

as a poignant reminder of why studying history – and understanding it in context – remains so important.

On the final day, we explored West Berlin, focusing on the area around Bahnhof Zoologischer Garten. This part of the trip was designed to contrast with the eastern landmarks we had previously explored, offering students a more nuanced understanding of how the division of the city shaped its development – socially, politically and architecturally. Throughout the trip, the students were exemplary in their behaviour, curiosity and maturity. Every pupil was a credit to the school, showing enthusiasm for learning and a real appreciation for the experiences

they were offered. Some unplanned highlights of the trip include Enrique’s impromptu piano concert on Potsdamer Platz, finding Verity’s grandmother’s ancestral home and Oskar’s enjoyment of trainspotting at Hackescher Markt station.

The Berlin trip was more than just a sightseeing tour – it was a rich, immersive educational experience. From discussing architecture on the streets of Berlin to tasting its diverse foods and walking through some of Europe’s most significant historical sites, our students came away with memories and insights that will last far beyond their time at Colfe’s.

Marios Koutsakis, Head of Modern Languages

GERMAN BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE (BFI) VISIT

The new Modern Languages specification has been welcomed, in part, because it offers greater opportunity to explore culturally related topics. To this end, the German Department was delighted to invite Year 10 pupils to the BFI to attend an event entitled “Exploring identity and culture through short film for KS4 German”. The day proved to be an exceptionally enriching experience for our German linguists who were shown short films exploring, as the title suggests, Germain culture and identity.

Colfe’s pupils learned about the key terminology associated with the study of film and engaged in an interactive session with educator, filmmaker and native German speaker Dr Judith Rifeser, who facilitated engagement through a clear and articulate use of German. They were then given the chance to apply this newly learned terminology to a discussion of the short films Bango Vassil, Kleingeld, das Rad and Memories. The teaching offered pupils an insight into the learning that takes place at A level in terms of the analysis and evaluation of German film. To this end, it was intriguing that the film chosen for the afternoon viewing was the exact film currently studied by our A level students, Sophie Scholl. The film resonated with each pupil and comments afterwards included, “WOW, that was so sad”, “I’ve been crying!” and “I’m really thinking about A level German now!”

We remain as grateful as ever that the school is so centrally located, with a plethora of culturally enriching opportunities like this available to us in London. We also look forward to helping our pupils continue to develop their knowledge of language with more opportunities such as these. Furthermore, and very importantly, we are excited to broaden their knowledge of the wider world with a more profound understanding of the habits and traditions of our European neighbours.

Elizabeth Biggs, Teacher of Modern Languages

SPANISH

¡BIENVENIDAS AL DELE CLUB DEL LUNES!

Every Monday lunchtime, a group of enthusiastic students comes together for our DELE Club – a warm, welcoming space where Spanish learning meets friendship. What began as a way to prepare for the DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera) exams has grown into a vibrant meeting point for all of us.

Our approach is relaxed and enjoyable. While we do focus on exam skills to prepare for the Autumn 2025 session, we also take time to share personal highlights, chat about our week and exchange ideas — all in Spanish of course! This balance makes the club both useful and fun.

The students really enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, and it’s become something we all look forward to. More than just a study group, our DELE Club is a space where friendships grow and confidence in Spanish flourishes.

Congratulations to Xanthe (Year 13) for taking the exam, and a big bravo to Amelie, Luiza and Ines (Year 12) for their dedication and participation in the course. ¡Estamos aprendiendo, creciendo y disfrutando juntas!

Y12 AND Y13 TRIP TO VALENCIA

In February, Years 12 and 13 Spanish students embarked on an unforgettable cultural and linguistic adventure to Valencia. We departed from Gatwick at 6am – some Year 12s arriving straight from a party, but everyone full of excitement. Upon arrival, we made our way into the city using Valencia’s modern and efficient metro system, heading straight to our hotel, which featured vibrant kitsch décor and a warm welcome.

Each morning began with a generous breakfast at the hotel, enjoyed while taking in a stunning view over Valencia’s city centre and its bright blue skies – a perfect start to our days. On our first day, we visited the Fallas Museum – an especially meaningful visit, as Las Fallas is a wellstudied topic in Year 11. Seeing the ninots up close brought the topic to life in an impressive and memorable way. We then enjoyed a walking tour of the old town and visited the magnificent cathedral, learning about its varied architecture and deep historical roots. In the evening, we had a delicious tapas dinner followed by some free time in the city centre before returning to the hotel pleasantly tired.

Day two took us to the strikingly modern part of Valencia – the City of Arts and Sciences. Remarkably, this area was completely transformed in recent decades; until the late 1990s, there was nothing there but unused land. Now, it stands as a symbol of innovation and design. After another smooth metro journey and a glimpse of the sea, we visited the interactive Science Museum and enjoyed a spectacular 3D nature documentary at the Hemisfèric.

A major highlight was the Oceanogràfic, Spain’s largest and most impressive aquarium. Students explored the areas that intrigued them most – some visited the shark tunnel, others watched dolphins, admired sea turtles or studied the graceful movements of the octopus. It was a fascinating and immersive experience for all.

In the evening, we took part in a paella workshop where students showed excellent teamwork and impressive cooking skills. Malena proved to be a talented chef, Luiza stunned everyone with her perfect tortilla flip and Xanthe prepared a delicious tortilla de patatas. Everyone contributed enthusiastically – from peeling garlic to preparing green beans. Señora Frate and Señor Arias were genuinely impressed by the students’ dedication, and the shared meal was both delicious and well-earned. As paella is Valencia’s most iconic and original dish, we were all proud to receive diplomas for our participation in the workshop – a fitting reward for our effort and enthusiasm.

On our final day, we enjoyed a relaxed morning before heading to the airport once again via the punctual and efficient metro. Special thanks go to Oskar, one of our Year 13 students, who enriched the trip with thoughtful insights and local knowledge. Our visit to Valencia was filled with sunshine, culture, language, teamwork and laughter – an enriching experience we’ll all remember with great fondness.

Thank you to all the students who took part in the trip, and a special thanks to Señor Arias for his wonderful company and support throughout this amazing experience.

Giuseppina Frate, Head of Spanish

VIAJE A VALENCIA – UNA EXPERIENCIA INOLVIDABLE

Durante el fin de semana anterior a las vacaciones de Febrero, catorce estudiantes de Español de Selectividad tuvimos la oportunidad de visitar algunos de los lugares más emblemáticos de Valencia. El clima idílico de España fue un cambio agradable respecto al de Inglaterra, y aprovechamos al máximo esta oportunidad para sumergirnos en la cultura local a través de su gastronomía y el uso del idioma.

Nos alojamos en un hotel espacioso donde disfrutamos de un delicioso desayuno cada mañana, y tuvimos múltiples oportunidades para explorar la ciudad. Entre las actividades destacadas, visitamos el Museo de las Fallas, el Oceanogràfic y participamos en un interesante taller de cocina de paella para cerrar la experiencia con broche de oro.

Uno de los momentos más destacados para muchos fue dentro de la arquitectura moderna del Oceanogràfic: una proyección en cine 4D de un documental sobre la naturaleza, seguida por una visita al acuario más grande de España. Nos desplazamos por la ciudad utilizando el sistema de metro de Valencia.

En cuanto a la comida, durante las salidas en grupos pequeños probamos una gran variedad de platos. Entre ellos, el Arroz Negro con marisco y diferentes tipos de Tapas, como las Patatas Bravas y los Pimientos Verdes. El taller de cocina compartido nos enseñó a preparar algunos platos tradicionales como la Tortilla Española, la Paella y el Pastel de Naranja. En resumen, fue un viaje lleno de experiencias enriquecedoras e inmersivas, pero sobre todo, muy divertido.

Isla, Year 12

RELIGION & PHILOSOPHY

My starting place for this year’s article is dogs. To paraphrase Socrates in The Republic, dogs are philosophers because they make judgements about who is a friend or an enemy, or indeed what they like and dislike, through tests of knowledge. They must, therefore, be lovers of learning. Since philosophy translates as the love of wisdom, dogs must, therefore, be philosophers.

At the very least, there is something to learn from dogs. To explore this, let us consider the personality of the dog. Mark Rowlands in The Happiness of Dogs gives the example of his German Shepherd, Shadow, who he asks to accompany him to pick up his son from school. Shadow will not be able to leave the car, run around or eat (his favourite pastimes), but he will spend time with his owner, whom he loves dearly. Consequently, he is delighted to accompany Rowlands on this trip and thoroughly enjoys each moment. Reflecting on this, Rowlands observes that it is not often that humans take pleasure in the mundane, enjoying each moment purely for what it is and the ways in which we can benefit. The problem with humans, for Rowlands, is that we think too much. We spend time in a form of existential angst where we overthink our own thinking and we then fail to engage with what we are experiencing. There are themes from Buddhism to be considered here too. Verse two of the Dhammapada states that “mind precedes all mental states. Mind is their chief; they are all mind-wrought.” Broadly, so much of our mental experience is determined and influenced by other external factors, we are less able to live in the moment. Therefore, we can certainly look to dogs as an inspiration, if not as actual philosophers.

So, what would embracing this fully look like? There is a story about Diogenes that, in 4 BCE, he was stripped of his money and possessions for producing counterfeit coins. This led him to

reject society, living close to nature, eschewing social norms and wandering with nothing but a cloak and staff. The citizens called him a ‘dog’ who barked at others to extol the virtues of his ideas. This rejection of society (and the mocking of those who remained in it) was actually a good way to describe what became Cynic philosophy. Dogs are happy, free from societal constraints and can wander where they please. Whilst I do not quite recommend some of the behaviour that both dogs and Diogenes share with regards to toilet habits, there are still lessons to be learned here. We should, at the very least, interrogate what we perceive to be societal norms; they should not be accepted simply because they exist. This brings me back to Socrates’ dog test for wisdom; everything should be decided through a test of knowledge.

Departmentally, we continue to draw upon philosophical inspiration far and wide, including from our four-legged companions. This year has seen us take two GCSE trips linked to the religions papers: to Southwark Cathedral and to Kagyu Samye Dzong Buddhist centre in Bermondsey. House Philosophy saw Norton emerge victorious with some fantastic modelling of philosophical concepts in PlayDoh and thoughtful debating. Philosophy Club included everything from the ethics of eating animals to what it means to have an existential crisis. I am eternally grateful to my team for their enthusiasm and support in all areas. Ms Rycroft will be departing at the end of the year to complete further Buddhist study in Nepal. We have all benefitted from her calm and thoughtful approach in the department and will miss her enormously.

To end, in order to perhaps embrace elements of the dog philosophy outlined above, an exercise to test your ability to spot some logically valid or invalid syllogisms. May your logic skills continue to be tested!

Premise 1: If you tickle a dragon, it will sneeze fire.

Premise 2: If it sneezes fire, your marshmallows will roast.

Conclusion: Therefore, if you tickle a dragon, your marshmallows will roast.

Premise 1: All unicorns eat glitter tacos.

Premise 2: Gary eats glitter tacos.

Conclusion: Therefore, Gary eats glitter tacos.

Premise 1: Either the cheese is haunted, or the fridge is growling.

Premise 2: The cheese is not haunted. Conclusion: Therefore, the fridge is growling.

Premise 1: Some space hamsters wear jetpacks.

Premise 2: Captain Nibbles is a space hamster. Conclusion: Therefore, Captain Nibbles wears a jetpack.

Zoë Kendrick, Head of Religion and Philosophy

CLASSICS

Diocletian was a 3rd Century AD Roman emperor notable for stabilising the Empire after an economic crisis. He split the Roman Empire in half and created the Tetrarchy, a system of power sharing between four emperors. After twenty years of dedicated service to the Roman people, he retired to his palace in Dalmatia (modern day Croatia) overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

I cannot help but reflect on the similarities here between that emperor and our own princeps, Richard Russell, who is setting sail for his own retirement on the island of Sicily. While thankfully Richard didn’t split Colfe’s in half, he has undoubtedly guided the school through various economic and other difficulties during his tenure, most notably the financial crash of 2008, Covid and the recent imposition of VAT. Much like Diocletian, he has led Colfe’s with dedicated service for twenty years, introducing reforms that will future proof the school and undoubtedly earned a long and enriching retirement.

People often overlook the fact that Richard was also a member of the Classics Department. I was pleased that he had the opportunity to teach each of our Year 7 students this year, and I know from speaking to them that they very much enjoyed the chance to spend time with him in the classroom.

In another busy year for trips, the first came in early October when the Year 9s returned to Bath. Once again, the students revelled in the chance to sword fight and to explore the Roman barracks and amphitheatre at Caerleon, before heading to Bath for dinner and the ever-popular quiz. The next morning included a self-guided tour of Aquae Sulis itself, as well as the opportunity to get hands-on with our Romano-British past in an artefacts’ session.

In the Spring Term, Year 7 were once again challenged to create a project on an episode of Graeco-Roman mythology of their choice. The standard of this year’s entries was very high, resulting in multiple winners across each category. Our congratulations go to our runners-up and especially to our overall winners: Artemis, Conrad, Louise and Sienna (best arts and crafts); Yusra (best written piece); Thomas (best digital entry); Rayan and Alice (best drawn piece); and Darcey and Andrea (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 activity which challenged their transliteration skills. Following this, 34 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 a trip in the Spring Term for Years 10 to 13 to see a performance of Aristophanes’ Frogs at the UCL Bloomsbury Theatre. The students, who don’t otherwise get the opportunity to study Greek comedy, thoroughly enjoyed Aristophanes’ work centring around the god Dionysus who embarks on a trip with his cynical slave Xanthias to bring the playwright Euripides back from the Underworld.

In the Summer term, Year 10 Latin and Classical Civilisation students went to see a musical production of Hadestown at the Lyric Theatre in the West End. Students were thrilled to see the myths of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone (both of which they are required to study at GCSE) brought to life in such an imaginative and memorable way.

Throughout the year, Senior Classics Club has continued to be a hub of student-led presentations, while the Junior Classics Club is similarly going strongly with a core following of dedicated Year 7 students. We are also delighted that two of our students, Verity and Isabel, have sat the Intermediate Certificate in Classical Greek in this summer’s exam series as part of the after-school Year 10 Greek Club.

Such a busy programme of trips and cocurricular activities simply couldn’t happen without the commitment and energy of an outstanding team of individuals. I would, therefore, like to give my heartfelt thanks to my colleagues Miss Batten, Mrs Bendall, Mr Titcombe and Miss Whiskerd for all that they do. I am delighted to report that we will be continuing together as a team next year.

Next year, we look forward to taking our Year 9 to 13 students back to Greece for the first time in many years. We also look forward to teaching three full classes at Classical Civilisation GCSE in Year 10 for the first time, as well as having a record number of students taking Latin A level. Before all that though, after another busy and successful year for the department, it is time for us to take a well-earned break. From all of us in the Classics Department we wish our Headmaster, Richard Russell, the very best for his retirement, and hope that you all have an enjoyable and restful summer.

Harry Biggs, Head of Classics

MUSIC

The Music Department at Colfe’s continues to thrive. Co-curricular music plays a large part in school life, and it has been fantastic to see so many pupils involving themselves in ensembles, concerts and recitals. Thank you once again to all the staff in the Music Department, the visiting music teachers and the 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 Autumn Term was the Autumn Concert, which took place at St Alfege’s Church, Greenwich. The concert this year was particularly special as we were fortunate to work with professional composer Andrew Campling and the London Dockland Singers to put on a performance of his large-scale choral work In Paradisum. Many thanks to Andrew for his work with the Colfe’s choirs and Senior Orchestra for this wonderful event. The concert also featured impressive solo performances by Year 13 musicians. This included a spirited rendition of the Allegro Maestoso movement of Mendelssohn’s Organ Sonata No.5, performed by Ludwig on the organ, and an expressive performance of Ravel’s Pavane pour une infante défunte, played by Harrison on the piano. Finally, Ari performed Massenet’s famous Méditation on the violin, accompanied by the Senior Orchestra. Thank you to my colleagues and all the performers who contributed to the success of the concert.

The Winter Concert gave an opportunity for all pupils in the Senior School ensembles to perform. The programme was wonderfully eclectic, featuring music by Vivaldi, Shostakovich and Quincy Jones amongst others. Festive items included a piano duet arrangement of Carol of the Bells, performed by Ludwig and Harrison (Year 13), Jingle Bell Rock, performed by the Senior Jazz Quartet and All I Want for Christmas Is You, sung by Raisa (Year 10) and accompanied by the Senior Jazz Band. Many thanks to all ensemble leaders for their work in putting together such an enjoyable concert.

The Autumn Term concluded with our annual Carol Service at St Mary’s Church, Lewisham. This year, the ‘Once in Royal’ solo was performed immaculately by Isabella (Year 8). The Senior Choir performed Linder’s arrangement of Silent Night, including a vocal solo by Amelie (Year 12) in the final verse. The Junior Choir sang A Christmas Melody by Mac Huff and John Jacobson. The service also featured vocal solos from Esme (Year 11), who performed The Time of Snow by Bob Chilcott and Eni (Year 10), who performed O Holy Night by Adolphe Adam. The Chamber Choir, conducted by Paul Martyn-West, performed Holst’s poignant Lullay My Liking. The organ voluntary was Widor’s Toccata, performed by Ludwig (Year 13).

This year, the Spring Concert took place in the beautiful setting of St Margaret’s Church, Lee. The standard of music was exceptionally high, with a mixture of solo and ensemble performances creating a highly memorable evening. The concert began in dramatic fashion with Toccata by Giovanni Martini, performed by Matthew (Year 7) on the organ. Also of particular note was Oskar’s (Year 13) virtuosic performance of Walton’s Concerto for Viola and Orchestra, accompanied by Aron Rozsa. The concert concluded with the Senior Orchestra’s energetic performance of Jupiter by Holst and The Avengers Theme by Silvestri. Congratulations to all the pupils and staff who performed in the concert.

The Summer Term was as busy as ever for Colfe’s musicians. In the first half term, the Chamber Choir visited the Chapel of St Peter and St Paul in the Royal Naval College to sing choral evensong. The trip gave pupils the opportunity to sing under the direction of the eminent conductor Ralph Allwood MBE. The programme of music performed at the service included Tallis’ O nata lux and Bruckner’s Locus Iste. A special thanks to the director of the Chamber Choir, Elizabeth Rogers, for her choral leadership this year. Later in June, the Senior Choir performed alongside pupils from Prendergast School and Prendergast Vale School at the Leatherseller’s Election Service at St Botolph-without-Bishopgate and at St Mary’s Church for the annual Colfe’s Sermon. Labbi Siffre’s Something

Jojo (Y9) performing at the Spring Concert

Harrison (Y13) performing at the Autumn Concert

Raisa (Y10) performing at the Winter Concert

Eni (Y10) performing at the Pop and Jazz Concert

Maya (Y11) & Sam (Y11) performing at the Spring Concert St Margaret’s

Inside So Strong was performed with wonderful enthusiasm at both services. Many thanks to Fiona Greenwood for leading the Senior Choir in the Summer term.

Outside of choral music, the Summer Term also featured a highly enjoyable Jazz and Pop Concert with performances from the school Jazz Band and the Singing and Signing Club, as well as numerous other soloists and bands. It has been fantastic to see pop and jazz music grow within the school, with an increasing number of pupils getting together to form their own bands. The term concluded in celebratory fashion with the Summer Concert in the Senior Hall. A particular highlight was provided by the String, Brass and Wind Ensembles, who came together to perform Florence Price’s Juba Dance, a piece inspired by the rhythms of West African music. Thank you once again to all my colleagues who work with the school ensembles throughout the academic year.

Senior Quartet at the Spring Concert at St Margaret’s

Jesse (Y10) performing Timpani In Paradisum

Senior Choir at Colfe’s Carol Concert

Oskar (Y13) performing at the Spring Concert at St Margaret’s

Ari (Y13) performing In Paradisum

Wind band performing at the Spring Concert

Ari & Pelin (Y13) performing at the Spring Concert

Verity & Esha (Y10) performing at the Spring Concert

Chamber Choir Evensong at The Old Royal Naval College Chapel

HOUSE MUSIC

House Music has truly cemented itself as one of the highlights of the musical calendar at Colfe’s. It was a joy to see so many pupils participating and the standard of music was, as always, very high. The adjudicator this year was previous Colfe’s teacher and singer Ed Hughes. The event opened with the solo performances, and the prize went to Cecilia (Year 9) of Bramley House for her performance of Make You Feel My Love by Bob Dylan. Prendergast were the victors in the ensemble category for their lively performance of Valerie by Amy Winehouse. The overall winners were Glyn House, with a solo performance of Piano Man by Billy Joel performed by Amelie (Year 12) and an ensemble medley of 1960s and 70s songs. A special thanks to all the Sixth Form co-ordinators and teachers who were involved in making the event such a success.

PRO CORDA COMPETITION

This year, we entered a number of the Colfe’s chamber ensembles into the Pro Corda National Chamber Music competition. This gave pupils the opportunity to receive ensemble coaching from a skilled adjudicator and to meet musicians from schools around the country. The competition was fierce, with outstanding performances by pupils from many of the top independent and state schools in the country. Despite this, the Colfe’s Lower School String Quartet played brilliantly to make it to the finals of the competition, which took place at Woldingham School, Surrey. Congratulations to Valentino (Year 8), Maya (Year 7), Luyang (Year 8) and James (Year 9) for this special achievement.

PLATFORM CONCERTS

This year, we also continued to offer many 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 were highly enjoyable and demonstrated the wide range of musical interests of pupils at Colfe’s. Personal highlights of mine include Eni’s (Year 10) performance of Creep by Radiohead, Jesse’s (Year 10) performance of Adventure of a Lifetime by Coldplay and James’ (Year 9) rendition of Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No.1 in A minor (Op.33). Congratulations to all the pupils who performed in the platform concerts this year.

Prendergast performing at House Music

Cecelia (Y9) of Bramley House performing at House Music

Norton performing at House Music

Philip (Y8) performing at a Platform Concert

Varun (Y10) performing at a platform concertLucas (Y10) performing at a Platform ConcertRose (Y8) performing at a Platform Concert

WORKSHOPS AND TASTER SESSIONS

At the start of the academic year, we hosted two music workshops, giving pupils of all abilities and experience the opportunity to learn from professional visiting musicians. Firstly, we welcomed the Blues and Roots Ensemble for another highly successful jazz workshop and concert. The workshop also included pupils from Eltham Hill School and Harris Academy Greenwich, giving Colfe’s pupils the opportunity to learn from and make connections with pupils from outside the school community. Secondly, we ran a vocal workshop given by the National Youth Choir, giving pupils the chance to learn about ensemble singing and improvisation. Both workshops were well-attended and thoroughly enjoyed by Colfe’s pupils.

RECITALS AT COLFE’S

Pupils at Colfe’s have been treated to a wide range of recitals given by external musicians this year. The termly Trinity Laban Recitals have continued to be both enjoyable and instructive for pupils looking to pursue further study at a music conservatoire. It was also a pleasure to welcome local singer-songwriter Flo Gallop to give a concert and seminar to pupils in the Spring Term. Flo’s infectious energy made for a highly enjoyable afternoon, and the event provided pupils with the opportunity to learn about working in the music industry.

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

Pupils have continued to perform excellently in music examinations taken at the school, with many achieving high grades on their instruments. Congratulations to Oskar (Year 13), who achieved the Associate of Trinity College London Diploma for Viola Performance, as well as Trombone ABRSM Grade 8 with Distinction. Another noteworthy success is Luyang (Year 8), who passed ABRSM Grade 8 Violin and ABRSM Grade 8 Piano, both with distinction. Finally, Benjamin (Year 10) also achieved Distinction at Piano Grade 8. Many thanks to the visiting music teachers who put in a lot of time and effort in preparing pupils for examinations and to Mrs Rumpelt-Meyn who oversaw the running of the exams.

Faye (Y8)

Jessie (Y10) at the Blues and Roots Jazz workshop

Flo Gallop talking to our music scholars

National Youth Choir Workshop

Fred (Y13)

Valentino (Y8)

Rufus (Y13)

Will (Y12)

TRIPS

This year we continued to make the most of the wide variety of concerts that London has to offer. In the Spring term, we took pupils from Years 9, 10 and 11 to see the musical Wicked in the West End. Also in the Spring Term, was the Sixth Form trip to the Royal Festival Hall to see a performance of Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Both these trips were highly enjoyable and informative for pupils taking GCSE and A level examinations in the summer.

FAREWELLS

Y7 INSTRUMENTAL SCHEME

The Year 7 Instrumental Scheme gives pupils in Year 7 the opportunity to learn a new instrument free of charge for the academic year. The pupils on the scheme this year approached their instruments with typical enthusiasm, and it has been fantastic to hear the wonderful progress they have made. Repertoire performed by the Year 7 Band has included Sweet Caroline, Rock Around the clock and Ghostbusters, all played with suitable vigour 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 years to come.

This year sees the departure of two colleagues from the Music Department. Lauren Salter (Musician in Residence) is departing after two years at Colfe’s to begin her teacher training in Bristol. Lauren has been an integral part of the Music Departments at Colfe’s and we will certainly miss her musicality, humour and baked goods. Daria Bitsiuk (peripatetic piano tutor) is also leaving Colfe’s after four years of teaching. During this time, Daria has also been integral in co-curricular music at Colfe’s through the leading of chamber groups and accompanying for concerts. We wish both Lauren and Daria the very best of luck in their future endeavours.

Wicked

Year 7 instrumental scheme launch day – brass

Year 7 instrumental launch day – flutes

Royal Festival Hall trip

BUSINESS, ECONOMICS AND 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 Poulton), Asian Society (Mr Amran), BEP Study Club, Triathlon Club (Mr Carter) and targeted Economics Study Clubs (Ms Lindley).

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. Five teams entered this year, a significant increase on previous years, led by Felix, Lea, Tanveer, Holly and Gleb (Year 13). The competition consisted of teams being given a virtual allowance of $100,000 to freely invest into various stocks and ETFs. Meeting weekly with their business mentor, the students used qualitative and quantitative analysis to understand the value of the companies in which they chose to invest. This challenge also allowed the students to develop leadership skills, encouraged teamwork and promoted discussion, as well as teaching them business skills as they organised their roles and wrote mid-term and final reports. (Their reports also had to include detailed quantitative and qualitative analysis on the sectors they had invested in.) Thank you to Mr Adamson, Mr Amran and Dr Osmani for mentoring the teams during the process. We look forward to running this successful programme again next year.

In March, five Year 12 students, Evie, Felix, Thomas, Ted and Leo, successfully competed in a business simulation ran in conjunction with The Haberdashers Company and Enterprise Skills hosted at Haberdashers’ Hall. Working against strict time limits, the students gained experienced of running a business, including making decisions about marketing, finance and staffing. The simulation offered practical insights into business operations and how to improve communication, leadership and problem solving in a dynamic environment.

Our outgoing Year 13 students successfully took their AS level Business examinations back in October and, as usual, there were some standout results, with Will securing 89 out of 100, and Jamie, Henry and Marcus all a securing noteworthy 87 out of 100. All members of the faculty have been impressed by the students’ determination, resilience and eagerness to learn this year. We are immensely proud of their efforts and look forward to celebrating their achievements this summer.

ECONOMICS

FOOTSTEPS THROUGH FINANCE

In June, Colfe’s Year 12 Business and Economics students swapped the classroom for the capital’s financial heartlands, embarking on a dynamic day that began in Canary Wharf and concluded in the historic streets of the City of London. The day began at the Museum of London Docklands, where students explored the area’s transformation from a hub of global trade into a modern financial powerhouse. Exhibits on containerisation, deindustrialisation and the rise of the service economy helped students connect their learning to real-world processes of economic change and urban regeneration.

From there, the group made its way to the Bank of England, arguably one of the UK’s most important financial institutions. Here, students engaged with displays and discussions around the Bank’s role in maintaining monetary and financial stability. They explored the evolution of monetary policy, the shift away from the gold standard and how central banks use tools such as interest rates to manage inflation and support economic growth. The museum’s interactive exhibits, including the chance to lift a genuine gold bar, helped bring these abstract concepts to life.

In the afternoon, the students joined a walking tour of the City of London, uncovering the deep roots and enduring relevance of the UK’s financial sector. They wandered through narrow alleyways once filled with merchants and financiers, and visited iconic institutions such as the Royal Exchange, Lloyd’s of London and the London Stock Exchange. These locations offered insight into the development of equities, bonds and insurance markets, and the personalities who shaped them.

As they stood beneath the City’s towering skyline, the students considered how London has continually adapted to global challenges, from financial crises to technological transformation. This immersive day offered a rich and memorable opportunity to connect classroom theory to real-world institutions, demonstrating that economics and business are not only subjects to be studied – but living systems to be explored.

Walking tour

At the beginning of November, Mr Drury and Miss Lindley took a group of Year 13 Economics students to visit the Ice House in Manor House Gardens. Ice houses across the country represent an excellent example of creative destruction and dynamic efficiency, with a once global ice industry being replace by refrigerators at the start of the 20th century. It was a lovely, practical way to deliver a lesson outside of the classroom and to enhance the students’ knowledge of local history (and the basis of the Disney film Frozen). Our thanks to Old Colfeian David Ford who opened the Ice House for our students.

In June, public sector management consultant Mr Norbury presented to the Sixth Form students a fascinating lecture on how to save the NHS. Mr Norbury took the students through a brief history of the NHS, before presenting on the causes and effects of the issues facing it. Possible solutions and trade-offs were then discussed. This excellent presentation was matched with some insightful student questions and reflections.

NHS presentation

POLITICS

A YEAR OF POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY: UK, US AND THE RISE OF POPULISM

For A level Politics students, 2025 has offered a rich and complex landscape to explore. In the UK, the rise of Reform UK has reignited debates about political realignment, the first-past-the-post system and the nature of populist movements within a parliamentary democracy. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Donald Trump’s return to the presidency has raised critical questions about the resilience of American democratic institutions, executive power and the impact of populist leadership on US foreign policy and international relations.

Beyond the classroom, these developments have been central to discussions in Current Affairs Club, from the implications of Trump’s use of emergency powers to renew tariff wars to the ethical and legal implications of the UK’s Assisted Dying Bill and the outcomes and significance of the German presidential elections. For A level students, these discussions provided invaluable real-time case studies of politics and economics today.

UNDERSTANDING THE US SUPREME COURT: A LECTURE FROM MR DENIS EDWARDS

Year 13 Politics students also benefitted from a specialist lecture by Mr Denis Edwards, a practising lawyer and academic with expertise in judicial review. His session focused on the US Supreme Court and its interaction with constitutional rights – particularly the Second, Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments. Mr Edwards highlighted the legal ambiguities within the US Constitution and how they pose ongoing interpretive challenges for the Court.

The lecture tied directly into A level studies on the US judiciary, civil rights and constitutional interpretation. Students found the talk both insightful and thought-provoking, offering deeper context for their understanding of how legal theory plays out in practice in one of the world’s most powerful legal systems.

We extend our sincere thanks to Mr Dineen and Dr Osmani for their valuable contributions to the delivery of the Economics specification in the Autumn Term. In October, we were pleased to welcome Miss Warner to the department; she will continue to apply her expertise across both Economics and History in the forthcoming academic year. In January, we were joined by Mr Langmann, whose presence has brought a welcome sense of continuity and stability to the team.

Nathan Carter, Head of Business, Economics and

Politics

Ice House Visit Nov 2024

COMPUTER SCIENCE

We kicked off the academic year with an exciting trip to Legoland for some of our Year 8 students. They had an amazing time enjoying all the rides before taking part in a Lego Robotics workshop, where they built and programmed their own robots. Working seamlessly in pairs, they created impressive bots and ended the session with thrilling head-to-head battles in their very own Robot Wars.

Many of these Year 8 students are key members of our Lego Robotics team, who competed in the First Lego League Challenge in February, hosted by the University of Greenwich. Six schools took part, competing to earn points by tackling various Lego challenges. The Colfe’s team also delivered a presentation to the judges about their innovation project. It was fantastic to see their robot in action, and although they didn’t advance to the national finals, their determination was recognized with a Judges’ Trophy for perseverance. Congratulations to Ben, Philip, Justin, Hugo, Casper (Year 8) and Emily (Year 10) for their dedication and hard work.

This year, we also celebrated tremendous success in the Bebras Computing Competition, with 83 students earning Gold Certification – placing them in the top 10% nationally. This is our highest number yet, with 13 more students achieving gold than last year. Even more impressively, two students achieved a perfect score of 100%, a first since I have been at Colfe’s. Huge congratulations to Dexter (Year 9) and George (Year 7) for this outstanding achievement! Special mention must also go

to Shrey (Year 12), who achieved the highest score in the KS5 cohort, outperforming all Year 13 students.

In March, we were delighted to welcome students from two of our local state schools, St Paul’s and Bonus Pastor, for an outreach lesson. They joined our Year 7 students in hands-on physical computing and programming lessons, using Lego robots to develop their logic, problem-solving skills and understanding of sensors and computer systems. It was wonderful to see such great collaboration and enthusiasm from everyone involved.

At Colfe’s, we strive to make Computer Science lessons as engaging as possible, providing students with hands-on opportunities to explore computer systems and programming through physical computing. Our students have been programming micro:bits and Lego robots, and this year, we introduced Virtual Reality into the curriculum. Students are now creating their own VR models using eventdriven programming and testing them with our mobile devices and headsets – a fantastic new resource developed by Mrs Modhvadia for our Year 8 classes.

Recently, our Year 12 students attended an inspiring online lecture on ‘Brain-Inspired

Computing’ by Professor Stephen Lynch, Professor of Digital Skills at Loughborough University. The talk was captivating and offered plenty of food for thought. The human brain, with its approximately 100 billion neurons and 1,000 trillion synapses, is the most powerful computer known – yet it consumes only about 25 watts of power. In comparison, a transistorbased supercomputer with equivalent power would require a nuclear power station to operate, highlighting the inefficiency of current technology. Professor Lynch’s groundbreaking research explores how brain dynamics could revolutionize computing by replacing energyhungry transistors with new components such as Josephson junctions and memristors. This interdisciplinary work could pave the way for the world’s most powerful and energy-efficient supercomputers. It was thrilling to hear about these cutting-edge developments, and I’m sure the lecture has inspired our Year 12 students as they consider their futures.

We wish our Year 13 students every success as they prepare for their next steps. They have worked incredibly hard this year, and we eagerly await their exam results in August. The quality of their coursework has been outstanding, with a special mention to Cillian, who achieved full marks on his programming project.

Our GCSE students are also on track for excellent results, and we look forward to welcoming many of them back in September as they begin their A-Level studies.

Finally, a big thank you to Ms Beale and Mrs Modhvadia for their invaluable support throughout the year.

Katy Walsh, Head of Computer Science

MEDIA STUDIES

The Colfe’s Media Studies End of Year Show took place on 25th April. The event is a celebration of all the fine work produced by AS and A2 level Media Studies students and BTEC Creative Digital Media Production students.

This special evening was coordinated by Mr Osei-Tutu and Mr Cheung, and it was 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 in the Beardwood Theatre showcasing Year 12 and Year 13 Media Studies coursework, along with the Creative Digital Media Production students’ Unit 10 Film Production final films from 2024. 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 level Media, the students have to make a fully realised music video, whilst the Year 13 BTEC students have the chance to make a 5–7-minute short film of their choice.

The students embraced a range of genres and styles, from fast-paced action to explorations of social issues, but they clearly enjoy creating scary content; the vast majority of the films were inspired by the horror genre, with their creations producing several ‘jump scares’ throughout the evening!

We are so proud that our students had the opportunity to see their work on the big screen with family and friends in the audience. We would like to thank all those who attended the event, along with a special mention to all our Media Studies students for their hard work, creativity and commitment. Next stop; Hollywood!

Craig Foxall, Head of Media Studies

DRAMA

NOTES FROM THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR 2024–2025

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 Winter Production of The Curious Incident of The Dog in The Night-Time and the Summer Promenade Production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream

For the eighth 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 and lead audition workshops with 20 students in our very own Beardwood Theatre. As always, well over 5,000 young people auditioned for only 500 places. This year, we were hugely successful yet again and maintained our track-record with 2 students gaining places on the acting course and 3 on the waiting list. This means that over the last 8 years, over 30 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. Mrs Sutherland, Mr Peters and I have collaborated effectively to create the best curriculum and co-curriculum provision for our students at Colfe’s. Over 70 students from Years 7–10 auditioned for our Summer Production, and ultimately approximately 65 students were involved by either acting, assistant directing, helping backstage or as part of the crew. 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. Be My Baby by Amanda Whittington and Bull by Mike Bartlett were the final performances for our outgoing Year 13. We look back with nostalgia at the roles they played over the last 7 years, including James and the Giant Peach, Into the Woods, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, TWO and The Curious Incident of The Dog in the Night-Time, and at 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 and the recent House Dance competition were lovely reminders of the enthusiasm and wealth of performance talent our students have across the year groups. Both these well-attended competitions showcased our Sixth Formers great leadership skills. The theme of House Dance this year was ‘Power’, and we were pleasantly surprised at the high standard of the young dancers coming through in the group and solo pieces.

In addition to working with my department colleagues, who have provided our students with high-quality experiences, opportunities and unique memories, I have enjoyed teaching LAMDA alongside our coordinator Evelyn Smith; we have taught sessions in acting, public speaking and musical theatre to students ranging from Year 7 to Year 13. Last half-term, our 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, in addition to directing our students, I went back to tread the boards myself in a production of Mosquitoes, award-winning playwright Lucy Kirkwood’s powerful exploration of sisterhood in a world of collision. The production was at the Bob Hope Theatre, and consequently we now have strong links with this local theatre. Thank you to all the staff and students who came to support me; it was an incredibly rewarding experience that I will cherish. As a department we champion the arts and actively encourage our students to see as much live theatre as possible. I am in the fifth year of 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 this year. Thanks to Michaela Snee for Dance Club and Ian Bassett for attending, filming and photographing all our productions. I would like to extend my gratitude to all the members of staff who have supported the Drama Department over the last year and to those parents who have attended our performances. Furthermore, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ross Peters and say good luck to Codie Lockyer for their BA in Technical Theatre at Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

On behalf of my team, the school and of course the students, we would like to thank the legend that is Danielle Sutherland for everything she has done for Colfe’s Drama. She will sadly be leaving us this summer for pastures new and will be hugely missed. We have collaborated for the last 8 years, and I will genuinely feel like a part of me is missing professionally and personally. However, that said I have gained a fabulous friend and am booking flights to see her and her family in Abu Dhabi in October halfterm. “Adieu, Adieu, Parting is such sweet sorrow”.

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 the play Bright by Polly Wiseman as a stimulus. They extracted a theme, scene or character from the play and created a piece of theatre of their own in the style of a key theatre practitioner.

The students were more than up for the task and, throughout the term-long process, experimented with various ideas and themes. They researched topics, looked at documentaries, conducted personal interviews, read articles and looked at art forms related to their chosen themes. They were also lucky enough to have a two-hour workshop with Frantic Assembly Theatre Company, one of the theatre practitioners prescribed for their course. Months of development on these projects resulted in poignant and fantastically executed performances, which left audience members touched and inspired by the characters and narrative. Thanks to Mrs Sutherland for collaborating on this project.

Our Year 13 Scripted Performances were the two contrasting pieces Be My Baby by Amanda Whittington and Bull by Mike Bartlett. Their final performances took place in the Spring Term and consisted of a duologue, monologues and a scripted piece. 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

“Our A-level devised piece was my preferred part of the course as it gave us a chance to create something completely original. It was challenging at times, with so many creative ideas, but gave us freedom to explore all sorts of themes (such as identity or restriction) but also experiment with different practitioners on the journey. Working as a group made it collaborative; we were all extremely proud of our finished product.”

Amelie, Year 12

“Although it was hard work, completing this part of the A-level was very rewarding and thrilling! I particularly enjoyed the experimental aspect of my group’s Artaudian performance, and it was great fun doing so much theatre that I had never done before.”

Chloe, Year 12

“This was unlike anything I’ve ever done. My acting, directorial and design skills were pushed out of their comfort zone.”

Delilah, Year 12

GCSE PERFORMANCES: YEAR 11 SCRIPTED

This year’s Year 11 GCSE scripted performances were a compelling showcase of maturity, sensitivity and comedic flair. Both Year 11 GCSE Drama classes, taught by Ms Maher and Mrs Sutherland, presented an impressive and diverse selection of texts that reflected the students’ ambition, creativity and depth of understanding. From the tender honesty of Lovesong to the stark morality of Antigone, each piece was handled with care and commitment.

The group performances were particularly powerful. Each ensemble brought their scripts to life with clarity and conviction, demonstrating a real sense of cohesion and creative energy. Whether exploring themes of mental health in Leaves, class and identity in Educating Rita or toxic friendship and social pressure in Girls Like That, the students delivered tremendously strong performances that captured both the spirit and nuance of their chosen texts.

A special mention must go to the innovative stage designs and the meticulous attention to props evident throughout the performances. From evocative domestic spaces to abstract symbolic settings, the design choices elevated the storytelling and enhanced the overall theatrical experience. These impressive visual choices were realised by the students but expertly achieved and supported by Miss Lockyer, whose design leadership brought each world to life.

There was a clear commitment to the rehearsal process, and it was evident that each group worked incredibly hard to shape and refine their performances. The physical and vocal skills on display reflected the time invested in developing character and intention. Audiences were treated to authentic, heartfelt moments alongside clever comedic timing, all of which highlighted the range of talent within the cohort.

What stands out most, however, is the growth seen year on year in the quality of performance work. Each new cohort builds upon the achievements of the last, raising the standard of what is expected and what can be accomplished at this level. As I say farewell to Colfe’s and prepare for pastures new in the UAE, this final GCSE performance season has been a deeply rewarding and memorable one. It has been a privilege to guide such passionate and talented students alongside Ms Maher.

Danielle Sutherland Teacher of Drama

GCSE EXAM PERFORMANCES: Y10 DEVISED

In late April, following the Easter break, we were treated to a selection of devised performances from our Year 10 Drama pupils as part of Component 1 of their GCSE. Seven groups presented original pieces they had researched, written and rehearsed themselves, including making thoughtful decisions about the production elements of their work, such as lighting, sound, set and costume.

The starting point for each piece was a stimulus chosen from those provided by the exam board. These included a photograph titled ‘Suburban Dystopia’ by German photographer Florian Kriechbaumer, the quote “Never let the truth get in the way of a good story” by Mark Twain, and the Queen song Bohemian Rhapsody, which proved especially popular among the pupils. From these stimuli emerged stories exploring a wide range of themes, including dystopian futures, terminal illness, friendship, addiction, mental health, grief, guilt and family. These narratives were told with sensitivity, insight and emotional depth, supported by independent research and case studies sourced by the pupils during the devising process.

The performances also demonstrated a wide range of theatrical techniques. Many groups made effective use of physical theatre in the style of Frantic Assembly, building on skills taught to them earlier in the year during a workshop with the company. Others employed the metatheatrical strategies of Bertolt Brecht, particularly the Verfremdungseffekt (or estrangement effect) to draw attention to the moral messages within their work and encourage critical engagement from the audience.

Drama GCSE is unique in that 40% of the qualification is completed during the first year. Because of this, we staged a mock performance evening back in the Autumn Term, which feels like a long time ago now! I think all the pupils would agree that they’ve made huge strides in their development since then. As a new teacher, a particular highlight for me has been witnessing that growth, not just in the quality of their performance work, but also in their increasing confidence, maturity and skill as they transition from Key Stage 3 to GCSE.

As they now turn their attention to the scripted performance and written components of the course, I have no doubt that this cohort will continue to approach their work with the same creativity, discipline and thoughtful reflection that made these performances so memorable.

Mr Peters, Teacher of Drama

KEY STAGE 3 DRAMA

This year has seen our KS3 Drama students take bold creative steps across a wide range of topics, texts and theatrical styles.

Year 7 began with an introduction to drama, focusing on developing new skills and building on existing ones through games, improvisation and short scenes. They went on to explore the emotional experiences of evacuees in wartime Britain, using monologue and ensemble work to bring historical stories to life. Their final performance of James and the Giant Peach was a joyful celebration of character and imagination, brought to life with colourful costumes and playful ensemble staging.

Year 8 explored the rich world of Greek mythology, developing their use of chorus and physical theatre to retell The Odessey. In the summer, they tackled Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations, embracing surreal comedy and inventive storytelling, with thoughtful costume design adding to the vibrancy of the piece.

A highlight for both Years 7 and 8 was the pantomime unit, where students wrote and performed their own original scripts. The creativity and comic timing on display made this one of the most enjoyable projects of the year.

Year 9 took on more advanced work, including a study of Stanislavski and scripted scenes from DNA by Dennis Kelly. They ended the year with devised performances that showcased maturity, collaboration and originality.

Across all year groups, students have grown in confidence, creativity and performance skill. KS3 Drama continues to be a space where young people express themselves, take creative risks and bring stories to life.

Mr Peters, Teacher of Drama

WINTER PRODUCTION: THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME

Mark Haddon’s best-selling novel The Curious Incident of The Dog in The Night-Time is brought to life in a thrilling stage adaptation by Simon Stephens. Christopher, fifteen years old, discovers Mrs Shears’ dog has been speared with a garden fork at seven minutes after midnight – and Christopher is immediately under suspicion. He records each fact in the book he is writing to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington. He has an extraordinary brain and is exceptional at maths, while everyday life presents some barriers. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road; he detests being touched and he distrusts strangers. When he finds himself in the middle of this mystery, it takes him on a journey that upturns his world.

As soon as the rights became available, I knew this would be the perfect show for our Winter Production for our Year 10–13 students. It was an absolute pleasure to work with such a passionate, dynamic and dedicated ensemble of cast and crew, both on stage and behind the scenes. We are immensely proud of each and every one of them. Our heartfelt thanks go to Miss Lockyer and the entire production team for their outstanding work on the set and technical elements, and for bringing to life the vision shared by myself and my fellow creative directors, Mrs Sutherland and Mr Peters. We thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this production, and we hope our audiences agreed that it showcased not only the incredible talent of our pupils, but also the unwavering commitment of the Drama Department.

Natalie Maher, Director of Drama

“Playing Judy in the Winter Production was a challenging but very rewarding experience. To get into character, I explored a range of deep emotions to connect with the story in a realistic way. It’s always so enjoyable to be part of the school productions because I'm surrounded by other passionate actors. It taught me lots about teamwork, especially considering our production had elements of physical theatre inspired by Frantic Assembly which require trust from other cast members.”

Amelie, Year 12

“This year, I took part in the production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, in which I played the character of Siobhan alongside Ellen (Year 13). It was such a fun experience, and I greatly enjoyed every rehearsal and performance. By the end it, I was very sad to let go of such an exciting production and cast!”

Chloe, Year 12

SUMMER PRODUCTION: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

A dominant theme in A Midsummer Night’s Dream is love, a subject to which Shakespeare returns constantly in his comedies. Shakespeare explores how people tend to fall in love with those who appear beautiful to them. In a nutshell, the four main plots of the play are the upcoming wedding of Theseus and Hippolyta, the confused relationships between the young lovers, the misadventures of the mechanicals and the conflict between the fairies.

In our production we decided to create a ‘mild’ promenade experience. Just as the audiences at the Globe Theatre would have stood in the pit, our live audience moved with our actors from the court of Athens to the forest. Consequently, just like in a nightmare or a dream, we chose to subvert reality. The court scenes were outside in the Quad, and the forest scenes were inside the Beardwood Theatre. Thus, the old meets the new; ancient open-air performance meets modern lighting and sound indoors. The weather was on our side, so we were performing in beautiful sunshine, and we sold out all performances!

Our lower school cast took the challenges of Shakespearean language and promenade theatre in their stride and were all simply amazing. It was an absolute joy to work with such an enthusiastic and hard-working group of talented students both on and off the stage; we are proud of you all! Huge thanks must go to Miss Lockyer for building the set, providing all things technical and making real the vision of my co-directors Mrs Sutherland and Mr Peters.

Natalie Maher, Director of Drama

“This year, I took part in the production, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, in which I played one of the fairies. I really enjoyed it as I got to learn new acting skills and make friends with the older years. It taught me a lot about dedication and working together. I enjoyed every single rehearsal and am sad to leave the fun behind."

Ana, Year 7

“I have had a most rare vision. I had a dream, past the wit of man to say what dream it was… The eye of man hath not heard, the ear of man hath not seen, man's hand is not able to taste, his tongue to conceive, nor his heart to report, what my dream was.”

(Bottom, Act 4 Scene 1)

“This summer, I got to perform in the summer production A Midsummer Night’s Dream, in which I played the part of Helena. I really enjoyed rehearsals because of the great cast and team. It was a fun experience getting to perform this classic play with my friends, and I’m excited to audition for the winter play next term.”

Grace, Year 9

TECHNICAL THEATRE

The enthusiasm for technical theatre here at Colfe’s continues to grow, and it has been truly inspiring to witness the high level of student engagement across both academic studies and co-curricular activities.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IN TECHNICAL THEATRE

Our GCSE and A level Drama students have once again demonstrated exceptional creativity and dedication, immersing themselves in the technical elements of their exam work. From designing immersive lighting and sound, to developing sets and sourcing or creating props, students have brought to life a wide array of scenes – from hospitals and family homes to schools and office environments – spanning numerous historical and contemporary settings. Drawing on their own knowledge and the influence of selected theatre practitioners, they have integrated technical elements with impressive precision to enhance and complement their performance pieces perfectly.

School theatre trips have also offered valuable learning opportunities, allowing students to observe and analyse professional technical design choices. These experiences have been followed by focused lessons on production elements, in which students have participated with great enthusiasm – offering thoughtful critiques, sharing original ideas and exploring ways to apply what they’ve seen to their own work.

We are also proud to announce that, this academic year, Colfe’s saw its first student complete an A level in Technical Theatre – Matthew, specialising in sound design. Watching him develop intricate and engaging sound designs that enhance the work of our Drama students has been truly inspiring! Interest in the technical aspects of performance continues to grow, with a number of students now expressing a keen desire to pursue a GCSE in different branches of Technical Design. Given the hands-on experience they are already gaining through involvement in school productions and dedication to Technical Theatre Club, I am confident that they will excel in this field.

It is a privilege to offer a course in Technical Theatre at this stage in our students’ education, especially when paired with the facilities we are lucky to have in the Beardwood Theatre. I hope this early opportunity is used to its full advantage, and that it not only broadens their creative skillsets, but also fosters a lasting appreciation for the industry.

TECHNICAL THEATRE CLUB (LOWER SCHOOL)

This year, due to a significant increase in participation, the Technical Theatre Club has been divided into two groups: Lower School and Upper School, with Mr Peters taking the Upper School and I the Lower. The younger technicians have taken part in a range of workshops covering various elements of theatre production, including lighting design, programming, follow-spotting, soundscaping, set design and costuming. In addition, sessions have included a focus on foundational industry knowledge, such as roles and key terminology in the industry.

This diverse curriculum has given students the opportunity to explore different areas of backstage theatre and discover what aspects most appeal to them. Lighting, in particular, has proven especially popular among participants and has been a primary focus throughout the year. While the club is educational, it also fosters a sense of fun and collaboration. Sessions regularly include interactive activities and games, such as a crowd favourite, the follow-spot challenge. In this game, teams of students attempt to evade the spotlight while pairs take turns operating the follow spots – resulting in plenty of laughter, energetic movement and (occasionally) the reward of achievement points!

TECHNICAL THEATRE IN SCHOOL EVENTS

This year has seen an exciting increase in student involvement with technical theatre across a wide range of school events – not just from our regular technicians, but also from many new faces eager to support behind the scenes.

One of the earliest highlights was the House Drama competition in September. Each house presented a 10-minute piece, and in addition to performing, many students took on technical responsibilities. From

Tech Club Set Design

School Productions Curious Crew

Tech Club Costume Game

School Productions Curious Tech

programming lights to operating sound and managing scene changes, students displayed versatility, creativity and teamwork, showcasing their talents both on and off stage.

Another brilliant example came during the Year 7 Disco, where a group of Year 12 students took charge of running the event’s technical elements. Working in the sound booth, they operated the music, controlled microphones and even photographed the event. They ensured the evening ran smoothly and cultivated a fun and lively atmosphere.

SCHOOL PRODUCTIONS

The school shows this year have been an incredible collaborative effort and a true display of the talent. Our Winter Production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time was the first time I got to see the impressive capability and talent of our Year 13 technicians as they took the lead programming and operating lighting and sound. The initiative and understanding they showed made me confident in leaving them alone when needed to organise set, props, costumes and help co-ordinate actors. I couldn’t be prouder of the incredible and efficient work they produced. Whilst there was not a large amount of stagehand work to do on show nights due to the style of the production, I am very grateful to the lower school technical theatre club who came together in the weeks before to help me bring the set to life – helping to execute the floor design, hanging props and doing general set and prop maintenance.

Our summer production was a promenade rendition of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the lower half of the school. This was a challenge due to the sheer cast size, as well as working with several different spaces, but the crew took it all in their stride. We focused on involving the lower school, as this was the same demographic as the cast, and ended up with an incredible crew of 28 students from Years 7 to 10. The crew, which had almost as many members as the cast, assisted with everything, from assistant directors, design, creation and programming to operation, show calling and stagehand work on the nights. Every step of the process came to life with their hard work and dedication, and they should be beyond proud of themselves. I can’t wait to come back and see what projects Colfe’s completes in the future!

A huge thank you to all the staff and students who have made my time here truly incredible, I’ve learnt so much and met so many amazing people. A special thank you to the lovely Drama Department, it has been an honour to work alongside you, and in particular Mr Peters who helped with all my queries and qualms as I navigated this new job. Another massive thank you to Mr Basset who has helped me with all sorts of jobs throughout my year here. I will be handing over to a new technician, Mr Hall, as I start my next adventure over at Guildhall. I wish him, and all the staff and students who made my year so enjoyable, the best of luck!

Codie Lockyer, Theatre Technician

TECHNICAL THEATRE CLUB (SENIOR)

I first met many of the members of this club when I joined Colfe’s as a Theatre Technician in 2022, while they were in Year 10. I arrived halfway through the rehearsal process for the Summer Production, Into the Woods, and found myself in a new space, working with unfamiliar equipment and faced with a long to-do list. Thankfully, this tenacious and enthusiastic group of Year 10s already possessed a knowledge and skillset far beyond their years. Very quickly, I had a full team confidently operating lights, sound, microphones and special effects.

Unlike other schools I’ve worked in, Colfe’s encourages pupils to take the lead with the incredible resources at our disposal. This trust fosters not only technical competence but also a real sense of responsibility. Many of our Sixth Form technicians have gained experience that I didn’t encounter until university. Through their curiosity, dedication and willingness to give up significant time to support school productions and events, they’ve achieved remarkable things. In the last year, some have earned places on highly competitive National Youth Theatre courses, specialising in lighting and sound design – often as the youngest participants. Others have secured paid work at theatres, music festivals or with external theatre companies using our Beardwood space.

It’s sad to see them go, and they will be sorely missed by the whole Drama Department. But thanks to their mentoring of younger members in the Technical Theatre Club, they leave behind a high standard and a strong legacy. They are an exceptional group and fully deserving of the exciting futures ahead of them – whether pursuing top university courses or freelance opportunities, supporting drama societies or even making their way into the professional theatre world. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if, on a future school trip to the theatre, I spot one or two familiar names in the programme.

Ross Peters, Teacher of Drama

School Productions AMND Lighting

School Productions AMND Crew

LAMDA LESSONS AND SHOWCASE

We are thrilled to share the outstanding results of our recent LAMDA examinations at the Senior School. This year’s cohort has truly excelled, and we are incredibly proud to announce that 78% of our students achieved the top result, Distinction, and 22% were awarded a Merit. This is truly a phenomenal result! The dedication each student showed throughout their learning journey has been remarkable. Their efforts have truly paid off, with results that speak volumes about their talent and growth.

In addition to their exam success, lots of our students also took to the stage in our post-exam LAMDA Showcase, and what a celebration it was! Each student brought their pieces to life with confidence, emotion and a deep understanding of the material. It was a joy to witness their transformation from students preparing for exams to performers captivating an audience.

The showcase highlighted not only their technical skill but also the creativity, courage and connection they each brought to their work. Whether delivering powerful dramatic monologues, entertaining us with comedy, sharing stories through song, bringing text to life in prose performances or captivating us with poetry. Every student had something different and special to offer.

To every one of our performers: your results are a testament to your talent and tenacity. You should be immensely proud of all that you have achieved – we certainly are. I can’t wait to see where our LAMDA journey takes us to next!

Evelyn Smith, LAMDA Co-ordinator & Tutor

PLAYWRITING CLUB

This year, we set out to explore the creativity of scriptwriting with our Key Stage 4 students, offering a fresh perspective on the beauty of literature while equipping them with new skills and developing their creative writing talents. In the early stages of the club, we focused on character exploration and story mapping. From there, we progressed to using the Royal Court’s Young Writers Programme as a framework to support our students in drafting their own scripts.

We used the structure of the Young Playwrights’ Competition to guide students through the process of creating a rough draft of an original play. Although we chose not to enter the competition this year, our students are now eager and well-prepared to submit entries next year, thanks to the knowledge and confidence they have gained. Looking ahead, we hope to invite professional playwrights to Colfe’s to take this exciting initiative even further.

“I have really enjoyed playwriting club this year; I had not tried this form at all prior to the club and was very excited to try it. We developed our characters and plots while discussing at each step. We are now following the Royal Court’s workshops and will aim to submit our plays to their competition next year. I enjoy discussing my and others’ plays as well as the writing I have completed so far.” Isobel,Year 10

“Despite having to essentially quit halfway through the year due to the unfortunate number of exams, I have really enjoyed playwriting club. I love any form of writing, but I haven’t tried writing a play before – the way we approached it in the club was by starting with a main character and gradually spiralling outwards. As it is a club, we discuss our various plays and characters: something I really enjoy because I have previously been part of the creative writing club which took place mostly alone. In short, I loved this (short) reprise from school and creating a whole universe of characters in spite of not being able to explore it fully as a play”. Leila,Year 10

“I have really enjoyed playwriting club this year. I’ve enjoyed creating my own scripts, as well as being able to share my ideas in a fun and encouraging environment. We have started writing our own scripts which we will go on to develop, so that next year we may be able to enter a competition.” Grace,Year 10

Danielle Sutherland & Ross Peters Teachers of Drama

DRAMA CLUB

Drama Club has been running every Wednesday lunchtime in the Beardwood Theatre for Years 7–9. It’s so amazing to see so many keen faces showing up each week to learn from some of the older students. A big thank you to all the pupils who have attended and to the Sixth Formers for their time and effort – a great opportunity to develop their leadership skills.

“As a Drama A level student, I help run Drama Club every week. It is a very rewarding experience to be able to work with such talented students in the younger years, and every week I have such a great time running it with other A level students!” Chloe,Year 12

“This is an enriching experience for everyone involved. The Year 7–9s have fun while refining their performance skills and I am able to develop my directorial skills.” Delilah,Year 12

“Running Drama Club for the younger years has been such a fun and rewarding experience. It’s been amazing to see how people were open to different ideas and drama-related games.” Ines,Year 12

Natalie Maher, Director of Drama

DANCE CLUB

Dance Club has been running every Wednesday lunchtime in the studio, and it’s been an incredible journey. I have had the joy of teaching talented dancers with experience, as well as complete beginners who have jumped in with pure curiosity. Wow, have you all impressed me! t has been amazing watching your confidence grow and seeing so many of you shine in school productions, such as Bugsy Malone and Adrian Mole, which I’ve had the pleasure of choreographing for the Drama Department. This year, we’ve been dancing to commercial hits by Doja Cat, Dua Lipa, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Ariana Grande and more – plus a taste of Musical Theatre too. A big thank you to all the Year 7–10 students who’ve made it such a fun, supportive and judgement-free space. I can’t wait to see even more of you next term – whether you’re a regular or it’s your first time!

Michaela Snee, Teacher of Dance

NATIONAL YOUTH THEATRE

Colfe’s young theatre stars continue to shine, with several students winning places at the National Youth Theatre’s summer workshop this year, continuing a fine tradition that has seen over 30 of our students reach this achievement over the last 8 years. Naima (Year 10) and Amelie (Year 12) fought through the gruelling audition rounds, competing against over 5,000 young people to secure places on the celebrated acting workshop, while Leon, Elena and Cecilia (Year 9) and Delilah (Year 12) gained places on the waiting list.

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 to the NYT Rep Company.

I am so proud of our students they gave so much energy and showed so much enthusiasm on the audition workshop day in the Beardwood. This opportunity is open to all students from Year 9 to Year 13. What a fantastic achievement and I look forward to hearing all about their participation in the summer course.

Ms Maher, Director of Drama

“I am really excited about taking part in the course this summer, I can’t wait to start.”

Naima, Year 10

“The audition process for National Youth Theatre was exciting and engaging, as we had someone from the company come in to lead a workshop. Upon finding out that I was successful in my audition, I’m now very excited to grow as a performer and be surrounded by other young actors during the summer course. I think it’s such a great opportunity that Colfe’s has allowed me to experience. I know we will learn so much and it will be a great experience. The course also means we will have membership of the National Youth Theatre which bring so many more audition and training opportunities which is fantastic”

Amelie, Year 12

An update from last year’s NYT members:

“Auditioning for the National Youth Theatre in school was an extremely fun experience, and I was ecstatic when I found out that I got accepted! Over the summer of 2024, I spent two weeks becoming a member of the National Youth Theatre. During this time, I learnt in great depth how to successfully be part of an ensemble, and I made many great, like-minded friends who shared a love for theatre. Overall, it was a great, invaluable experience, and I am very grateful to have done it!”

Chloe, Year 12

“Having the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in the NYT intake course is one that I will always have fond memories of. Auditioning through the school allowed me to go on to do new things I never would’ve come up with otherwise and I was able to meet incredible people from across the UK.”

Greta, Year 12

TRIPS AND WORKSHOPS

This year, we were thrilled to take students on seven exciting trips, each offering unique opportunities for learning, exploration and fun. Every trip was met with enthusiasm and we’re proud of how well everyone represented the school – we look forward to even more adventures next year!

STARLIGHT EXPRESS, TROUBADOUR WEMBLEY PARK THEATRE

Starlight Express is a dazzling spectacle of roller-skating talent and electrifying music that brings Andrew Lloyd Webber’s futuristic fantasy to life with thrilling energy. We had all of Year 7, plus a few Drama scholars in Year 8, on this trip and they adored this musical.

“Year 7 and some of Year 8 went to watch Starlight Express at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. I had never heard of this production so I was very excited to see what it would bring. Let’s just say it didn’t disappoint! The show was unlike anything I had seen before; the costumes, lighting, sound, makeup

and set merged perfectly to create a truly unique experience. We were all on the edge of our seats as the talented actors spun around the stage in roller blades, telling the story with buckets of enthusiasm. Overall, we all had an amazing time, and it was incredible to watch the actors bring their individual characters to life through memorable songs!” Isabella,Year 8

DEVIL WEARS PRADA, DOMINION THEATRE

The Devil Wears Prada delivers fierce fashion, sharp wit and catchy new songs in a glamorous stage adaptation of the iconic film. With standout performances and stylish staging, our Year 9s had a ball!

“This year, Year 9 Drama students got to go see The Devil Wears Prada. I loved the musical because I thought that the music and lighting portrayed how the characters were feeling well, and they made the performance fun to watch. I liked the ensemble as well since there was a lot of them, so it made the musical interesting to watch and there was a wide variety of clothing which made it feel like every person had their own character. I also loved how they showed Andy’s development as she went from being shy to confident not only in the way she spoke but in the way she dressed as well.”

Juliette,Year 9

AN INSPECTOR CALLS, ALEXANDRA PALACE

This revival of An Inspector Calls is a gripping, visually striking production – its looming, doll-house-on-stilts set and standout acting made for a memorable evening for our Year 10s and 11s.

“In the Autumn term, the Year 10 and 11 Drama students went to see An Inspector Calls at Alexandra Palace. I really enjoyed being able to see such a famous and classic play. I had not seen or read the play before, so it was an interesting experience. I was incredibly engaged the whole way through, and I was also incredibly invested in the storyline. I also found myself doing more and more research on the story and its subject matters for days after. The main actors were incredible and really added to the realism of the performance. I also thought that the staging and props helped to elevate the whole performance. I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it!”Alice,Year 10

“In December 2024, we went to the Trafalgar Theatre to see The Duchess [of Malfi] which starred Jodie Whittaker. We used this performance in our exams as an example of a piece of live theatre to evaluate. I found it interesting to watch the unique performance style as it was different to any other piece of theatre I have seen through the play’s use of projection and musical performers throughout. We were able to have in depth discussions in class about how effective we felt the performance was and what we would have done differently, helping us to develop our technical knowledge of theatre.”

Natalie,Year 11

THE HOUSE PARTY, ROSE THEATRE

The House Party is a fierce, high-energy reinvention of Miss Julie, depicting a night of explosive class tension and emotional betrayal. The Frantic Assembly-infused choreography, pounding music and incredible performance made this an amazing and useful piece for our A-Level students to have in their repertoire.

“The House Party performance was an exhilarating piece of theatre which kept me hooked the whole time with their dynamic and energy filled movement. I was entertained from start to finish.” Ines,Year 12

“Watching The House Party at the Rose Theatre was a wild and exciting show. It was fast, chaotic and felt like a real party, enhanced with the use of the practitioner Frantic Assembly. It felt raw, relatable and emotional, helping inspire themes for our Component 1 A-Level devised pieces.” Amelie,Year 12

STRANGER THINGS, PHEONIX THEATRE

“Back in May, we went to see An Inspector Calls at the theatre, and I found the production incredibly engaging. The clever use of lighting and staging created an eerie atmosphere that really drew us into the world of the play. I especially liked how the actors built tension through their timing and physical presence, making the Inspector’s message feel powerful and relevant even today. The play had subtle foreshadowing shown throughout which kept you on the edge of your seat always making you guess what happens next”

Nicholas,Year 10

THE DUCHESS [OF MALFI], TRAFALGAR THEATRE

The Duchess [of Malfi] blends contemporary stylisation with Jacobean tragedy in a bold but often jarring way – leaving a strong impression on our GCSE Students.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow is an adrenaline-fuelled sci-fi spectacle, with jaw-dropping acting and unrivalled stagecraft – including intense illusions, dynamic lighting and immersive sound – which made for an incredible experience for our A-Level students.

“We went to watch Stranger Things: The First Shadow at the Phoenix Theatre. The performance was very exciting and thrilling to watch; the acting was amazing and told the story of how Stranger Things occurred and the backstory behind it. The visual spectacle of the performance was outstanding, and the use of lighting and projection create this immersive experience for the audience. Also, the use of surround sound really makes the audience believe they are surrounded by these horrific creatures and are involved in the events that occur throughout the performance. The overall performance was extremely fun and entertaining to watch, and it was an extremely impressive performance.” Jack,Year 12

NEXT TO NORMAL, WYNDAM’S THEATRE

Next to Normal is an electrifying and deeply moving rock musical, that explores topics of grief, mental illness and the wrenching dynamics of a shattered family, making an unforgettable West End experience for our older students.

“This heart-wrenching play really hit an emotional nerve. I felt like I had a personal connection and understanding of the characters after watching.”

Delilah,Year 12

“Next to Normal was a breathtaking show with incredibly powerful performances about mental illness that completely changed my perspective on the world. Words cannot describe just how powerful the emotions in that theatre were.”

Greta,Year 12

FRANTIC ASSEMBLY WORKSHOP: GCSE AND A LEVEL

Frantic Assembly is a theatre practitioner that is studied extensively during both GCSE and A level. Their physical theatre style is one the kids always enjoy exploring, and we were lucky enough to have a member of their company show us some techniques, tips and tricks!

“After warming up, we started learning these techniques such as the Beyonce lift, or the group lift where one person is lifted into the air either facing downward, upwards or sideways. These techniques were all new, and were difficult at first, but the final product was very smooth and effective. These techniques all gave us more ideas to use in our performances and, as a whole, the workshop was a lot of fun and extremely valuable.”

Jack,Year 12

KAT MARY PRODUCTIONS, WOYZECK WORKSHOP:

YEAR 12

This workshop, followed by a performance of the piece, was a perfect educational tool for our A level students who study Woyzeck as part of their course. It had been specifically created with students in mine and incorporated several different practitioner styles and influences, including Berkoff, Artaud and Brecht.

“This was an excellent introduction to the nature of the play and practitioner. My involvement in the performance definitely enhanced my understanding of the play’s deeper messages.”

Delilah,Year 12

“Participating in the Woyzeck workshop was fascinating, as having the opportunity to both watch and be involved in a performance of Woyzeck taught me so much about the text that I never would’ve considered otherwise.”

Greta,Year 12

Codie Lockyer, Theatre Technician

CREATIVE ART & DESIGN

YEAR 8 DESIGN TECHNOLOGY

YEAR 9 DESIGN TECHNOLOGY

YEAR 7 TEXTILES

YEAR 8 TEXTILES

YEAR 9 TEXTILES

YEAR 10 TEXTILES

TEXTILES TRIP TO THE VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM

In February this year, our Year 10 GCSE Textiles students enjoyed a day of inspiration and creativity at a Fashion Conscience workshop at the Victoria & Albert Museum, where they explored the history of fashion design before creating their own mini mannequins. The workshop used the V&A’s dynamic and diverse fashion collection, drawing on particular pieces to highlight techniques, key movements and influential individuals. Students looked at how the change in silhouettes and textiles can be seen as a radical statement against political and social norms.

This workshop was an excellent enrichment opportunity for our students, providing inspiration and context for their Textiles studies. All the students thoroughly engaged with the activities on offer and took full advantage of the workshop to develop their work for their GCSE course. The curator who facilitated the interactive workshop commented several times on the group’s maturity and creativity.

Melanie Way, Head of Textiles

“The Textiles trip to the V&A was a really interactive and fascinating experience. We started the day with a course which taught us about taking inspiration from objects you would not think of and designing clothes based on them and then turning our sketches into 3D models on mini mannequins. We learnt about how a piece can often tell us about the time it was designed in and how it reflected on society at that time. Later on, we went through the fashion collection. This collection is a very comprehensive one and has a variety of pieces from different times and different types of clothing. It was interesting to see how the clothes changed as we got closer to our time now and how the lines between masculine and female designs and clothing started to blur and more designs became gender neutral. From designing and making mini models on our own to drawing inspiration from the collection at the V&A and looking at different fashion pieces throughout history, this trip was very educational and exciting, and I learnt a lot more about fashion designing.” Esha, Year 10

“The V&A houses one of the largest national collections with a permanent collection of over 4.5 million objects. On our visit we focused on the fashion collection which has pieces dating back as far as the 17th century.

Our exploration of the V&A’s extensive collection started with a workshop where we learnt about silhouette and how it has changed and evolved through history following the current events and trends. We then used some of the stranger looking pieces from the furniture collection to inspire us to design our own pieces. We were told to focus on shape, colour, texture and pattern to see which section stood out to us, and to use that throughout our designs. We then explored the fashion collection and continued our designing. We gained inspiration from and adapted the designs of pieces in the collection to fit prompts like designing for gender neutrality or designing with culture and heritage in mind.

We spent the afternoon exploring the fashion collection in our own time and gaining inspiration that we can take back and include in our own work. We were able to focus on the areas that we found to be interesting. I chose to focus on silhouette and embellishment and see how they were used throughout history. It was very interesting to see the evolution of fashion over the years and see all the sources of inspiration. I’m very excited to see how I can interpret what I found.”

Alice, Year 10

TEXTILE ARTIST COMPETITION 2025

Congratulations to Lucy (Year 10) who was awarded for her Highly Commendable Artwork (pictured) and made it into the final ten for Student Textile Artist 2025 in this respected competition. With over 450 amazing entries in the GCSE category, it was very hard for the judges to choose their shortlist this year, with one commenting, “The standard of entries is incredibly high, much credit to the pupils and their tutors.” Well done, Lucy, we’re very proud of your hard work and creativity!

Ms Way, Teacher of Textiles

GCSE AND A-LEVEL ART & PHOTOGRAPHY

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

As usual, the Department of Outdoor Education has provided fantastic opportunities for personal development and adventure for pupils across the Junior and Senior Schools.

These have all been set in beautiful locations around the country. There were, however, some big changes this year as we adjust to a changing market and rising costs. Covid-19 took its toll on the outdoor industry, with many freelance instructors and service providers leaving the field. Additionally, costs have risen dramatically, not least coach travel.

The residential centre in the Lake District that we used for over 20 years was redeveloped into a hotel, so this year our course ran from the Newlands Centre in Keswick. This is actually the oldest centre in the country, and it provided us with a well-equipped, warm base to operate our Year 7 programme from. This meant we could maintain our presence in the Lakes and use many of the same excellent instructors and outdoor venues as before. The team are highly experienced and, as some are in the Mountain Rescue service, we still had an evening presentation about this unique blue light service.

We said also goodbye to Snowdonia for our Year 8 courses and moved east, operating for the first time from the YHA Edale Activity Centre in the Peak District. We enjoyed a great programme, great instructors and stunning scenery – and benefitted from much reduced travel times. Highlights for our Year 8 pupils included abseiling from a disused viaduct!

Our Year 9 pupils also benefited from a shorter, greener journey this year, as we moved our Bushcraft Camp week south from Kettering to Penshurst Place in Kent. This unique, challenging and exciting course in outdoor survival was, as always, very well received, with pupils learning many outdoor skills and being taught how to prepare food literally from scratch over an open fire.

My thanks as always to my colleagues who give up their time to staff and support all the outdoor trips and challenges that have such an impact on pupils’ personal and social development. Building confidence, resilience, teamwork and leadership skills, our students learn skills and create memories that last a lifetime.

Major Chris Cherry, Head of Outdoor Education

Mountain Rescue demonstrate their life-saving skills

Year 8 abseiling in the Peak District

Year 7 abseiling in the Lake District

Year 7 canoeing on Derwent Water

Year 8 hiking in the Peak District

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

COLFE’S SPORTING YEAR: A CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE, GROWTH AND GRIT

As the 2024–2025 academic year draws to a close, the PE department proudly reflects on a season of remarkable sporting achievements and academic excellence that showcase the talent, dedication and spirit of our students and staff alike.

We are proud to offer a truly inclusive and expansive programme, with new additions such as skiing, padel and golf joining our already wide-ranging curriculum. From highperformance athletes on national pathways to county and club representatives and those discovering a new sport for the first time, we are thrilled to support every pupil on their unique sporting journey.

This year alone, pupils have represented Colfe’s in an incredible 22 sports, and we have proudly fielded 337 different Senior School teams – engaging just short of 700 pupils in our competitive programme. The overall participation rate in sport across the Senior School stands at an outstanding 78%, showing that sport is truly embraced by most of our student body.

Academic excellence remains high on the agenda, and the department is extremely proud of the achievements of our Year 13 students who undertook the BTEC National Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science. This qualification provides important pathways for students interested in a career or further study in sports science. The eight-module course – which includes exercise physiology, anatomy and physiology, sports psychology, individual and group exercise, research methods, sports coaching, sports massage, and field and laboratory testing – is equivalent to two A levels and grants access to the top universities for sports science. Former BTEC students are now studying at Loughborough, Bath, Cardiff Met and Exeter, thanks to their achievements in the BTEC exams and coursework.

BTEC SPORT AND EXERCISE SCIENCE ACHIEVEMENTS

The 2023–2025 cohort of students following this course achieved a phenomenal 100% A* and A grade outcome. Of the 12 students: 8 achieved the highest possible grade of A*A* and 4 students earned an impressive A*A. This outstanding result is a testament to their dedication, discipline and deep understanding of sport and performance. Their academic success complements their practical achievements on the field, and we are incredibly proud of

the way they have balanced both with such professionalism and passion. The Year 12 students are following in their footsteps, with 100% distinctions (A grades) achieved in their Year 12 examinations – a huge congratulations to all!

KS4 PE AND GCSE RESULTS

GCSE Physical Education at Colfe’s offers an exciting and challenging opportunity for students who have a passion for sport, health and performance. It is the perfect subject for those who enjoy being active, who are eager to develop their skills both practically and academically, and who want to explore the science and psychology that underpin successful performance. We find that our students gain a deeper understanding of the human body and mind in relation to sport, and develop key life skills such as confidence, resilience and communication through practical teaching within a classroom setting. We are extremely proud of our outstanding results this year, with 96% of students achieving grades 9–7 in GCSE Physical Education.

FAREWELLS AND FOND MEMORIES

As we celebrate the achievements of this year, we also take a moment to say goodbye to members of our staff team who are moving on to new adventures. While it is always sad to see valued colleagues leave, we know that Colfe’s will remain a special place in their hearts. Their contributions – on the field, in the classroom and behind the scenes – have left a lasting impact on our community, and we wish them every success in the future.

Mr Oliver Nash returns to his former school, King Edward’s Witley, to undertake a similar role, teaching both BTEC and A Level Sport, while continuing to build their tennis and football programmes. Mr Nash has been instrumental in developing Colfe’s tennis programme and has played a key role in advancing girls’ football across the school. His energy, expertise and commitment have made a lasting impression, and he leaves behind a legacy of opportunity and growth for our pupils.

Miss Katie Symmonds also leaves us this year, with a move back to Witley to pursue new adventures. Miss Symmonds has worked tirelessly across both the Junior and Senior Schools, and we thank her for her hard work, positivity and dedication – particularly in supporting the Year 10 girls’ sports programme. Her presence and passion for sport will be greatly missed by pupils and colleagues alike.

Ms Sam Grover will be taking a sabbatical next year as she begins training as a classroom teacher. Her dedication to all things aquatics has been tremendous, and she has played a vital role in nurturing talent and enthusiasm in the pool, among her many other roles within the Junior School. Both staff and pupils will miss her presence greatly, and we wish her every success in this exciting new chapter.

Mr Shay Wellman, Graduate Sports Assistant – having thoroughly enjoyed his time at Colfe’s – is taking the next step in his teaching journey by undertaking a PGCE at St Mary’s University. We wish him all the best and know that he will make a brilliant teacher in due course.

Finally, Miss Evie Oakley and Mr Jack Kelly, our fantastic undergraduate sports assistants and former Colfeian’s, are also embarking on their next adventures. Evie returns from her travels to begin her university studies, while Jack returns to university for his second year, after a short spell back with us over the summer term. We thank them both for their energy and enthusiasm and the positive impact they’ve had on pupils and staff alike.

Nicci Rayes, Director of Sport

RUGBY

As is now customary, the rugby season began before the start of the academic year. After a number of well-attended training sessions, the players headed off to various pre-season tournaments at schools including King’s Canterbury, RGS Guildford and Reigate Grammar.

The U12s had an incredible start to their rugby journey at Colfe’s – losing only one game all season. Standout performances included wins over Caterham, St Olave’s and Eltham College. These performances were characterised by a high tempo style of rugby with a high level of skill. More pleasing was the energy and enthusiasm the group brought to all their training sessions and matches. This ensured that players made significant progress throughout the season, particularly those boys who were new to rugby this year.

It was also a great season for the U13 boys who developed considerably since Year 7. The structure of the team improved, and the boys began to really understand the roles and responsibilities of their positions. There were some standout team and individual performances along the way, including matches against Reigate Grammar and Bancroft’s, but I think the most impressive thing was how many boys stepped up and played A team rugby during the year. It was clear to see how hungry all the boys were to be on the starting team sheet each week. This competition for places will only make the group get better each year. Exciting times ahead!

The U14s had a successful season, improving as a whole group throughout. Highlights included an entertaining 35–24 win away at UCS and a narrow cup loss to Maidstone Grammar. Commitment to training was superb throughout and this was rewarded with a successful 7s season, most notably their performance at the Judd 7s tournament. The group’s performances were characterised by aggressive defence and improved game understanding. In addition, they demonstrated great squad cohesion throughout the season and clearly enjoyed each other’s company.

The U15 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 Hayes and Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar alongside wins in the regular season against Eltham and University College School amongst others. The strength and depth of this group will no doubt mean that many of them will have opportunities to represent the school in the senior teams next season.

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 performances against Reigate Grammar and Eltham College. The development made by this group bodes well for the 1st XV in the coming years.

It was a tough start to the rugby season for the 2nd XV. However, as the season progressed, they began to string together some impressive results. One standout moment was a heroic performance against King’s Rochester, where the team secured a convincing 50–5 victory, showcasing some excellent free-flowing rugby. Throughout the season, they demonstrated outstanding resilience and togetherness despite the ever-fluctuating team selection.

The 1st XV had a difficult start to the season but managed to turn that around with impressive performances against Bancroft’s and University College School. However, the highlight of the season was undoubtedly the now annual fixture against Bradford Grammar. With the game being played for the first time in Yorkshire – in front of a fantastic crowd under the lights at Ilkley RFC – the Colfe’s team retained the Walton Thompson trophy.

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

Alan Bateson, Head of Rugby & Assistant Director of Sport

HOCKEY

The 2024–2025 hockey season has been one of growth and achievement at our school. Participation continues to grow, with more pupils than ever attending training sessions, resulting in a record 18 teams competing across 116 fixtures. It has been a joy to watch so many pupils come together, enjoying the game while building confidence and teamwork throughout the season.

This year’s hockey journey was full of memorable moments – wins, losses, draws, successes and challenges alike – all contributing to a truly enriching experience. Here are just a few highlights from an exciting season:

• The U12B team clinched silver at the London County T3 competition, demonstrating great skill and determination.

• Our U13A team triumphed in the plate competition at the Sevenoaks Kent tournament, emerging victorious over Eltham College in an exciting final that culminated in a penalty shootout.

• Despite not finding as much success in weekend fixtures as they hoped, the U14A team showed resilience by topping their group at the London County tournament, securing a coveted spot in the regional finals.

• The U15s made impressive progress throughout the season, notching notable wins against Bromley High and Chigwell School, and drawing in fiercely contested matches against Eltham College and St Dunstan’s College.

• The 1st XI team had a strong season, reaching the semi-final of the Mel Clewlow Cup. They also qualified for the London regional finals, though unfortunately missed out on attending due to commitment to their mock exams. Their list of local victories includes strong performances against St Dunstan’s College, Bancroft’s School, Royal Russell School and Langley Park School for Boys. Captain Xanthe (Year 13) was a strong leader, who always led by example. As the season closes, we say a heartfelt farewell to our Year 13 players, Xanthe, Sophie, Freya, Isis, Ellen, Holly, Anoushka and Emily, each of whom has contributed greatly to our hockey programme and will be sadly missed. We wish them all the best in their future hockey and life endeavours.

• A new milestone was reached this year with the introduction of our 3rd XI side. While wins were elusive, it was fantastic to see more senior pupils embracing competitive hockey and gaining valuable experience on the field.

• We are also proud to celebrate Amelie and Amelia (Year 11), who were both selected for the England Hockey Talent Academy – an outstanding achievement and testament to their hard work and potential.

Overall, the 2024 season has been a great success, marked by increased enthusiasm, growing talent and a vibrant hockey community within our school. We look forward to building on this momentum in the coming year.

Annabel Owen, Head of Hockey

1st XI Hockey v 1st XV Rugby

U13A team win the Sevenoaks Tournament Kent Plate

1st XI Hockey Team

U12B clinch silver at the London County T3 Competition

FOOTBALL

BOYS’ FOOTBALL

As always, the football season got underway at the start of the academic year with three teams (U13, U15 and Seniors) preparing for their respective ISFA cup campaigns.

Unfortunately, all three teams came unstuck in the early rounds despite putting in some good performances and having great dedication towards training in what is always a very busy term.

When the school site was hit with snow on the first day of the Lent term, I knew we were going to be in for an interesting football season for all teams. Unfortunately, it was a sign of things to come, and several of the fixtures in the early part of the season were cancelled due to waterlogged pitches.

This didn’t stop the boys and coaches from working hard, finding new locations for training and preparing the teams for a busy schedule of fixtures to come. Across the board, there were mixed results, but the focus was on player development, enjoyment and having big numbers at training. All three of these were achieved, and both players and coaches enjoyed seeing the progress made throughout the season.

The Year 9 boys were treated to a Football Tour to San Sebastian during February half term, which was a huge success enjoyed by all. All credit to the boys on the trip who behaved exceptionally, embraced the culture and showed maturity when operating in a foreign country. No doubt this will be a trip future year groups will get to enjoy too, and we hope to expand it to the girls as well.

The addition of a new house this year meant House Football took place as a Saturday fixture – and it was a huge success. It was fantastic to see the camaraderie between houses and the sportsmanship on display, especially as the teams were mixed between year groups. This provided a great opportunity for the younger players to step up and for the older players to display plenty of leadership, which was seen in abundance.

I would like to thank all the coaches, players, parents and members of staff who made the season so enjoyable. I look forward to next year – and hope we get better luck with the weather!

Charlie Barthorp, Head of Football

FOOTBALL TOUR

During February half term, a group of 21 Year 9 boys departed London for San Sebastian, Spain for a hugely anticipated football tour. Not only were they excited by the prospect of playing against Spanish clubs and witnessing their ‘tika-tika’ style of play, but the weather forecast was looking favourable – a stark contrast to the UK weather at the time.

Day 1: After a very early flight, we met our tour guide at Bilbao airport and were swiftly taken to San Sebastian, where we enjoyed some free time to explore the city. The boys were informed about the local culture and persuaded to try the food (essentially tapas) from one of the many Pinxtos bars (though a few did make a trip to McDonalds too). We then spent the afternoon on a lovely sandy beach, where the boys created their own fun and we all enjoyed the sun.

Day 2: We returned to Bilbao for the Women’s La Liga fixture against Real Betis at the San Mames Stadium, where Bilbao came out victorious. We had time to explore the streets of Bilbao after the game before heading off to our own afternoon fixture. We played against a local Spanish club side, who had some very technical players and a goalkeeper who looked like he should be in Sixth Form. The boys performed well, growing into the matches and creating some good chances. MoM awards were given to Rishi and Leo for their performances on the pitch.

Day 3: Surf lessons meant an early start! Few students had surfed before, so it was great to see them all get stuck in and give it a great shot. Some took to it more naturally than others, and Mr Collins realised that surfing isn’t a sport for people over 6 foot 6! Zach was awarded best surfer of the day, looking like he had been competing for years. Our next stop was Real Sociedad’s training ground, where we were treated to a training session from one of their academy coaches – an amazing experience which the boys learnt a lot from and thoroughly enjoyed. Congratulations to Ethan for winning best trainer award on the day. The

day ended at a pizza restaurant, where the boys donned their favourite football shirts and shared the stories behind them.

Well done to Ollie for winning best shirt!

Day 4: With the sun still shining, we had a more relaxed start to the day, strolling along the coast, talking tactics and strategies ahead of the evening fixtures, before enjoying games at the beach. The evening fixtures were more successful this time, with both teams playing some excellent football and finishing with great results. Congratulations to Freddie and Dylan for their MoM performances.

Day 5: On the final day, we headed back to Bilbao for an excellent stadium tour. We then explored a new part of the city, following the scenic route down the river to the Guggenheim Museum, although, unfortunately, there was no time to go inside.

Whilst the trip was labelled a football tour, the boys quickly realised that the experiences they had and memories they made were more important than the results. They were all fantastic during the whole trip, and deserve huge praise for the way they represented the school. Hasta pronto! (Until next time!)

Charlie Barthorp, Head of Football

GIRLS’ FOOTBALL

The 2024–25 academic year has been a landmark one for Girls’ football at Colfe’s. With a record-breaking 74 fixtures played across all year groups, more girls than ever have had the opportunity to represent the school in both friendly and competitive matches.

Our U18 squad made history by reaching the final of the Independent Schools’ competition, played at a semi-professional stadium – the most successful senior girls’ team Colfe’s has produced to date. The U14s made it to Round 5 of the ESFA Cup, placing them in the top 32 schools nationwide, while the U13s enjoyed back-toback success by winning the Thomas’ Battersea 5-a-side tournament for a second consecutive year. The U15s also performed admirably, reaching the semi-finals of the Sisters in Sport Cup.

Off the pitch, the girls benefitted from a number of enriching experiences. Twenty-three students took part in a day with Charlton Athletic, which included a professional coaching session, stadium tour and careers workshop. Additionally, many of our students returned to Wembley Stadium to watch Chelsea defeat Manchester United in the Women’s FA Cup Final – a memorable day that celebrated the growth of the women’s game.

The progress this year has gone far beyond just results –the commitment, enthusiasm and team spirit shown by the girls have laid the foundations for continued growth in the years to come. The future of girls’ football at Colfe’s looks very bright indeed.

Ollie Nash, Teacher of Football

NETBALL

This year at Colfe’s has been nothing short of extraordinary for our netball programme. With 36 teams competing across the school, over 120 matches played, and more than 300 girls from Years 7 to 13 representing Colfe’s on the netball court.

Our teams have competed against a wide range of strong opponents, including Eltham College, Alleyn’s, Bancroft’s, Sutton Valence, Caterham, Kings Rochester and Trinity School, among many others. Each match has brought its own set of challenges, but the determination and resilience shown by our players have helped them grow in both confidence and skill throughout the season.

A particular highlight was the Kent Schools Tournament, where teams from every age group represented Colfe’s with pride and enthusiasm. We were also proud to see six of our girls selected to attend Kent Netball trials this year across the U13 and U15 categories, a fantastic opportunity and a testament to the talent emerging from our programme. In the national Sisters in Sport competition, Colfe’s teams achieved strong performances across multiple age groups. However, beyond the wins and placements, it was the unwavering commitment, team spirit and passion for the game that stood out most. A particularly special moment came from our U12 Cup Squad, who reached the Sisters in Sport National Finals Day at Loughborough University. To earn a bronze medal in their debut season is an exceptional achievement and marks them as a team with great potential for the future.

aim to increase participation and build on what we have established this season.

Finally, we would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Olivia (Year 11), who has trained this season with the London Mavericks Netball Super League Team. Olivia’s dedication and talent are a true inspiration to her peers and younger players alike – we are incredibly proud of her accomplishment. We have developed several elements of our netball programme, and we are very excited for the forthcoming year where we

The 1st VII netball team have demonstrated remarkable maturity, leadership and skill throughout the season. Their commitment to training, teamwork and competitive drive have made this year one of our most successful to date. Led with distinction by Captain Dharma and Vice-Captain Anisa, the squad has consistently set the tone both on and off the court. This team has faced talented and challenging opposition from Eltham College, Alleyn’s, Bancroft’s, Sutton Valence, Caterham, Kings Rochester and Trinity School Croydon (where it came down to the final few seconds with Colfe’s taking a 10–9 win). The season has been a testament to what can be achieved with teamwork, determination and a genuine love for the game. The whole squad should be incredibly proud. This year we say goodbye to talented U18 netball players Dharma, Anisa, Xanthe, Millie, Eva and Isabel. Their contributions to the team have been invaluable, and their presence on the court will be greatly missed. Another mention goes to Olivia, whose passion and performance will be greatly missed as she moves on to new adventures.

The 2nd VII team, captained brilliantly by Holly, have shown exceptional resilience and determination this season, overcoming a number of challenges along the way. Despite facing disruptions due to injuries, illness and player unavailability, the team adapted with maturity and drive. Players stepped into unfamiliar positions, younger athletes rose to the occasion and the squad remained united. Their ability to stay focused, support one another and maintain high standards on court is a testament to their character and teamwork. It was a season that truly highlighted their strength – not just in skill, but in spirit. It opened with a tough away match against Alleyn’s, where the team battled hard but ultimately fell short (11–27). Undeterred, the girls continued to show resilience, especially in their standout win against Sutton Valence (29–14), which demonstrated their attacking flair and defensive coordination. Another strong performance came at home against King’s Rochester, where Colfe’s dominated with a decisive 20–4 victory. Throughout the season,

Netball Senior team 2025

the players demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship, teamwork and determination. A number of our experienced U18s are moving on, but they leave a lasting legacy. Holly, Charlotte, Millie, Carys, Alexandra, Jennifer, Flick and Faith have been invaluable, and their presence on the court will be greatly missed. Another mention goes to Pasha whose presence and shooting performance will be greatly missed as she moves on to new adventures.

The 3rd VII has experienced a season of both challenge and growth, marked by moments of inconsistency but also by clear potential. While commitment levels varied at times, the squad’s natural talent and enthusiasm were evident throughout. Notably, younger players stepped up to support the squad during key fixtures, showing composure, maturity and technical ability beyond their years. This team has shown that, when focused and united, they can deliver high-quality netball and rise to any challenge. They faced a varied fixture list this season, with a mix of local rivals and strong opposition. A narrow home defeat to Sutton Valence (10–15) was hard fought, reflecting their competitive edge and defensive discipline. The team’s standout performance came in an emphatic 30–9 away win against Trinity School Croydon, where the squad demonstrated clinical finishing and cohesive teamwork.

The U15 netball teams faced a tough season, competing against strong opposition and overcoming injuries. Despite these challenges, they showed great resilience and determination throughout. One of the highlights for the U15A team was a notable win against Blackheath High, a game that demonstrated the team’s potential on court. They continued to build as a team throughout the season and, at the Eltham College tournament, performed strongly, winning several games and showing real progress. A key player in the U15A team was Issy, who stood out with her exceptional shooting and attacking play, consistently making a difference in tight matches. In defence, Shazada and Eni formed a powerful partnership, proving vital in keeping the team competitive and focused during challenging games. The U15Bs also displayed admirable resilience, battling hard in some tough fixtures. Deeya’s commitment to training was reflected in her solid defensive performances, which contributed significantly to the team’s overall strength. Meanwhile, Lani-Grace played a strong central role, helping to link the team’s play and maintain control in crucial moments. Reflecting on the season, it’s clear that the U15 team demonstrated perseverance through adversity whilst maintaining their positive attitudes. We look forward to building on this progress and achieving even greater accomplishments next season.

The U14 squad, across both the A and B teams, saw every player demonstrating impressive dedication to our weekly training sessions. This commitment was reflected in the remarkable progress seen in their netball skills, understanding of the game and overall performance as the season unfolded. The U14A squad were super successful in the Sisters in Sport competition – and got through to the final 16 teams in the Bowl. What stood out most this year was the inclusive and encouraging spirit the teams showed throughout. It is a pleasure to attend matches and witness such a strong sense of support and camaraderie, even in challenging moments. The players consistently cheered each other on and uplifted their teammates, creating a fun and positive environment that every team strives for. Both teams encountered tough opposition throughout the season, which makes it all the more important to celebrate their victories. From executing perfect zonal defence and showing patience in working the ball through the court, to some outstanding shooting in the circle – there were many moments of brilliance! The season culminated in confident and well-earned wins against Walthamstow Hall and Kings Rochester, demonstrating how much the teams had grown. I’m incredibly proud of every player’s effort, teamwork and determination, and I have no doubt that they’ll continue to build on this success next season. Well, girls!

The U13 teams have had a brilliant season filled with energy, enthusiasm and exceptional team spirit. From the very first training session, the girls have shown a fantastic attitude, consistently demonstrating commitment, effort and a real desire to improve. Attendance at training has been outstanding, and every player has approached both practices and matches with positivity and a willingness to learn. The team faced a number of strong opponents and rose to every challenge with determination. Their hard work and team chemistry paid off in several well-deserved victories. A highlight

U12 Netball Loughborough

for the U13A team was their excellent performance against Hayes School, where their sharp passing and strong defence led to a 16–6 win. Another standout moment came against St Dunstan’s, with the team showing great composure and attacking flair to secure a 22–14 victory. They also showed great resilience and successfully reached the final 32 of the Bowl Sisters in Sport competition. The U13B team took home a great 8–6 win against St Dunstan’s, and had the opportunity to play in the Kent Emerging schools tournament, where they displayed their skills and teamwork and had a great day.

The U12s netball season was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing not only exceptional talent but also teamwork, determination and sportsmanship across every squad. From the very first whistle of the season, the U12 teams demonstrated their depth and versatility. Competitive matches against other schools were played in U12 A, B, C, D, E and F teams, and each match was a testament to the girls’ hard work during their sports lessons and at training sessions. Their progress was fast, and their passion for the game and desire to support each other was fabulous.

The B, C and D teams often played against higher tier teams to give them more challenge and, while this meant the results didn’t tend to go in our favour, it also meant that the matches were competitive and lots of learning occurred. Two standout moments from this season were from the U12D team learning quickly to use the drop ball/bounce pass tactic into the circle to overcome often extremely tall defenders trying to stop our speedy shooters. The other highlight was the A team’s incredible journey in the Cup competitions, earning them a place in the Sisters in Sport National Plate Finals at Loughborough University, and culminating in the bronze medal position. Their success was built on a foundation of unity, resilience and a never-give-up attitude. Every player contributed to the team’s momentum, and their bronze medal was fully deserved. It was a pleasure to coach and work with each and every U12 netballer involved with the programme.

Hope Russell, Head of Netball

CRICKET

BOYS’ CRICKET

An action-packed term saw boys’ cricket thrive this summer. Mid-week softball fixtures allowed for mass participation, with every Year 7 boy playing a competitive match this year.

The traditional timed games against the Marylebone Cricket Club and Forty Club also remained key fixtures in the calendar. The Forty Club fixture was a fitting way to end the season, with pupils from six different year groups representing the 1st XI, as well as a debut for Orla (Year 9).

After a successful winter programme, focusing on both technical and tactical aspects of the game, it was great to see the boy’s hard work pay off with some superb performances this summer. From the U12E side to the 1st XI, it was great to see smiles on the faces of all pupils and staff.

TEAM SUCCESS

The 1st XI had their most successful season for the past six years, with a 75%-win rate. This success included a last over victory against Alleyn’s, as well as a superb team performance chasing 232 against the Forty Club.

Both the U12 and U13 boys’ sides made it to the London Schools Finals Day, winning their semi-finals but falling short in the final. It was a superb effort from both age groups! The Reigate 6-a-side tournament offered a new format for our players this year, with the U13s making the plate final and the U10s and 12s making the bowl final. Well done to you all.

The U11s impressed us this year by winning the IAPS 6-a-side tournament held at Ashford School. A number of pupils in this year group also represented the U12 and U13 sides this year, a testament to their talent and work ethic.

INDIVIDUAL SUCCESS

• Jack (Year 7) took a hattrick in the cup semi-final against Latymer Upper.

• James (Year 8) averaged over 51 with the bat for school and has played up for both the U15 and 1st XI this year. Outside of school, he continues to represent the U13 Kent age group.

• Ellis (Year 8) got 50* off 36 against The Cedars School.

• Toby (Year 8) and George (Year 6) took 4 wickets each in an exceptional display of bowling against Bancroft’s School.

• Freddie (Year 9) got a brutal 87* off 56 balls against Royal Russell.

• Daniel (Year 10) had outstanding figures of 6–8 against Bancroft’s School.

• Alex (Year 12) averaged 53 with the bat, including a magnificent 115 against the Forty Club on the final day of term.

• Billy (Year 12) had figures of 5–26 against the Forty Club, his maiden 1st XI five wicket haul.

A special mention must go to the outgoing Year 13 1st XI players, Ted, Fred, George, Chris, Josh, Ollie and Mylo. An exceptional group of young men, who committed through the winter and during the exam period and who have been true Colfeians on and off the cricket pitch.

Tom Rameaux & James Amor, Teachers of Cricket

GIRLS’ CRICKET

There has been a real buzz around the girls’ cricket pitches this season, with hardball match opportunities for all age groups U12–U18 at A–B team level, and softball matches for girls in all age groups at C–E team level. To give more girls a chance to participate in the county competitions, we entered both softball and hardball competitions with different squads playing in each.

Highlights this season included the number of girls that turned up to our Saturday programme to engage in training and the intra-schools league when were let down by the weather or, on occasion, our opposition. Eighteen girls took wickets on the last Saturday of the programme. We also saw numbers double in the second half of the term in our KitKat challenge, whereby any girl who takes a catch in the field during competitive play is awarded a KitKat! We then had to introduce Pick-up Penguins, in which more chocolate treats helped our fielding skills develop at a rapid rate.

TEAM SUCCESS

In hardball cricket, the U15 girls had a fabulous season, winning the West Kent County tournament to send us through to the Kent County finals at Mote Park in June. The team came away taking the silver medal overall! Congratulations to the following squad members: Shazada, Emily, Aliyah, Issy, Issy, Madison, Orla, Anna and Iris. Meanwhile, the U13s also performed strongly at the West Kent County tournament, just missing out on a spot in the finals on run rate.

In the indoor game, the U15As won the Indoor Kent County Chance to Compete Softball tournament, while our U13s placed 4th overall in their respective county tournament.

In softball, the U15Bs girls played against opposition A teams to win the district rounds, progressing to the finals of the Outdoor 8s County Softball tournaments where they placed 3rd overall. The U12 girls reached the semifinals of the U13A district Chance to Compete County Softball tournament.

INDIVIDUAL SUCCESS

• Or la (Year 9) recorded 92 in a recent T20 match for school and took two wickets in the Kent Women’s matches.

• Ziana (Year 7) scored 62 in her T20 game for the school helping the U13 team progress to the next round of the National Cup competition.

• Emily (Year 12) recorded 50 in her first game of the season for the school.

• Both Ziana and Or la continue to make great progress in the Kent County Squads.

• Eva, Louisa, Iris, Orla, Madison and Anna all had opportunities to play up this season due to their progress within the sport.

Nicci Rayes, Director of Sport

AQUATICS

SWIMMING

In swimming, we have continued to celebrate great success both for individuals and as a team. We had a record number of pupils qualify for the County Swimming Championships from years 5–13, many of whom went on to achieve personal best times. The following pupils qualified for the London Regionals: Olivia, Boh, Ethan (Year 7), Eva (Year 8), Euan, Ben (Year 10) and Henry (Year 13), with a total of 33 events between them. We are also proud to mention that Eva (Year 8), Euan (Year 10) and Henry (Year 13) will be taking part in the Summer Nationals, with Henry also competing in five events at the British Championships.

There are a number of school highlights to touch upon, and as always great fun was had by all (but mostly, of course, me!) at our friendly galas against local schools. We are continuing to field multiple teams across the year groups and, this year, celebrated success against Alleyn’s, Bromley High, St Olaves and Eltham College, to name but a few. Our Years 7 and 8 pupils won the London League B Final against Eltham College, Westminster, Bromley High and Dulwich Prep, and we hope will continue this success in

WATER POLO

September in the English Schools Relay qualifiers.

A particular highlight this year was the National Bath Cup Competition. Our girls’ teams, made up of Natasha, Millie (Year 13), Noemie (Year 12) and Daisy (Year 10) qualified for both the medley and freestyle finals! But... the boys team not only made the final in the 4 x 100m freestyle

In water polo, we have continued to go from strength to strength and now have several pupils training at external clubs and within the talent pathway: Issy (Year 10), Ralph, Esma, Elizabeth and Beatrix (Year 8). Our individual representations to celebrate include both Monty (Year 7) playing up at U14 level, and Issy (Year 10) playing up at U16 Regional level. Rose, Esma (Year 8) and Issy (Year 10) have also competed at National level, with Issy not only playing at U15 but also U16 and U18. Then, we come on to Jack (Year 13) who began his water polo journey here in Year 7, with just Thomas (Year 13) and Miss Manzi every Wednesday lunchtime in the pool; Jack is now going on to play U20 GB in Spain and Jakab (Year 13) is playing U18 GB in Greece.

With the continued love of water polo building through the school largely thanks to our brilliant coaches Jez Hill and James Spencer Boyce, there have been great achievements in the English Schools Competitions. Our U18 girls retained the title of national plate champions, our U15 girls finished the championship in fourth place and our U13 mixed team returned home with bronze medals!

Additional highlights include the U16’s mixed London Schools, where we were beaten convincingly by a bigger and stronger all-boys team from Eton College, but then went on to deliver a fantastic team performance to annihilate them at the next round in Bishops Stortford. A coach’s dream! And we have continued our winning streaks in every match we have played against Eltham College (including the Juniors 11–1).

However, to summarize this year in Aquatics, it is only fitting to mention the team that have really paved the way in both swimming and water polo since starting in Year 7: the U18 boys. They stormed down the pool in Year 7, beating Dulwich College, Whitgift and Trinity, and continued this through their aquatics journey – most recently beating Trinity in the London Schools Water Polo league, where Trinity were absolutely stunned! Then, they finished where they started – with a win against Dulwich College. These achievements show how far we have come as a school with our aquatics programme, and they have set the bar high for our younger pupils to follow. Boys we will miss you! An emotional shout out to Henry, Jakab, Jack, Matthew, Josh, Thomas and Oscar!

As always, thank you so much to all our pupils and parents for giving up the incredible amount of time they do to swimming competitively. We could not have created (and continue to be creating) this amazing programme without our coaches, Paul Graimes, Dorian Woodward, Miss Grover, Mr Wellman, Mr Spencer-Boyce and Mr Hill. This year, we say goodbye and good luck to Mr Wellman who is starting his teacher training at St Mary’s University. We also want to wish our fantastic Miss Grover good luck in her one-year sabbatical, where she will be training as a primary school teacher. She has been such an integral part of our aquatics journey, and we look forward to welcoming her back next year.

Sarah Manzi, Head of Swimming

relay, but finished in third place – returning home with bronze medals! The best result we have every achieved in this competition against the top swimming schools in the country, with the team made up of four absolute beasts: Henry, Jakab (Year 13), Josh (Year 12) and James (Year 11).

Boys’ relay team win bronze medals at the Bath Cup

U18 boys at the ESSA Championships

U12 and U13 swimming gala

Girls’ team at the Bath Cup Competition

RACKETS

It has been a hugely successful and progressive year for the Rackets programme at Colfe’s, with over 55 fixtures played across tennis, padel and squash. Students from all year groups have enjoyed competitive opportunities, and it has been especially encouraging to see so many pupils representing the school for the very first time.

Our U15 girls’ tennis team have excelled, earning a well-deserved place in the upcoming regional finals. Earlier in the year, Iris and Elena (Year 9) also made an impressive run to the semi-finals of the Kent County Championships. The growth of girls’ participation has been one of the year’s key highlights.

This year also marked Colfe’s debut in the U18 National Padel Competition – a significant milestone for the programme – and we are delighted to be entering again next season.

Individually, several students have enjoyed outstanding success. Alex (Year 10) has had a breakthrough year, representing both the U18 and Men’s Kent County teams, achieving a national ranking of 6th in the country for U16s, and making his debut on the World Tour, where he secured his first doubles win in Liverpool. Meanwhile, Vansh (Year 8) has continued his fine form outside of school, winning a local U16 tournament and finishing runner-up in the U14 category.

As the programme continues to grow in depth and ambition, there is a real sense of momentum building – and we look forward to an even stronger season ahead.

PADEL NATIONAL SCHOOLS U18 CHAMPIONSHIPS

Thanks to the drive and determination of keen padel player Oscar (Year 13), Colfe’s entered a team into the Inaugural Schools National Padel competition in Bristol back in the Autumn Term. Captained and coached by Oscar, the team consisting of Matt, Thomas and Ben headed to Rocket Padel in Bristol to compete as a team in the U18 National Championships. The boys had a great day, learnt lots about this fast-growing sport and came away a very respectable 12th overall.

Lessons in Padel are now taking place each week at Sundridge Park Tennis Club as part of the Sixth Form Sports programme and we look forward to seeing our pupils compete in the same competition at both U15 and U18 level next year.

Ollie Nash, Teacher of Rackets

CROSS COUNTRY AND ATHLETICS

CROSS COUNTRY

It has been another busy and successful year in Cross Country and athletics.

TEAM SUCCESS

• Year 8 Girls Greenwich Schools Champions

• Year 7 Boys Greenwich Schools Champions

• All four of our senior teams qualified through to English Schools Regional Finals

INDIVIDUAL SUCCES

• Char lotte (Year 8) took Gold in the London Inter Borough XC Champs

• Christian (Year 7) took Silver in the London Inter Borough XC Champs

• Darcey (Year 7) Silver, Charlotte (Year 8) Gold, Miya (Year 8) Silver, Christian (Year 7) Gold, Ethan (Year 7) Silver, Olly (Year 11) Silver at the Greenwich Schools Champs

• Olly (Year 11) English Schools Selection

ATHLETICS

TEAM SUCCESS

• Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 Girls Greenwich Schools Champions

• Year 8 and Year 9 Girls Cambridge Cup Champions

• Junior Gir ls, Intermediate Girls and Intermediate Boys all through to Regional Finals of English Schools Cup

INDIVIDUAL SUCCES

• Char lotte (Year 8) selected to represent London in 1500m at English Schools Selection

• Miya (Year 8) selected to represent London in Shot at English Schools Selection

LONDON SCHOOLS JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP FOR YEARS 7–8:

• Char lotte (Year 8) Gold in the 800m

• Christian (Year 7) Gold in the 800m

• Darcey (Year 7) Bronze in the High Jump

• Marina (Year 7) Silver in Long Jump & Silver in 4x100m Relay

• Miya (Year 8) Gold in Javelin & Gold in Shot

• Calum (Year 7) Gold 4x100

LONDON SCHOOLS MAIN CHAMPIONSHIP:

• Char lotte (Year 8) Gold in 800m

• Ekenne (Year 11) Bronze in 100m Hurdles

• Miya (Year 8) Gold in Shot & Gold in Javelin

• Olly (Year 11) Silver in 1500m

• Udoka (Year 9) Bronze in High Jump

Alex Kashis, Teacher of Athletics and Cross Country

ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025

Once again, Colfe’s Athletics Championships Day was a fabulous celebration of the achievement of our athletes. Twenty-two new school records were set, a testament to the pursuit of excellence of our pupils in Years 5–12. Spirits were high and the whole day was a buzz of excitement, culminating in the team relays. We welcomed Glyn house to the competition for the first time and were delighted to see them take a podium spot and set a new school record in the first year of entry. The camaraderie between the different year groups was exceptional!

ATHLETICS

Under

Under 13 Girls

Relay

Under 15 Girls Relay

Glyn: Amanda/Grace/Andrea/Nneoma

Under 18 Girls Relay Ellie/Libby/Noemie/Gabby55.59 sec

OTHER SPORTING NEWS

GOLF

This year marked the exciting return of golf to the Colfe’s sports calendar. One of the highlights was the introduction of House Golf – a new event that brought together pupils from across year groups to compete in mixedage teams. The format encouraged teamwork and friendly competition, with each house putting forward a team of golfers. After a close contest, it was Prendergast who came out on top, winning the inaugural House Golf title.

The Golf U18 team placed 13th in the Independent Schools National Plate Finals at Brampton Park in June, an excellent result for their first experience of tournament play. They went on to compete in the Independent Schools Golf Association tournament for the South East. After an early knockout, they bounced back to win the Independent School Area Plate, with all home fixtures hosted at Royal Blackheath Golf Club, a relationship that we are looking to continue to grow.

Truc (Year 9) continues to make great progress within the Kent programme, placing 8th out of all the boys and girls in the Junior Spring meeting and 19th in the Womens’ Amateur Championships.

Josh Kiddey, Teacher of Physical Education

FENCING

Thea (Year 9) continues to excel in fencing, representing Great Britain at U17 level at the age of just 14. Thea captained the GBR 2 team in Budapest that beat a Spanish team, and in Klagfenfurt fought her way out of the group stage individual event for the first time at GBR level to make it through to the second knockout round showing great progress!

More recently, Thea won the Invicta Open, took gold at the U16 Southern Counties Competition and placed third in the U16 National Public Schools Fencing Championship, losing out on a place in the final just 13–15 against the British number one. We continue to be proud of her exceptional talent, dedication and success.

SKIING

Thanks to the tenacity and ongoing efforts of Jamie (Year 13), Colfe’s entered teams into two dry slope ski competitions this year: the Kent Schools Ski Championships and London Schools Ski Races. Jamie is an avid skier, and he wanted to share his enthusiasm for the sport with his fellow Colfeians.

Rory (Year 6), who is transferring to the Senior School next year, was the first to sign up and compete for the school. He took part in the Kent Schools Ski Championships, coming 11th individually and 2nd in the team relay event.

Then, on a very hot Saturday in June, 13 pupils from across the school entered the London Schools Ski Races at Gosling Park Ski Slope. Pupils competed both individually and as a part of a team. I would like to thank Jamie for all he has done to promote skiing whilst at Colfe’s, we are sad to see him go and wish him all the best as he moves on to higher education.

CELEBRATING STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS: ENGLAND HOCKEY MASTERS

We are thrilled to congratulate Ms Owen, who achieved remarkable success in hockey this year. She was selected to play for the England Hockey O40s team and played in two major competitions over the summer: the European Championships in Valencia and the Four Nations in Glasgow. Her team were unbeaten in both competitions and finished as double gold medallists.

Nicci Rayes, Director of Sport

OLD COLFEIANS CRICKET CLUB

COMMITTEE

Richard Burton Chair (& Acting Treasurer)

Manjeet Bahra Vice-Chair

Chr istopher Tarrant Hon. President

Mark Renshaw Secretar y

Kevin Hunt Welfare & Safeguarding Officer

Ben Westhead

1st XI Captain

Anil Gehlot 2nd XI Captain

Richard Yorke 3rd XI Captain

Patrick Pamment 4th XI Captain

Dom Adolphe/Vikas Desai

Sunday Cricket Manager/Captain

Stephen Cowburn Junior Cr icket Manager

Tom Rameaux

Colfe’s School and OCRFC Liaison

Stephen McNeill Fixtures & Social Media Secretar y Jake Wilkins Social Secretary

Club email address: oldcolfeianscc@gmail.com

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

As I write, we are less than two weeks away from the end of the 2025 league season, with all four of our league sides able to look back with pride at their achievements:

• The 1st XI posted what we believe to be a club record score of 386 against Cobham, with opener Wilson Massey scoring 217 (from 120 balls) – also a club record? More details of this extraordinary match follow below in the team report. Otherwise, form and results were mixed, with early hopes of promotion dented by a mid-season wobble, after which a mid-table finish became the more realistic outcome.

• The 2nd XI sit in top spot in their division and only need six more points to secure promotion. Kudos goes to new skipper Anil Gehlot for quickly turning around the fortunes of this team. Seamer Sai Ananthakrishnan looks likely to win the division’s leading bowler award with 33 wickets.

• Playing in a higher division this year, the 3rd XI have won more matches than they have lost and have just beaten the two top teams in successive home matches. The vagaries of the points system in the lower tiers of the Kent League mean they could finish as high as fourth – or still be relegated (we hope not). Louis Jagger’s 30 wickets to date (50 across all OCs teams) should assure him the divisional bowling award.

• Our “Fabulous Fours” are also in a higher division this year and briefly led the table at the mid-season point. Currently sitting in third place, they still have an outside chance of being promoted if they win their last two matches. This is surely the strongest 4th XI side we have put out for many a year, once more under the astute leadership of Paddy Pamment.

This strength in depth, hard-earned over the last few years, means that we have been able to field an additional Friendly XI on most Saturdays. They have even started to win most of their games, though it’s really the taking part that counts. We will need to hold some serious discussions in the autumn about whether we have reached the stage of entering a 5th XI into the league. It’s clear that many of our Friendly XI regulars would relish the chance to play more competitively. There have been some memorable individual performances too, not least Jasbir’s 93 on debut, CJ’s explosive 74* at Bearsted, Ted’s maiden fifty in any cricket, the list goes on. And how could I dare leave out the inimitable Jony Singh (5-11 against Minster)?

What else has been happening at the club? The answer: a lot! So much so that it’s been difficult to keep up – and I’m meant to be the Chairman.

SOME CLUB HIGHLIGHTS

Membership continues to develop in the right direction – another 35 new (or returning) players this season takes our adult playing membership to around 110. As I’ve said before, 90–100 seems to be the required level these days to put out four league sides every week, as so many players just aren’t interested in playing every week (or even most weeks). They still demand to be selected when they are available though! The extra 10–20 players on top of this has made a big difference to our ability to field a fifth side most weeks. In all, 126 different players took to the field in Old Colfeians teams this year, of which a scarcely believable 95 managed to bat at least three times.

An important recruitment success this year has been the number of current or recent Colfe’s School players who have joined OCs. This used to be the natural route back in the day, but much water has passed under the bridge since we could rely on this. Thanks mainly to the efforts of Tom Rameaux – and the good feedback from our recent Colfe’s cohorts –numbers have really exploded this year. Six of the leavers’ year group (U18) have joined up – with two already selected for the 1st XI. In addition, the inaugural “School vs (Recent) Alumni” T20 match in June proved the catalyst for a good number of recent leavers to join up and play their first matches. The school’s new Head of Cricket, James Amor, also made his OCs debut alongside Tom in a 2nd XI match (absolute gun opening bowler!).

We continue to uphold the tradition of Sunday Cricket, with an Old Colfeians team playing most weeks. This mainly functions as a wandering side, which works well from a cost perspective, but we have again played two matches at Horn Park and will aim to increase this in future. At the time of writing, the Sunday XI has won eight of its 13 matches, with some impressive batting performances – six team scores of over 200, including 314-6 against Brockley and 299 versus Catford Wanderers. Impressive wins were recorded over Blackheath, Bexleyheath (whose side included several of their Saturday first teamers), Lordswood, Streatham & Marlborough and Orsett & Thurrock. There were also a number of centuries: Asfand Yar Ahmed scoring two (133

against Catford Wanderers, 111 at Lordswood); guest player Zahoor Ur Rehman hitting a violent 115 against Brockley; and the three Desai’s (Mihir, Smit and skipper Vikas) notching a ton each. I’m sure team manager Dom Adolphe would also like me to mention that he has scored over 100 runs across seven knocks without being dismissed!

We again ran a Midweek T20 squad, competing with five other teams in the Canary Wharf Greenwich (CWG) league held on the artificial wicket at Hervey Road Sports Field in Blackheath. Although we lost more league matches than we won, we ran the league leaders LESSA close in the play-off semi-final, before chasing down a huge target of 194 in the third-place play-off against London Knights –a nice end to an enjoyable tournament. We also played two social T20s hosted by Sanderstead (sadly abandoned early on) and Blackheath (won by 15 runs). In total, 45 OC players played at least one T20 match, of whom 38 had a bowl. Some impressive batting statistics were recorded: Stephen Cowburn (not your archetypal T20 slogger!) scored 169 runs at an average of 84.5; skipper Sachin Randunne 146 at 49.7, with a strike rate of over 200; and Faruk Patel 123 for only once out. Ryan Singh and Kevin Hunt were the standout bowlers, with 16 wickets between them and the best economy rates too. All good fun after a hard day’s work!

There was an exciting milestone for the club, as we formed a Women’s Softball Team for the first time – perhaps more in hope than expectation. This initiative has far exceeded our first-year goals, with our full squad now up to 19 incredibly enthusiastic ladies who have embraced cricket – most from scratch – and who are keen to improve their skills at our Sunday training sessions. Behold the power of school mums’ WhatsApp groups! We felt brave enough to enter the Kent Women’s Softball

League, competing in four festivals against Sidcup (too good for us and very serious), Old Wilsonians (decent but we managed to beat them by one run in the last match) and Old Elthamians (mainly beginners like us and didn’t take it too seriously, we liked them a lot). To witness the joy experienced by all our players in their first competitive matches was truly inspiring – one of the things that makes this chairmanship stuff worthwhile! Thanks go to OCs Tom Rameaux and Markus Conneely for their great coaching and mentoring work with the squad.

In terms of Junior Cricket, we again ran the ECB All Stars and Dynamos programmes for 5 to 11-year-olds on Sunday mornings, with over 150 children participating. This isn’t plain sailing by any means, as a large number of volunteers

are required to run the sessions – it’s fair to say that we (and the kids) suffered from an unforeseen early fixture clash, in this case the League One Play-Off Final at Wembley! Otherwise, we have continued to partner with Greenwich Junior Cricket Academy and hosted most of their U11 and U13 home league matches at Horn Park. Despite the Chairman’s efforts to make this partnership work better for us, the current arrangements remain subject to criticism from committee members and parents alike. The main sticking point is that there is still no obvious mechanism or pipeline of junior players coming back from Greenwich into our adult teams – more or less the entire rationale of a junior academy. We plan to begin work on an improved junior pathway as soon as the current season is over.

We have a new Shirt Sponsor, the first for many years: Thomas Howe Property. Tom is a lovely man and a teammate of the Chairman from the XL Club. We are very grateful for his sponsorship (a three-year deal) and for the opportunity to fund a free match shirt for all our members who have paid a membership sub. All our teams look much smarter as a result, an effect which rubs off on performances – if you look like a team, you’re more likely to perform as one. Tom, a very good cricketer himself, is a member at OD CUACO and also sponsors their T20 and training shirts – this soon produced an amusing match-up between our respective 3rd XIs that was renamed the “Thomas Howe Derby” (see photo). Please give Tom a try if you’re contemplating a property transaction in the South/SE London area, as he really is one of the best (and nicest) in the business.

We have succeeded in registering the club as a Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) with HM Revenue & Customs. Among other benefits, this enables any donations to be treated for tax purposes in the same way as charitable donations (i.e. gift aid is reclaimable by the club, and the doner can claim tax relief via their individual tax return). More good news is that our CASC status is also relevant to legacies left to us in wills, which are treated in the same way as charitable legacies for the purposes of inheritance tax (important disclaimer: please take your own individual advice on this.).

We have also invested in a FrogBox – the preferred market solution for live video streaming of our home matches – and a YouTube channel where such delights can be viewed. To work well, this also requires engaging a regular scorer, who can ideally “live score” on the Play Cricket app using a phone or iPad. Step forward club legend Gethin Bond, who has been undertaking this role with great enthusiasm and skill (at least when Palace aren’t playing at home) – thank you! We have also found out that broadcast functionality requires a decent 4G phone signal, which for some reason has decided to desert us at the ground this year, and a non-defective camera battery. We hope to be blessed with better luck next season.

In terms of the ground itself, I’m pleased to report that the Pitch Renovations carried out at the end of last season by the school’s contractors led to a noticeable improvement in wicket quality in the first six or so weeks of the season. Then the great heat and drought kicked in and any benefits became less evident as the summer wore on. I am assured by groundsman Brian Atkins that this issue is purely down to the dry and hot conditions – and they’ve certainly adversely affected more or less every other ground we played on. Slow and low, with the odd ball going through the surface, have been the watch words of this year’s summer.

The rugby and cricket clubs jointly held another well-attended Geoff Rameaux Memorial Day on August Bank Holiday Sunday, with the cricket club prevailing by just seven runs in a surprisingly high-scoring 25-over match. Thanks to our intrepid volunteers on the cash/ raffle desk and BBQ, we raised around £1,000 towards Geoff’s foundations within each club. Next year, we plan to do even better by organising the event with more than a couple of weeks’ notice!

We can also report some exciting news in Seniors Cricket, which is rapidly expanding

in popularity across the world – OC legend Christopher Tarrant (“CT”) has been selected for England’s squad for the Over 70s World Cup this winter in New Zealand. A tremendous honour and we wish him the best of success! In addition to playing for Kent Over 70s, Chris has continued to captain Kent Over 60s, taking the team to the National Semi-Finals. Our other Kent seniors, Rupert Staple, Richard Thomas and Richard Burton have also played regularly, each managing the occasional good day that is deemed sufficient to keep them (a) selected and (b) coming back for more year after year!

Finally – and to finish on a very positive note – it is pleasing to see the club’s momentum on the pitch increasing as the season nears its end. The month of August has seen us play 23 matches, of which 18 have been won, one tied and just four lost. Our very own “Super Saturday” saw us win all five matches played on 2nd August, a rare achievement and one that was celebrated hard and late on the back patio at Horn Park. A great way to end another season of progress for Old Colfeians Cricket Club.

Richard Burton, Old Colfeians CC Chairman

LEAGUE TEAM REPORTS

Note: All team and individual statistics are valid up to 23rd August, with two matches still to play. An asterisk (*) denotes a not out innings.

SATURDAY 1ST XI

After relegation from the county-wide tier last season, the 1st XI has enjoyed its first season of more local matches and later start times. Whilst the stretch goal was promotion – and this looked possible during a solid first half season – a more realistic scenario of consolidation in Division 5 has been good for the club and team.

We had also waved goodbye to our overseas player for the last four seasons, Andra Henry, a big personality with the runs and wickets to match. For this reason, we were asking our 1s players to step up and produce more consistent team performances than in the last couple of years. The squad took this as a positive – an opportunity to show what they could do without Andra. The team had a new skipper too, with Ben Westhead taking over the reins from Jake Wilkins and proving to be a popular and astute leader.

Sometimes this step-up worked and sometimes it didn’t. The team produced some outstanding results in individual matches but couldn’t sustain a run of more than two wins in a row. The moment of truth – or missed opportunity – followed an astonishing match at Cobham (Kent), where the team posted 386 all out (in a 45 over match). Is this a club record high score? We think so – certainly since Play Cricket records began in 2002. This was due almost entirely to Wilson Massey’s 217 from 120 balls, containing 26 fours and 13 sixes. The next highest score was Asfand Yar Ahmed’s 28, although Extras did chip in handily with a massive 62, including 43 wides! It was an innings that defied both logic (surely he would hit one to a fielder sooner or later?) and choice of superlatives. Yet the magic didn’t stop there – after Cobham’s early run-rate fluttered the nerves, left-arm twirler Mo Rahim also conjured up his performance of the season (6-40). A 196-run margin of victory – what a day!

At this stage, we had won five of the first eight matches and sat in third place in the table. In addition to Cobham, the following wins had been recorded:

• Blackheath were dismissed for 101 (three wickets each for Jake and Mo).

• Evergreen Rupert Staple took 3-29 to bundle OD CUACO out for 144. Simon Burton’s maiden fifty for the 1s ensured we just beat the rain to win by six wickets.

• Our batter s gritted out a defendable 205 on another poor track at Catford & Cyphers, before Mo (4-16) and newcomer Will Ball’s three wickets in four balls took us to a comfortable 90-run win.

• Wilson gave notice of his later brilliance with a good all-round performance to defeat Bexley 3s (69 and 3-35).

The missed opportunity? For some reason, the team failed to kick on after the big win at Cobham, with the batting failing badly in the next two matches against Bromley and Orpington. But after some soul-searching, the team dug deep to complete double wins over Catford & Cyphers, courtesy of a brilliant rescue innings of 87 not out from Josh Kelleher, and OD CUACO, Pete Tarrant hitting 59 and Wilson back in form with 43 and 3-26. This proved enough to secure our status for next season with two matches still to play.

It has been very pleasing to see some of our ex-Colfe’s lads play a role in the side. On his return from university, Ryan Singh become the team’s new “golden arm”, invariably bagging two or three wickets when he came on to bowl. From our U18 cohort, Josh is clearly a promising fast (and tall!) bowler in the making and Chris saves so many runs in the field he is worth his place for that alone. Another new youngster, Yug Patel (nephew of Shailesh), also bowled some impressive spells in the early matches and will only get better.

With two matches left, Wilson Massey leads the batting chart with 548 runs at 36.5, followed by Asfand Yar Ahmed with 420 at 28. The leading

wicket-taker is Muhammad (Mo) Rahim with 24 at an average of 15, with all-rounders Asfand (19 at 17.8) and Wilson (15 at 24.1) next in line.

We look forward to next season with optimism, but it is also clear that we need to retain our current talent and recruit one or two more 1st XI quality cricketers over the winter, if we want to mount a more serious challenge at the top of the table.

SATURDAY 2ND XI

This proved to be the season when the 2nd XI turned it all around. Successive relegations meant that we had finally reached a level at which we could not only compete well, but also win most matches. At the time of writing, 11 wins from the 15 league matches completed, plus a cracking chase in the pre-season friendly at High Halstow. With two matches left, the team sits proudly at the top of Division 7, needing only six more points from the last two matches to secure promotion and – most likely –one more win to finish top. Well done to our Tremendous Twos!

Captained for the first time by Anil Gehlot, a talismanic talent with bat and ball, the league campaign started slowly with three wins and three losses, then gained massively in confidence and momentum as the season progressed. Retin and Shailesh Patel both returned from a couple of years’ absence, which gave a boost to our experience and quality levels, as did the arrival of new faces Jewel Choudhury, Ramiro Rajkumar and Narayan Subramanian.

In contrast to the 1st XI, the 2s were able to put some winning streaks together – including a vital four on the trot in mid-season:

• After posting 217 (Anil 60 not out), we bundled out Wickham Park for 57 in just 17 overs (Vikas Desai 4-13).

• Ignor ing the distraction of their umpire filming for his TikTok channel, we bowled Belvedere out for 152 (Sai Ananthakrishnan 4-16, Jewel 3-17). Narayan’s 58* and Retin with 39 ensured that a middle order collapse was only a minor inconvenience on the way to victory.

• Away to BOCA, OCs scored a resilient 190-8 (Tom Rameaux 53, Stephen Cowburn 41) but needed the bowling and fielding to be on top of our game to force a win by 18 runs (Sai 3-39).

• The fourth win out of four was secured by bowling Dartfordians out for 107 (Sai 4-16), although we again made heavy weather of the chase.

After a rare abandonment and a poor loss at home to Chislehurst & West Kent, the team responded with another four wins on the bounce:

• A notable double was secured over Beckenham, Anil’s maiden century inspiring us to 264-9. When Vivek Muralidharan followed up with 5 for 25, it was game over. We clearly enjoy playing against Beckenham for some reason, as the home game had already produced the highest score of the season, 275-7 (Retin 71), and another match-winning bowling performance (Jewel 4-31).

• Revenge was duly taken against New Beckenham, who had narrowly beaten us in the rain earlier in the season. Sai’s 4-19 ripped the heart out of their top order.

• Against Wickham Park, Sai took 5-19 to bowl the opposition out for 87 and Ramiro (28*) survived another batting wobble to see us home by three wickets.

• Batting fir st at home to a bad-tempered Dartford team, the batting line-up once again showed grit and determination to post 170 (Tom 46), aided by some much-needed tail-wagging – a theme of the season. Thriyam (3-30), Anil and Praveen reduced Dartford to 115–-7. Their tail wagged too, such they only needed another three runs with the last pair at the crease. Enter Sai to have the final word – a victory made all the sweeter when we heard our two promotion rivals had both lost!

The outstanding bowler of the season was Saimanrath Ananthakrisknan, who currently leads the divisional wickets table with 33 league victims at an average of 11.2 – congratulations “Coach Sai”. Thriyam Ravi and Anil

Gehlot both took 18 wickets (at 17.8 and 16.2 respectively). Skipper Anil was also the team’s leading run-scorer in the league with 300 at 27.3, followed by Retin Patel (272 at 20.9) and Stephen Cowburn (234 at 18). What these statistics also demonstrate is that it has very much been a team effort, especially on the batting front.

SATURDAY 3RD XI

Over the winter, our 3rd XI received the boost of an unexpected promotion after finishing third last year, as some teams further up the league structure dropped out. This inevitably meant we would face a more challenging season, including playing against a number of clubs’ 1st XIs. Despite this step up in level, the team has acquitted itself admirably, with seven wins and a tie from 14 completed matches, plus an abandoned match which we would have won comfortably.

Our bowling, fielding and catching have once more been our biggest strengths this season. Our losses have mainly been due to batting collapses: 58 in the first match of the season chasing just 128 against Beckenham; 89 against a very strong Hayes team; and 128 against Bickley Park – although it’s fair to point out that two of these were played on the same dreadful wicket at The Warren. The other two defeats were definitely not down to the batters – excellent knocks from Will Wray (58) and Mike Walton (40) saw the team post 194-8 against Blue Star, normally a winning score at Horn Park, but some “controversial” incidents helped our opponents to a last over win despite Louis Jagger’s 4-43; at Bromley Common, our bowlers had a rare off-day after Faruk Patel, who improved week-by-week, hit a nice 65 – his maiden fifty for the club.

Let’s focus on our winning streaks instead:

• A thr illing tie against Old Elthamians (177 each – Mike 47, Jack Woods 35 and five bowlers taking two wickets each) was followed by two excellent wins to get our season up and running. Bickley Park thought they had the match sewn up after reducing us to 78-6, but Richard Burton (40*) and Will Holmes (32*) had other ideas, dragging us up to 154. Spin twins Louis (3-16) and Harry Butler (2-20) then bowled Bickley out for 92. Next to fall were OD CUACO, restricted to 175-9 by another Louis and Harry masterclass. Mike then struck a wonderful 80 (with seven sixes), leaving our “finishers” Richard (27*) and Will H to take us home in the last over.

• After three losses in a row in mid-season, the team came under pressure to get back to winning ways. This was duly achieved away to Bexleyheath – Mark Chakravarti’s fine all-round performance (93* and 2-28) setting us up nicely to chase down 186. This was followed by a nail-biting two last over win at home to Beckenham, with Naman Nagar the all-round star this time (48* and 2-17), well supported by Louis (3-27 and a vital 9th wicket partnership to take us home).

• A second win against OD CUACO (Nishant Das 46, Vikas Desai 3-28) proved that we could still win without Louis, but the true test came with successive home matches against the top two, Hayes and London Knights. Hayes were restricted to 149 by Louis’s first five-wicket haul of the season, with excellent back-up from Hartaran Ghataore (2-20) and two wonderful catches by Will W. In a spot of bother after a hat-trick left us at 13-3, Chis Tarrant (45), Faruk (36) and Mike (48*) batted sensibly to see us home by five wickets. Chris then went one better a week later, his 52 in a century opening partnership with Nish (42) setting us on our way to 201-8. This time it was Richard Thomas (3-25) who was the pick of the bowlers, as London Knights were dismissed for 169. Two hardworking but ultimately very handsome victories against the best two teams in the division!

Confusingly, the team has been led by four different captains this season! Richard Yorke started things off before injury and family duties took him out of regular action, then Will Holmes took up the baton until new baby duties took priority from July onwards. We then enjoyed a temporary burst of Louis Jagger, before the steady hand of Mike Walton grasped hold of the “poisoned chalice” for the final six matches – many thanks to you all, we know it can be a thankless task. Mike was also the team’s leading run-scorer (333 runs at 30.3), while Louis topped the bowling charts (30 wickets at 13.9) and is also the division’s leading wicket-taker –congratulations Louis!

SATURDAY 4TH XI

The 4th XI also played up a division this year, after their second promotion in the last three years. With this backdrop, to be entering the final two matches sitting in third place – with an outside chance of another promotion – is an outstanding achievement by captain Paddy Pamment and his team.

Overall, the team recorded nine wins and only four defeats (with two matches still to play). There were a couple of very low points: notably a 10-wicket defeat at Orpington and conceding 360-6 at Holmesdale. There was also a frustrating defeat at home to London Knights after it looked like Paddy Pamment’s 5-26 had settled the game. But the key point was that the team was always able to bounce back strongly from disappointment.

Some selected highlights:

• The team hit the ground r unning in the first match by beating a strong Orpington 3rd XI side, chasing down 197 (Jack Woods 65), then seeing off local rivals London Knights after scoring 207-7 (Jack again with 44) and bowling them out for 139 (Merwin Dsouza 3-49).

• A pur ple patch of four successive wins in mid-season briefly saw us lead the table. The run began with a 41-run defeat of Holmesdale at Horn Park, with Jack Woods (52) and Paddy Pamment (4-24) the stars of the show. The following week saw Chelsfield set a very high target of 233-8, but Alastair Basham’s outstanding maiden century (104* off just 61 balls), supported by 49 from Ashish Khatkar and 35 from Zeeshan Ahmed, saw us home with time to spare. Our batters followed up by putting Dulwich to the sword, racking up 250-5 (Andy Hughes 80, Alastair again with 63), which was sufficient to win by 41 runs. Old Wilsonians were then hit for 281 (Naman Nagar 48, Praveen 45), replying with 107 all out (Praveen 5-30, Ted Phelps 3-18) – a superb all-round performance from Praveen!

• The bowlers also came to the party in two more wins in a row: against New Beckenham, Gareth Fitzgerald’s invaluable 50 saw us up to 145, which was defended expertly by Amar Alapati (3-27) and Kevin Hunt, Jack and Praveen (two wickets apiece) as the hosts collapsed to 68 all out; Ex Blues were then shot out for 89, Kevin’s 3-15 leading the way, before Zeeshan (34) and the returning Lovepreet Singh (30*) made light work of the target.

• A week after the horror show at Holmesdale, the team struck back immediately with an outstanding win at Chelsfield. Zeeshan richly deserved a century but was run out for a superb 95, with 38 from Jack, 29 from Gareth and a Kevin batting cameo firing us to 220. Jack then followed up with 5-25, another fine all-round performance from him. Combined with excellent catching and fielding (three run outs), this limited Chelsfield to 215-8 – victory by five runs!

The 4th XI’s success this season has been, above all, a team effort. Though it seems unfair to highlight just a few individuals, we will do so anyway. Zeeshan Ahmed has been the outstanding batter, with 398 league runs at 33.2. Jack Woods (288 at 32), Ali Basham (232 at 77.3) and Ashish Khatkar (203 at 29) came close behind. The bowling charts were led by skipper Paddy Pamment (15 league wickets at 22.6), Praveen Dhinwa (12 at 22.2), Jack Woods (11 at 11.7) and Kevin Hunt (11 at 22.2). Well done, everyone!

OLD COLFEIANS RUGBY

After two years of hard work behind the scenes (for the most part) and much fundraising, work finally started on our new changing rooms! Despite the sun-baked ground, the foundations have been set and the works continue at pace.

My thanks go out to the Project 100 build team – Dickie, Steve, Ian and Clive. There are countless others within the club that have financially helped us get to where we are now, in addition to the RFU grant and loan we received, so thank you all for your continued support. We are not there yet, and we do have the RFU loan to repay, so please keep coming up with those fundraising ideas.

On that point, it was great to see Horn Park full of cars – both classics and sports cars – on 5th July. Well done to Steve for pulling off our inaugural event, which was a huge success. Lots of new people walked through our doors and plans are already underway for next year’s event.

Now to rugby matters. After a tough start at the beginning of last season, our 1st XV finished the season in incredibly strong fashion, winning the last four matches and making Horn Park a fortress by not losing there since early January. I am pleased to report that our coaching team remains intact, Andy O’Malley retains the Captaincy and everyone is raring to go. The players are all looking to take that winning attitude from the end of last season into the new one with very good numbers showing up for pre-season.

Our 2s had a similarly strong end to the season and remain in Kent Counties 4, and our renamed 3s, “The Cavalry”, are looking for a strong season too. If you fancy dusting down your boots and playing, please get in touch – a few of our Minis coaches enjoyed a run out last season!

Our fledgling girls’ sides remain a key area of growth for us, and it is for this reason that I am so happy that the changing rooms are in the process of being built. This remains an area of the club that has been left behind for too long and we are determined to see this grow over the coming seasons. My thanks to Pete Snow for working hard, alongside Dickie, to ensure that we have as many girls playing rugby for OCs as we do. Tom Rameaux continues to work on our School’s Outreach Programme which also helps recruit new players.

We have a great coaching set up for the U16s in Freddie and Reigan, as well as the Colts keeping both Bill and Ryan. Having current senior players coaching the next generation of players is critical to ensuring those players make the transition from age grade to senior level rugby.

The Junior and Minis age groups are continuing to thrive, and if you haven’t had the chance to enjoy a Sunday morning at Horn Park, I highly recommend it – the enthusiasm of the young rugby players is truly contagious!

I also want to express my gratitude for your ongoing membership subscriptions. The club relies on this support to remain viable. Please consider inviting others to join; social membership is just £12 per month. If you’re able to contribute more, we would greatly

appreciate it, as any additional amount will be treated as a donation and will significantly benefit the club.

Thanks to the work of Dave Hodgkiss and Paul Wainman, this year sees us fully embracing the 21st century with our Fixtures booklet moving online! This will allow us to make changes to any fixtures or contact details as we go through the season. Keep an eye out for Dave’s email.

We have also tried to simplify and centralise our sponsorship profile by using the website SNAP. Please take a look and share with friends or colleagues at work as we are always looking for new sponsors to help the club. The “Sponsorship Opportunities” tab on the right-hand side of the page has all the info you need: https://www.snapsponsorship.com/rightsowners/rugby/old-colfeians-rugby-football-club#toggle

I look forward to seeing you throughout the season and wish everyone wearing an OCs jersey starting in September the best of luck!

Rob Gardiner, Old Colfeians RFC Chairman

COMBINED CADET FORCE

AUTUMN 2024

Within weeks of being back at school, and after the success of RAF Summer Camp and Gold DofE, six RAF cadets were selected to conduct their first Air Experience Flight in Grob Tutors at RAF Wittering. Luckily the weather held, and the cadets were able to get up to 45 minutes at the controls under the watchful supervision of the volunteer pilots. Senior Prizegiving then saw LCpl Smith and Cadet Len win the Hall and Edwards swords, respectively for their efforts in Year 10, with LCpl Smith being the standout performer on the NCO cadre.

The October Range Camp, which has been a mainstay fixture for the past three years, was slightly different this year, with the camp going ahead with a modified program due to the last-minute loss of the rifle range. There were other challenges, including the closure of the Pirbright cookhouse, but luckily 3 Battalion

Ranger Regiment were happy to host us in their canteen. The Year 9 cadets that attended, under the direction of the adult staff and Cadet DS, still completed their weapons’ training on the Cadet GP rifle. They were also introduced to the Pirbright obstacle course, took on the challenge of the command tasks and visited Brookwood Cemetery. All cadets were then taken on the squadron day out at Thorpe Park’s Fright Night, where rides such as Swarm, Saw, Stealth and Hyperia were the highlights of the day. The Sixth Formers had a scare in the mazes, but despite their stifled screams for help, it would appear that none were more frightened than Lt Wells when he was spooked by an unsuspecting assassin in the dark corners of the survival games maze...

As is tradition, in November, the school hosted its annual Remembrance Service in front of the Cenotaph at the Old Colfeians Rugby Club. The parade ran to clockwork precision, with the

two-minute silence taking place at 11:00, which was followed by the reveille, the service and then the wreath laying.

For this year’s Remembrance Dinner, hosted in the Old Colfeian’s Clubhouse, we were lucky enough to host Old Colfeian Lieutnenant Colonel The Right Honourable Sir James Cleverly who, along with his wife Susie, was our senior guest on the top table. The evening saw the Sixth Form cadets introduced to a formal military event for the first time, and the Year 11 students were on hand to assist with the serving in what proved to be a highly memorable evening. For his contribution to the squadron and commitment to looking after his subordinates, Sgt Lewis was awarded the comradeship bowl by our guest from 4 Regt Army Air Corps, WO2 Joe Nevitt.

The term was rounded off with the Method of Instruction Cadre, where 35 cadets in Year 10 spent the weekend learning how to instruct our Year 8 cadets and practising teach-backs to work towards their Cadet Force Instructor Training badges.

SPRING 2025

On a cold weekend in January, 38 cadets from Year 10 attended the Adair Leadership course run by Major Cherry and Lt Dean and were put through their paces at RAF Northolt. The cadets all performed exceptionally well on the problem-solving and command tasks and, as part of their development, were given a guided tour of the Battle of Britain bunker at RAF Uxbridge – the underground command node for 11 Group RAF – in order to study leadership during battle. All 38 cadets successfully passed – the largest cohort we have ever had undertake the Adair leadership course – and they were duly awarded their Junior Cadet Instructor badges the following parade night.

During February half-term, the squadron ventured north to Yardley Chase in Northampton and were lucky enough to stay at the recently developed £7 million cadet training centre. Despite being a chilly weekend with many a frozen puddle on the training area, the focus of the camp was fieldcraft and blank firing, with plenty of adrenalin-fuelled battle scenarios keeping the kids warm throughout. The cadets were split into three platoons and conducted a round robin of low-level fieldcraft training before moving onto recces, a night ambush and contact drills. They finished with a final dawn attack, under the watchful eye of Exercise Conducting Officers Capt Green and

Lt Withers, to defeat the notorious Yardley Yobs. With large numbers of exercising cadets, we appreciated the external support offered by Major Martin Smith of Skinners CCF and WO2 Kate Dunscombe of London Officer Training Corps who assisted with the smooth running of the trip. Major Smith added infantry experience and WO2 Dunscombe kept the MEL running to Sergeant Major-esque precision.

Moving into the second half of the Spring Term, the recruiting period was a busy time as always but reached new highs this year with over 60 cadets signing up for training. As such, the squadron continues to go from strength to strength, and numbers are increasing each year.

The RAF cadets also attended the Royal Air Squadron Trophy Competition at RAF Halton where there was a notable performance from Sgt Woodhouse in the air rifle shoot, achieving best individual shot in the region. At the end of February, the squadron was able to secure the Electronic Target Range at Ash Ranges to make up for October Range Camp. With support from regular and reserve army officers, Year 10 and 12 cadets were able to fire over 120 rounds each at distances of up to 200m from the prone, sitting, kneeling and fire trench positions. Shooting from Cadets Davies and Kumar was particularly noteworthy, especially given it was only the second year they have fired the cadet rifle.

Towards the end of term, Staff Cadet Ben May was able to complete the Air Cadet Pilot Scholarship. Ben had been selected for the scheme along with three others in 2024 (from hundreds of hopeful candidates), but due to the closure of the training airfield his flight time was put on hold until 2025. In the interim, Ben completed the Gliding Scholarship at RAF Little Rissington last year, gaining his gliding wings. He was then finally able to participate in the Pilot Scholarship, which included 12 hours of flying lessons and culminated in his first solo flight in a Grob Tutor, a fantastic opportunity for a teenager that has put him halfway towards his Private Pilot Licence. However, such is sibling rivalry, this amazing feat could only be bested this year by RAF Section Commander and older brother, Pilot Officer Oliver May who completed his Commercial Pilot Licence training and was appointed as a co-pilot with Easyjet. Congratulations to both!

On the army side, both Sgts Lewis and Noyce completed the Senior Cadet Instructor Cadre,

meaning they are qualified to teach all cadet subjects to subordinates in Years 8–10, and they were duly awarded their 4 star badges. Lt Wells completed the Skill at Arms Instructor course and Lt Collins completed the Exercise Conducting Officer course to add to the First Aid Qualifications achieved by Capt Green, Lt Dean and Lt Withers. In the final week of term, adult instructor SSgt Keelan Swords completed his build-up training with 5 Fusiliers and promptly deployed to Cyprus for 6 months with the United Nations. A former cadet, SSgt Swords has been an adult volunteer and Skill at Arms instructor with the CCF since finishing university and now, as a UN Peacekeeper, he is demonstrating the real-world value of how training in Colfe’s CCF can help shape a young person’s career path.

SUMMER 2025

On the first weekend back after Easter leave, the Year 10 cadets embarked on the Potential NCO cadre at Longmoor Training Camp. The cadre is an opportunity for aspiring NCOs to demonstrate their command and leadership skills through a series of tests in barracks and in the field. Cadets are expected to show discipline and organisation in the classroom and around camp, followed by individual fitness tests, before the course transferred to the training area. Here, the cadets spent the evening on patrol, then conducted a series of section attacks with blank rounds and smoke grenades in the morning, taking turns in command

appointments. Following discussions between the adult staff and the Sixth Form cadets who guide the Year 10s, there are then recommendations for promotion and recruit instructor selection. Whilst a group of the cohort is chosen for instructor duties, normally only one or two cadets are promoted straight off camp, with the best two cadets this year Davies and Fox being promoted at the end of the course. As the term drew closer to recruit camp, cadets Borshchevsky, Coulson, Manito, Marechal, Miles, Smith, Sutton and Zatsarnyy were also promoted to Lance Corporal.

This academic year saw the biggest recruit intake to Colfe’s in many years, with 59 new recruits attempting to complete Ex FAWN COLFEIAN 25. The exercise was held at Longmoor Training Camp in Hampshire, and despite the coach delay on day one, it was a roaring success. The recruits were put through their paces with .22 shooting, an obstacle course, fieldcraft, camping, orienteering and the bergen march. The recruits spent long days training for the tests and one of the nights out in the field sleeping under basha for the first time. I’m sure it was a memorable trip for all due to the challenges faced and overcome, but the trip was made even more unforgettable when, on the last day, an Apache Attack

Helicopter from 4 Regiment Army Air Corps landed on the sports field and gave the cadets an exclusive walk round of the airframe.

The final activity of the camp was the drill test and whilst this was won by Wildcat section, with Merlin section winning the stretcher challenge and Apache section winning the orienteering, the decision came down to 2nd place results. Merlin section proved victorious overall. A big congratulations to all sections, but especially to Sgt Noyce and the rest of Merlin section. At the end of the exercise, all recruits passed the cadre and were accepted into the squadron.

As is usual for the cadets in Years 9 and 10, the focus of the Summer Term was the Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh awards. I am pleased to announce that 20 cadets attended Bronze and 22 attended Silver. Over the summer, three groups of Sixth Form cadets will attempt their Gold expeditions in the Peak District.

The final event of the year is always the Summer Parade, where we were fortunate enough to invite another former Colfeian back to conduct the review. Air Commodore Ange Baker from the RAF was a delight to host and, after inspecting the 120 cadets on parade, she presented the awards. Notable awards went to Sgt Woodhouse for best shot and Sgt Noyce the Headmasters Shield, whilst SSgt’s Bell and Wade both received their Commanding Officer’s Coin to celebrate the conclusion of their cadet service. On his final parade, departing Headmaster Richard Russell spoke about his fondness for the CCF over the past 20 years and wished us all the best for the future.

Sadly for the squadron, along with the departure of our Year 13 cadets and the Headmaster, we also bid farewell to DGS History teacher and Colfe’s CCF stalwart Lt Bob Collins who moved to another school over the summer. Bob was instrumental in starting up the DGS section and, in their bid to form their own contingent in the near future, their numbers have grown to 30 cadets across 3 year groups. Bob hands over to Lt Archie Wells as the lead of our partner contingent, supported by Sgt Jo Heath. Whilst it is a loss for the squadron, officers and soldiers routinely post in and out, and we are grateful for all Bob has achieved in his time with us. It was with great pleasure that the Chain of Command was able to present Lt Collins with his King’s Coronation Medal awarded by the medal office to recognise his 10-year service in the Regular and Reserve forces prior to his cadet activity.

As the school year ends, all eyes are on October 2025, when the Squadron will deploy to Cyprus for the first time in living memory, with the flights, accommodation and training areas all booked. With Cyprus, February Battle Camp, recruiting and many other events on the forecast, 2025–26 promises to be another action-packed year for the cadets.

Major R D Roberts, Commanding Officer

Colfe’s School Combined Cadet Force

SKI TRIP 2025

Seventy Year 8–10 students enjoyed a great week of spring powder skiing in Les Deux Alpes during the Easter break, accompanied by seven members of staff.

Skiing conditions were perfect, sunny with soft powder at the top of the Glacier at 3600m. The beginners made superb progress, all tackling red

runs by the end of the week, whilst the experienced skiers were hurtling down some challenging black runs. Après ski activities this year included karaoke, laser tag, movie night and bowling, and a fantastic time was had by all!

John Fishwick, Head of Physics

and Trip Organiser

USA SPACE CAMP 2024

October half-term was a special one for a group of students from Years 9–11 as they travelled to Orlando, Florida to attend Space Camp!

The highlight of the trip was their 3-day visit to the Kennedy Space Centre, the home of NASA, where they were put through astronaut training – experiencing micro-gravity, doing VR explorations of Mars, launching rockets from mission control and much more. They also saw the Atlantis Space Shuttle up close, met astronauts and engineers and had a go at indoor sky-diving. All these experiences helped to ignite their passion for STEM subjects, and they also had plenty of time for adventure as they finished their trip with a visit to Universal Studios.

John Fishwick, Head of Physics and Trip Organiser

“The best part was when we got to see the Atlantis Space Shuttle. Standing in front of it was so cool, it was hard to believe something so huge was sent to space. Our tour guides informed us of this shuttle’s remarkable past. Then, they showed us around the exhibits: taking us down a super fun slide and trying out the simulators. We really enjoyed it!”

Aryan and David, Year 10

“Our favourite day was astronaut training, activities included a VR walk on Mars, a micro-gravity simulator, a land rover spinning, a briefing from a mechanical engineer and a mission control landing experience.”

Ashvin, Year 11

“Today we started off by doing a carousel of activities in a simulation of life on Mars. This included a botanical lab, Mission control and engineering. In the botanical lab we started off by doing experiments on a mustard plant- weighing it, measuring the area and counting the number of leaves. Afterwards we got to see the greenhouse room where they were growing plants that were being tested on. It was really interesting as they were experimenting with different types of soil. Overall, it was a great day and really fantastic way to end our time at the Kennedy Space Centre. We were lucky enough to get some take-home presents such as a signed photograph from a real astronaut which we had a talk with in the first day. We are so grateful for all the instructors that took us around on our three days and are thankful for the teachers for organising this amazing experience for us.” Isabelle and Lily, Year 10

THE GAMBIA TRIP 2024

In October, eleven Colfe’s students embarked on a special visit to The Gambia, marking twenty years of friendship with Kotu Senior Secondary School.

On arrival at Banjul airport, we were greeted by a welcome party of students, led by the Head Boy and Head Girl of Kotu School; the first of many examples of the warm Gambian hospitality. That afternoon, we visited the school for a tour led by Major Cherry and the Kotu students where the significance of Colfe’s relationship was highlighted by several plaques and buildings named in honour of our students and staff. We familiarised ourselves with the grounds of the school which we subsequently visited daily to attend lessons and to lend a hand with ongoing maintenance projects.

Morning assemblies showcased the incredible talent of the Kotu students, and the rich culture of the country was evident as the students treated us to dramatizations of Gambian folklore. We were all very proud of Oskar (Year 13) who, in return, shared his musical talent by performing two pieces on his viola to an excited audience of staff and students. From the buzz of the canteen at lunchtime to the tranquillity of the library, our students quickly acclimatised to the routines of Kotu School and friendships blossomed. The Gambian students’ resourcefulness and determination to relish every second of learning reminded us all that access to education is a privilege.

To immerse the group fully in the Gambian culture and to teach us about the history of the country, Major Cherry planned a full schedule of activities during our time there. One of the highlights included Ida’s Gambian Cooking Experience at her compound just outside Tanji fishing village. Ida and her family, with the help of the Colfe’s and Kotu students, prepared a feast of Chicken Yassa with a multitude of accompaniments. Dressed in traditional clothing for the delicious feast, we also foraged for ingredients, learnt about Gambian arts and crafts and danced until sunset.

A day trip to Senegal proved to be another unforgettable experience, as we crossed The Gambia River by ferry to visit the extensive Fathala Game Reserve. Giraffes, zebras, crocodiles and wildebeest all featured on the safari – and a punctured tyre en route only added to the excitement. On a visit to a crocodile sanctuary and a visit to a reptile farm later in the week, the students learned about the importance of education in ensuring that native animal species are preserved. We also had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the animals, and several students even overcame a lifelong fear of snakes, handling an African rock python!

The significance of Colfe’s special relationship with The Gambia was again brought to the forefront of our minds as we visited Omar and his family with Major Cherry. On a visit 10 years ago, the Major came across the then 4-year-old Omar who was suffering from a life-threatening infection. Access to healthcare is almost impossible for most people in The Gambia, but thanks to the Major’s expertise and kindness, Omar made a full recovery. Emotions continued to run high as we visited the Fajara War Cemetery to pay our respects to those who sacrificed their lives in the Second World War, and then at Kotu Fire Station, where students had the privilege of meeting the firefighters and boarding a fire engine donated by the Somerset Fire Service.

The annual Kotu vs. Colfe’s football match took place on the final evening of the trip and, for the first time in 20 years, the Colfe’s team was triumphant; a special thanks to our local guides Jerry and Sharifu for fortifying our team and helping us to secure victory! Emotional farewells at a dinner hosted by the Headmaster of Kotu Senior Secondary School concluded an unforgettable trip where one-in-a-lifetime experiences were had and lifelong friendships were forged.

Dr Suneina Jangra, Teacher of Physics and 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

Miss A McGregor School Administrator

Miss Z Humphreys RCN (Registered Sick Children’s Nurse)

Junior School Nurse, Paediatric First Aider

Mr A 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

Mrs E Francis BA YET QTS Nursery A Teacher

Mrs N Blythe

Nursery A Teaching Assistant

Mrs P Pin

Nursery A Teaching Assistant; Late School

Ms A Brown BEd (Hons) Nursery B Teacher

Miss S Terry CACHE Level 2; Level 3 Early Years

Nursery B Teaching Assistant, Late School

Ms L de Montfort NVQ3

Nursery B Teaching Assistant

Miss E Pain BA PGCE

Reception A Teacher

Ms A Robson

Reception A Teaching Assistant; Paediatric First Aider

Ms H Walsh BEd

Reception B Teacher

Ms S Lapena

Reception B Teaching Assistant

Ms V Lee BSc PGCE MA

Reception C Teacher, Academic Phase Leader - EYFS

Miss A Renfrew

Reception C Teaching Assistant; Paediatric First Aider; Late School

Mrs T Lee Oliver STILS CACHE Level 3 1A Teacher, Paediatric First Aider

Ms C Ryan NVQ3

1A Teaching Assistant; Breakfast Club

Ms C Liston BA (Hons) Primary Ed QTS 1B Teacher

Mrs K Chapman NNEB NVQ Level 3

1B Teaching Assistant ; Paediatric First Aider

Miss E Bray BA (Hons)

1C Teacher

Ms V Patterson BSc (Hons)

1C Teaching Assistant

Miss H Ferris BSc (Hons) PGCE

2A Teacher

Ms N Truscott BSc (Hons) PGCE

2A Teacher

Ms H Crossfield Sandhu BSc (Psychology)

PGdip (Law)

2A Teaching Assistant

Ms S Hodges BA PGCE Med

2B Teacher, Academic Phase Leader – KS1

Mrs E Carey BA (Hons) STILS CACHE

Level 3

2B Teaching Assistant, Paediatric First Aider

Ms A Mawer BA (Hons) PGCE

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 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

Mrs S Quinn BA (Hons) MA NPQH

3B Form Tutor

Ms L Hibbert BA (Hons) PGCE

3C Form Tutor

Mr C Kitchen BA PGCE

4A Form Tutor; House & Pupil Voice

Ms M Hughes BMus (Hons) MMus, PGdip, PGCE

4B Form Tutor; Head of Digital Learning

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

Mr J Ford BA (QTS)

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

Mrs K Martin-Eggins BSc (Hons) PGCE 6C Form Tutor

Mrs H Lowth BSc PGCE

6C Form Tutor

Miss A Manning BA PGCE KS2 General Subjects

Mrs J Dunmore, BA (Hons) PGCE KS2 General Subjects

Mrs C Davies Spanish Teacher

Ms S Grover NNEB

KS2 Teaching Assistant, Paediatric First Aider,

Mrs S Green CACHE Level 3 Teaching Assistant; Breakfast Club; Paediatric First Aider

Mrs L McDougall NVQ Level 4 Teaching Assistant

Ms A Bailey Teaching Assistant

LEARNING SUPPORT

Mrs G Fisher HND OCR Level 7 Cert SpLD Director of Learning Support

Mrs D France BA (Hons) Learning Support; Deputy DSL

Ms A Spinney BSc PGCE PG Dip Systemic Theory Learning Support

Mrs K Gerard BA (Hons) HLTA Level 4 CACHE Level 2 NQT, Level 3 Diploma Specialist Support Teaching Assistant for SEN,

Mrs Isabella Warnke BA (Hons) MA PGCE Learning Support

Ms O Latimer One to One Support

Mrs G Hepden HLTA, Learning Support

MUSIC DEPARTMENT

Mrs S Smith BEd (Hons) Head of Music

Ms A Walters Music Teacher

PE & GAMES DEPARTMENT

Mr A Knowles BSC (Hons) Head of Junior PE & Games, Head of CoCurricular

Ms K Symonds PE & Games Teacher

Ms R Hughes PE & Games Teacher

WRAP AROUND CARE

Mrs C Wilks NVQ Level 3

Wrap Around Care Manager, Paediatric First Aider

Mrs S Simmons EYFS & KS1 Late School Supervisor, Paediatric First Aider

A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

2024–2025 has been a wonderful year for the Junior School, and one characterised by meaningful learning, personal development and a strong sense of community.

Throughout the year, our pupils have taken part in a wide range of educational and co-curricular activities designed to nurture their academic abilities, creativity and confidence.

The year has been filled with many trips, visits and themed weeks, as well as overnight trips within our Outdoor Education programme for our Year 5 and 6 pupils, all of which serves to enhance the rich and varied education that the Junior School children experience.

From classroom projects and enrichment opportunities to performances, sporting events and school trips, the children have embraced each experience with enthusiasm and resilience. This level of progress reflects their hard work, the commitment of the teaching staff and the ongoing support of our parent body. As we look back over the school year, it has been heartwarming to celebrate the many moments that have contributed to the vibrant and fun-filled school environment we have here at Colfe’s.

At the start of the year, we welcomed two new teachers: Mrs Laura Joyes, as maternity cover in Year 4, and Ms Aaliyah Walters, within our Music Department.

We also welcomed into Nursery and Reception a new cohort of Early

Years children. They settled well from the start, quickly adapting to new faces and new routines. 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 worthy organisation.

Our Friday morning Stay & Play sessions for Nursery and Reception have developed into a wider offering of bi-weekly Stay & Play and Stay & Read sessions, punctuated at the start of each term by a Stay & Learn session for parents covering topics such as early transitions, reading and writing. These have been tremendously successful, and each Friday starts with a buzz of excitement around the EYFS classrooms as parents linger awhile to look through their child’s learning and chat to the Early Years staff. Opportunities for KS1 and KS2 parents to come into school and celebrate their children’s learning came in the form of Share, Read and Celebrate mornings for KS1 and the ever-popular Parent Pop-ins for KS2.

Class outings across the year have included trips to: the Discovery Story Centre and Mudchute Farm (Nursery); the Paddington Bear Experience and the Cutty Sark (Reception); the London Aquarium and Kew Gardens (Year 1); Leeds Castle (Year 2); Matilda: The Musical (Year 3); Legoland and Chislehurst Caves (Year 4); the BFI Southbank and LSE (Year 5); and Chessington World of Adventures (Year 6).

On Friday 31st January, we held our first Junior Heritage Day, and it was wonderful to celebrate the diversity within the school through the wealth of languages, cultures and traditions across our community.

This year, our STEM week took place in the Spring Term, and the children enjoyed a wide range of activities based around the theme, Change and Adapt. Assemblies and workshops took place in all year groups, and the highlight of the week was a visit from the Royal Institution who brought science to life in a fun and accessible way.

All in all, it has been a joyful and enriching year, filled with growth, laughter and lasting memories for every Junior School pupil.

Sue Gurr, Deputy Head

HOUSE CHARITIES

This has been another busy year for fundraising in the Junior School with House charity initiatives continuing to flourish. The year began with all four Junior Houses expressing an intention to embed sustainability across school life. With this in mind, we announced that there would be an emphasis on choosing environmentally friendly charities this year, with the exception of Children in Need and Comic Relief, which the children considered as two important causes they wished to continue supporting.

AQUILA

The first charitable event of the year was held on 18th October by Aquila, in aid of the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature). In House meetings, the children were passionate about their wish to make a difference environmentally

and their research led them to this worthwhile cause. As the world’s leading conservation organisation, the WWF works with people in nearly 100 countries to develop and improve sustainability and deliver solutions that protect communities, wildlife and the places in which they live. A grand jumble sale was held and a brilliant £1062.64 was raised for this worthy charity.

LYNX

On 15th November, Lynx House hosted a successful dress-up day in school in aid of Children in Need; the entire school was invited to wear clothes in bright primary colours to represent the green, yellow, red and blue spots associated with Pudsey Bear. Lynx had raised a grand total of £1,502.41 by the end of the day.

ORION

As part of Comic Relief Day, Orion House encouraged the children to prepare a ‘fun joke’ to share with their friends in class; from these a selection of jokes was then recounted in assembly in front of a special panel that the joke-tellers needed to make laugh. Great fun was had by all, and Orion was able to send the Comic Relief organisers the grand sum of £957.15.

PEGASUS

This year, it was the turn of Pegasus House to raise money through the annual Junior School

Summer Fair. The Fair 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 Fair is very much planned by the KS2 children themselves, with the aim of entertaining our younger children, whilst also thoroughly enjoying the afternoon themselves. Prizes took the form of donations of pre-loved toys and books brought into school during the weeks leading up to the fair. Many engaging activities were planned during House meetings, and by the end of the fair Pegasus had raised a whopping £1,360 for The Marine Conservation Society, which, through the kind generosity of the Leathersellers’ Company, was match funded, giving a final total of £2360.

In addition to House events, the Junior School is also committed to working with Acorn Book Club, a local charity working to ensure that children across South East London and North Kent have free access to good quality books. The charity works within the local community to collect and redistribute pre-loved children’s books to local schools and organisations in need. Periodically, donations are given to the charity, and these are always gratefully received. This year, we donated a wide range of Oxford Reading Tree books and these have already been put to good use in schools within South East London.

WELLBEING WEEK

Following the success of last year’s event, the Junior School proudly celebrated its second Wellbeing Week in June. The week was filled with activities that promoted happiness, health and mindfulness throughout the school community.

Pupils took part in a wide range of fun and meaningful experiences designed to support their mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. From yoga sessions, Sports Day and an afternoon of Zumba to ‘Sing a Song a Day’ – singing is known to have a positive effect on our moods, learning retention and confidence – every day offered something special.

Noticing and putting a name to our feelings as they are happening is an important part of helping to manage the full spectrum of emotions that we all feel within the day. During Wellbeing Week, each class had a simple ‘check-in’ system at registration time, managed and monitored by form teachers. Thomas Franks, our catering company, anticipated the week by talking to the children about healthy eating whilst they enjoyed a tasty smoothie powered up by their amazing ‘Smoothie Bike’.

Children in EYFS and Year 1 enjoyed a session of Cosmic Yoga and were thoroughly absorbed in this child-friendly introduction to a healthy and mindful form of exercise. Children from Year 2 upwards watched a screening of Disney’s Inside Out. The film explored several key themes related to emotions and mental wellbeing, as well as the importance of identifying and recognising the full range of emotions we feel. At the end of the week, the whole school came together to connect with a burst of outdoor Zumba delivered by an energetic Mrs Joyes.

Wellbeing Week provided a fantastic opportunity for students to reflect on self-care, build resilience and strengthen their sense of community. It was a joyful and enriching experience for all involved, and we are already looking forward to next year!

FOREST SCHOOL THROUGH THE SEASONS

This year has been the best ever for our Junior Forest School, and the children have had immense fun learning so much about the world outside their classroom. They have been encouraged to explore freely, whilst discovering and connecting with nature.

Rooted in child-led play and experiential learning, and led by Ms Devereaux, the Junior Forest School adapts to the changing seasons, offering unique opportunities and challenges throughout the year. Each season brings its own rhythm and richness, allowing our youngest learners to grow alongside the changing landscape.

AUTUMN: CHANGE AND REFLECTION

Autumn is a season of transformation and reflection at Forest School. As the environment changes, children become more mindful of their surroundings. They collect and identify leaves, seeds and fungi, and collect the fallen apples for juicing. Artistic expression takes the form of leaf art, while practical skills are developed through preparing shelters for the colder months. This season offers rich learning in science through topics such as decomposition and food chains, whilst also supporting emotional growth by helping the children reflect on change and express gratitude. As the winter months set in, the children develop a deeper appreciation for the stillness of nature. Autumn activities include:

• Den building

• Minibeast hunting

• Bug hotel building

• Magic potion making

• Making clay spiders, hedgehogs and snails

• Broad bean planting

• Planting gar lic

• Making and eating winter salads

• Making birds and bird feeders

• Whittling br acelets

• Making tune sticks

• Making tree decor ations

SPRING: AWAKENING AND NEW BEGINNINGS

In spring, Forest School comes alive with the theme of growth and renewal. The children engage in sensory exploration as they observe the natural world reawakening. Together we

spend time planting seeds and learning about life cycles, identifying budding trees and early wildflowers, and watching insects and birds return after winter. These experiences support learning in science through plant biology and weather patterns, as well as nurturing emotional development by fostering patience and care in gardening. At the start of the Spring Term, we celebrate Wassail, the ancient tradition of honouring our fruit trees and encouraging them to grow and flourish. Spring activities include:

• Making instr uments

• Making rocket pesto from the garden

• Squir rel appreciation day

• Birdwatching

• Fire lighting

• Popcorn on the campfire

• Nest building

• Hedgehog day

• Chitting potatoes

• Pond dipping

• Dinosaur egg hunt

SUMMER: ABUNDANCE AND ADVENTURE

Summer brings a sense of abundance and adventure to Forest School. Children are encouraged to explore more independently and engage in creative play. A typical day at Forest School will involve pond dipping, bug hunting, tree climbing and using the rope swings. The children will also enjoy the fruits of their labours by tasting the strawberries and rhubarb. Garlic planted earlier in the year will be used to produce some delicious garlic bread and the herb beds come into their own, filling the air with pungent scents. The children move freely around the site, developing their physical skills through active play and strengthening their social bonds through teamwork and collaborative games. Summer activities include:

• Pond dipping

• Planting your pants – how good is our soil?

• Forest school yoga and mindfulness

• Finding out about bees

• Making broad bean paté

• Cooking campfire gar lic bread

• Cooking campfire potatoes

• Mulching the beds and composting

A THOROUGHLY MUSICAL YEAR

The Junior School has enjoyed a truly fabulous year of music, marked by creativity, enthusiasm and a deepening love for performance among our pupils.

From the joyful harmonies of the Junior School Choir singing by candlelight at the Christmas Carol Service to the tuneful sound of a variety of instruments being expertly played to appreciative audiences at our regular Teatime and Bright Sparks concerts, music has continued to flourish as a central and cherished part of school life.

A musical highlight for a group of our KS2 pupils during the Autumn Term was an evening at the O2 Arena for the Young Voices concert. This annual tradition saw Colfe’s pupils enjoying singing their hearts out in harmony with over 8,000 children, creating the world’s largest school choir and a tremendous atmosphere.

Of particular note this year was the Bright Sparks Orchestra, in its inaugural year. All children in Year 4 have the opportunity to try out ten orchestral instruments: violin, viola, cello, double bass, cornet, trombone, flute, clarinet, oboe and bassoon, and to select their favourites. The Bright Sparks Orchestra Concert allowed our young musicians to showcase that hard work. As a result of this scheme, nine children are continuing with their instruments next year and another two are starting drums. Within Year 4, 85% of the children are learning instruments in school or are about to start on instrumental journeys; this is fantastic and all down to the combined efforts of pupils and staff to bring the scheme to life.

In the Summer Term, our youngest musicians took part in a splendid Mini Maestros Concert, performed for their parents on a range of instruments, which proved to be a wonderful finale to a thoroughly musical year.

The Junior School children have certainly embraced a wide range of musical opportunities this year, developing their skills, confidence and appreciation for the Arts. These events have not only showcased the remarkable talents of the pupils, but have also brought the school community together in celebration of their achievements.

THE NURSERY AND RECEPTION NATIVITY

In December, we were treated to a heartwarming performance of Whoops-a-Daisy Angel, as our EYFS children brought the story of the Nativity to life with charm, confidence and plenty of festive cheer.

From twinkling stars to proud shepherds and joyful angels, every child played their part beautifully, filling the hall with smiles, laughter and even a few happy tears. The children sang their songs with enthusiasm and delivered their lines with pride, showing how much they had grown in confidence during the term.

It was a truly magical way to celebrate the season and a reminder of the joy and wonder that our youngest children bring to our school community.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE ALIENS

In December, our KS1 parents were presented with a delightful festive treat as their children took to the stage for a wonderful performance of Christmas with the Aliens.

The hall was filled with a sense of excited anticipation as our young stars brought this magical story to life with confidence, creativity and charm.

The play followed the story of a group of curious aliens who land on Earth just in time to discover the true meaning of Christmas. With catchy songs, colourful costumes and plenty of laughter, the children captivated the audience from start to finish. Each child had a special role to play, and they all performed with enthusiasm and joy.

The performance was a wonderful way to celebrate the festive season and to showcase the talents of our KS1 children.

A SPRING FAIRY TALE WITH YEAR 1

This year, Year 1’s Spring Performance to parents was a delightful musical version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The young performers brought the classic fairy tale to life with charm, confidence and a touch of humour, captivating their audience.

From the moment the curtains opened, it was clear that the children had poured their hearts into the production. The set, lovingly crafted with colourful props and hand-painted backdrops, transported the audience into the whimsical world of the three bears’ cottage in the woods. Each child embraced their role with enthusiasm, whether playing a bear, a forest animal or the mischievous Goldilocks herself.

The children sang with gusto and performed simple yet effective choreography that added energy and rhythm to the storytelling. Parents were equally impressed, many commenting on how well the children remembered their lines and cues.

“It was absolutely adorable,” said one parent. “You could tell they were having so much fun, and that made it even more special.”

RHYTHM AND RHYME WITH YEAR 2

In June, our Year 2 pupils delighted their families with a vibrant musical performance, Rhythm & Rhyme.

The production was a joyful celebration, showcasing the children’s musical creativity and growing confidence on stage. The children’s enthusiasm was infectious, drawing smiles and applause from the audience throughout. Many parents commented on how impressed they were by the children’s ability to keep time throughout the performance, and the studied concentration on the faces of our young performers certainly evidenced the effort that had gone into learning their individual musical parts.

Rhythm & Rhyme was not only a celebration of Year 2’s musical talent but also a wonderful way to mark the end of a successful time in KS1. It was a proud moment for all involved and a memory to be cherished for years to come.

STRICTLY ALADDIN WITH YEARS 3 AND 4

We knew we were in for a treat as soon as the curtain rose for Year 3 and 4’s dazzling performance of Strictly Aladdin, a musical that brilliantly blended the magic of Aladdin with the sparkle and flair of a famous dance competition show!

From the moment the show began, the audience was swept into a whirlwind of colour, music and movement. The children brought the story to life with infectious energy, demonstrating not only their acting and singing talents but also some seriously impressive dance moves. With sequins, sass and a sprinkle of genie magic, the performance had everyone clapping along and cheering from their seats.

We could not have been prouder of our Year 3 and 4 stars. Strictly Aladdin was a joyful celebration of creativity, collaboration and confidence – and a performance we will all remember!

THE LION KING –A YEAR 6 PRODUCTION TO REMEMBER!

At the end of the school year, the Senior hall was transformed into the heart of the African savannah as Year 6 took to the stage for their spectacular summer production: The Lion King.

The performance proved to be a roaring success and a fitting end to their time in the Junior School, as the Year 6 pupils brought the musical’s characters to life with energy, emotion and a deep understanding of the story’s themes of courage, identity and the circle of life.

AN INSPIRATIONAL PERFORMANCE FROM YEAR 5

Year 5’s musical performance for parents this year was a triumph!

The audience was treated to a variety of musical styles, after which they filled the hall with enthusiastic applause, clearly proud of the children’s hard work and dedication.

The concert concluded with a powerful finale that brought all our Year 5 students together and was a fitting end to an evening that truly lived up to its name – Inspire!

JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORTS DAY

The Junior School Sports Day, held at the start of the Summer Term, was a vibrant celebration of athleticism, teamwork and our school values, bringing together pupils from Nursery through to Year 6. The event took place on the field under bright summer skies and in front of a crowd of enthusiastic parent supporters.

From our youngest EYFS children to those in upper KS2, every pupil participated with energy and enthusiasm. The day began with a cheerful opening parade, where each year group proudly marched onto the field, wearing their House colours and proudly bearing their House flag.

The Nursery and Reception children delighted the crowd with the determined way in which they engaged with the day’s activities, which included standing long jump, speed bounce, hurdles and a sack race. Their excitement and the sheer effort they put into these were met with loud cheers from the crowd.

Our KS1 pupils demonstrated growing coordination and confidence in a variety of events, such as ball throwing and target throwing, as well as obstacle and vortex races. Their sense of fair play and encouragement for one another were some of the highlights of the day.

Meanwhile, the KS2 pupils took on a range of events, including standing long jump, javelin throwing, medicine ball push, scoop activities and shot putt. The older pupils showcased impressive athletic skills and fair play, with many personal bests achieved and celebrated.

Lynx House emerged victorious, clinching the top spot with a series of impressive performances across the day. Yet, beyond the medals and scores, the day was a triumph for everyone involved. Children from all Houses cheered each other on, participated with enthusiasm and pushed their sporting limits. At the end of the day, while Lynx House took home the winning trophy, every participant walked away with something valuable – friendship, pride and the joy of being part of something bigger than themselves.

SUMMER ART EXHIBITION AND JUNIOR PRIZEGIVING

The KS2 Summer Art Exhibition was a vibrant celebration of creativity and imagination, exhibiting the artistic talents of pupils from Years 3 to 6.

The event, held on the same evening as Junior Prizegiving, drew a large audience of parents and visitors keen to admire the range of artwork on display.

The exhibition showcased a variety of skills, mediums and talents united by the theme ‘Once Upon a Time’. It was a resounding success, as was the Prizegiving, which was overseen by Mr Trusting, Master of the Leathersellers, and Mrs Russell, who presented the certificates and prizes. Each child stepped out to thunderous applause, and the attendees were inspired by their many achievements.

HEAD OF JUNIORS MRS BONNAR’S PRIZEGIVING REPORT:

Prizegiving offers us a special moment to pause and reflect on the dedication, growth and achievements of our wonderful pupils over the past year. I want to begin by saying how deeply impressed I am by each and every one of you. Your maturity in understanding that not everyone will receive a prize tonight – and your genuine joy in celebrating the successes of your friends – is truly admirable. That spirit of support and community is something worth celebrating in itself.

Before I speak about our wonderful pupils, I would like to take a moment to thank our exceptional staff. Their dedication ensures that every pupil is both challenged and supported – academically and pastorally. They work tirelessly to make learning engaging, meaningful and inspiring. I am truly grateful for their professionalism, passion and unwavering commitment to Colfe’s.

We are sorry to be saying goodbye to Mrs Samantha Gibbons at the end of this term. After 11 years at Colfe’s, Samantha is leaving us to specialise in SEND teaching. We know that she will bring the same expertise and enthusiasm to this role as she has at Colfe’s. Ms Katie Symonds is moving to Surrey, and we wish her every success for the future. Ms Samantha Grover is taking a sabbatical and training to become a teacher. We wish her all the best with this exciting endeavour. And, finally, we bid farewell to Mr Russell, who is retiring after an incredible twenty years at Colfe’s. We held a special assembly this morning to thank him for his outstanding service and dedication to Colfe’s. As he steps into retirement, we wish him all the very best – he certainly has some exciting plans ahead!

Now let us turn our attention to the heart of our school – our pupils. There is not enough time to talk about everything that the pupils have achieved this year as you would be here all evening, but I will talk through some highlights.

You have all been involved in creating the beautiful artwork that we see displayed around us. Our theme for this year was ‘Once Upon a Time’. Reading has been a constant theme and – in addition to reading competitions, dressing up for Book Week and poetry recitals – we ordered a reading vending machine, which has been immensely popular.

Our pupils are passionate about the natural world and want to do their best to protect it. We want our pupils to be agents of change, so we have our first ever Green Day tomorrow to highlight sustainability. We planted daffodils this year and together recited the great poem by William Wordsworth. This is a project that will continue into next year.

Our pupils continue to impress with their confidence and creativity. They have spoken at poetry recitals, performed in our popular teatime concerts, sung at the O2 Arena, led school assemblies and much more. This year, we introduced the English Speaking Board examinations for Year 6 – and they rose to the challenge brilliantly. Every pupil succeeded, with an outstanding 36 pupils earning a distinction in their grade exam, a testament to their hard work and the strength of oracy at Colfe’s.

We also had great fun celebrating NSPCC Number Day, with both pupils and staff dressing up as Times Tables Rock Stars. Many of you here tonight earned certificates for your efforts in the accompanying maths competition. In Year 6, 25 pupils took part in the UKMT Junior Maths Challenge, and I’m delighted to share that five achieved gold awards, with three progressing to the next round – an outstanding achievement! Meanwhile, Lynx House proudly represented our school in the final of the Inter-School General Knowledge Quiz Championship, showcasing their breadth of knowledge and team spirit.

There were many wonderful activities during science week, and we welcomed the Royal Institute into school. The noisy explosions were by far the most popular experiments. We also held our first Heritage Day in Juniors. This was a wonderful way to acknowledge and celebrate the many cultures and traditions that weave from your homes into our school.

Learning is not confined to the classroom at Colfe’s. This year we introduced our Citizenship Awards, where pupils are encouraged to complete tasks out of school from a range of distinct categories, including leadership, adventure, challenge and competition, being

an eco-warrior and independence. It has been great to hear of the many activities that pupils undertake out of school and to take time to celebrate these. This is both positive for the individual pupil and encourages other pupils to challenge themselves further.

Every pupil here has actively participated in our Outdoor Pursuits programme to build their resilience. Although we speak more than ever about the importance of resilience, we too often avoid the very challenges that strengthen it. If we truly value resilience, we must be willing to engage in the practices that build it. Major Cherry ensures that pupils build confidence by facing and overcoming challenges, improving teamwork and learning new skills.

These were not the only trips that the pupils went on. An extremely popular trip was the Year 4 coding trip to Legoland. Year 5 visited the London School of Economics last week to learn from entrepreneurs. And Year 6 enjoyed an Augmented Reality workshop, and they have a further trip tomorrow which is a well-deserved treat after all 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 fair and the many charity events organised throughout the year. We have raised approximately £5000 this year for various charities, including the Marine Conservation Society, Children in Need and WWF – the animal charity not the wrestlers!

Every pupil here is given both the opportunity and the confidence to step onto a stage and shine – whether through singing, dancing, acting or all three. In December, our Year 4 students captivated audiences with their vibrant performance of Strictly Aladdin. Just last week, Year 6 performed their outstanding rendition of The Lion King, showcasing the incredible talent of our pupils.

Sport is central to our pupils’ wellbeing and development – and every child here gets involved, embracing the benefits of an active lifestyle. Our pupils have excelled in a wide range of competitions, whether in the pool, on the athletics track or out on the sports field. Many proudly represent the school at fixtures, as well as in regional and national events.

We celebrate all these achievements together during our Friday Sharing Assemblies, where it is always uplifting to see classmates cheer each other on – a true reflection of our supportive and spirited school community. To all of you –take pride in your many achievements this year. Your families and your teachers are proud of you.

Finally, I would like to finish with a message to our Year 6 pupils. Our Year 6 pupils leave Colfe’s Junior School with a strong foundation and a bright future ahead. Each of you has contributed something unique and special to our school community. As you move on to the Senior School, carry with you the curiosity, ambition and kindness that have defined your time here. You have been a truly exceptional year group, and we are incredibly proud of all you have achieved.

Marie-Claire Bonnar, Head of Junior School

Senior School

Phone: 020 8852 2283

Email: office@colfes.com

Park Lane, London, SE12 8AW

Junior School

Phone: 020 8463 8266

Email: junioroffice@colfes.com Upwood Road, London, SE12 8AA Leathersellers’

The Colfeian Magazine 2024-2025

COLFEIAN 2024-2025

WHAT’S INSIDE

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM

BUSINESS,

COMPUTER SCIENCE

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

DRAMA

ENGLISH

GEOGRAPHY

HISTORY

LEARNING SUPPORT

LIBRARY

MATHEMATICS

MEDIA STUDIES

MODERN LANGUAGES

MUSIC

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

RELIGION & PHILOSOPHY

SCIENCE - BIOLOGY

SCIENCE – CHEMISTRY

– PSYCHOLOGY

SCIENCE – PHYSICS

COMBINED CADET FORCE

SUPPORT STAFF

BURSARIAL STAFF

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE

STAFF NEWS

CHANGE OF HEADSHIP: FAREWELL TO RICHARD RUSSELL

CHANGE OF HEADSHIP: WELCOME TO DAN GABRIELE

THE COLFE SERMON 2025

THE PURSUIT OF WISDOM

SECOND SPEECH

TRUTH DOES NOT EQUAL FACTS

RATIONALITY VS RELATIONALITY

ACTION POINT: INVEST IN YOUR CONTEXTS

CHARITIES

PARTNERSHIPS

CELEBRATING A YEAR OF COMMUNITY, CREATIVITY AND CONTRIBUTION

DEVELOPMENT & ALUMNI RELATIONS

CELEBRATING THE END OF AN ERA WITH HEADMASTER RICHARD RUSSELL

COLFE’S DONORS HELP BUILD £5 MILLION FUND TO SUSTAIN LEATHERSELLER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

MEET A FORMER LEATHERSELLER SCHOLAR

RECRUITING OUR LEATHERSELLER SCHOLARS AND HOW DONATIONS MAKE AN IMPRESSION

INTRODUCING THE 1652 SOCIETY: CELEBRATING DONORS WHO MAKE RECURRING GIFTS

MEET SOME OF OUR 1652 SOCIETY MEMBERS AND HEAR WHY THEY DONATE:

RICHARD (OC 1981) AND JAYNE BURTON, COLFE’S PARENTS

COLFE’S DIGITAL ARCHIVES GET A REFRESH

OLD COLFEIAN SOCIETY SPONSORS NEW SECTOR NETWORKING EVENTS

BACK TO SCHOOL! THE OLD COLFEIAN SOCIETY’S ANNUAL DINNER

CELEBRATING

TRUST

OBITUARIES

ATKINS, JOHN R.

BARNES, MARK A.

BOATMAN,

G.

FENNELL, DAVID G. (1944–1949) AGED 67. CLASS OF 1951

FREDERICK E.

BRENDAN

COLIN JOHN

YONGE, GORDON

ARCHIVE

THE DIGITAL ARCHIVE

AN EXCERPT FROM THE COLFEIAN NO

SOME TREASURES FROM OUR ARCHIVE

CAREERS

ACADEMIC REPORT

VALETE

SCHOOL LEAVER DESTINATIONS 2025

UNIVERSITY COURSE

SIXTH FORM

HOUSE COMPETITIONS

AUTUMN TERM

SPRING TERM

SUMMER TERM

NEW SENIOR SCHOOL HOUSE: GLYN

EDI