The New Wittonian, Summer 2023

ROWING: Sir John Deane's double make their debut for College

PLUS: Battle of the Bands 2023

The New Wittonian

Issue 6, Summer 2023

Next generation of medics, vets and dentists secure top university offers

Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College is supporting the next generation of medics, vets and dentists with a record number of offers for highly competitive university degrees.

32 students have been made a total of 60 offers for degree courses in medicine, veterinary science and dentistry at some of the UK’s top institutions.

Applicants receive support through the College’s Medics, Vets and Dentists Programme, to prepare them for every stage of their application with the guidance of a specialist team of senior teachers.

The bespoke programme includes rigorous interview preparation, scientific research projects, work placements, personal statement support, UKCAT

tests, external guest speakers and workshops. 2023 has proved to be a standout year for applicants, with 87% of students on the programme receiving at least one offer to interview. Of those, 24 secured highly sought after places for medicine, six for veterinary science and two for dentistry degree courses. Amongst the successful applicants, seven students received an impressive three offers or more.

Principal, Chris Atherton, said: "We are thrilled with the huge number of offers this year. Our students have worked incredibly hard within a highly selective process to get to this stage. We also feel a great sense of pride knowing that these students are ready for the next part of their journey, to take their place in the world and make an outstanding contribution to society."

The official newsletter of Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College

College goes green as it celebrates first Environmental Week

Sir John Deane’s students celebrated sustainability and raised awareness of the climate crisis as part of the College’s first Environmental Week in May.

Students organised a range of activities including a litter pick around the College campus and surrounding residential areas, information boards and student-led talks on protecting the planet and what individuals can do to reduce their carbon footprint.

They have also been working hard in the Sir John Deane’s community garden, with the canteen serving up the fruits of their labour as part of their daily menus, which include more plant-based options.

Subject lessons and personal development tutorials also focussed on educating students around sustainability, while senior students compiled a list of recommended books and podcasts, which went on display in the library.

The week ended with a bake sale, with all monies

raised going towards environmental charities. The events during the week will contribute to the College’s ongoing mission to become an ecofriendly college, with the Eco-Schools Green Flag accreditation.

Year 12 student Cole Brautigam, who leads the College’s Environmental Society, said: “It has been great to see so many students engaging in environmental activities this week. The climate and biodiversity crises are issues that we all need to tackle at all levels of society, so doing our bit at College is extremely important.”

Battle of the Bands 2023

Bands from across Cheshire rocked the stage during a remarkable night of live music at Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College.

The annual Battle of the Bands competition returned to the College in March in front of a sellout crowd and included a number of energetic performances of well-known covers and original music.

The event shone a spotlight on young talent at Sir John Deane’s and local high schools including The County High School, Leftwich, Middlewich High School, The Winsford Academy and Hartford C of E High School.

However, it was Sir John Deane’s band, Frantic Fridays, who were crowned winners in the end with their funk medley.

Event organiser and Music Technology teacher, Tim Murphy, said: “This was the highest number of entries we have had in 10 years and the bands gave stunning performances to a soldout audience!

"It was so impressive to see so many of them performing original songs, too. It was an incredible evening of music and we are already looking forward to seeing everyone return next year!”

Photos by Lou Turner

Students impress TATA bosses with green vision for the future

A team of Year 12 Chemistry students were awarded first place at Tata Chemical's Interschool Chemistry Competition in April. Having previously visited the Winnington site for a tour of the world-leading carbon capture unit and to meet with various leading professionals, the students then had five weeks to prepare their ideas on how to reduce the College's

carbon footprint. The students carried out a number of student surveys, interviewed the College's senior leadership team and undertook intensive research before presenting their project to a panel of TATA senior leaders and competitors from various schools and colleges in the area.

Students navigate the Lake District for DofE Gold Award

Year 12 students endured the best and worst of the the British summertime weather during their Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award qualifying expedition in the Lake District.

39 students set out on the four-day expedition in June, covering more than 50km from Braithwaite to Conniston in a test

of perseverance, in the face of adverse weather conditions, and teamwork skills.

The expedition forms just one element of the Gold award with students now needing to complete other sections including volunteering, a chosen skill, physical activity and a residential trip.

Students have sights set on Higher Education

Sir John Deane's hosted its annual Higher Education Fair in June with a record number of universities represented on the day.

The event was an opportunity for Year 12 students to learn more about university life and the different programmes available to them. Representatives also gave an insight into the content of courses, possible career paths and the UCAS application process.

Among the 45 universities in attendance were Durham University, University of Warwick, Imperial College

London, University of Exeter and University of Arts, London.

Danielle Oultram, Careers Manager at Sir John Deane's, said: "This event is a highlight in the College calendar and once again has proved an incredible success. Students were well-prepared, engaged and conducted themselves in a professional manner. We received fantastic feedback from the HE representatives reaffirming this and that they are all looking forward to returning again next year."

Young chemists have proved they have the winning formula after achieving success in the Royal Society of Chemists 55th annual Chemistry Olympiad.

The prestigious competition is designed to challenge and inspire Chemistry students and is a unique opportunity for participants to push themselves further and excel in the chemistry field. The competition aims to develop

critical problem-solving skills, creative thinking and an opportunity for students to test their knowledge in new, real-world situations.

10 students from the College were amongst the UK’s highest scorers bringing back two bronze certificates, seven silver and a highly impressive Gold award for Year 13, and former Weaverham High School, student Daniel Cameron.

Schools compete in Maths Feast 2023

Maths enthusiast from schools across mid Cheshire came together for the launch of Maths Feast at Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College in June.

Year 10 students from The County High School

Leftwich, Middlewich High School and Hartford C of E High School competed against each other in a fun test of problem-solving and teamwork skills.

The event was hosted by Year 12 Maths students at Sir John Deane’s who helped organise the competition, while also mentoring each team and marking the rounds.

Each of the schools competing won at least one round of their rounds, with The County High School, Leftwich crowned overall winners.

Maths teacher, Sarah Kelly, said: "It's fantastic to see students so excited and passionate about mathematics. There was a real buzz in the room

when the winners were announced. I'd also like to say a massive thank you to all of the volunteers who were great ambassadors for the department and the College as a whole."

Students get a taste of industry during work placement initiative

Year 12 students experienced life outside the classroom during a two-day work placement in April.

More than 870 students secured placements across a wide range of industries in the North West and across the UK including Jet2, Cheshire Police, Unilever and Liverpool Football Club.

Students experienced many different roles within industries, working in departments such as marketing, finance, resource management, design and engineering to name a few.

Those unable to arrange placements engaged in various

employability activities including; public speaking, interview techniques and personal branding as well as virtual work experience programmes of their choice to ensure they gain vital employability skills.

Danielle Oultram, Careers Manager, said: “What a brilliant two days our year 12 students have had. The placements have been fantastic providing such a valuable insight into various industries around the UK.

"A huge thank you to all involved in agreeing to host and organise such incredible opportunities."

BTEC students showcase Performing Arts talents

BTEC Performing Arts students marked the end of their first year assessment work in a spectacular showcase of music, theatre and dance.

Performing in front of family and friends, students entertained the audience with a number of familiar hits from musicals, including 'We Will Rock You', 'Guys and Dolls' and 'Top Hat'.

Laura Sandell, Teacher of Performing Arts, said: "The students have worked extremely hard over the past year and secured Distinctions in every unit so far. The showcase was a fabulous opportunity for them to share their effort and commitment with their friends, family and colleagues, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all."

Student success celebrated at annual award evenings

Academic excellence, sporting prowess and contribution to the community have been recognised during the College’s annual awards season.

The Year 12 and 13 awards evenings, which took place in May and June, celebrated the achievements of more than 160 students from across the College.

Prizes were given to the highest performing students in each subject area, as well as to those who have contributed to the College community and culture through music, sports, volunteering and leadership.

Year 13 student Toby Doorbar was presented with the prestigious Saner Prize, for Student of the Year, in a tradition that goes back 100 years.

The College was delighted to welcome special guest, Bill Watkin, Chief Executive of the Sixth Form College’s Association, to the Year 13 ceremony. Bill presented the prizes to students and delivered an inspirational speech where he talked about his journey to the top and the importance of following your passions.

Matt Snelson, Chief Executive of The Sir John Brunner Foundation presented the prizes to Year 12 students during a sparkling ceremony in June.

Singer Leah Barrow opened the evening with an incredible performance of 'Watch What Happens' from the musical Newsies, while Head Student Aaron Rohimun reflected on the year on behalf of students.

Sports News

Junior rowers making waves on national circuit

Sir John Deane's rowers are making waves with a number of medals, debuts and firsts.

Broghan Robertson and Max Mackay were both new to rowing when they joined the College in September but are now enjoying success in the sport as they participate in competitions across the country.

The pair recently competed in the Trentham Regetta, with Broghan finishing first in the Junior 18 Single Sculls while Max won his heat but narrowly missed out on first place to a more experienced rower in the final.

European cycling success for SJD's Seb

Sir John Deane’s student and road race cyclist Sebastian Grindley is enjoying success on the international circuit as he pursues his dream of becoming professional in the sport.

Seb, who previously attended the Grange School and has been competing since the age of 13, recently represented Great Britain’s under 19s in the Nations Cup in Saarland German, and Brittany, France where he finished second in the youth classification and 11th overall.

In July, Seb will be competing in the National Road

Broghan then went on to compete in the York Regatta Junior 18 Double, winning one of her races against a team who recently qualified for Henley. She will be competing in the Junior British Championships in Motherwell on July 14th.

Head Rowing Coach, Mary Ozsanlav, said: "Max and Broghan’s success is a result of the commitment and enthusiasm they have shown since starting rowing in September. We are excited to see them develop further next year and are also looking forward to welcoming a new cohort down to the boathouse in September."

Race Championships in Clithero for his team Fensham Howes MAS Design Junior Team before heading over to France again for the Ain Bugey Valromey Tour, one of the continent’s major junior races.

Seb is making moves towards his dream of going professional, having competed in two pro-races to date.