The New Wittonian - Spring 2024

NETBALL: Team end season on a high at England Schools Tournament

PLUS: Young actors shine in College production

The New Wittonian

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

Issue 8, Spring 2024

e Public crowned BOTB winners

Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College hosted an electric night of music at the tenth annual Battle of the Bands competition in March.

Thirteen bands from schools across Cheshire rocked the stage with high energy covers of classic rock and pop.

The Jets, from The Winsford Academy, received Highly Commended from the judges for their performance of the Nirvana hit, Smells Like Teen Spirit. However, it was indie rock band, The Public, comprising of students from Sir John Deane’s and LIPA (pictured above), who were crowned this year’s champions with an original song. The audience

were also treated to a special performance of Tina Turner’s Simply the Best from the College’s staff band, with lead singer and Sociology teacher, Sian Ayree, impressing the audience with her incredible vocal performance.

Event organiser and Music Technology teacher, Tim Murphy, said: “This is the tenth annual Battle of the Bands competition and it was the most consistently high standard of performance we have seen. It was great to see bands like Alias, who have performed previously as part of The County High School Leftwich, now performing as Sir John Deane’s students. Overall it was a thoroughly entertaining evening and the students should be very proud of themselves.”

Maths Feast 2024

Students from six of the College's Partner High Schools went headto-head in the second annual Maths Feast competition at Sir John Deane's in February.

Year 10 students from The County High School Leftwich, The Macclesfield Academy, Rudheath Senior Academy, Weaverham High School, Middlewich High School and Hartford Church of England High School enjoyed four rounds of challenging maths puzzles with the help of our Year 12 maths ambassadors.

Weaverham High School were crowned winners, with the team from Middlewich High School

finishing close runners up.

Sarah Kelly, Maths teacher and event organiser said: "Maths Feast is a great opportunity for young mathematicians to put their team work and problem solving skills to the test and experience the subject beyond the GCSE curriculum.

"Thank you to all our wonderful participants and of course our incredible maths ambassadors who did a brilliant job supporting the students throughout the competition."

Maths Feast will return to the College in 2025.

Meet your new Head Students

The College has appointed its new Head Students for 2024/25. Jamie Duncan, Lowri Nettlemill, Alice Middleweek, Manar Thejer, Hamza Bakiler and Tresor Nsengiyumva will lead a wider group of more than 40 Senior Students, after impressing the panel with their presentations and interviews as part of a

competitive selection process. The students will now get to work on a number of initiatives and campaigns focussing on themes such as sustainability and well being as well as representing the student voice and working closely with the College's Senior Leadership Team.

Industry events shine spotlight on careers

Students embraced the opportunity to meet representatives from more than 40 employers at the College’s annual Industry Careers Fair in March.

To celebrate National Careers Week, the College welcomed exhibitors including Airbus, AstraZeneca, Oracle Red Bull Racing, Snow Angels and TATA Chemicals, amongst many more.

During a week of events, a number of Sir John Deane's alumni also returned to the College to share their experiences as degree apprentices working at some of the UK's top firms. A special thank you to former Head Student Daisy Bolton, who delivered an inspirational talk to students on her experience as a second year engineering degree apprentice at Rolls Royce.

One cold night. Nine stories of love. Almost.

The talented cast and crew of the College's 2024 production presented their heart warming rendition of the romantic comedy Almost, Maine during two sell out shows in January.

The play takes place on a cold winters night in the remote mythical town of Almost, Maine, where the residents experience the power of the human heart.

The play follows a series of nine loosely connected vignettes about love, which manifests in unexpected, and often hilarious, ways.

Rebeccah Homer, Head of Performing Arts, said: "Working on 'Almost, Maine' was a real joy. We had a brilliantly talented cast who threw themselves into the rehearsal process, workshopping the scenes and having a huge amount of input into how they were staged.

"A special mention must also go to our student assistant director, Scarlett Stapleton, and student crew, especially Ollie Chase, Sam Baynes, Owen Jones and Kate Burge, who showed real creativity and skill when designing and operating the production."

Campus set to blossom with new apple orchard

Students from the College's Environmental Committee have transformed a regular patch of grass into the beginnings of a fruit orchard, with trees donated by the Mersey Forest.

The students planted four Ribston Pippin trees, under the guidance and expertise of Community Forester Dave Armson.

The trees are an extension of the community garden, which is tended to by students and represents the College's commitment to sustainability and nurturing a greener future. In addition to the four apple trees,

beech and field maple trees were also planted on the College field to enhance the grounds.

Paul Edwards, Site Manager, said: "We are extremely grateful to Dave and the Mersey Forest for donating the trees and also to The Sir John Brunner Foundation for their support with this project.

"The Environmental Committee have been extremely proactive in helping us shape a more greener and sustainable campus and we are delighted that they were able to be involved in planting and caring for our new trees."

Students team up for annual litter pick

The College's Environmental Committee and Senior Students joined forces in March to pick litter from the College campus and surrounding residential areas. Now an annual event, more than 30 students took part this year, weighing in over 50kg of rubbish, which was later sent off to be sorted and recycled. The pick is just one of many initiatives the College and Environmental Committee will be using towards gaining a Distinction level Eco-Schools Green Flag Award.

Going for gold

Congratulations to the 22 students who completed their Duke of Edinburgh's Award Gold practice in Snowdonia during the Easter break.

Despite some good weather over the three day trip, heavy rainfall throughout March made for some challenging conditions underfoot.

The students will now focus on other elements of their award, including volunteering and skills, before completing their qualifying expedition in the summer.

Students secure top university and apprenticeship offers

Sir John Deane's students have a bright future ahead of them, with many securing offers from some of the UK's top universities and leading firms.

This year, more than 818 have made a university application, with more than 3,563 offers for courses.

Nine students have been successful in securing prestigious offers for Oxford and Cambridge universities, while 21 students have now received at least one offer for medicine, veterinary science or dentistry courses, with more still awaiting news of their success.

Students applying for highly competitive courses undergo a rigorous application and interview process. The College runs a

bespoke programme of support to prepare students for this, including one-to-one mentoring, personal statement support, workshops and external guest speakers.

Those students looking to start their careers sooner have now started to receive offers of higher level and degree level apprenticeships.

So far, 22 students have been successful in securing offers and are now set to join a number of leading firms including Airbus, Rolls Royce, Bentley, AstraZeneca, the BBC, Unilever, Seddon and the Bank of America, with many more awaiting the outcome of their applications over the coming weeks.

Degree Apprenticeship (Broadcast and Media Systems Engineer)

Katie-Louise Smith

BBC

Beatrice Dorsch Degree Apprenticeship (Lab Science) Unilever

Toby Harrison Degree Apprenticeship (Supply Chain and Logistics) AstraZeneca

Darcey Pawezowski Degree Apprenticeship (Engineering) Bentley

2024 Oxbridge Offers

Top row, from left: Sian Baird (Bridgewater High School) Natural Sciences at Homerton College, Cambridge, Chile Cheung (The County High School Leftwich) Philosophy, Politics and Economics at New College, Oxford, Katie Shepherd (The County High School Leftwich) Music at Oxford, Cole Brautigam (Bishops Bluecoat CE High School) Biology at Wadham College, Oxford, Madeline Gillett (Weaverham High School) English at Wadham College, Oxford. Bottom row, from left: Carmen Welsted (Congleton High School) Maths at Robinson College, Cambridge, Alex Quinton (Weaverham High School) Physics at Somerville College, Oxford, Toby Oliver (Altincham GS for Boys) Medicine at Jesus College, Cambridge, Erika Davenport (Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School) Geography at Robinson College, Cambridge

Performing Arts students enjoy magic of the West End

Performing Arts students recently enjoyed a trip to the capital, immersing themselves in the magic of the West End. As well as taking in all the sites, students enjoyed a trio of hit musicals, including Moulin Rouge,

Student recognised for engineering innovation

An engineering enthusiast and budding young designer has received a prestigious engineering scholarship.

Year 12 student Sam Burns was awarded the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship following a rigorous selection process which included a presentation, three hour design exam and panel interview.

His achievements were recognised at the Arkwright Awards Ceremony at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre back in October.

Sam, who studies 3D Design, Art and Maths, received a financial prize and support from his sponsors, Harper Adams University, as well as the opportunity to attend a number of exclusive engineering open events.

The Arkwright Engineering Scholarship Programme inspires students to pursue their dreams of changing

Guys and Dolls and Standing on the Sky's Edge. As a final finale, the students experienced a practical workshop at Pineapple Studios led by West End star, Ben Rutter.

the world through engineering. The programme aims to develop leadership skills, give students real-world experience of innovative engineering and develop areas of interest through a dedicated mentor.

Students gain industry insights during work experience placements

Year 12 students experienced a taste of industry during a two-day work placement initiative in April.

A record 95% of students secured placements across a huge range of industries spanning the north west and beyond, in a bid to gain

invaluable experience and inspire their next steps. Organisations included West Midlands Trains, Manchester City Football Club, BCT Aviation, Chester Zoo, Bailey Audio, PWC, Liverpool City Council, Glenville Walker Law and Applehead Media.

Sports News

Netball stars end season on a high

Sir John Deane's ended their 2023/24 campaign with plenty to smile about after finishing fourth in the England Netball U19s National Schools Final.

The event was held at Oundle School in Northamptonshire, in March, as the competition, which included approximately 1,500 schools over the course of season, concluded.

Sir John Deane's made it to the semi final match with impressive wins against North London Collegiate, Woodhouse Grove and Oakham schools, but narrowly missed out on a place in the final after defeat, by a single goal, to Stowe School.

The event topped off a fantastic season for the girls,

who finished top of the North West Colleges League amongst other successes.

Jenny Thorp, Head of PE and Sport at the College, said: "Congratulations to all the players who have shown tremendous commitment and spirit this season. I'd also like to thank our coach Lauren Watson for her incredible support and her hard work nurturing this team - it's been a joy to watch them."

2023/24 season successes

Cheshire U19 County Champions

Cheshire U19 England Netball Champions

MMU Invitational Tournament Champions

North West College’s League Champions

4th place England

Olympic pathway success

Sir John Deane's and Northwich rower Freddie Cushen received a bronze medal at the Olympic Pathway Development Regatta in Nottingham in April.

The event, held at the National Water Sports Centre saw Freddie compete in the singles time trial, finishing 7th out of 65 rowers across all age categories before finishing third in a field of 38 U19 athletes.

Freddie will be returning to Nottingham in May where he'll be competing in the U19 quads for Northwich Rowing Club.