The New Wittonian - Summer 2024

NEWS GENERAL ELECTION: Students join the debate PLUS: Art Exhibition returns to celebrate creative talents

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

Issue 9, Summer 2024

Students enjoy trip of a lifetime to NYC Sir John Deane's students enjoyed a bite of the Big Apple when they visited New York during the May half term break.

39 Year 12 Geography and Economics students explored some of the city's most iconic sites, including the United Nations Headquarters, Central Park and Wall Street, during the four-day trip, which was organised and led by Geography teacher Lucy Brown.

Other highlights included a boat trip to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, a tour of Madison Square Garden and a more humbling visit to the World Trade Centre memorial and One World Skyscraper.

There was also the opportunity for students to take

in the New York skyline from every angle, with a walk along Brooklyn Bridge, an evening trip to the Top of the Rock observation deck and a stroll along the New York High Line, a public park built on an historic freight line above Manhattan's West Side.

Andrew Boden, Deputy Headteacher who accompanied the students on the trip, said: "This was an incredibly culturally enriching experience for the students.

"New York is without doubt one of the most energetic, vibrant and dynamic cities in the world, and combining with such a unique economic history, has created truly life-long memories for all. "

News

Students join election debate Sir John Deane’s students have been speaking about the issues that matter to them when they met with candidates standing for Mid Cheshire in the General Election.

Andrew Cooper (Labour), Emma Guy (Reform UK), Jack Price-Harbech (Liberal Democrats) and Charles Fifield (Conservative) visited Year 12 Government and Politics students to talk about their journey into politics and learn more about issues concerning young people in this election.

The candidates then took

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questions from the audience, covering a huge range of topics from the cost of living crisis to human rights and parliamentary standards.

Paul Allanach, Head of Humanities at Sir John Deane's said: "It was an interesting and lively debate, giving our students the opportunity to hold to account their potential representatives. It allowed our students to see politics in action, and the candidates to experience the issues of concern to students."

Art and Design exhibition celebrates creative talents The College's much anticipated Art and Design exhibition returned after a two year break in July, giving parents and members of the public a unique chance to view the creative talents of Sir John Deane's students.

should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved.

Visitors to the exhibition have been blown away by the standard of work on display, which is testament to the intense hard work that had gone into every single piece.

‘Into the Light’ showcased the culmination of two years hard work from A level Fine Art, Photography, 3D Design and Textiles students.

"What has been so wonderful this year is how are students artwork is evolving, incorporating a huge amount of styles, which has made for a really interesting exhibition."

Simon Davies, Head of Art and Design, said: "Our students

Issue 9, Summer 2024

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News

Students celebrated at annual awards evenings Sir John Deane's Sixth Form College celebrated the academic year and recognised student achievements during two glittering annual awards evenings in May and June.

amongst other successes.

Head student Chili Cheung received the prestigious Saner Prize for Student of the Year.

More than 160 students were honoured across the two events for Year 12 and Year 13.

Prizes were given for academic excellence across all subjects, as well as sporting achievements, music and performing arts, community and culture.

Principal Chris Atherton said: "Our awards evenings are an important opportunity for us to celebrate the exceptional talents of our students and reward those who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to their studies or who have contributed so much to our community and culture."

The College netball team received a special commendation after an incredible season which saw them win the North West Colleges League and finish fourth in the England Schools Netball U19s National Final Competition,

Presenting the prizes were special guests Julie Brandreth MBE and Sarah du Plessis, Director of School Improvement at The Sir John Brunner Foundation.

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Issue 9, Summer 2024

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News

Focus on wildlife during Environmental Week The College's Environmental Week returned for it's second year in May, with students getting involved in a number of activities to raise awareness and contribute to safer habitats for British wildlife.

As well as organising a litter pick, The College's Environmental Committee raised £200 for The British Hedgehog Preservation Society by holding a bake sale and 'guess the name' cuddly toy competition.

They also produced information boards on how to reduce your environmental footprint and there was a focus on environmental issues in subject lessons.

University fair returns More then 40 of the UK's top universities descended on Sir John Deane's in June for the College's annual Higher Education Fair.

Representatives from a number of institutions including, University College London, University of Warwick and Durham University spoke to students about course options and university life, in a bid to get them thinking about their next steps.

The event was part of a wider focus on careers this half term, which also included a Higher Education Evening for parents, industry guest speakers across

the curriculum and interactive workshops.

Careers Manager Danielle Oultram, said: "It was wonderful to see so many students engaged at the HE fair this year. The universities were impressed by how well prepared and mature students were in their approach to careers planning.

"The events and careers focus in lessons has provided the opportunity for students to research all pathways available to them, ready to begin their applications for next year, whether that be Higher education, apprenticeships or employment."

Young artists take top prizes in national textiles competition Two of Sir John Deane's talented young artists took first and second prize in the 2024 Student Textiles Artist Competition. Georgia Done and Amy White came top from over 6oo entries in the national competition,

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hosted by the Textiles Skills Centre.

Georgia received first prize, winning a sewing machine, goody bag and £50 voucher for the College. Both pieces were on the theme of natural form.

Issue 9, Summer 2024

BTEC students shine on stage in annual Performing Arts Showcase

Talented BTEC Performing Arts students put on a spectacular showcase of musical theatre, drama and dance, celebrating the end of their first year assessment work.

Students took to the stage for two special performances back in May, entertaining local high school students before performing to a packed theatre of family and friends.

The audience were treated to a number of performances from musicals including 'We Will

Rock You', 'Chicago' and 'Top Hat', as well as some physical theatre pieces inspired by the production 'Zero Degrees'.

Performing Arts teacher, Laura Sandell, said: "The students have worked incredibly hard throughout the year, achieving Distinctions in all of their practical assessments so far.

"It was a fabulous afternoon and evening watching the students bring together their wide variety of skills that they have developed across the course."

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News

Farewell class of 2024 Sir John Deane's bid an emotional farewell to the Class of 2024 as their two years at the College drew to a close.

Staff joined students for a special end of term celebration in the courtyard with the opportunity to reflect on their time at the College and enjoy a free ice cream.

Tracy Foy, Deputy Principal

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for People and Culture, said: "Our students have been on an incredible journey over the last two years, and it has been wonderful to see them grow and mature, ready to take their place in the world.

"They should all be so proud of what they have achieved and we can't wait to see them again on results day to celebrate their success. "