The New Wittonian, Winter 2021/22

The New Wittonian

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

Sir John Deane’s amongst the best UK colleges for top university offers

Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College is among 15 institutions to receive more offers from top UK universities than Eton.

Sir John Deane’s has a proud history of academic excellence, with the majority of students going on to study at university, including many of the UK’s prestigious Russell Group Universities.

A report from the Daily Telegraph found that 15 state schools, including Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College, received more Russell Group offers than Eton College, which has produced more British Prime Ministers than any school or college in the UK.

There are 24 Russell Group Universities in the UK, renowned for their world-leading research projects, including University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Durham University, University of Sheffield and King’s College London.

Principal, Christopher Atherton, said: “I am so proud of what our students have achieved. These offers reflect a lot of hard work and commitment by students and teachers to secure these prestigious university places.

“It also shows our commitment to helping students achieve the very best futures possible for themselves. “

Community comes together to show racism the red card

In October, Sir John Deane’s came together to show racism the red card to launch the start of Black History Month.

Students and colleagues wore red as a symbol of the college’s anti-racist stance.

Throughout the month the college celebrated the achievements and contributions

of black people through history, whilst a specialist tutorial programme was also delivered to educate students on antiracism.

Other celebrations included music by black artists picked by the Diversitas Committee and traditional African and Caribbean food options in the canteen.

We are anti-racist... who will you be?

Here at Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College, we celebrate and value our unique diversity and are committed to creating a culture of inclusion and belonging.

We are an anti-racist college, actively working to ensure that all students, regardless of their race and ethnicity can learn as equals.

During the summer term an incredible group of students from the college’s Diversitas Committee worked together to create a powerful and moving short film celebrating the identity, culture and

John Lewis Chair surprises students with video message

Business students at Sir John Deane’s were thrilled when they recently received a surprise video message from entrepreneur and Chair of John Lewis Partnership, Sharon White.

Inspired by a lesson on female entrepreneurs and a display board in the classroom celebrating key female business leaders, Year 12 student Elliot McLean contacted Sharon directly to share how his class have learnt about her success and achievements as part of the Business A level course. To his surprise, she quickly responded with a video message for the whole class.

Elliot, who also works part-time at Waitrose, part of the John Lewis Partnership, said: “For Sharon to take time to make this video is certainly something we are proud of. Sharon is one of the most influential black business women in Britain, so this video is highly topical as we celebrate Black History Month within our community. We look forward to inspiring the leaders of tomorrow using Sharon’s video.”

heritage of the students who make up our unique community.

To watch the video in full, visit our YouTube channel.

Sharon is Chair of the John Lewis Partnership having previously held a variety of roles in the Civil Service and was the Chief Executive of the British media regulator Ofcom from March 2015 to November 2019. She was Second Permanent Secretary at HM Treasury from 2013 to 2015 and was the first black person, and the second woman, to become a Permanent Secretary at the Treasury.

Claire Hillier, Head of Business at the college, said: “We have a notice board in my classroom showcasing female leaders and it’s having quite an influence on students. I was delighted to find out that Elliot had contacted Sharon and completely amazed to discover she had responded with a personal video message to the whole class, sharing her experiences and in turn inspiring our students to take their place in the world.”

Pictured left from top: Hayley James, Noah Petts, Rachel Swithenbank, Conrad Clenton, Mary Smith, Naomi Lee.

Bottom right: Conrad Clenton, Daisy Dorsch, Naomi Lee, Freya Rocke, Lucy Bradburn, Emma Bebbington, Rachel Swithenbank and music teacher Liam Murray.

Pictured above: Daisy Dorsch.

Students delight in A Musical Soirée

Our talented musicians and singers returned to the stage in November for the college’s first musical performance of the year.

The annual soirée, which is held in the college’s historic Brunner Hall, is a highlight of the Performing Arts calendar.

Students impressed with a delightful mix of solo and small ensemble performances, including music by Mozart, Beethoven, Rachmaninov and Rodney Bennett, as well as modern classics from Lady Gaga and Carole King.

The chamber choir performed favourites including, Mr Sandman, the Saxophone Quartet mesmerised

with their performance of Tango for Lisa, while the Wind and Brass Ensembles delighted the audience with their musical renditions.

Alison Richards, Director of Music at Sir John Deane’s, said: “It really was a wonderful return to live music, and beautifully showcased the musical talent of our students.”

You can view all the images from the evening on our Facebook page.

Join us for an Evening of Jazz & Soul at the Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf and Spa on Thursday 17th February. Tickets wil be available on our website in January.

MP Mike Amesbury visit

Northwich MP Mike Amesbury paid a welcome visit to Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College on Friday 8th October.

The MP for Weaver Vale met with Principal Christopher Atherton, senior leaders and students.

During a tour of the campus, Mike was able to experience at first-hand the exceptional teaching and learning, visit the college’s dedicated careers hub and meet the learning support team. The tour ended with a quick-fire question and answer session with A level History students.

Mike Amesbury MP said: “It was fantastic to have been back at Sir John Deane’s, face-to-face once again, and to meet with Principal Christopher Atherton, as well as Head Girl Daisy and Head Boy Kiran.

“During the visit I met lots of their fellow students after dipping into Maths, Psychology and History lessons. It took me back!

“I would like to thank students for their resilience and teachers for their continued professionalism during these difficult times.

“I know the college put a focus on student welfare during the pandemic with additional learning support, which is commendable.

“It was good to see the smiles and words of hope and optimism from Sir John Deane’s young people. I wish them all their best in their chosen fields.”

MP Mike Amesbury with Principal, Christopher Atherton, Head Boy, Kiran Dobson and Head Girl, Daisy Bolton

Sir John Deane’s alumni lands lead role on the stage

A rising star of the stage and former Sir John Deane’s student, Will Callan, has been cast as a lead role in the UK tour of Les Misérables.

The actor, singer and songwriter is playing Marius in Cameron Mackintosh’s musical phenomenon, which opened in Glasgow in November and will run until 2023.

Will completed his studies at Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College in June, achieving As in A level

Drama & Theatre, A level Music Technology and a Distinction* in BTEC Performing Arts, securing his place at Point Blank Music School in London to study Music Production.

As well as acting, Will also released his first single “Losing Our Minds” in January 2020, while still studying at the college.

Rebeccah Homer, Head of Performing Arts at Sir John Deane’s, said: “Will’s exceptional

talent and formidable work ethic made him a great pleasure to teach.

“It was clear that he was destined for a career in performance but to secure a leading role in an iconic musical straight from sixth form is an extraordinary achievement.

“We are all looking forward to seeing him as Marius, and to watching where his career will take him.”

Environmental Studies Group inspired by community eco-warriors

We were delighted to welcome to the college members of Transition Northwich, a community group whose aim is to make Northwich more sustainable through multiple local projects.

Students from the college’s Environmental Studies co-curricular group met with members to discuss a number of environmental and climate issues and took

part in a visioning session, to help them picture a more environmentally focused world.

We now hope to be able to work with Transition Northwich more closely and thank them for taking the time to meet with students.

Will Callan Performing at an Evening of Jazz & Soul in January 2020

Life through a lens

Year 12 photography students have showcased their incredible talents with an online portfolio of work taken from their recent trip to Manchester.

The students enjoyed a visit to the city in November, capturing the architecture, culture and everyday lives of the people that live and work there.

Photography teacher Jonathan Murray, said: “It was a fantastic trip and the students have produced some exceptional photographs.

“They took the opportunity, not only to explore the architecture of the city, but to experiment with abstratcion, long exposure and street photography.”

The full portfolio, along with a further collection of work by Year 12 and 13 photography students, can be viewed on the college’s dedicated photography website, visit: sjdphoto.format.com

Students donate to local causes during season of goodwill

Generous students and collegaues have donated an incredible number of gifts and food donations in the run up to Christmas.

The college supported the Salvation Army with Christmas gifts for local families and the Mid Cheshire Food Bank, which relies on donations from the public to provide balanced and nutrious food parcels to those who need it most.

Students also raised vital funds for Save the Children by donning their best festive jumpers for the charity’s annual Christmas Jumper Day on Friday 10th December.

Once again, we were overwhelmed with the number of donations received and we would like to thank all our students, parents and colleagues for your continued generosity.

Charities Committee launch WONDER foundation campaign

Congratulations to the Charities Committee, who kicked off their fundraising efforts with a bake sale at the college. The event raised £221 for the college’s chosen charity, WONDER Foundation, whose mission is to empower women, girls and their communities through access to quality

education so that they can transform their lives and exit poverty for good. Well done to all our star bakers and to everyone who purchased a cake. We have more whole college events planned in the New Year to raise money for this wonderful cause.

Chemistry students have winning formula

Sir John Deane’s chemists have proved they have the winning formula after achieving widespread success in the prestigious Cambridge Chemistry Challenge, 2021.

The competition, which took place in July, is set by an experienced team of teachers and university chemists and involves students from across the globe. It stretches students significantly beyond the syllabus and encourages them to think about science in a way that they would at university. It is sponsored and endorsed by St Catherine’s College, Cambridge.

The college has a long history of success in the competition,

but this year proved to be particularly strong, with a record 35 students achieving Copper, Silver or Gold Awards.

Laurence Potts, Head of Chemistry at Sir John Deane’s said: “Congratulations to all of our young chemists. The paper is notoriously challenging but a fantastic opportunity for students to apply their knowledge to some exceptionally difficult questions and unfamiliar scenarios.

“A special congratulations must go to Samuel Beschorner and Susanna Kirsten for achieving Gold, which is awarded to only a very small number of entrants nationally.”

Congratulations to the following students:

GOLD: Samuel Beschorner Birch, Susanna Kirsten SILVER: Eliza Harris, Jacob Williams, Jack Jones, Dan Thomas, Imogen Moore, Jake Roberts, Amy Richardson, Tom Cretier, Emma Higginson, Amie Cooper, Joe Cooper, Abbey George COPPER: Morgan Birks, Emily Braviner, Blessed Dzawo, James Mayo, Lily Taylor, Chi Yian Yip, Martha Wood, Phoebe Kinsella, Thomas Barnes, Nathan Griffiths, Willow Kwiecien, Mika Mizunoue, Hayley James, Heidi Stammers, Charlie Watts, Abigayle Garratt, Gabrielle Williams, Maddy Smith, Abbie Strain, Daniel Hogarth, Rachel Keeble.

Students rise to the challenge

Popular Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme returns to college

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme has returned this term with a huge number of students taking part.

The programme, led by dedicated co-ordinator Richard Bailey has seen students brave all weather during the autumn months to gain valuable skills, including navigation and teamwork.

The first expedition, an introduction to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, was a walk to Moel Famau, primarily for students with no experience of Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and those enrolling on the Silver Award. The walk provided the perfect opportunity for students to learn navigation skills and

form new friendships along the way.

In October, 92 students headed to the Cleydian Hills for their Silver practice expedition. After setting up camp, the students completed a night navigation before a further two days of walking, finishing at Loggerheads Country Park.

Having completed their practice expedition 48 students then took part in the Silver Qualifying expedition in the Peak District completing a 40km walk from Teggs Nose to Rudyard over three days. As well as torrential rain, students also experienced some magnificent sunrises and plenty of spectacular views along the way.

As the expedition season comes to a close, students are now focussing on other requirements needed to complete the award, including their skills, volunteering and physical activities and to begin preparations for the Gold expeditions in the spring and summer.

Well done to our student volunteers who pulled together to help keep Northwich tidy. More than 30 students joined a group litter pick in November, collecting more than eight large bags of rubbish from residential areas around the college campus and along the banks of the River Weaver. A huge thank you to The Winsford Litter Project for donating the equipment for this event.

College welcomes Dame Sue Ion

Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College was delighted to welcome British engineer and female pioneer Dame Sue Ion, who recently delivered an inspirational talk to budding young female scientists at the college.

Dame Sue Ion is a prominent figure in the UK nuclear industry. She has chaired the EU Euratom Science and Technology Committee since 2010, and represents the UK on a number of international committees as an expert on nuclear fuel manufacture and technology.

She began her career at British Nuclear Fuels Ltd in 1979, acting as Chief Technology Director from 1992 until 2006, where she controlled a £100 million research and development budget.

Students from the college and The County High School, Leftwich learnt about Sue’s route into the industry, from being a materials scientist, specialising in nuclear energy and advising the government on how to use energy more efficiently and sustainably.

Tracy Foy, Deputy Principal at Sir John Deane’s said, “Sue is a fantastic example of a woman who worked in the nuclear industry and in science, which certainly in the 70’s and 80’s was male-dominated. Sue overcame those barriers and got to the top. She remains passionate about science and engineering and about encouraging women into engineering.”

Pictured below: Dame Sue Ion with students from The County High School,Leftwich and the college, including Head Girl Daisy Bolton who has applied to study civil and structural engineering at university from September.

Sports News

Sir John Deane’s rowers impress in Autumn Head

Congratulations to Sir John Deane’s rowers who took to the water in November for the return of the Northwich Autumn Head.

Sophie Guy, Isabella Wishart, Tilly Little and Gabrielle Taylor finished second in the women’s J17 quad, while Isabella and Lottie Parker finished fourth in the women’s J17 double.

The event hosted 200 crews from across the region on the River Weaver.

Sir John Deane’s Sporting Fixtures

This Autumn has seen the return of sporting fixtures. The college’s football, netball, hockey and basketball teams have all got off to a flying start in the North West Colleges League.

There have been some outstanding results for Sir John Deane’s, including a 5-0 win over Holly Cross for the women’s hockey team, a 5-1 win over Clitheroe Royal Grammar School for the men’s football team and a 48-5 win for the women’s netball team, also against Clitheroe.

The table tennis team were also in action in November in the Cheshire Schools Table Tennis Tournament, finishing joint second.

Students can keep up to date with all the action on our Co-Curricular Teams channel!

Sports News

Regional and national success for SJDs sporting stars

It’s been a successful term for many young athletes at the college, competing in sports outside of their studies.

Abigayle Gentle has been selected for England Junior Women Volleyball team. Abigayle, who plays for Newcastle Staffs, began training with the England squad in November, with their first competition scheduled this month

In rugby, Harrison Krippner and Charles Hyde have been selected for the U18 Cheshire Rugby Union Squad, while James Hartill received Academy Player of the year for Warrington Wolves Rugby League Club.

Footballers Thomas McKean, William Bentley and Samuel Slack who have been selected to play for U18 Cheshire, with Thomas and William also being selected for the U18 England squad.

Also competing for Cheshire in netball are Emilia Malcolm, Ruby Bowie, Evie Bradley and Sophie Grainger.

Rowers Hannah Middlebrook, and Ellen Hardisty, Tess Asteriades and Mila Speakman all represented Northwich Rowing Club as a quad at the Henley Royal Regatta. There was also success for Natasha Murphy-Latham who won the

women J182x for Warrington Rowing Club at the Dee Autumn Head, beating second place by over two minutes.

In athletics, Hermione Mason has been selected for a prestigious athletics performance pathway.

Elliot Naylor competed in the UK’s premier mountain bike competition trail. Elliot came 8th in the U18 category at the Welsh Enduro Series in Llangollen, and more recently finished 6th at Foel Gasnach.

Congratulations to all our sporting superstars.