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Chronicle 2026

The CHRONICLE 2026

The Chronicle 2026

The Chronicle 2026 4

Head of Junior School

Senior Sport

EYFS (Nursery and Reception)

CCF

Year 1

Notes From The Houses

Year 2

Key Trips

Year 3

Academic Journal

Year 4

Graduation Day

Year 5

Head of School

Year 6

Albam Exorna Award

Junior Houses

Diploma Scholar Symposium

Junior Charities

Lower School Symposium

Junior Art & DT

Onward Destinations 2026

Junior Languages

Lectures & Conferences

Junior Music

Remembrance Day

Junior Drama

Commemoration Day

Junior Sport

Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

Junior School Prize Giving 2026

Head Of Senior School

Awards won by the College this year

Senior Drama

St Dunstan’s Festival

Senior Art

Senior School Prize Winners 2026

Senior Design Engineering

Friends of St Dunstan’s

Senior Music

Beating of the Bounds

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The Junior School 4

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Head of EYFS

Head of Junior School At the end of every school year there are certain moments that stand out: a triumphant performance, a goal scored against the odds, a residential challenge conquered or a project that sparks genuine excitement. Looking back on 2025-26, what is most striking is the sheer breadth of opportunities our pupils have embraced and the enthusiasm with which they have embraced them. From our youngest children in Pre-School to our oldest pupils in Year 6, the year has been rich with discovery. PreSchool explored the animal kingdom through storytelling, drama and outdoor learning, while Reception became eco-champions through environmental projects inspired by their learning. Further up the school, pupils have travelled across continents, explored significant historical events, investigated scientific concepts and tackled increasingly ambitious design challenges, demonstrating curiosity and creativity at every turn. Experiential learning has been a particular strength this year. Year 1 immersed themselves in Caribbean culture and pirate history, while Year 2 combined creativity and analytical thinking through projects ranging from woodland poetry to paper aeroplane investigations. Year 3 set off on their residential camping adventure, developing resilience and independence, as well as leading a thoughtful whale conservation campaign. Year 4 balanced creativity and exploration through their North Norfolk residential, rainforest studies and workshops with a visiting author-illustrator. In Year 5, curiosity and innovation flourished through projects including mousetrap buggy design, the Being Human topic and a visit to the Centre of the Cell. Their Isle of Wight residential created many memorable learning experiences whilst strengthening teamwork and independence. For Year 6, the final chapter of Junior School life was marked by exciting transition opportunities and their spectacular production of High School Musical Jr., which showcased not only exceptional talent but also determination, collaboration and resilience. Creativity has continued to thrive across the school. From designing bird-themed bag charms and decorative cushions to developing printmaking skills and exhibiting artwork in our annual Art Exhibition, pupils have demonstrated impressive imagination and craftsmanship. The exhibition itself was a wonderful celebration of artistic achievement and provided families with the opportunity to appreciate the remarkable range of talent that exists within the Junior School.

Music remains at the heart of school life and has provided many highlights throughout the year. The Summer Concert and High School Musical Jr. showcased outstanding musical and dramatic talent, while our choirs continued to go from strength to strength, earning first place at the Bromley Festival. Alongside these performances, many pupils pursued instrumental studies and ABRSM examinations, demonstrating admirable commitment to developing their musical skills. Sport has similarly been a source of pride. Across football, netball, hockey, cricket, swimming, cross-country, aquathlon and biathlon, pupils have represented the school with distinction. Successes at local, regional and national level have reflected not only sporting excellence but also the perseverance, teamwork and sportsmanship that underpin participation in school sport. One of the defining themes of the year has been sustainability and environmental responsibility. This year’s Festival challenged pupils to consider their impact on the wider world through workshops and experiences centred on caring for our planet. These themes were reinforced through World Ocean Day activities, conservation projects and creative work showcased throughout the year, encouraging pupils to see themselves as active and responsible global citizens. Equally important has been the strength of our community. Through charitable initiatives supporting organisations including MammaKind, the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Whale and Dolphin Conservation, pupils have shown compassion and a genuine desire to make a difference. The continued success of St Mudstan’s and the unwavering support of the Friends of St Dunstan’s further demonstrate the generosity and community spirit that make the school such a special place. None of these achievements would be possible without the dedication of our staff, the support of our families and, above all, the enthusiasm of our pupils. Their willingness to participate wholeheartedly, support one another and seize new opportunities is what makes the Junior School such a vibrant and inspiring community. As we close another successful year, we do so with immense pride in all that has been achieved. The memories created, friendships strengthened and skills developed over the past twelve months will remain with our pupils long after the summer holidays begin. We look forward with excitement to the opportunities and adventures that await in the year ahead. Alex Murphy Head of Junior School (Maternity cover) w w w. s t dun s t a ns.o rg .uk

Nursery Highlights

EYFS (Nursery and Reception)

The year began with a wonderful sense of togetherness, as we created many opportunities for the children to get to know one another. Through games, self-portraits and shared activities, we celebrated both the ways in which we are unique and the many similarities that bring us together as a community. The Michaelmas term was filled with colour and celebration. The children enjoyed learning about a range of festivals, including Diwali and Carnival, while Reception explored some lesser-known celebrations such as La Tomatina in Spain and Children’s Day in Japan. These experiences were enriched through art, drama and plenty of hands-on, messy fun, allowing the children to express their understanding in creative and memorable ways. There has been much excitement in our Woodland Classroom throughout the year. During the colder months, the children delighted in keeping warm by lighting a fire and sharing hot chocolate together. With the arrival of spring, our pond became a lively hub of activity, with frogs prompting great curiosity and inspiring in-depth learning about their life cycle. The children have also embraced a wide range of engaging topics. In Nursery, they explored traditional fairy tales, acting them out and inventing their own imaginative endings, before turning their attention to the animal kingdom, culminating in a successful and much-enjoyed visit to Mudchute Farm. In Reception, the children took to the high seas as pirates, visiting the Cutty Sark and discovering what life was like for sailors. Their learning extended to the underwater world, where they explored sea creatures and considered how we can all help to protect our oceans. There is never a dull moment in Early Years, and this year has been filled with joy, curiosity and discovery. Kirsty Leane (Head of EYFS)

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The Early Years children shone like stars during our Nativity performances

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Reception Highlights w w w. s t dun s t a ns.o rg .uk

Year 1 Highlights

Year 1

Starting Year 1 marks the beginning of a wonderful new chapter — one filled with adventure, creativity and joyful learning. After the play-rich world of Reception, Year 1 introduces a balance of structure and imagination, making it one of the most memorable stages of the school journey. Classrooms burst with colour and curiosity as children dive into new subjects. Yet it’s far from all textbooks and timetables. Lessons come alive through songs, games, art and hands on activities that keep everyone engaged and excited.

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Year 1 summed up: adventure, creativity and joyful learning!

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In the Michaelmas term, Year 1 explored jobs of the past, present and future through our IPC topic, ‘A Day in the Life’. The children were fascinated and often shocked by the jobs young people once did, from chimney sweeping to long hours in factories and mines. Thankfully, those roles are now history. We also looked at how technology has transformed work and created entirely new careers. The children then shared their own ambitions, with dreams ranging from police officer to astronaut. We ended the term with the Nativity, the perfect way to welcome the festive season. The singing and dancing were exceptional and the children shone under the applause. Pure joy. After the excitement of Christmas, the Lent term was wonderfully busy. Reading is a huge part of Year 1, and we loved exploring a range of beautiful storybooks. When mysterious bones were discovered on the field, the children wrote detailed descriptions and sent them to the biology department for help. The verdict? A woolly mammoth, perfectly timed for our class book, The Curious Case of the Missing Mammoth. From there, we blasted into space with Toys in Space, meeting an alien searching for its lost toy, Cuddles. Our Lego Fun Day, themed around buildings, was another highlight. The children built towering structures and impressive bridges, learning how counterweights make bridges strong while developing teamwork, creativity and problem solving skills. As summer approached, we embraced the outdoors, planting vegetables and flowers and watching them grow. Pirate Day, celebrating our IPC topic ‘Treasure Island’, was full of aaaargh filled fun. Our trip to the National Maritime Museum for Astronomy Discovery Day was truly out of this world. The

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children became young space explorers, digging for moon rocks, investigating craters and travelling through the solar system as they learned about planets, the Sun and the dazzling beauty of colourful nebulae. Their curiosity about how stars are born was wonderful to see. A truly unforgettable year. Carol Isaac, Year 1 Teacher

Year 2 Highlights

Year 2

Year 2 have enjoyed an exciting and rewarding year, filled with memorable experiences, new challenges and wonderful achievements.

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Year 2 should be incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished

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The year began with the IPC topic Our World, which encouraged pupils to explore and appreciate the environment around them. A visit to Ladywell Fields provided the perfect opportunity to investigate local habitats, observe wildlife and learn more about the natural world. Pupils showed great curiosity as they identified different species of trees and searched for minibeasts in their surroundings. The term ended on a high with the production of Knock, Knock! The Nativity. The children approached every rehearsal with enthusiasm and confidence, and their efforts culminated in a performance that was enjoyed by all. In the Lent term, pupils turned their attention to the past, examining the lives of people whose actions and achievements have left a lasting legacy. Through their studies, they discovered how individuals such as Walter Tull, Amelia Earhart and Florence Nightingale overcame challenges and made significant contributions to society. Learning was brought to life through a visit to the Golden Hinde, where pupils stepped aboard a replica of Sir Francis Drake’s famous ship and gained a greater understanding of exploration and adventure during Tudor times. The final academic term centred around the topic From A to B. Pupils explored how transport has changed over time and considered the ways in which travel has shaped the modern world. They compared historical and contemporary methods of transport, created informative timelines, designed their own maps and took part in practical activities that deepened their understanding of the subject. A journey across London using a range of transport options allowed pupils to see their learning in action while developing independence, collaboration and critical thinking skills. To conclude a successful year, pupils took part in a special residential experience on the school field. From toasting marshmallows to trying their hand at archery, every activity was embraced with enthusiasm. The evening ended with flapjacks and hot chocolate, providing a fitting celebration of all they had achieved throughout the year. Year 2 should be incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished. Their enthusiasm, resilience and willingness to embrace new opportunities have made this a truly memorable year. Michael Clifford, Head of Key Stage 1 w w w. s t dun s t a ns.o rg .uk

Year 3 Highlights

Year 3

Each September brings an added buzz with the arrival of new pupils joining at 7+, who quickly become part of the Stu Dunstan’s community and have helped contribute to making it an exceptionally successful year! Throughout the year, pupils have benefited from a wide range of enriching educational experiences, both in school and beyond. Visits to the Science Museum, the Horniman Museum and the Natural History Museum have complemented classroom learning, alongside engaging drama workshops focused on topics such as Ancient Egypt, as well as the excitement of the Festival with sessions that saw us cooking, handling snakes and creating incredible art out of recycled materials. For Year 3, this year also marks their introduction to competitive fixtures. Pupils represented the school in football, rugby, netball, hockey, cross-country and swimming. There have been many successes, with medals and awards earned, but most importantly, pupils have relished the opportunity to compete and enjoy themselves as part of a team.

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Year 4 Highlights

Year 4

During the Lent term, the ever-present standout was undoubtedly the Showcases. These lively and joyous performances saw pupils take to the stage with confidence and flair, delighting audiences with a combination of expressive dance, engaging drama and catchy musical numbers, wowing audiences with a roaring twenties musical mystery and an uproarious stone age extravaganza!

As always, the Trinity term brought a huge amount of activity, culminating in one of the most memorable highlights of the year: the residential trips. Year 3 embarked on a bushcraft adventure in the beautiful Kent countryside, stepping back in time to experience elements of life in the Palaeolithic era, including fire-lighting, whittling and other outdoor survival skills. Meanwhile, Year 4 returned again to Hilltop Outdoor Centre in Norfolk for our fifth consecutive year, for what has become a much-loved annual trip. Once again, it lived up to expectations, with pupils demonstrating resilience and independence as they embraced new challenges — whether staying away from home, tackling high ropes courses or exploring the Norfolk coastline in search of crabs! All pupils should feel extremely proud of what they have achieved this year. It has been a year full of growth, challenge and joy, with many lasting memories created along the way. We are already looking forward to what next year will bring! Ben Chambers, Head of Years 3 & 4 w w w. s t dun s t a ns.o rg .uk

Year 5 Highlights

Year 5 What an exceptionally full and rewarding year it has been for Year 5! From exploring the richness of Ancient Greece to investigating the achievements of modern aerospace, it has truly been a year of remarkable breadth and discovery. In English, pupils encountered an array of fascinating characters, each offering distinctive viewpoints and experiences. They learned about Matthew Henson, a determined African American explorer who fought tirelessly for recognition; Jub, a truly unique six-fingered figure from a magical tale; Kai, a courageous member of the Brownstone family eager for adventure despite her mother’s scholarly inclinations; and Malala Yousafzai, a steadfast and inspiring voice for girls’ education. Inspired by these individuals, pupils eagerly wrote across a variety of genres while strengthening their oracy and comprehension skills. The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) has once again provided both challenge and inspiration. From examining the amphitheatres and dramatic traditions of Ancient Greece, to delving into the complexities of the human body, and even venturing into the wonders of space, pupils have gained a wealth of knowledge alongside key skills. Our learning has been enriched by a number of memorable trips, including a visit to the Centre of the Cell to explore how the heart functions, and an exciting day at the Science Museum, where we experienced an impressive IMAX film about life aboard the International Space Station. Without a doubt, the visit to the Isle of Wight stands out as a highlight of the year. As a group, we embraced every moment of the adventure, building resilience, showing kindness and support for one another, and strengthening both existing friendships and new connections. From the soaking yet enjoyable boat journey to the lively silent disco, it was an experience that will stay with us all. Year 5 have achieved a great deal this year, and we look forward with excitement to all that lies ahead. Sheraigh Clarke, Claire Dixon, Hannah Stanton Year 5 Form Teachers

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Year 5 have achieved a great deal this year, and we look forward with excitement to all that lies ahead

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Year 6 Highlights

Year 6

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A year filled with true talent. Language, theatre, music, sport - it hasn’t stopped. These all mark very proud moments for teachers, seeing these pupils develop into extremely capable and ambitious children

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Year 6 has certainly hit all the right notes this year, delivering an energetic and memorable journey full of rich learning and opportunities to strengthen the St Dunstan’s values and real enjoyment of learning. In English, we travelled across time and place through a range of powerful texts. We explored the lives of characters experiencing wartime France and reflected on Floella Benjamin’s journey to a new country. We explored the transformation in The Selfish Giant and were inspired by real-life trailblazers including Charles Darwin on his voyage to the Galápagos Islands and Jacques Cousteau, the inventor of the aqualung. Each fascinating text helped us to broaden perspectives and develop a deeper understanding of the world. Our IPC learning sparked curiosity and encouraged us to think more deeply about how we learn and explore the world. Through topics such as Metacognition and Learning Critically Online, we developed our ability to reflect, question and evaluate information. Units like ‘Investigators’, ‘900CE’, ‘Roots, Shoots & Fruits’ and ‘Bake It!’ allowed us to explore history, science and creativity in hands-on and engaging ways - proving that learning can be both meaningful and enjoyable. Our visits to the Science Museum and St Paul’s Cathedral further enriched our experiences, bringing learning to life and giving us valuable insight into science and religion beyond the classroom. A definite highlight was our residential trip to France. From testing our language skills in markets to cooking up a storm and enjoying a game of boules, it was a très magnifique experience. Even more importantly, it gave us time to strengthen friendships and create lasting memories - proof that teamwork really does make the dream work! As always, the year ends on a high with our much-anticipated production. This year’s performance of High School Musical Jr. is certainly a spectacular showcase of talent. With fantastic singing, energetic dancing and choreography, and confident acting, the pupils have truly had their heads in the game and provided an astonishing performance! It has been a fantastic year and a fitting finale to a brilliant Junior School journey. Andrew Coley, Head of Years 5 & 6 w w w. s t dun s t a ns.o rg .uk

Junior School Houses

Throughout the year, the spirit of Birch, Elm, Oak, Sycamore, Rowan and Willow has been brought vividly to life, as each House embodied the core values of the College. Confidence, courage, creativity, compassion and curiosity were demonstrated across a wide range of activities, fostering a strong sense of belonging and pride amongst pupils. The House system played a key role in strengthening connections across year groups. Collaborative reading sessions allowed older and younger pupils to share favourite books; encouraging curiosity while building confidence and compassion. These opportunities highlighted the value of learning from one another and celebrating shared experiences. A highlight of the year was the egg and spoon race! Pupils

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from Reception to Year 6 showed impressive egg balancing skills and were enthusiastically supported by their peers. The skipping challenge also brought excitement, with Houses chanting skipping songs and watching in awe as some of their peers achieved over 200 skips! Sport has been central to developing House spirit. Competitions in hockey, football, netball, rugby, swimming, water polo and cross-country enabled pupils to demonstrate teamwork, resilience and skill. Sports Day was energetic and competitive - and not just the races! The House chants and songs could surely have been heard across Catford! The atmosphere was filled with encouragement and fun, reinforcing that participation is as important as winning.

Junior School Prize Houses The House ethos extended beyond the school day. During the holidays, the “Half-Term Heroes” and “Reduce, Recycle, Reuse” initiatives encouraged pupils to demonstrate the College values in everyday life, strengthening responsibility and independence in meaningful ways.

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The spirit of the Junor School House system continues to shine!

Thank you to everyone in the Junior School for their enthusiasm and commitment to their House. A special mention must go to our Year 6 House Captains who have been excellent role models this year; guiding their houses with confidence and playing a key role in fostering our strong sense of community. Thank you and well done to you all!

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Miss Lisa Mitcham, Head of Willow House (Junior School)

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Junior School Charities

This year has been a big year in the Junior School for handing over donations to charitable causes. This year has once again been a hugely successful one in the Junior School for supporting charitable causes and helping our wider community. We began the year with our Harvest Festival donations, where families generously contributed much-needed food items for local charities and foodbanks. At Christmas, pupils continued to show great kindness and generosity by donating newly wrapped presents to the Salvation Army, helping to provide gifts for children and families across Lewisham, for which the Salvation Army were incredibly grateful. In January we continued by collecting confectionary tubs which we handed over to the Greene King pub initiative, who sell tubs to recycling companies to raise money for this year’s cause, Macmillan Cancer Support. We then collected some beautiful pre-loved clothes which were gratefully received by MammaKind, a local charity which supports parents by giving them packages of the items that they need the most. One of the highlights of the year was the work completed in support of Fauna & Flora UK, a conservation charity supported by Sir David Attenborough. The Eco-Councillors ran a successful stall at the Christmas Fair to help raise awareness and funds for wildlife conservation projects. In addition, pupils took part in a Pangolin art competition, producing some wonderful artwork to raise both awareness and money for a Pangolin sanctuary. Pangolins are the world’s only scaly mammals and are sadly among the most trafficked animals in the world due to illegal wildlife trade. These fascinating nocturnal creatures play an important role in ecosystems by helping to control insect populations such as ants and termites. Another popular initiative this year was the creation of multicultural cookbooks by the children to raise funds for the Lewisham Foodbank. Families generously shared recipes that celebrated the wide range of cultures and traditions represented within our school community, resulting in a wonderful collection that not only raised money but also

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We have raised £6,227 this year and still counting!

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celebrated diversity and togetherness across the Junior School. We have continued to support the Motor Neurone Disease Association through volunteering and fundraising at the Christmas Fair. Our teachers once again volunteered to help set up the MNDA stand at the London Marathon, continuing the strong relationship we have built with the South London branch over recent years. The charity remains incredibly appreciative of the support shown by the St Dunstan’s community, and we look forward to working with them again in the future. This year we have assisted the community and taken our pupils out litter picking in the local area and been incredibly productive collecting at least 100 bags of rubbish from the streets. We hope you have noticed!! A local councillor certainly has and congratulated us on our efforts. Further fundraising throughout the year has supported charities including Lewisham Foodbank, Children in Need, the Royal British Legion, Save the Children and Comic Relief. Once again, we thank all of our parents and families for their generosity towards these worthy causes, and we are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm shown by the children in learning about how their fundraising and donations can make a positive difference to the lives of others. We are also delighted to celebrate the various independent fundraising projects organised by pupils at home such as sponsored swims and the increasingly popular ‘St Mudstan’s’, both raising money for Cancer Research. This demonstrates the kindness, creativity and community spirit that continues to thrive throughout the Junior School. Helen Morris, Junior School Charity Coordinator

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Junior School Art & DT

Junior Art & DT It has been another busy and exciting year in the Prep art room, with pupils enjoying a wide range of creative projects. Several new activities were introduced this year, including the textile bird bag charms created by Year 3 during their DT sessions, where pupils developed key sewing skills alongside creative design.

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Well done to Freddie Baxter, Elsie Habberfield and Lana Harris whose entries to the IAPs Contrast-themed competition were all submitted to represent the school in their respective age categories

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During the year, we were delighted to welcome a visiting artist, whose work and ideas inspired pupils in Years 5 and 6. Pupils also took part in competitions and, new for this year, MAPP workshops, which provided further opportunities to explore creativity in different ways. A highlight of the year is always the whole-school art exhibition. This year’s theme, Sustainability, inspired a wonderful variety of thoughtful and imaginative outcomes. Children have worked across a broad range of media, including clay, felt-making, printing, photography, drawing and painting. There has also been sewing, with Year 4 pupils making cushions and Year 5 creating pencil cases, developing both practical skills and design awareness. In addition, pupils have produced some truly gorgeous canvas pieces, demonstrating creativity and pride in their work. Overall, it has been a year full of enthusiasm, creativity and achievement, with much to celebrate across the Prep art curriculum.

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Alison Smith Junior School Art and Design & Technology Coordinator

Junior School Languages

Junior Languages

This year has been a vibrant celebration of languages and cultures across the Junior School, with pupils embracing opportunities to explore, share and appreciate the richness of our diverse community. Our annual Languages Day in September was centred around the theme “Languages open hearts and minds!”, highlighting how languages foster empathy, connection and new ideas. While EYFS pupils travelled to Argentina and

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Well done to the Junior School pupils for helping us achieve a Bronze Award celebrating our work to widen our pupils’ understanding of different cultures and languages both in our community and further afield.

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Ghana through singing and dancing, older pupils explored a variety of scripts and cultures from around the world. We are especially grateful to the parents, staff and Sixth Formers who generously gave their time to lead engaging and interactive sessions, providing authentic insights into different cultures and languages. In February, International Mother Language Day celebrated the many languages spoken in our school. Pupils shared words, poems and songs, showing great confidence, pride and creativity. Some even prepared detailed presentations about artists or wrote their own poems. We are incredibly proud of everyone who took part and hope their enthusiasm will inspire even more pupils to get involved next year. Some pupils in Years 5 and 6 also enjoyed enriching trips to the French Institute and the British Film Institute, where they took part in various French and Spanish activities. Through all these experiences, pupils have developed their language skills while deepening their appreciation for cultural diversity, helping make our school a truly inclusive community. Julia Staes, Junior School MFL Coordinator w w w. s t dun s t a ns.o rg .uk

Junior School Music

Junior Music We have enjoyed another vibrant year for music in the Junior School. It was action packed, challenging and hugely entertaining. At the start of the year, our Reception to Year Three pupils set a warm, celebratory tone with their beautiful singing at our Harvest Festival. In the run-up to Christmas, all Year Four to Six pupils participated in our Group-wide concert at the prestigious Royal Festival Hall on London’s Southbank, contributing to a truly memorable event. Back at school and in the local community, our pupils across all year groups delighted audiences with their carol singing and charming Nativity performances. Instrumental music has been a particular strength this year. Our Junior School Instrumental Concerts and music assemblies in both Pre-Prep and Prep throughout the year, have successfully showcased the talents of our hardworking musicians, with confident solo performances alongside excellent ensemble playing from our Wind Band, Prep Strings and JS Rock Band. We are very proud of our newly formed Junior School Chamber Choir, who have quickly established themselves as an outstanding ensemble and were awarded an honours award and trophy at the Bromley Festival of Music and Speech. We also enjoyed hearing them perform in Southwark Cathedral during our Commemoration Day service and again in our Festival fortnight, when they hosted local primary school in our collaborative choir event – The Big Summer Sing. Our Pre Prep Choir and Prep Choir have also sung beautifully at various events this year, notable highlights include entertaining our wider St Dunstan’s Community in Grandparents Day and our lovely Summer Concert in the Festival. As the year ends, it is important to remember that music and performances do not happen without a huge amount of hard work and practice. Thank you to our fabulous, committed musicians without whom, none of this would be possible Lara Marcinkiewicz, Head of Junior School Music

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145 St Dunstan’s Prep pupils sang on stage in a choir at our Christmas Extravaganza in the Royal Festival Hall in December

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Junior School Drama

Junior Drama This year’s performances and showcases once again highlighted the creativity, confidence, and enthusiasm that run throughout the Junior School. From festive productions to thrilling mysteries and full-scale musical theatre productions, pupils across the Junior School embraced opportunities to perform, collaborate, and bring stories to life.

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The highlight? Watching the palpable excitement on all the Year 6’s faces as they rehearse for their show, beaming with pride.

Pre Prep delighted audiences in the Michaelmas term with Knock Knock Nativity, a charming retelling of the Christmas story centred around characters knocking on doors in search of shelter and kindness. The children performed with fantastic energy and confidence, filling the stage with festive cheer and plenty of memorable moments.

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Year 3 transported audiences back to prehistoric Britain with their showcase Sticks, Stones and Big Ideas. Through lively performances and imaginative storytelling, the children explored life in the Stone Age while sharing their learning with great enthusiasm. Their teamwork and growing stage confidence were evident throughout. Year 4 took a dramatic turn with Mystery at Magpie Manor, an exciting murder mystery inspired by the classic style of Agatha Christie. The pupils fully embraced the suspense, humour, and intrigue of the performance, keeping audiences guessing until the very end. Their character work and commitment to the story created a truly entertaining production. Year 6 spectacularly finished the year with their production of High School Musical Jr, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the original film. The cast delivered a vibrant and energetic performance packed with memorable songs, dynamic choreography, and outstanding teamwork. Every pupil played a part in bringing the production to life, creating a fitting celebration to end their time in the Junior School. These performances showcased not only the children’s talents on stage but also their creativity, resilience, and willingness to work together. Each production reflected the excitement and joy that performance brings to our school community, leaving audiences thoroughly entertained and pupils with memories that will last for years to come. Lesley-Brian Gordinsky, Head of Junior School Drama w w w. s t dun s t a ns.o rg .uk

Junior School Sport

Junior Sport

What another outstanding year for sport in our Junior School, full of enthusiasm, teamwork and excellent achievement across a wide range of sports. Throughout the year, pupils have represented the school in competitions, tournaments and festivals in all of our College sports. Our success in cross country continued to go from strength to strength this year. The Prep team were crowned winners of the Rosemead cross country event, while our Year 5 and 6 pupils were victorious in the Merton Court cross country relays. St Dunstan’s proudly hosted the Year 3 and 4 cross country squad relay races, where our Year 3 girls achieved silver medals and our Year 3 boys, Year 4 boys and Year 4 girls all secured gold medals. At the Prep cross country event at Merton Court, there were individual medals aplenty, with our Year 3 boys, Year 4 boys, Year 5 girls and Year 6 girls all coming away with team gold medals. We were also incredibly proud of India Seth, who was one of only four girls selected to represent Lewisham Borough at the London Mini Marathon. Aquathlon and biathlon have once again been areas of great success for the school. At the Merton Court Aquathlon, our pupils delivered exceptional performances, winning the Under 10 trophy, Under 11 trophy and the overall competition trophy. In national competition, Oliver Baxter in

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Junior School Sport

“ Year 4 represented the school superbly at the GB Biathlon National Finals, where he achieved a bronze medal. We are immensely proud of all our competitors for their dedication and commitment. Netball enjoyed another hugely successful year, with excellent performances across all age groups. Our Year 6 team were crowned winners of the Lewisham Schools Netball Tournament, while our Year 6 ‘B’ team also performed brilliantly to finish third out of twelve schools. We also celebrated success at the St Dunstan’s Netball Tournaments, where both our Under 10 ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams finished as champions against strong opposition from six schools. Football has continued to flourish across the Junior School, with pupils enjoying lessons, fixtures and tournaments throughout the year. Our Year 6 team reached the semi-finals of the Lancing College Tournament, narrowly missing out on a place in the final after a penalty shootout. The Year 5 and 6 girls’ team had a fantastic season, Year 5 girls achieved an excellent third-place finish at a competitive West London football tournament as well as a joint Year 5 and 6 girls’ team winning the Lewisham Schools competition and finishing as finalists in the Chelsea Independent Schools tournament. Our Year 5 boys reached the semi-finals of their tournament. A particular highlight of the year was a combined SDC Schools

Over 120 fixtures have been played by our Junior School pupils. Every pupil in the Prep has been involved in at least one fixture per term.

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Group team, made up of four pupils from St Dunstan’s competing in an exhibition match against Millwall Academy. Hockey has also been a great success this year, with an increase in hockey time for all Prep pupils. Our Year 5 team reached the semi-finals of a local hockey tournament against strong opposition, while the school achieved a fantastic victory in the Lewisham Schools Hockey competition, finishing as winners out of ten participating schools.

Swimming has continued to be an important part of school sport, with pupils showing excellent commitment and progress throughout the year. Our Year 5 and 6 swim team qualified for the ‘A’ final in the London League swimming. At the Lewisham Primary Schools Gala, the team produced an outstanding medal haul of six gold, six silver and six bronze medals, as well as winning the Top School trophy overall. A special congratulations goes to Quinn Cox, who received the Top Year 5 Girls award. We are also delighted that nine pupils qualified for the IAPS National Finals, including four relay teams and three individual swimmers, with results still to come later in the year. The sporting calendar will once again conclude with Sports Day, which always provide a wonderful celebration of participation and teamwork. James Roddy, Head of Junior School Sport and PE w w w. s t dun s t a ns.o rg .uk

Junior School Prize winners

Junior School Prize Giving 2026 YEAR 6 COLLEGE VALUES RECOGNITION AWARDS

YEAR GROUP PRIZES Nursery Ambassador Nursery Progress Reception Ambassador Reception Progress Year 1 Ambassador Year 1 Progress Year 2 Ambassador Year 2 Progress Year 3 Ambassador Year 3 Progress Year 3 Academic Year 4 Ambassador Year 4 Progress Year 4 Academic Year 5 Ambassador Year 5 Progress Year 5 Academic

Cecily Williams Benjamin Miller Emilia Ringer George Allen Aya Mir-Brand Lochlan Mason Frederick Baxter Willem Redston Harriet Colclough Brodie Moore James Harper Dylan Cole Oscar Dixon-Wayne Mimi Eytle Kit Lawrence Ava Johnson Ares Godsiff

SUBJECT PRIZES Art Trophy Cora Tetlow Design Technology Trophy Harry McClay Drama Trophy Lana Harris English Trophy Aya Jawad Humanities Trophy Max Formanek Computing Trophy Cassius Lovett Languages Trophy Esmé Lindsay Mathematics Trophy Sureya Das Music Trophy Holly Benskin Science Trophy Lucy Edmonds

ARTS PRIZES Chorister Trophy Performing Arts Trophy

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Aria Westcott Amelie Dixon-Wayne

CONFIDENCE Charles Buckridge Betsy Dingle Amberlie Shepherd Biba Smith Tibby Sturdy Seiji Tateno CREATIVITY Wren Betchley Alfred Cunnington Emilia Hong Erina Khakwani Nell Martyr Sia McTernan Anaiya Popat Avery Wood CURIOSITY Maggie Bell Darius Brightman Henry Howden Riley Jubert Tallulah Mooney Abigail Smith Felix Taylor COMPASSION Sasha Bou Abboud Bernard Brooks Dani Broome Isla Findlay Eloise Fox Leo Hall Maliyah Mensah-Benjamin Sophia Samuel Chris Tomlinson COURAGE Keeva Arnold Kassim Baxendale-Ghani Milly Freke Séamas Harrington Savannah Jarvis Donocik Noah O’Sullivan Marko Vasey Kashya Watson-Roberts

Junior School Prize Winners

SPORTS PRIZES Athletics Trophy Niamh Mitchell Cross Country Trophy India Seth Cricket Trophy James Hebb Football Trophy Harriet Illingworth Hockey Trophy Hayden Dyce Netball Trophy Mabel Stone Rugby Trophy Joshua Horner Swimming Trophy Ayodeji Dauda and Ron Hughes Sportsperson Trophy Emilia Brown and Ross White

SPECIAL AWARDS Progress Award Academic Award Junior School Head Boy Award Junior School Head Girl Award Albam Exorna Head of Junior School Trophy

Yara Tamrakar Molly Balnave Sonny Taylor Ella Habberfield Arlo Stiasny and Polly Ridley Zaineb Hilmi

Tim Allardyce ('98), guest speaker w w w. s t dun s t a ns.o rg .uk

Head of Senior School

As we reflect on the 2025-26 academic year, there is much to celebrate. This has been a year characterised by confidence, curiosity and contribution; a year in which our students have embraced opportunities, challenged themselves and enriched the life of the College in countless ways. From Year 7 Scholars exploring the workings of democracy at City Hall to Year 13 students securing places at leading universities, conservatoires and degree apprenticeships; from cadets developing new skills through scuba diving and leadership training to performers taking to the stage at the Royal Festival Hall, Cadogan Hall and throughout the St Dunstan’s Festival, this has been a year defined by engagement. Students have approached opportunities with enthusiasm and, in doing so, have demonstrated the qualities that we value most highly as a school. Academic ambition continues to thrive across the Senior School. Our examination classes have approached GCSEs and A Levels with determination and maturity, achieving the highest results in our history across the board. Concurrently, students across every year group have embraced scholarship in its broadest sense: asking questions, pursuing independent interests and engaging thoughtfully with the world around them. The launch of Oritur, our student academic journal, alongside success in debating competitions, essay prizes and our Scholars’ programmes, reflects a culture that celebrates intellectual curiosity and a genuine love of learning. This year has also seen us continue to strengthen the habits that underpin lifelong learning. Through coaching, scholarship and the evolving Stuart curriculum, students have been encouraged to think critically, reflect deeply and develop the confidence to navigate an increasingly complex world. In an age shaped by artificial intelligence, rapid technological change and global uncertainty, these qualities have never been more important. Creativity remains one of the defining strengths of our community. Across drama, music, dance, art and design engineering, students have produced work of exceptional quality and imagination. Whether performing in Beauty and the Beast, creating new artistic work for exhibition, success in the National Concert Band Festival, taking part in Footloose or Orpheus in the Underworld, or contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of the Festival, our students have shown what can be achieved through commitment, collaboration and a willingness to take creative risks. The arts continue to occupy a central place in the life of the College, enriching our community and giving students opportunities to discover their voice.

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Senior School Life Sport has equally exemplified the values of commitment, resilience and teamwork. Strong performances at local, regional and national level, including winning the Blackheath Cup (boys and girls) and the Chelsea FC Invitational (girls) have been matched by exceptionally high levels of participation. Whether representing the College in football, hockey, netball, swimming, cricket or one of the many other opportunities available, students have competed with determination and integrity, supporting one another and taking pride in belonging to something larger than themselves. Perhaps most encouraging of all has been the growth in leadership and service across the College. Through Student Parliament, mentoring, the CCF, volunteering and sustainability initiatives, students have increasingly recognised their capacity to influence and improve the communities around them. From supporting local primary schools and hospitals to championing environmental initiatives on campus, they have demonstrated that leadership can make a positive difference to those around us. Schools are ultimately defined by people. Throughout this year, I have been continually impressed by the kindness, humour, ambition and generosity of our students, as well as the dedication of our staff and the support of our families. Together, they have created a community in which young people are encouraged to aim high, support one another and approach the future with confidence. The pages that follow capture many of the highlights of the year and celebrate a remarkable group of young people who continue to embody the spirit and values of St Dunstan’s every day. Jade McLellan Head of Senior School w w w. s t dun s t a ns.o rg .uk

Senior Drama It has been another extraordinarily busy and rewarding year for Drama and Dance, characterised by the creativity, ambition and commitment of our students both onstage and behind the scenes.

Offenbach’s hilariously silly Orpheus in the Underworld. Beyond the performances, students travelled to New York to see The Outsiders and Death Becomes Her and had the opportunity to take workshops with Broadway professionals.

Across the year, we presented seven major productions. Michaelmas opened with Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, alongside Wonderland, our Dance Project using narrative dance to reimagine Lewis Carroll’s classic story. Earnest was visited by the National School Theatre Awards, who described the production as an “energetic and playful evening of theatre” and ultimately “a shining showcase” of hard work, collaboration and artistic ambition.

Every KS3 student experienced professional theatre through trips to Hadestown and Hercules, while Scholars also saw Cabaret and My Neighbour Totoro. We were also delighted that several students successfully auditioned for the National Youth Theatre.

Lent brought our largest production of the year, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, with more than 50 performers supported by over 20 student technicians, not to mention more than 150 costumes and wigs. The National School Theatre Awards praised its “grand vision”, “magnificent costumes and strong central performances”, while recognising the confidence, joy and infectious enthusiasm of the wider company. Trinity culminated in our Festival and four very different productions: Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, boldly relocated to the kitchen of a Michelin-starred restaurant; Footloose, featuring a large enthusiastic cast from Years 7–9; and the premiere of Only One, a brand-new musical written by student Sam Mawrey Yates exploring relationships, choices and sacrifice. Finally, our annual outdoor opera the

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Seven productions, countless rehearsals, workshops and theatre visits: a packed and exciting year, and one that demonstrates just what our students can achieve when given the opportunity to be ambitious, collaborative and creative. Richard Gregg, Director of Drama and Dance

Senior Drama

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Seven productions, 220+ Performers, 300+ Costumes, 100+ Props, 30 backstage and Front of House Crew

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Senior Art It has been another exceptional year for Art. The year concluded with an outstanding End of Year Exhibition in the Pavilion, showcasing GCSE and A Level work across both floors. The exhibition celebrated the breadth of creativity, technical skill and personal expression developed by our students throughout the year and was very well received by parents, staff and visitors. Our Art Scholars developed a body of work in response to their visit to the Wayne Thiebaud exhibition at The Courtauld Gallery. Their thoughtful and highly accomplished responses were displayed as part of the exhibition, demonstrating a sophisticated engagement with artists, ideas and processes beyond the curriculum. A particular highlight was the Articulation Prize. Charlotte Cleaton-Roberts won our internal Articulation competition, earning the opportunity to represent the school in the regional heats at the National Army Museum. Her presentation was of an exceptionally high standard, and she performed with confidence, insight and enthusiasm, demonstrating the critical thinking and communication skills that the competition seeks to develop. At Key Stage 3, students continued to produce imaginative and highly accomplished work across a broad range of media, developing both their technical skills and creative confidence. The curriculum encouraged experimentation, resilience and independent thinking, providing strong foundations for future study and a lifelong appreciation of the visual arts. Throughout the year, the department strengthened links with Rosemead, St Christopher’s and SDC Junior School through a series of practical workshops. Pupils explored printmaking and ceramics, creating a range of impressive etching and ceramic outcomes. These sessions provided valuable opportunities for younger students to experience specialist artistic processes and engage with the creative life of the department. We look forward to continuing and developing these partnerships next year. Examination results were outstanding. At GCSE, 100% of students achieved Grades 7-9, while at A Level, 40% achieved A* grades, 90% A-A* and 100% achieved grades

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between B and A*. These results reflect the dedication and ambition of our students, supported by the expertise and commitment of the department. Looking ahead, we are excited to build on this year’s success with further exhibitions, trips and enrichment opportunities. We also look forward to continuing our participation in the Articulation Prize and providing students with further opportunities to engage with artists, galleries and the wider creative world. Charlotte Handley, Head of Art

Senior Art

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Three students have secured places on highly competitive Art Foundation courses at Kingston School of Art and the University of the Arts London (UAL), demonstrating the strength of artistic talent and aspiration within the department

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Senior Design Engineering It has been another outstanding year for Design Engineering, with students across all year groups demonstrating creativity, resilience and a high level of technical skill. Both GCSE and A Level cohorts have produced an impressive range of practical work, showcasing innovative thinking alongside a strong understanding of the design process. From initial ideas through to fully realised outcomes, the quality and originality of work this year has been exceptional. At GCSE, students responded to a range of engaging design briefs, including supporting charities, reducing waste, and developing products to help in the home. These themes encouraged students to think beyond the classroom, considering real-world problems and how design can make a positive impact. The resulting projects showed not only creativity but also empathy and environmental awareness, with many students producing thoughtful, well-crafted solutions. At A Level, students have taken their work even further, tackling complex challenges and creating highly sophisticated projects. Their ability to combine creative thinking with technical precision has been particularly impressive, and they should be extremely proud of what they have achieved. A highlight of the year was the Year 12 trip to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. This visit gave students the opportunity to explore a wide range of design styles and influences. The Metalwork Gallery provided fascinating insights into materials and processes, while the Furniture Exhibition offered inspiration from both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design. The trip has been invaluable as students begin developing ideas for their major projects. Overall, it has been a highly successful and rewarding year. We look forward to seeing our students continue to build on these achievements in the future.

James Randall, Head of Design Engineering The CHRONICLE 2026

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Year 12 students visited the V&A Museum in London, gaining inspiration from the Metalwork Gallery and Furniture Exhibition to kickstart their A Level major projects. Fun Fact: The V&A Museum houses over 2.8 million objects, making it one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to art, design, and performance

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Senior Design Engineering w w w. s t dun s t a ns.o rg .uk

Senior Music The academic year 2025–26 was one of the most exciting to date for the Music Department. In the early part of Michaelmas Term we held a range of smaller concerts, including our Chamber Concert in the Great Hall, which this year featured all major ensembles. Around the same time, our College Choir travelled to Jesus College, Cambridge, to sing Evensong with their choir, and our Big Band made the short trip to Dulwich to perform on the outdoor bandstand at the Horniman Museum. In early November we held our second Orchestral Workshop, welcoming students aged 9–11 from local schools to rehearse and perform with our College Orchestra. As Christmas approached, we held our annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, this year returning to Southwark Cathedral. However, the main event of the term was undoubtedly the Christmas Extravaganza concert at the magnificent Royal Festival Hall. Here our major ensembles and choirs performed a range of festive music, joined by hundreds of singers from the junior schools within our Education Group. The Lent Term was just as action-packed, with events such as House Music and Battle of the Bands taking place internally, the latter showcasing twelve rock and pop student bands

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The busiest year of events ever for our Music department

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and solo acts from across the senior school. In late January our College Choir delivered their annual Evensong service at Southwark Cathedral. In March the annual Jazz Showcase was held at Pizza Express Live Dean Street (Soho), with performances from jazz ensembles across the College. In mid-March we collaborated with the Drama Department to stage the year’s musical production, Beauty and the Beast. Finally, the Easter Concert was held at Cadogan Hall in Sloane Square, featuring performances from major ensembles and choirs, including a performance of Fauré’s Requiem by the College Choir.

During the Easter holidays, having successfully navigated the regional event, our Big Band took part in the national finals of the National Concert Band Festival at the RNCM in Manchester, and were delighted to be awarded a Gold Award. The Trinity Term saw the College Choir sing at annual events including an Evensong as part of the Beating of the Bounds ceremony and anthems at the Commemoration Day service at Southwark Cathedral. As ever, the academic year concluded with the SDC Festival, where musical events included the outdoor opera performance (this year Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld) and the Festival Finale Concert. Mark Dowd, Director of Music

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Senior Sport

This has been an outstanding year for sport, defined by success, opportunity and continued growth across the programme.

runner-up finishes, with many progressing to regional finals and achieving top-tier placings, reflecting the depth and consistency of the programme.

In football, the girls’ teams have excelled, with the U13s crowned ISFA Regional 5-a-side Champions and Chelsea Invitational winners, while the U12s reached both the Blackheath and Inner London Cup finals. Boys’ football has also enjoyed strong cup runs, including the U18s reaching the ISFA National Bowl Final and the last 32 of the ESFA National Cup. Our continued partnership with Chelsea Football Club remains a cornerstone of the programme, with professional coaches supporting sessions and enhancing player development. A highlight of the year was a combined junior school XI competing in an exhibition match against Millwall Academy.

Netball has flourished, with participation rising and fixtures increasing by over 35%. Success extended to the Lewisham Schools Games and an outstanding first international tour to the Paris Netball Festival, where multiple teams secured silverware.

Swimming has had a remarkable year, highlighted by 50 personal bests, 17 finals and 6 medals at the World School Championships. The U15 boys reached the ESSA National Finals, and the U12/13s made the London League B Final. Participation continues to grow through SES lessons, the development squad and girls-only sessions. Hockey had another strong year, with impressive performances across both the boys’ and girls’ programmes. Teams secured multiple county titles alongside several

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Across the programme, 845 fixtures and over 3,500 training sessions have been delivered this year, reflecting the scale of opportunity available to pupils. Three sports tours also enriched the experience, including Lanzarote, Paris and Barcelona. The Athletic Development Programme continues to underpin success, supporting 96 athletes and contributing to a noticeable reduction in injuries. As we look ahead to the future, we welcome our new Director of Sport, Mr Hebden and we continue our aims to further push our existing programmes, whilst also adding more ‘Sport for Life’ options, to help all of our students develop of a love of sport which lasts far beyond school. Louis Corbin O’Grady - Assistant Director of Sport

Senior Sport Highlights

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The SDC Sports Dept work tirelessly to offer more 100 hours of sport offering every week!

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Senior House Highlights

CCF The Combined Cadet Force at St Dunstan’s College has enjoyed another busy and highly successful year, with cadets from both the Royal Navy and Army sections taking part in a wide range of training, ceremonial and community-focused activities. A particular highlight was the continued success of the Corps of Drums, who represented the College at the Lord Mayor’s Music Competition and were delighted to win the Best Overall Bugler award. The Corps of Drums also performed alongside the Royal British Legion at our charity concert, helping to raise over £2,000 for the RBL. This was a fantastic achievement and a clear reflection of the commitment, talent and professionalism of our cadets. The Royal Navy section has also had an excellent year, with cadets successfully completing their Open Water Scuba Diving qualification, demonstrating determination, resilience and teamwork. The Army section has been equally active, running a number of field weekends where cadets were tested on their fieldcraft, tactics, leadership and ability to operate effectively as part of a team. These weekends provided valuable opportunities for cadets to develop confidence, resilience and practical skills in a challenging environment. The annual Rifle Drill Competition was another memorable event, with the Royal Navy section winning for the first time. Ceremonial events also remained an important part of the CCF year, including the Lewisham Remembrance Parade, where our cadets represented the College with pride and respect. Staff also enjoyed a memorable CCF dinner at the Tower of London. Sadly, we say goodbye to several valued members of staff. 2Lt McIntyre steps down as OC Army Section as he moves to America, Lt Nelson leaves her role as OC Royal Navy Section as she prepares for a new position next year, and CSgt Welch retires after 18 years of dedicated service to St Dunstan’s College. We thank them all for their outstanding contribution.

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CCF Highlights

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CCF Charity Concert raises over £2000 for the RBL

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Notes From The Houses finishing second in both Lent term House Hockey and House Football.

Taking over as Head of Canterbury House has been an incredible experience, and I am so grateful to all the amazing tutors and students who have made me feel so welcome and contributed so much to the energy and spirit of Canterbury this academic year!

Students also impressed in a range of other competitions, including the House Religion Quiz, where Canterbury finished first, as well as strong contributions in Public Speaking, Rubik’s Cube events and the House Building Challenge. These competitions showed the wide range of talents within the House and the willingness of students to get involved.

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Canterbury House

The Michaelmas term began strongly with impressive performances in major House events. Canterbury secured victories in House Performing Arts, finishing first with a creative and energetic performance that captured the audience’s attention. The House also won the award for Best Style, highlighting the flair, originality and effort shown by everyone involved. This was a fantastic example of confidence and collaboration from students across the House, lead by our fantastic sixth form team. Canterbury also enjoyed sporting success during Michaelmas, finishing second in House Football and placing strongly in House Hockey. Students showed resilience, teamwork and commitment, while supporters created an encouraging atmosphere on the sidelines. In House Quiz, Canterbury achieved a strong third-place finish, demonstrating excellent knowledge and quick thinking under pressure with fingers-on-the-buzzer style questioning in front of a live audience! The Lent term brought even more success. Canterbury were outstanding in House Swimming, finishing in first place with a superb all-round team performance. This was an outstanding event, with so many of our younger swimmers ‘swimming up’ against older years, showing courage, determination and composure under pressure.

CA N TE

This year has been an excellent one for Canterbury House, marked by ambition, talent and a strong sense of team spirit throughout every year group. Across sport, performing arts and academic competitions, Canterbury students have represented their House with pride, enthusiasm and determination.

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RDIA VAL E M

As the year draws to a close, all of Canterbury would like to say a huge thank you to Liv Overett-Somnier, our House Captain, for all her hard work and effort leading the House this year, as well as the rest of Year 13 who have helped support the younger years so much. Whether competing, performing or cheering others on, all of Canterbury has demonstrated the values of commitment, confidence and community and can be proud of all we have achieved. Yasmin Disney, Head of Canterbury House

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Canterbury won House Performing Arts and House Swimming - shining on stage and in the pool!

Canterbury also continued to perform strongly in House sport,

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Ghent House This has been an outstanding year for Ghent House, defined by commitment, perseverance and a strong sense of community across all year groups. We began in excellent fashion, winning the House Team Building event and setting a positive, united tone from the outset, with a special mention to Year 7 for their contribution—an excellent start to the year. Throughout the year, Ghent students have competed with pride across a wide range of events, developing important lessons around commitment and resilience. Standout successes include 1st place in the House Bake Sale, 2nd place in both E-Sports and Public Speaking, and another strong 2nd place finish in the Charity Chocolate event. In competitive sport and challenge events, Ghent also secured 3rd place in Boys’ House Hockey and the Rubik’s

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Our strong results stretch across arts, sports, charity and more - a real testament to the breadth of Ghent talent

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Worcester House

We showed some real consistency across the board to earn ourselves a 2nd place finish at the lend of the lent term. A real testament to our house community, culture and competitive spirit across the entire senior school.

Academic excellence also prevailed for Worcester not only in participation but in delivering strong and successful results in the Rubik’s cube challenge and house quiz!

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After a good start and finish in Michaelmas, Worcester found another gear and stepped it up in Lent finishing top in Competition Points and recording the highest total for the term. Strong performances in House Hockey and Football, backed up by solid results in Swimming, and Music, were key to this success.

We had outstanding individual and team highlights including Lauren’s moving performance (Yr 12) winning the House Solo music challenge, whilst co-leading the choir to a 3rd place finish, SEM PER AUDETE supported by fellow seniors Lisle and JR (Yr 13) . Frank (Yr 9) showed outstanding commitment during House Swimming, stepping up to compete in higher age groups as well as his own, across multiple events to ensure Worcester gained points across every category; a true team player who embodied both competitive spirit and house pride.

OR CE S

A major highlight this year has been the sense of community and the positive, can-do attitude across the house. With a wide range of activities on offer, there has truly been something for everyone on offer this across the year.

Wow! what a brilliant year for Worcester house!

Winning both House football and house hockey at the start of the year. Up the Worcester!

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Cube competition, highlighting consistent effort across the House.

Overall, it’s been a strong, well-rounded year for Worcester with plenty to build on going forward. Britney Clarke, Head of Worcester

Thank you to all students whose effort, positivity, and commitment have made Ghent House such a success this year. We wish a fond farewell and all the very best to those leaving us in Year 11 and Year 13. Harrison Sanford, Head of Ghent House

Beyond results, student engagement has been exceptional. Pupils have contributed enthusiastically to events such as House Performing Arts, House Music, House Football, the House Quiz, House Religion Quiz and House Building. Across all activities, it has been particularly VIR E T U T EM Q U A E R encouraging to see students from every year group supporting one another, showing leadership, and embracing opportunities to represent the House.

Encouraging students to get involved in what they enjoy, while also stepping outside their comfort zones to try something new was key for our engagement across the house. It’s also been great to see stronger links between the Senior and Middle School, with Sixth Former’s. Our student head of house, Coco and the College’s head boy, Emmanuel have done a brilliant job in taking the lead in supporting house activities, contributing to assemblies, and helping to drive engagement throughout the house.

As the year draws to a close, Ghent continues to build momentum, with rumours of a major charity event approaching and Sports Day on the horizon. The House is well placed to finish the year with the same energy and determination shown throughout. w w w. s t dun s t a ns.o rg .uk

Mendip House

Mendip’s fearless spirit and showed that age is never a barrier to leadership or achievement.

A Year of Confidence, Creativity and Community in Mendip House. This year has been an outstanding one for Mendip House, marked by confidence, creativity and a powerful sense of community across all year groups.

Academic excellence also shone through. Gregor (Year 8) led Mendip to victory in the House Quiz, displaying remarkable depth and accuracy of general knowledge. He also secured second place in the debut House Rubik’s Cube Challenge, highlighting Mendip’s strength in problem solving and intellectual competition.

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We began the year strongly in Michaelmas term with emphatic victories in both House Hockey and House Football, setting an early tone of determination and teamwork. These wins reflected not only sporting skill, but also the fantastic encouragement and unity shown by students on and off the pitch. In the arts, House Performing Arts was a joyful and collaborative highlight. Under the calm and supportive leadership of Head of House Jonathan, alongside Year 11–12 leaders Thea and Lydia, Mendip delivered an imaginative rendition of Les Misérables’ “Look Down”, complete with original lyrics and student designed props. Bess (Year 7) shone as our heroine, with Sophie and Eyja (Year 10) brilliantly portraying her angel and devil.

LIORA SEQUO R

Finally, special thanks must go to Jonathan, whose calmness, patience and genuine care for younger students have set a powerful example of the College’s 5C values. He has been deeply respected and looked up to by students across the House, and Mendip is stronger for it. Mendip House has truly lived its values this year.

Dr Joseph Yu, Head of Mendip House

House Music was equally memorable. Led by Cristina and Lydia, and guided by Jonathan, Mendip’s performance of “I Want It That Way” was a truly uplifting experience that brought the whole House together. One of the most inspiring moments of the year came during the House Swimming Competition, when Ayaan and Sienna, alongside other Year 7 students, confidently stepped up to compete against Sixth Formers, and won! Their courage and belief exemplified

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Year 7s swimmers beat Sixth Formers in the House Swimming Competition fearless, confident, Mendip!

” Glastonbury House Glastonbury House has enjoyed a fantastic year filled with creativity, teamwork and standout achievements across sport, the arts and practical competitions. We were off to a great start early in the year by securing first place in Year 9 Girls Football, a victory that set the tone for the months ahead. Our next major success came in House Performing Arts, where we opened the evening with a Sci-Fi scene, complete with vibrant robot costumes and plenty of Star Wars references. Our vibrant rendition of David Bowie’s Starman helped us secure first place for Best Music. A huge thank you goes to Sam in Year 13, whose leadership as scriptwriter and director shaped the entire performance. I am also grateful to our Year 13 helpers, Tom, Florence, Amelia and Lucy, whose support behind the scenes ensured the performance ran seamlessly. Before the excitement of House Music, Glastonbury showed its

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Another strong year in the Arts for Glastonbury, with wins for categories in both House Performing Arts and House Music!

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Stepney House

demonstrating the

I’m thrilled to share the outstanding achievements of our importance of coming students in Ghent House, whose spirit andtogether dedication as a have House. truly honoured the legacy of our school.

This year has been an incredibly positive and memorable one for Stepney House, marked by commitment, teamwork, and a genuine willingness to get involved both in and beyond the classroom.

ST EP N

Stepney has enjoyed strong performances in a wide range of House events. We placed second overall in House Music, achieving first place in the Choir category and proudly supporting the youngest soloist in the competition. A huge thank you to Ada (Year 9) for an outstanding contribution. We also secured second place in the Religion Quiz and first place in the Year 7 Public Speaking competition, with congratulations to Iyla for winning and to Miller for reaching the finals. Although we did not win the Rubik’s Cube Challenge, Stepney once again led the way in participation,

Another year raising over £1000 for local charities in the Lewisham Community

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charitable spirit during the House Bake Sale, where dozens of students from every year group brought in delicious bakes, including Zac from Year 8’s now famous Biscoff Rocky Road, which proved incredibly popular.

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with 732 miles completed and over I was incredibly proud to see Ghent House £1,300 come together raised forfor the Charity Week, pouring their energy into swimathons, bake Lewisham community. rowers, sales, cyclathons, and more. This wasn’t justRunners, about raising cyclists, bakers, funds — it was a powerful display of our commitment to and sellers all heart playedand a charity and community. Each event highlighted the role, showing teamwork that define Ghent, as students ofvital all ages united to how giving time and make a difference. energy can make a P R O GRED E R E real difference to Harrison Sanford, Head of House Ghent others.

Across all year groups, students have shown that participation and effort are just as important as results, and this attitude has underpinned our success throughout the year.

One of the year’s

greatestexcellence, achievements Our Victor Ludorum set new standards in athletic was the Stepney showing us all the power of resilience and determination. Sportathon. This Our Quiz Master displayed sharp intellect and quick thinking, year’s event surpassed proving that Ghent’s commitment to knowledge is as strong all expectations, as ever.

Finally, we recognise the contributions of our leaving Year 13 students and extend thanks to Mathis for his outstanding leadership as Head of House. Stepney House should be immensely proud of an excellent year built on effort, unity, and community spirit. Georgia Entwisle, Head of Stepney

their chosen topics and showcasing the promising future of Glastonbury students coming up the ranks. In House Building, teamwork and precision led us to another first place finish. Congratulations to our fantastic Year 10 team leaders, Lyra and Archie, and to the hardworking Year 8 participants who brought creativity and determination to the challenge. A special shout out also goes to Year 8 Glastonbury, particularly Stanley, Harrison, Dominic, Rosie and Robin, for showing incredible resilience during House Swimming by volunteering to race against older year groups throughout the competition. As we celebrate these achievements, we extend a heartfelt thank you to our House Captain, Lucy, whose enthusiasm, leadership and team spirit have inspired Glastonbury throughout the year. Charlotte Westrip, Head of Glastonbury House

The momentum continued as our choir lit up the stage with a joyful performance of ABBA’s Mamma Mia in House Music, earning us first place for Best Choir, while NO S I I N SIBI, SED A L our instrumentalists claimed Best Band. It was especially inspiring to see our live band made up of students from across different year groups, with sixth formers supporting younger performers and showing the true spirit of Glastonbury. A special mention goes to Yola, whose original solo piece earned her second place in the Solo Performance and captivated the entire hall.

Beyond competitions, Stepney House has led the way in rewards, commendations, and positive conduct, reflecting a strong culture of respect and integrity. While challenges have arisen, this year has been about growth, fresh starts, and learning together.

In Lent term, I was proud to see Agnes and Benjy from Year 7 represent Glastonbury in House Public Speaking, delivering rousing speeches on w w w. s t dun s t a ns.o rg .uk

Key Trips Geography/ History GSCE & A Level Vietnam Trip

Year 12 Material Science Kirkaldy’s testing works

Choir Tour Prague

Year 9 Seas to stars careers trip

Year 10 Sky Studios trip 44

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Key Trips Year 7 Geography Disney netball trip

Disney netball trip

Year 7 Scholars’ trip City Hall

Sixth Form ski trip w w w. s t dun s t a ns.o rg .uk

Academic Journal

Academic Journal This year sees the launch of Oritur, St Dunstan’s new academic journal, bringing together essays, interviews, poetry, artwork and critical reflection from pupils across the Senior School. The journal takes curiosity as its central theme, asking not only what students know, but what they are willing to question, reconsider and pursue. The title Oritur is drawn from the Vita B., a life of our namesake, St Dunstan. In its account of his early life, the author uses the Latin phrase oritur puer strenuus: a vigorous boy ‘arises’ – or, more poetically, ‘springs into life’ or ‘springs into light’. This felt the right title for the journal: it captures a moment of emergence, where thought begins to take form and move into the light of public expression. Oritur is therefore not a journal about completion, but about beginning: the beginning of ideas, arguments, questions and intellectual confidence. In preparing the journal, the editorial team took great pleasure in sifting through the College archives to explore past issues of St Dunstan’s journals and magazines. From 1930s poetry anthologies through handwritten student magazines of the 1950s to the splendidly named First Folio, St Dunstan’s students have a long history of making their thinking public through poems, essays, arguments, reviews, artwork and reflection. The earliest student publication we found was the 1933 edition of Aftermat, whose editorial note wryly decried the ‘rare bird’ contributor, of whom the editors had found only ‘defective specimens’. Happily, in 2026, we had no such problem: Oritur received far more thoughtful and ambitious submissions than could be published. The first edition includes articles on topics as wide-ranging as whether ignorance can ever be bliss, whether selfawareness is overrated, who gets to decide scientific truth, the future of AI responsibility, the place of musical theatre in the canon, and whether the next frontier of exploration should be space or the deep sea. It also includes creative and reflective pieces, including a poem and commentary on the myth of Arachne, and an interview with the senior football team on pressure, leadership and recovery after defeat in sport. One particularly special contribution draws directly on the archives. We discovered a witty 1963 article by Dunstonian John Evans, then aged 16, entitled ‘How to be a Scholar’.

The piece satirises the image of the scholar as narrowminded, eccentric, performative and ‘a little mad’. We were delighted to contact John and send the piece back to him. He described it as ‘a small fragment of a former self now so distant in character as well as time’, adding that, on the basis that one might as well be kind to one’s youthful self, he could still smile at it. In the journal, his original article is placed alongside a response by a current Year 12 Diploma Scholar, who reflects on what scholarship means now: not simply sounding clever, but thinking collaboratively, curiously and generously. Ultimately, Oritur is not a showcase, nor simply a collection of ‘best work’. It is a record of genuine inquiry: a place where students ask difficult questions, test arguments, follow complexity and leave readers not with easy answers, but with ideas to carry beyond the page. In doing so, it continues a long St Dunstan’s tradition of student scholarship, creativity and intellectual seriousness. Rebecca Redding

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Sixth Form

Graduation Day Year 13 Graduation Day 2026: A Celebration of Achievement and Purpose There was a wonderful sense of occasion as the school community came together to celebrate the graduation of our Year 13 students. Families, friends, and staff gathered to mark this important milestone, recognising the achievements, growth, and experiences that have shaped the Class of 2026 during their time at school. After winning reflections from Liv Overett-Somnier and Cillian Roots on their wide and deep contributions to Sixth Form life, we then welcomed Nils McGuinness Hoppe, a former student (’96) and distinguished guest keynote speaker, whose return to school made the occasion especially meaningful. Reflecting on his own experiences as a student, Nils spoke about ethical engagement and the importance of feeling heard. He shared how these early experiences shaped his understanding of voice and responsibility, ultimately leading to his life’s work in the field of human rights. His thoughtful and personal address encouraged students to appreciate the power of listening and the impact they can have on the world around them. A particularly special moment in the ceremony was the presentation of the Albam Exorna award, one of the school’s highest honours. This year, the award was presented to Julia Sillanpaa in recognition of her outstanding contribution to school life and her embodiment of the values at the heart of our community. Following the ceremony, students, parents, and staff gathered for refreshments and conversation, celebrating together and capturing memories of a significant day. Graduation Day is always a moment of reflection as well as celebration—marking not only the end of a chapter, but the beginning of many exciting opportunities ahead. As the Class of 2026 takes its next steps, we are immensely proud of all they have achieved and look forward to seeing the contributions they will make in the future. Congratulations to a fabulous set of students! Alex Brewer, Head of Sixth Form

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Sixth Form

Head of School

When I first walked through the gates of St Dunstan’s, I was an external student, full of ambition and excitement but unsure where I would fit in. From the outside looking in, you see this massive school in the middle of Catford, one I held high expectations for. However, all my expectations were not just met but surpassed. Over the past two years I’ve come to realise that St Dunstan’s is far more than a school, it is a community that has challenged me, supported me, and pushed me to reach my full potential.

Becoming Head of School has been a defining highlight of my time here. To be entrusted with leading such a dedicated prefect team after only one year in the Sixth Form was a huge honour that I am immensely proud of. It has blossomed my character to become a role model in the school. Through my duties, I mentored the talented younger students at the school, offering them advice from my own experiences. I am eternally grateful for everything I have done within my role. Delivering a speech to the Chairman of Barclays is something not many people can say they have done in their lives before. It has instilled a different breed of confidence within me to show that I can build connections with people that I look up to. When I joined the Sixth Form, I had never partaken in public speaking. Now, it is a fundamental part of my life which I am sure to pursue in the future. Speaking to hundreds of parents at open days or events and witnessing how I inspire the next generation warms my heart and encourages me to work hard, not just for my own personal benefits, but to put me in a position where I can give back and support others, just like the vast support I have received myself. This goes to show the breadth of opportunities St Dunstan’s offers ambitious students like me who strive every day to become the best possible version of themselves. Through all these experiences, I’ve learned that St Dunstan’s is a place that cultivates curiosity, resilience and collaboration. My time here has been truly transformative. It has opened doors I never imagined possible and introduced me to opportunities that have shaped both my ambitions and character. More importantly, it has taught me that attitude matters just as much as ability to enable you to grow as an academic and a person. I arrived at St Dunstan’s driven by success but leave with something far greater – a stronger self, a willingness to embrace challenges, and a character that will take me further than talent alone. As I look towards the next chapter of my life, I step into the unknown with confidence and excitement. The impact St Dunstan’s has had on my life has been profound. Emmanuel Ogunfuye, Head of School

The CHRONICLE 2026

Albam Exorna Award Winning entry from Julia Silanpaa

Nils McGuinness Happe ('96), Graduation guest speaker

I am reminded of late August, when the days flow viscously into one another, like warm honey, which tastes all the sweeter with the knowledge that they are the final bites of Summer, as I write this in my final weeks of St Dunstan’s life. Now, more than ever, I feel the impulse to savour the final tastes of what I have almost come to take for granted after six years: the joy and beauty of community. Dancing on my tongue are flavours of friendship, challenge and curiosity, which have only amplified my appetite for experience, and elicited my thirst for knowledge. This community, which has made St Dunstan’s College so blissful, twinkles from every classroom and shared space; beaming form tutors, teachers who tell you how your siblings are doing in their lessons, the students from across year groups with whom you stand shoulder-to-shoulder to in the choir. It brightens the everyday – the friends that you only talk to because of the seating plan in that subject, the collective buzz of ‘good luck’s when forming a single file outside of the exam hall, or the tired greetings in the small hours, waiting for the coach to launch us into an exciting school trip. Walking through the corridors is always a social event, as smiles bounce between the swinging lockers; folders, laptops, and students are jostled, like a kaleidoscope twisting, between one period and the next. I now realise how it is not commonplace, but irreplaceable, and I feel an intense appreciation for the community which I have been so embedded into. I am so grateful to have grown up in an environment where I constantly feel seen, included and, at best, celebrated. As someone who loves the dramatic arts, I very much feel that I will forever be in debt to the inspirational role models who I have always had within the Drama Department, and their compassion towards me in sharing their craft. I remember apotheosising the drama students in the older years who took such difficult roles in their stride and seemed to become more talented year-on-year. They taught me so much about collaboration and creativity, and seeing our ideas unravel and combine in the rehearsal room was so beautiful, forming meaningful connections across age groups that typically wish to dissociate from each other. After seeing productions from so many different angles, from ensemble member, to director, to principal to backstage crew, I will continue to apotheosise the teachers who pour so much creativity and joy into each rehearsal, workshop and club. Especially the St Dunstan’s Festival, will forever hold a place in my heart, as the memories made in that blue Big Top tent; fits of laughter in between sound checks and vocal warmups are what have shaped me as a performer. The energy, excitement and passion of the community especially then, becomes infectious and inspiring.

St Dunstan’s ability to branch out across so many different communities means that everyone can find like-minded people to have these formative experiences with. Although I do not live in Lewisham, I felt right at home in the community when I went to Rathfern Primary School weekly, to read to the primary school children there. Similarly, although I do not identify as neurodivergent, I have always felt safe and helped by the SEND team and the Wellness Centre team, who have often looked after me when I needed it most. Likewise, although I would not consider myself a competitive person, I again surprised myself by getting caught up in House competitions of all sorts and being invested in the fluctuations of House points throughout the year. I have found myself in the CCF Navy, in Prefecture, among Oxbridge applicants, as a Diploma scholar. These communities seemed to find me, rather than the other way around – a testament to the immersive and holistic curriculums at St Dunstan’s College. Being drawn into different groups has been so rewarding and inspiring, and I am so proud of what we have collectively achieved. The ability to oscillate between these communities means that mutual interest, support and comforting familiarity spring up everywhere; and each community has shaped me differently to become the person that I am today. I feel so rooted to the school, with so many memories bundled up in each Forder club, lesson and trip, that I feel overwhelmed with gratitude at the opportunities that I have had to cultivate my character. If I was to advise my Year 7 self, I would remind her, to not take for granted the privilege of colouring your white shield and remember to always thank the people around you along the way. Without the everchanging, vibrant and inspiring body of the school, my shield would be infinitely plainer and my childhood greyer. And so, consider this my sincere and massive thank you, to each and every member of the school community. The teachers, the support staff , House staff , catering, cleaners, and - of course - the students. Each nurturing member of the community has brought me to this point, and I feel so inspired by our shared experiences that I can’t wait to forge new blissful communities, at Durham University and beyond. I look forward to keeping in touch with the beauty of the St Dunstan’s experience through joining the community of the St Dunstan’s Association. The Runner-up was Emmanuel Ogunfuye w w w. s t dun s t a ns.o rg .uk

Sixth Form

Diploma Scholar Symposium The end of the winter term hosted the Year 13 Diploma Scholars’ Symposium, where they presented their Ted X-style presentations to audiences of younger scholars. We heard talks on the legalities around Shamima Begum’s citizenship rights, the mental and physical benefits of stimming, and the state of the modern soul as seen through Kierkegaard’s philosophy, alongside many more. A fascinating afternoon of stimulating thought for all.

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Lower School Symposium In April we hosted our Lower School Scholar Symposium in the STEM Atrium, with Year 9 Scholars sharing their own independent research projects with the school community. Topics varied from the impacts of beauty standards to fusion energy, showcasing the wide-ranging intellectual curiosity of our students. Well done Year 9!

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Sixth Form

Onward Destinations 2026 Name Destination JR Abbey University of Sussex Karimah Adetunji University of Bristol Zaynab Ahmed Queen Mary University of London Bianca-Patricia Bahnovei University of Surrey Jordan Bakare University of York Shayanne Barrie University of Nottingham Teddy Black University of Manchester Oliver Brogan Loughborough University Georgia Brown University of Southampton Logan Christensen University of Bristol Andrei Ciobanu Gap year Jack Collins University of Warwick Cillian Cooke University of Nottingham Florence Craven Gap year Julia Dadson University of Oxford Milla Dao University of Oxford Lynn Dasilvera University of Nottingham Alicia David Loughborough University Thomas Dean University of Bristol Patrick Deslandes Embaló Gap year Joseph Downing University of York Moritz Eiras Cacao Loughborough University Mary Emmerson - Glen University of Bristol Oscar Ewart Gap year Alessandro Ferrara University of Bristol Jonathan Fiedoruk Gap year Amy Francis University of Nottingham Seth Gidley University of Bristol Calista Grant University of Liverpool Alfie Harper University of Leeds Lucia Hedges University of Oxford Emilia Hesketh University of Westminster, London Theo Hiatt-Dennis University of Sheffield Tony Holroyd University College London (UCL) Izarrah Hoque University of Reading Lisle Horner Mountview Academy Frederick Humphrey University of Bristol Dhavin Jamesrubert Imperial College London Ivan Jennings Gap year Stanley Johnson University of Leeds Elliott Johnston Gap year Iris Jones University of Bristol Mathis Jouy University College London (UCL) Coco Kitson Kingston University Theo Langham Gap year Bethany Leach University College London (UCL) Jessica Liu Imperial College London Matthew Liu Gap year Mya Llewellyn University of Manchester Cimarron Maitland University of Nottingham Sam Mawrey-Yates Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance Hamish McGregor University of Manchester Harry McGregor University of Warwick Rose McIntosh University of Liverpool Robert McRae University of Sheffield Ruadhri Miller-Forbes Loughborough University Alexander Mills Durham University Edward Minshall University of Bristol Maxwell Mitchell University of Leeds Sonny Monkhouse University of Leeds Yolanda Moran University of Bristol

The CHRONICLE 2026

Course Computer Science Mathematics with Statistics Law Astronautics and Space Engineering Economics Physics with Medical Imaging Medicine Geography with Economics Film Studies Computer Science Management Philosophy Classical Archaeology and Ancient History English Language and Literature Physics with Medical Imaging Geography (with placement year) Biochemistry Business and Management Finance English Modern Languages Economics International Business Management and Modern Languages Civil Engineering Mechanical Engineering Philosophy and Theology Fine Art Mixed Media with Foundation Aerospace Engineering German and Philosophy Pharmacology with Foundation Musical Theatre Geography Mathematics with Statistics for Finance Religion, Theology and Society History Business and Health Art Foundation Language and Culture (4 years) Mathematics with Statistics Architecture Law Popular Music Geography with International Study Economics Game Design Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Ancient History Geography Philosophy Product Design Biology

Sixth Form Name

Destination

Course

Lucy Nancarrow Imperial College London Geology Oscar Nurse University College London (UCL) Classical Archaeology and Classical Civilisation Emmanuel Ogunfuye University of Warwick Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) Amelia O’Keeffe Royal Holloway, University of London Music Liv Overett Somnier University of Cambridge Law Matilda Passmore Loughborough University Natural Sciences (with placement year) Ellen Pender University of Leeds Modern Languages Elia Perry Benn University of Leeds Sociology Charlie Preece University of Bristol Geography with Innovation Dennis Qeta King’s College London, University of London Computer Science Rafferty Radford-Hay University of Manchester Electrical and Electronic Engineering Matteo Rebora University of Bristol Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Cillian Roots University of Manchester Geography T’Iama Rose-Krah London School of Economics and Political Science Data Science Sacha Rowett University of Bristol Psychology Izaak Sajovic Crosland Cardiff Metropolitan University Youth and Community Work (Youth Work) David Salamone Queen Mary University of London Economics with a Year in Industry Julia Sillanpaa Durham University English Literature Sara-Marie Ssali University of Nottingham Engineering and Physical Sciences with Foundation Year William Stanton Queen Mary University of London Physics Harry Stevens University of Bristol Computer Science Zoe-Zdravka Stoyanov University College London (UCL) Architectural & Interdisciplinary Studies with a Year Abroad Maya Thethi University of Manchester Medicine Christine Tsatsaris University of Liverpool Economics with a Year in Industry Israa Tunio University of Manchester Economics Claudia Ward University of Sussex Psychology Rejane Watson Gap year Ellie Webber University of Leeds Medicine William Wells Gap year Atanasije Wilkinson University of Birmingham Mechanical Engineering Matthew Witham University of Warwick Economics Howard Xu University of Warwick Mechanical Engineering Reina Yajima King’s College London, University of London Psychology

Updates from previous cohorts Lucas Reinholc-Gómez Oliver McHenry Jemima Fields

The University of Edinburgh Computational Physics King’s College London, University of London Biochemistry University of Exeter Law

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Special Events

Lectures & Conferences AI & Emerging Technologies Week What an incredible time we had in our very first Emerging Tech Week. The week kicked off with a whole school assembly on “Emerging Technologies” by Mr Rattle, exploring the impact of technology on society and the importance of retaining human qualities in a changing world. Across the week Sixth Formers led inspiring talks to younger students on a range of topics, from video games to the impact of technology on books. We also welcomed our parent community to an evening event, featuring multiple experts and guest speakers who discussed the impact of technology on careers and the workplace. We were particularly excited to welcome Year 5 pupils from local junior schools to join St Dunstan’s pupils for an afternoon of exciting workshops including robotics, coding, design engineering and 3D printing. To round off the week, KS4 students from St Dunstan’s and other local schools were treated to an incredible day with guest expert, author and activist Laura Bates, who educated us on how sexism and misogyny can prove to be a dangerous in-built feature of the digital world, and what we can do about it.

MFL Careers in Languages Evening In January the Languages Department hosted an inspiring ‘Careers in Languages’ evening attended by hundreds of secondary school students from across South East London. Featuring a number of expert speakers, including from the Foreign Office, UN and Médecins Sans Frontières, and representatives from top UK universities, including the University of Cambridge, King’s College London and the University of Bath, the event was a chance for students to explore the wide range of opportunities that studying languages can offer for their future. There were also a number of taster sessions for students to get involved in, ranging from Ancient Greek to Italian and even Forensic Linguistics, giving students the opportunity to widen their linguistic horizons. The event was a huge success, and has helped to inspire the next generation of South London linguists.

The CHRONICLE 2026

Special Events ECT Symposium and AIR Middle Leadership Celebration In April, St Dunstan’s hosted two inspiring professional learning events: our ECT Symposium and the AIR Middle Leadership celebration. We were delighted to welcome colleagues from independent and state schools across London and beyond, creating a vibrant space for collaboration, reflection, and professional dialogue. The ECT Symposium showcased the impressive work of our Early Career Teachers, who presented thoughtful, research-informed enquiries into teaching and learning. Projects explored topics such as the impact of school-parent communication on student engagement, the role of active monitoring and classroom circulation, and strategies to strengthen retrieval and participation in lessons. Alongside this, our first AIR Middle Leadership cohort shared the outcomes of their 18-month change projects, reflecting on leadership, implementation, and professional growth. Presentations included work on reducing outcome variance, developing departmental homework approaches, and exploring effective delegation and team development. Together, the events highlighted the school’s commitment to evidence-informed practice and to creating the time and space for teachers and leaders to think deeply, collaborate, and continue growing professionally.

Dynamic Parents Evening Our annual Dynamic Parents Evening welcomed parents into the College for an evening of talks focused on supporting pupils’ academic progress and pastoral wellbeing. The evening provided families with the opportunity to engage directly with an expert speaker and members of the Senior Leadership Team on a range of timely and relevant topics. This year’s keynote address was delivered by online safety expert Karl Hopwood, who explored the rapidly evolving world of social media and Artificial Intelligence, highlighting the online risks facing young people and offering practical advice to help parents support their children.

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Guest expert, author and activist Laura Bates delivered a fascinating workshop on sexism and misogyny in the digital world as part of Emerging Tech Week

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Special Events

Remembrance Day On 11 November, the whole College community gathered for a moving Remembrance service led by Dunstonian Reverand Douglas Dales (70). Beforehand, Dunstonians gathered in the Johnson VC room, named after Dunstonian Johnson who was awarded the Victoria Cross in WW1 for a viewing of an excellent exhibition curated by the College Archivist Shea Hollis (01). The exhibition showcased the lives of eight remarkable Dunstonians who were killed during WWI and whom our House system was named after. Earlier in the week, pupils from Y6 had the chance to visit the exhibition themselves and had a workshop with the Archivist. These eight students are also the focus of Our Remembrance podcast series, put together by the Archivist with where we share the stories of eight heroic former students who gave their lives in the First World War. The podcast series was put together These eight Dunstonians are also who the Houses were named after and you can find out the stories of Bennett, Thomas, Goosey, Wilson, Griffiths, Johnson, Lane and Ross. We then joined the College for a service in the Great Hall where Dunstonians Lt Col Mike Foster (68) and Revd. Douglas Dales gave readings, and the College choir performed several moving pieces. We then processed out to the front of the College for a wreath laying service and the College Corps of Drums performed, with the traditional Last Post and two minutes silence. Members of the CCF and Navy then joined Dunstonians and senior members of staff in to share stories and view the exhibition. In the Afternoon, in what is hoped will be the start of a new tradition, with a friendly match between the College and Reigate School girls and boys football teams, marking the second World War Evacuation of St Dunstan’s to Reigate. Babette Radclyffe Thomas, Dunstonian Officer

The CHRONICLE 2026

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It was especially poignant when members of the public stopped on Stanstead Road to join the Two Minutes silence and appreciate the Last Post and CCF.

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Special Events

Commemoration Day On Friday 22 May we celebrated Commemoration Day, remembering the founders and benefactors of St Dunstan’s College. The day began with the traditional Commemoration Service, which continues to be really important in the life of the College. The annual service is conducted by Rev Nicol Kinrade from All Hallows by the Tower, in the Parish of St Dunstan in the East. This year, the service was attended by all of Year 7 and 8 at Southwark Cathedral, alongside many others from across the whole school, with prayers and readings from selected students from Junior School to Sixth Form and performances and hymns by the College Choir. Following the service, the whole school, from Nursery to Sixth Form, was treated to a delicious BBQ lunch on the school fields in the glorious sunshine. It was a chance for students and teachers alike to relax and enjoy each other’s company, reflecting on what makes St Dunstan’s such a unique school environment. The afternoon saw more excitement for Years 7 and 8, as they honoured our school’s rich heritage by engaging in traditional activities. Year 7 played lacrosse, the very first sport played when the school was founded, enjoying a House tournament won by Glastonbury. Year 8 tried their hand at Officer Training Corps, a precursor to our modern Combined Cadet Force, and a very popular extracurricular during the first decades of the College’s existence. the Junior School pupils gathered on the field to create a giant 2026 captured by a College’s drone, having taken part in activities looking at artefacts from the College Archive in the morning. Meanwhile, Dunstonians and supporters proceeded to the Menier Lounge on the other side of Borough Market which was the new venue chosen for the annual postservice Drinks Reception. CEO Nick Hewlett delivered a speech congratulating Dunstonian Tim Allardyce ('98) for summitting Mount Everest the day before but also thanking all present for their support and generosity. Overall, the day provided an opportunity for all to honour our school’s heritage and origins, and reflect on what makes St Dunstan’s so special. Isabelle Blake-James Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations

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As always – the journey to the service was extra special, with pupils travelling on their own chartered train from Catford Bridge to London Bridge, again, a muchtreasured tradition

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Special Events

Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols On Friday 5 December, the College's annual Nine Lessons and Carols Service was held at Southwark Cathedral. Before the evening service, a large number of Dunstonians and their families gathered for drinks and nibbles at the Mudlark Pub next door to the Cathedral, welcomed by Chair of Governors, Rupert Evenett ('81). The service comprised of an impressive variety of performances from the College Choir, St Christopher’s The Hall Choir, Rosemead Prep Choir, SDC Voices, and the College Barbershop. We sang many classic hymns such as O little town of Bethlehem, O come all ye faithful and Hark! the herald angels sing. The Lessons were read by current students, parents, staff and Dunstonians. Towards the end of the service, current students read out a selection of prayers in non-English languages, such as a year 12 student who read a prayer in Ukrainian.

Beating of the Bounds

On Ascension Day, Thursday 14 May, a group of eight Year 7 students took part in the annual ‘Beating the Bounds’ ceremony at All Hallows by the Tower Church. ‘Beating the Bounds’ is a medieval custom in which parishes physically mark their boundaries by beating them with sticks. Each year students from St Dunstan’s ‘beat’ the bounds of All Hallows parish, the site of the original St Dunstan’s school in the City of London.

The CHRONICLE 2026

Throughout the beating procession, prayers are read and blessings made for the parishioners and all those that live and work in the parish community. With modern maps, there’s no geographical need to ‘beat’ the bounds any more, but it continues to be a proud St Dunstan’s tradition. Shea Hollis, Archivist

Special Events

Awards won by the College this year

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London Independent School of the Year – Commendation, Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2026 Academic Achievement Excellence Award Private Education Awards 2026 Best Independent School for Sporting Development (London), Private Education Awards 2026 Most Progressive School in South-East England, Private Education Awards 2025 Diversity and Inclusion in Sport, Education Choices Magazine Awards 2025

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Special Events

St Dunstan’s Festival

The 2026 St Dunstan’s Education Group festival saw 10 jam-packed days of fun, with workshops, performances and more across our four school sites and Jubilee Sports Ground. Due to unseasonably hot weather there were some amendments to the schedule of the first week, but the festival spirit still prevailed across the Group, as staff and students alike adapted quickly to the circumstances. Our Junior School pupils enjoyed a variety of exciting workshops in the first week of the Festival, from storytelling to LEGO and animals. Year 2 spent a day at St Christopher’s The Hall with their peers from Rosemead also joining, rotating between junk percussion, forest school, kapla modelling and sports games. Highlights of the second week include our Year 6s shining in High School Musical, Year 5 enjoy the Alex Yee Triathlon and the fabulous Junior School Art Exhibition and Concert. The Festival was just as busy in the Senior School, with students demonstrating their skills in a number of standout performances, including the Orpheus and the Underworld opera, Footloose musical, and ever-brilliant Finale Concert. Students also expanded their academic horizons with a Space Design challenge, Abelian Maths challenge and Holi colour run. As ever, the Catford Weekender was a particular highlight, welcoming the local community for a weekend of fun at the Jubilee Grounds. The visiting Delorean was a hit with the crowds! The 2026 Festival is sure to be one to remember in years to come.

The CHRONICLE 2026

Special Events

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As ever, the Catford Weekender was a particular highlight, welcoming the local community for a weekend of fun at the Jubilee Grounds

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Special Events

Senior School Prize Winners 2026 USHERWOOD PRIZES Year 7 Values Prizes Courage Rebecca Williams Confidence Nayan Wilkhu Creativity Luelle Rutteman Compassion Luke Morrison Curiosity Safiur Rahman

Year 11 Values Prizes Courage Zak Revell Confidence Constance Milner Creativity Alberto Casaucao-Dowler Compassion Greta Garton-Jones Curiosity Morgan Lawrence

Year 8 Values Prizes Courage James Redding Confidence Zahra Bew Creativity Elisa Volodchenko Compassion Robin Garland Curiosity Jessica Stephenson

Year 12 Values Prizes Courage Calista Tijani Confidence Indiana Garton-Jones Creativity Jasmine Morrison Compassion Aayush Pathak Curiosity Shani Smethurst

Year 9 Values Prizes Courage Dexter Bloomer Confidence Aliyah Hogan Creativity Cecilia Salvesen Compassion Harry Salter Curiosity Dylan Betteley

Year 13 Values Prizes Courage Shayanne Barrie Confidence Matilda Passmore Creativity Emilia Hesketh Compassion Jonathan Fiedoruk Curiosity Julia Dadson

Year 10 Values Prizes Courage Alma Durante-Small Confidence Jennifer Appleby Creativity Peggy Perrett Compassion Daviel Philip Curiosity Chloe Dolton

COMMENDATION PRIZE Lower School Middle School Upper School

USHERWOOD AMBASSADOR Year 7 Jack Hogan Year 8 Sofia Mann Year 9 Reuben Coomber-Wolfe Year 10 Amirah Somuyiwa Year 11 Sofia Gonzalez Antelo Year 12 Charlotte Harris Year 13 Lucy Nancarrow

STUART PRIZES Commitment to Stuart Relationships Year 7 Effie Baker Year 8 Sofia Mann Year 9 Ada Tyrell Commitment to Stuart Skills for the Future and Careers Year 7 Lennox Reid Year 8 Mason Robinson Year 9 Elliot Wood Commitment to Stuart Critical Thinking, Rhetoric, and Public Speaking Year 7 Thomas Jorgensen Year 8 Fintan Katbamna-Mackey Year 9 Reuben Coomber-Wolfe Excellence in Stuart Middle School Agnes Stanley Excellence in Stuart Sixth Form William Wells

The CHRONICLE 2026

Mia Posner Beatrice Small Logan Christensen

Special Events

HECKER PRIZES Progress Year 7 Rahi Rahman Tippi Bentham Year 8 Ella Peters Laura Forbes Year 9 Alma Brown Poppy Rae Year 10 Edward Forbes Jeishan Kananathan Year 11 Emilie Pietryk Nancy Labi Year 12 Anna Maria Slocinska Toby Monteiro-Hourigan Year 13 Frederick Humphrey Lisle Horner Art & Design Lower School Leo Norris Middle School Megan Chalmers Upper School Mrs Brenda Atkin Memorial Yolanda Moran Upper School Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers Georgia Brown History of Art Milla Dao Business Upper School Moritz Eiras Cacao Latin Lower School Finlo Horgan Classics Middle School Sienna Collins Upper School Sir John Moore Memorial Karimah Adetunji Ancient Languages Reading Cup Lucia Hedges Computer Science Lower School RM Presentation Nelly Butler Middle School RM Presentation Oliver Reiss-Subiela Upper School Professor E N da C Andrade Memorial Salvijus Brazdzius Design Engineering Lower School Sophie Friswell Middle School Maya Bowling Upper School Sonny Monkhouse Drama Lower School Phoebe Winspear Middle School Eva Chinn Upper School Basil Harvey Memorial Julia Sillanpaa Economics Upper School Harry McGregor English Lower School Matilda Neizvestnov Middle School Raphael Skinner Upper School William Barrett Memorial Julia Sillanpaa Lower School Lecture Prize Isla Pym Upper School Lecture Prize Charles Pearce Memorial Prize Milla Dao French Lower School Nia South Middle School Amelia Glatt Upper School Mrs Mirabelle Bennett Memorial Milla Dao Geography Lower School J M Williams Memorial Aliyah Hogan Middle School J M Williams Memorial Lucas Capper Upper School J M Williams Memorial Alexander Mills Upper School Peter Davies Prize Lucy Nancarrow German Lower School Dominic Martyr Middle School Miles Bechberger Odili Upper School Lucia Hedges History Lower School Joseph Crowder Middle School Ilana Posner Upper School Douglas Howard Memorial Iris Jones Mathematics Lower School Reuben Coomber-Wolfe Middle School Ethan Jordan Upper School Charles Mitchell Memorial Dhavin Jamesrubert Upper School Robin Austin Memorial Progress Prize Amelia O’Keeffe Further Mathematics Middle School Andreas Staeuber Upper School Karimah Adetunji Music Lower School Mrs Florence Ruston Memorial Lukas Swift Middle School Mr E G Widdowson Iyla Shah Upper School Mr E G Widdowson Lisle Horner Politics Prize Upper School Liv Overett Somnier Psychology Upper School Leon Yajima w w w. s t dun s t a ns.o rg .uk

Special Events

Religion, Philosophy and Ethics Lower School Sophie Gibson Middle School Madeleine Hasler Upper School Lucia Hedges Science (Combined Award) Middle School The Paul Baker Prize Harry Hutchinson Biology Lower School Imogen Dale Middle School Rose Richardson Upper School Patrick Deslandes Embaló Chemistry Lower School Mehdi Hilmi Middle School Jack Sewell Upper School Prof. Sir Henry Armstrong Memorial Ellie Webber Physics Lower School Amanda Sillanpaa Middle School Jesse Greene Upper School G H Stevens Memorial William Stanton Spanish Lower School Alasdair McNeill Middle School Emilie Pietryk Upper School Calista Grant Sports Science Middle School Ivy Newlan Upper School William Wells

FORDER PRIZES

Best Overall Athlete Lower School Spirit of St Dunstan’s Award Casper Epps Mr & Mrs P A Leigh Freya Kelly Middle School Spirit of St Dunstan’s Award Ava Reynolds Mr & Mrs B R Allen Edward Brogan Upper School R R D Bodenham Award Cillian Roots Milla Dao Cricket Most Promising Junior Mr J H A Eames Akarin Kularatnam Lyla Gibb Player of the Year Middle School John Smithers Memorial Laila Humphreys Luke Rowett Captain’s Cup M J W Cassy Matthew Witham Cross Country Junior Training Cup Mr & Mrs J R McManus Daria Gilmore Senior Individual Championship Award Mr D W M Wade Ayotunde Dauda Football Most Promising Junior Maria Heitmueller-Edmundson Tyler Kabia Player of the Year Middle School Callum Grant Sophia Purcell Captain’s Cup Imani Rouse-Farooq Izaak Sajovic Crosland Hockey Most Promising Junior Akarin Kularatnam Freya Kelly Player of the Year Mariella Plant Sam Coulthard Captain’s Cup Worshipful Company of Basketmakers Calista Grant Louis Wetherell Netball Netball Award (Junior) Harriet Chiao Zachary Lamb Netball Award (Senior) Lucas Barrington Zadie Kaleta Captain’s Award for Netball Aidan McHenry Sacha Rowett Swimming Most Promising Junior Mr P J Milner Lyla Gibb Max Harris Swimmer of the Year Middle School Townsend-Gilmour Cup Aurelia Grimes Harry Gibb Captain’s Cup F H Carter Bianca-Patricia Bahnovei Olivier Orteu Drama Lower School Performance Prize Nayan Wilkhu Middle School Performance Prize Zoe Miscampbell Upper School Örs Prize Sam Mawrey-Yates Drama Technician Ben Chudleigh Award John Abbey Debating Lower School Alma Brown Upper School Charlotte Cleaton-Roberts Spoken English Middle School Clemments Barnes Memorial Madeleine Hasler The CHRONICLE 2026

Special Events

Keyboard Playing Award Benjamin Davey-Adam Strings Player Award Mr K Ellis Tristan Hudelmayer Brass Player Award Stanley Colman Woodwind Player Award Hayden Ennin Senior Singing Prize Upper School Mr Peter Snowdon Amelia O’Keeffe Music Composition Award Sam Mawrey-Yates Commitment to Co-Curricular Music Lower School Matilda Black Middle School Miles Bechberger Odili Upper School Jasmine Morrison Trinick Cup for Service to Music Upper School Florence Craven

COMBINED CADET FORCE PRIZES Forder Ambassador Lower School Lukas Swift Middle School Agnes Stanley Upper School Isabel Reynolds R N Section Most Promising Recruit Benedict Goulbourne The Junior Rate Award Presented by Commander E S Main RN Tyler Smith The COLLINGWOOD Telescope Presented by Captain M G Rutherford RN Harry Stevens Coxswain’s Sword Presented by the Worshipful Company of Marketors Lucy Nancarrow Army Section Most Promising Recruit Adrian Jones Memorial Dexter Bloomer The HUNDRED Trophy Presented by 100 (Yeomanry) Field Regiment Royal Artillery (Volunteers)Lois Fischer Pace Stick Presented by the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Matilda Passmore Sword of Honour James Lyall Memorial Mathis Jouy Commanding Officer’s Bugle Jasmine Morrison The Drum Major’s Award Presented by Major R W Davies Amy Francis Best Shot Cup Sir John Aird Memorial Mathis Jouy

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS Lower School Service Withy Prize Middle School Service Community Service

ACHIEVEMENT

Mr and Mrs Withy Finlo Horgan ODA Centenary Prize Sophie Kerr Lloyds Bank Georgia Maisey Reverend Colin Cuttell Memorial Madeleine Hasler Chloe and Brian Dance Prize Seth Gidley Excellence Award Liv Overett Somnier Bennett Memorial Award for House Service Mathis Jouy

The von Einsiedel Cup for Perseverance and Tenacity in Middle School Presented by the family of Evelyn von Einsiedel Dorar Abdulrahman Academic Achievement Lower School Kelvina Aidooh Best GCSE Student J.D. Moore Prize for Best GCSE Student Eva Chinn Tyler Smith Braddon Cup for Excellence R H Braddon Karimah Adetunji John Iberson Award for Engagement John Iberson Memorial Award Diploma Liv Overett Somnier - Engagement with St Dunstan’s Andrew Coling Cup Commitment to Academic & Co-curricular Andrew Coling Memorial Rose McIntosh Albam Exorna Award Presented by the Dunstonian Association Julia Sillanpaa Runner-Up Emmanuel Ogunfuye Deputy Head of School Cups Presented by Sir Roger Cork Hamish McGregor Matilda Passmore The Jane Davies Award for Service Presented by the Dunstonian Association Emmanuel Ogunfuye

HOUSE TROPHIES Trophies awarded throughout the year: House Hockey (Boys) House Football (Girls) House Religion Quiz House Music House Public Speaking (Year 7) House Rubik’s Cube House Building Challenge (Year 8) House Swimming

Worcester Worcester Canterbury Glastonbury Stepney Worcester & Mendip Glastonbury Canterbury

To be announced in Cups & Colours Assembly: House Athletics, House Charity, House Conduct, Academic Achievement & Combined. House Tug of War House Hockey (Girls) House Football (Boys) House Performing Arts House Art House Charity

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Friends of St Dunstan’s

Friends of St Dunstan’s As a new Friends Committee this academic year, it has been a wonderful learning experience and genuine privilege to organise events and initiatives with such enthusiastic support from parents, staff, students, and the wider College community, and the Committee would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has helped make this such a successful and enjoyable year. The academic year began with the sell-out Cheese & Wine evening in September, which provided a fantastic opportunity for new parents to meet and existing parents to reconnect after the summer holidays. Senior School students provided a spectacular art display that was the centerpiece for the food and drinks on offer. The Christmas Fair in November brought festive magic to the College grounds, with an exciting mix of Christmas market stalls from student entrepreneurs and local businesses, food and drinks from Holyroyd Howe, games and inflatables, and, of course, Santa’s Grotto. There were also Christmas cards on sale to support the school’s charity initiatives, climate friendly products carefully crafted by members of the Junior School Eco Council, live music from the British Legion Band, and a bring-and-buy stall for Lewisham Donation Hub. All this combined to make a Winter Wonderland atmosphere, and the event was thoroughly enjoyed by families across the College. In March, the annual Quiz Night returned and remains one of the highlights of the Friends’ calendar. Hosted brilliantly by Alex Murphy and Mark Bacon, with a bar staffed by parent volunteers, the event was won for a second consecutive year

Friends of

by “Nameless,” a team of Year 4 parents, who successfully defended their title. A donation of £1000 was made to Lewisham Foodbank from the proceeds, and a raffle on the night raised an impressive £800 for the College Bursary Fund. The Summer Fete, held alongside the Catford Weekender event, at the end of June is the perfect way to celebrate the end of the academic year in the sunshine with friends. The inflatables zone and St Dunstan’s Bake Off Competition were huge hits, as always, and market stalls hosted by year groups and local businesses made it a fantastic community event. Hundreds of books and toys generously donated by the College community were also distributed to the Junior School Library and Mama Kind. This year has seen record funds raised through these Friends’ events (£29,200) and the College Shop (£17,700), which is run by an amazing team of parent and student volunteers. Funds are allocated through an annual bidding process, enabling the Committee to support projects and opportunities that benefit students across the entire College community, including support for the Year 6 and 13 leavers’ activities. One of the most significant achievements this year, though, was the opening of a new outdoor shelter, providing a permanent, weather-proof space that is already proving to be a hugely valuable and well-used addition to the College site. Sustainability has been an increasingly important focus this

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Friends of St Dunstan’s year. The Committee are delighted to have reduced wastage and the use of plastics and wrapping paper at Friends’ events, while continuing to encourage recycling initiatives, wherever possible — something the Committee hopes to build on further in the years ahead, with the help of the Junior School Eco Councillors. Finally, thank you once again to everyone who has supported the Friends of St Dunstan’s this year, whether by attending events, volunteering time, donating resources, or simply cheering us on. The success of Friends’ events and fundraising initiatives is only possible because of the generosity and spirit of this wonderful community. Friends of St Dunstan’s Committee

“

A record-breaking year of fundraising and social impact marked a landmark year for the new Friends Committee, demonstrating the strength, generosity, and spirit of the College community

”

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The Dunstonian Office

Time Corridor Relaunch On 7 October, we celebrated the re-launch of our timeline corridor exhibition. A group of Dunstonians, many of whom have been key to the development of our archives, current and former staff members, students and their parents, and a representative from Lewisham Historical Society, all gathered for a private view presentation of the refreshed exhibition led by our archivist Shea Hollis (’01). Shea Hollis (’01) commenced the event, explaining the archive project and how she collaborated with a group of current students to curate the cases. Specific items were highlighted such as a student’s WWII-era gas mask and a fire plaque from St Dunstan in the East. Douglas Dales (’70) gave a fantastic talk detailing the importance of archives and education. The new interactive cases use QR codes to lead visitors to video content about the College on YouTube, such as Hidden Treasures at St Dunstan’s College – Houses and Shields which stars Dunstonian Ian MacDowall in our archives, as well as a video showcasing the College grounds. Dunstonians in attendance included David Edwards (’83), Brett Harrild (’78 alumna and 1985-2017 staff), Sebastian Huet (1997-2001 staff), Brian Kelvin (’62), Perry Luke (’95), Iain MacDowall (’81), Sophie New (’01), Babette RadclyffeThomas (’07), Mike Rogers (’69) and Andrew Stanley (19982020 staff).

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The Dunstonian Office

Bursary Celebratory Drinks

The

Dunstonian Association

On 30 September 2025, the College hosted its first Bursary Celebratory Drinks Reception at Barclays Bank headquarters in Canary Wharf. The evening was hosted by Dunstonian and Barclays Group Chairman Nigel Higgins ('76) and gathered 200 guests in the stunning atrium. Former bursary students and their families as well as current bursary students and their parents and many donors were able to meet each other. Current Head of School, Emmanuel, and former Bursary Student, Natasha Andoh ('24) currently studying PPE at Oriel College, Oxford delivered great speeches. You can watch Natasha’s story by scanning the QR code:

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The Dunstonian Office

The First Ever £1m Gift To The College From Dunstonian Alan Button ('59)

Alan Button was born on 8 August 1941 and attended the College in the 1950s (Griffiths House) before leaving in 1959. He is the first Dunstonian leaving £1m to the College. Director of Philanthropy, Isabelle Blake-James, has met with Alan several times over the past 18 months at his home in Kent - which he shared until very recently with his late wife Jennifer - and she has always been struck by his humbleness. In his latest visit, Alan opened up about his journey: “I lived in Eltham and attended the local junior school. We lived in a prefab’ and my father was a postman. My father enrolled me for the exam at Eltham College but the fees there would have represented 50% of my father’s take home pay. Before I went for the exam at Eltham, I was also offered an interview at St Dunstan’s which I attended. It turned out that my fees at the College were going to be covered entirely and I never forgot that. I was put in the A stream but in the first term I came out 29 out of 30. I then scraped into 2A and started working seriously hard after that. St Dunstan’s believed in me and taught me confidence. I credit my entire success in later life to St Dunstan’s, because with confidence, you can do anything: you can brush yourself off and start again if need be and you can win people over.

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You think of education as being subjects, whereas in fact, education is life. I never thought I was very successful: I simply achieved things. You are only successful at the end when you look back." Alan went on to incorporate several companies, giving his most successful one away to his employees as an EOT (Employee Ownership Trust), just like the John Lewis Partnership. Today, he hopes his gift will enable more students from the Lewisham community who would not otherwise be able to attend the College to receive the same transformational education he too received over 70 years ago. We are beyond grateful to Alan and hope his story will inspire other legacy gifts from Dunstonians, as these have become an integral part of building a secure future for the College, through the Bursary Endowment Fund. If you would like to discuss legacy pledging to the College, please email Isabelle Blake-James at: iblakejames@stdunstans.org.uk.

The Dunstonian Office

Former Staff Reunion On Saturday 9 May, we hosted our first staff reunion at the College to great success. We welcomed back a wide range of former staff, with many having worked at the College for decades. Staff were treated to a tour led by College Archivist Shea Hollis (’01), where they could revisit their old offices and classrooms and check out all of the new spaces at the College. We were delighted to welcome back staff including Mr Alderman, Mr Blocksidge, Mr Burgess, Mr Clarembaux, Ms Davies, Ms Emes, Ms Gray, Mr and Mrs Harrild, Mrs and Mr Holmes, Mr and Mrs North, Mr Hunter, Mr Kitchingman, Mr Leang, Ms Lipton, Ms Pitcher, Mr Pratt, Mr Sharp and Mr Stanley. The Dunstonian community not just pupils, but all teaching and support staff too. All staff are invited to every Dunstonian event we host, so if there are staff members you would like to reconnect with please do let us know. If you are aware of any staff who aren’t in contact with us, please do encourage them to register at dunstonians.org.uk. For me, being able to express my deep gratitude to those people who really changed my life and made such an impact on me meant a lot and was very moving. It has been a true highlight of my role here as alumni officer. Although I think it will take me many more years until I could even consider using former staff’s first names! Babette Radclyffe Thomas, Dunstonian Officer w w w. s t dun s t a ns.o rg .uk

The Dunstonian Office

ODRFC Cornwall Tour Easter 2026 An intrepid party of 23 adventurous Dunstonians first headed west in search of rugby, fellowship and fun, back in 1927. Little did they know then what a fine tradition they were initiating. Down the years, we’ve enjoyed the hospitality of 11 Cornish clubs. But since 1976, our regular ports of call have been Penryn, Falmouth and Truro – three fixtures that are now virtually set in stone, being as cherished by our hosts as they are by ourselves. We’re immensely proud of the fact that of the dozens of clubs who, years ago, made the annual end-of-season pilgrimage, we stand alone, continuing what is now widely recognised as the longest annual touring tradition in the game. That we have done so is as much a tribute to the warmth and hospitality of our hosts, as to the character of the Dunstonians who have faithfully kept on touring. Here we reflect on 90 years of wonderful times shared in Cornwall. The club’s 90th Easter Tour was unanimously agreed to be a triumph in very respect. An unprecedented number of Dunstonians and friends gathered to look back on our many trips to Cornwall, laying the foundation for many more. Having the Colts, accompanied by an equally healthy number of supporters, with us only added to the renewed sense of energy and enthusiasm. Dunstonian Rugby Club

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The Dunstonian Office

Tim Allardyce ('98)Climbs Everest

In April 2026 I will travel to Nepal to attempt the summit of Mount Everest. Along the way I will also climb Island Peak, and if conditions allow after Everest I hope to continue on to the summit of Lhotse, the fourth highest mountain in the world. This expedition is a personal challenge, but it is also an opportunity to raise funds for a group of organisations that mean a great deal to me: The Osteopathic Foundation, St Dunstan's Education Foundation, Sherpa Team, Guy's and St. Thomas' Charity. This is a very tough challenge, and at first I only set my sights on summitting Ama Dablam, Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn, but after that, I knew Everest was possible with the right amount of preparation and very extensive training. The Osteopathic Foundation: I served on the board for eight years and saw first-hand the positive work they do for the osteopathic community. They fund important projects that advance the profession and provide education grants to students who are struggling with tuition fees, giving people a chance to pursue the career they are passionate about. St Dunstan's Education Foundation: Both of my former schools, St Dunstan's and St Christopher's, have shaped a huge part of my life. I am grateful for the education and support I received and want to help ensure the same opportunities for current and future students. Sherpa Team: The Sherpas are the unsung heroes of every Himalayan climb. Their skill, strength and commitment keep us safe. They fix ropes, carry loads and take on enormous risk to help climbers succeed. I will be supported by Gyalzen Sherpa, and I want to give something meaningful back to him and the wider Sherpa community, who rely heavily on tips and donations to support their families. Guy's and St Thomas' Charity: This hospital provided lifechanging care to Kay during her kidney transplant, and again supported us during the births of our children. They continue

to deliver outstanding care to thousands of families. I am raising funds in recognition and gratitude for everything they have done for us. Thank you for your support. It means more than you know and I look forward to taking you with me on this journey Tim Allardyce ('98)

Ahead of his Mount Everest summit attempt, Dunstonian Tim Allardyce ('98) led the Everest Challenge at his alma mater, St Christopher's The Hall (part of the St Dunstan’s Education Group), on 18 March 2026. Pupils, parents and staff collectively "climbed" the height of Mount Everest (8,848.86 metres) to raise funds for a new indoor traversing climbing wall. The event culminated with a summit party, which the Deputy Mayor of Bromley, Gemma Turrell attended. An incredible £13,500 was raised in total. At the time of going to print, we are delighted to share that Tim summitted Everest on 21 May. We will have much more detail in our Winter edition.

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Contents page, Chronicle, Michaelmas Term, 1926

Editorial & Design Team: Shea Hollis Anna Mackew Anna Mardling Martin Langthorne Jo Langthorne Thank you to all the members of staff who have generously contributed to The Chronicle 2026, sharing the achievements and highlights of the 25-26 Academic Year, protecting the memories for years to come. In the St Dunstan’s College Archive, we work to preserve and share the rich heritage of our College, including The Chronicle, which has been published continually since 1890, even through both World Wars. If you have any questions or would like to view any previous copies, do contact: archive@stdunstans.org.uk The Chronicle is also available in searchable online format on our Digital Archive at dunstonians.org.uk

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