College Life Summer 2025 by St Edmund's College and Prep

College Life

Cultural Diversity Day

Each year pupils and staff wear traditional dress, bring in food from their own cultures and become increasingly globally aware.

Enrichment Week

A look back at what pupils got up to as they learnt new skills, tried different foods, visited new places and even went on residential stays abroad.

An yearoutstanding of results

We are thrilled to celebrate an outstanding year of A Level results and our best ever GCSE results! - find out more inside.

Literary Week

We enjoyed a week of creativity and inspiration as a range of authors, poets and illustrators visited the Prep and College to work with pupils.

SUMMER 2025 THE NEWSLETTER OF ST EDMUND’S COLLEGE

A warm welcome to the latest edition of College Life.

Variety is the spice of life and the life of our pupils is certainly varied! What always strikes me whenever I read College Life – and this latest edition is no exception – is not simply the extraordinarily wide range of things our pupils get up to in general, but the variety of the activities and achievements by individual pupils. We have mathematicians who are also artists; sports men and women who are also musicians; CCF cadets who are altar servers – and every other combination one might imagine.

We are the only school in the world which combines High Performance Learning with Catholic Social Teaching and a philosophy which sees the co-curricular as of equal importance to the academic –because that is where personalities are formed, leadership is learned and pupils develop the character traits which will, in turn, contribute to their academic success.

Read all about it here in this issue of College Life!

Matthew Mostyn, Headmaster

Outstanding year of A Level results

We are thrilled to celebrate an outstanding year of A Level results, with the Class of 2025 delivering some of our best ever academic achievements. These exceptional results reflect the hard work, resilience, and high aspirations of our students, supported every step of the way by our dedicated teaching staff.

This year saw numerous individual A Level success stories.Among the highest achievers, Alex L secured 4 A* grades and a place at Cambridge University to read Natural Sciences, while Scarlett G achieved 3 A*. Two students gained places to read Medicine, including Jemima U, who along with Scarlett began her St Edmund’s journey in the Nursery 16 years ago – a true example of a lifelong Edmundian education. Congratulations also go to Tom C, Harvey K, Abisah P, Eva W, Emma D, Felix H, and Nikol H, who each achieved all A and A* grades.

We are equally proud of the many students whose determination and commitment, combined with the supportive, ambitious environment at St Edmund’s, ensured they achieved beyond expectations. As a World-Class High Performance Learning (HPL) school, our evidence-based teaching framework helps students develop Advanced Cognitive Performance characteristics alongside the values, attitudes and attributes that enable them to thrive academically and personally.

With our Catholic ethos and holistic education, we ensure that every pupil is encouraged to aim for the very best grades while developing the leadership, character, and soft skills needed for success at university, in the workplace and in life. This year’s university destinations include Cambridge, Durham, Warwick, King’s College London, Edinburgh and other prestigious Russell Group universities, as well as American universities such as the highly competitive Cornell University.

Our students will go on to read a diverse range of subjects including Law, Engineering, Medicine, International Relations, Natural Sciences and English Literature. In addition, some have secured competitive degree apprenticeships, such as with Amazon, showcasing the breadth of opportunities available to St Edmund’s leavers.

Headmaster Matthew Mostyn praised the achievements of the A Level Class of 2025. “We are absolutely thrilled with this year’s results. The determination, curiosity and resilience of our students have been outstanding, and it’s been a privilege to witness their growth during their time at St Edmund’s. They have set the bar high – not just academically, but in their values and aspirations. I’d like to offer my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated teaching staff, who consistently go above and beyond to bring out the best in each individual pupil. Praise is also due to the parents and guardians who have supported their children so wholeheartedly throughout the journey. This is a day of well-earned celebration and we look forward to watching our young people go on to make their mark on the world.”

At St Edmund’s College and Prep, we believe high performance is for everyone, and this year’s A Level results are a proud testament to that vision.

Introducing our Junior Marketing Assistant

Hi everyone!

I’m a pretty familiar face within the St Edmund’s College community, having only finished my A-levels in June this year! I just couldn’t stay away!

Having decided to take a year out before attending university next September, I was lucky enough to earn a role as a Junior Marketing Assistant at the College for a year.

The Michaelmas term is the busiest time of the year at St Ed’s and despite the hectic atmosphere - I’m loving it! It’s great to see fresh faces within the College and ones I’ve seen almost every day for the last seven years. The upcoming events have created such a positive buzz within the community, making my role even more enjoyable.

With only recently finishing A-Levels at the College, I’m in a position juxtaposed to the one I know all too well. I’m learning to adjust to being a staff member and really taking pleasure in forming stronger relationships with people old and new. I have managed to transfer a lot of the skills I gained as Head Girl into my role which is only making the transition smoother! I’m looking forward to the next year and what it holds for me.

Abisah Pwamang

Headmaster’s book

We would like to offer huge congratulations go to all of the students listed below who were invited to sign the Headmaster’s Book as recognition for their outstanding work during the Trinity term:

Sebastian C

Elisa C D

Isabelle L

Amelia J

Sofia K-D

Carmen Y D F

Laura K

Rowan H

Devon G

Mia Š

Yasmin W

Ben B

Adrian Y

Aidan C

Luna H

Cher L

Hugo B

Patrick M

Dizhan S

Cameron S

Tony T

Ellena K

Megan C

Sebastian L

Erin H-W

Maddy St

Catherine A

Robert R

Nikolozi T

Keso T

Giorgi K

Science Fair Project

Helping with boarding tours

English

Achieving Distinction in Grade 8 drums

Buntingford Live

Recent solos

French assessment

Physics

RE essay

The Rotary Young Musician competition

Physics

Delivering an assembly to fellow Rhetoricians

Physics

An English presentation

Spanish

A History essay competition

A DT Project

English

A Science presentation

A Science project

A Physics presentation

Achieving C1 English

A presentation about Georgia

An assembly about Georgia

JASS Awards – Pupils Learning Together Across the College

JASS (the Junior Awards Scheme for Schools) is a progressive learning programme for young people aimed at recognising a wider range of achievements, similar to the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

JASS develops the whole individual through recognition in four key areas - regular physical activity (Get Active, Stay Active), exploration of a personal interest (My Interests), involvement in the community or environment (Me and My World) and completing an outdoor adventure. The levels are designed so participants advance through them with increasing commitment, learning, and challenge.

Since January, several students from Rhetoric I have been mentoring a group of Year 5 pupils through the JASS programme. This partnership has been a wonderful opportunity for pupils of different age groups across

the College and Prep to interact, collaborate and learn from one another. The younger pupils benefited from the encouragement and guidance of their older peers, while the Rhetoric students enjoyed the chance to take on leadership roles and act as positive role models.

The year’s hard work came together in a celebratory event where each Prep pupil was awarded an individual certificate for their achievements. The JASS Awards not only recognised the dedication and growth of our Year 5 pupils but also celebrated the spirit of community that makes St Edmund’s so special.

Mixed Media Workshop

Pupils took part in engaging mixed media workshops, exploring a variety of traditional artistic techniques and materials. They experimented with combining paint, collage and other materials, allowing their creativity to flow freely and produce unique, expressive pieces.

During the final week of the year, as part of our annual Enrichment Week, pupils across all age groups had the opportunity to have fun, learn new skills, try different foods, visit new places and even go on residential stays in different countries.

This years’ Enrichment Week 2025 saw students learn how to teach English as a foreign language

and gain qualifications, which they can use after Rhetoric life.

The PE department helped students qualify as basketball coaches in their Level 1 Coaching Awards. There was also the opportunity to enjoy team building events, film school, and a huge number had the opportunity to go on trips abroad to Paris, Sorrento and Austria.

Enrichment Week exciting expedition

During Enrichment Week, our Duke of Edinburgh pupils took on an exciting expedition, putting their skills, teamwork and resilience to the test. These photos capture the determination and camaraderie displayed throughout the challenging journey, from

The workshops encouraged collaboration, experimentation and selfexpression, giving pupils the chance to develop new skills while enjoying a hands-on, inspiring artistic experience.

navigating the terrain to supporting one another along the way. Well done to all involved for completing such a rewarding and memorable experience, a true celebration of perseverance and adventure!

Foodie Fun!

Pupils had the best time, full of Foodie fun on our food trip during this year’s Enrichment Week.

The trip included everything from sushi making at Yo! Sushi, Chinese cooking in Enfield with the Mandarin Institute, followed by a Krispy Crème visit and a trip to London Borough Market!

Robyn (Food Science teacher) and Kirsty (Design Technology teacher) outdid themselves, putting everything into organising a fantastic fun packed trip for food lovers!

Austria trip...

A group of our pupils travelled to Austria’s beautiful Salzburger Sportwelt region for a week packed with adventure and discovery. Surrounded by stunning alpine scenery, the area provided the perfect setting for an action-filled itinerary.

Throughout the trip, pupils took part in a wide range of activities including paddle boarding, kayaking, canyoning and a high ropes course. They also enjoyed racing down a mountain toboggan run, splashing around at a water park and exploring the fascinating salt mines. A highlight for many was a visit to the historic city of Salzburg, where they had the chance to take in some of Austria's rich cultural heritage.

All activities were led by experienced instructors, ensuring every pupil could take part safely and confidently, regardless of previous experience. It was an exciting and rewarding week, filled with challenges, laughter and plenty of opportunities to try something new.

Religious Life

Altar Servers

As term draws to an end, Altar Servers who have completed a years’ service were awarded their “Servers Ties”.It is wonderful to watch the servers grow in confidence and also to see the older servers guiding those who are unsure.

Faith

in Action

The Lent term ended with our Tenebrae Service which reflected on Jesus final journey. This is one of the most reflective services in our year and appreciated by all involved.

At the start of the Trinity term all students sitting public exams were offered an exam prayer card to keep with them.

Rhetoric 2 had their Leavers’ Mass celebrating their time in the College and Fr Peter spoke about Catholic education, the centrality of the Eucharist, the place of the College in the life of the Church and urged them to continue to be inspired by these teachings as they leave the College. They were all given a copy of the History of the College signed by staff.

The Faith in Action Award continues to go from strength to strength. The group meet weekly to pray, reflect and live out their Faith. They have been involved in a huge range of activities, including organising activities for Red Wednesday and Holocaust memorial day, litter picking, reading in chapel and charity events. This year Liam and Zara achieved the Gold Award recognising 3 years commitment, Isla, Demi, Alice, Kamdi, Dubem and Kuda achieved the Silver Award and James and Joseph the Bronze Award, marking one year’s commitment to the award.

Co-curricular Week

During Co-curricular week some Rhetoric students volunteered at St Elizabeths which is a school and College for those with profound disabilities. They spent two days working in the gardens, weeding the vegetables, cleaning the Polytunnels and cutting back overgrown areas. On the third day they helped with sport and engaged with the students. It was extremely hot throughout our time there and the students were a real credit to St Edmund’s, embracing all tasks with good humour and commitment.

Cultural Diversity Day

On April 29th, the College celebrated our annual Cultural Diversity Day. Each year, pupils and staff wear traditional dress, bring in food from their own cultures and become increasingly globally aware.

The day is marked with dozens of activities in order to celebrate. Pupils are given the opportunity to take part in these activities, including Chinese calligraphy, bookmark-making, jasmine tea tasting, face painting and Djembe drumming.

It was a vibrant and enjoyable day across the school, marked with brilliant weather! The Elements year group took part in a scavenger hunt across the school with a cultural theme. Rhetoric students entered into a quiz competition against one another including categories such as flags, countries and cultural dishes. The day remains inaugural to the College and our community. Bring on next year!

Horseguards Parade...

This summer the College was represented at Horseguards' Parade at Whitehall.

Sergeant Leo C, one of our senior cadets, was selected from four hundred cadets who applied to represent the cadets nationally. They paraded alongside the Household Division in the Military Musical Spectacular, which takes place every July. Leo was among the twenty-five strong corps of drums accompanying the massed bands and pipes.

Medical Society

With the ever-growing interest from students to pursue a career in medicine, we recently sat down with Judith Marrinan, Medicine Advisor at St Ed’s, and student Ahana to find out what students can do to increase their chances of getting accepted onto a medicine programme.

Some of the key takeaways from their conversation were about A Levels and UCAT, what to consider as part of the application journey and where else students can find resources and support.

The MEDSoc community within St Ed’s meets regularly to support each other at various stages of the studying and application process, covering topics from course choices to co-curricular activities, and what students can do outside of the school environment such as reading, work experience and finding volunteering opportunities.

One key activity highlighted by Judith in their chat is the Medic Mentor event. This ‘Get Into Medicine’ conference is an ideal opportunity for students and parents of students who are considering a career in medicine, to find out what’s really needed to succeed. This free, virtual event offers the opportunity to hear from a variety of experts, including experienced doctors, providing the guidance and skills needed to confidently tackle the UCAT.

To find out more about this event please visit the Medic Mentor website at www.medicmentor.org

Music St Edmund’s... at

A note from the Director of Music

This has been a truly fantastic year for music at St Edmund’s, with over 25 concerts taking place across the calendar. From large-scale oratorios to intimate recitals, our pupils have risen to every challenge with passion, dedication, and flair.

We have seen tremendous growth not only in technical ability but also in musicianship, confidence, and creativity. There is so much to celebrate, and I am immensely proud of the way our students represent the College both on and off the stage. Many of us were bowled over by Cantores’ unforgettable singing on Speech Day - a moment that captured the spirit of what music here is all about.

I cannot wait to see how our young musicians continue to inspire us in the year ahead.

Bach’s St. Matthew Passion

Following the glorious production of Fiddler on the Roof, many of our pupils took part in a landmark performance of Bach’s monumental choral masterpiece at Royston Parish Church - St. John the Baptist. Pupils from both the Prep and College joined forces for a full performance of the St. Matthew Passion in its original German. Widely regarded as one of the greatest choral works ever written, the piece demands both technical mastery and deep emotional commitment.

Accompanied by a double orchestra, a choral society of 90 voices, and six exceptional soloists (including a singer previously featured on Gareth Malone’s BBC Messiah), the performance filled the church to capacity. Pupils from the Prep and Cantores led the Ripieno Choir with assurance, while Patrick M. and Isaac B. excelled in their roles as the High Priests.

Maytime Music –Buntingford Live Festival...

On a lively Friday evening, a packed church was treated to a remarkable concert from our pupils. The eclectic programme had something for everyone: movements from concertos and sonatas, choral works, music theatre numbers and spirited performances from the Jazz Band to close the night.

Headmaster, Matthew Mostyn, commented: "Music at St Edmund’s is particularly strong at the moment and we are blessed with some exceptionally talented musicians. It was lovely to see them perform to such a packed and appreciative audience on Friday. Being at the heart of this wonderful local community means a great deal to us, and having the opportunity to be a part of tremendous local initiatives such as Buntingford Live is a real joy."

Rush Hour Concerts...

Six Rush Hour Concerts this term alone have provided pupils with regular opportunities to share their music in an informal yet supportive setting.

These concerts have been a true highlight, featuring everything from delicate solo works to bold ensemble performances. Each event has demonstrated the breadth of talent within our school, while giving pupils the invaluable experience of performing regularly in front of an audience. For staff, parents and peers alike, they have been the perfect way to round off the day.

Tuesday Night is Music Night

After an incredibly busy Lent term, our musicians returned with renewed energy to deliver a vibrant and uplifting concert. The programme featured a dazzling mix of repertoire from all of our instrumental ensembles, alongside solos and duets. The sheer range of styles on display showcased the strength and variety of music-making at St Ed’s and left the audience uplifted.

A memorable trip to France

Pupils recently enjoyed a memorable trip to France, combining culture, history and handson experiences over three days.

The visit to EuroDisney offered a day of entertainment and wonder. Pupils explored the attractions, enjoyed the shows and had the chance to meet Disney characters. They experienced a range of rides and parades, making for a full and engaging day.

In Paris, pupils took part in an iconic landmarks tour. Guided visits included the Eiffel Tower,

Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum and Montmartre. They were able to appreciate the architecture and history of these famous sites while gaining insight into French art and culture.

A French baking and chocolate workshop provided a practical experience in French cuisine. Pupils worked with skilled chefs to prepare a variety of pastries and chocolates, developing practical skills and a deeper understanding of French culinary tradition.

The trip combined learning and experience in a way that was both enjoyable and educational.

Pupils returned with new skills, knowledge and memories from a varied and enriching visit to France.

Colour Run...

Our annual Colour Run brought the whole school together for a day filled with laughter, energy and plenty of colour! Pupils took on a fun obstacle course around the grounds, cheered on by friends, family and staff.

As well as being a fantastic community event, it was all in aid of charity.A huge well done to everyone who took part and helped make the day such a success! Over the course of the Lent and Trinity terms almost £13,000 was raised for charity!

Naples Trip 2025

After landing in Naples we headed for lunch, before going to Mount Vesuvius to hiketo the crater. It was a tiring hike in the heat, but the view from the top was breathtaking and worth every step. We were 1,170 metres above sea level and could see Pompeii.

On day two we did a ferry tour of the Isle of Capri. The tour guide was great and gave us an in-depth description of its geography and explained about the Faraglioni of Capri, which have been sculpted by marine erosion and wind. Unlike other islands in the Gulf of Naples, Capri is unique as it does not have a volcanic origin. We finished the day with a treasure hunt before heading back to Sorrento.

On our third day we went to seethe ruins of Pompeii which was a great privilege. We learnt that Roman men were on average just 1.65 meters tall and that the Romans invented pedestrian crossings! We also visited Herculaneum and learnt that the only difference between Pompeii and Herculaneum is that after the eruption of Vesuvius, Pompeii was buried by ash, while Herculaneum was covered by lava. This resulted in Herculaneum being much better preserved so we could easily detect the shapes of houses and buildings.

Our last day in Italy involved a pizza making session and learning all about making various styles of mozzarella (like bocconcini and stracciatella) at the Fondo Galatea Working Farm. Following that, we said goodbye to the stunning Mediterranean landscape before heading back home

Exhibition Day 2025 was a fantastic celebration of our pupils’ talents and achievements across the school. The day began with the prize-giving ceremony, recognising outstanding accomplishments in academics, sport, music and more. Pupils and families then enjoyed a drinks reception with the Headmaster and staff, before the main Exhibition Day events got underway.

With the sun shining, the day was filled with excitement and energy. Visitors enjoyed sporting displays, including a lively cricket match between students and teachers, musical performances from the rock band and other talented musicians and a spectacular CCF Corps of Drums display. Stalls, run by the Friends of St Edmund’s, offered fun activities, prizes and plenty of delicious food, while pupils volunteered throughout to help ensure everything ran smoothly. Funfair rides and games added to the festive atmosphere, making it a day full of laughter and celebration.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the day so special and to all the pupils who contributed. Exhibition Day continues to grow year on year and we can’t wait to make next year even bigger and better!

Once in a lifetime Trip to India

A group of Rhetoric 1 students made the annual trip to India in July 2025. After the 10-hour flight, Indian immigration and bus journey into the city, the group were straight into school visits going to Martin Luther English School in Bangalore. Although a fee-paying school, there were up to 40 students per class in a concrete building. The contrast with St Ed’s was obvious as there were no playing fields and all PE lessons take place in the car park.

Bishop Cotton’s Boys School, by contrast, had more playing fields although lacked grass making fielding in the outfield in cricket games somewhat dangerous. Later in the week, the group visited two much poorer schools in rural India. The students here were no less enthusiastic and took every opportunity to practise their English. The group served lunch to students at Gangasandra School in rural Karnataka and snacks to the students of Kanamanapalli School in rural Andhra Pradesh. The train journey and tuk-tuk ride to Kanamanapalli were definitely a highlight.

At the end of the week, we visited Bishop Cotton’s Girls School and the contrast with the boys school was huge. Whereas the boys were very bold and came up to us to talk, the girls hung back and seemed very reluctant to approach us. However, once those initial barriers had been broken, they were incredibly friendly and even did henna designs on hands for us.

We also took time to go sightseeing, visiting a number of temples, witnessing cars, tuk-tuks and motorcycles being blessed at the Ganesha Temple and spent a night in Mysore where we witnessed the Mysore Palace illuminations.

The honorary tour guide, Mr Mohana, had plenty of stories about Indian culture, wildlife and the daily life of ordinary people and kept everyone entertained. This once in a lifetime trip is recommended for all members of Rhetoric 1.

Highly commended

We are incredibly proud of our student, Nastja, who received a special award recognising her powerful work in helping others to better understand and empathise with refugees around the world.

Nastja spent the day with Dr Krish Kandiah and the Sanctuary Foundation team, engaging in meaningful conversations about compassion, belonging and shared humanity. The highlight of the day was receiving her certificate from Dame Sarah Mullally, the Bishop of London.

Nastja has also written and illustrated a book about her own experience of coming to England. If you are interested in purchasing a copy, please contact ppearce@stedmundscollege.org

Literary week

Best ever GCSE results TopPerformers

Following the success of A Level Results Day, we are proud to announce our best ever GCSE results.

This year, over a third of all GCSE grades awarded were at the highest levels of 8–9 (equivalent to the old A*), with exceptional individual achievements from pupils including Cosimo C, Megan C, Megan S, Jessica B and Amelia J, who all achieved top grades across every subject.

An impressive 20% of the year group secured an average GCSE grade of over 8, while many others celebrated results that exceeded their expectations. These outcomes reflect the hard work and determination of the pupils, and the commitment and care of their teachers and families.

Headmaster Matthew Mostyn congratulated the students on their remarkable success: “We are absolutely delighted with this year’s results, which are a testament to the pupils’ hard work and the support from our exceptional teaching staff, who consistently give generously of their time. Parents and guardians also deserve great credit for their unwavering encouragement throughout the GCSE journey. We now look forward to welcoming many of our pupils back into the Sixth Form, where they will build on this strong academic foundation. Through the College’s holistic approach and wide-ranging opportunities, they will continue to grow in resilience, leadership and intellectual confidence.”

St Edmund’s enjoyed a week of creativity and inspiration as a range of authors, poets and illustrators visited the Prep and College to work with pupils.

Illustrator Robyn Wilson encouraged Prep pupils to be playful and experimental in their artwork. She showed them how to use light, tone and the key components of a picture book to bring their ideas to life. Robyn also ran a session for Grammar pupils taking GCSE Art, guiding them in illustrating insects with dip pens. Pupils practised observation, attention to detail and creative problem solving, all key skills promoted through our High Performance Learning (HPL) approach.

In the College, Rhetoric English A Level and Syntax Drama pupils met author and scriptwriter Joseph Elliott. He talked about his career and current projects before leading workshops on scriptwriting. Pupils developed skills in planning, communication and creative thinking as they explored character, dialogue and story structure, demonstrating the HPL values of independent thought and resilience.

Poet Joshua Seigal delivered an energetic performance in the Stretch Tent that had pupils laughing, thinking and joining in. Poet Kayo Chingonyi met Syntax pupils to discuss poems from the GCSE syllabus. Pupils practised analysis, interpretation and reflective thinking while engaging directly with contemporary poetry, building both intellectual curiosity and confidence.

The week ended with an inspiring talk from author and mountaineer Matt Dickinson for the Gold Duke of Edinburgh cohort. He recounted his 1996 climb of Mount Everest and the lessons he learned from that challenging expedition. Pupils reflected on perseverance, teamwork and problem solving, seeing first-hand how these skills are essential both in extreme challenges and in learning.

Literary Week offered pupils a chance to meet creative professionals, develop practical skills and deepen their HPL capabilities. It was a week that inspired reading, writing, creativity and a love of learning.

College Sport

Play More, Play Better

The Trinity Term is always one of energy, sunshine, and competition - a time when the College’s sporting spirit shines brightest.

Despite the demands of public exams and revision schedules, St Edmund’s pupils once again showed that sport and study can complement each other, providing balance, discipline and focus. Whether sprinting down the track, driving up the fairway, or chasing victory on the cricket field, the message remained the same: stay active, stay connected, and play more, play better.

Athletics - Records Fall at Wodson Park

Girls’ FootballSkill, Teamwork, Determination

Girls’ football continued to grow in both participation and quality. Across all age groups, the girls played with enthusiasm, technical skill, and impressive resilience.

The athletics season was one of our most successful in recent years. With over a dozen meetings across the term, our athletes tested themselves against the best - and they rose to the challenge. At the District and County Championships, St Edmund’s was well represented across all age groups. Thomas R secured a bronze medal in the Intermediate Boys’ Discus, Aiden G placed third in the Junior Javelin, and Jemimah O took gold in the Minor Girls’ Shot Putt. KK O added to the medal tally with third in the 100m final, while Bradley M achieved a personal best of 11.79s to finish fourth in the Intermediate Boys’ 100m.

The English Schools Track+Field Competition has over 900 schools enter. This competition sees pupils having to do a combination of two events (Run+Jump, Run+Throw, Run+Relay) and aim to gain the most points with their performances. Our Junior Girls’ team progressed to the English Schools Track & Field Cup Regional Round, led by standout performances from KK O, Olivia B-S, and Temidre F-S, while both the Junior and Intermediate Boys also qualified for the regionals, a testament to the growing depth of athletics talent across the College.

The term reached its climax at Sports Day, held once again at Wodson Park in glorious sunshine, with huge crowds of pupils, staff and parents cheering on from the stands. It truly has become a highlight of the College calendar. New records were broken in both track and field, with Poynter House lifting the overall trophy after a fantastic display of competitiveness and house spirit.

The U15s enjoyed a thrilling 3-2 win against Queenswood in one of the matches of the season, showing great attacking intent and composure in possession. The U14s had a series of close games against Chigwell, each played with intensity and teamwork.

The U13 Girls impressed with their creativity and pace on the wings. Wins against Chigwell and Robert Bloomfield showcased their ability to link play through midfield and exploit space. Captained by Ellery, and with standout performances from Maddy, Sienna, and Fran, the squad showed strong tactical understanding and a real team bond.

The U12s made an excellent start to their football journey - full of spirit and developing confidence. A strong 1-0 victory over Queenswood highlighted their progress, with Eme U named Player of the Match for her persistence and finishing.

Golf

Calm, Composed, Competitive

The College golf squad enjoyed a productive term. With Ronnie S, Lewis AK and Marcus AK able to once again qualify for the ISGA final played at Slaley Hall golf course. The two day competition saw some magnificent golf and our team finished in the top 10, which is impressive.

Golf is a growing sport for the college with over 60 pupils utilising the Whitehills driving range during our co-curricular programme. Pupils competed at local courses and inter-school events, continuing to develop their course management and short-game skills. Several handicaps were lowered during the term, a testament to consistency and focus under pressure.

Tennis - Technique, Tenacity and Enjoyment

Tennis participation flourished across all year groups, with regular fixtures, training sessions and a focus on tactical awareness. Our senior squads competed admirably against local rivals, while the younger years showed promising technical development, particularly in doubles play.

For the U12 Girls, this was the first time seeing the players represent the College competitivelyand they did not disappoint. With plenty of match time available early in the term, it was fantastic to see their understanding and confidence grow throughout the fixture.There were some superb rallies, games won, and plenty of smiles across the courts - an afternoon that perfectly captured the enjoyment and energy of summer sport at St Edmund’s.

The hard work during morning and lunchtime practices paid off across the board, as rallies grew longer and match play sharper - reflecting the depth of tennis now being developed within the College.

Cricket A Season of Growth and Silverware...

The return of summer cricket brought with it some absolutely outstanding performances across the age groups. The U14s continued to build momentum, reaching the County Plate Final with a run of positive results. Led by Stanley C, Will B, and Rudy, the team played proactive, front-foot cricket with attacking intent and excellent teamwork in the field.

The U13s enjoyed a memorable season capped by victory at the Worsley Cup at Ampleforth College, Yorkshire. Over two sun-soaked days, the boys defeated Ampleforth and Durham before triumphing in the final to lift the trophy. Contributions came from across the squad, including Gregor C’s maiden half-century, tight bowling from Harry M and Josh P, and athletic fielding from Jamie S and Alfie L - a fine example of team spirit and resilience on tour.

The U12s showed great enthusiasm and depth, regularly fielding both A and B teams. Highlights included strong bowling from R Siegle in the County Plate, as the group gained valuable experience that will serve them well in the years ahead.

Coaching Pathways

During Enrichment Week, a number of our pupils took their first major step into the world of sports coaching - and what a week it was. Across campus and beyond, the energy was infectious as pupils immersed themselves in a series of official coaching courses designed to inspire the next generation of leaders in sport. From the Basketball Level 1 Coaching Award, where pupils learned to plan and deliver dynamic training sessions, to the FA’s Introduction to Football Coaching Programme, which built confidence in teaching skills and smallsided games, and the Rugby Level 1 Course, which encouraged tactical thinking and player-centred development, the enthusiasm was remarkable. By the end of the week, many had proudly achieved formal accreditation - a tangible reward for their effort and commitment. More importantly, they had taken their first stride on the coaching pathway, developing the communication, leadership, and analytical skills that will serve them for years to come, whether on the sideline, in the classroom, or in their future sporting careers.

A Fitting End to the Sporting Year

As another year of St Edmund’s sport drew to a close, the Trinity Term stood as a celebration of progress, participation, and pride. From the track at Wodson Park to the greens, courts, and fields across the region, pupils embodied the College’s sporting valuesShared Success, Enthusiasm, Communication, Standards, Pride, Ownership, Respect, and Teamwork.

The summer months may mark the end of the academic year, but for our athletes, it was just another step on the journey toward playing more, and playing better

An Unforgettable Experience for Year 8 at Silverstone Museum...

On a splendid sunny day, the Year 8 pupils from St Ed’s embarked on an exciting trip to the Silverstone Museum, the heart of British motorsport. This educational excursion promised not only fun but also an opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of racing and it certainly delivered!

The adventure began with a thrilling visit to the racetrack, where the pupils witnessed live Formula 4 training sessions featuring aspiring young drivers aged 14 and up. The roar of the engines and the sight of the nimble cars speeding around the track were exhilarating. The pupils watched intently as the young drivers honed their skills, experiencing firsthand the passion and dedication that goes into becoming a professional racer. Many pupils were inspired by the talent displayed and couldn't help but dream about their own futures in motorsport. After the training session, the group headed to the Silverstone Museum. The museum, a treasure trove of motorsport history, showcased iconic racing cars, memorabilia and interactive exhibits that

brought the story of racing to life. Pupils marveled at the classic cars on display, including legendary Formula 1 vehicles that have raced to victory on the iconic Silverstone circuit. Knowledgeable staff members guided the pupils through various exhibits, sharing fascinating anecdotes and facts about the evolution of motorsport. One of the highlights of the day was a talk delivered by industry experts. The pupils listened with rapt attention as the speakers discussed the intricacies of Formula 1 racing, from the technology behind the cars to the strategies employed by teams on race day. Topics included car design, aerodynamics and the importance of teamwork in achieving success on the track. The experts also shared behind-thescenes insights, captivating pupils with stories that sparked their interest.

After an action-packed morning, the pupils enjoyed a delightful packed lunch under the warm sun. Laughter and chatter filled the air as they shared stories about their favourite moments of the day so far. This break not only provided much-needed energy for the afternoon activities but also strengthened friendships among classmates.

Post-lunch, the pupils were eager to explore the gift shop. With a variety of souvenirs ranging from miniature cars to racing apparel, it was a treasure trove for motorsport enthusiasts. Many pupils found the perfect mementos to commemorate their day at Silverstone.

The day concluded with an exhilarating 4D movie experience that transported the pupils into the world of high-speed racing. The combination of stunning visuals, immersive sound and special effects made them feel as if they were part of the race itself. The wind in their hair and the rumble of cars roared all around them which made for a unique experience. Finally, a walking tour of the Silverstone grounds allowed pupils to soak in the beautiful

scenery and absorb the rich history of this iconic venue. The guide shared stories about memorable races, famous drivers and significant moments in motorsport history. The sunshine added to the experience, as pupils strolled through the picturesque landscape, reflecting on a day filled with learning and adventure.

As the school bus returned home, the Year 8 pupils were buzzing with excitement. Their visit was not just an educational trip but a gateway to inspiration and dreams. With memories of live racing, expert talks and thrilling experiences, it's safe to say that this day will become a cherished chapter in their school journey.

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