Issue 36 by TheStag.

THE STAG

Issue 36, Summer Term 2, 2026

College News:

Meet our new Heads of Schoolpg 3

57 years of Craig House - pg 4

Prefect Dinner - pg 6

The Dell Play: DNA - pg 7

The LAPD Program - pg 8

Art Dept Update - pg 9

College Charity Report - pg 10

National News:

The King’s Speech - pg 11

Sport:

Monaco Grand Prix - pg 12

Kim Antonelli - pg 14

Ball Crew - pg 16

Wimbledon 2026 - pg 17

College Tennis - pg 18

Culture:

Cannes Film Festival - pg 19

UK Summer Festivals - pg 20

House Reports:

Blackwater - pg 24

Craig - pg 26

Gonville - pg 27

Nugent - pg 29

Pennell - pg 30

Powell - pg 31

Reeves - pg 32

School - pg 33

Wargrave - pg 34

Watt - pg 35

This magazine is written for pupils by the pupils of Eastbourne College. It is not an official College publication and is not meant to be an accurate reflection of every activity or event across the College, nor (obviously) is every pupil mentioned. The magazine is for the Eastbourne College community only, so please do not send it on to friends or family. We hope you enjoy reading our magazine!

MEET OUR NEW HEADS OF SCHOOL

By Emma Valks

While we are in a period of study leave and examinations for our Upper Sixth, the College has appointed us as its new student leaders for the upcoming academic year. It is an absolute honour for us to take on these roles, and we are extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve a school that has supported and shaped us throughout our time here We are all looking forward to what the year ahead will bring and to contributing positively to school life and to each pupil’s individual experience of the College

This year ’ s Heads of School are Emma Valks and Alex Chapman, with Polly Hecks and Will Fellows appointed as Deputy Heads of School It will be a pleasure to work together as a team, alongside the prefects, staff, and the wider pupil body We would also like to extend our warmest congratulations to the newly appointed prefect team. We are excited to work with such a motivated and dedicated group, who will no doubt excel in their roles Their support will be invaluable in helping to maintain the happy, vibrant atmosphere that defines Eastbourne College, as well as in shaping school culture and ensuring that pupil voice remains at the heart of College life We hope that every pupil will feel able to approach us and the prefect team at any time

As the new Head of School team, our main aim is to champion inclusivity and continue building a school culture in which pupils feel comfortable interacting across genders, year-

groups, and houses We believe this is vital not only for strengthening our community but also for developing the confidence and social awareness that will serve pupils well beyond their time at the College Whether in the dining hall, around campus, or during school events, we want every pupil to feel welcome, supported, and part of the wider College family We are committed to building on the work of previous Head of School teams and to upholding the strong sense of community that makes Eastbourne College such a special place

It is a privilege to take on these positions of responsibility, and we are grateful that the school has placed its trust in us. With the passion and love for Eastbourne College that we all share, we know that working with staff and pupils over the next year will be an invaluable experience both in what we hope to give back and in what we hope to contribute to the lives of others

Thank you for your support Please do feel free to speak to any of us at any time; we are here to support every pupil in any way we can, and we are dedicated to fulfilling our roles with commitment and care We would also like to express our sincere thanks to Mr Lawson, Mr Symes, Mrs Taylor-Hall, and all the staff who work tirelessly to ensure that Eastbourne College continues to thrive and that every pupil has the opportunity to be happy and successful

57 YEARS OF CRAIG HOUSE

By Harry Jordan

As everyone will know, this summer term will be Craig House’s final term as a solo house, before next year ’ s merger with Wargrave. Therefore, we have decided to include a brief history of the house, including some stories of old house masters, events and pupils

Craig House was founded in 1969, named after David ‘Teddy’ Craig (pictured below), who had been a huge figure in College life for 17 years as the Housemaster of Powell, who sadly died at the age of 55 having just retired

David ‘Teddy’ Craig

The first housemaster of Craig was a man named Brian Prentis. Brian was a maths teacher and an incredibly talented sportsman He ran College hockey for twenty years, as well as playing a high level of cricket, scoring hundreds regularly for Eastbourne Cricket Club, and a fine century for the Royal Navy against Surrey. In order to help the house in its early stages, some

boys transferred from Nugent, and three boarder prefects moved across to become weekly boarders. Brian completed a four year spell as housemaster, followed by Phillip Le Brocq, a school legend After two years as housemaster, Phillip was replaced by Tony Friswell, who enjoyed his three years as housemaster so much that he named his highland cottage ‘Craig House’ During Tony’s time as housemaster, Mr Miller was a pupil in Craig House, having joined in 1971, before returning to the school to teach chemistry and take over the hockey from Brian Prentis

In January 1978, the head of rugby Robin Harrison took charge, before Nigel Wheeler became housemaster in 1986. Nigel Wheeler was another important figure of Eastbourne College as master in charge of cricket and now has the Wheeler Sports Scholarship in

his name. During his time as housemaster, Nigel added life and colour to Craig, starting the legendary CHAPS (Craig House Amateur Performers’ Society) which Craig performed for the final time this year Nigel’s love of fives rubbed off on many of his pupils, with seven Cronkites having won fives blues, including Mr Beal, who joined Craig in 1993. Nigel also gave the prep rooms their Shakespearian names, which are still used to this day.

Following Nigel’s tenure, the tradition of the orange shirt was introduced where the famous orange shirt is handed down through generations of Cronkites, most recently from Wilf Medlycott to me Matt Baines followed with a long spell as housemaster, ending in 2016, before Mr Torri took charge for two years

Mr Holgate followed, completing five years from 2018 to 2023, and will be remembered by all pupils for his famous one-liners, most notably “have a lantastic day” as he encouraged us all to look smart and presentable when leaving the house Mr Kuchta has been a pupil (he is in the house photo from 2005 at the bottom of the page), tutor and housemaster of Craig, and it is fitting that he is the last housemaster to wear the orange trousers All of the pupils are very grateful to how he has handled the merger, and for his leadership over the past three years

Mr Holgate will be remembered by all pupils for his famous oneliners, most notably “have a lantastic day”

Nigel Wheeler: A Short Farewell

Recently, I was lucky enough to hear from one of the longest standing housemasters, Nigel Wheeler (pictured top right), who was able to tell me a little bit more about his time as housemaster of Craig Nigel told me how it was his idea to produce a “flagpole and a Craig House flag”, which still hangs out of one of the prep rooms today It was also his initiative to make all performers in house concerts wear an orange and blue bow tie, and he was proud that all of his pupils could tie a bow tie whilst he was in charge I asked him what his favourite tradition was that he introduced, and he said that “CHAPS was probably my best ‘invention’”, but he was also proud of the “house play and concerts too”, some of them even taking place outside on the front steps of Craig An amusing story that he remembered was how one of these lunchtime concerts ended with “the old piano being blown up by our resident fireworks expert!”, showing the true Craig spirit!

What’s next?

As Craig House shuts down next year, 25 of our pupils will be moving to Wargrave House, to join Wargrave and Craig, as it will be known next year We are all very excited for this, if a little sad about leaving behind the house However, our new housemaster Mr Spiers is keen to take forward the history and culture of Craig, so that it is not forgotten

Nigel Wheeler

PREFECT DINNER

The evening started in the beautiful garden of Mr and Mrs Lawson with a glass of prosecco to celebrate the successful year the team of prefects had completed The girls were in long flowing summer dresses with a range of pastel colours, and the boys in very similar looking! smart suits We celebrated the end of our final year and discussed the nerves of our upcoming exam and plans for the approaching A–level summer.

Photos were taken and shared as we posed in groups, pairs, and finally as a team on the steps of the garden We were blessed with the warm weather and the sun shining.

The evening then continued into the living room of the house where name cards were set out on beautifully laid tables indicating where we were to sit for dinner Grace was said before we sat down to continue chatting and enjoy our meal We were topped up with wine or water while continuously exchanging stories and jokes, while being served a three course dinner that left everyone pleasurably stuffed The room was filled with smiles and laughter as we realised we were finally able to take a step back from our role as prefect and hand over to the Year 12s

By Apple Van Der Meer

After dinner was complete, Poppy and Rowan delivered a speech thanking the prefects for the hard work they have put in across the year Then the headmaster gave a toast, and his humorous words reminded us of the unique qualities of those in the team that made it work so well Finally, the evening ended with Emelia and Will presenting the prefect awards which were met with applause and laughter, followed by even more photos!

This final prefect dinner was the perfect way to celebrate the friendship, service and shared journey that brought us to the end of Year 13

THE DELL PLAY: DNA

The Dell Play, performed by the Year 12 drama scholars, will take place on the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of the last week of term.

This year ’ s play, DNA by Dennis Kelly, is a gripping and thought-provoking drama that focuses on a group of teenagers who find themselves in a situation that quickly spirals beyond their control which leads to their friend Adam’s presumed death. Instead of confessing, they orchestrate a manipulative cover-up in order to protect themselves

The play consists of varying themes such as right vs wrong, bullying, peer pressure and guilt Kelly puts the group under extreme pressure which causes the teenagers to overwhelmingly make immoral and selfish decisions Eventually, the group put themselves in the hands of quiet Phil to obtain a stranger’s DNA in order to suggest that Adam has been kidnapped Though this is a difficult path to take, it is easier than facing up to the emotional and legal ramifications of their actions

At the core of Kelly’s play is the destabilising effects of peer pressure and group thinking Throughout the play, Kelly examines a group of emotionally detached teens who coerce and threaten one another in times of panic and stress The overconfident leader of the group, John Tate, uses his dominance and superiority to conform and threaten those of his friends who are spiralling into anxiety

By Polly Hecks

This demonstrates how Kelly tries to show an environment revolving around fear, coercion and worry

While there are strong themes of guilt and panic over the course of the play, there is a deeper element to the play, one which questions truth and the nature of reality. Kelly seems to suggest that one ’ s experience of reality is something unique to the individual and is totally subjective and based on one ’ s perceptions of the truth.

Ultimately, the characters of DNA are forced to live with the crushing knowledge that the reality they are living in is a reality that they’ve created.

Please come and support the play and see the fate of Adam and his friends. Whether you ’ re interested in drama, psychology or simply a great play, this is a production you won’t want to miss Performances will take place on 22nd, 23rd and 24th of June

THE LAPD PROGRAM

The Leadership And Personal Development Program at the College is one of the most interesting fourth block choices that Eastbourne College offers The program is unique to the school and allows pupils to gain new practical skills and experiences outdoors while being different and separate from CCF and DofE.

In the LAPD, you learn detailed first aid procedures, navigation skills in all types of conditions, all of this culminating in the Lowland Leader Qualification and 8 UCAS points The course, run by Mr Dacey and Mr Fellows, gives students a unique mix of both military and teaching backgrounds to learn and draw from The course focuses heavily on developing young leaders and the skills required to lead and look after a group on

By Tom Robins

an expedition. I myself have found the course highly interesting and am very glad that I chose it for my fourth block. You get the chance to improve and develop your leadership skills in areas that might be outside your comfort zone.

The course also gives students a break from the classroom, as many LAPD lessons are spent outdoors, refining or practising skills as well as being an extracurricular activity that could be perfect for rounding out a CV or an application.

All in all, the LAPD is an interesting, useful and fun option for all those moving into the sixth form and is a great example of the variety and quality of options available at the College

ART DEPARTMENT UPDATE

By Sophia Pennington

The summer term has been a great one for our artists, with many inspirational workshops and the beginnings of the GCSE and A-level exhibition at the end of the year

Gold Arts Award pupils had the opportunity to work with artist, illustrator and designer, Claire Piper in a couple of inspiring art workshops Claire uses a range of media and a distinctive style, which greatly influenced the artists involved, learning some of her unique techniques She guided pupils through a a series of experimental mixed media, printmaking and acrylic layering and texture, focusing on neon and bright colours with a quite abstract style which everyone enjoyed!

The Casson Art School is busy organising and setting up the fantastic Visual Arts Show, which is an exhibition of art, photography and textiles GCSE, A-level and scholarship work for the end of this summer term This is a great opportunity for artists, parents and everyone a chance to celebrate their incredible work! Please do come along if you are interested as it is an open studio from 6-7.30 on Friday 12th June.

More great A5 pieces are being created for the Blue Sky Bursaries Art Auction, where they will be exhibited at the private view in the Birley Centre from Friday 12th June before the end of term online art auction

Well done to all art pupils for their admirable hard work this year. We are looking forward to another one next term!

CHARITY REPORT SUMMER TERM 2026

By Father Daniel

As the academic year draws to a close, there have still been a number of significant charity events In this period, Pennell House held a Golfathon raising a creditable £2357 for their chosen charity, Edukids (which works with children in Ukraine, who have been caught up in the conflict).

Meanwhile, Gonville held a 24hr sportathlon, with multiple sports participated in by house pupils This raised over £1300, bringing the total for this year so far to £1800 for the Beachy Head Chaplaincy. This contribution will literally save many lives as it supports the volunteers at this wonderful and important local charity

Also, worthy of mention, the College promoted fund-raising by a team of recent Old Eastbournians who ran the Da Nang Half Marathon, in Vietnam They were raising money and awareness for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease which effects the lungs and digestive system, and 11,000 people each year suffer from it in the UK

During the term pupils presented chapels on the work of Chaseley Trust, whose 80th anniversary occurs this year They also organised a lunchtime activity raising £180. Chaseley is an independent charity-owned care home providing specialist, complex nursing care for adults with a wide range of neurological and physical disabilities

In late May, the Music Department hosted the Big School Band Night where talented pupils in a number of rock and pop bands presented their cover-numbers and own compositions. Several hundred pounds was raised for the chapel charity, Matthew 25 Finally, we look forward with anticipation to the Bandstand Sessions on Eastbourne Front when more monies will be raised for St Wilfrid’s Hospice.

WHAT WAS INCLUDED IN THE KING’S SPEECH?

By Felix McAndrew

The King’s Speech is made at the start of every parliamentary term, and sets out the government’s plans and proposed legislation for the upcoming year It is part of the state opening of Parliament which happens in the House of Lords and is read out by the monarch, but written by the government

This year ’ s King’s Speech included major plans to do with schools, transport and the economy just to name a few. More than thirty proposed bills were announced to the public, which displayed the government’s priorities for this parliamentary session.

One major area that the speech focused on was education The government proposed the Education for All Bill, which will aim to improve the special educational needs and disabilities system in England There were also mentions of further investment in apprenticeships and reducing unemployment, especially for young people.

Transport and infrastructure was frequently mentioned in the speech, including investment in roads, railways and other major projects like Northern Powerhouse Rail for which the government has invested an estimated £45 billion. The government argued that improved transport could boost economic growth

Energy and the environment was also discussed. The planned Energy Independence Bill will aim to increase the amount of renewable and nuclear energy production in the UK, which could definitely improve our energy security and similarly reduce our dependence on international supplies

The speech also announced plans for digital identification and other changes to public services, including healthcare.

In summary, the King’s Speech provided a useful insight into the range of the government’s prioirities even though not all of these will necessarily happen.

A RACE WON BEFORE SUNDAY?

By Ivanna LopezFerreira

The Monaco Grand Prix is often described as the most historical GP of the calendar Held on the narrow streets of Monte Carlo, it is one of the most famous and prestigious races in motorsport, attracting celebrities, royalty and millions of viewers around the world Behind the glamour lies one of the toughest challenges of Formula 1 as the circuit is relentless and qualifying is crucial as it often decides the outcome of the race

Unlike modern circuits built specifically for racing, the Monaco Grand Prix follows a street circuit and it is incredibly tight and unforgiving Drivers must drive through famous corners such as Sainte Devote, Casino Square and the Fairmont Hairpin

(pictured below). Even a small mistake can make the end of the race for the drivers, making Monaco a true test of precision and concentration.

The unique nature of the circuit also makes qualifying more important than at almost any other race Overtaking opportunities are extremely limited due to the narrow track, meaning that starting position often determines the outcome of the Grand Prix. As a result, Saturday's qualifying session is frequently described as the most important of the entire Formula 1 season as positions during the race rarely change, meaning that the qualifying position usually dictates the outcome of the race

Heading into Monaco, all eyes will be on Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, who features as the subject of of our next article The 19year-old Italian arrives with four consecutive victories and a lead in the championship after a remarkable start to the 2026 season His winning streak has established him as a genuine title contender and one of the sport's brightest young stars.

However, despite Mercedes' dominance so far, Monaco could provide Ferrari with their best opportunity yet to challenge for victory. The circuit places far greater emphasis on performance during the corners and driver confidence than straightline speed This makes Ferrari the team to beat at Monaco as their performance is the best in these scenarios.

Ferrari currently has two of F1's biggest names: home favourite Charles Leclerc will be desperate to win in front of his local fans like he did in 2024, while seven time world champion Lewis Hamilton arrives in Monaco from his strongest Ferrari performance yet after finishing second in Canada. Both drivers will see Monaco as a golden opportunity to secure a crucial victory This is Ferrari's best chance yet as the drivers are great in tight corners and defending which is essential in a race like Monaco.

Another storyline to watch is Mercedes' engine situation. The team has had an outstanding performance during the start of the season from its new 2026 power unit, helping them remain unbeaten in races this season However, recent reliability issues, including George Russell's retirement in Canada due to a power unit failure, have raised some questions. In addition, Formula 1 has seen ongoing debate this season regarding engine regulations and possible rule changes, with Mercedes at the centre of several discussions While the Silver Arrows remain favourites, Monaco could provide an important test of both their pace and reliability

As Formula 1 heads to one of its most iconic venues, fans can expect a fascinating battle. Can Antonelli continue his incredible winning streak? Will Ferrari's cornering strength give Leclerc and Hamilton the edge? Whatever happens, Formula 1's most famous race is set to deliver another unforgettable weekend

KIMI ANTONELLITEENAGE SENSATION

By Mark McKie

If you had asked anyone back in January who their pick was for the World Champion in 2026, the name George Russell would have come up constantly Mercedes was tipped to have nailed the new regulations with the fastest car, and Russell had finished 2025 with his best year in F1 so far, with 2 wins and 9 podiums. There was little to no dispute of his favourite status.

On the other hand, his 19-year-old teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli had not received the same praise and expectation, having just completed a promising but mistake-prone rookie season, finishing the year with 3 podiums but a distant 169 points off Russell He was by no means the favourite, but 5 races into the season, after the Canadian Grand Prix, Antonelli is leading the Drivers’ Championship with 4 wins to his name, 131 points already, and a 43-point buffer to Russell This extraordinary turnaround from someone so young has shocked most, but if you look into his junior career and previous exploits, this shouldn’t be a surprise.

Who is he?

Antonelli was born in Bologna, Italy on the 25 August 2006, only a year older than some pupils at this school He started karting aged 7, th

and was selected for the Mercedes Junior program in April 2019, aged just 12. His junior career was nothing short of exceptional, winning 11 championships in different karting competitions between 2015-2021

Having gone above and beyond the potential Mercedes saw in him, he moved into cars. His success didn’t stop, winning 5 single-seater championships between 2022-2023 In 2024, he took the leap up to Formula 2, skipping Formula 3 entirely, something almost unheard of for junior drivers. The large step up proved to be challenging, but Antonelli finished in a respectable 6 place, with 2 wins to his name and comprehensively beating his teammate Oliver Bearman, who is now also in F1 2024 was also the year he got his first chance in F1 machinery, first at a private test in Austria, before making his official F1 debut at the Italian Grand Prix in first practice During that practice session he showed immediate speed, but unfortunately crashed, cutting his session short Mercedes Team boss Toto Wolff quickly came to his defence, saying:

"We'd rather have a problem in slowing him down than making him faster”

and that "we're investing in his future and these moments, they will happen", showing the faith the team had in him That very same weekend, at aged just 17, Antonelli was announced as a Mercedes F1 driver for 2025, replacing Ferraribound Lewis Hamilton.

So how is it going?

Antonelli faced much doubt ahead of his debut in 2025 Due to his age and lack of experience, many questioned whether he was ready to perform in a top team like Mercedes Although his 2025 had plenty of mistakes and bad luck, with a torrid European leg full of DNFs and poor results, he had several highlights, proving the speed from his junior career had not gone away These highlights included his first ever race where he went from 16 all the way to 4 , sprint pole position in Miami, 3 place in Canada, 2 place in Brazil, 3 place in Las Vegas, and plenty more points finishes This takes us to this season, where having won 4 out of the first 5 races, Antonelli has a significant lead, and, although there’s a long season ahead and only time will tell whether he can keep his form, he is a firm favourite for the Championship now If he were to win, he would be the youngest World Champion ever, making this all the more significant He has already broken many records, a few of which are listed to the right. The future looks bright for Antonelli, and I look forward to see how he progresses

Most Notable Records

1.Youngest polesitter ever

2.Youngest championship leader ever

3.Youngest race leader ever

4.Youngest fastest-lap setter ever

5.Youngest winner from pole

6.Youngest driver to score a hat-trick

7.Most points by a rookie in a full F1 season

8.Youngest pole winner in any F1 format

9 First driver ever to convert his first three poles into victories

BEING IN THE BALL CREW

A tennis tournament might appear to revolve around the players, the umpires and the crowd but behind every smooth rally is a team who work almost invisibly: the ball crew

The ball crew makes sure that the balls are collected instantly and new ones are delivered at the right time This helps the players to not lose their rhythm For professional players even a tiny lapse in concentration can cost a set

To avoid any distraction each member of the ball crew has to have strict and precise training. Pupils from the College have had the chance to try out to become part of the yearly ball crew team for the Eastbourne Open 2026 This year we had many applications from Yr 9 up to Yr 13 and now around 30 pupils are part of the team, so well done to those who have been selected

Every Wednesday, we have a training session where we practise the essential teamwork skills, tie breaks and the important ball collection This all teaches the crew to react instantly and to stay completely aware of everything happening on the court

On each court there is a team of six people and each one of them has an important role. From collecting balls at the net and helping players during their breaks to standing

By Sophie Bornhauser

behind the baseline and handing balls over with perfect timing, every member of the ball crew contributes to the seamless teamwork that makes the tournament run brilliantly year after year

As ball crew, you ’ re not just watching tennis as a visitor, you ’ re on the court meters away from top players You see the speed, the emotion, the intensity and the atmosphere in a way spectators never can.

Eastbourne College has a long standing partnership with the Eastbourne Open and it has been a pleasure to work with them We are privileged to have the opportunity being the yearly team because every year several schools in the area apply to become the new ball crew but Ms James, the head of ball crew, is always very pleased with the performance of our pupils so we hope to perform our best again this year A big thank you also to Ms Davies for organising everything and keeping us all on track throughout the preparation and the tournament.

You see the speed, the emotion, the intensity and the atmosphere in a way spectators never can

The tournament starts in three weeks’ time, so we wish all the ball crew members good luck and lots of success

WIMBLEDON 2026

On the 29th of June 2026 the eyes of the tennis world will once again turn to southwest London as Wimbledon gets underway. First played in 1877, it is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and is widely regarded as the most prestigious title in the sport.

Held over two weeks at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon is one of tennis' four Grand Slam tournaments alongside the Australian Open, French Open and US Open What makes Wimbledon unique is its grass courts, the only Grand Slam still played on the surface The faster conditions often produce exciting matches and reward players who can adapt quickly.

The tournament begins with a knockout format featuring 128 players in both the men's and women's singles draws Players must win seven matches to become the champion Alongside the singles events, Wimbledon also hosts doubles, mixed doubles, junior competitions and wheelchair tournaments, making it one of the biggest events in world sport.

This year's championship is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of spectators through the gates while millions more will watch around the globe Wimbledon remains one of the most watched sporting events of the year. Its traditions, history and iconic venues make it popular far beyond the world of tennis

Several players will arrive at Wimbledon hoping to make history In the men's draw,

By Alfie Eastall

world number one Jannik Sinner will be among the favourites as he looks to defend his title and continue his rise at the top of the sport. Novak Djokovic cannot be overlooked either as he continues to chase more Grand Slam titles and add to his remarkable legacy. With Carlos Alcaraz ruled out through injury, the men's competition has become far more open than many expected

The women's competition looks equally competitive Aryna Sabalenka will be looking to add another major title to her collection while Coco Gauff continues to establish herself among the very best players in the world Iga Swiatek will also be aiming to prove herself on grass and add Wimbledon to her growing list of achievements

There is also a great deal at stake financially. Wimbledon continues to offer one of the largest prize funds in tennis, with players competing for millions of pounds in prize money. Beyond the financial rewards, ranking points and Grand Slam success can define careers, helping players climb the world rankings and cement their place among the sport's elite

As the tournament approaches anticipation continues to build. Established champions will be looking to strengthen their legacies while younger players hope to announce themselves on one of the biggest stages in sport For two weeks Centre Court will once again become the focus of the tennis world as Wimbledon returns for another chapter in its long and distinguished history

TENNIS AT EASTBOURNE COLLEGE

By Ivanna LopezFerreira

This term has been an exciting and highly successful one for College tennis, with both the girls’ and boys’ teams producing impressive performances across a range of fixtures and competitions. The standard of tennis on display throughout the season has reflected the dedication, hard work, and enthusiasm shown by all players during training and matches

A standout achievement was winning the 18U girls Independent Schools County Championships, held at Christ’s Hospital, where the girls 1st team (Ivanna Lopez, Katie Rennie, Myeisha Eagles, Emma Valks, Sophie Bornhauser) competed brilliantly throughout the event. This achievement is a fantastic accomplishment and a reflection of the strength within the College’s tennis programme

The girls’ team also enjoyed a strong run of results in friendly fixtures. Eastbourne College hosted Brighton College in a home match, securing a convincing 8–1 victory through excellent teamwork and confident performances across all pairings The team continued their excellent form against Sevenoaks School with an impressive 7–2 win. Particular praise must go to first pair Ivanna Lopez and Katie Rennie, who won all of their matches without dropping a single game, demonstrating exceptional teamwork, consistency, and composure under pressure.

The boys’ team faced a challenging match against Sevenoaks, eventually losing 6–2, but showed great determination and resilience throughout the fixture Despite the result, there were many competitive matches and valuable

performances that will help the team continue to improve as the season progresses

Against Hurstpierpoint College, both teams delivered excellent performances. The girls secured a narrow but well-deserved 5–4 victory in a closely contested match, while the boys produced an impressive 8–1 win with several dominant displays

Another highlight of the season was the annual Eastbourne College vs Christ’s Hospital mixed doubles event, where Eastbourne College were crowned champions after a series of superb performances from all pairings First pair Brooke Haycock and Ivanna Lopez won all of their matches without dropping a game. Second pair Myeisha Eagles and Dan Careo had great performances throughout leading to them winning all their matches

Overall, the season has showcased the strength, commitment, and talent within College tennis Congratulations to all players involved for representing the College with such determination, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the term.

CANNES FILM FESTIVAL

The Cannes Film Festival is the home of avant-garde cinematography It is something many of us will have heard of but few will know that its origins are steeped in wanting to avoid politics. Films at the time were very much influenced by the strain of the political pressure at the time and the founders wanted to switch film making to solely the artistic judgement in the 1930s

Cannes has all the trappings of a traditional glitzy and glamourous film event Held in France once a year, it is the largest international showcase of cinematic art It is a way of yet-to-be-discovered filmmakers gaining recognition and public attention and has launched the careers of very successful film directors such as Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs) and Steven Soderbergh (Ocean’s Eleven). Stars line up on the red carpet with photographers snapping away at every turn

Although anyone can submit a film, entries to the Cannes film festival are governed by certain rules These stipulate that the film must have been produced during the last 12 months leading up to the festival and the film must have been released ‘theatrically’ in France. Short films cannot run for longer than fifteen minutes Provided these guidelines are adhered to, every submission has the chance to be viewed by the industry representatives

By Isla Heath

A film festival on a huge scale, over 80,000 film and movie representatives attend the event and 4,000 journalists with over 2,000 films entering the festival

The international feel of Cannes, as well as values that demonstrate an independence from state control and celebrating extreme creativity, mean that the films that often do well are those first-time films that use experimental techniques and progressive trends The films often advocate controversial or challenging themes.

This tradition of uninhibited creativity dates back to the dissatisfaction with the Venice Film Festival in 1938, when Hitler’s Germany and Mussolini’s Italy were seen as influencing award decisions The founders wanted a festival that was judged alone on artistic merit

These core values at the heart of the Cannes Film Festival mean that it is always a highly entertaining and colourful annual event showcasing some remarkable efforts from new and upcoming film makers

BEST UK FESTIVALS THIS SUMMER

By Nancy Brown

Festival season in the UK isn’t just about the music: it’s a full experience! From muddy wellies to massive crowd singalongs and inevitably overpriced late night food choices, festivals have become a huge part of British summer culture Whether you're after huge headliners, DJ driven sets or something more family friendly, there’s a festival that fits your style

Below are some of the biggest and most iconic festivals in the UK From giants like Glastonbury and Reading & Leeds to more curated events such as All Points East, here is why they deserve a place in your summer schedule!

Boardmasters

Boardmasters takes place at Watergate Bay in Newquay, Cornwall between the 5th and 9th August. This year, notable performances are from Fatboy Slim (headlining on Friday) Kasabian, Loyle Carner and The Kooks. This festival is particularly unique as it is set on the beach so during the day you can escape from the campsite and head out to the beach or go into the local town of Newquay

Reading / Leeds

This year, Reading & Leeds returns over the bank holiday weekend, 27th- 30th August 2026 with a stacked line-up Charli XCX, Dave, Chase & Status, Florence + the Machine and Fontaines D.C. are all confirmed as headliners, making it one of the most diverse and exciting line-ups the festival has seen in years With honourable mentions to Sombr, Skepta, Chris Stussy and Skye Newman. With multiple stages, huge crowds and a mix of genres, it’s one of the UK’s most famous summer events.

Creamfields

Creamfields is the UK’s biggest and most iconic electronic dance music festival, held every August Bank Holiday in Daresbury, Cheshire. It attracts the biggest DJs on the planet, Calvin Harris, Swedish House Mafia and Tiësto, to name a few. The crowds are known for being high energy, the sound systems are huge, and the atmosphere is very much like rave culture. It’s a go-to festival if you want a weekend dominated by EDM, house, techno and drum & bass.

Glastonbury

Glastonbury isn’t just one of the most iconic festivals in the UK, but in the world Although this year the festival isn’t taking place as it’s a fallow year (to allow the farmland and community to recover), it still deserves a place on this list as it is one of the most notable festivals in the world It’s held at Worthy Farm in Somerset, with over 100

stages, secret areas and surprise sets. Headliners span every genre with some of the most notable performances over the last ten years going to Coldplay, Kanye West and Radiohead However, a downside is that tickets are incredibly hard to get and sell out within minutes, but the experience is one in a lifetime

All Points East

Held in London’s Victoria Park, All Points East offers a more curated festival experience Each day has its own headliner and theme, making it perfect for people who want a festival atmosphere without committing to a full weekend of camping. It’s known for strong indie, electronic and alternative line-ups This year, headliners include Tyler the Creator, Lorde and Twenty-One Pilots

ALTERNATIVE SUMMER HOLIDAYS

By Ede Edwards

It is very well preserved, and has museums dedicated to the town’s traditional textiles This is a great way to explore what Italy has to offer and its history without other tourists floating around.

In Portugal, the Azores is a nine-island volcanic archipelago, formed by the junction of North America, Eurasian and Nubian tectonic plates. Mainly known for its dramatic crater lakes, thermal springs and steep coastal cliffs, the island remains seismically active The most notable volcanic sites are divided into three groups: the Western, Central and Eastern. São Miguel, in the Eastern group, is the most active island which has ongoing geological activity The highest peak reaches 2,351 metres (7,713ft), located on Pico Island in the Central group and is Portugal’s highest mountain The archipelago is considered a ‘ green ’ destination and is recognised for its commitment to sustainable tourism

The Dalmatian Coast is a beautiful region in Croatia with crystal clear waters, historic walled cities and hundreds of islands The Mediterranean beach combined with the deep Roman and Venetian history makes for the perfect unusual getaway. Hvar is their sunniest island known for its lively nightlife and yacht culture

WHAT TO WEAR THIS SUMMER

By Valerie Law

Among the most unexpected trends of the season is undoubtedly the wedge sandal No longer heavy and clunky like before, wedge sandals have evolved into elegant shoes with sophisticated silhouettes, shiny textures, and delicate embellishments. Wedge sandals combine the ease of flats with the added height of heels. When worn with wide-legged pants, short shorts, or skirts, wedges are a perfect choice for summer

An all-white look is becoming increasingly fashionable in the current season. From dresses, big shirts, to suits, as well as summer outfits, wearing clothes in shades of white immediately creates an air of elegance and is convenient during warmer weather. Texturing will make the all-white look appear modern The use of linen, cotton, crochet, and sheer materials will add texture

The tailoring industry has become more inclined towards developing comfortable designs in recent times. Lighter blazers, oversized shirts, and more flexible trousers have replaced hard and stiff designs, which now create a style that oozes sophistication without putting any effort into it Another popular trend in today’s fashion industry has been the incorporation of utilities into garments. This means incorporating useful pockets and materials, along with other functional details Neutrals are still important but for summer 2026 there are more colourful options. Colour blocking, pastel colours, and bright colours will make their way on dresses, suiting, and accessories. Blues, lavenders, pinks, and vibrant accents create a lively feeling to any simple look.

This trend invites you to be creative, whether it is one standout item or even colourful elements in a neutral setting

The most defining trend perhaps would be practicality Fashion experts are encouraging fashionistas to embrace outfits whose styles are very easy to replicate without much effort and thinking when dressing up These include oversized shirt and shorts, loose skirts and snug tops, loose linen pants with simple tank tops, and stylish sets with no accessories at all Trends seem less important nowadays than outfits that work again and again

The one thing that ties all of this year ’ s fashion trends together is a theme of ease and elegance With the use of airy textiles, sportier styles, matching looks, and contemporary tailoring, this year ’ s trends revolve around clothes that not only look good but also feel great. For summer 2026, it’s all about finetuning personal style

BLACKWATER HOUSE REPORT

By Emma Valks

It has been another action packed start to the summer term for the girls in Blackwater House Firstly, we would like to congratulate our Year 12 pupils who were given roles of responsibility at the end of last term. We are delighted to have Rosie Hill named as our new Head of House, and we are sure she will do an excellent job, supported by Ava Ripley and Rosie Dale as the Deputy Heads of House. More congratulations go to Emma Valks for being appointed as Head of School, and to Olivia Newbigging in her role as a School Prefect All the girls in Year 12 have a role to play in house, and we look forward to supporting everyone to keep it the happy place it continues to be

At this stressful time of public examinations for the girls in Years 11 and 13, we wish them all the absolute best for their exams and know that they are all doing their very best They will no doubt make Blackwater proud, and we wish them every success

Well done to all the girls who took part in House Tennis There were some great results and excellent matches, placing us high in all of the competitions, including 2nd place for the Seniors. Thank you to the girls for always putting their all into house events; it truly reflects what Blackwater is all about, and we love to see the whole house immersing themselves in everyday school life

At the end of last term, Rosie Dale, Hermione Compton and Sophie Benson all completed their devising piece for their Drama A-level production Having watched it myself, I can most definitely say that the girls were nothing short of exceptional They showed a true awareness of key societal issues today, with impressive professionalism and maturity We also wish these girls good luck in the Dell Play at the end of term, which is set to be a great production.

In other news, thank you to Eva McKee for stepping forward to be our representative for the Wellbeing Whizzkids As always, we are delighted to have so many talented individuals in the house, and we congratulate Katie Rennie for her continued football success with Brighton Football Academy, as well as her recent selection for a Lionesses camp Well done to Lucy McDonald for her netball representing London Pulse, and to Connie Ash for playing up an age group at her club. Georgie Pedley continues to represent at a high level for women ’ s cricket, recently making the squad for Sussex Women’s fixtures as well as playing regionally for the Southern Vipers A well done also goes to Belle Gorrill and Ella Helm for a strong season with Sussex U16 Hockey, and to Emma Valks for captaining the Sussex U18 team. The tennis team Katie Rennie, Ivanna Lopez and Emma Valks

were delighted to bring home the Sussex Shield last term, and they look forward to more match opportunities this half‑term Finally, good luck to all the girls taking part in ball crew this year; it will be a wonderful experience for you all.

We said a saddening goodbye to our Year 13s in their leavers’ service, and, although we will still see them on Sports Day and Speech Day, we want to thank them for everything they have given to Blackwater In particular, a huge thank you to Olivia Wilson, who has been the most incredible Head of House and someone everyone looks up to Good luck to all of the Year 13s in their exams and in life after the College

I hope all of the Blackwater community have a great summer term and a well deserved, restful holiday when it comes.

CRAIG HOUSE REPORT

By Harry Jordan

Craig has been busy with action yet again, as pupils look to make the most of the final few weeks of the year. With exams for Year 11s and 13s in full flow now, it has been strangely quiet with just the Year 10s and 12s in Craig at the moment However, it has provided a great opportunity for different faces to show their skills around the house. The heads of school and prefect team were announced midway through last half term, and congratulations to Harry and Henry for being made head of Wargrave and Craig and a school prefect respectively. Thank you as well to Jack for stepping up to be next year ’ s Wellbeing Wizz kid, following on from Tommy and Ollie B last year GCSEs and A-levels are all going well, and good luck to the rest of the house who will be taking their end of year exams over the coming weeks.

There has been a lot of sporting success across all year groups in the house so far this term. The Kirtley brothers have captained the 1st XI and U15A cricket teams to some excellent results so far this term and well done to all of the Craig pupils who have represented the school on the cricket pitch. However, soon all eyes will turn to the most important and anticipated fixture of the year. The orange stripes will be making their last outing for the traditional Craig House Cricket on Friday, and I am sure that it will be a great success, like it has been for so many years So far, we have had over 25 boys signing up to play with more to come, showing Craig’s spirit and passion that is so often represented in this event. Hopefully, there will be a decent crowd coming down to support this event, for what will really be Craig’s finale as a house.

Writing Craig’s final report was definitely not something that I envisaged myself doing when I joined the house back in Year 9, but it has been a pleasure and an honour to write for Craig in it’s final year, and I look forward to seeing how well the house will do when merged with Wargrave next year.

GONVILLE HOUSE REPORT

The boys in Gonville House have continued the summer term while being full of energy and readiness to perform and compete.

Gonville secured a great win in the senior house tennis along with the junior teams also competing well In school athletics there has been huge Gonvillian representation as well as a great number of medals and accolades In the Diamond League huge congratulations to Lem Msonthi for taking bronze in the discus, Jude Letcher for getting silver in the 300m and high jump along with Zach Hitchins who won gold in the 200m! Jude and Zach are also heading to the Sussex Champs in order to compete further! The house couldn’t be more proud.

In the recent Big School Band Night three Gonvillians helped steal the show. The musical talent of Ferran Windfuhr, Sam Lee and Hamilton Cridge was enjoyed by all and we are sad to hear that that was Ferran’s last time performing at the school, the last one was a good one! Sam Lee’s musical talent will also be missed as he leaves the school along with the rest of the Year 13s at the end of this term

The house is preparing to say goodbye to its leavers as Year 13 and Year 11 go on study leave. It’s always sad to see them go but we are happy they were here in the first place

By Tom Robins

Taking up the mantle of the leadership in Gonville is the new team consisting of Head of House Tom Robins, Deputy Head of House Connor Morrell, Head of School Alex Chapman, School Prefect Seanan Wong and the House Prefects Lem Msonthi and Ian Wong

Since this is the last house report of the year, we are proud to reflect on the year and say Gonville have had a great time and are looking onwards and upwards as we move into the 2026 Michaelmas Term and we prepare to welcome ou members

NUGENT HOUSE REPORT

After a restful half term, everyone in Nugent is ready to tackle the last half of term of the school year First and foremost, I would like to congratulate Myeisha Eagles on becoming the new Head of House and we are sure that you’ll do an amazing job. A further congratulations to Mabli PriceDeSousa on becoming Deputy Head of House. Both girls also were picked as school prefects This reflects their hard work and great attitude and we know that you’ll make Nugent proud

We are currently in the mist of exam season, Year 13 and 11 have been working so incredibly hard for their exams in and out of house, and we wish you all the best of luck! We are sure your hard work will pay off and that you will have a fantastic summer.

A particular special mention to the Nugent House Tennis Team who came out victorious in the senior competition This is a massive achievement as we are not one of the biggest houses However, your determination and competitiveness pulled through and helped secure us the win

One of the most memorable moments this term was our house barbecue evening It gave everyone a chance to unwind together away from the usual school routine The girls and staff had a wonderful time enjoying delicious food and great company.

By Nancy Brown

Gatherings like this continue to bring the house closer and are always something everyone gets excited about, which was a lovely way to end the term.

The whole house is already looking forward to upcoming Sports Day and Speech Day, as well as the chance to enjoy a well deserved summer holiday.

PENNELL HOUSE REPORT

The boys in Pennell have returned from half term refreshed and ready for a busy second half of the summer term

Before the break we took part in house tennis. There was strong spirit throughout the competition, with boys representing the house across all year groups The matches were competitive and closely contested and Pennell finished in a respectable fourth place overall. The boys showed plenty of determination and sportsmanship throughout the event making it an enjoyable afternoon for everyone involved.

Another highlight of the term was the dinner barbecue It provided a great opportunity for the house to come together outside of the usual school routine. The evening was thoroughly enjoyed by the boys and staff alike with plenty of good food, conversation and a buzzing atmosphere Events such as these continue to strengthen the sense of community within the house and are always looked forward to.

The house has maintained a positive atmosphere throughout the term, with strong involvement in activities and a clear sense of togetherness across all year groups It has been encouraging to see boys supporting one another both inside and outside of competitions.

By Alfie Eastall

Looking ahead, there is still plenty to be excited about. House cricket is just around the corner and will provide another chance for the boys to represent Pennell and compete for valuable house points Sports Day is also fast approaching and always brings plenty of excitement, competition and house spirit

The term will then conclude with Speech Day, one of the most important occasions in the College calendar It is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of pupils throughout the year and recognise those who have excelled academically, in sport and in the wider life of the College.

The summer term has already provided some memorable moments and with several major events still to come, the boys in Pennell have plenty to look forward to in the weeks ahead

POWELL HOUSE REPORT

As we approach the end of the year, Powellians in Years 11 and 13 have continued to work hard through their public exams whilst the rest of us gear up for our end of year exams

A big well done goes to Caleb Pout, Zach Perry, Dmitry Bikov and Dylan Fry for their brilliant performances in the recent informal concert. Caleb and Dylan sang; Dmitry played the marimba and Zach played piano and sang an original song.

Big School Band Night saw many Powellians performing in multiple bands, with the house band (aka POW!) playing Just the Way You Are by Billy Joel.

Powell have continued to support Dylan Fry in his performing at the Glyndebourne opera Dylan has done three performances so far with many more to come.

Within athletics, congratulations to Oliver Twyning for winning gold in shot putt and well done to Josh Phillips for winning silver in the 100 and 200 metre sprints, as well as Chris Sengupta, who won silver in the 800 metre races

As the days continue to become warmer, Powell is looking forward to the exciting final weeks of the year and a well deserved rest over the summer

By Charlie Hawkins

REEVES HOUSE REPORT

All the boys in Reeves House enjoyed the half-term, and hopefully those in major exams have ensured they are well prepared. We wish luck to all those taking the second half of their GCSEs and A-levels, and good luck to our Year 9s, 10s, and 12s who are all taking their end-of-year exams At the end of the last half-term, the boys competed in the House Tennis Competition, where everyone enjoyed themselves and made the house proud. Well done also to all the Reeves boys who took part in the Big School Band Night; it was a lovely evening with lots of talent on display

We would like to congratulate our new Head and Deputy Heads of House, Elliot H, as our new Head, and Hector L, Felix M, Mark M, and Louis P as our Deputies We’d also like to congratulate Elliot, Hector, and Felix for becoming School Prefects We thank all the Year 13s, both in leadership positions and not, for their dedication to

By Mark McKie

SCHOOL HOUSE REPORT

The weather has been getting warmer which means it’s almost the end of term! We wish all the School House girls sitting exams the best of luck, whether if they are the end of year exams, A-levels or GCSEs. All the girls have been working hard studying for their exams and we are so proud of what they have achieved this year!

Congratulations to our new Head of House Milly Duffiliova and our Deputies Bella Hodges and Darcy Hogg. We also congratulate Darcy for becoming a prefect and Polly Hecks for being Deputy Head of School! We would all like to thank Sasa Duffilova for her incredible hard work as outgoing Head of House and are so grateful for her

Before half term, the Year 13s took a trip to escape rooms where they had a lot of fun The Year 12s and 13s also had a night of cheese and wine and they made coasters and crafts. As always all the girls enjoy the usual Friday night movie night and some girls also built Lego We love the array of activities in house for the girls.

Coming up, the Year 12s will be celebrating their end of exams with Wargrave and they will be going paddleboarding and have fish and chips by the beach. How exciting! We also have Sports Day coming up and the girls are beyond excited.

By Valerie Law

We hope everyone enjoyed this school year and hope everyone has a lovely summer ahead!

WARGRAVE HOUSE REPORT

By Vincent Marten

Ever since the last issue of The Stag, the boys in Wargrave House have had their heads down working hard as the Year 11 and 13s come towards the end of their public exams while every other year are also preparing for the end of year exams.

It has been lovely to have breaks from revision by playing some football and cricket outside of the cage when the weather has allowed for it. Although the house hasn’t been as busy as usual with house events, it’s been lovely to spend time with people who you may not normally talk to outside of the year and make sure everyone is coping well with the exams.

With the World Cup coming up, an event the boys in Wargrave have taken part in is the World Cup Sweepstake so the entrance of the house has been decorated with countries’ flags The sweepstake has added to the excitement of the World Cup approaching adding a different element

It’s about to get busy with the main event of the year for all houses in a few weeks’ time being House Sports Day. Wargrave look forward to this one year by year where because it’s a time where everyone from the house participates in at least one event throughout the afternoon It shows people the talent that Wargrave have in multiple

different events. We hope to get some points to help us in the overall House Cup and on Sports Day it’s an event that can make or break a house within the lead up to the House Cup With House Cricket and House Golf coming up, It’s a lovely chance for the boys in Wargrave to get out of the house taking a nice break from revising and experience some good fun but at the same time competitive cricket

All of these events that are coming up are very exciting and hopefully they will be a nice way to celebrate everyone completing their exams but until then we wish all the boys in Wargrave best of luck with the rest of their exams and we hope they get the results they have worked so hard for.

WATT HOUSE REPORT

By Nikol Saveleva

It has been yet another fantastic half-term for Watt House, full of achievements and memorable moments.

We are thrilled to welcome Rosie Hoskinson as the new Head of House and Nikol Saveleva as Deputy, alongside our new house prefects Amelie Knight, Heidi Muckle, Isla Jourdain, and Maya Vidiarthy It has been a joy to see so many girls stepping up this term, from our peer listeners Chloe and Sophia, to Wellbeing Whizzkids Erin and Mathilda, all bringing such warmth and dedication to their roles

A special mention must go to our Year 11 and Year 13 girls, who have shown real resilience and determination throughout their examinations We know they will do brilliantly.

The House BBQ was a highlight for everyone and, although the sunshine stayed away, we made the most of it with fun games in house. On sunnier days, our Year 9 girls enjoyed rounders on College Field with School House, with another game planned

with Gonville The good weather also brought a trip to the beach for ice cream, and our Year 12 girls enjoyed a lovely meal out with their tutor

We are enormously proud of Ruth, Alyssa, Isla, Izzy, and Erin, working hard in rehearsals ahead of the Night at the Musicals. It will without a doubt be a wonderful evening!

Individual achievements this term have been outstanding Amelie competed in the Sussex Ladies County Championship, playing 36 holes in one day alongside inspirational female golfers. Ebony has an exciting few months ahead, training for nationals before heading to Denmark for the ILCA 4 World Championships. Freya has been selected to represent Sussex in the British Dressage Inter-County Championships, having won her trial class on her horse Shamus which is a remarkable achievement against a largely adult field.