THE STAG
Issue 27, Lent Term 1, 2025
CONTENTS
Features:
The art of photography - pg2
The value of a new start - pg6
SUDC Half Marathon - pg29
College News:
The Drama Department - pg 8
The Art Department - pg 9
International News:
Trump: convicted felon, president - pg 10
Justin Trudeau resigns - pg 12
Environment:
California wildfires - pg 14
Culture:
The Golden Globes - pg 15
TV review: Gavin and Staceypg16
Fast fashion - pg 17
Sport:
England women ’ s football - pg 18
Luke Littler - pg 19
House Reports:
Blackwater - pg 20
Craig - pg 21
Gonville - pg 22
Nugent - pg 23
Pennell - pg 24
Reeves - pg 25
School - pg 26
Wargrave - pg 27
Watt - pg 28
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!
THE ART OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographer and Wargravian
Brooke Haycock tells us how to take a winning photograph
I got into photography when I was eleven, being inspired by David Attenborough and other nature programs, mainly the impressive filming but also the diverse and incredibly eye-catching moments caught in nature This inspired me to venture outside, in the hope of coming across a memorable nature encounter such as a fox on a frosty morning or a silhouette of an owl as it hunted under the moonlight. There was always something worth waiting for to feel excited about or to learn more about the species I began to realise nature and specifically birds were my true and full passion when I saw my first barn owl gliding over a wildflower meadow as its wings were lit up by the rising golden glow of the summer sun
By Brooke Haycock
That feeling in the moment has never left me and since then I knew I had to capture this beautiful owl, so that became my mission: to learn and to capture At the beginning I only had a small pocket camera but as the years moved on I learnt photography from trial and error out in 'the field' as well as contacting amateur wildlife photographers who I looked up to on Instagram for advice. I learnt about my camera settings but mainly fieldcraft as that is the deciding factor in all shoots; as a wildlife photographer you can be fully prepared but if the subject decides not to show you will go home with no images on the SD card
Luckily for me, photography is nowhere near as much of a passion as nature is for me and the importance I feel of getting outside into green spaces So I will never be disappointed when I come home empty-handed because what I've gained will always be more than I what I thought I would set out to see When I am in a woodland full of vibrant birdsong or in a wildflower meadow fluttering with the iridescence of delicate wings of insects on flowers, I’m at peace and full of happiness. For me, being in and surrounded by nature is where I feel I am my most authentic self. There is so much tranquillity that comes with every step into nature From the simplicity of a delicate dewy spider’s web glistening in the sun to the magnificence of a pride of lions patrolling their territory, there is beauty in all natural forms around the globe. When we appreciate them by noticing, well, for me at least, I feel a great sense of joy and pleasure I believe the first objective is always to learn about the animal I’m photographing I learn about their habitats routines and behaviours which
gives me all the tools I need to venture into their world and shoot a moment I want to freeze Google Earth is one of my favourite tools for finding the right habitat where birds will likely be Once the subject is found, it becomes a long waiting game. Sometimes I will get lucky, but usually it will take weeks, if not months, to achieve an image I have in mind.
In one case it took me over three years to achieve a certain image of a goshawk which is an apex predator. At other times. I have waited 12 hours looking at a fox hole after previously leaving trial cameras out only to have nothing appear.
My mission: to learn and to capture
However, the journey is just as exciting as the destination The waiting and no-shows create an even better feeling when I finally achieve what I’ve been working hard to capture When I was younger, I learnt almost all of the calls and songs of the birds we find in Sussex, which has allowed me to find birds without even seeing them. This has massively helped my fieldcraft as well as understanding when birds are alarming which allows me to find exciting birds of prey, which are my favourite
When a shoot isn’t going well, I motivate myself by knowing every time a shoot or trip doesn’t go as I planned I know I will have always learnt something new Whether it’s about the subject settings on my camera
I hope to inspire others through my social media platforms to notice the natural world around them more. I would love to spend the rest of my life capturing nature whilst experiencing the most incredible surroundings in which creatures live. It’s so fascinating and gripping as well as rewarding when the image captured is a gem! I can always look back on those moments with a smile on my face
If you are thinking of getting into photography of any genre, remember to not be too hard on yourself if the photos you envisioned don’t turn out as nicely as you had liked because this learning process is all part of the journey in finding your style Understanding settings can be a scary concept, but over time it will be at your fingertips; it may just take a while. YouTube videos are a great help for the technical side of things Let your imagination carry you elsewhere…
THE VALUE OF A NEW START
As we step into 2025, the promise of a new year brings with it the excitement of fresh beginnings and the potential for transformation.
The concept of a ‘ new start’ is not just a motivational catchphrase It represents an opportunity to reflect, reset, and redefine our paths For many, New Year’s resolutions serve as a guiding light during this time, encouraging us to set goals that can lead to personal growth and fulfilment
The value of a new start lies in its ability to inspire change Each year, millions of people around the world make resolutions, ranging from improving health and fitness to learning new skills or fostering better relationships This tradition is rooted in the belief that, with the turn of the calendar, we have a chance to draw a line and pursue our aspirations with renewed strength The act of setting
By Ava Najafi
resolutions can be empowering, as it allows people to take change of their lives and make conscious choices about their future
However, it is important to recognise that the journey towards achieving these resolutions can be challenging Many people find it difficult to maintain their commitment beyond the initial enthusiasm of January This is where the value of perseverance and self-discipline comes into play Embracing a new start means understanding that setbacks are a natural part of the process Instead of viewing them as failures, we can reframe them as learning experiences that contribute to our growth. By cultivating resilience, we become better equipped to navigate obstacles and stay focused on our goals
Moreover, a fresh start is not solely about individual aspirations It can also foster a sense of community. As we share resolutions with friends, family, or classmates, we create an environment of support and accountability. This collective journey can enhance our motivation and make the pursuit of our goals feel less isolating Engaging in group activities, whether it’s joining a fitness class or participating in a study group, can amplify our commitment and create lasting connections with others who share similar ambitions
In addition to personal and social benefits, the idea of a new start aligns with the broader theme of self-improvement and lifelong learning Each January serves as a reminder that growth is a continuous process It encourages us to reflect on our past experiences, identify areas for improvement, and set intentions for the future This mindset can extent beyond the confines of a single month, inspiring us to embrace change and seek opportunities for growth throughout the year.
The value of a good start, particularly in January, is profound. It offers us a chance to reflect on our lives, set meaningful goals, and encourage resilience in the face of challenges By embracing this opportunity, we not only enhance our own lives but also contribute to a supportive community that thrives on shared aims
As we embark on this new year, let’s take the time to set our intentions and make the most of the new start that lies ahead.
BEHIND THE CURTAIN OF THE DRAMA DEPARTMENT
So far, this school year has been very successful in the Drama Department, finishing last term off on a high, with the wonderful performance of Blue Stockings, involving two interchanging casts, dancing and additional award-winning feedback from The National School Theatre Awards The atmosphere behind the scenes was overwhelmingly positive, with excellent dedication from all the stage crew, actors and our teachers. It was an experience that everyone, whether an actor or not, should experience whilst at Eastbourne College.
Despite the many hours that the crew spent learning and rehearsing in the lead up to the performance, and the copious amounts of practice that the play required of its participants, the final product was definitely worth the work that everyone put in and the experience of the entire process was most memorable and extremely rewarding However, possibly the most satisfying part of the entire ordeal, is the rest and sleep at the end of it all, which was definitely well deserved for all involved
In other areas, behind the scenes, all of the drama scholars are putting together various pieces. The Year 9s are currently rehearsing for their piece Two by Jim Cartwright, a group
By Lucy O’Hara
of excellent skits that Ms Belle has chosen and helped to bring together The Year 11s are practising for auditions for the National Youth Theatre auditions in the coming summer term The Year 12s have been exploring how to put together short films, mirroring the plots of films recently added to public domain (free for access). The Year 13s are looking towards their summer exams
Outside of scholars and our own performances, the Drama Department have organised two separate trips: drama scholars watched the wonderful Dear Evan Hansen, a heart-breaking musical, and A level students watched Oedipus, a modernised Greek tragedy Hopefully, there are many more to look forward to in the coming future.
COLLEGE ART UPDATE
By Wilf Medlycott
There is a lot happening in the Art Department this term After students were thrilled with learning all about Robert Tavener last term, as featured in the last issue of The Stag, there has been an opportunity for students to use what they learnt in lessons
Year 11 students have finished their mock exams and the art pieces they made were superb! Ceramics was the main part of the practice pieces with one student building a detailed cake made from clay.
More students have been doing painting as their skills improve and now the Year 13s are working on a much larger scale than ever before, with portraits being painted that are larger than the people! Every single one looks amazing with each person having their own style which makes the Art Department look like a gallery with all the projects about the place Every single one has such detail and the hard work that each and every student has put in is really showing through
A new project called the Blue Sky Art Auction Appeal has started where each student will make a design on an A5 piece of paper and, once they are completed by 27th March, they will be auctioned to raise money for bursaries. It’s a wonderful way to raise money and spread the amazing talent of the art pupils
We look forward to finding out the exam results and the Blue Sky pieces in the future!
TRUMP: CONVICTED FELON, PRESIDENT
By Esther Ellwood
President-elect Donald Trump would have been convicted of illegally trying to overturn the result of the 2020 presidential electionwhich he lost - if he had not successfully been re-elected in 2024, according to Special Counsel Jack Smith who led US government investigations into him Trump retaliated against these claims, calling Smith 'deranged' and that his findings were 'fake' He also further denied any wrongdoing in relation to the 2020 US Capitol riots
Among three other criminal cases, including falsifying business records, paying hushmoney to a porn star and obstructing the FBI, Trump was being charged for conspiring against the rights of citizens and conspiring against the US. Trump will be the first president ever to be a convicted felon, However, the Supreme Court ruling has said that presidents have broad immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts they undertake, and a Florida judge dropped the charges in relation to his handling of classified documents.
Trump will become the first former president to return to the White House in more than 130 years and, at 78, the oldest man elected to presidency After winning the election, both Kamala Harris and Jo Biden conceded the campaign, emphasising a smooth and peaceful return to power Even after the polls indicated that it would be a very tight election with the favour turning to Harris, Trump swept several of the key battleground states, winning a clean sweep of all seven swing states that were crucial for a win
Trump’s Cabinet
Trump's new team of senators and advisors entrusted with delivering Donald Trump's agenda is taking shape, with several controversial hires in his proposed administration. On his return to the White House on 20 January 2025, the new president has named Robert F Kennedy Jr, a former Democrat and vaccine-sceptic to be health secretary, stating: "He's to help make America healthy again. He wants to do some things, and we're going to let him go to it" Billionaire supporter Elon Musk will play a role in cost-cutting.
US Secretary of State is picked to be Marco Rubio, the president's main adviser on foreign affairs, who acts as America's top diplomat when representing the country overseas If approved, he will be the first Latino secretary of state in US history. However, he takes a very negative stance towards China, and does not want to pursue American relations between the superpowers He argued that China ‘cheated’ and ‘hacked’ its way to ‘global superpower status’, firmly emphasising his perspectives towards the other country.
Amongst other foreign policies, Rubio, whose parents fled Cuba before Fidel Castro’s 1959 revolution and strongly opposed the communists, has for years pushed for tough action against Cuba and other leftist-run Latin American nations such as Venezuela.
Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and military veteran who has never held political office and has extremely limited political experience, has been nominated to be the next defence secretary His appointment is one of the most highly anticipated in Trump's cabinet as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza continue to raise questions about the US's involvements "Nobody fights harder (than Hegseth) for the troops," Trump said.
After Hegseth's appointment, it emerged that he was investigated in 2017 for an alleged sexual assault. He was never arrested or charged for this and denies the allegation. His lawyer also confirmed that he had paid a woman in the same year to stay quiet about an assault claim that he feared would cost him his job at Fox Again, he has denied any wrongdoing
JUSTIN TRUDEAU RESIGNS
After nearly ten years as Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation, marking the end of an era defined by progressive policies and ambitious reforms. As the Leader of the Liberal Party, his tenure transformed Canadian politics, leaving a large mark on the nation's history.
Here’s a look back at the milestones and accomplishments that defined his leadership
The Rise to Power: 2015
In 2015, Trudeau became the youngest Prime Minister of Canada since Joe Clark in 1979, winning a majority government His campaign focused on restoring trust in government, expanding middle-class
By Owen Lee
prosperity, and addressing issues such as climate change Trudeau's leadership was characterised by policy initiatives and legislative achievements:
Social Policies:
The Canada Child Benefit (2016) provided financial relief to families and is credited with reducing child poverty rates nationwide
The legalisation of recreational cannabis (2018) positioned Canada as a global leader in progressive drug policies.
Climate Action:
During his nine years as Prime Minister, Trudeau prioritised climate action. He signed the Paris Agreement (2016) and introduced a federal carbon tax, which became a cornerstone of Canada’s climate policy despite fierce opposition from some provinces. Under Trudeau, Canada has reduced its emissions by about 85 per cent below 2005 levels
Advocating Inclusion:
Trudeau became the first sitting Prime Minister to march in a Pride parade, signalling his commitment to LGBTQ+ rights.His government apologised for historical injustices against Indigenous peoples and the LGBTQ+ community, including compensation for residential school survivors As part of his commitment to gender equality, he ensured his cabinet was 50% women
Challenges and Controversies:
While Trudeau's tenure saw many accomplishments, it was not without difficulties:
Ethics Investigations:
Trudeau faced multiple ethics scandals, including the SNC-Lavalin affair (2019) and the WE charity controversy (2020), which raised questions about his government’s transparency
Economic and Social Discontent:
Rising housing costs, inflation, and regional dissatisfaction eroded public confidence, particularly in Western Canada
Freedom Convoy Protests (2022):
Trudeau invoked the Emergencies Act for the first time in Canadian history to address protests over COVID-19 mandates, sparking debates about government overreach.
Reflections on Trudeau’s Legacy
Trudeau’s departure invites reflection on the role of leadership in navigating the complexities of a modern, diverse democracy. He inspired millions with his vision for a better Canada, yet his leadership also revealed the challenges of balancing ambition with practicality in governance. By the end of his tenure, his approval rate plummeted from 63% when he was first elected to 28% Whether one views him as a transformative leader or a divisive figure, Trudeau’s contributions to Canadian society cannot be ignored
CALIFORNIA ON FIRE: WHEN THE GOLDEN STATE TURNS SMOKY GREY
By Emmanuel Erebor
The Palisades Fire is one of the largest ongoing fires. It has burned around 110,000 acres of land and is only 45% contained. Containment operations are finding it more challenging because of the fire's rapid spread caused by strong Santa Ana winds, which is exceeding 100 mph. At the time of writing, the Eaton Fire in Pasadena has destroyed over 10,000 buildings and burnt through 87,000 acres, killing 17.
Over 14,000 buildings have been completely burned or seriously damaged throughout the state, and the estimated economic losses have surpassed $10 billion. This wildfire season has been considered one of the most devastating in California's history. Extended periods of drought conditions, unusually warm temperatures, and strong winds are all at blame for the flames. The National Weather Service reports that tinderbox conditions have resulted from humidity levels falling to as low as 5%
Furthermore, fire hazards are made even worse by climate change. According to a new Cal Fire assessment, fire seasons are beginning earlier and lasting longer than ever before, and the frequency of significant wildfires in California has grown by more than 30% over the past 20 years.
With help from aircraft and ground workers, almost 10,000 firemen are working around the clock to try to put out the fires
Although the federal and state governments have allocated more than $2 billion for wildfire response this season, officials warn that resources are being overextended
Evacuation orders continue in towns, including Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and portions of San Diego County. Many utility companies including Southern California Edison have ensured precautionary power outages to prevent other fires from beginning, and temporary shelters have been set up to house displaced people
Strong winds and dry weather are expected to prevail throughout the week, according to meteorologists, increasing the risk of fire Governor Gavin Newsom of California has asked citizens to follow evacuation instructions and exercise caution
THE GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS 2025
By Apple Van Der Meer
The Golden Globes, hosted on January 5th at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel, was the third most highly anticipated awards hosted by Nikki Glaser, who made history as the first woman to solo host the awards.
The 2025 Golden Globes were filled with laughs and cries with highlights such as Zoe Saldana’s beautiful acceptance speech where she won for her role in Emelia Perez, to Sofia Vergara full on heckling Jodie Foster after she was beaten for best female actor in a limited series (Foster also won the Emmy over Vergara last year) History was made with Karla Sofia Gascon, the Spanish born actor who became the first transgender woman nominated for a performance by a female actor in a motion picture, musical or comedy, and Denzel Washington becoming the most nominated black performer for the Golden Globes with his 11th nomination.
Wicked won for best cinematic and box office achievement and Demi Moore in The Substance won best actress in a musical or comedy. Baby Reindeer won best limited TV series and Jeremy Allan White won best TV actor in a comedy or musical for his performance in The Bear Emilia Perez was the big winner at the Golden Globes as it took home four awards. The Brutalist, which was up for seven awards, took home some of the biggest awards of the night: Adam Brody won for best actor in a drama; Brady Corbet won best director, and the movie won best drama. However, the highly nominated film Anora went home empty handed. In the television categories, Shogun brought home all four awards it was nominated for Some unexpected wins of the night included Fernanda Torres, who won best actress for I’m Still Here, and Challengers, which took home the best original source award
THE GAVIN AND STACEY FINALE
The finale of the household favourite and Christmas time staple Gavin and Stacey was a triumph this year, reaching the largest Christmas Day audience of 2024 with 12.3 million viewers.
The Christmas special was a great mix of humour and heart, bringing back all of the beloved characters to our screens at home after five years. With touching moments, this roller-coaster of a finale revealed the much anticipated answer we had been waiting for since Nessa went down on one knee five years ago, declaring her love for Smithy and asking him to marry her. And a lot had happened since then
This final farewell of the long-running BBC sitcom had viewers in an uproar of excitement and anticipation of how it would pan out The previous Gavin and Stacy Christmas special was broadcast in 2019 and drew 11.6 million viewers on Christmas Day
This triumph of a television series brought millions of people together to see the work of Ruth Jones and James Cordon in their ‘magical finale’ that fans have proved to be a must-watch TV event of the year.
By Jemima Bailey
Ruth Jones revealed in an interview to the BBC: “It was a mixture of excitement, nostalgia and sadness Sad of course because this is the last time these characters will ever be on screen again, but so exciting to bring them to life again And nostalgic because we’d be on set with the cast and we’d go down memory lane remembering the early episodes. We often reminisced about Maggie John who’s no longer with us but we felt she was in spirit, especially when we were on Trinity Street.”
FAST FASHION’S CLIMATE IMPACT
Fast fashion has long been an increasingly popular trend in today’s society and has become a shopping habit for many people Fast fashion brands such as SHEIN and Primark have become very well-known due to their cheap prices and convenience when buying However, there are ethical concerns about the welfare of employees in factories
The issue with fast fashion is that these shops are not sustainable and many brands (one being SHEIN) have faced multiple child labour cases The company has been criticised for the conditions experienced by workers at factories, who are underpaid and are made to work for long hours in unsafe conditions, whilst also being exposed to harmful chemicals used in textile production
By buying from companies like this, you are also contributing to and supporting this damaging cycle of worker exploitation and the disgusting ways in which these workers are treated Circumstances like this cannot continue to be viewed lightly, as these people are being appallingly exploited and treated in inhumane ways
Environmental impacts of the fashion industry in terms of pollution, carbon emissions and water use are drastically increasing and the need for a change is evident The fashion industry is the second biggest consumer of water and is responsible for 2-8% of global emissions As well as this, 85% of textiles get thrown away per year, contributing to the issue of landfills and the toxins they release into the ground
By Lily Stoner
Washing certain types of clothes also leads to a significant number of microplastics in the oceans, subsequently adding to our irreversible issue of plastic pollution.
The fashion industry, then, is having more effect on our world than we realise as it is extremely detrimental to life on land, marine life and the lives of humans
Before you shop at any of these fast fashion branches, think about where your item is going next, as well as who has suffered in order for it to end up on your doorstep
ENGLAND WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
On 23 March 1895, the first ever women's club football match in England took place in London’s Crouch End in front of 11,000 spectators. It was run by the British Ladies Football Club and saw 'the north' team beat 'the south' team 7-1.
On 5 December 1921, the FA met at its headquarters in London and announced a ban on the women's game from being played at the professional grounds and pitches of clubs affiliated to the FA (football association), stating “the game of football is quite unsuitable for females and ought not to be encouraged” However, on 24th June 1971 the ban on women ’ s football was lifted and they were able to play the game again
Women’s football has taken a long time to be accepted in our culture and only recently have people begun to take notice of the amazing football they play A notable victory, which really put English women ’ s football on the map, was the Euros 2022, where the English football team, the Lionesses, beat Germany 2-1 in the final.
However, even though the Lionesses manage to win tournaments and are an extremely successful team, there are still many issues they face, the most prominent being the pay they get compared to the men. The salary in the top women's division in England is around £25,000 to £27,000 a year. However, the top earners in men's football can be paid upwards of £100,000,000 a year even before any sponsorship deals are factored in.
By Myles Luther
Although there are many challenges, the England manager Sariena Wiegman has always stayed positive and showed that there is more to football than just money and that the real reason they play is for their individual skill and love of the game.
The Lionesses and their manager should be an inspiration to all young women trying to be the best they can at football, and the message they should take away is just keep playing
THE PHENOMENON OF LUKE LITTLER
By Eli Clive
At only 17 years old, Luke Littler made history just a few weeks ago by becoming the youngest-ever world darts champion You don’t have to be a die hard darts fan to know his name: the now 18 year old sensation from Warrington has already added his name to the history books, not just in darts, but in the sports hall of fame forever immortalised He has been described as "a breath of fresh air" by Dave Dudeney, who runs the Sussex County Youth Team
While most people his age are preparing for mocks and doing UCAS applications, Luke Littler was defeating three-time champion Michael van Gerwen on the biggest stage in darts.
In the match, Littler got off to a demanding 4-0 lead. Van Gerwen rallied to take a few sets, but Littler’s relentless accuracy and perfectly timed finishes left the Dutchman with no real path to victory It was the kind
of dominant performance that fans will talk about for years.
Littler’s journey to darting greatness started at an incredibly young age. Long before Greenlight was echoing around Alexandra Palace, his mother, Lisa, placed a magnetic dartboard into his hands when he was just 18 months old, a defining moment in his life. At nine, his talent was undeniable, and his parents would enrol him into St Helens Dart Academy, where he honed his skills, and faced future stars of the game
Now standing atop the darting world, and one of the main attributing factors to the meteoric rise in darts viewership over the last two years, Littler represents not just the future of the sport, but a new chapter in its history Due to his influence and success, the number of youth players joining Sussex Youth Darts in the last 12 months has increased four-fold
BLACKWATER HOUSE REPORT
On Monday we all took part in the Headmaster’s Taskmaster Challenge, which will be available to view on the Giving Day website, which launches on 11th March. The Year 11s have safely navigated the mock period, and we celebrated their hard work with pizza on Thursday evening, which the girls thoroughly enjoyed, especially the cookies.
On Friday, the Year 12s were responsible for a fantastic cakey Friday, in which many of us cooked handmade treats Melanya Freeston in our Year 13 recieved a conditional offer to study Law at Oxford University, a very impressive achievement which I am sure she and everyone who has supported her is proud of
By Esther Ellwood & Apple Van De Meer
On Friday, Layla Cluskey, Mary Keast-Butler and Martha Lillicrap in Year 13 had the opportunity to display their Gold Arts Award exhibition in the JWA. It was fantastic to see what they have been working on
CRAIG HOUSE REPORT
By Dan Clark
Craig House has returned from the Christmas holidays buzzing with energy despite the Year 11s having dived straight into the deep end with their mock exams. The whole house has been busy filming the Taskmaster Video, a challenge released by the Headmaster for this year ’ s Giving Day, which is happening later in March The challenge was do something remarkable and synchronised, with points awarded for originality, location filmed and amount of people involved
In sport, we congratulate Sam for being chosen to be the first team hockey captain Last week, Al Wearne was accepted into the coveted Stellenbosch Rugby Academy in South Africa, an amazing achievement. This week saw Year 9 House Hockey, an intense competition which saw Craig come second overall, a fabulous result.
Many Craig pupils also had a role in the schools production of Blue Stockings, which went down an incredible success
House a capella is due to start soon, with a person from each year stepping up to try and reclaim the trophy we won last year
GONVILLE HOUSE REPORT
Before the Christmas break, the Gonville pupils had their annual Christmas pub dinner, where they enjoyed a delicious meal at the Beachy Head Pub There, Head of House Jimmy Hall, gave his good-hearted roasts, lifting the Christmas spirits and leaving everyone on high morale for the holidays
We welcome the Gonville pupils back from their Christmas holidays as they embark on a new half term here at Eastbourne College. The Year 11s have finished their mock exams, preparing them for their GCSEs this summer.
Sport this term has been abundant for Gonville pupils, with multiple Gonvillians representing not only the house but the College as well. Ethan Ajikobi played striker for the first team in football, Ryan Liu played with the basketball first team and Jimmy Hall and Barley O’Connor have an irreplaceable role in the College’s first rugby team this term. That’s only naming a few of them, as people all around Gonville are going above and beyond in all aspects of the College.
Gonville House has started preparations for our house concert just after half term. The Year 9s are preparing their comedy sketch, Year 10s their drama piece, and every year is doing their piece to bring together a show that will entertain the parents and hopefully make Mr Symes smile. The a capella group has decided on their song and are meeting every so often to practise their sure to be winning performance
By Harry Doe & Rowley Emus
All Gonville pupils and Mr Wingfield Digby have submitted their Eastbourne’s Taskmaster video, containing a sketch of massive proportions with every Gonvillian taking part, resulting in an enormous entry into the Taskmaster Competition. Mr Wingfield Digby has arranged an allengaging pool tournament, causing the atmosphere of the house to be competitive and buzzing with excitement at who the best in the house is. Even the house’s tutors have taken part, fighting it out to try and make it through the first round.
NUGENT HOUSE REPORT
As we reflect on the end of last term, we are pleased to share that Nugent House celebrated the festive season with a delightful Christmas party The event was filled with joy as both students and tutors participated in various games, creating a warm and festive atmosphere for everyone involved Additionally, boarders enjoyed themselves at various events, including the Brighton trip, which allowed them to finish final bits of Christmas shopping and spending time together with friends. These events were a delightful way to conclude the term together as a house.
Looking ahead, we are excited for the upcoming Eastbourne's Got Talent, where our talented dancers will showcase their skills and hard work. Additionally, we are eagerly anticipating the festivities of Chinese New Year, which promises to bring even more excitement and cultural appreciation to our school community. We look forward to a vibrant term filled with events that bring us together and celebrate our achievements!
By Ava Najafi
As Lent term began, Year 11 students faced their mock exams, demonstrating their dedication and hard work in preparation for their upcoming GCSEs. At the same time, our Year 13 students are also in the midst of a busy period as they prepare for their upcoming A-level mock exams. The commitment shown by all students during this challenging time is commendable, highlighting their determination to succeed in their academic pursuits Meanwhile, Year 12 students continued to foster a sense of community by hosting a lovely wine and cheese night, allowing everyone to unwind and socialise in a relaxed environment
PENNELL HOUSE REPORT
As we look back on the end of last term, we are thrilled to share Pennell’s many successes during an exciting first term The festive season was marked by our wonderful Christmas party, where students and tutors came together to celebrate in style The event was filled with fun activities, music, and laughter, creating a joyous atmosphere
Special congratulations go to our Year 11 students for completing their mock exams Their hard work and dedication were evident throughout this challenging period, and we are incredibly proud of their efforts as they prepare for their GCSEs These mocks will help them feel more ready for their actual GCSEs, upcoming in the Summer Term.
Congratulations to the 4th team who beat Bedes 4-2 with goals from Barney Revill (13) and Archie Jones (13), as well as to the Year 10s who came 1st in inter-house basketball and the Year 9s who came 3rd in interhouse hockey.
By Owen Lee
Looking ahead, the Lent Term promises to bring even more opportunities for connection and achievement We can’t wait to see what the coming months bring, as our Year 13 students are also in the midst of a busy period as they prepare for their upcoming Alevel mock exams.
REEVES HOUSE REPORT
By Jonah Ripley
With Michaelmas Term concluded and the Christmas holidays finally over, the New Year has come thick and fast for our Year 11s, who diligently worked through their mock exams whilst maintaining high spirits and enthusiasm, and went on to achieve an impressive set of results of which we are proud, with Hector and Freddie achieving 1st and 2nd respectively in average grades They have since returned to normal lessons and are continuing to work hard towards their GCSE’s in the summer
Outside of the classroom, creative arts have resumed in full swing, ushering in a number of great accomplishments To begin, Al MacLaurin has completed his Gold Arts Award, and shown his work as part of the exhibition in the Birley Centre. Also in the Birley Centre, Felix McAndrew participated in the piano recital in the JWA, performing the piece The Little Shepherd by Debussy It was an excellent showing and a great evening
On the topic of creativity, the Reeves Taskmaster video is currently in the making, and the boys can’t wait to see yet another victory in this category also
Not only has Reeves conquered the academic playing field, but sports also. Year 9s started the term exhibiting superiority over the competition in house hockey, demonstrating a decisive victory Reeves has also seen an enormous amount of participation in first team fixtures, with William Fellows, Rowan Bell, Henry Hollands, Tom Lucas, and James Katz all representing Reeves in the 1st 11 Hockey team, and Rowan Bell, Felix Boyes, Percy Cutler, Monty Dean, Teddy Dean, Eddie Anderson, and Seb Pearson all contributing to a thrilling victory in the 1st 15 rugby team against Reed’s School. In basketball Oguz Caraca and Caedmon Myeni have led the basketball team to many victories in their matches, while in swimming Kian Fisher-Jeffes (9) has taken part in the third round of the Super League.
So far the Lent Term has been fruitful for the entire house, and Reeves looks forward to seeking out yet more opportunities and achievements, with the remainder of the Lent Term making up an important period for summer exam preparation for not only Year 13 and Year 11 pupils, but the rest of the school also
SCHOOL HOUSE REPORT
This first half of the Lent Term has been full of successes for School House from a multitude of different activities including sixth form mixers, art exhibitions, and many activities on the weekends.
Year 11 mocks
Our Year 11s did an exceptional job in their mock GCSE exams showing resilience and determination in their preparation for their real exams in the summer This was a really good way for the Year 11s to figure out their strengths and weaknesses to excel in their subjects As a reward for all their great effort, our wonderful Miss Gordon put on a lovely pizza night for them all to enjoy.
Art exhibitions
Many of our wonderful Year 13s presented their artistic pieces in the form of an exhibition to show off their artistic talents We are very proud of them all and their achievements and they should be thoroughly pleased with themselves and all the hard work that they have put into these pieces of art
By Jemima Bailey
Year 13 mixer
Our Year 13s had an evening of lots of fun and socialising with many of our other wonderful houses who we welcomed into School House for games and drinks. They all had a fabulous time and are looking forward to this becoming a more regular occurrence
Weekend activities
On the weekends we have had many different activities put on for us as opportunities to socialise and show our creative spirits from arts and crafts, such as bracelet making, to competitive tournaments of table tennis, and games such as Twister involving Mabel, showcasing our competitive nature
Our Taskmaster video
On the 22nd of January we all gathered together in the evening to dress up in blues and bows sporting all of our School House merchandise and performed our absolutely spellbinding rendition of Thriller complete with amazing acting and the appearance of our School House mascot
WARGRAVE HOUSE REPORT
Spirits were high returning to Eastbourne College after a very successful Michaelmas Term, which was capped off by a joyful Christmas party where eight weeks of our annual pool competition culminated into the cup and plate final which were respectively won by Mr Wells (plate winner) and Daniel Hammond (cup winner). Congrats to all participants involved, but particularly to these two who came out on top! Additionally, the exciting night came to an end after many of the boys’ achievements were put on display during our termly house book ceremony where all big achievements over the Michaelmas Term are collated and written into the history of the house for future and past generations to see Some of these achievements included a record four stags being won by four key players from the College’s 1st XV team (captain Freddie Jones, Theo Cruttenden, Ed Nolan and Will Coleman) and also both Ian Tam and Marcus Ho not receiving a single sanction point throughout the 16 weeks of Michaelmas - a streak that has continued into these first couple of weeks!
Furthermore, going into this term with Giving Day firmly on the horizon, the house is looking to keep to its history where last year brothers Ed and Harvey Nolan were praised for their resilience and fortitude in raising the most money ever (£12,500) for our annual 24-hour house rowathon in honour of their father This charitable spirit has continued throughout, with star photographer Brooke Haycock, who has put together, with the help of our amazing
By Finn Bulkeley
matron Paula Thorpe, a beautiful calendar showcasing his amazing photography skills (as featured in this issue of The Stag) while supporting our house charity for the year, the RNLI.
Returning from the Christmas holiday, Wargrave has been a buzz of energy with everyone gearing up for the second half of this term It almost feels as if it’s the calm before the storm, as this second half seems to be full of exciting events that everyone is looking forward to These include our 2025 24-hour rowathon which will be held on the 7th-8th March where both Mr Roberts and Theo Cruttenden are looking to retain their crowns as the distance champions both rowing over 2700m in under ten minutes. Additionally, our joint house dinner with School House is also in the diary for the 1st of February with the theme being ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’.
WATT HOUSE REPORT
It’s been a brilliantly energetic start to the term for Watt House, with three jampacked weeks already. Rehearsals and preparations for the house revue are in full swing which is taking place on Saturday 1st of February Year 9 has been developing their skits and Year 10s and 12 are in the process of choreographing their year group dances which will certainly be entertaining Meanwhile the Year 11 video is sounding increasingly intriguing as they continue to go about their filming around house It is sure to be another successful revue year for Watt, with the ever committed Upper Sixth girls working hard to pull off a brilliant evening that will most certainly be full of laughs.
It’s sure to be a wonderfully hectic term
We’ve also had a great start in the sporting side of things, with many of the girls participating in Saturday fixtures or alternative sporting activities on the weekend and throughout the school week This has allowed for a much-needed escape from the stresses of academic life, particularly for the Year 11s who have recently completed their GCSE mock exams and have been dedicatedly working over Christmas and the past few weeks.
By Poppy Campion
Efforts for the epic Interhouse Taskmaster Challenge have also been under way, notably involving a large group performance of the macarena from the Watt girls, which was boldly filmed on a sunny Monday afternoon This created quite the spectacle for onlookers due to our additional special feature being our iconic banana house mascot, dancing alongside the 50 odd Watt girls, all wearing a flattering pair of our signifying yellow sunglasses
The evening of January 13th offered a great opportunity for some sixth form bonding, with a victorious wine and cheese night organised by our fabulous Head of House, Sophie Fellows. The girls each brought in their own contribution to the feast, from cheese and crackers to a monumental amount of pitta bread of which there are still leftovers lingering in the galleys
As we now move into February following a much-deserved relaxing exeat, there are many things to look forward to. From the house revue to our house international dinner, from EBC’s Got Talent to the charity revue and of course our fabulous annual charity bake sale run by the year 12’s, it’s sure to be a wonderfully hectic term, not forgetting about interhouse a capella, water polo and netball which I am certain will revive the competitive spirit that Watt House is so proudly known for
SUDC HALF MARATHON
On March 23rd, Dexter Bell, Hunter Upton and Charlie Goffin are running the Hastings Half Marathon to raise money for the highly valued charity SUDC UK (sudden unexplained death in childhood).
SUDC UK is a national charity dedicated to raising awareness, funding research and supporting families affected
SUDC is the sudden and unexplained death of a child aged 1-18 years where the cause of death remains unexplained after thorough investigation
40 children are affected every year in the UK, more than young child deaths due to traffic accidents, fires or drowning, which is comparable to 1-2 seemingly healthy children dying every fortnight.
Dexter’s story:
By Layla Cluskey EL Jishi
Several years ago my baby sister, Autumn, went to sleep for a nap one day, and never woke up She died of Sudden Unexpected Death in Childhood (SUDC). She was 1 ½ years old at the time and I was 12
At the time I struggled to do much to raise awareness of what happened but now we raise money for the supportive charitable organisation that helped my family and me deal with our loss, SUDC UK
Autumn Garwood
Please donate whatever you can to sponsor Dexter, Hunter and Charlie. Just scan the QR code!
HOROSCOPES
Aquarius (Jan 20th - Feb 18th)
Don’t allow other people to walk all over you
Pisces (Feb 19th- March20th) Aries (March 21st-April 19th)
Good things are coming to you Stick to your goals
Take a deep breath and ensure you are able to manage your workload
By Mystic Maud
Taurus (April 20th-May 20th)
Spend this time reconnecting with your mind
Gemini (May 21st - June 20th)
Your natural efficiency is at a peak
Libra (Sep 23rd - Oct 22nd)
Don’t allow practicalities to stop you from dreaming
Cancer (June 21st - July 22nd)
Allow your dreams to flourish
Leo (July 23rd - Aug 22nd)
Hold your relationships closer to your heart
Virgo (Aug 23rd-Sep 22nd)
You are perfect just the way you are Don’t change
Scorpio (Oct 23rd - Nov 21st)
Your true success lies in a positive attitude and deeper understanding
Sagittarius (Nov 22nd - Dec 21st)
Reconnect with old friends Don’t let the past affect your happiness
Capricorn (Dec 22nd-Jan 19th
Stop forcing things and allow them to come naturally