THE STAG
Issue 28, Lent Term 2, 2025
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CONTENTS
Features:
Easter traditions - pg 4
International Women’s Day - pg5
College News:
Giving Day - pg 2
South Africa cricket tour - pg 7
Fuerteventura surfing trip - pg 8
Law trip - pg 10
College charity report - pg35
International News:
Trump: Europe, Ukraine and Tariffs - pg 12
Three plane crashes in three weeks - pg 14
Environment:
Light pollution - pg 16
Culture:
The Oscars - pg 17
London fashion week - pg 18
Sport:
College boys’ sport - pg 20
College girls’ sport - pg 21
Super Bowl LIX - pg 22
House Reports:
Blackwater - pg 23
Craig - pg 24
Gonville - pg 25
Nugent - pg 26
Pennell - pg 27
Powell - pg 28
Reeves - pg 29
School - pg 30
Wargrave - pg 32
Watt - pg 33
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!
GIVING DAY 2025
Giving Day was one of this term’s biggest events and, as many of you will know, it helped to raise huge amounts for bursaries for the school. Thanks to everyone’s participation, we currently have raised £333,054.
The day’s endeavours included the tug of war, an obstacle course (both with and without the houses’ mascots), competitive stall games, running commentary, parading/fan faring, abseiling and delicious home baked goods.
But what you may not have known was that, behind the scenes, your Year 12 representatives and Hsms had been planning and executing this day for months as had the entirety of the dedicated and brilliant administrative team and The Eastbournian Society Since the start of the Lent term, your representatives have been tasked with participating in the Taskmaster Video Challenge, the designing and creating of a house mascot, making the stall games, as well as the important job of entertaining a whole house’s interest in competing. Thanks to everyone ’ s application to the day, it was a roaring success and exceptional fun for
By Lucy O’Hara
The brilliant creativity of each house was definitely well displayed during Tuesday’s antics, with Craig’s teacher/student stocks, School’s face painting station, Reeves’ netball and football competitions, Gonville’s dead hangs and Powell’s mini golf, not to mention some brilliant mascot making, like Blackwater’s Barbie, Nugent’s dragon, Wargrave’s knight, Pennel’s pirate, Watt’s Marie Curie and many others
Well done to Blackwater and Powell who won the junior tug of war and Nugent and Craig who won the senior tug of war. Well done also to Watt for winning the parade and mascot competition, Craig for their brilliant winning stall game, School for their winning Taskmaster video, to Watt and Reeves for winning the obstacle course, and of course the winning St Andrew’s tug of war team. A special well done to the final tug of war competition participants: the girls’ pupil team and male teachers’ team narrowly lost to our outstanding female teachers’ team and the boys’ tug of war team in a close and contending match.
When passing around school, remember to congratulate Mr Symes and Ms Burford for abseiling off the Old Wish Tower, as well as all of the staff who helped by participating (at their own expense) in many of the stall activities And make sure to thank your devoted parents who were involved with all things food in Big School, and the many games that were on offer there, and also Ms Gordon and Mr Roberts for their lively and hilarious commentating on each activity.
After the event, there was an outstanding jazz performance, with a special guest, old Eastbournian James Grout, who brought the excellent Durham University jazz band with him. Whilst all performances were brilliant, I think most would agree that the highlight of the evening was watching Durham and Eastbourne’s talent combine and perform together It was an excellent and positive way to finish a triumphant day. Well done to everyone involved!
EASTER TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD
By Apple Van Der Meer
Although we’re used to traditional Easter egg hunts and the Easter Bunny, each country around the world has their own traditions on Easter Day.
In France, the Easter Bunny is replaced by church bells According to tradition, when the church bells stop ringing from Good Friday to Easter Sunday, the bells sprout wings enabling them to fly throughout the cities delivering sweet treats to children. The south of France has its own tradition on Easter Monday with a giant omelette served in the town square. The tradition dates back to a time when Napoleon and his army travelled through the area, stopping at the village of Haux, when Napoleon and his army travelled through the area, stopping at the village of Haux where they were served omelettes
In Spain, the Easter festivities take on a sombre tone in the town of Verges with a death dance taking place on Holy Thursday
In a night time procession, participants march the streets dressed up in skeleton costumes and re-enact scenes from the passion of Christ In other parts of Spain, straw effigies of famous people are placed around the cities before being torn apart and pieces thrown into the air
In Greece, the island of Corfu holds an unusual Easter tradition on Holy Saturday involving clay pots. Fittingly named ‘Pot throwing’, the ceremony is knows for its tradition of earthenware being thrown out of windows The practice is symbolic of the new crops that will be gathered in the newly purchased pots.
In Jamaica, they crack eggs on Good Friday that are said to predict the future Before sunrise on Good Friday in Jamaica, there is an old tradition where you crack an egg and add the egg white to a glass of water As the rising sun heats the egg it makes patterns in the war People believed these patters could predict the way in which you will die.
In Haiti, maracas, drums and bamboo trumpets are all a part of the Easter festivities in Haiti This country’s traditions are an eclectic mix of Catholicism and Voodoo beliefs with festivities that include colourful parades, music and chanting Voodoo believers bring sacrificial offerings to appease the spirits in ceremonies in Souvenance village, Haiti.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
International Women's Day, celebrated annually on March 8th, is a global day recognising the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
It serves as a call to action for accelerating gender parity and raising awareness about issues that women face around the world
This day is not only a celebration of women's accomplishments but also a reminder of the ongoing struggles for gender equality.
The origins of International Women's Day can be traced back to the early 20th century. The first official celebration was held in 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, where over a million women and men attended rallies advocating for women's rights to work, vote, and hold public office
The day has since evolved, gaining recognition and support from various organisations, including the United Nations, which began celebrating it in 1977
By Ava Najafi
Each year, International Women's Day has a specific theme that highlights particular issues affecting women globally For instance, the theme for 2021 was "Choose to Challenge," encouraging individuals to challenge gender bias and inequality. In 2022, the theme was “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow," emphasising the importance of gender equality in achieving sustainable development. These themes not only guide the activities and events organised on this day but also serve to inspire conversations about women ’ s rights and empowerment.
The day serves as a call to action for accelerating gender parity
Celebrations of International Women's Day take many forms across the globe In some countries, it is a public holiday, while in others, it is marked by rallies, conferences, and community events Schools and organisations often host discussions, workshops, and activities aimed at educating people about women's rights and the significance of gender equality Social media also plays a significant role in promoting awareness, with hashtags like #InternationalWomensDay and #IWD trending worldwide, allowing individuals to share their stories and support for women's rights
In addition to celebrating achievements, International Women's Day also highlights the challenges women continue to face Issues such as gender-based violence, pay inequality, lack of access to education, and underrepresentation in leadership positions are just a few of the obstacles that hinder progress toward gender equality By bringing these issues to light, International Women's Day encourages individuals and communities to take action, advocate for change, and support initiatives that promote women's rights
As we observe International Women's Day, it is crucial to reflect on the progress made and the work that still needs to be done. Each of us can contribute to the movement for gender equality by educating ourselves and others, supporting women's initiatives, and challenging stereotypes and biases in our daily lives. Whether it's through volunteering, mentoring, or simply advocating for equal rights, every action counts
In conclusion, International Women's Day is a vital occasion that not only celebrates the achievements of women but also serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality. By coming together to recognise the contributions of women and addressing the challenges they face, we can work toward a more equitable world for everyone Let us use this day as an opportunity to inspire change, uplift women's voices, and continue the journey toward a brighter future for all
SOUTH AFRICA CRICKET TOUR
On the 13th February, 30 of our cricketers between Years 10 and 13 set off to Cape Town, South Africa to spend half term experiencing high quality cricket, an education of South Africa and extremely warm weather.
We got to experience the history of Cape Town, which has essential roots to South Africa’s history. This included a visit to The Slave Lodge, a museum in Cape Town’s city centre which explained and outlined the history of the slave trade and slavery in South Africa, as well as the long lasting effects it had and how it can be seen within South African culture today We also got to tour Langa, a township in Cape Town, which has a rich history in the fight against apartheid, and has developed from a poor community to a home for young, talented and innovative South Africans
We also experienced the beautiful nature of Cape Town, going on a safari game drive and getting close up views of South African wildlife, including four members of the Big Five This was followed by a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, providing a bird’s eye view of the city from coastline to mountain range We also made a few energetic visits to the sand beaches with ice cold water and amazing sunset views.
By Jayden Matsikenyeri
The cricket was highly competitive, as our junior and senior teams played eight matches against some the finest cricketing schools South Africa has to offer Our senior team left a win over Fairmount High School, while our juniors played a highly competitive T20 match with SACS, of which they fell short by 1 run Highlights from the juniors were Will Mclean’s 67 runs vs SACS with the bat in a T20 match, with Harry Jordan and Mark McKie taking 3 wickets a piece with the ball vs Rondebosch in a 50 over game. From the seniors, Ed Nolan opened the tour with 82 runs with the bat against Paarl Gimnasium, and Henry Hollands picked up 3 wickets with the ball against SACS in a T20.
At the end of the half term, we left South Africa with plenty of good experiences, lessons, and having played a good competitive week of cricket.
FUERTEVENTURA SURFING TRIP
By Nikol Savaleva and Heidi Muckle
A few weeks ago, during half term, a group of us eager students set off on a surf trip to Fuerteventura swapping school life for sandy beaches, surfboards and sunshine We were pleased to be met with a gorgeous villa upon arrival. As you walked in, there were comfy sun beds surrounding the edges of the spacious decking which were definitely put to good use throughout the week This lead to a staircase which split towards the two sectors: the boy’s half and the girl’s half We each had our own kitchen where we got our vital daily dose of digestives and which led to the heart of the communal life, the dorms, with Mrs Cook camping with the girls and Mr Young with the boys.
Mornings started early with breakfast before heading straight to the beach for surf lessons most days. With our expert instructors, Thomas and Pepe, guiding us, we learnt the basics - paddling, balancing and (eventually) standing up on our boards Some of us picked it up quickly, while others spent more time wiping out, but at the end of the week, everyone had improved massively
We swapped school life for sandy beaches, surfboards and sunshine
One of the biggest highlights of the trip was our catamaran adventure to Lobos Island. We sailed across the crystal clear turquoise waters (a bit rocky, mind), soaking up the sun before anchoring in a bay about a hundred meters from the shore Jumping off the boat, we swam in the stunning sea and snorkelled among the fish (although some were more willingly than others) Meanwhile, a handful of people preferred to utilise the excursion in some sort of raft, be it a paddle board or a kayak, enjoying the waters from a safer distance. Afterwards, we enjoyed a delicious paella on board, eating in silence (a sign of a good meal).
Back on land, our afternoons were packed with more surf sessions, beach games and even some free time to explore which landed us in FuerChina, our local shop. Evenings were just as fun with activities like a stargazing seminar and a few very competitive games of Uno and Dobble back at the Surf Camp- if you know, you know!
Another awesome highlight was yoga where we were able to relax our minds and bodies through some deep stretches which was very helpful after a long day of surfing However, this trip wasn’t just about surfing It was about pushing ourselves, trying new things, making amazing memories with friends, and of course, getting a great tan! Whether we were cheering each other on in the waves, relaxing on the beach, or eliminating our surfing opponents through massive wipe-out sessions, the whole experience bought us closer together
Every evening, dinner was a chance to relax and refuel after a day in the water Some nights we ate at our villa, enjoying homecooked meals, while other times we headed out to local restaurants. A fan favourite was an Italian restaurant where we got the luscious choice between pastas! On our last evening, we switched it up with fresh poke bowls, a perfect finish to the trip No matter where we ate, every meal was a great time to chat, laugh and relive the best moments of the day.
As the trip came to a close, we celebrated with an awards ceremony before heading home exhausted but happy, with salty hair, some muscles and a new love of surfing If you ever get the chance to go on this trip, don’t think twice: just go for it!
LAW TRIP: THE ROYAL COURTS OF JUSTICE
By Ava Najafi
In the last week before half term, Year 12 had the incredible opportunity to visit the Royal Courts of Justice in London It was an eyeopening experience that allowed us to gain insight into the legal system and the roles of various legal professionals.
Upon our arrival, we were warmly welcomed by a barrister who shared fascinating details about his career He explained the responsibilities of a barrister, emphasising the importance of advocacy in the courtroom His passion for the law was evident, and he provided us with a glimpse into the rigorous training and dedication required to succeed in this field. It was inspiring to hear firsthand about the challenges and rewards of being a barrister, and it made many of us consider the
possibilities of pursuing a career in law.
After our initial introduction, we were guided on a tour by a knowledgeable tour guide who elaborated on the differences between solicitors and barristers. He explained that solicitors typically handle the preparatory work for cases, providing legal advice and preparing documents, while barristers focus on representing clients in court
This distinction helped clarify the roles within the legal profession and highlighted the collaborative nature of the work. The guide also shared intriguing historical facts about the Royal Courts of Justice, which was built in the late 19th century and is an architectural marvel The intricate designs and grandeur of the building left a lasting impression on us all.
One of the most exciting moments of the trip was when we had the chance to observe a brief trial. Although it was just a glimpse, witnessing the courtroom proceedings brought the legal concepts we had studied in class to life. It was fascinating to see the barrister in action, presenting arguments and engaging with the judge. This firsthand experience reinforced the significance of the legal system and the critical role it plays in society.
Being in that environment, surrounded by the solemnity of the court and the professionalism of the legal practitioners, made us realise how dynamic and impactful the field of law can be It was a unique opportunity that many of us will not soon forget
Overall, the trip to the Royal Courts of Justice was an invaluable experience for Year 12 It not only enhanced our understanding of the profession but also inspired many of us to consider future careers in law The combination of engaging presentations, informative tours, and the opportunity to observe a trial made for a memorable day We left the courts with a greater appreciation for the complexities of the legal system and the dedication of those who work within it
The trip inspired many of us to consider future careers in law.
This visit has undoubtedly sparked our interest in the law and encouraged us to explore this field further as we continue our studies.
TRUMP: EUROPE, UKRAINE AND TARIFFS
By Esther Ellwood
Three years on, Ukraine's extinction nightmare has returned
During a conference in which President Zelensky was invited to the White House under the pretence of peace talks and negotiations, Trump described Zelensky as 'gambling with World War 3', and to come back when he was 'ready for peace'.
The entire meeting was a televised ambush with the aim of demoralising and humiliating Zelensky, with Vance, the Vice President ridiculing the Ukrainian leader on his choice of clothes and for not 'saying thank you' enough that meeting. "Have you said 'thank you' once this entire meeting?" Vance said, before Trump told Zelensky he was not being "very thankful" Donald Trump has delivered a stream of exaggeration, half-truths and outright lies about the war that echo the views of President Putin
They include his dismissal of Ukraine's President Zelensky as a dictator who does not deserve a seat at the table when America and Russia decide the future of his country. The biggest lie Trump told is that Ukraine started the war.
The Ukrainian president described the White House showdown as "regrettable" in a lengthy social media post in the wake of the US announcing a pause in military aid to Kyiv. "We are ready to work fast to end the war, and the first stages could be the release of prisoners and truce in the sky ban on missiles, long-ranged drones, bombs on energy and other civilian infrastructure – and truce in the sea immediately, if Russia will do the same," he wrote.
Unfortunately, Trump did not seem to be as reconciliatory after the meeting, as after, Zelensky said a deal to end the war between Ukraine and Russia was "still very, very far away" Trump then described this as the "worst statement that could have been made by Zelensky", in a post on his Truth Social platform "It is what I was saying, this guy doesn't want there to be peace as long as he has America's backing"
However, Trump has faced many backlashes from withdrawing aid from Ukraine, including from Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine "I do not think we should be pausing our efforts," she said. "It's the Ukrainians who are shedding blood" Crucially, Russia's backers will not withdraw aid, such as North Korea and Iran.
The effect is being felt far beyond Washington, as it has sent the US's allies in the UK and Europe needing to address the potential fallout.
Ukrainians expressed widespread shock and dismay at the US military aid pause Oleksandr Merezhko, who chairs the Ukrainian parliament's foreign affairs committee, said it could have "dangerous consequences".
In contrast to this cruel and horrific attack on Ukraine’s president, European leaders rallied support around Zelensky Sir Keir Starmer has told Ukrainian President Zelensky he has “full backing across the United Kingdom” and that Britain stands with Ukraine “for as long as it may take”.
European leaders backed plans to spend more on defence and continue to stand by Ukraine. The EU’s defence summit in Brussels took place amid fears that Russia, emboldened by its war in Ukraine, may attack an EU country next and Europe can no longer rely on the US to come to its aid "Today we have shown that the EU is rising to the challenge, building the Europe of defence and standing with Ukraine shoulder to shoulder," the chairman of the meeting Antonio Costa told reporters
THREE PLANE CRASHES IN THREE WEEKS
The aviation world has had a turbulent start to 2025, with three major plane crashes occurring within the span of just three weeks. While aviation remains one of the safest modes of transport, these plane crashes have sparked concern about air safety.
January 29th : Potomac Tragedy Potomac
One of the deadliest aviation accidents in recent U.S. history occurred on January 29, when American Eagle Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ700 operated by American Airlines, collided mid-air with a US Army helicopter over the Potomac River All 64 passengers and crew on the flight and the three people in the helicopter were tragically killed. Investigators are examining the cause of the collision, focusing on air traffic control miscommunication and possible pilot error as early theories
By Owen Lee
F
ebruary
6th : A Vanished Flight in Alaska
Just a week later, Bering Air Flight 445, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, was en route from Unalakleet to Nome, Alaska, when it mysteriously vanished while flying over the cold waters of Norton Sound The wreckage was discovered the following day, tragically confirming the loss of all ten individuals aboard the flight Investigators are examining harsh winter weather and poor visibility as potential contributing factors to the crash This incident underscores the significant challenges of flying in Alaska's rugged terrain and extreme conditions, where aviation often serves as the sole means of connecting isolated and remote communities The risks faced by pilots and passengers in such environments are a stark reminder of the dangers of air travel in this region.
February 17th: A Miracle in Toronto
The most recent North American crash, involving Delta Flight 4819, had a far less tragic outcome The CRJ-900 flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport, yet miraculously, all 76 passengers and four crew members survived However, 21 passengers sustained injuries. Investigators are currently examining what went wrong during the landing, whether it was pilot error, mechanical failure, or poor weather conditions that led to the accident
Political Fallout: Trump’s Controversial Comments
President Donald Trump has caused controversy after suggesting that diversity programs supported by his predecessors played a role in the January 29 mid-air collision over Washington, DC
In a news conference on Thursday, Trump said that, under President Joe Biden, candidates with "severe intellectual and psychiatric disabilities" could be hired as air traffic controllers .
Some aviation experts have countered his claims, saying that while diversity recruitment schemes exist within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), candidates must pass rigorous medical and psychological tests to qualify for the role.
LIGHT POLLUTION COULD RENDER STARS INVISIBLE WITHIN 20 YEARS
The Herefordshire hills relaxed in brilliant sunshine last weekend, welcoming the arrival of summer with clear, cloudless skies. Once, such conditions would have promised breathtaking nights filled with coal-dark heavens, brilliant stars and streaking meteorites.
However, this wasn’t the case Instead of a deep black sky, a dull, murky grey loomed overhead, with only a handful of faint stars struggling to shine The Milky Way, which once stretched across the sky in a dazzling display, had vanished. The return of summer had once again highlighted a growing issue of modern times: light pollution Scientists have warned that the rapid increase in artificial lighting, particularly LEDs, is drastically brightening the night sky The widespread use of streetlights, illuminated billboards, advertising screens, and sports venue lighting is drowning out the stars and erasing our connection to the universe
In 2016, astronomers reported that a third of humanity could no longer see the Milky Way, and the situation has only worsened since then If current trends continue, experts estimate that in 20 years most major constellations will be unrecognisable This loss will have profound cultural and scientific consequences. “The night sky is part of our environment, and it would be a major deprivation if the next generation never got to see it, just as it would be if they never saw a bird’s nest,” said Martin Rees, the Astronomer Royal “You don’t need to be an
by Emmanuel Erebor
astronomer to care about this” Rees is part of a parliamentary group supporting for dark skies, proposing measures such as appointing a minister for dark skies, creating a regulatory commission, and setting strict lighting standards. Physicist Christopher Kyba’s research shows that light pollution is causing the night sky to brighten by around 10% per year. At this rate, a child born today in an area where 250 stars are visible may see only 100 by adulthood
Beyond astronomy, light pollution also disrupts wildlife and human health Birds, sea turtles, and insects depend on natural light, but artificial lighting confuses them, leading to ecological harm Additionally, modern LEDs lack infrared light, which plays a role in regulating blood sugar and melatonin production, possibly contributing to rising obesity and diabetes rates
Without urgent action, humanity risks losing not only the stars but also the unseen benefits of natural darkness
THE OSCARS 2025
By Jemima Bailey
On the 2nd of March, many well-known names from the likes of Mike Jagger, Leonardo DiCaprio, Demi Moore and many more gathered together for Chanel and Charles Finch pre-ceremony magic. This yearly gathering is one of the most coveted invitations ahead of Hollywood’s biggest night of celebration, held at the iconic Polo Lounge at Beverly Hills Hotel
The event brings together actors, musicians, directors, producers and a whole manner of prestigious individuals
Plenty of stars were nominated for this year ’ s Oscars to toast their successes in a ceremonial night of prize-giving. Amid the wildfires in Los Angeles, many thought the Oscars may not go ahead. However, awards season was back on track shortly after the Brit Awards on March 1st This 97th Academy Award was held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood hosted by Jimmy Kimmel
Who performed at the Oscars?
In a statement from the Academy’s CEO Bill Kramer and Janett Yang confirmed that “this year the best original song category presentation will move away from live performances and will be forced on the songwriters. We will celebrate their artistry through personal reflection from the teams who bring these songs to life. All of this, and more will uncover the stories and inspiration behind this year ’ s nominees”
The opening performance was from the Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who have not had a public performance together since last year ’ s Met Gala, as well as seeing a performance of Doja Cat, Lisa, Queen Latifah and Raye Last year ’ s four acting winners – Emma Stone, Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr and Da’vine Joy Randolph presented the acting statuettes at this year ’ s Oscars whilst being joined by many other wellknown figures in the entertainment industry.
Successes this year at the Oscars Academy Awards included the best picture award for Anora, best actress winner Mikey Madison for Anora, best actor winner Adrien Brody for The Brutalist, best supporting actress winner Zoe Saldaña for Emilia Pérez and best supporting actor winner Kieran Culkin for A Real Pain.
LONDON FASHION WEEK
By Ciara Donsbach
BOYS’ COLLEGE SPORT
In football this term, the boys have been led by a dedicated Noah Titterton-Manos; he and his team have been challenged throughout this term, although they have adapted well to different opponents. Whilst the team this term has only won 1 game 2-0 against King Canterbury, they have shown character and fight in multiple drawn games Noah has worked hard with his first team and is trying to improve the transfer between what they do in training to match situations and then be clinical in attack. Noah is extremely proud of his team and has been impressed by how they have come back with a different and improved mindset with each match they play even when faced with a very tough opponent. Noah’s advice for future captains would be to play with confidence and trust and create an atmosphere where the team is on the same page and strive together He is sure the team will go very far together with this.
By Myles Luther
In hockey this term Sam Bordass has seen lots of success with his hockey team. They have had a 6 win and 2 loss record with a notable 13-2 win against Skinners School. Sam has been very pleased with the fluidity with which the team moves the ball as well as pressing on the opposition’s defence, which has allowed them to keep the ball high up on the opponent’s half, allowing them to keep a constant press Sam has aimed to keep discipline as well as a strong mentality when going into games. Sam led from the front with over 20 goals to his name showing the standard that he sets for his team
Sam’s team has shown huge capability and demonstrated that his team can compete at a very high level and still win. Sam’s leadership has kept people encouraged and focused which is vital for the team in potentially game defining moments.
GIRLS’ COLLEGE SPORT
The first team, led by their strong team captain, Izzie Steed, has had an incredible season so far. They started the season with an impressive win against their strong rivals Cranleigh Izzie Steed has worked on maintaining the resilience of the team, especially when playing strong sides, as she acknowledges that it can be difficult to keep up the motivation and energy throughout each quarter up until the final whistle She feels that the team have adjusted amazingly to playing together and have been able to adapt well in order to work together as one unit
Meanwhile, the U15A team has also had a brilliant season, led by their team captain, Lottie Hinton. They performed amazingly at the SISNA tournament which included teams from all across the county, Their highlights in the tournament were: winning against Hurst, Brighton College and Worth They then went on to win the shield. Lottie and the team acknowledge the exceptional shooting performance of Lucy McDonald. Lottie looks forward to next season with the aim to work with the team on ball placement and set plays to get off to a strong start with more wins
Eliza Williams-Thomas has captained the U16A team through this season They have had some very tough opponents this year, in particular Cranleigh, who they fought very
By Liv Wilson
hard throughout, holding the lead in the first half, but unfortunately just lost by 4 goals due to Cranleigh's remarkable comeback in the final quarter Despite this Eliza described that match as "one of our best matches". Eliza also puts out a special mention to Bertie Cooke for being a great motivator and Imo White who scored 75 out of the 115 goals scored this season!
Finally the U14A team led by Georgie Gribble has had an excellent first season, winning four out of the six Saturday matches played so far As well as this, they progressed to the plate finals at SISNA Looking ahead to the next season, Georgie thinks that the team could introduce more rehearsed play into matches.
Overall, the girls' netball teams have all had very successful seasons. Each team has showed great progression from the beginning of the season, as a result of a lot of hard work and dedication from all girls no matter their level of play They are all looking forward to their next seasons playing for the college
SUPER BOWL LIX
Earlier in the term, we saw the Super Bowl take place in New Orleans, a mixture of high level play between two of the NFL’s premier teams: the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles We also were treated to a bit of everything from Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance: music, drama and controversy. Celebrity cameos added to the spectacle, with everyone from Serena Williams to Samuel L Jackson making appearances. Even President Trump was in attendance, the first sitting president to ever attend a Super Bowl.
On the field though, the Eagles delivered a performance that will be remembered by football fans for years, finally ending the Kansas City Chiefs’ near historic reign. A slow first quarter didn’t give us much inkling of what was to follow, but once the Eagles’ defence kicked into gear, the game shifted dramatically, with a pick-6 touchdown from Eagles rookie corner Cooper DeJean (on his birthday) and a crucial interception from linebacker Zack Baun.
Patrick Mahomes, who is normally incredibly composed under pressure, found himself
By Eli Clive
rattled, throwing those two uncharacteristic interceptions in quick succession. The Chiefs, aiming for a historic three-peat, were overwhelmed before halftime By the time Mahomes and his team finally got on the board, the damage was already done The Eagles had dethroned the reigning champions in brutal fashion
Off the field, the halftime show generated as much discussion as the game itself Kendrick Lamar, fresh from his Grammy wins, delivered a great, yet moot, performance which featured a surprise appearance from artist SZA and a theatrical cameo by Serena Williams, but it was his performance of Not Like Us that sparked the most conversation. The song itself, a diss track, is already a defining product from his ongoing feud with Drake Fans wondered if Kendrick would perform this Grammy winning song on such a global stage. Saving it for last, Kendrick took centre stage and strategically selfcensored certain lyrics while leaving others intact Whether the NFL was prepared for it or not, the performance became the defining pop culture moment of the entire event
BLACKWATER HOUSE REPORT
By Apple Van de Meer
Blackwater has had an exciting few weeks with all of the girls participating and throwing themselves into all the fun the school offers
On March 11th we had the school’s first ever Giving Day which was filled with fun games that all the girls threw themselves into Our Barbie mascot came along brilliantly with everyone bringing in materials to help build and assemble it Our ‘Guess what’s in the box stall’ turned out really well and was super popular Also, in the fierce tug of war competition, which involved a complex tournament of all the houses competing for champion tug of war, Blackwater junior girls gave it their all and won first place taking a shiny large trophy back to house The senior girls came 3rd place, with convincing wins against Watt House, winning 1/3 against School House and unfortunately losing to the superior Nugent team. However, they still gave it their all and Ms Price competed in the teachers vs prefects round.
At the start of this year, Ella and Tilly who are our house prefect peer listeners in Year 13 started a ‘spill the tea’ session once a week at first break for people to come and have a chat and talk about their week over a biscuit There is also Biscuits with Bealo where Mr Beal sits in the common room and anyone can come and say one good thing about their week or their achievements and get a biscuit This allows people of all years to come together to share their week, which is beneficial for all of the Blackwater girls’ mental health
The Year 12 girls have been preparing for the decision of Head of House to be made for next year so they have been starting to write up their application forms
CRAIG HOUSE REPORT
By Dan Clark
It’s been another busy period for Craig House, thanks in part to a hugely successful inaugural Giving Day hosted on College Field Both the mascot and stall set up by Wilf and Dan proved to be a huge success, with hundreds flocking to the stall for an opportunity to throw a wet sponge at Mr Symes, Mr Medlycott, and Mr Kutcha, amongst others Craig also won the senior tug of war, with impressive victories over Wargrave, Pennel, Powell and Reeves
Victory continued on and off the field with an extraordinary win in house fives, with only one game lost in the entire competition. A tough draw for squash saw Craig come 5th in house squash but hopes remain high for next year
Every year in Craig is busy preparing for the Craig House Review, which is taking place on the last Saturday of this term. With under a week to go, each year is busy perfecting their act, as well the whole house getting together to practise the house song, which won the house singing competition earlier this year.
Special congratulations go to Jasper Simpson for his excellent performance in the College Battle of the Bands competition, which saw his band emerge victorious. Felix and Jack did well in the sewing bee, and a huge congratulations to Theo Summers for becoming a school prefect
GONVILLE HOUSE REPORT
Gonvillians have had an amazing and jam packed half term working to represent the house in all the exciting activities that the school have put on The whole house took part in our house concert, where every year had an amazing performance that blew the crowd away with their talent The concert opened with an amazing performance by the Year 9s with their comedy sketch to the song Harder Better Faster Stronger by Daft Punk The house band played Champagne Supernova by Oasis and nailed every note, making everyone clap with them and join in with the singing
That’s not all the Year 9s had up their sleeve, however: they not only participated in house basketball but won the entire tournament
In further sports news, Year 10 had their house hockey matches, and Gonville made it through to the final of the house water polo
By Harry Doe
Lately, Gonville took part in the first ever Giving Day where we raised money for the Blue Sky Bursaries so that the school can fund people to be able to come here. Gonville was all over the day, with our parade marching down to College Field and our obstacle course team coming third place, followed by the tug of war team and the Gonville stall testing how long pupils could hold onto the bar for All the pupils had a blast and it was truly a day to remember
NUGENT HOUSE REPORT
Nugent House has had an exciting and eventful half term, culminating in a fantastic second place finish in the house netball competition This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of all our team members, as well as the unwavering support from the house The spirit of teamwork and camaraderie has truly shone through, making us proud to represent Nugent.
By Ava Najafi
In addition to our sporting success, we were thrilled to participate in the Sunday Funday event organised by Miss Gordon and Miss Fry
This gathering brought together Nugent and School House for a fun-filled afternoon of chats, snacks, and creativity. Everyone enjoyed painting cups, which not only allowed us to express our artistic talents but also strengthened the bonds within our house
Another highlight was the Nugent Bikeathon, where we cycled for an impressive 24 hours to raise money for the Princess Trust charity. The results were amazing, showcasing the commitment and enthusiasm of our participants This event not only fostered a sense of community but also contributed to a great cause, proving once again that together, we can achieve remarkable things
PENNELL HOUSE REPORT
As we come into the end of term, we take a moment to celebrate the achievements and memorable moments of the past few months in Pennell House.
A huge congratulations to our Year 13s who completed their A-level mock exams. Their resilience and commitment were evident throughout this rough period.
One of the standout events of the term was the Pennell House Revue, which showcased the incredible talents of our boys across all year groups. Year 9 delivered an outstanding performance with the support of Mr. Smit, demonstrating great enthusiasm and teamwork Year 10 impressed with their singing, with a special mention to the lead singer Pavel, whose performance was truly unforgettable Year 11 and Year 13 had the audience in stitches with their hilarious video productions Year 11’s remake of New Rules by Dua Lipa was a particular highlight, while Year 13’s take on Love Island and Top Gear was both creative and entertaining. Meanwhile, Year 12 brought energy and flair to the stage with a fantastic dance performances of Uptown Funk and Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae).
By Owen Lee
POWELL HOUSE REPORT
This term we have seen a lot of success come from Powell House. Powell saw Matt (12), Charlie (13), Jack (12) and Stanley (10) all compete in the Bath Cup where the Powellions brought home a convincing victory alongside other swimmers The Year 9 5s team also saw a victory in the inter house 5s competition with Ethan (9) and James (9) bringing home a big win for the house with Powell coming 3rd overall This year ’ s cricket tour to South Africa saw Stanley (10), Ethan (11) and Shaun (11) all make an appearance on the field with some wins and some losses facing against some well regarded schools
We have also seen Powell make plenty of appearances in informal concerts and musical events producing some lovely sounds with many different instruments and vocals.
Powell has shown plenty of passion and drive this term in sporting events, most recently on the school’s first Giving Day when the junior tug of war team managed to get a convincing victory beating every house that stood in their way coached by the valiant Gareth (10). Powell has also been victorious in inter house squash with Alfie (12) leading from the front, gaining convincing victories over the opposition houses. Powell has shown their strive for excellence in many aspects of College life
By Myles Luther
REEVES HOUSE REPORT
By Jonah Ripley
With yet another half term in full swing now, it’s again time to reflect on the many achievements and events in Reeves House The term began with a hard start for our Upper 6th who diligently worked through their A-level mock exams and achieved results they should all be proud of. Continuing the theme of good results, a team consisting of Billy Hart, Tom Hoskinson, Rowan Bell, and William Travers received a departmental commendation for their top performance in the IEA Budget Challenge.
In the creative arts, Enzo and Reuben Mace, and Elliot and Tom Hibbert were crowned victors of the inaugural Battle of the Bands, involving multiple schools from the local area. Their band Gifthorse produced two excellent performances and were well deserving of a win Reuben Mace also aided in conducting a provocative assembly on the war in Ukraine in last Friday’s chapel service, with George Rosin doing a reading in the previous chapel service.
This term, Reeves also saw a number of notable sporting achievements, with over ten pupils playing for their respective first teams, including both Teddy and Monty Dean as a duo for the first XI Rugby team. Mentions should also go to Chace Marten, who helped the U15A hockey team in their cup match win and Cameron Pert, Henry Hollands, and Eric Wood for contributing to a 12-0 victory in football against Canterbury.
Hoskinson suffered a heart-breakingly close defeat in the house Fives competition.
Another first at the College was ‘Giving Day’, which saw everyone in the house engaging enthusiastically with all the festivities, including a victory in the obstacle course, and runner up in the senior tug of war competition The house stall and parade were also a great success and a big thank you should go to Henry Hollands and Will Travers who organised both So far the term has been a great success, and Reeves hopes to keep up the good spirits leading up to the Easter Holidays
This half term has also been a big one for house events in Reeves The magician James Katz was the first ever winner of ‘Eastbourne’s Got Talent’, winning over the crowd with his brilliant magic tricks. In house squash, the strong duo of Will Fellows and Barney Bathard-Smith dominated the competition and won the junior division Meanwhile Jonah Ripley and Tom
SCHOOL HOUSE REPORT
ByJemima Bailey
As this term draws to a close, we reflect on all of the exciting and fun filled activities that school house has got up to since the last issue of the Stag. Our girls have had many successes and achievements as well as well deserved activities and treats for us all in this half of term, from pottery painting to house dinners All in all, it has been a triumph for the girls of schoolhouse.
On the evening of the 4th of march, a few of schoolhouse year 12’s had a buzz of activity dishing up 120 pancakes for the entirety of the house to celebrate pancake day, complete with blasting lots of Rhianna and spice girls as well as many close shaves to the fire brigade being called. Two and a half hours of ‘hells kitchen’ re-enactments resulted in the pancakes being gone within seconds.
School House’s year 13’s endured many tedious exams for their mocks We are immensely proud of their achievements ready for their examinations in the summer. As we are nearing the Capella extravaganza, schoolhouse has brought together a multitude of our years to express our love for singing and presenting real challenges to us along the way. As we rehearse our rendition of a song that will remain anonymous till our day of performance we have acquired and learnt many different skills to create one harmonious sing along On the 11th of March we had our first ever Giving day and it was truly a day full of amazing triumphs for all involved and for schoolhouse As winners of the taskmaster challenge, we endured many fun filled
rehearsals in the leading up to our thrilling re-enactment of Michael Jackson’s Thriller Our face painting and hair braiding stall was a huge success a real hit with everyone.
As we all came back from a well-rested half term, our wonderful Mrs Whiddett-Adams and Miss Gordon greeted us with pottery painting of our very own personalised mugs in house This was such an amazing treat that we are all so grateful to have and really brought together our School House creative spirit with lots of music and laughter
The Valentines roses this year was truly a success with selling out on both the Monday and Tuesday, all to raise money to go to our house charity for children in Czechia and Ukraine. A huge thank you to all who bought the roses to help our house charity. The writing and sorting of the roses brought together all of the girls of the house creating a system that worked very well to get the roses to whom they were assigned
The School and Wargrave House Dinner took place with the theme of ‘what you wanted to be when you were younger ’ The array of costumes was truly astonishing that expressed School House’s creativity. This special evening was one to remember, full of many games and challenges which brought us all together, complete with prizes for things such as best costume A huge thank you to all staff and students involved in the planning of this event in many different ways, especially to Mrs Whiddett-Adams and Mr Spiers.
WARGRAVE HOUSE REPORT
Coming back from the extended exeat, the boys in Wargrave hit the ground running with the first weekend back being our greatly anticipated joint house dinner with School House. It was a night to remember, with theme being ‘what did you want to be when you grow up ’ . This theme certainly allowed some of the boys’ creativity to be on display as some spectacular costumes were shown off. A special mention goes to Jude Boateng (11) who went as LeBron James, Hugh Zhao(9) who was an amazing magician, and Aman Shah(12) who was our very own London judge A huge thank you goes out to all staff and pupils involved in the organisation of the event, whether that be working on seating plans, decorations or the guest list itself, thank you everyone
By Finn Bulkeley
Most recently Wargrave held our annual coveted 24-hour Rowathon where there was a member of the house rowing for every second of those 24 hours This year ’ s charity was the RNLI who are celebrating 200 years since their creation which is an amazing feat. Speaking of amazing feats, the boys put in maximum effort with everyone wanting to be the one to row the furthest within their year group. Those winners are:
Year 9 Archie Stack 2177m
Year 10 Will Mclean 2497m
Year 11 Timothee Dodard 2534m
Year 12 Elliot Freeborough 2690m
Year 13 Freddie Jones 2775m
Freddie also rowed the furthest out of all pupils. Additionally, a special mention must go out to Mr Roberts who went the furthest out of all the participants with an amazing 2803m. While individual achievements must be celebrated, it should not take away from the effort all the participants put in as we all collectively rowed 322,851m and are proud to have raised £7007 which, according to Mr Simister, can contribute to kitting out a whole lifeboat crew who can then continue saving lives at sea. Furthermore, a massive amount of gratitude goes out to the committee, and anyone involved in organising this massive event and everyone who was encouraging and uplifting of everyone ’ s spirits. It was certainly not an easy feat Thank you, all
WATT HOUSE REPORT
It’s been a flourishing few weeks for the Watt girls, from our epic house concert to the heavy Watt involvement in the National Fives Championship competition, but house life is still buzzing as usual.
The annual Watt Revue offered a joyful kickstart to the beginning of February, with an array of sketches and dances as well as a fabulous a Capella rendition of Spice Up Your Life, brilliant solos by Sathana Ramasamy and Ana Brown, a breath-taking group performance featuring Jessica Moore and Ciara Donsbach performing a gorgeous duet alongside Xanthe Lawson singing, Yuki Chae on the piano, and lots more The Year 13 video provided top-rate entertainment for the audience as they battled it out for Head of House through a series of kidnaps and murders, mysteriously leaving Sophie Fellows and Emily Finch as the only remaining candidates, having proved themselves to be determined and capable leaders. However, more importantly the evening managed to raise an impressive £1,115 for our chosen charity, the Chaseley Trust, an organisation that many of the girls have dedicated lots of their time to, which aims to enrich the lives of adults suffering with complex neurological issues The Year 12 bake sale, organised by Jessica Moore and Eva Bramley, was also a huge success, with almost all of the girls in the house contributing something to the collection of homemade baked goods The thorough selling that went on throughout break time and tutor time meant that we managed to raise a further £715 for the Chaseley Trust
By Poppy Campion
The girls are continuing to excel in a variety of sports, with Lottie Hecks, Mathilda Kirkman and Georgie Gribble coming second in the recent interhouse Gives competition Sophie Fellows, Nelly Bathard-Smith, Daisy Dunkley, Daisy Barrow and Lilah Medlycott made up five of the twelve girls who recently competed in the South East Regional Fives competition and, despite some tricky competition, they still came away with some fabulous results as well as gaining some more Fives experience. Daisy Dunkley was the runner up in the main singles competition, Daisy Barrow came third in the Singles Plate competition, then together they were the runners up in the double’s competition. Nelly, along with Amelia Williams from Blackwater, came third in the doubles plate competition, and Sophie Fellows was also a semi-finalist in the singles In swimming, Amelie Hunt and Hattie Stone have also recently qualified for the National Relays for the Bath Cup at the Aquatic Centre, which is an amazing achievement for them both.
There has also been lots of action lately regarding the A level and GCSE drama scripted performances. The Watt girls made up a significant part of the GCSE performances, with Isla Jourdain, Ebony Aloof, Imogen White, Ana Brown, Heidi Muckle, Ella Quigley, Laila Rajwani and Nancy Maclaurin all performing duologues which all had the audience entirely gripped For the A-level performance, Daisy Barrow and Willow Brown gave a very dramatic performance of an extract from That Face by Polly Stenham. We wish all of them good luck for their final exams!
The Year 13s have also recently finished their A-level mock exams which took place after half term and they are now making good progress towards their final summer exams
On the 11th of February, sisters Yuki and Miki Chae performed a wonderful duet on the flute of Hungarian Dance by Brahams, then subsequently each performed in the informal concert on the 25th of February. They both took to the flute again, with Yuki playing Morceau de Concours and Miki playing Allegro. The girls are both a true testament to the musical standard here at the college. Ella Horne also performed in a phenomenal singing recital on the 6th of March of which she sang five songs by Mozart, Vivaldi, Schubert, Gershwin and Britten, of which her performance was reportedly exemplary.
International Women’s Day was celebrated in College on Friday the 7th of March, so in chapel the week before, Gabriela Dixon from Nugent and Poppy Campion took the opportunity to remind everyone on how far women have come in history, but also
offered a reminder of the progress that still needs to be made to achieve gender equality.
We are also excited to celebrate some successes from a couple of our Year 13s who have received offers from various universities Xanthe Lawson has been accepted into the University of Oxford to do a Joint Honours of History and German and Daisy Barrow has been accepted into the Northeastern State University in Oklahoma to study a degree in psychology.
On the 11th of March, we had Eastbourne College’s first Giving Day. Watt House contributed with a thrilling Hsm-based target game stall, a top-class Taskmaster video featuring the Macarena, a bubbly yellow parade featuring our Marie Curie Daffodil mascot and a strong junior and senior team for the obstacle course and tug of war.
As we move into the next few weeks, we ’ re looking forward to a range of events, including the Watt International Dinner, an evening organised by the Year 12s which is a celebration of food from around the world A whole house vote has decided Greek, Chinese and Indian will be the food of choice this year! Rehearsals for house a Capella are also in full swing and the girls are ecstatic for the competition which takes place in the final few days of term. The Year 9 play, featuring talent from our very own Ruth Boothby and Erin Hillyer, is also approaching and is bound to be a success. Finally, house water polo (mental) training is also in progress, so the girls will hopefully be fully prepared for the competition they will be faced with
CHARITY REPORT LENT TERM 2025
During this period, The Charity Society held a very successful revue, building on the good work of the Charity Lunch (and previous events) and contributing to a running total so far of about £2500, with more to come All monies went to the chapel charity for this year, the Midlands Orphanage and Care Centre in Colenso, South Africa.
At the beginning of the term, the prefects put together a highly successful ‘Eastbourne’s Got Talent’ event, raising £879 for Blue Sky Bursaries, and with a winner in James Katz and his amazing magic tricks!
Wargrave raised money for the local RNLI station, and at their annual 24-hour Rowathon they managed to cover over 200 miles (which is the equivalent of Eastbourne to Orleans in France) When all donations are in, they will have raised over £7000! Meanwhile, Nugent had a 24-hour Bikeathon to raise money for the Little Princess Trust They managed to cycle 436km and raised about £1000!
There was lots of fundraising at house revues, with Pennell supporting the testicular cancer
By Father Daniel
charity, Oddballs, and Powell House Concert raising money for CoCo’s Foundation (to support orphans in South Africa and Uganda)
Watt are currently supporting The Chaseley Trust and raised £400 in their house revue with £715 from their cake sale. In addition, a numbers of Watt girls helped out at Chaseley (in particular Emily Finch, who has volunteered in her holidays)
Dexter Bell led a small team from Craig, raising money for the charity SUDC (Sudden Unexpected Death in Children), with a half marathon and revue to follow, while Gonville are currently supporting the Red Cross in Ukraine, with all monies from their revue going to this.
Blackwater raised a total of around £1000 for St Wildred’s Hospice, coming from a raffle at their house revue and the selling of candy canes at Christmas
Finally, our first Giving Day took place on 11th March, which raised over £333,000 for the Blue Sky Bursaries Appeal, which aims to fully-fund means-tested bursary places at our school for local children
'Perfect' Social Lives?
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HOROSCOPES
Aquarius (Jan 20th - Feb 18th)
Recognise your personal strengths
Pisces (Feb 19th- March20th)
Build pathways with close friends
Aries (March 21st-April 19th)
Don’t become overwhelmed with things you can’t control
By Mystic Maud
Taurus (April 20th-May 20th)
Sometimes it is better to let things go
Gemini (May 21st - June 20th)
Good things are coming for you soon
Libra (Sep 23rd - Oct 22nd)
Use self reflection to change your actions
Cancer (June 21st - July 22nd)
Try harder in the things you love
Leo (July 23rd - Aug 22nd)
Give gifts to the ones you love the most
Virgo (Aug 23rd-Sep 22nd)
Continue being a bright star
Scorpio (Oct 23rd - Nov 21st)
Beware of negative energy from your distant friends
Sagittarius (Nov 22nd - Dec 21st)
Think further about your future
Capricorn (Dec 22nd-Jan 19th
Place emphasis on self worth and improvement
THE STAG QUIZ
Search for the answers for this quick quiz throughout the articles. The first to hand in a complete set of correct answers to Ms Curren will win a Show HSM and something chocolatey! Good luck...
By Esther Ellwood
1.How much money was raised on our school's first ever Giving Day?
2. How do they celebrate Easter in Haiti?
3. What is the theme of this year's International Women’s Day?
4. Which museum did they visit on the South Africa cricket tour?
5. Where was this year's surf trip held?
6. Where did pupils travel to on the law trip?
7. From which country has US President Trump withdrawn aid?
8. How many plane crashes happened in three weeks at the start of this year?
9. How soon could stars become invisible due to light pollution?
10. Where are the Oscars held?
11. Who is the captain of the boy’s football team?
12. Who performed at the Super Bowl this year?