Whitgift launches a new partnership to open an international school in India The School celebrates Diwali Festival Launch of the ‘Steps of Sporting Success’ mentoring programme Big School comes alive with the musical adaptation of Twelfth Night Eagerly awaited Charity Concert returned with a host of talent and more inside...
The Big School stage came alive in December 2023 with the vibrant musical adaptation of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night , presented by the Senior cast.
With a dedicated ensemble of almost 30 students, each pupil immersed themselves in rigorous rehearsals to deliver a high energy, polished performance.
Mr Hammond (Director of Drama) said “Whitgift has a proud and accomplished history of Shakespearean productions, but it has been five years since our most recent staging and it has also been four years since our last Senior musical. Therefore, the decision to present a musical rendition of one of Shakespeare's timeless classics seemed perfect.”
As the audience entered Big School, the Jazz band under the direction of Mr Morrison (Assistant Director of Music), provided a preview of the evening's musical journey. The band featured Upper Sixth Formers Reuben Karas, Lucian Ng, and Rooney Ng, alongside the accompaniment of four professional musicians. The lively and comedic 90-minute play commenced with Play On , a fastpaced song featuring entertaining dancing that set the tone for the entire performance.
Throughout the play, the audience witnessed some remarkable solos, including Tell Her by Bakari Leon (Upper Sixth Form), Is This Not Love by Louis Boon (Fourth Form), and comedic performances by Otto Monge (Fifth Form) in songs such as Count Malvolio and Greatness
The musical served as a platform for both emerging talent through the School and for some older students who were making one of their final appearances on the Big School stage.
The show concluded as the cast united to perform Eyes of Another , bringing the show to an end with
the poignant message “If we open our hearts to each other’s beat, what a better world it could be.”
The success of this performance wouldn't have been possible without the efforts of various departments. Special acknowledgment goes to the AV team, responsible for transforming Big School into a monumental stage, complemented by detailed backdrops painted by artist, Luca Crestani.
Many thanks also to Mr Hammond, Mr Morrison, Miss Aluko (Graduate Drama Assistant), Mrs Carter (Director of Sixth Form), Ms Dixon (Teacher of English), Miss Spedding (Head of Academic Drama) and Miss Wells (Graduate Drama Assistant) for their invaluable contributions during the countless hours of rehearsals.
Mr Hammond added " Twelfth Night was a joyous musical, and it was a real delight to rehearse with such a talented and enthusiastic company. The combination of the text from one of the greatest comedies of all time, with such a brilliant and funky score, resulted in a musical that should be more widely known. We were thrilled to be able to share it with our audience.”
Big School came alive with this vibrant musical
Several projects have sparked excitement during the Michaelmas Term around Design, Technology & Engineering (DTE).
Third Form students have been 3D printing fidget spinners using biodegradable polymers, constructing a timber desk and fabricating a metal garden trowel. Second Formers have experimented with AI technology to design and print personlised t-shirts.
A Level DTE students visited the ‘Design and Technology in Action’ talks which took place in central London. With a chance to hear from industry specialists, this trip provided valuable insight into careers in the DTE industry as they begin to embark on making future career choices.
Students also have the opportunity to attend a variety of DTE co-curricular clubs including the £100 Enterprise Club, Lego Club and Junior DTE Club. In the £100 Enterprise Club Middle Years and Sixth Form students take a hypothetical £100 to buy materials to create and sell a product with the aim of trying to make a profit. Last term the students recreated the game tic-tac-toe using 3D printing. The Club sold the games during lunchtime and sold over 80 kits with the proceeds going to Sleep Pod, one of the School’s nominated charities. “Making the individual 3D pieces was a great experience and I enjoyed every second of it” said Ryan Cheng (Third Form). Junior DTE Club’s most recent project involved the design and creation of a maze game.
The students recreated the game tic-tac-toe using 3D printing
Mr Seal (Head of DTE) said “The tenacity of the students and their enthusiasm to use their imagination and learn new skills has certainly been impressive this term.”
Congratulations to the 14 Whitgiftians who have secured Oxbridge offers for 2024 entry. There have been seven offers from the University of Oxford and seven from the University of Cambridge with applicants going on to read a wide range of subjects including Languages, Music, English Literature, History, Maths and Engineering. Amongst the offer-holders is an international sportsman as well as some notable musicians and young entrepreneurs.
Whitgift is proud of all the Sixth Formers who are working hard to secure their offers alongside preparing for exams. These candidates will have taken aptitude tests, read, thought and studied widely, and the intensity of the preparation process is a testament to their dedication and resilience. Many others were interviewed but unlucky, but the spirit of companionship amongst the whole group of some sixty candidates is always palpable. Thanks also to Mr Alcock (Director of Higher Education) and the entire Sixth Form team for their role in offering continued support and guidance.
Whitgift hosted its annual Literary Festival for the Lower First and First Form in November 2023.
Students attended a variety of insightful workshops run by writers and poets from the literary world. Throughout the day we went on journey with Steve Cole taking us on a Tardis adventure through his Doctor Who books and Margaret Bateson-Hills spoke about her exciting books on the escapades of saddle dragons.
Ayaan Chaudhry (Second Form) shared his thoughts from the day “Literature is magic! My favourite bit was listening to Kimba and his
14 Whitgiftians have secured Oxbridge offers for 2024 entry
lyrical rhyming. It has definitely made me learn the importance of SHAMPOO ( S – simile, H –hyperbole, A – alliteration, Mmetaphor, P – personification, O – oxymoron, O – onomatopoeia) when it comes to writing!”
Miss Mason (Head of Junior English) said “The workshops, as well as a host of other imaginative and creative sessions meant pupils left the day with some incredible ideas and enhanced creative skills, which we look forward to seeing blossom over the remainder of the academic year.”
The Michaelmas Term saw a busy schedule for Academic Enrichment speakers covering a variety of subject interests, with Whitgift welcoming no fewer than six academics and leading experts.
Standout highlights were Dr James Suzman, an anthropologist who presented on his time spent among the bush people of the Kalahari Desert, and Anna Orenstein-Cardona, a Financial Educator, who delivered a workshop called Money Mindset
Whitgift was also privileged to welcome Professor Brian Cox (British Physicist) who visited an exhibition held by the School’s STEM societies before delivering a lecture on black holes to members of the Whitgift community. Forthcoming speakers include linguists, journalists and historians from the world of academia.
Sixth Form students from neighbouring schools were also in attendance at several lectures last term, having been extended invitations to join Academic Enrichment lectures through partnership programme.
During the 2022-23 academic year, Whitgift extended invitations to local primary schools for a range of co-curricular and academic enrichment activities including the Primary Project, Community Summer School, Maths and Science afternoons and sports days.
In total over 3,700 pupils from nearby primary schools participated across the year. A short update on some of these programmes is provided here:
Nearly 100 Sixth Formers have been devoting their time on a weekly basis to volunteer at local primary schools. Their ongoing responsibilities include tutoring in Maths and English, participating in one-to-one reading sessions, and assisting with playground and dining room duties.
Mr Hyneman (Headteacher of Harris Primary Academy Haling Park) expressed delight at the involvement of Whitgift students. He highlighted the positive impact on lunchtime activities, including
reading with students, practicing times tables and organising sports games. Mr Hyneman noted "The children of our school love working with the students from Whitgift and eagerly anticipate their visits each week."
Alex Braglewicz (Upper Sixth Form) shared his perspective on the experience, stating "Volunteering at a primary school has been a hugely rewarding experience for me. Working with younger children
has transformed my skills of communication, empathy, and patience, and I feel hugely grateful to have been given the opportunity to do so."
On Wednesday 29 November 2023, 1,300 local primary school children were invited to watch the annual Autumn Collection Concert at Fairfield Halls. In the evening pupils from choirs at Cumnor House and Elmhurst Prep School were also able to join the event by singing alongside Whitgift’s First Form choir. This event showcased the strong bond between Whitgift and local schools and it was a pleasure to be able to have them support the event.
Nearly 100 Sixth Formers have been devoting their time on a weekly basis to volunteer at local primary schools
The final week of the Michaelmas Term saw the recently established 'Blue Shirt Boys' choir (comprised of the choristers as well as students between First and Fourth Form) take to the Concert Hall stage, marking their debut performance.
The student-led event treated staff and pupils to a delightful selection of songs from Howard Blake's timeless masterpiece, The Snowman . Stills from the iconic film were shown on a screen, complemented by narration from Bakari Leon (Upper Sixth Form).
The afternoon unfolded as a collaboration of musical talent and visual storytelling, creating an immersive experience for all in attendance.
Bakari commented “It was fantastic to bring some festive magic to Whitgift just before the holiday season, working with such talented singers to put on a performance of The Snowman that would leave everyone walking in the air!”
Walking into Whitgift Summer School for the first time felt like stepping into a whole new world, one buzzing with excitement and learning. I was happy to be there, and excited to dive into English studies and make some awesome new friends.
I came to Whitgift because I wanted to improve my English. I figured this place would be perfect to “brush up” on my language skills and enjoy the beautiful campus and exciting excursions that were on offer. But wow, I got more than I bargained for!
The classes were way more interesting than I expected. The teachers were welcoming, making English feel like this exciting adventure rather than just another subject. They totally inspired me to think about studying English even more in the future.
The best thing about Whitgift Summer School? The friends I made. Seriously, there were students from all over, bringing different stories and backgrounds
to the table. We clicked instantly, and even now, we're still in touch, thanks to social media keeping us connected across the miles.
I’d advise any student to sign up if they are thinking about signing up! But here's the deal: you have to come ready to jump into the fun. Pack your essentials, get ready to meet new people from around the world, and be open to trying new stuff.
When you arrive at Whitgift, soak it all in. Talk to everyone, join in all the activities, and embrace the newness. Trust me, those first few days are a blast if you dive right in.
My favorite memories? Where do I start? The amazing classes, the evening hangouts, and just feeling like I belonged – those are the moments I'll never forget. Whitgift Summer School isn't just about learning, it's about making memories and friends that stick with you forever.
In a nutshell, Whitgift Summer School is a game-changer. It's not just a place to study; it's a whole
‘vibe’ of learning and bonding. So, go for it with all you've got, and I promise it'll be one heck of an experience you won't want to miss out on!
Kaloyan Ivanov Summer School attendee 2023
First Form students took part in a personal development workshop titled 'Who am I?' conducted by Humanutopia, in October 2023, as part of the Whitgift 7 programme. The workshop consisted of three sessions, each offering insights and opportunities for self-reflection.
The first session, known as the Comfort Zone, encouraged students to reflect on their past experiences and how they have shaped their present selves. This allowed pupils to seamlessly transition between moments of laughter and deep introspection.
“Talking allowed us to come out of our comfort zone and gain confidence in ourselves.” Nathan Meertens
The second part of the workshop, referred to as the Stretch Zone, prompted students to contemplate how the present could be different if individuals altered their behaviour. This session was particularly engaging, as it encouraged students to interact with peers beyond their usual friendship circles.
The culminating session of the day, aptly named the Panic Zone, might sound anxiety-inducing, but it was far from it. In this session, students had the
opportunity to envision their future selves and discuss their dreams, aspirations, and goals. It was a thought-provoking exercise that stimulated discussions about individual ambitions and hopes.
“It was a great day where we were able to express our feelings without fear of being judged and share in a safe environment” Adam Ali
The day concluded with a meaningful activity in which students identified three positive changes to improve their future.
Third Form Prefects supported First Formers throughout the workshop, offering their experience to guide and engage their younger peers. With most of the prefects having participated in a similar session just a few years ago themselves, their input was invaluable.
Students were able to enthusiastically engage in discussions about their current and future selves, broadened their social circles, and nurtured their self-confidence.
It was a thought-provoking exercise that stimulated discussions about individual ambitions and hopes
Summary of events
2023 was a very busy year for Whitgift’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF). Both the Army and Royal Air Force (RAF) sections attended central camps during the Summer holidays, covering a wide range of activities including both military and adventurous training. The School Shooting team also took part in the National Rifle Associations (NRA) Ashburton Trophy at the CCF Schools Imperial Meeting for the first time in over 20 years.
In September, cadets took part in an Army section field exercise. This involved spending 48 hours ‘living in the field’, sleeping overnight in shelters they made and conducting various missions to find and then attack the enemy force. They excelled with all Fourth Form cadets earning their basic Army Proficiency Certificate at the end of the exercise and
some Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) earned early promotions through the demonstration of their leadership and teamwork supporting the Junior cadets.
November saw a visit to Ash Range near Pirbright to carry out full bore shooting for Fifth and Sixth Formers. The cadets did astoundingly well and with the help of some expert coaching, 18 passed their shooting
qualification, with eight achieving a Marksman award (the highest grade) and two a First-Class award.
15 instructors went away to Crowborough Training Camp to take part in a Senior Cadet Instructors Course (SCIC). The course is designed to develop leadership and instructional capabilities. It began with the cadet delivering a 10-minute presentation to their syndicates on a military battle they had chosen and researched. Lt Col. Glenn Hogben commented “We were delighted with the effort and determination shown. Despite the
arrival of the inhospitably cold weather, the cadets worked hard throughout course.” All 15 achieved a pass on the course with eight qualifying for immediate promotion.
Whitgift is delighted to welcome Lt Dieter Aretz and S/Lt Josh Dumbrill who took on the new posts as Officer Commanding Army section and Navy section respectively joining Flt Lt Joe Blacker our existing OC RAF. This core structure provides a consistent and knowledgeable lead for each of our sections. Sadly, CCF said goodbye to Mr Docherty after 17 years working as the School Staff Instructor.
Whitgift look forward to continuing the cadet partnership with Old Palace of John Whitgift School and the second range day for cadets to practice their full bore shooting. Easter Camp is the culmination of the Third Form training where 150 cadets go away for four days to an army camp to take part in a range of practical activities. The Annual General Inspection (AGI) in April 2024 is always a highlight of the calendar that everyone looks forward to and is continuously supported by parents and Old Whitgiftians (OWs). The second field exercise is scheduled for June 2024 and the year will conclude with cadets attending the central camps at the start of the Summer holidays.
Cadets spent 48 hours ‘living in the field’, sleeping overnight in shelters they had made
Members of the Horticulture Club run by Mr Nicholls (Teacher of Biology) supported by Mr Mallett (Head Gardener) engaged in a collaborative effort with the Grounds team to enhance the landscape around the School's car park by planting trees.
In November 2023, the team started the project by planting the first delivery of trees between the car parking bays.
The Horticulture Club followed by planting trees adjacent to the woodland areas near the Copse. Headmaster, Mr Chris Ramsey joined in to support both the students and the staff with the planting process.
A wide range of native tree species were planted, including hornbeam, hawthorn, holly, hazel, and elder trees, along with the addition of hundreds of hedging whips.
Mr Ratling (Grounds and Estate Manager) commented “The Grounds and Estate department were really encouraged to see members of the School community join us to take part in our tree planting event. We were able to speak with students about the trees that were being planted and how they may be able to return to school one day in the future to view them as mature, established trees.”
The afternoon was a great success and students acquired new skills while enjoying themselves in the process. The Grounds team, with the help of the Horticulture Club planted an impressive 137 trees and 1,250 hedging whips.
Whitgift student Rafe Worsford (Upper Sixth Form) was shortlisted for Young Geographer of the Year among 1,000 entries in December 2023. He made the top four at the awards ceremony held at the Royal Geographical Society (RGS), receiving a high commendation for his entry.
Under the theme A Blueprint for the Future , Rafe's 1,500word essay focussed on ending poverty and inequality, safeguarding the planet, ensuring universal access to health, justice, and prosperity. He explained “The world is facing an increasingly complex combination of geographic issues, each requiring innovative solutions that need to be pragmatic, easy and quick to implement. I believe in identifying successful niche solutions and scaling them to create broader worldwide strategies.”
Miss Gardiner (Head of Geography) commented “Rafe is a truly exceptional geographer, and this prize is a testament to his hard work and dedication. As a Geography department, we are exceptionally proud of him.”
Under the guidance of Mr Miller (Director of Choral Music), Whitgift choristers have dedicated themselves to rigorous rehearsals five times a week in preparation for various concerts. A few of these are highlighted here:
One of the highlights of the Michaelmas calendar was the Mozart at the Minster concert on Saturday 11 November 2023. The Whitgift Chamber Choir, comprised of the choristers, choral scholars, and singers from various year groups collaborated seamlessly with the Croydon Minster choir to deliver a mesmerising performance at the Croydon Minster.
This year marked a special collaboration as they joined forces with the London Mozart Players (LMP), a dynamic group based in Croydon and known for inspiring the next generation of musicians through their work with schools and music hubs across the UK and beyond,
The evening showcased timeless compositions from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Requiem , featuring Piano Concerto in D Minor skilfully performed by Ethan Gilbert (Fifth Form), Kayden Lee (Fourth Form), and Lucian Ng (Upper Sixth Form), accompanied by the LMP.
Reflecting on the experience, Kayden said "My favourite aspect of learning the piece has been delving into a new genre of classical music."
Ethan Gilbert shared his excitement about playing with such a sizable orchestra, describing it as an "extraordinary opportunity" for any young musician.
All proceeds from the concert were donated to Lives Not Knives (LNK), a charitable organisation committed to preventing youth violence in London by providing tailored mentorship and advice to individuals aged 9-21.
On Friday 15 December 2023, the choristers captivated parents and other guests during Afternoon Tea at the Goring Hotel. Prior to the event, students enjoyed an outing that included ice skating and following it, they were able to visit Westminster Abbey for choral evensong in the evening.
The Minster Choir had the honour of being selected to present a live performance for BBC Radio 3's Choral Evensong on January 17, 2024, at Croydon Minster. We feel privileged to have been invited to participate in this longstanding weekly broadcast, which attracts an audience of 2 million listeners.
The recording can be accessed here:
LISTEN HERE
Mr Miller commented “As we reflect on a busy year, I want to express my gratitude to the choristers for their dedication. Thank you for a successful year of music.”
Oluwani Akintunde (Old Whitgiftian) returned to Whitgift in December 2023 to facilitate a session with students he had previously mentored, commemorating the first anniversary of 'upthegreatness’.
Oluwani served as the OW Mentoring Lead at Whitgift throughout the 2022-23 academic year, where he played a pivotal role in inspiring students. His approach involved inviting accomplished alumni to share their post-Whitgift journeys with students.
To mark the one-year milestone, Oluwani brought along four other OWs— Alex Ezimora, Joe Golding, Josh Jibulu, and Timi Oke. The event, held in the Old Library, adopted a carousel format, allowing students to engage with each guest for a few minutes.
Reflecting on the event, Oluwani remarked “I ended the event by explaining to my mentees the role they have played in the expansion of ‘upthegreatness’ as we are now visiting pupils across the country thanks to the impact they had. I explicated that the first seed was planted at the School and that these pupils represent the branches of the first "greatness tree"; a tree that is already successfully blossoming as we have the likes of OWs Sean Kerr and Tooni Adisa thriving since they graduated last year.”
The Harcourt-Williams Society run by Miss Spedding (Head of Academic Drama) offers students an opportunity to engage in group readings of plays and explore compelling works by lesser-known playwrights. Students not only gain exposure to diverse playwrights but also have the chance to participate in dynamic workshops.
During the Michaelmas Term the society hosted two enriching physical theatre workshops. Conducted by the Flabbergast Theatre Company, the first workshop encouraged students to adopt a hands-on approach to physical theatre. The session included exercises aimed at enhancing the expressiveness of the physical body, fostering attentive listening, and developing the intuitive body.
Students were introduced to new facets of physical theatre, including Jacque Lecoq’s technique, renowned for its groundbreaking approach to physical expression. Lecoq's method, developed through a series of exercises, emphasised the use of the body in movement and expression, offering pupils a perspective on physicality in theatrical performance.
The second workshop, led by Theatre Re, a prominent visual theatre company in the UK, delved into another aspect of physical theatre – Decroux’s mime technique. This technique represents a departure from 19th century traditions, embracing rigorous training, and controlled movements inspired by nature. Students had the opportunity to explore and refine their
understanding of Decroux’s mime technique adding a layer of depth to their physical theatre skills.
Max Kan (Lower First Form) commented “I enjoyed this workshop a lot as I was able to learn how to build a small show with a few words. I would highly recommend this, and I would love to attend another Theatre Re workshop in the future.”
The Performing Arts Centre and surrounding venues were transformed into a hive of activity for the annual Careers Convention on the evening of Tuesday 7 November 2023. Lower Sixth students accompanied by their parents were in attendance, along with many pupils from the Fifth and Upper Sixth Form.
Over 60 professionals from a broad range of sectors volunteered their time for dozens of focused one-toone micro-conversations. Alongside this, a programme of 20 talks covered careers including Medicine, Law, Media, the Civil Service, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, International Development and Accounting. New additions to the programme included talks on Apprenticeships and advice on finding Work Experience.
This event was organised by the newly created Students Futures team, offering all pupils the opportunity to explore career paths after Whitgift, and to ensure they receive ongoing support beyond their time at the School. The team, led by Ms Goldberg (Assistant Head, Student Futures), planned various other events around this year’s convention. She commented “As chatting with high-flying professionals doesn’t come easily to most 16-year-olds, this year’s Lower Sixth Form students were invited to an event the week before on effective networking to maximise the impact of the Convention.”
Feedback from those who attended was very positive with students saying that the session run by Opportunity Central helped them be more intentional and focused about their conversations. Ms Goldberg added “With the relaunch of our networking platform Whitgift Connect, and a General Studies session on the importance of Digital Networking, we were able to leverage the Careers Convention this year as the start of journeys that will continue to develop.”
November 2023 saw the first in a series of planned Business Breakfasts in which Headmaster, Mr Chris Ramsey, Old Whitgiftians (OWs), parents and current students came together to talk about careers. This event focused primarily on Medicine and Biomedical Science. The event closed with a keynote speech from OW Dr Ashwin Soni who spoke candidly about his personal journey as a plastic surgeon, from the challenges he faced working abroad to starting his own private practice.
Thank you to the parent body and other members of the Whitgift Community whose input ensures the success of events like the Careers Convention and the programme of Business Breakfasts.
During the Michelmas Term, City based firm Ocorian, who have offices in The Fenchurch Building (also known as the Walkie Talkie) approached the Whitgift Art department to run a student competition.
The theme was ‘Nature in the City,’ with all artwork produced to be inspired by the Sky Garden located at the top of the building. Winners would have the honour of their artwork being displayed in the Ocorian offices.
A total of 17 high-quality submissions were shortlisted with Ocorian staff then voting for their favourite five paintings. The successful students were invited to Ocorian in February 2024 to view their artwork on display around the offices and given the opportunity to visit the Sky Garden situated on the 35th floor, providing panoramic views of London.
Congratulations to all the pupils who took part in the competition and especially to the five winners, Gabriel Attah (Second Form), Ibrahim Chaudhry (Lower First Form), Justin Kravets (First Form), Leon Reid (Second Form), Alexander Woodford (Third Form), who produced fantastic and creative pieces of art based on the theme.
Mr Collard-Walker said “The Art department was very impressed by the quality of all the competition entries. Students had clearly worked extremely hard on their artworks at home and at school. The winners should be immensely proud of their achievement, and I am sure they will enjoy seeing their masterpieces on display. This is the first time we have run a competition of this kind, and after its success we are already in the process of planning the next one!”
Whitgift marked Remembrance Day with its annual service led by the Chaplain, the Reverend Alan Bayes on Friday 10 November 2023. The service, to honour those who laid down their lives at war, took place by the War Memorial outside of Big School. There was also a special acknowledgment of the 100th anniversary of the Remembrance Poppy.
Members of the Whitgift community came together to take part in the poignant service. Students from the Lower First and First Form sat alongside Whitgift staff, Old Whitgiftians, and Whitgift House residents.
The Corps of Drums and Combined Cadet Force (CCF) set the tone of the event as they performed the duty of Flag Party. While lowering the flags to half-mast Hector Bernard (Upper Sixth Form) played The Last Post
Wreaths, hand-made by Mr Mallett (Head Gardener) with foliage picked from the Haling Park grounds were laid on behalf of current students, Old Whitgiftians and staff. This was followed by a two-minute silence, after which Iain Stevenson (School Captain) and Taylor Lee-Sang (Junior Years’ School Captain) delivered heartfelt and captivating readings.
The ceremony ended with hymns sung by all in attendance whilst the Flag Party and Corp of Drums exited the Terrace.
Friday 6 November 2023 saw the English department host the annual Junior Poetry Recital in Big School, marking National Poetry Day.
All students in the Junior Years were tasked with the challenge of memorising a poem of their choice. The best recitals from each class earned a spot at the evening's event.
Miss Mason (Head of Junior English) explained “The theme this year was ‘Refuge’, and many pupils embraced this topic with mature and emotional recitals, and some pupils even having written their own poems to perform on the subject.”
The annual Singing Competition in October 2023 made its return to the Concert Hall, offering a platform for some of the School’s most talented vocalists.
This year, the event featured guest adjudicator, baritone, and Old Whitgiftian, Mr Hugo HermanWilson. After completing his studies at Whitgift, Hugo pursued a degree in Theology at King's College, Cambridge, followed by further musical education at the Royal College of Music.
His accolades include winning the Audience Prize at the 2017 Somerset Song Prize, the Maidment Award from Help Musicians UK in both 2016 and 2018, as well as his participation as a Britten-Pears Young Artist in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
The Singing Competition provides an invaluable opportunity for students to perform in front of an audience, enabling them to develop their confidence and receive constructive feedback from an experienced professional.
Congratulations to all the students who took part in the competition, with a special mention to Matthew Lee (Upper Sixth Form) who claimed the prestigious Anthony Strong Cup for a singer with outstanding potential.
During the intermission, the Junior members of the 'It's Lit!' society treated the audience to a rendition of Roald Dahl's Little Red Riding Hood
After all students had performed their chosen poems, proceedings were brought to an
The winners were as follows:
Class A (unchanged voices):
1st – Louis Boon (Fourth Form)
2nd – Toby Robinson (Second Form)
3rd – Denith Thirulinganathan (Second Form)
Class B (changed voices):
1st – George Pang (Second Form)
2nd – Ben Naylor (Upper Sixth Form)
3rd – Luke Stephanos (Lower Sixth Form)
end by Sixth Form Poetry Captain, Bakari Leon (Upper Sixth Form).
The consensus among attendees was that the evening was a tremendous success. It was a delight to witness students take the stage with such enthusiasm and courage.
Congratulations to all the students in the Lower First, First, and Second Form for their commendable effort in memorising their chosen poems. Special recognition goes to the following winners from each year group:
Lower First Form: Axel Henderson
First Form: Alfie Roberts
Second Form: Monty Moffitt
This year, the event featured guest adjudicator, baritone, and Old Whitgiftian, Mr Hugo Herman-Wilson
World Mental Health Day was marked by the Whitgift community to show its support for the Young Minds charity ‘Hello Yellow’ campaign on Tuesday 10 October 2023.
Each year the community rallies together to raise funds and awareness for this important cause by adding a splash of yellow to their attire as a way of reminding all young people that their mental health and wellbeing is important.
Throughout the day, students and staff volunteered to help with various events around the School.
One of the favourites was the photo booth, where students were photographed with their peers and posed with an array of playful, yellow-themed props.
Founder’s House also set up the infamous ‘Robert’s Your Mother’s Brother’ coffee shop, a playful rival to South Croydon’s popular local business ‘Bob’s Your Uncle’, where tea, cakes and coffees could be purchased, contributing to the funds raised.
OA total of over £350 was raised for the charity. Thanks to all those who took part and also made donations.
The fundraising page is still open:
DONATE HERE
verseen by the Chaplain, the Reverend Alan Bayes, the Whitgift community raised over £6,000 throughout 2023, which was divided amongst the School's three designated charities – all of which were selected by students; Whitgift For All, Young Minds and Sleep Pod.
Whitgift For All is a charity set up by the School to help fund bursaries for prospective students.
Young Minds is a nationwide charity that supports young people struggling with their mental health.
Sleep Pod is a charity that provides one-person shelters that can offer meaningful protection for rough sleepers from exposure to extreme weather conditions.
Whitgift will continue to support these charities again in 2024.
Last Christmas 26 complete boxes of food were collected from the School and distributed to local families in need. The collection was organised by a group of parents of Old Whitgfitans (OWs) in collaboration with local food banks (including Purley Food Hub), primary schools and other organisations. The donations benefitted many local families. Special thanks to Ernest Wright (Fourth Form) and Gilbert Wright (Upper Sixth Form) and their families for support with transport.
Lower First Formers enjoyed a five night residential trip to Normandy in September 2023. The visit, at the very beginning of the academic year, is designed to help foster relationships between students and connections with their tutors, as they embark on their educational journey together at Whitgift.
A total of 56 students boarded the ferry from Portsmouth to Normandy and completed their journey at the idyllic Château de la Baudonnière, nestled within 100 acres of forest.
Over the course of the stay they were able to get involved in activities such as physical challenges and assault courses, helping them to build confidence, team building and collaboration skills that they found invaluable on their return to school.
They were also encouraged to immerse themselves in the French culture by conversing in French and eating local cuisine. As well as the onsite activities, students spent a day on the historical island of Mont SaintMichel, just off the coast of Normandy.
The final night of the trip was a particular highlight, featuring a themed costume party where all attendees dressed in French attire. The event was well-received by the local community and even included an appearance by Napoleon Bonaparte.
Students returned having created valuable experiences and memories that will last a long time.
The Michaelmas Term marked the reset of house points to zero, signaling the beginning of the race to win the 2023-24 House Cup.
Throughout the term, various events catered to different year groups, including Football, Fencing, Basketball, Water Polo, Table Tennis, Hockey, Chess, Creative Writing, STEM, Debating, Art, Geography and House Drama.
In October 2023, the annual House Drama competition took place in the Performing Arts Centre with each House presenting both a monologue or a duologue and a group performance.
This year, the competition was judged by theatremaker, writer, singer, and director, Conrad Murray, known for his passion for hip-hop and beatbox theatre. Conrad’s presence added significant prestige to the event, given his impressive track record in the performing arts.
All eight Houses participated with great enthusiasm and confidence, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among the students. Conrad commented "It was really great to see up-and-coming young acting and directing talent.”
After careful consideration by the judges, and fierce competition for the top two positions, Dodd's House achieved 1st place followed closely by Mason's House. Cross's House claimed 3rd, and Brodie's House secured 4th place.
Mr Hammond (Director of Drama) commented “Once again, all of the Houses succeeded in mounting compelling and engaging performances, the level of which get better every year. I am grateful to Conrad for providing such expert judging and the continued effort of the boys in making this such a consistently successful evening.”
Sport is an important part of life at Whitgift and Sports Mentoring has been a valuable tool in helping predominately scholarship students to balance their sport and academic commitment.
At the start of the Michaelmas Term, the Sports department launched the ‘Steps to Sporting Success’ programme. This focuses on five modules that students have begun and will continue to navigate over the course of the academic year, with a mentor they’ve been allocated to support them. The five modules covered in the programme are Identity, Lifestyle, Movement Skills, Wellbeing and My Journey.
As the term went on, mentees explored the ‘Identity’ module and reflected on their personal view of themselves, their unique characteristics and how they would like to be perceived by others, both in general and concerning their sporting experiences. The module concluded with a Mindset Workshop, exploring how they can utilise a growth mindset approach in their sporting lives and school lives. Each student was then awarded with a certificate to acknowledge their hard work and progress in completing the module.
Pupils have now begun exploring the ‘Movement Skills’ module, which focuses on three core areas; strength and conditioning, multi-sports and recovery and rehab. This will be followed by a ‘Lifestyle’ module to learn more about self-awareness, self-care and positive choices.
The Senior Prefect team were challenged by Mr Cresswell (Senior Deputy) to a game of Dodgeball in December 2023.This is the second year in a row this fixture has taken place and representing the staff team was Mr Cresswell (Senior Deputy), Mr Brown (Teacher of Economics and Business), Mr Sharp (Teacher of Geography), Mr Green (Head of Outdoor Education), and Mr Ansdell (Teacher of Economics).
This year the Prefect team was led by School Captain 2023-24, Iain Stevenson (U18 GB American Football team member).
In a series of four intense matches, watched by a large group of spectators on the balcony, both teams fiercely competed for the coveted title of 'Staff v Prefects Dodgeball Champions.' Ultimately, the staff team came out on top for
the second year running, with a result of 3-1.
Mr Sharp (Teacher of Geography) commented “It was my second year playing (and beating) the prefects, even though this time around they pulled out all the stops! It is always a pleasure to get involved with our students in a different way
and share some experiences that they will hopefully take with them through life after Whitgift. Maybe next year they'll give us a run for our money!”
WATCH THE VIDEO ❱❱
The ‘First Form Play Series’ began at the end of last term as a component of the Whitgift 7 programme. This is designed to ensure that all those in the First Form are immersed in a range of experiences that form a bedrock for their journey through the School.
In October 2023, the stage came alive with an original play scripted by Mr Hammond (Director of Drama) titled 'Galaxies,' performed by tutor groups 1AMS and 1NPP. The plot revolved around a Whitgift student named Josh, played by Tommy Carmalt, whose daydreams were so vivid that they began affecting those around him. Alongside his friend Kai, played by William Sorby, they embarked on adventures with living chess pieces and feasting Vikings. Eventually, they discovered that by sharing their thoughts, possibilities were limitless.
The plot revolved around a Whitgift student whose daydreams were so vivid that they began affecting those around him
The performance of ‘Echoes' – an original play created by last year's Graduate Drama Assistant Miss Jupp – took place in November 2023. The play shared the tale of a group of scouts trapped in a cave system due to a rockslide, accompanied by a somewhat clueless tour guide. Amidst their confinement, they delved into the meaning of unity as a group.
Meanwhile, those separated reflected on the pressures they faced in their everyday lives, contemplating how this experience might reshape their perspectives. The performance by 1JEJ and 1MNH was a thrilling and enjoyable half hour.
From National titles to tours and trips, the Michaelmas Term was as busy as ever and created memories for students of all ages.
During Half Term, Whitgift’s Hockey players, across various age groups, enjoyed a tour to Amsterdam and the Senior Cricket team toured South Africa. Playing top-tier opposition teams and experiencing other cultures through these trips not only enriches the depth of experience but also creates lifelong connections for those on the trips and often with the people they meet along the way.
The Sports department put together an extensive programme of fixtures each week, competing against some of the best schools and universities in the country. 662 fixtures have been played across 15 sports; with 68 teams in the core sports, 900 students participating, and over 750 students representing the School
each Saturday. New floodlights have also been installed on the School grounds allowing the Rugby teams to compete in ‘Friday Night Lights’ games, providing an excellent opportunity for parents, staff, and pupils to watch and support during matches.
Whitgift hosted the National Indoor Hockey tournaments for the U16 and U18 competitions this academic year. The School succeeded in retaining both National titles, putting on an epic display of high standard Hockey throughout the two days.
Before term, a number of students geared up for the upcoming Football season with a pre-season Football camp in Lisbon. Whitgift Football continues to develop with 26 teams ranging from A-F teams, and over 500 pupils representing Whitgift. Many of the teams are currently competing in National competitions and the School wishes them the best of luck.
The Sports department put together an extensive programme of fixtures each week
Fifth and Sixth Form students spent an incredible two weeks in South Africa as part of the Senior Cricket tour in October 2023. Pupils had the chance to enhance their cricket skills and explore the country whilst playing amidst breathtaking scenery.
Upon arriving at Port Elizabeth International Airport, Gqeberha, everyone settled in to their hotel before preparing for the first T20 match the next morning against Grey High School. Grey High families played hosts to the pupils for two nights, which was a wonderful experience. The next day, the squads travelled to Grahamstown for their second matches of the tour at St Andrew’s College. Due to the wet conditions, two closely contested ‘Hundred’ fixtures were played, with the second game being played under lights. The following day the 1st and 2nd XIs played games at the beautiful Kingswood College with players hosted in one of the school boarding houses on their school site.
That evening the tour party travelled to Kariega Game Reserve to experience an evening game drive and an overnight stay in Kariega’s amazing lodges. The next morning there was a chance to experience an unforgettable sunrise drive. To see elephants, lions, rhinos, water buffalos and much more in their natural habitat is an experience the students will never forget.
The tour continued to Cape Town, with accommodation next to the V&A Waterfront. Students managed to enjoy a few rounds of mini golf, a hike up Signal Hill and even a visit to Camps Bay and Cape Town’s Aquarium. The next day the teams had their fourth matches at Pinelands High School.
Another highlight was an aerial cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain on a picture-perfect day with stunning views of Cape Town. A visit to Langa Township followed with fantastic food, music and dancing at a township restaurant, concluding with the fifth match against Bishops Diocesan College.
On Tuesday, there were 50 overs matches against Rondebosch Boys’ High School, and the following day the squads travelled to Stellenbosch for a tour of the Cheetah Rehabilitation Centre followed by the final matches of the tour at the picturesque Somerset College.
A huge thank you to all the schools for hosting the Senior cricketers, and to the staff, students and parents whose fundraising helped make this trip a success.
Lower First and First Formers took part in Cultural Day as a way of celebrating the diverse ethnicities, backgrounds, and experiences of students at Whitgift on Friday 3 November 2023.
This event was organised entirely by students in the Sixth Form, showcasing their leadership and engagement with one of the School’s values of promoting cultural diversity.
The day commenced with inspiring talks from older pupils within the School and Mr Picasso (Second in Economics and Business) who explored what culture means to him and delved into various related subtopics.
In the spirit of promoting cross-cultural awareness, pupils were divided into smaller groups where they had the opportunity to explore their own heritage
and learn about each others backgrounds. This interactive approach allowed students to appreciate the uniqueness of each culture while discovering the common threads that bind them together.
The afternoon session added an exciting element to the day, as students were introduced to the sport of Kabaddi, providing a hands-on experience of a tradition from India. A quiz then challenged students' knowledge and encouraged them to reflect on the importance of cultural awareness and unity.
Mr Haji (Head of First Form) commented “I’m so proud of the energy, expertise and vulnerability shown by our older students today in navigating these challenging yet important topics with their younger peers. I hope that, through more days like this, we are able to create a legacy of being even more open about celebrating who we are as individuals and as a truly diverse community.”
Cultural Day was a true reflection of student’s living the Whitgift values and helping to nurture a vibrant, inclusive, and culturally aware community.
Whitgift announced the launch of a new partnership with Symbiquest Education and Riba, operator of Suchitra Academy, as part of a multi-school deal in India. The initial day school is to be located in West Hyderabad and will offer the International Baccalaureate curriculum to students from India and around the world.
Headmaster, Mr Chris Ramsey, commented “We are excited to enter this partnership to support the opening of our first co-branded international school in India. The country has a vibrant and growing economy, and we know that there is a strong demand for a high-quality education. Our new partnership will see Whitgift in India and will most certainly result in reciprocal benefits for both students in the UK and India as well as some wonderful opportunities for staff skill transfer and collaboration.”
The new school will offer a full range of academic subjects within the International Baccalaureate framework and Whitgift will provide quality assurance to the project. Whitgift will act as a curriculum advisor alongside supporting with school systems and processes, and providing guidance on extracurricular activities.
Diwali is the most celebrated festival in the Hindu calendar and this year the Whitgift community came together to mark it in style.
On Thursday 9 November 2023, the Catering team delivered a themed feast for students and staff. With a menu that incorporated items such as butter paneer, chicken biryani and onion bhajis, it was enjoyed by one and all.
On Monday 13 November 2023 over 40 families enjoyed dance, speeches and drama performances in Big School. A raffle held to raise funds for Sanatan Centre Coulsdon and to support the work of Hindu Priest, Nabhinandan Das collected nearly £200.
During the evening, Mr Bates (Director of International Education) shared updates about Whitgift’s new partnership with Symbiquest
Praveen Raju, Founder of Suchitra Academy and Senior Partner at Symbiquest said of the partnership “We are committed to providing pupils with a world-class education, and we are confident that our partnership with Whitgift is one that will deliver exactly that.”
As we look to the future, Whitgift continues to strive towards
Education and Riba. The Suchitra Academy is an existing school owned by Symbiquest, and we were delighted to premier a video they created to illustrate how Diwali is celebrated in India.
Many thanks to all those involved in the event, including Mrs Ghumra, Ms Kotwani and Ms Pennicott, the Catering staff, the AV team, and the parents who contributed to designing the entertainment programme and decorating the hall. Also well done to the students and guests who participated in a recreation of the Ramayan drama, narrated by Mr Das, which offered a detailed background to the story of Diwali.
The Catering team delivered a themed feast for students and staff
providing pupils with further opportunities to learn from different cultures and make a difference globally.
We are excited to enter this partnership
Music enthusiasts gathered at Fairfield Halls for the annual Autumn Collection Concert on Wednesday 29 November 2023. This annual event showcases various Whitgift ensembles, and this year included the Corps of Drums, Whitgift Brass, Chamber Orchestra, Whitgift Strings, Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band, Chamber Choir, Jazz Band, and the First Form Choir.
1,300 pupils from local primary schools were warmly welcomed to witness the morning session of the concert before the second performance took place in the evening.
Adding a special touch to the concert, the First Form Choir treated the audience to a delightful medley of songs from the renowned musical Oliver! The choir was joined by pupils from Cumnor House School for Boys and Elmhurst Prep School for the first time, fostering and reinforcing the strong sense of community that Whitgift values.
The repertoire of the evening spanned a diverse range of musical genres, featuring classical pieces by composers such as Vivaldi, Strauss, and Von Weber.
Alongside these, Whitgift Brass infused energy into the programme with an upbeat rendition of Don’t Stop Me Now , while the Jazz Band got everyone grooving to Uptown Funk .
Mr Henderson (Director of Music) commented “It is a delight to be at Fairfield Halls, at the heart of the Croydon community, in a wonderful venue worthy of its international reputation. Whitgift has performed annual concerts here for many years and I am thrilled to be involved myself for the first time.”
Congratulations are extended to all 340 students who contributed to the success of this monumental concert and the Music Department supported by the AV Team to bring all of this together.
The eagerly awaited Charity Concert marked its return to Big School on Wednesday 15 November 2023, with a host of talent on display from Whitgift and Croydon High's Sixth Form students.
Kicking off the event was Addison Fan (Lower Sixth Form) performing Pharrell Williams' Happy which set a lively tone for the evening. Noteworthy performances included a duet of FourFiveSeconds by Alex Saunders (Upper Sixth Form) and Evie (sister of an OW), Luke Stephanos (Lower Sixth Form) who delivered a solo rendition of Radiohead's Jigsaw Falling into Place , and an acoustic rendition of Valerie by Croydon High students Talia and Aila.
A definite crowd-pleaser was the Bollywood dance, injecting an infectious energy into the venue, compelling the audience to rise and applaud. The students' passion and enthusiasm during this performance was clear to see.
Following a brief intermission, the Staff Band took to the stage, featuring Mr Ma (Second in Languages) on vocals, Mr Prestney (Head of English) on guitar, Mr Powell (Head of Lower First Form) on keyboard, Miss Davies (Graduate Music Assistant) on bass, and for one night only, Seif Uddin (Upper Sixth Form) took charge of the drums. Their mash-up of Stand By Me by Ben E. King and Made You Look by Megan Trainor was a hit with the crowd.
The Rugby 1st XV team performed a lighthearted rendition of the Backstreet Boys' I Want it That Way . The evening’s acts ended
with a medley of three songs by the band 'Chester Row' comprised of Upper Sixth Formers Alex Bragiewicz, Alex Saunders, Seif Uddin, Luke Ward, culminating in the timeless Don’t Look Back in Anger by Oasis.
A grand finale featured an entertaining act by the School Captain and Prefect team, who delivered a playful performance of Bruno Mars' 24K Magic . The enthusiasm and enjoyment radiated by the Sixth Formers throughout the evening was palpable.
With a sold-out audience of 400 and just under £3,000 raised for
A grand finale featured an entertaining act by the School Captain and Prefect team
the charity Young Minds, the evening was a great success. Special thanks are extended to the AV team for their impeccable management of staging and lighting, the Charities Committee led by Daniel Shnaydman (Upper Sixth Form), to Seif Uddin who masterminded the evening as well as to all the performers for contributing to a genuinely enjoyable show.
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6. 1st XI U18s and U13s Hockey tour to Amsterdam
7. Fourth Form Valencia Exchange trip
LENT CONNECTION CONCERT
Thursday 29 February
7pm, Big School Free admission (by reserving on Wise Pay)
THE BACCHAE
Wednesday 20 – Friday 22 March
7pm, PAC
Tickets: £10, Concessions* £5 (by reserving on Wise Pay)
WHITGIFT JAZZ LOUNGE
Tuesday 26 March
7pm, Big School
Tickets: £5 (includes a cheeseboard and savoury items) (by reserving on Wise Pay)
BOOKING INFORMATION
Please visit www.whitgift.co.uk/events for all our events and information on how to book.
*Concessions:
Children 16 and under, Over 60s, Students (17–25 in full-time education)
