The Three Arches - Issue 4

ISSUE 4 TRINITY 2025

the

Three Arches Old Withamians’ Newsletter

Welcome from the Headmaster The Trinity term brought to a close what has surely been one of the most successful years in Witham’s history. The children have excelled across all areas of school life, earning a record 22 scholarships to senior schools including Eton, Marlborough, Oundle, Rugby, Oakham and Uppingham.

Among these are six academic awards - another school record. On the sports field, our senior girls’ teams were virtually unstoppable, with both the 1st hockey and netball squads winning regional competitions to qualify for the National IAPS Finals. The arts also continue to thrive, with the senior production of Shrek Jr a tremendous success. Meanwhile, Year 8 pupils performed brilliantly in their Common Entrance exams, earning a stack of A grades. Once again, two pupils were also crowned National Champions in their chosen sports; Charlotte Branton won the IAPS U13 Girls Clay Pigeon Shooting

Championship and Ophelia Goodale won the IAPS U11 Triathlon Championship. Ophelia not only won the girls competition but was also 1m35s ahead of the nearest boy!

As proud as we are of these achievements, it’s the spirit of the school that matters most.

Witham continues to be a happy, busy and thriving community where children are valued for their character as much as their accomplishments. Witham children are polite, kind and considerate towards others, as well as having a healthy dose of grit and resilience - qualities that will serve them well in life.

I very much hope to see many of you back at Witham for our Alumni Christmas Drinks on 5th December.

All former pupils, parents, staff and friends of the school are warmly welcome.

William Austen Headmaster

Save the Date OW Christmas Drinks at Witham Hall.

Friday 5th December 2025 Old Withamians, former and current parents and staff are warmly invited to join us for OW Christmas Drinks at Witham Hall. Invitations will be sent by email in the Michaelmas term, and tickets should be booked in advance.

Please invite friends and encourage them to sign up to the digital mailing list via withamhall.com/keepintouch.

For queries, please email community@withamhall.com.

Witham Hall 2025 Leavers Scholarship News

As we finish another academic year, there are a number of standout performances from Withamians in 2025 which deserve a special mention.

We have had another stellar year for scholarships. This year’s leavers gained a record 22 awards to leading schools across the country, including our first-ever scholarship to Eton College. The breadth of scholarships was as impressive as the number - from academic to music, art, drama, and sport - the children excelled across the board.

Particular mention must be given to Henry W., who not only gained a Music Scholarship to Eton but was also awarded their Annah Shaw Scholarship for Classics. This prestigious scholarship is awarded to the candidate with the best performance in Latin and Greek who was not awarded a King’s Scholarship - an absolutely outstanding achievement.

Note: Unfortunately, not all scholars were present on the day of the photograph.

Miss Emily Soppitt

Mrs Sally Keeling

Witham had fantastic success at the IAPS Clay Shooting National Finals. Charlotte defended her U13 individual title, Etta was placed second in the U12s, and our U13 team - Charlotte, Archie, William, and Harry - won first place. Archie and Max also took first in the U11 category.

Our Girls’ 1st VII Netball team won the Regional IAPS Qualifier, earning a coveted spot in the national finals held at Cranleigh School.

In rugby, Alfie and Archie (Year 8) were selected for the Prep Barbarians team, with Alfie also invited to the National 7s Academy.

Ophelia excelled at the IAPS National Triathlon at Monkton Combe, winning the girls’ race by 1 minute 44 seconds, and even beating the fastest boy in the boy’s race.

Old Wi thamian News

Wi tham S taff Farewells

Mr Erskine-Naylor

Proud to be a Wi thamian

Tillie Craven (OW19), is now studying History of Art at Trinity College, Cambridge. She still fondly recalls her time at Witham with Mrs Collins and the fantastic start it gave her artistic journey.

Mr Glen Perkins

This term, we say farewell to four outstanding members of staff who have each made a huge contribution to Witham during their time here. Whether moving onto pastures new or embarking on a well-earned retirement, we offer our sincere thanks and wish you all the very best. You will be missed!

Harry Ludiman (OW20), a Basil Hume Scholar at Ampleforth College, has demonstrated his leadership and sporting prowess, through his appointments as Captain of both the 1st XV Rugby team and the 1st Cricket team.

Pages of Wytham

We are thrilled to have acquired a rare 1863 book by Barbara Johnson about Wytham Hall, as Witham Hall was once known.

Bought at auction, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the Hall’s early history and is now part of our school archives.

Friends of Witham -

Communi ty in Action

Witham Hall’s annual Fun Run was once again a huge success, bringing together families, pupils, and staff for an afternoon of energy, sunshine, and generosity. Organised by the Friends of Witham, this much-anticipated event raised vital funds for The Willoughby Foundation - an academy in Bourne that supports children with complex Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The school grounds buzzed with excitement and a lively DJ soundtrack, as runners dashed toward the finish line, with spectators waiting eagerly, armed with water pistols!

What a fantastic day at Grimsthorpe Estate Shooting Ground for our 10th Witham Hall Clay Shoot competition! Parents, Old Withamians, and their guests came together for a little friendly competition! Thanks to everyone’s generosity, we raised over £500 in the raffle for The Willougby Foundation in Bourne.

Library for Little Learners

We are excited to unveil our new Pre-Prep library!

Thanks to generous fundraising, the space is filled with books to inspire young readers. A big thank you to everyone who made this possible.

Bowled Over!

Witham Hall officially opened its brand-new cricket nets in the Trinity term. We were thrilled to welcome back two OW’s, Alfie and Thomas, from Uppingham School for the big event.

A huge thank you to our Friends of Witham, for their generous contribution and support.

The Big Witham Egg Hunt

Witham Hall’s grounds were bursting with joy and laughter as we welcomed nearly 300 visitors to our Charity Easter Egg Hunt!

Children of all ages delighted in exploring the grounds, eagerly searching for clues to win an Easter egg.

But the fun didn’t stop there!

Families took part in a range of exciting activities, from creative Easter crafts and biscuit decorating to bouncing on the ever-popular bouncy castle. Our pop-up café kept everyone energised. Thanks to the amazing turnout and generous support from our school and local community, we raised valuable funds for The Willougby Foundation in Bourne.

Witham Hall - On the map

We are delighted to share that we have a new illustrated map by artist Helen Wallace, showcasing Witham and its wonderful local surroundings. Our aim was to ‘put Witham on the map’ and visually highlight our proximity to many leading senior schools, beautiful market towns, as well as the fast rail links to London. We are absolutely delighted with the result and all the intricate details it includes.

A copy of the map will be displayed in the School Office. Alternatively, you can view it on our website by clicking HERE. Can you spot Robin Hood?!

More than a school

Weddings & Events at Witham Hall!

We’re delighted to share some exciting news - Witham Hall is now available to host a limited number of exclusive weddings and events each summer.

With sweeping grounds, elegant architecture, and the charm of a historic setting, it’s the perfect backdrop for unforgettable weddings, milestone celebrations, and private gatherings.

Easily accessible, Witham Hall also makes an ideal UK location for filming and photoshoots.

But it’s not just about weddings - our Lyons Sports Centre is also available to hire. This bright, modern space is ideal for conferences, training days, or meetings, offering a flexible venue solution for professional and community events alike.

To find out more or to book a viewing, please contact events@withamhall.com.

We can’t wait to welcome you back and be part of your special occasion!

We’re especially pleased to offer our alumni an exclusive discounted rate.

Behind the cur tain

Which leading lady would you like to play?

I adore Shakespeare’s plays, especially the comedies, so I would love to play Helena from A Midsummer Night’s Dream for her sensitive and emotional side, or Beatrice from Much Ado About Nothing for her witty, outrageous side, and banter-filled personality.

Miss Storey brings theatre to life at Witham!

How long have you taught at Witham Hall?

I started at Witham in 2019 as a Graduate Assitant for both Music and Drama. I then became Head of Drama during the pandemic.

What first sparked your love for drama and inspired you to teach it to children?

I have always loved performing. I took part in many productions growing up and always enjoyed the freedom it gave me to step into someone else’s shoes. My passion was first sparked in secondary school, while performing in front of my class and making them laugh. I was playing a teacher from John Godber’s Teechers - definitely a bit of foreshadowing for my future career. I was inspired to teach while studying Drama and Teaching during my course at university.

What is a memorable transformation you have seen in a pupil through drama?

A Year 6 boy who, when he first started, wouldn’t even enter his LAMDA exam because he was too frightened of the examiner, performed the other day in a Performing Arts Assembly in front of the whole school. It was a remarkable transformation from when he first began.

What is one misconception people have about drama education for children?

That drama is easy - it certainly isn’t. It’s a discipline that requires hours of dedication and practice. It involves a range of different skills, including perserverance, confidence, and stamina. Drama demands that you give your best, even on the days when you feel like giving up. People often focus on the finished product, but behind it are countless hours of rehearsals, feedback, costume fittings, and technical run-throughs.

What was your first ever role in a play and how old were you?

I was in Reception, aged 4 or 5 and my class performed Baby Brick, and I played the role of Baby Brick. I knew everyone else’s lines so well that I would mouth them all on stage.

What’s one thing you hope every pupil takes away from their drama experience at Witham?

How do you help pupils handle stage fright or nerves before performing?

I usually ask them to think back to their most recent solo performance, and then I ask them to imagine that pupil coming up onto the stage. I encourage them to say out loud what they would be thinking about that pupil - it’s usually something supportive like, “You can do it.” Then I say, “Well, that’s exactly what everyone is going to think about you.”

If that doesn’t work, it usually takes lots of practice - to the point where they know the lines back to front - and I encourage them to imagine the audience isn’t even there.

Stage fright is a mental battle about what might happen in the future. Interestingly, I’ve just had a Year 4 boy who used to suffer from stage fright tell me that he doesn’t anymore. He said the way he got over it was by telling himself, “I’m really good,” when he’s performing - and that might help others too.

“Drama is for everyone - it is not selective and it does not discriminate, no matter who you are.”

What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?

The finished product of a production or an exam is obviously very rewarding because I can see all those hours of hard work and dedication finally pay off for the pupils. But one of my favourite moments is a couple of weeks before play week, when the set, costumes, props and tech are finally added. That’s when the play really begins to take shape, and the whole atmosphere of the rehearsal starts to change.

I would like every pupil to understand that drama is for everyone - it is not selective, and it does not discriminate.

Drama supports us throughout life by helping us build confidence, improve public speaking, understand emotions, and express creativity. I’d like to think that pupils from Witham leave as more confident individuals.

“To perform as Elphaba from Wicked would be my dream West End role. If I could belt out a song like Idina Menzel, it would be incredible!”

What would be your dream West End Musical to perform in?

There are far too many to choose from, but the obvious pick would be Elphaba from Wicked, as the songs in the musical are incredible - if only I could belt out a song as well as Idina Menzel! I love more contemporary musicals, so I’d also love to play Elle Woods from Legally Blonde or Lola from Kinky Boots.

The Magical World of Dulac Witham Hall was transformed into a Magical Kingdom as pupils took to the stage with a colourful, joyous and brilliant production of Shrek The Musical Jr. Months of hard work culminated in a spectacular performance that showcased the immense talent and dedication of the pupils.

The audience entered the big, bright, beautiful world of Dulac, as everyone’s favourite ogre Shrek, led a cast of fairy tale misfits on an adventure to rescue Princess Fiona.

Miss Storey, Head of Drama was proud of the whole production team for their enthusiasm, skill, and willingness to throw everything into it. All of this was made more special by the amazing set and the most fantastic costumes and make-up created by a team of volunteers and parents.

Highlights From The Walled Garden

Year 6 Playground Fun

UK Linguistics Olympiad

Year 6 Victorian Day

Year 6 Yorkshire Residential

Boys 1st VII Hockey

U11 IAPS Netball

Boys U11/10A Cricket

Year 6 Learning for Life

Year 5 Walesby Residential Trip Year 8 Geography Field Trip

Year 8 Geography Field Trip

Year 1 Violin Tweenies

Pre prep Numbers Day

Year 5 OW Simon Sandys-Winsch ‘Tudor Dictionary’ visit

Year 5 Walesby Residential Trip

Year 5 National Space

Year 1 Pirate Day

Year 2 Victorian Day

Year 4 Red Nose Day

Junior Choir

Year 4 Indian Culture Day

Witham Boys’ 1st Team Cricket

Highlights From The Walled Garden

Pre Prep Forest School

Pre Prep Talent Show

Boarders’ Spinney Trip

Colsterworth Drama Festival Boxercise Club

Spring Concert

Dry Slope Ski Club Year 8 Art Scholars

Chess Club

Fun in The Cedars

St. Andrew’s Church Service Pre Prep Playground Fun

World Book Day

Boarders’ Manhunt Event

Science Week

Treehouse Tales

Church Servers

World Book Day

World Book Day

Easter Egg Hunt Fun

Pre Prep Playground

Bushcraft Club

Year 8 Art Scholars

From the Archive

Then

And now

Step back in time with our ‘then and now’ photograph of the Witham dining room - a space steeped in tradition and still very much at the heart of school life today.

The same oak-panelled walls, sturdy oak tables, and benches that once echoed with the chatter of boys decades ago now welcome both boys and girls, sharing stories over delicious meals cooked by ‘Steph the Chef’ and her team. While the faces have changed and the school has grown, in the dining room, things remain just as they always were.

Witham Hits the Slopes St Anton

Having enjoyed several years skiing in the Trois Vallées, this year we embarked on a new adventure to St Anton, Austria.

A group of 30 children from Year 6 to 8 were lucky enough to enjoy fresh powder and a couple of bluebird days on the slopes in the vast Arlberg ski area.

The evenings were equally fun, with lots of games, table tennis, and karaoke. A 10/10 week - and next years’s return trip is already booked!

WI

Stay in touch Don’t miss out on the latest news and updates from Witham Hall. We love to stay in touch with our alumni.

Our newsletter, website, and social media is one way to let you know what is happening at Witham Hall and what our Old Withamians are up to.

Please encourage any of your old school friends to provide us with their contact details too.

Website: withamhall.com/keepintouch Telephone: 07118 590 222 Email: community@withamhall.com Follow us on:

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Witham Trivia What year was the Stimson Hall opened and by which Olympic champion?

Please email community@withamhall.com if you think you know the answer. The first Old Withamian to reply with the correct answer will win a Witham Hall travel mug.

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