Focus Magazine - Spring 2026

Spring 2026

Pupils across the school have created a vibrant and varied collection of artwork that highlights both creativity and technical skill. Year 3 enjoyed experimenting with mixed media to produce imaginative seascapes, while Year 1 explored colour and texture through their studies of Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’. Year 3 also brought bold pattern and energy to their Tinga Tinga–inspired paintings. A highlight of the year was taking part in the ‘Art in the Station’ exhibition at Liphook railway station, where work from all year groups was proudly displayed. Year 6 embraced a STEMfocused lantern project, designing and sublimation-printing their own fabrics, incorporating LED lights, and constructing lanterns using both machine and hand stitching. Clubs have been equally productive, with Year 6 pupils creating delicate enamelled earrings, and Years 5 and 6 producing expressive landscapes inspired by ‘The Starry Night’, showing growing confidence in interpreting great artworks.

Fun with Languages

French Theatre Brought to Life

In the last week of half term, we were treated to a fantastic performance of the lively French play, ‘Shipwrecked en France!’, by Onatti Productions. There was plenty of enthusiastic help from the audience. It was a thoroughly enjoyable morning filled with laughter, participation, and lots of brilliant language-learning in action.

Year 6 have enjoyed learning about skiiing and traditional French foods

Fun in Language Clubs

The run up to Christmas saw some crafting activities in our clubs. In French Club, Years 1 and 2 learned about the tradition of ‘Les Papillotes’ and they carefully wrapped Christmas chocolates, inserting a little note of affection for the person they would gift it to. Spanish Club enjoyed beating the ‘Catalan Log’ to see what presents it would release, after learning the tradition of feeding it and keeping it warm during the pre-Christmas period.

Year 4 have been learning parts of the body and loved their game of ‘Monster Beetle Drive’ to put this into practice

Nursery

Careful Hands and Curious Minds

Our Nursery children have been building coordination and focus through tactile learning in our sensory tray. Pouring, scooping, tweezering, and cutting - all fantastic ways to strengthen their hand muscles.

Crafty Creatures

Through painting and craft activities, the Nursery children are encouraged to explore their creativity using a wide range of media. This open-ended approach allows them to follow their own ideas, build independence, and take pride in their unique creations.

Billy Goats Gruff Brought to Life

The children delighted in bringing the traditional tale of ‘The Three Billy Goats Gruff’, to life, complete with a wonderfully kind troll who, of course, allowed the goats to pass safely across the bridge.

Learning Through Messy Play

Through messy play, the children have been exploring, imagining, and learning with all of their senses. We have had great fun in the kitchen, cooking pizzas, muffins, porridge, and experimenting with chocolate mud!

Matching Shapes

Nursery children love to explore shapes - 2D, 3D, regular and irregular. This was a popular activity matching and creating snowmen pictures in the lead-up to Christmas; taking the activity outside is always a bonus tooall that fresh air!

Ready, Steady Build!

With hard hats on and tools at the ready, our budding builders worked together to construct their very own busy building site through imaginative role play.

Reception

Breaking Bread

Before Christmas, Dolphins and Puffins visited the campfire and learnt about fire safety. They discussed how to stay safe, listened carefully to the rules, and then cooked their own bread over the fire. It tasted amazing - the children agreed it was better than any supermarket loaf.

Responsible Recycling

Reception children learned to reduce, recycle, and reuse, exploring how these small actions can help protect our world. The children went on a litterpicking expedition around the school grounds and worked brilliantly as a team to care for their environment. Afterwards, they sorted the litter into the correct recycling boxes and discussed why it was important to dispose of each item properly.

Pyjama Day!

A wave of cosy excitement swept through Reception as the children arrived dressed in their pyjamas to raise money for our link school in Nepal. From soft slippers to colourful onesies, everyone embraced the chance to learn and play while wrapped in comfort. The day was filled with laughter, warmth, and a wonderful sense of togetherness, proving that even the comfiest outfits can help make a real difference for others.

Spotting Seasonal Changes

On one of our regular walks in the New Year, the children enjoyed spotting seasonal changes. On one day we noticed bird footprints on the frozen pond; by the next day there were only small traces of ice left as it began to melt.

Improving Numeracy Skills

In Maths, learning has been hands-on, active, and full of fun! Reception have explored numbers up to 10, comparing groups to find greater, fewer, and equal amounts. We have also been learning about measuring, recognising and naming shapes, and using the part–whole model to understand how numbers are made. Much of our maths learning has taken place both indoors and outdoors, using practical resources, physical movement, and lots of problem-solving.

Drama Workshop

Puffins and Dolphins were delighted to take part in a magical drama workshop from Perform. The children became enchanted toys, including ballerinas, jack-in-the-boxes, unicorns, robots, and trains, freezing whenever the villain, Peyton Pixel, entered the room and springing back to life when he left. The children were completely captivated throughout, developing their communication and language, and expressive art and design skills through imaginative play.

Music & Drama

Christmas Nativities

It was a Christmas delight to see so many children involved in Christmas Performances. Nursery and Reception performed to tell the traditional Christmas story, Year 1 portrayed ‘The Night Before Christmas’, Year 2 took part in the ‘Bethlehem Bake Off’, and Year 3 told the story of ‘The Mouse in Santa’s House’.

Music Recital

Music Recital is a new addition to our music calendar. We enjoyed solo and group performances from pupils across the Prep School who all presented themselves and performed with confidence and style in front of a large audience of pupils, parents, and staff.

Carol Service

Our Carol Service at St. Peter’s Church promised to be a magical event and with the whole of Year 6, Junior Boi Beatz, and Only Girlz Aloud in fine voice, and our school orchestra on top form, it did not disappoint! The readings were delivered beautifully by Year 6, and across our choirs and amassed voices (featuring some notable solos, duets, and small group performances) there were five sung pieces from our pupils as well as a sing-along to traditional festive favourites for the congregation.

Choirs Concert

Our choirs are a flourishing part of life at Churcher’s and there was certainly a buzz amongst our singers as we prepared for our first Choirs’ Concert. Infant Choir, Big Sing, Only Girlz Aloud, and Junior Boi Beatz gave performances of pieces they’ve been learning throughout the year, accompanied by a live house band. All the choirs joined forces for the final number in the programme, which was an exhilarating conclusion to such an uplifting concert.

Teatime Concert

Our series of Teatime Concerts continues, and is an opportunity for pupils who learn an instrument to perform in front of family and friends in an informal setting. For our younger pupils, this will often be their first experience of playing to an audience and for our more seasoned performers, it’s the perfect opportunity to try out forthcoming exam pieces and new repertoire. We all thoroughly enjoy following the children’s progress with their music-making through these concerts.

LAMDA

We are delighted to share news of another fabulous set of LAMDA results. In the Autumn Term, 37 children achieved impressive scores, wowing the examiners!

Year 1

Developing our Computing Skills

The children have enjoyed using Beebot robots, learning to give clear instructions using forwards, backwards, left, and right turns. They also developed their mouse control skills through digital painting projects, using the ‘Paintz’ app.

My Pet Potato

Year 1 enjoyed reading ‘The Pet Potato’, by Josh Lacey - a story about a boy who is given a potato to care for. The children were delighted to receive their own pet potatoes, which they decorated with faces, read to, and tucked into cosy beds. In their English lessons, they planned and wrote imaginative instructions for how to look after a pet potato. The classroom was full of excitement as they cared for their new potato friends!

We Love Snowflakes

As scientists, the children considered, ‘What is snow?’, and were surprised by what they discovered. It was lots of fun making our own snowflakes, which took much concentration and careful cutting!

On Tour with Paddington Bear

In Geography, Year 1 learned about the four countries of the United Kingdom through an exciting journey with Paddington Bear. They created maps out of playdough and explored famous landmarks, creating detailed line drawings of iconic sights in London. The children collaborated to make models of Ben Nevis and the Giant’s Causeway as they travelled north to Scotland and across to Northern Ireland. Their journey ended in Wales, where they enjoyed tasting traditional Welsh cakes.

A visit to the Milestones Living History Museum

Children also enjoyed a visit to Milestones Living History Museum to support their learning about toys through the ages. They took part in a workshop exploring how toys have changed over time. They also had the chance to try several traditional games, including cup and ball, tiddlywinks, and hopscotch. A favourite activity was the hobby horse races along the museum’s reconstructed Victorian streets.

Year 2

Time to Reflect

As part of their Remembrance Day learning, Year 2 visited Bramshott Church for a meaningful and reflective experience. During the visit, the children explored the church grounds, paying particular attention to the war memorials and the graves of those who lost their lives during the First World War. This provided a valuable opportunity to connect their classroom learning with real historical evidence and to reflect on the importance of remembrance.

Christingles

To mark the festive season, the children enjoyed making their own Christingles, a much-loved tradition that combines creativity with learning about Christian symbolism. As they assembled the oranges, candles, ribbons, and sweets, the class discussed what each element represents, including light, hope, and the wider world. The children showed excellent understanding and enthusiasm, taking great care with their creations, and they were excited to take their Christingles home to share with family members.

All About Nepal

This term, the children have loved learning about Nepal. They discovered where it is in the world, explored the Himalayan Mountain range, and learned about daily life in this fascinating country. We were delighted to develop links with James and the Nepal Education Foundation. Year 2 are helping prepare repurposed rucksacks to send to schools in Nepal, each decorated with a Nepalese flag. They have also enjoyed learning about Tibetan prayer flags and their symbolism.

Exploring Digital Photography

The children in Year 2 extended their programming skills by coding Beebot robots to follow more complex routes and tackling challenges in ScratchJr. Alongside coding, they explored digital photography - learning how to frame a good shot, edit images, and combine them into creative collages.

Year 3

Understanding How Computers Work

In Year 3, children developed their understanding of how computers work. They learned about inputs, outputs, and digital devices, and explored how computers can support creativity by comparing painting on screen with painting on paper. They also created network maps, identifying key components such as switches, servers, and wireless access points.

Soap Carving

Year 3 enjoyed learning all about the Stone Age at the start of this term. As well as a campfire where they cooked, practised throwing spears, and made pots, they also loved carving axe heads from soap. It took quite a time, even with something as soft as soap, and made the children realise just how hard life must have been in the Stone Age.

Fun with Magnets

Our recent Science topic focused on ‘Magnets and Springs’, with the children investigating which magnet was the strongest by looking at how many paperclips it could pick up. Everyone enjoyed this magnetic fun!

Throwing Ourselves into Rehearsals

For Year 3, Christmas started a little early this year as thoughts turned to their upcoming show, with intense rehearsals starting in October. Their final performance, at the end of November, was a huge success!

Teamwork with Our Friends

Year 3 started the year with a focus on team building and making friends. In PHSE, we talked about the qualities we would like to have in our ideal friend and how we could be considerate and kind to each other at the start of the school year. At playtime, all the children loved making dens together with our new equipment and showing off their teamworking skills.

Year 4

Travelling Through Time

Year 4 have travelled 2000 years back in time to Ancient Rome. There has already been so much to learn, including the spread of the Roman Empire and why they came to good old grey, wet Britain. A highlight has to be the wonderful Roman shields created by each class. Get ready... Year 4 could be coming to invade you!

Make Some Noise

In Science, we have been learning all about sound, and it will come as no surprise that Year 4 are very gifted at making a lot of it! During the lesson, we investigated how different instruments vibrate to make sound waves, which produce sound.

Art Club

Year 4 Art Club have been using chalk, charcoal, and soft pastels to draw furry animals - super work, everyone!

Messy Science!

We learned about the different parts of the digestive system and how food moves through the body. In a practical activity using apparatus to mimic our body, we could see what happens to food with our own eyes. It was fascinating to see and note that different groups had slightly different outcomes.

Fun at Butser Hill

Year 4 had a wonderful day at Butser Hill Ancient Farm, with hands-on experiences learning about the lives of the Anglo-Saxons, including making our own jewellery, wattling a fence, and hearing some tales around the fire in a real Anglo-Saxon house. What a day!

Sport

Oakwood U11 Netball Tournament

The U11 netball team competed with energy and determination in the Oakwood 5-a-side Netball Tournament. After a narrow semi-final loss on the final whistle, the team responded superbly to win the play-off match and secure a strong third-place finish.

U11 Win Bronze

Churcher’s under-11 hockey team won bronze medals at the Independent Association of Prep Schools event, hosted by Wellington College. Featuring nine Haslemere Hockey Club players, Churcher’s competed strongly among 16 schools for two national places. They beat Amesbury 1-0, drew 1-1 with Wellington, and narrowly lost to Castle Court to reach the cup competition. After defeating Twickenham on penalty shuffles, Churcher’s lost to eventual champions, Surbiton. A goalless third-place play-off ended in another shuffle victory, with goalkeeper, Jess, starring to secure bronze.

U8 Netballers Brave the Rain

Despite wet conditions, the U8 girls demonstrated excellent teamwork and confidence at the Oakwood Netball Festival. Across nine matches, they created numerous scoring opportunities and impressed with their communication, resilience, and sportsmanship.

U8 Boys Show Great Teamwork

In November, 8 Year 3 boys set off to Oakwood to take part in their football festival. Our boys showed great teamwork throughout the afternoon, playing some lovely football against tough opposition. They should all be very proud of how they played, and how much they all developed their skills as the term went on.

Football Festival

Year 4 pupils enjoyed a football-filled afternoon at the inaugural Churcher’s U9 Football Festival. All teams played with enthusiasm, displaying strong defending, creative attacking play, and excellent teamwork throughout.

U10s Lead the Way at Oakwood!

In the Oakwood Netball Tournament, both teams represented the school with great spirit. The B Team showed excellent resilience against tough opposition to finish fifth overall, while the A Team grew in confidence throughout the afternoon and went on to win the final, securing first place.

U9s Impress on the Pitch

Year 4 pupils impressed with their sporting prowess, despite icy conditions, demonstrating commitment and enthusiasm throughout the afternoon. The girls produced an exceptional netball performance, winning all five matches against strong opposition, while the boys grew into their football fixtures to record a series of competitive results, highlighted by excellent teamwork and goals from across the squad.

A Solid Performance at the Rugby IAPS

The U11 rugby squad represented the school superbly at the IAPS tournament at Wellington. Competing in a highly challenging 16-team event, the team showed resilience and determination to finish eighth overall, narrowly missing out on a higher placing.

Frosty’s Festive Challenge

‘Frosty’s Festive Challenge’ once again proved a highlight of the term. Pupils tackled the winter-themed obstacle course with enthusiasm, demonstrating balance, agility, and coordination, bringing a joyful and festive end to a fantastic term of Junior School sport.

Year 5

Designing Web Pages

In Year 5, learning moved deeper into how systems function. Pupils explored the history of the internet and discovered how search engines work using web crawlers. They applied their understanding by designing and creating their own webpages using Google Sites.

Year 5 Take to the Stage

The Year 5 Teatime Performing Arts Showcase was a great success. The showcase, titled ‘Heroes and Villains’, saw all children take part and confidently perform for their audience. Each class presented a section from the story of ‘Beowulf’, including a powerful villainous monologue, and performed a class song linked to the theme. The showcase gave the children the opportunity to perform work they had rehearsed during their drama and music lessons, and demonstrated their creativity, teamwork, and growing confidence on stage.

Exploring the Mary Rose

Our trip to the Mary Rose Museum was a huge success. Alongside a guided tour of the museum, the children had the opportunity to dress up in period costumes and experience an immersive 4D presentation, which brought to life the incredible process of raising the ship. They returned with a much deeper understanding, not only of this period in history, but also of the importance of preserving and protecting our national heritage, and the vital role that evidence plays in developing our historical knowledge.

Keeping Healthy

In our Science topic, ‘Keeping Healthy’, the children have enjoyed carrying out a range of experiments to explore how the body works. They learned about blood production, investigated osmosis, and tested the impact of exercise on their resting heart rates, by measuring their pulse before and after a Joe Wicks workout. This helped them understand circulation, exercise, and how to keep their bodies healthy.

Viking Longships

As part of our Viking topic, the children learned about Viking longships, exploring their functions and distinctive features. Working in small groups, each class designed and built their own Viking longships, carefully including key features, and even personalising flags and giving each boat a Vikinginspired name.

Year 6

Survival Skills

Year 6 wore their pyjamas for their personal survival swimming. They practiced treading water, conserving body heat when in the water, using random objects for flotation, and entering the water safely.

London Calling

As part of their citizenship curriculum, Year 6 visited The Tower of London and then travelled by boat to Westminster Abbey. Inside Westminster Abbey, the children visited Poets' Corner and Scientists’ Corner, and reflected at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They were wowed by the Coronation Chair - one of the most famous pieces of furniture in the world!

Budding Filmmakers

In Computing, Year 6 investigated how data travels across the internet, discovering packets and internet protocols. They developed collaborative skills using online tools, such as Padlet and Google Slides, and produced a shared presentation to showcase those new skills. Since then, they have been working as budding filmmakers! This has included learning about filming techniques, camera shots, editing, and producing a polished final piece based around transition effects.

Christmas Fair Stalls

Congratulations to all the children who hosted a Guild Store at the Christmas Fair. Lots of money was raised for worthy causes and the children really enjoyed managing their pitches and taking part.

Scholarship Success!

There’s lots to celebrate at Churcher’s as our Junior School pupils prepare to move up into the Senior School this September. It has been an outstanding year, with pupils securing eight scholarships across the school, including six academic awards, one music scholarship, and one exhibition. Even more impressively, 100% of pupils received offers to progress into the Senior School, making this a truly exceptional year for the Junior School community. In a highly competitive year for 11+ entry, these results highlight the strength of the Junior School experience. Congratulations to all our pupils, and thank you to parents for their continued support.

Essential First Aid Skills

Dr Parker reviewed common first aid scenarios with the children, who enjoyed, among other things, the hands-on experience of putting on bandages and putting people in the recovery position.

A Final Carol Concert

A super, final carol concert was held at St Peter’s Church. All the previous practice certainly paid off, and once again Year 6 were great ambassadors for the school. The singing, poetry, and readings, as well as the encouragement and support of the younger year groups, all contributed to a memorable evening.

Adventurous Activities

SAC Head for the Hills

The Senior Adventure Club took 12 Lower Sixth students to Aviemore, in Scotland, for an introduction to winter mountain skills. Three days of activities included the use of an ice axe and crampons for walking, ascending steep slopes, and arresting a fall. The students all practised these skills before incorporating them into a journey that summitted two Munros, including Cairngorm at 1245m. En route they ascended the challenging ‘Point Five Gulley’ from Coire an t-Sneachda. The final day was spent learning how to dig snow holes and make belays to assist steep ascents and descents. A full-on three days.

OSCA

An Introduction to Scuba

Scuba continues to be a highlight of the OSCA programme, with pupils having the opportunity to try scuba diving in the school pool. It has been inspiring to see students push past their fears and fully immerse themselves in the experience. The confidence and willingness to embrace new challenges truly reflects the adventurous spirit at the heart of OSCA.

Evening Activities - Whatever the Weather!

Evening activities for the second half of the year group are now well underway. Despite the rain and mud, our OSCAneers continue to throw themselves enthusiastically into every session, showing resilience, teamwork, and fantastic spirit each week.

Rother Valley Expedition

Last term, the first half of the year group embarked on their Rother Valley expedition. The trip included a full day of map reading and team-building challenges, followed by camping and cooking under the stars. It was a tremendous success, with every OSCAneer developing their outdoor survival skills step by step, while building confidence and independence.

DW in Full Flow!

Training for the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race has been going brilliantly. The teams have now completed the full 26-mile stretch of the Basingstoke Canal, leaving no section untouched, and are looking close to race-ready. There were outstanding performances at the Waterside A race, with Chloe and Eva taking 1st place in the Girls’ school team. Josh and Will, Grisha and Torquil, and Flo and Conor also delivered superb sub-times, showing that their dedication and hard work are clearly paying off. With race day rapidly approaching, the teams remain focused, motivated, and excited for the challenge ahead.

First Challenge Fundraiser

Just before Christmas, our First Challengers organised a fantastic disco for the First and Second Year pupils. From choosing the music and decorations to planning the food, designing tickets, and managing logistics, every detail was carefully considered by the teams. The level of organisation, teamwork, and commitment shown by the students was outstanding. They have already developed strong communication and leadership skills, working collaboratively to deliver a hugely successful event. If this is the level of initiative and enthusiasm they are showing now, their summer trip to Croatia will be light work!

CCF

Army

In March, Beharry Platoon of the CCF Army Section deployed to the Longmoor P1 training area to practise their Fieldcraft and Tactics syllabus. After passing their weapon handling tests, cadets carried SA80 rifles and patrolled to their harbour area under the direction of NCOs. Despite an early ambush from the fictional Hampshire Freedom Fighters (HFF), complete with simulated mortar fire, all 25 cadets successfully established a defended harbour, from which they conducted night clearance patrols. After a cold night in the field, day two began with rifle cleaning and the morning routine before cadets rotated through lessons on advance to contact, withdrawal from contact, and ambushes. All cadets performed excellently and passed the exercise with flying colours.

Navy

Fifteen Navy section cadets took part in a mountain biking CCF field day at Queen Elizabeth Country Park. It was a great chance for many of them to try a new skill while exploring the park’s trails. Throughout the day, the cadets worked together, communicating and helping each other out as they tackled different challenges along the route. It was a really fun and adventurous day that encouraged teamwork and problem solving, all helped by the beautiful weather and great surroundings.

RAF

RAF cadets have been working on their communication and team work skills this term. All 46 Third Year cadets managed to make it around the obstacle course, blindfolded and entirely dependent on their ‘co-pilot’ using non-verbal signals to guide them. Later, we enjoyed our annual ‘Top Gun’ night, replete with an (almost life-size) cardboard F14-Tomcat, aviators aplenty, and Dominos pizza galore!

First Sea Lord's Cadet

Sixth Former, Eleanor Pritchard, has been appointed First Sea Lord’s Cadet, one of the highest honours in the Combined Cadet Force, recognising exceptional leadership and commitment. The accolade was presented by the First Sea Lord, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, following a highly competitive written application and reference process. Over the next year, Eleanor will serve as an ambassador for Royal Navy cadets nationwide. “Being a First Sea Lord’s Cadet means raising the profile of the Royal Navy among young people, helping to increase understanding of its values and role in modern British society”, she said, adding that it is also “a chance to develop public speaking and leadership skills”. Her investiture included a ceremony aboard HMS Victory, a tour of the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless, and a training weekend featuring media sessions, presentations, and meetings with senior Royal Navy personnel.

Sovereign's Parade

Eighteen cadets recently had the honour of supporting the Sovereign’s Parade at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. On the first day, cadets enjoyed a guided tour of the academy, learning about its history and the commissioning courses that train future Army officers. On the second day, cadets assisted with the parade by distributing programmes and warm blankets to guests, before taking their seats in the stands to watch the ceremony, which was attended by Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal.

Drama & Dance

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Pupils in the First to Third Year launched their Lower School production of ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’, in spectacular style this term, delighting audiences at the Festival Hall with a vibrant and energetic performance. Faithful to the beloved 1968 film, the story follows eccentric inventor, Caractacus Potts, as he restores a magical car that can float and fly, before embarking on a daring mission to rescue his family from the Baron, Baroness, and sinister Child Catcher of Vulgaria. With a cast of some 70 pupils, the show featured outstanding lead performances, supported by a dynamic ensemble. The impressive replica of the iconic car, complete with wings, provided a stunning centrepiece. Lively choreography, colourful costumes, inventive staging, and memorable comic moments - especially Grandpa’s airborne escape - combined to create a joyful, nostalgic production. Huge congratulations to the cast, orchestra, and technical teams for a truly magical show.

Shine Radio Visit

Laura from Petersfield’s Shine Radio visited the school to interview cast members. Pupils enjoyed seeing how a radio segment is recorded, sharing laughter and enthusiasm about their characters and their excitement for the show.

Dance

From Devising to Performance: Drama in Action

This year saw two exciting opportunities for our Drama students to showcase their creativity and performance skills. A new Drama Showcase celebrated the dedication and talent of our GCSE and A Level students, who presented an impressive range of scripted performances forming 20% of the GCSE assessment. GCSE performers brought extracts from their studied plays to life with confidence, creativity, and emotional depth, while A Level students demonstrated versatility through both group pieces and individual monologues, moving between intense drama and moments of humour. Meanwhile, Third Year students immersed themselves in the annual Devising Masterclass, experimenting with dramatic techniques and creating original theatre from a single stimulus. Their imaginative performances explored both naturalistic and abstract styles, tackling themes such as escape and power alongside lighter comedic moments.

Dance Squad had another successful Christmas Dance Showcase this year. The ballet classes have particularly grown, and there were eight dancers en pointe in the ‘Waltz of the Flowers’ dance, as well as various ballet soloists from the ‘Sugarplum Fairy’, ‘Copelia’, and ‘Reedpipe’. There were also plenty of tap, jazz, and contemporary dances, as well as a Musical Theatre piece taught by Annabel Edwards, an industry professional. In addition, we also had our first dance piece performed on roller skates, by Gracie-May I, and the gymnastics team brought even more variety to the show.

Futures Convention

Our annual ‘Futures Convention’ featured more than 65 stands, nearly 100 exhibitors, and two inspiring talks. This year’s theme, Entrepreneurship, reflected the importance of skills such as problem solving, resilience, and resourcefulness in today’s rapidly changing job market. Alongside a wide range of careers, the new Entrepreneurship Hub gave pupils and parents the chance to speak directly with business owners about their experiences and insights. The event proved extremely popular, welcoming more than 500 pupils, parents, and siblings throughout the evening. Away from the busy exhibition hall, two excellent talks were delivered: Callum Russell, from Independent Gap Advice, spoke on, ‘Curating a Meaningful Gap Year’, followed by Dr Daniel Stewart, CEO and co-founder of Viridi, whose keynote was on, ‘Building a Business and Changing the World’.

Higher Education Evening

In February, our Lower Sixth students and their parents and guardians attended the Lower Sixth Higher Education Evening. There were talks by the Headmaster, Reena Littlehales (Student Recruitment and Access Officer at Keele University and Chair of the national association for student recruitment and outreach), and Kirsty Verney (Head of Futures) about preparing for entry into Higher Education and the support available at Churcher’s. Lower Sixth students are given considerable information, advice, and guidance by us, but parental support during the research, application, and decision phases is also important. Even more importantly, students need to start preparing for their applications in good time, hence launching their ‘planning for life beyond Churcher’s’ preparation now.

Lower Sixth Networking

This term brought the annual Lower Sixth Networking Evening in the Donald Brooks Auditorium. Students had a brilliant evening practicing their networking skills, making connections, and engaging with a wonderful group of volunteer networkers overs drinks and canapes. It was wonderful to have OC, Stefan Younghusband (2015), join us for the event, giving students the chance to speak an OC with recent experience of transitioning from education into work. The evening is also a great chance for our volunteer networkers to meet each other. Another lively and fun evening as part of our dynamic Futures Programme.

An Insight Into Creative Industries

On 3 February, our Fourth Year Drama pupils attended a ‘Creative Industries Careers Day’ at Chichester Festival Theatre. Workshops were held in the newly built space, ‘The Nest’, on Theatre & Stage Design, Theatre Sound, Lighting, and Backstage Production, and pupils also visited the exhibition in the main theatre, featuring organisations such as LW Theatres, Cameron MacKintosh Limited, Glyndebourne, Whitelight, Centre for Creative and Immersive Extended Reality, as well as professional designers, engineers, casting agents, HR specialists, and more. It was a brilliant opportunity for pupils to learn, ask questions, speak to industry professionals, and expand their network.

From Classroom to Courtroom

A lucky group of 35 Lower Sixth and Fifth Year pupils were treated to a highly interactive workshop with two local Magistrates’ over lunchtime earlier this term. They were given the chance to work as a ‘Bench’ to learn what Magistrates do and how Magistrates’ Courts function. This event provided an excellent foundation in preparation for visiting the Court itself, which student did later in the term. They were lucky enough to visit whilst the Court was sitting, again hosted by sitting Magistrates’, allowing them a brilliant insight into the inner workings of the Court.

Pathways into Law

This term. students from the Law Society and Medical Programme heard from barrister, Michael Way - a member of the legal team working on the Covid Inquiry. The talk explored pathways into law and the purpose of the inquiry, which seeks to learn lessons from the Government’s handling of the pandemic in preparation for the future, drawing on evidence from survivors and bereaved families. The session was a valuable opportunity to bring together students on different pathways, while planning for life beyond Churcher’s.

Breakfast Networking

December brought a freezing, but beautiful, morning for our final breakfast networking of the term. It was another great event with more than 40 networkers and students chatting over breakfast.

Music

Lower School Recital

The Lower School Recital always delivers an amazing display of talent from our young musicians. We enjoyed solo performances from 21 lower school pupils, together with various ensemble performances. Both halves of the concert began with our larger ensembles - the Junior Strings producing a lively start to the concert with ‘Mars’, from ‘The Planets’, and ‘Final Countdown’, and the Junior Wind Band starting the second half with ‘Shape of You’, and ‘Blinding lights’. We also enjoyed performances from some of our Chamber ensembles, including the Second Year string quartet who gave their debut performance with ‘Chariots of Fire’, the guitar group who played an arrangement of Michael Jackson’s ‘Bad’, and the Junior Jazz group who concluded the first half with a lively arrangement of ‘The Pink Panther’.

Save the Children Concert

Last year’s festive charity concert, in aid of ‘Save the Children’, saw our Jazz Band, Junior Chamber Choir, and Rock School performers joining forces with ensembles from TPS and Ditcham Park to entertain an audience of parents, locals, and friends. There were standout vocal solos from Gemma H, Amy L, and Morwenna C in the choir, and Romilly C in the Rock School Band, plus it was a great chance for our students to take inspiration from their peers at other schools. Christmas hits alternated with pop and classical tunes to create a truly varied evening of music. With plenty of mince pies and mulled wine in the interval, the annual Christmas raffle, and all three schools joining together with the audience and jazz band for communal carols to finish, everyone went home feeling the festive spirit!

School of Rock

Our Rock School Showcase was a brilliant night of live music and energy. The singersongwriters kicked things off with fantastic original songs, performed with intimate backing—often alongside their best friends in their bands. After the interval, the Rock School bands tore through 12 upbeat rock tracks, covering everything from Fleetwood Mac to Olivia Rodrigo and AC/DC. The evening finished in style with a rousing encore of ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’, featuring our Upper Sixth students on stage. Held for the first time off site at The Wedgewood Rooms, the professional venue helped students raise their game, with topclass sound and a lighting design by Sixth Former, Jacob S.

A Level Enrichment

Earlier this term, A Level Music students enjoyed an inspiring enrichment day in London. They toured the Royal Albert Hall and Royal College of Music Museum, explored historic instruments, and learned how music has evolved. The day included two contrasting concerts at the Royal Academy of Music: a lively Gilbert and Sullivan performance and bold contemporary student works, inspiring lively discussion and ideas for their composing and appraising.

Carol Service

The end of the Autumn Term is not only the ‘season to be jolly’ at Churcher’s, but also the season for joining a choir! The ranks of the Junior and Senior Choirs swelled to record numbers as they prepared for what turned out to be five end of term Carol Services (another record). Oh, for a bigger church! As in previous years, the choral music performed was stylistically varied and engaging. Highlights included ‘Stille Nacht’, sung by candlelight from the west end of the church, and ‘O Holy Night’.

Senior Recital

The Senior Recital, at the end of January, was an extraordinary evening of music-making, showcasing an exceptional standard of performance. Ensembles including the Upper Sixth Brass, Flute Group, newly formed Piano Trio, Jazz Band, Senior String Quartet, and Saxophone Ensemble all performed superbly. However, the soloists were truly outstanding. Highlights included Jayden S’s mesmerising marimba performance, Clement S’s viola debut, and Finlay T’s moving rendition of Rachmaninoff’s ‘Élégie’. Josh T impressed with ‘Atlantic City’ following his recent guitar Diploma success, while Cecily M delivered a polished performance of Fauré’s ‘Les Berceaux’. The evening concluded with Marcus L’s breathtaking, from-memory performance of Chopin’s ‘Ballade in G minor’—a fitting finale to a remarkable concert.

Lunchtime Concert

This term’s lunchtime concert at St. Peter’s Church, as has become a tradition for these concerts, featured students from the First Year right up to the Sixth Form! The concert got off to an exciting start with the Clarinet Group’s debut performance of the year, premiering ‘The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly’. They also closed the concert in style with a pop arrangement of ‘Cheerleader’, which echoed beautifully through the church and got the audience tapping their feet! With vocal repertoire from Schubert to Sondheim, instrumental solos from Haydn to Bernstein and Bach to Randy Newman, there was something for everyone in the audience to enjoy, and all the performers took their turn confidently. The concert raised valuable funds for local charity, ‘The King’s Arms’, and was enjoyed by many parents as well as members of the local community.

Getting into the Christmas Spirit

The massed ranks of the Junior and Senior Wind bands, along with the Junior Strings, performed a selection of Christmas pieces during the last Wednesday lunchtime of term. This annual event takes place outside New College and usually draws a crowd of students and staff from the surrounding buildings. As in previous years, Santa hats were compulsory for all, and the audience were issued with sleigh bells so they could join in with the festive jingling. Sofia J was a welcome addition this year, as the vocal soloist in ‘I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas’.

Sixth Form

Interview Coaching

We were delighted to welcome a team of external interview coaches to work with our Sixth Form students, in a programme designed to build confidence and real-world interview skills. One coach described the sessions as, “A brilliant introduction to what can be quite a daunting process”, and that supportive tone ran throughout. Rather than being assessed, students were encouraged to practise, ask questions, and grow in confidence, whether preparing for university, a gap year, or future employment. The coaching team, which included current and former parents and governors, were full of praise for the outstanding calibre of students and we are incredibly proud of the maturity, curiosity, and ambition on display.

Safe Drive, Stay Alive

In November, the Lower Sixth attended the 'Safe Drive, Stay Alive' road safety roadshow at Seaford College, hosted by West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service. The programme helps young people understand road risks as they begin learning to drive. Through powerful film footage and real-life testimonies from emergency services and crash victims, the emotional presentation delivered a stark message about the importance of making responsible, safe choices behind the wheel.

EPQ

The EPQ remains hugely popular in the Sixth Form, giving students the freedom to explore topics they truly care about. This year showcased impressive creativity, from Moritz F’s fully working pizza oven to Alex R’s replica Viking shield. Dissertations were equally ambitious, tackling subjects as varied as the use of CRISPRCas9 in treating HIV and the lasting impact of the Thalidomide crisis on drug regulation. Students rose to the challenge with maturity and curiosity, and their confidence shone at the EPQ Presentation Evening. Balancing the EPQ alongside multiple A levels is demanding, making their achievements especially impressive.

The Big Cake Experiment

Lower Sixth R&P students have tested Alasdair MacIntyre’s critique of utilitarianism in the kitchen. In a multi-week cake experiment, they judged bakes on texture, flavour and appearance, revealing sharply divided views on buttercream, ganache and sponge density. Happiness, it seems, resists a single standard. Noah’s Kantthemed lemon curd cupcakes won rare near-universal praise, though whether due to intrinsic excellence or universalisable icing remains debated. Now attention turns to Mr Baker, hoping nominative determinism succeeds where his baking skills may not.

Lobby of Love

Love was in the air in Ramshill, at the annual ‘Lobby of Love’ - an initiative run by the Sixth Form Committee. Staff and students pay for a Valentines lollipop to be delivered anonymously to a person of their choice. All funds raised will be donated to support the excellent work of Oakhaven Hospice.

Psychology Students Explore CBT

All Sixth Form Psychology students recently attended a talk on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), led by Dr Khalid. As CBT forms a substantial part of the A Level course, the session offered valuable insight that extended classroom learning. Dr Khalid introduced students to the kinds of real clients a therapist may work with and demonstrated the practical skills used to support them. Seeing how CBT operates in a genuine clinical context helped students deepen their understanding of the approach and appreciate its relevance to real-world psychological practice.

Biology in Action

Lower Sixth Biology students attended an inspiring day of lectures at the Emmanuel Centre in London. The sessions were engaging and interactive, using an electronic voting system that allowed pupils to participate in real time and submit questions for discussion. Speakers were also available during the breaks for individual conversations. Highlights included, ‘From Bench to Biotech’, where pupils learned how gene therapy transformed the life of a boy with leukodystrophy, and ‘Nothing in Biology Makes Sense’, which explored how evolution underpins human biology. Across all talks, lecturers emphasised the growing role of AI in biological research, particularly in analysing vast datasets. Pupils left feeling motivated to explore ideas beyond the syllabus.

Sport

Regional Champs!

A huge congratulations to our U15A Girls' squad, who were crowned champions of the South-Central region. They performed brilliantly against a host of other schools, many of which fielded teams from the Fifth Form. We are so proud of the girls and are excited to see how they perform in the coming seasons at Churcher's. The future is looking bright!

Running the Show!

Seventeen of our junior cross-country runners recently qualified to represent South East Hampshire, at the Hampshire Championships - an impressive achievement highlighting the strength and determination of our running squad. The team delivered some fantastic performances on the day, with the Second Year girls’ team winning the overall girls’ team event, showing excellent teamwork and determination across a challenging course. There were also some outstanding individual successes, with a second-place finish and a county champion. Adding to the excitement, eight of our runners finished in the top 10 - the highest number our school has ever achieved at this event. As a result, these athletes have earned the honour of representing Hampshire at the upcoming Inter-Counties competition, where they will compete against the best runners from across the region.

Hockey Round-Up

It has been an exciting period for our hockey programme, with strong performances across several age groups. The U13A boys have joined our U13A girls in qualifying for the ‘In2Hockey’ South Central Regional Finals, which will take place in March - a fantastic achievement for both teams. The U14A boys were unlucky to miss out on a regional spot, narrowly losing to LWC in a thrilling semi-final that was decided by a tense shootout. Meanwhile, our U18A and U16A boys continue to impress in the England Hockey National Cup, with both sides reaching the third round and preparing to face Charterhouse and Canford School respectively.

Runners-Up Defy the Weather!

Earlier this month, the U12 Boys hockey team travelled to a very wet Trojans HC for their qualifying tournament. Despite the challenging conditions, the team performed superbly and finished as runners-up, securing qualification for the South Central Regional Finals. Going into the final group match, the boys knew they needed to overturn a fivegoal deficit to reach the final. Rising to the challenge, they produced an outstanding performance, defeating Ryde 7–0 in a dominant display. The result showed great determination, teamwork, and attacking flair, giving them plenty of confidence ahead of the regional finals.

Mixing It Up!

Churcher’s U13s faced Portsmouth Water Polo Club at the Mountbatten Centre, with several pupils making their debut. After a slow start, the team responded well, showing determination and teamwork. Goals from Henry, Jasper, George, Seb and Toby highlighted their progress in a fast-paced match that ended 13–8 to Portsmouth.

Bath Cup

The U18 Swimming Squad competed at the London Aquatic Centre in the annual Bath Cup. The girls placed 23rd in the 4x50 Freestyle Relay and 20th in the 4x50 Medley. The boys finished 22nd in the 4x100 Freestyle and 16th in the 4x50 Medley, with several lifetime personal bests achieved.

U18s Show Resilience in Close Semi-Final

The U18 team performed well at the semi-final tournament, narrowly missing a medal after several close matches. Highlights included a 5–3 win over Eltham School, George H’s superb 5m strike, Wilf H’s two backhand goals, Ed C’s outstanding saves, and a resilient comeback against Bedford. The team finished fourth overall.

U16 Champions!

The U16’s were crowned Hampshire champions on the final day of last term, overcoming a spirited Oaklands College side, with a score of 34-0 in terrible conditions. Despite not having played for more than two months, the boys were able to rediscover their form and produced some exceptional moments to triumph over a powerful and relentless opponent. This caps an exceptional year for the group, who are unbeaten in 10/12 games and undefeated at home. The final concluded an eightgame unbeaten run, stretching back to last October.

Sisters n Sport Success

Churcher’s School enjoyed an outstanding day in the Sisters n Sport Shield semi-finals, with both the 1st VII and U15 netball teams securing places in the national finals in Loughborough.

The 1st VII delivered a dramatic performance against LEH School in a fiercely contested match where the scoreline never differed by more than a goal at the end of each quarter. With the game tied 25–25 at full time, Churcher’s held their nerve in golden goal to claim a thrilling 26–25 victory. Earlier in Nottingham, the U15 squad produced a dominant display to defeat Nottingham Girls’ High School 53–12, combining clinical attacking play with disciplined defence. Both teams now look ahead with excitement as they prepare to compete in the prestigious national finals.

Academic Endeavours

English

Bookworms Assemble!

In February, a group of our most literary First, Second, and Third years competed in the ‘National Reading Champions Quiz’, run by the Literary Trust. Two Churcher’s teams entered and were put through their paces in a literary quiz of eight rounds, lasting for hours! Our A Team came 5th, and the B Team came 16th. Well done to our super readers, Isobel S, Toby B, Finley B, Felix H, Jessica S-H, George K-W, Sam W, and Frederick R. We’re already swotting up on book knowledge ready for next year!

Geography H.E.R.O. Day

In January, the Geography Department hosted an exciting and immersive 'H.E.R.O.' day (Hazard Emergency Response Organisation), simulating the 2010 Haiti earthquake and the fast-paced decision-making required in the aftermath of a major natural disaster. Students tackled disaster response, mapping the zone, and directing relief efforts like the UN. The immersive workshop, grounded in Tectonics and International Development studies, offered practical application of classroom learning. Students engaged in fast-paced decisionmaking, navigating the complexities of postdisaster scenarios. This hands-on experience bridged theory and reality, preparing them for advanced geographical discussions. The day was both fun and educational, providing a memorable insight into real-world hazard response and the challenges faced by international organisations.

Literary Pumpkin Competition

Last term, we ran our annual literary pumpkin competition—as ever, we had some very creative entries, but our best of the best just had to be Lily W-B’s, ‘I know you did it’, Scarlett R’s, ‘Can you see me?’, and Frederick R’s, ‘The Silver Fox’!

Computer Science

A Visit to Bletchley Park

In October, 33 Computer Science pupils visited the National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park. They explored wartime codebreaking, seeing machines used to decrypt Enigma and Lorenz ciphers and learning about the people behind them. Pupils also debated AI ethics through the “Moral Machine” activity and enjoyed hands-on retro computing, including programming Snake on a BBC Micro and playing classic games.

Computing In Action

In November, 11 A Level Computer Science students travelled to London to attend the Computer Science in Action conference at the Emmanuel Centre, Westminster. The event explored how Computer Science is shaping research, industry and media. Students heard from leading speakers on topics including artificial intelligence, cloud computing and computer vision. Highlights included Dr Tish Mehta’s exploration of how chatbots and large language models work, and Professor Sue Black’s engaging talk, 'AI Mystified'. An AQA Principal Moderator also shared helpful exam advice.

Girls Lead the Way!

The CyberFirst Girls Competition, run by the National Cyber Security Centre, challenges Year 7 and 8 girls to explore cyber security through team tasks in cryptography, logic, artificial intelligence and networking. Churcher’s entered five teams and, after ten days of code-breaking, achieved outstanding results. Phish Fingers 2.0 (Isobel S, Grace C and Georgia M) placed 1st, followed by Cyber Ninjas (UU L, VV L, Lara L-D and Melody C) in 2nd and Ctrl+Alt+Eat (Emilia V, Ella M, Matilda T and Ivy SJ) in 3rd. All three teams ranked in the top 50 nationally among independent schools. Special congratulations go to UU, who achieved the highest individual score with an impressive 2,290 points.the highest individual score with 2,290 points—an outstanding accomplishment.

The Art of Giving

The R&P Department recently welcomed Ajahn Anejo, a monk from Chithurst Monastery, to speak to students about the Buddhist practice of dāna (generosity or giving). In the Buddhist monastic tradition, monks rely entirely on offerings from the lay community and are not permitted to grow or prepare their own food. This practice, as taught by the Buddha, helps to maintain a meaningful connection between the monastery and the wider community. By inviting Ajahn Anejo to visit, students were able to experience this tradition first-hand. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on the importance of generosity, gratitude, and the idea of letting go of attachment to material possessions.

French Theatre Arrives at Churcher's

In December, our Third Years enjoyed another visit from specialist language theatre company, Onatti. Our French play was called ‘RSVP’, and was all about a young couple organising a ‘Forever party’, and trying to invite, or not invite, their respective parents. There was much audience participation as well as fun, and this short play enabled our students to realise just how much French they can actually understand. Merci to our much-improvised Churcher's French actors and actresses!

Academic Lecture Series

A Journey to the Antarctic

On 21 November, 15 Geography students joined Mrs Trent and Mr Nighy for a fascinating evening at the Midhurst Society. The talk was given by Dr Peter Davis, from the British Antarctic Survey, an OC who also featured in TIME Magazine’s 2023 TIME100 list. Peter explored why Antarctica matters for global climate, what makes ice shelves unstable, and what it’s really like doing research in extreme cold and isolation. His insights into the Thwaites Glacier were especially gripping. Everyone left feeling inspired and more than a little awestruck.

Thatcher and Europe

Our entire cohort of Sixth Form historians enjoyed the lecture given by Dr Alwyn Turner, on ‘Thatcher, Major, and the EU’. He used primary sources, such as cartoons, newspapers, and radio broadcasts to bring this schismatic topic to life. He looked at the long-term origins of Eurosceptics and the legacy left in the Tory party. He drew a line from Thatcher’s 1988 Bruges speech to the Brexit referendum of 2016, and looked at how Thatcher’s vision had won in the current Conservative Party.

Ellie Greenall

Upper Sixth

Tuesday 27 January 2026

BioSoc Brings Biology to Life

12:20pm

Bio Soc presentations strengthen our students’ UCAS references and develop valuable skills for University, and beyond. This year, we have enjoyed a vibrant programme across the Autumn and Spring Terms. Sophie C (Upper Sixth) opened the year with an engaging talk on how genetically modified crops could address global food security, directly supporting GCSE Biology, and this spring, Ellie G (Upper Sixth) delivered a thought provoking, incisive, and impressively researched analysis of whether the challenges of using CRISPR Cas9 to treat HIV outweigh the benefits. Well done to all our excellent contributors.

French Revolution Masterclass

We welcomed back one of the world’s leading historians on the French Revolution, Professor William Doyle, who gave a brilliant lecture to more than 60 students. He explained how the French Revolution was the first in modern history to transform society, saying it was not an event, but a process, which spanned more than a decade and was full of unforeseen events. It was also the first moment in history when a state destroyed religion and slavery. He then honed in on the primary cause of the revolution, the collapse of the Ancient Regime, which failed to unlock the resources to fund diplomatic dominance. Overall, a fabulous overview for all our Sixth Form.

Trading in Commodities

Almost 60 students attended a lecture on ‘Trading in Commodities’, delivered by Martin Perry. The talk explored the origins of commodities trading, price discovery, and career opportunities in the sector. Martin outlined four main categories of commodities: energy, metals, livestock and meat, and agricultural products. He then focused on wheat and grain, involving students in a practical trading simulation where they negotiated prices in response to changing scenarios. Drawing on his international career trading cereals, sugar, and cocoa, Martin highlighted the industry’s global nature, diverse career paths, and strong emphasis on long-term relationships and people skills.

The Art of Public Speaking

Schrödinger Returns!

This year marked the fifth anniversary of the Schrödinger Programme, created by the Science Faculty to encourage deeper engagement with STEAM subjects beyond GCSE and support students aiming for top universities in Science and Engineering. Thirty-six students completed a fiveweek independent project inspired by real-world interests. Investigations ranged from projectile impact and F1 tyre grip to rugby ball bounce, baking chemistry and building a Rube Goldberg machine, alongside studies of lava flow, sound waves and magnetism. Students presented their findings confidently to parents, staff and peers, impressing the audience with their creativity, resilience and problem-solving. The programme once again highlighted curiosity, determination and academic ambition.

Continued ESU Success

‘Happiness is a choice’ according to Fifth Year pupil Ottie M, who, on a cold January evening, gave a compelling speech arguing that we can all make ourselves cheerier. She managed to convince the judges at the second round of the English Speaking Union Public Speaking Competition that it was a case of attitude and she, along with team members Peter Z (Chair) and George H (Questioner) have progressed to the regionals. There was stiff competition at Charterhouse, with Team B comprising Emelia S (Speaker), Fin M (Chair) and Emilia H (Questioner) among the other teams making the judges’ jobs more difficult. Sadly, they didn’t progress, but will be supporting the A Team on their journey, hopefully, to the finals!

Model United Nations

Nineteen enthusiastic Sixth Form students attended Wycombe Abbey School’s Model United Nations Conference alongside over 250 students nationwide. Representing Barbados, Somalia, Malaysia, Norway, Sweden, the UAE, and Zimbabwe, they spent two days debating major global issues, including the weaponisation of humanitarian aid, militarisation of space, digital privacy, atomic testing ethics, technological political interference and the Haiti crisis. Our delegates were also invited to the prestigious Model Arctic Council, helping pass the “Wycombe Declaration” on invasive Arctic species. Congratulations to all participants, especially Dom J, who won the Outstanding Delegate Prize.

Sixth Form Debaters

The 6F Debating Team, consisting of Alexa A, Mason B, and Eleanor P, delivered an outstanding performance in the ESU Debating Competition. Having hosted the Regional Second Round, the team successfully progressed to the next stage, marking a historic achievement for the school. Reaching the second round was a first, and advancing to the Regional Final makes this an exceptional success. Competing against Christ’s Hospital, Seaford, St Philip Howard Catholic, and Bishop Luffa, they delivered a compelling argument that disruptive climate protests are morally justified. Impressively, this was only their second competitive debate. They now sit just one round away from the national final. Special thanks also go to Monty Z for expertly hosting the evening.

Articulation

On 9 February, Sixth Former Elsie A represented Churcher’s at the South West regional heat of ARTiculation, a National Gallery public speaking competition held at John Hansard Gallery. She delivered a thoughtful ten-minute talk on Self Portrait as the Allegory of Painting (La Pittura) by Artemisia Gentileschi, exploring the legacy and influence of female artists today. While not selected as a finalist, adjudicator Pascal Matthias praised her talk for raising important and thought-provoking questions, encouraging her to continue exploring the topic. Elsie now becomes an ARTiculation Alumni member, giving her access to exclusive National Gallery opportunities.

In Other News

Mrs Daniel Wins Top Award

Mrs Daniel has been nationally recognised with a Silver Award for ‘Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School’. An inspirational English teacher, she brings boundless energy, creativity, and compassion to every aspect of school life and we are delighted to see her acknowledged with such a prestigious award! She said, “It was an incredible honour to be shortlisted. I felt so proud to represent all of us who put our heart and soul into supporting the children at Churcher’s. It was humbling to be in the company of so many inspirational teachers from across the length and breadth of the UK”.

New Tea & Toast Podcast

Churcher’s has launched a new student-led podcast, Tea & Toast, giving a relaxed and honest glimpse into everyday life at school. Recorded in the Sixth Form’s Ramshill common room, the podcast features students chatting openly about everything from academic life and friendships to personal growth, favourite activities and memorable moments. The name is inspired by the popular morning break ritual when Sixth Formers gather for tea and toast, catching up and sharing ideas, and captures that same friendly atmosphere, with informal conversations and plenty of personality. Find it on Spotify or YouTube by searching “Churcher’s Podcast.”

Licence to Dance: A 007 Winter Ball

In November, more than 270 parents donned black tie and cocktail dresses for The Winter Ball, which had a 007-inspired, ‘Shaken and Stirred’, theme. Guests were treated to Bond-themed cocktails, tried their luck in the casino, and packed the dance floor for the live band. The event raised an incredible £6,750 for the Richard Churcher Foundation and the Parents’ Association. Thank you very much to our sponsor, Bedrock Human Resources, and to the working group, who did an amazing job decorating the room and selling tickets, to make the event such a success and a night to remember.

To get involved with the PA to help raise funds to benefit the students, make friends and have fun in the process, please email seniorpa@churcherscollege.com or juniorpa@churcherscollege.com

Success Outside School

A Symphony of Success

Churcher’s students achieved outstanding success in the Woodwind Section of this year’s Portsmouth Festival of Performing Arts. Avika R won the Molly Cup (Pupil/Teacher Grades 1–2) and Lara A the Brenda Cup (Pupil/Teacher Grades 3–4). Gracie-May I jointly won the Own Choice Grades 3–4 class, receiving the Emma Cup, while Jack H claimed the Stirling Cup No. 1 for Jazz Grades 7–8. Polly R enjoyed exceptional success, winning three classes and four trophies, including the Norman Strugnell Memorial Cup for Best Recorder Performance (Grades 5–8). Bradleigh H earned the Woods Trophy for Most Promising Woodwind and jointly won the Sturge Trophy for Best Solo Performance (14 and under). Toby B-P completed the honours by winning the Benjamin Cup for the Pupil–Teacher Duet (Grades 7–8).

Cleo Capped for England

Congratulations to Fourth Year pupil, Cleo B, on a remarkable achievement over February half term, making her U16 England Hockey debut against Ireland. England went on to win the series, making the occasion even more memorable for Cleo and her teammates. In an outstanding personal highlight, Cleo was named ‘Coaches’ Player of the Match’ in the final game, a testament to her skill, composure, and impact on the pitch. We are incredibly proud of Cleo’s success and look forward to following her continued progress on the England pathway.

Nicole Sings Carole King

Sixth Former, Nicole P, took the Merchistoun Hall, in Horndean, by storm at the end of January and left the audience buzzing! Her first set was a loving journey through Carole King’s 1971 album, ‘Tapestry’, played in its entirety with a clarity beyond her years. After the interval, she opened the doors wider, mixing old classics with modern favourites, capped by an up-todate cover of Teddy Swims.

Spencer Shows His Sporting Prowess!

Second Year pupil, Spencer G, has enjoyed a run of sporting success this term. At the Open British ITF Taekwon-Do Championships, he was crowned British Champion for 12–14 years red belt pattern and won the bronze medal in sparring. He is now in training for his black belt grading in 2026. Adding to this, Spencer claimed victory in the under-15 (2000m) Southern Area Race Walking Championships, where he was presented with his medal by Tom Bosworth MBE, two-time British Olympic Race Walker.

Students Take Chichester Festival by Storm!

LAMDA pupils achieved outstanding success at the Chichester Festival of Music, Dance and Speech, winning multiple sections and cups. In the Years 7–8 Dramatic Duologue, Rosanna B and Melody C placed first, with Bertie C and Barney S, Emmy G and Amelie M, and Jesse M and Harry D sharing second. Evie S-W won the Years 7–9 Shakespeare Solo. In poetry, Elenor B and Felix H each took first in their year groups, while Felix also won the Years 9–10 Dramatic Duologue with Lara A.

Trips

Berlin-Bound

Students had a fascinating time exploring key sites around Berlin, such as Checkpoint Charlie and the Brandenburg Gate, enhanced by the renowned Mr Crossman walking tour. Highlights included a sunset view in the dome of the Reichstag, eating a Bratwurst at the 1936 Olympic Stadium, and watching President Zelensky’s motorcade drive past us whilst visiting the Holocaust Memorial. Students learnt much about the Cold War and WWII, but they also delighted in practising their best German in the Christmas markets!

Neasden Temple

The R&P Department recently took the entire Second Year group on a visit to Neasden Temple, to deepen their understanding of Hinduism and its practices of worship. The trip was a vibrant and enriching experience, filled with colourful artwork, beautiful music, and the distinctive aromas of traditional incense. Students had the opportunity to learn more about Hindu beliefs, observe the temple’s stunning architecture, and gain insight into the importance of worship in daily life. The visit ended with a delicious meal at the temple’s restaurant, where everyone enjoyed a traditional curry together. All in all, a memorable and educational experience for all involved.

History Comes Alive at Ypres

Third Year historians undertook a fantastic school trip to Ypres and the Somme, taking in many of the memorial places of the 1st World War. We went to Thiepval, Lochnagar crater, Beaumont Hamel, Vimy Ridge, Tyne Cot, and Langemark. We also visited the famed chocolate shop and witnessed the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin gate.

An Insight Into Greenhouses and Growth

Fifth Year Business students spent an engaging afternoon at Alitex’s Torberry Farm, in South Harting, gaining valuable insight into how the company designs and markets its products. A tour of the industrial centre showed where the renowned greenhouses and orangeries are manufactured, while discussions highlighted the organisation’s culture, history, and values. Students also explored a range of finished greenhouses, displayed on site as demonstration models of Alitex’s most popular designs. Staff praised our “Brilliant young people”, for their “Positive, infectious energy”, adding that they were true ambassadors for the school, demonstrating curiosity and thoughtful questioning throughout the visit.

Fun on the Slopes

Art Students Find Inspiration at Tate Britain

In February, Fifth Year and Upper Sixth Art students enjoyed a successful educational visit to Tate Britain. They explored the permanent collection independently, selecting artworks that connected with their interests and exam themes. This approach encouraged personal inspiration while broadening their understanding of British art. Students gathered source material through sketching, visual studies, and notes. Seeing the works firsthand enhanced their appreciation of scale, texture, and detail, strengthening practical and analytical skills. The visit enriched classroom learning and provided valuable preparation for upcoming exams.

Thirty-five First and Second Year pupils took to the Italian slopes at the start of the Christmas holidays. After an early start and plenty of excitement at the airport, we all made it safely to Passo Tonale, where stunning mountain views greeted us with a beautiful sunset after a long day of travelling. The pupils enjoyed five days of skiing, with excellent instruction helping everyone to improve their skills. Evening activities included a quiz night, karaoke (featuring some brilliant renditions of ‘Careless Whisper’ and Taylor Swift songs), and a trip to the local swimming pool.

Third Year Academy Trip to Oxford

Fourteen members of Third Year Academy enjoyed a fascinating trip to Oxford at the end of February. After a two-hour walking tour, delivered with panache by a current Psychology undergraduate, they enjoyed a handson session at the Ashmolean Museum, attempting to identify objects from antique coins to bathroom implements.

A Visit to Winchester

Sixty-four Fifth Year R&P students visited Christ Church in Winchester, where they enjoyed a warm welcome, indoor hockey, and a “Grill a Christian” session asking challenging questions about faith. They then visited Winchester Cathedral, viewing the Winchester Bible and Jane Austen’s grave - an enjoyable and enriching day for all.