The New Wittonian - Spring 2026

The New Wittonian

Talented cast bring Shakespearean mayhem to life

From mistaken identities to non-stop laughs, students deliver a lively take on one of Shakespeare's most entertaining comedies. Full story inside

Big Band dazzle at Jazz Night

Big Band makes dazzling Jazz Night return

The college’s Big Band dazzled at the much anticipated Jazz Night, which returned to the Macdonald Portal Hotel Golf & Spa in February.

The 23-piece ensemble, led by Tim Murphy, ignited the room with a carefully curated set list of 60s soul favourites and swing classics.

Hits like Mack the Knife, Superstition, and Knock on Wood captivated the audience, with the evening featuring stand-out solo performances by student vocalists. Professional lighting and sound from ProLive Technical Production Services — supported by the college’s student technicians — created a slick, immersive atmosphere for the event.

Following the success of Jazz Night, the Big Band also took their set to the local Kingsmead Primary School at the end of March, sharing their performance with pupils. Headteacher Lisa Rutter-Brown praised the visit, saying:

“The Jazz Band was absolutely fantastic, and the children and staff thoroughly enjoyed their performance. […] I’m sure it has inspired our budding musicians to continue with their practice and hopefully be as talented as Sir John Deane’s students in the future.”

Bringing music to the wider community, the Big Band continues to showcase the extraordinary musical talent at the college, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating their next appearance.

Comedy of Errors

Student review: by Kim Stanley & Pippa Hemming

Gifted actors brought Shakespeare’s classic Comedy of Errors to life in January, showcasing the remarkable talent of the Sir John Deane’s community.

The college's talented acting company performed in two sell-out shows, as well as treating students from partner high schools — The Macclesfield Academy, The County High School Leftwich and Middlewich High School — to a performance full of energy, humour, and theatrical flair.

The play follows a day of chaotic misadventures in the city of Ephesus, where separated twins are reunited amid a whirlwind of mistaken identities, wrongful beatings, and amusing accusations of madness. Shakespeare’s dynamic world was brilliantly embodied by leading cast members Ben Beechener, Joe Johnson, Freddie Parr, and Nick Archer, whose dedication to their roles and exceptional

performances delighted audiences from curtain up to curtain down.

Equally impressive was the set design and backstage crew, whose seamless execution ensured the production ran without a hitch. While it is arguable whether Comedy of Errors is Shakespeare’s most profound work, this zippy, sun-soaked production by the Music & Performing Arts Department proved it is certainly one of The Bard’s most fun.

Students at the college expressed that they are “immensely proud of the talented young actors that make up part of the student body”, and the cast has offered a “heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in the success of the show, and to all who came to support this phenomenal production.”

Performing Arts Trip

This term, students experienced some of the UK’s most exciting theatrical productions on two trips organised by the Performing Arts Department.

Back in February, 40 students headed to London for a weekend of world-class theatre and culture. From the haunting beauty of Hadestown to the whimsical Into the Woods, and the enchanting My Neighbour Totoro, students were treated to a full West End experience.

As part of the trip, the group also took part in a puppetry workshop with Jasmine Chiu, a member of the original West End cast of Totoro who now serves as the production’s resident movement director.

Other highlights of the weekend included a walking tour of Central London, taking in the city’s most iconic sites, as well as a visit to the vibrant V&A Museum.

Just a few weeks later, in March, 50 Performing Arts and English Literature students travelled to Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre to see Jim Cartwright’s awardwinning play Road. Set against the backdrop of Thatcherera Britain, the production offers a gritty yet poetic

glimpse into the lives of working-class residents in a depressed Lancashire town.

Directed by Selina Cartmell as part of the theatre’s 50th anniversary season, this bold new adaptation starred well-known performers Johnny Vegas and Lesley Joseph. It also featured immersive elements that placed students at the heart of the action, inviting them onstage.

Oxbridge Offers

Eighteen Year 13 students have received offers from Oxford and Cambridge this year, continuing the college’s strong tradition of Oxbridge success. Eight students received offers from Oxford and ten from Cambridge, spanning an impressive range of subjects including medicine, experimental psychology, and three offers to study chemistry.

This achievement reflects not only the academic strength of the cohort but also the growing impact of the college’s Early Applicants’ Programme, led by Amy Malyon (Assistant Principal) and Robert Palin (Teacher of Chemistry). The programme provides tailored support for students applying to the UK’s most competitive

universities, as well as those pursuing highly selective degrees in medicine, veterinary science and dentistry.

Robert Palin praised the determination students have shown throughout this year’s application process, saying: “Their success reflects months of hard work, thoughtful engagement with their subjects, and a real willingness to push themselves beyond the curriculum. We’re incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved.”

The college hopes this success will inspire future cohorts to pursue ambitious pathways and make full use of the support available at Sir John Deane’s, as competition for top university places remains high.

Snelson-Wash (Dover Grammar School for Girls), Chemistry, University of Oxford, Nisha Pietersz (home educated), Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Oxford, Fabienne Fisher (Cardinal Newman Catholic High School), Geography, University of Cambridge, Freya Wheable (Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School), Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Maisie Ellis (Altrincham Grammar School for Girls), Chemistry, University of Oxford, Grace Martin (Helsby High School), Medicine, University of Cambridge, Jenna Mason (Chester International School), Philosophy, Politics and Economics, University of Oxford. (L-R bottom) Rhys Dunkerley (Queen's Park High School), Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Noah Wilson (Middlewich High School), Chemistry, University of Oxford, Charlotte Booth (The Heath School), Geography, University of Cambridge, Megan Croxton (Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School), Natural Sciences, University of Cambridge, Nina Mewies (The County High School Leftwich), Natural Sciences, University of Cambridge, Ruby Peacock (The County High School Leftwich), History and Politics, University of Cambridge, Isaac Heap (Upton-by-Chester High School), History and Politics, University of Cambridge.

Not pictured: Harri Major (The County High School Leftwich), Engineering, University of Oxford, Martha Corley (North Cestrian School), Engineering, University of Cambridge, Scarlett Shepherd (The Heath School), Architecture, University of Cambridge

Industry Careers Fair

The college welcomed more than 45 exhibitors to its biggest careers fair to date back in March, marking National Careers Week.

The event provided students with the opportunity to speak to representatives from some of the UK's leading firms based in the North West, including Airbus, AstraZeneca, Bentley, KPMG, Unilever, and

Cheshire Fire and Rescue, amongst many others. We were especially proud to welcome a number of Sir John Deane's Alumni back to the college.

They offered invaluable first hand insights into a whole range of industries and careers programmes, including degree and higher level apprenticeships, industrial placements, internships and graduate schemes.

Apprenticeship Success

A wave of apprenticeship success is sweeping through the college as so far fifteen students have secured offers for highly-competitive degree apprenticeship programmes.

These pathways allow learners to earn a recognised bachelor’s degree while working in paid roles, blending academic study with hands-on industry experience. This year’s offers span an impressive range of sectors, including finance,

marketing, engineering and energy. Students will be joining major employers such as Barclays, Airbus, Balfour Beatty, and Scottish Power, reflecting the strength of their applications and the growing appeal of work-based educational routes. Careers Manager Barbara Haskew said: "It is great to see the success of our incredible students so far, with many more still going through the assessment process."

Meet your new Head Students

Sir John Deane’s is delighted to introduce its newly appointed Head Students: Zahren Shah, Ewan Blud, Eliana Chrys-Chikere, Alisha Pemberton, Alexia Corker, Scarlett Teahan, Adam Fletcher and Ethan Tottie Wong. Following a rigorous and highly competitive selection process, each of these students

Articulation Finals

Congratulations to Georgia Buckley, who secured first place in the regional round of the National Gallery’s Articulate competition in March at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester. Georgia impressed the judging panel with her compelling and insightful presentation on Judith Slaying Holofernes by Artemisia Gentileschi, standing out among competitors from seven other schools across the region. Her originality, depth of analysis and confident delivery earned her the top spot.We wish Georgia the very best as she prepares for the grand final at The National Gallery in London on March 24th.

impressed the panel with their enthusiasm, leadership potential, and outstanding contributions to college life. In their new roles, they will work closely with the wider team of Senior Students to lead campaigns, support key initiatives, and champion the student voice throughout the year.

International Women's Day

Students from the college's Women's Society took part in a workshop to mark International Women’s Day in March, celebrating the social, cultural, and political achievements of women across history.

The session included thoughtful discussions about influential women leaders — from Queen Boudica to former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern — exploring what makes their leadership both enduring and inspirational. The group then turned their attention to this year’s theme, Give to Gain, with students sharing ideas on how the college community could make a meaningful contribution to a women’s charity following the event.

College Debaters Take the Stage at Oxford

Year 13 students Students

Adelle Nwafor and Maddie Eaves represented the college at the finals of the Oxford Schools’ Debating Competition on Saturday 14th March, competing against teams from over 120 schools internationally.

Having progressed through challenging regional rounds, the world’s top-performing teams gathered at the historic Oxford Union for Finals Day, where they faced a series of demanding impromptu debates.

In their opening round, Adelle and Maddie delivered a strong performance, securing second place while debating whether authors from a marginalised background should write hopeful stories centred on resilience and community, rather than focusing on oppression and suffering.

Throughout the competition, they engaged with a range of complex and thought-provoking motions, including whether religious leaders should be barred from running for political office, whether the narrative that society has failed boys and young men has done more harm than good, and whether European political parties should adopt a cordon sanitaire against extremist parties.

Following their impressive second-place finish in the North West qualifying round — where they competed against many more experienced teams — Adelle and Maddie, alongside the college’s Debate Society, are looking ahead with optimism and ambition, hoping to build on this year’s success in future competitions.

Environmental Society Puts Down Roots

With spring on the horizon, the Environmental Society has been busy bringing new life to the college grounds. Ten student volunteers rolled up their sleeves for a bulb-planting session, adding a vibrant array of Darwin Hybrid tulips to the campus garden.

Society leader Tyra Chiu highlighted the environmental value of the initiative, explaining that “bulb planting is a fantastic way to support local wildlife, especially pollinating bees that rely on early-season

food sources.” She also emphasised the benefits for the college community, noting that “creating beautiful outdoor spaces supports mental wellbeing, which is especially important for students around exam season.”

The tulip planting marks just one part of a busy term for the Environmental Society. At the end of March, members also organised a bake sale in support of The Wildlife Trusts, raising funds for local conservation efforts, raising £138

Unseen Diplomas Exhibition

Year 13 student Ksenia Protopopova shared powerful and deeply moving stories from Ukrainian students whose education and lives have been cut short by the ongoing conflict.

As part of the 'Unseen Diplomas' project, she has helped shine a light on the futures stolen by war, honouring the memory of 40 young people.

Alongside the exhibition, Ksenia also presented her own original artwork, together with pieces created by friends from Ukraine as a testament to resilience and identity.

Students excel in global challenge

Computer science students have pushed beyond the limits of the A-level syllabus this term by taking part in the prestigious UK Bebras Challenge, an international competition designed to introduce young people to the world of computational thinking.

The Bebras Challenge, invites students worldwide to solve a series of interactive, logic-based problems under timed conditions. Last year alone, more than 3 million students from over 80 countries took part,

highlighting the global scale and growing popularity of the competition. Participants are given 45 minutes to work through challenges tailored to their age group, encouraging them to apply logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and problem-solving skills that extend far beyond standard classroom learning.

A special congratulations goes to Toby Lunt, who earned a Gold Award, placing him among the top 10% of participants nationally.

Inter-School Maths Feast

Sir John Deane’s welcomed some of Cheshire's brightest young mathematicians in February as it hosted its annual Maths Feast competition.

The event brought together top-performing Year 10 students from the college’s partner high schools, challenging them to four rounds of demanding mathematical puzzles designed to stretch their logic, creativity and teamwork.

This year, 11 teams from six of the college's partner schools — The County High School Leftwich, Weaverham High School, Middlewich High School, Hartford Church of England High School and

Bridgewater High School — competed for the coveted trophy. After a full day of intense problem-solving, Weaverham High School emerged as the overall winners, securing the top spot with an impressive performance across the rounds.

The atmosphere throughout the event was lively and intellectually charged, with students throwing themselves into each challenge. Supporting the competition were the college’s Year 12 Maths Ambassadors, who guided teams between rounds, offered encouragement, and showcased the collaborative spirit of the college’s Mathematics department.

Sports Round-Up

Congratulations to Eve Jha, Esme Heavy and Hayley Holland who helped lead Cheshire to 7th place in the ESAA National Cross Country Championships at Sefton Park Liverpool on Saturday 14th March.

Amongst 300 of the top runners in the country, our student athletes once again showed their class with Eva finishing 8th, Esme 37th and Hayley 124th.

Another outstanding performance from our cross country runners who, earlier in the season, finished second in the Schools Cross Country Cup and contributed to winning the U20s women's race in the Inter County Cross Country Championship earlier in the month.

Cross Country Netball

The netball team made their way to the English Institute of Sport (EIS) in Sheffield on Saturday 14th March to compete in the England Netball U19 National Schools Finals, marking an impressive third consecutive appearance at the prestigious event.

Guided by coaches Lauren and Michelle, the team has built on recent successes, earning a reputation as one of the strongest college sides in the region. Competing against the country’s top teams, Sir John Deane's

Year 13 student Eimear Slee is aiming to build on her impressive rowing achievements as she prepares for the Junior Inter Regional Finals in April.

delivered a series of determined performances across eight challenging rounds, securing four well-fought victories.

Currently undefeated in Division 1 of the North West Colleges League, the team continues to demonstrate their resilience and sharpen their skills with every match. The entire college community remains firmly behind them as they strive for further success this season and beyond.

Last year, she made history as the first completely blind rower ever to compete at the Junior Inter Regional Regatta, taking home a bronze medal. Competing for Warrington Rowing Club, Eimear raced at the North West Inter Regional Trials in March, hosted by Northwich Rowing Club. She delivered a strong performance on the 1,500-metre course, successfully qualifying for the finals in Nottingham.