The New Wittonian
Students celebrated at annual awards ceremonies
Also inside....
College win for Adventures abroad for year 12 students
Young Writers competition
Work Experience
Year 12 students traded the classroom for real‑world experience back in April as part of the college’s annual work placement programme. An impressive 100% of students secured a placement, reflecting both their ambition and the strength of the college's employer partnerships.
This year’s cohort explored a remarkable variety of industries, from the corporate offices of Kellogg’s, where insight was gained into global business operations, to the fast‑paced environment of Manchester Airport. One student even became a Roman solider, leading groups of school children on history experiences around Chester, while another jetted off to Geneva for a week's work experience with CERN. Each placement offered a unique opportunity to develop confidence, practical skills, and a clearer understanding of future career pathways.
Higher Education Fair
Sir John Deane’s hosted its largest Higher Education Fair to date, welcoming 56 universities onto campus for a day of guidance, inspiration, and future planning.
Representatives spent time speaking with students about course options, career pathways, student life, finance, and accommodation, helping them build a clearer picture of life after college.
The HE fair formed part of a wider
programme of higher education events, including a series of talks attended by more than 650 parents
This year’s exhibitor list featured a strong mix of institutions, from the University of Bath, LIPA, Sheffield Hallam, LMA and Bangor University to 18 Russell Group universities, including Durham, Exeter and Warwick.
An inspiring day helping students take the next step towards their future.
Duke of Edinburgh
More than 120 students successfully completed their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Gold Practice Expedition across two challenging trips in May and June. The three‑day walking and mountaineering route began in Llanrwst, taking participants deep into the dramatic landscapes of Snowdonia National Park.
Teams trekked through rugged terrain to reach overnight stops in Capel Curig and Gwyn Gof Isaf, before looping back to Llanrwst to complete their practice journey. The expedition tested navigation, resilience, teamwork, and outdoor skills — all essential components of the Gold Award.
With their practice now complete, students are gearing up for their Gold Qualifying Expedition in late June, where they will put their refined skills to the test on another demanding adventure.
Pride Month
Pride Month is shining bright on campus this year. QueerSoc has already hosted two colourful bake sales and will soon bring everyone together for a relaxed Pride picnic, complete with bracelet‑making and creative activities.
In Diversitas sessions, students also focussed on the history of Pride and raising awareness about the movement’s roots and ongoing impact.
Art Exhibition
Sir John Deane's once again celebrated the creative achievements of its Year 13 Art and Design students with its annual end of year exhibition.
Now in its fourth consecutive year, the exhibition showcased the exceptional talent, dedication, and artistic development of students across Fine Art, Textiles, 3D Design and Photography
Head of Department Simon Davies said: “This exhibition gives us a moment to step back and recognise the commitment and creativity of our students and staff. Each student arrives with a different starting point, but over two years we help them grow in confidence and skill. What you see here is the result of that journey.”
Taking Art and Design at the college requires imagination, technical skill, and strong time management. The department prides itself on both the quality of teaching and the ambition of its learners.
Simon added: “Our students care deeply about what they produce. We challenge them to experiment, take risks, and really explore their ideas — so they leave with a stronger sense of their own creative identity.”
“This year's exhibition was really diverse and exciting. From large scale fine art pieces to intricate textiles, innovative 3D design, and striking photography. The range of work reflects both the breadth of our courses and the individuality of each student.”
International trips
Year 12 Geographers embarked on an unforgettable Icelandic adventure back in May.
Their journey began at the Hellisheiði Power Station’s cutting edge geothermal energy to the ancient Lava Tunnel, before exploring the Geysir Centre, the thunderous Gullfoss Falls, and the dramatic landscapes of Þingvellir National Park
On day two they boarded a ferry to Heimaey, home to one of Europe’s largest puffin colonies, followed by a visit to the Eldheimar Museum to uncover the story of the 1973 Eldfell eruption — before hiking to the volcano’s summit.
A relaxing final day saw students unwind at the Sky Lagoon, before venturing inside a volcano and the ice caves at Perlan. Finally, the ended the trip soaking up the atmosphere in the capital, Reykjavik.
Year 12 Art and Design students found inspiration in New York City during a jam packed trip over the May half term break.
Highlights including breathtaking views from the Edge observation, a guided tour of Central Park, and exploring world renowned works at the Met Gallery.
Day two blended more sights from the Staten Island Ferry and the 9/11 Memorial to Chelsea Market, Little Island, and a stroll along the High Line. Their final day began at MoMA, exploring celebrated masterpieces, before soaking up the buzz of Times Square and the city’s vibrant street markets.
New York
Geneva
Thirty Maths, Statistics and Physics students enjoyed an inspiring visit to Geneva, in June, packed with world‑class science and cultural discovery.
The group’s first full day was spent at CERN, where former college Physics teacher Rob Fowler introduced students to the organisation’s history and global scientific impact. They toured the Synchrocyclotron — CERN’s first accelerator — and explored the Antimatter Factory, gaining a rare look at pioneering research shaping our understanding of the universe. They returned the following day for an interactive experience
exploring CERN’s public exhibitions, engaging with hands‑on science while enjoying the warm Geneva sunshine.
The trip also included a visit to the United Nations Office, where students tried their hand at diplomacy before heading into Geneva’s historic centre for an evening of sightseeing.
Students spent their final day in Geneva's charming old town before cooling off in Lac Léman beside the iconic Jet d’Eau — an ideal end to a memorable and enriching trip.
Battle of the Bands 2026
Sir John Deane’s Sixth Form College made it a home victory at this year’s Battle of the Bands.
Trio, Dayzed, made up of twins Jess (piano) and Emily (drums), and guitarist and lead vocalist Darcey, were crowned champions with their original track Silence is so Loud. A polished and confident performance set them apart in one of the most competitive line ups in recent years.
The annual event featured 14 bands and brought
together young musicians from schools across mid‑Cheshire, including The County High School Leftwich, Weaverham High School, and The Winsford Academy. Each band showcased its own style and sound, delivering a diverse mix of original songs and inventive cover versions.
With a sold out crowd and high energy performances throughout, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric — a fitting celebration of our local musical talent.
Awards Evenings
Year 13
Celebrating excellence, character, and contribution, this year's annual Awards Evenings brought together students, families, and staff for the two most prestigious events in the college calendar.
This year, 180 students across two year groups received awards acknowledging high achievement in subjects across the curriculum, alongside recognition for sporting excellence, performing arts, service to clubs and societies, student leadership, and notable personal resilience.
A highlight of the Year 13 celebration was the awarding of the college’s most prestigious honour, the Saner Prize, to Freya Embleton. During her time at college, Freya has excelled academically, embracing every challenge and learning opportunity. Freya’s name will now be inscribed on the historic Honours Board in Brunner Hall — a tradition dating back to 1922 and a
lasting testament to her outstanding contribution. In Year 12, Jasper Tang received The Sir John Brunner Foundation Prize for academic excellence, recognising his exceptional commitment and achievement throughout the year.
Awarding the prizes were special guests, Alan Redley, Chair of The Sir John Brunner Foundation and Rachel Pickerill, Headteacher at Hartford C of E High School.
Principal, Christopher Atherton said: “These events continue to stand as the college’s proudest tradition of honouring not only academic success but the values and spirit that shape college life.
“Both evenings offered a wonderful opportunity for families to join in celebrating the hard work, talent, and dedication of students who continue to enrich the college community in so many ways.”
Year 12
Farewell Year 13
Sir John Deane’s College marked the end of an era with a warm farewell to the Class of 2026, bringing students and staff together for a final celebration in the courtyard. The gathering offered a chance to reflect on two years of achievements, friendships and shared experiences, with teachers joining students to look back on their time at the college.
A complimentary ice cream added a light, celebratory touch to the afternoon, rounding off a relaxed and memorable send off for the departing year group.
The college looks forward to celebrating their success on A level Results Day (Thursday 13th August).
National Youth Monologue Finals
Congratulations to Joe Johnson and Maya Minocha who represented the college at the National Youth Monologues Northern Finals at the Crewe Lyceum in May.
Competing against talented performers from across Northern England and Scotland, Maya impressed in the classical category with a powerful performance of Adriana’s monologue from The Comedy of Errors.
Joe excelled in the original category with a moving monologue inspired by a conversation with his grandmother about Morecambe Beach. His stand out performance secured him a place in the National Finals at the Trafalgar Theatre in London in June where he earned The PQA Be Yourself runnerup Award for Original Monologue.
Young Writers Competition
Winner: Henryk Wieckowski
The college's English Society recently hosted its annual Young Writers Award, celebrating emerging talent and the power of student storytelling. The competition received impressive original work, highlighting the creativity and confidence of the next generation of writers. Henryk Wieckowski was awarded first place his poem 'Connection'. Congratulations to the runners up:
2nd place
Ruby Ghosh, 'Living Onwards and Sideways' 3rd Place
Lily Murphy, 'Little Me' Commended (poetry)
Sophie Doward, Katie Haigh, Emily Dixon, Amelia Wood, Alexia Coker Commended (short story)
Ben Worsell
Connection
Worms and woodlice in the dark and rot
Wend their way westbound through the churchyard. It must Have still been dark when I stopped by her family plot
The mausoleum door poxed green with rust.
Why do we call death our great equalizer? Sure, The rich man and the poor man both end up six feet deep But one might lie in an unmarked grave and the other In a jewelled pyramid sleeps.
There must be something more that connects us all.
For instance, take this morning. It didn’t rain at her funeral, but instead
The sun poured down on the mourners. The same rays
That had watered the ancient yew, ministering like some vigilant angel
In the churchyard corner, since its grey-barked sapling days
Same light that gazed through stained glass, streamed right past
The eyes of unsmiling apostles, the words of hollow parables And instead painted the congregation in tempered colour
As the priest echoes in sun-drenched syllables:
“Let there be Light”. The same sun that, seconds ago, invited Fresh eyes to squint, a new chest to sigh breath-warm air. Midas’s touch blooms across that one’s skin and this one’s pall Whose white is made amber in the spring afterglow they share
Same light that had slipped its glint into the keen eye of her Photographer, who rushed to catch the Rembrandt-lighting of the bride
In effortless mellow monochrome. (He later marvelled at how, even in his
Darkroom, the sketched curves of her face seemed to glow in silver halide)
Same light, climbing like brazen ivy up the blazing East, in Each sun-soothed century. Same dawn, with fresh and rosy fingers
That rendered shadows on the cave walls of prisoners, and lent
Epics to the poets she loved, proffered lyrics to her favourite singers
Now, when my candle-light winks out and the ticking Hand has beckoned me from this mortal coil, What connects me to the fellow man won’t be the grave Or the winding worms which share my soil:
The morning next, when light breaks through the Yew branches and coffin rows breath-cold I know the same dawn will gild my headstone That paints her mausoleum walls in gold.
-Henryk Wiekowski
Your SJD
Number Cruncher
A jigsaw puzzle company wants to design a new rectangular puzzle with a specific quirk: it must have the same number of edge pieces and interior pieces. Each piece begins as a square of the same size, and the typical rounded “blanks” and “tabs” (the holes and the parts that stick out, respectively) are then either cut from or glued to its sides. If the company wants the puzzle to be as large as possible, how many pieces will it have?
Debatable
A round up of Debate Societies topics this term:
Could religion be classed as a cult?
Should social media be used in politics?
Can AI be morally justified?
Should extremist parties be banned?
Join the debate.
Every Wednesday, 2pm in 4F01/4F02
Philosophy Corner
Themes explored within Philosophy Society this term:
Is evil necessary?
Does the concept of God subtract from our free will?
Is there an objective, ontological moral code?
Should prisons exist for the sake of punishment, revenge or rehabilitation?
Delve in further.
Every Tuesday, 3:15 in 1G22
The Head's Up
Every year on 22 April, Earth Day reminds people around the world about the importance of looking after the environment. At Sir John Deane’s College, the day encourages students and staff to think about the small changes they can make to help protect the planet and support the local community. There are many easy ways everyone can make a difference both in college and at home. Students are encouraged to put litter in bins and help pick up rubbish around the site to keep the campus clean and safe for wildlife. Bringing reusable water bottles instead of single-use plastic bottles is another simple step that can help reduce waste. Saving energy is also important, with students reminded to switch off lights, computers and other equipment when they are not being used. This May, the college is also supporting No Mow May by leaving some grass areas uncut to help provide food and habitats for bees and other pollinators. The Environmental Society have played a crucial role in helping the college community stay eco friendly as they continue to make Sir John Deane’s a cleaner, greener place. In the past, they have given presentations to neighbouring schools to inform future generations about the importance of protecting the environment and have also raised money for the Wildlife Trust to fund conservation. More recently, the society has allowed local ecosystems to flourish through their bulb planting projects of tulips and potatoes in the college grounds. Whilst the Environmental Society has been involved in small scale projects like collecting whiteboard pens for recycling, they have also earned the prestigious Eco-Schools Green Flag Award with distinctions, and they strive to keep this high standard in the future. Moreover, the society has also been advocating for students to get involved with litter picking campaigns around the college campus where they can make a difference in caring for our environment.
- Head Students
Tom Shubrook
By Kim Stanley & Pippa Hemming
We’re excited to introduce a brand new feature celebrating the staff who make up our college community. From those who support us behind the scenes to those who inspire us every day, this series — written by students — shines a light on the people who help make Sir John Deane’s such a supportive and vibrant place to learn.
First up, we’re putting the spotlight on Tom Shrubrook, PE Technician and basketball coach. Tom started his career in retail, but has always had a love of coaching. He joined Sir John Deane’s as a part of the Progress Mentor team and 10 years on he’s now a key member of the college’s PE department, supporting lessons, sports teams and fixtures. His job also involves supporting students run co curricular societies, leading the college’s sports media team and accompanying students on their Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. Tom has always been, and remains, a valuable member of our community.
Spotlight on... Book Club
become passionate about it. You don’t have to be the best in the world, but you might find something that will change your life for the better.”
Tom really advocates for Gold Duke of Edinburgh, his most memorable moment from being at the college came from it. He says it’s a way to push yourself, find your limits and test them. “It’s challenging but rewarding eventually. Beyond the expedition, DofE gives you the motivation to volunteer, maybe something you wouldn’t have considered before. And maybe something that gives you skills you never knew you needed.”
Tom's top two book recommendations for summer are:
It’s also safe to say that he’s got an idea of how to make the most of your time here at the college. So, what advice would he give you? “Take all the opportunities you’re given. Try lots of different things, even if it doesn’t stick forever. Sometimes you might try something, having no idea what it’s like, and you suddenly
Lastly, we asked Tom what is dream job was — aside from his work here at the college, of course! He said he loves the variety here, but would love to one day run a basketball centre — maybe even with multiple sports. He loves working with young people and would want to continue to do so. It’s clear to Tom that costs are key to the possibilities that young people pursue, and one of the reasons why he finds his work so rewarding at Sir John Deane’s is that students can try and test so many hobbies or interests for free. "You can discover and experiment with sport, with subjects, with your interests, and so much more." He would love to give that privilege to other young people.
Fiction
The Scheme of Full Employment by Magnus Mills
Non-Fiction
Doing Good Better, by William MacAskill
What will you read next?
Sports Round-Up
Sporting excellence on the international stage
A number of students have achieved international honours this term, representing their countries across a range of sports at the highest level.
Most recently, Year 13 student Harriet Wheeler represented team GBs U20 team at the prestigious Loughborough International 2026. Competing against a strong field of senior athletes – including five time British champion Bekah Walton – Harriet delivered a series of consistent performances to secure an impressive 5th place, achieving a best throw of 46.82 metres in the javelin.
Meanwhile, Reuben Roberts was selected to represent England U17 Indoor Cricket. He will travel to Pretoria, South Africa, later this year to compete in the World Series.
In total, nine students have represented the college internationally this year across a wide range of sports, including Lacrosse, TeamGym, Trampoline, Cycling, Rowing, Volleyball, and Netball.
These remarkable achievements highlight not only the exceptional talent within the college but also the commitment, discipline, and determination our students demonstrate as they strive to excel both academically and athletically.
Rowing
The college’s rowing season came to an exciting conclusion in late June, as the annual Sir John Deane's regatta delivered a dramatic finish with two determined teams battling all the way to the line for the championship title.
After a fiercely contested race, Cameron Newman, Alex Berrisford, Beth Lockheart and Lydia Wharfe were crowned champions, securing first place in a thrilling canvas finish. A total of 26 students competed across the two day event, showcasing skill, determination and teamwork throughout. Rowing will return to the college in September.