THE NEWS
SENIOR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER AUTUMN 2023
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‘We may not look like it, but we just belong together.’ Dr Dolittle
SCHOOL LIFE
SCHOOL LIFE
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The term started with year-group team-building and ‘getting to know you’ activities for L4 and the lower sixth whilst L5 built on their experiences at New Girls’ day in June and opted to focus their activities in form groups. As for U4, they had an engaging and thought-provoking CSI-style day where they practised some of the practical skills and problem-solving associated with detective work. The rationale for these activities and for many of the collective events that take place at St Swithun’s is to build a feeling of belonging. As Owen Eastwood points out in his excellent book ‘Belonging’, if people feel comfortable and that they belong and can be themselves, they receive the positive impact of oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine. Laughing and singing together, as we do in assembly, during inter-house competitions or form time all contribute to the production of these energising, feel-good hormones. We also enjoyed the boarders’ disco at the beginning of term, participating in Model United Nations and Swithun’s Live, the upper sixth social and the U5 ‘Netherfield Ball’, both of the latter with Winchester College. The opportunity to meet pupils from other year groups or from other schools is an important one as young people practise their social skills and trying new things. Indeed, Amanda Blanc, CEO of Aviva, and an exceptional speaker to kick off this academic year, amongst other things, encouraged the audience to take opportunities when they come, not to worry about making mistakes, to have fun and to find their confidence. All of the events that I have mentioned are effective in achieving this. Indeed, I hope that St Swithun’s generally offers a framework to develop confidence, purpose and a sense of perspective. Our second outstanding speaker of the term was Lady Edwina Grosvenor who engaged everyone with her vision of a reformed justice system particularly for women. This struck a chord with many and proved a perfect example of one of Amanda Blanc’s tips – that of doing good. And of having purpose. The term drew to a close with our traditional carol service in Winchester Cathedral. It is worth pointing out that much of the organ music was provided by our pupils – a highly impressive achievement duly noted by the deputy mayor of Winchester who attended the service. Looking ahead, the school community will come together again to celebrate our 140th birthday in 2024. This will provide a moment to reflect and be proud of belonging to something greater than our individual selves.
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Jane Gandee MA (Cantab) Headmistress
1 Talk from Amanda Blanc, AVIVA CEO
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Art Graffiti
3 A Trip to the Battlefields
4 Co-curricular Fair
5 Harvest Festival
6 L4 Team building
7 Law career speed networking
8 Receiving a letter from His Majesty The King
9 London Networking Event
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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS FUN RUN
We proudly handed over the reins to student Jess C (U5), who assumed the role of ‘Headmistress for the Day’ in an exciting and unique initiative fostering student leadership and engagement. As part of the immersive experience, Jess undertook various responsibilities and decisions typically held by the headmistress, providing valuable insights into school leadership and operations.
This term the school laced up our running shoes for a fun run in aid of Breast Cancer UK and the school charities.
Jess’s day as Headmistress was kindly sponsored by her parents who donated to the Bramston Bursary Foundation during an auction earlier this year. The Bramston Bursary Foundation supports girls from extremely disadvantaged backgrounds with fully funded boarding places at St Swithun’s, via a transformational bursary. Talking about the day, Jess said “Being the ‘Headmistress for the Day’ has been a thoroughly informative experience. Having the privilege to meet with the head girl team, my friends and the school senior leaders was a fantastic opportunity.”
It wasn’t just a run but a chance to make a difference. Students and staff jogged, skipped and walked their way to completing 1km or 2.5km distances. Just under £800 was raised on the day.
SCHOOL LIFE
SCHOOL LIFE
HEADMISTRESS FOR THE DAY
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The 2023 Biology Bake-off was held as part of the Royal Society of Biology Week. There was an amazing array of highly original, creative and biologically accurate bakes, including: the human brain, skin, lungs, mouth, eyeballs and a very realistic biology laboratory.
THE OXFORD GLOBAL MODEL UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE The Oxford Global Model United Nations conference took place last term at Oxford University. Of the 12 St Swithun’s delegates, six received an award, a higher number than any other school. Awards for best delegate (the top award for each committee) went to Rose W (UNESCO, representing Canada) and Maryam K (UNHCR, representing Norway). The outstanding delegate award went to Noelle L (WHO, representing Cuba), and honourable mentions went to Lombe M (European Court of Human Rights), Mirela H (WHO, representing Rwanda), and Daria S (Commission on the Status of Women, representing Malaysia). Well done to all the delegates who performed to an exceptional level in a highly competitive event. By Noelle L, U5
EDUCATION PERFECT INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS The Education Perfect International Championships took place over 48 hours at the beginning of November.
AVIATION DAY This term some L4 and U4 students had the opportunity to attend a STEM and aviation day at Fareham Innovation Centre. Students were able to take part in a huge variety of activities including flying drones, exploring plane cockpits and speaking to lots of professionals about their careers in STEM and aviation.
Not only did St Swithun’s come 2nd overall globally, but finished 1st overall in the UK. A total of 60 awards were achieved by our girls, of which 24 were the prestigious elite, emerald and gold awards (3000, 2000 and 1000 points respectively). Rhianne L (U6) and Cheryl C (U5) were ranked 17th and 18th in the world. However, the amazing ranking would not have happened without the communal effort of the whole school community, as every point scored added up to our wonderful placement, whether it led to an award or not.
SCHOOL LIFE
SCHOOL LIFE
BIOLOGY BAKE-OFF
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BOARDING LIFE
BOARDING LIFE Fireworks
Paintballing
Halloween
Ice skating Restaurant outing
Arcade antics
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MUSIC EVENTS
This term the psychology department ran a successful psychology festival, which involved workshops in the morning with a range of psychologists covering areas such as brain dissection, neurorehabilitation, the psychology of pets, first impressions and interviews and undertaking a Master’s and PhD within the subject.
This term we experienced a whole host of wonderful music events. We held two Music Scholars and Exhibitioners’ Concerts. It was a delightful showcase of the musical talent in the school and a great way to start the musical year. We also had scholars perform at St Cross Chapel as part of their lunchtime recital series.
The afternoon boasted a conference with three engaging and inspiring speakers each with an interactive lecture: Sarah Hyndman, author of ‘Why Fonts Matter’, Dr Ed Morrison on Can We Trust our Minds, and our keynote speaker Dr Peter Lovett demonstrating the psychology of dance, and getting everyone up moving, grooving and smiling.
Lastly, we had an amazing line-up for Swithun’s Live and a fantastic showcase of the many bands we have in the school. A fabulous evening!
THE ARTS
SCHOOL LIFE
PSYCHOLOGY FESTIVAL
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GREENPOWER
Two prominent local political figures visited the school last term to help give students an insight into the political world.
Following a very wet final heat at Castle Combe, all three Greenpower cars qualified for the finals at Goodwood race circuit.
Meon Valley MP and Conservative candidate Flick Drummond and Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate Danny Chambers delved into discussions with Headmistress Jane Gandee, Director of Outreach and Partnerships Simon Mayes, and Director of Development and Alumnae Kate Lewis. Their conversations explored the school’s commitment to academic excellence, community involvement, and the vital work the Bramston Bursary Foundation does in providing life-changing bursaries. Both politicians met girls from the senior and prep schools to answer their questions and find out what political topics interest and excite them.
A DISCUSSION WITH NINA CAMPBELL AND GILES KIME We held a talk with Nina Campbell, the legendary designer, alongside Giles Kime, author of two books on her work, most recently, ‘A House in Maine’. From designing the interiors of Annabel’s in its first incarnation to homes all over the UK, the US, Middle East, China and Australia. Nina Campbell’s career has taught her what’s most important when creating the perfect interior. They also discussed their new book.
Our three Greenpower teams made their way to Goodwood for the Greenpower International Finals. Urged on by the beautiful weather, the teams unpacked tools, chairs and batteries and drivers went out on practice laps. After a very successful qualifying round, with all cars passing with flying colours, the teams enjoyed lunch and talked tactics for the all-important final race. There was a small parade where all cars were escorted by the whole of their respective teams, cheering for and wishing luck to the starting drivers before leaving to the pit lane to watch all the cars set off. Our cars achieved very respectable positions with Neon coming 69th overall and 33rd out of all kit-built cars, Rubidium coming 70th overall and 35th in kit-cars, and Plutonium 73rd overall and 36th in the scratch-built category.
SPORT
COMMUNITY
POLITICIANS VISIT ST SWITHUN’S SCHOOL
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ESAA CROSS COUNTRY CUP
REMARKABLE SPORTS ACHIEVEMENTS
Our U19 and U14 netball teams became county champions and therefore qualified for regionals. This is a fantastic achievement for all players involved.
Our cross-country teams attended the Hampshire round of the ESAA Cross country cup with the senior team coming away as Hampshire champions.
St Swithun’s celebrated eight students for their exceptional sports achievements. Rose S and Rosie K joined England Lacrosse National Academy. Anna DS and Isabella H excelled in U17 Surrey Storm Player Development Programme for netball. Alumna Sophie K represented England in U21 Netball Europe. Isabella C and Eliza B secured spots on ISFA U16 England Football Team; Eliza also joined Southern Vipers Emerging Players Programme in cricket. Annie C was selected by South Coast talent academy in hockey.
LACROSSE Our U19B became South West Rally champions in September - a testament to the hard work put in by all the players.
CRICKET STARS INSPIRE STUDENTS AT ST SWITHUN’S Southern Vipers cricketing stars Nancy Harman and Alice Monaghan paid us a visit to inspire the next generation of cricketers. The pair helped the school celebrate its inclusion in The Cricketer Magazine’s Schools Guide as one of the top 20 all-girls cricketing schools in the country. ‘We were lucky enough to have 2 senior Southern Vipers players come in and give a cricketing masterclass to various years. It was very fun, including a little taster session of leg spin bowling, as Nancy Harman is a leg spinner, and a net session with tips from Alice Monaghan. It was a really beneficial session for everyone, which ended in us bowling at Nancy and Alice in the nets! Overall, it was a great experience for all of us to see players right at the top of their game, and who we could learn a huge amount from’. By Eliza B (M5)
SPORT
SPORT
NETBALL
St Swithun’s School, Alresford Road, Winchester, SO21 1HA 01962 835700 office@stswithuns.com www.stswithuns.com Registered Charity Number 307335