Senior School Newsletter Autumn 2025
THE NEWS Senior School Newsletter Autumn 2025 1
SCHOOL LIFE
St Swithun’s
HEADS INTRODUCTION I write this having just arrived back at school from an event to celebrate the work of the Royal National Children’s Springboard Foundation and the achievements of some of the young people who are offered fullyfunded places in independent schools thanks to this charity. This took place in the presence of their patron, the Princess Royal, who spoke movingly about the impact of a fully-funded boarding place on a young person. We are proud to support 23 students in this way, offering them a potentially life-changing opportunity and the chance to make the most of their talents and interests. Our bursary holders might go on to discover cures for disease or to be peacemakers or film directors, or they might lead ‘normal’ lives simply being good bosses, neighbours, employees or parents. And that in itself would bring a net positive benefit to the world. Most of our students are neurotypical and some are neurodiverse. This term’s drama production looked at the death of the neighbour’s dog through the eyes of Christopher, a neurodiverse teenager. In addition to the moving and hilarious portrayals of Christopher, his parents and his neighbours, we noted just how far we have developed our understanding of neurodiversity. Christopher is portrayed as a maths genius and as someone who struggles to cope with noise and physical touch, but in 2025 we know that people with autism do not fit a single stereotype even though they might have things in common. One of the notable strengths of St Swithun’s is how our students are inclusive and appreciative of difference.
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Turning now to how it feels to be a young woman in 2025, you might have thought that life would be less complicated than it was 30 years ago, but the converse often seems to be true. Laura Bates, from The Everyday Sexism Project, shared with many of our students how the world is becoming less safe than in the past with complex algorithms feeding young people images and disinformation. Laura gave our students tips about how to negotiate misogyny and the online world, and reported to us that her discussions with our students left her feeling optimistic and heartened about the future. This term has also seen work beginning on our project to cover three netball courts / four tennis courts. Ground works have been taking place with the framework arriving mid-January to be followed by the roof and then the interior. We expect it to be in use by September this year and are looking forward to it providing improved sporting opportunities for all of our students. Jane Gandee MA (Cantab) Headmistress
School Life
SCHOOL LIFE
Senior School Newsletter Autumn 2025
Art department christmas tree decorated by students
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SCHOOL LIFE
St Swithun’s
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KEY
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1. Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time 2. Head girl team 2025-2026
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3. OGA Day 4. Pet Club
5. UniHive FRI Research Final at Cambridge University 6. St Cross Music Recital
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Senior School Newsletter Autumn 2025
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St Swithun’s
ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT
This term Academic Enrichment has been packed with intellectual growth and creative fun from erupting volcanoes in Science Drop-in and raftbuilding challenges, to ambitious research projects at Project Swithun’s (where they are aiming for a British Science Association CREST award). Students explored economics and global issues through lunchtime talks given by peers and external visitors, debated in Philosothon and Women in Literature Society, and launched new ventures such as Engineering Club. We had thought-provoking talks ranging from Zionism to organised crime in Venezuela. With regular clubs thriving and audiences growing, our community continues to embrace challenge and discovery across science, humanities, and the arts.
SCHOOL LIFE
Senior School Newsletter Autumn 2025
AIRSTREAM NOW OPEN St Swithun’s Airstream, named Caritas Baristas, is now open and serving barista coffee, hot chocolate, cold drinks and snacks to all. It is open between 7.30-9.30 am / 15.30-17.30 Monday-Friday and 8.00-14.00 on Saturdays.
BIOLOGY BAKE OFF
Best Appearance: L6 Michelle and Sabina- Sandy the Spider
Our budding scientists and bakers wowed us with their creativity in this year’s Biology Bake Off. Congratulations to all the winners:
Biological Accuracy: L4LW – Bleed Orange: Cell Ultrastructure Originality: L4EH – Big Hairy Monsters Taste: U5 Anya B – Smokers’ and Healthy Lung From lungs to spiders, monsters to cells, the entries were as educational as they were delicious.
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SCHOOL LIFE
St Swithun’s
CHAUCER DAY
L4 enjoyed a lively Chaucer afternoon, showcasing inventive costumes and exploring Middle English with the help of our U6 literature students. Highlights included learning medieval phrases - such as how to request the ‘easement room’ - and plenty of hobby horse fun!
YOUNG CHEF OF THE YEAR AWARD Josh Seawell, a chef at St Swithun’s, has been awarded Junior Chef of the Year at the annual Thomas Franks People Awards. Emma Marlin, General Manager for Thomas Franks at St Swithun’s, said, “Josh is an amazing asset to the team, and we are very proud of his achievements at the school and to win the Junior Chef of the Year.”
CSI DAY Pulse CSI returned for a twelfth year with their fantastic immersive workshop. Upper 4 spent the day learning about forensics before having the chance to solve their own crime.
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COSTA RICA TRIP
Seven St Swithun’s students spent a month in Costa Rica before term started, beginning at Salitre Camp where they replanted 160 trees, built benches and paths, and supported the local school. In Uvita they earned their PADI Open Water Diver qualification, spotted whales and turtles, and cleared 150kg of rubbish from the beach while also constructing a rangers’ hut. Their final stop was the Cloud Forest, where they built a wall around a football pitch, painted facilities, and created recycling bins while spending time with local schoolchildren.
SCHOOL LIFE
Senior School Newsletter Autumn 2025
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SCHOOL LIFE
St Swithun’s
ESU DEBATE REGIONALS L6 students Natalie Y, Anissa S and Charlotte M impressed at the English Speaking Union regional round at Portsmouth Grammar School, successfully securing a place in the next stage. Opposing the motion “This House would ban dating and relationship-based reality TV” against King Edward VI School, the team was praised for their confidence and arguments, with Charlotte named Best Speaker.
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DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
L5 crafted beautiful pieces of silver jewellery this term.
GARDENING CLUB AT THE PREP SCHOOL
Senior students joined the Prep School this term to lend a hand in the garden, and at the end of the term they all made festive wreaths together.
25 YEARS OF GREENPOWER
Current and past students, staff, parents and volunteers reflected on a quarter of a century of engineering creativity, teamwork and innovation inspired by the Greenpower project.
SCHOOL LIFE
Senior School Newsletter Autumn 2025
The founding head of design and technology at St Swithun’s, Vaughan Clarke, shared the story of introducing Greenpower to the school and the lasting impact it has had on pupils. The celebration recognised the school’s pioneering role in introducing Greenpower and highlighted the ongoing importance of hands-on STEM education. Special guests included former St Swithun’s student and current Greenpower chair, Nash Vracas, who returned to campus to help cut the celebratory cake. She said, “The lessons you learn in your teenage years stay with you for life and I’ve often reflected on the confidence that St Swithun’s gave me as I’ve moved forward in my career. Coming back was a wonderful reminder of that.”
HEADS OF SCHOOL CONFERENCE Head girl Lois M and deputy Claire C attended the Heads of School Conference at Wellington College. This annual event for head students nationally involves keynote speakers, workshops and networking, and empowers students to make a positive impact in their roles.
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SCHOOL LIFE
St Swithun’s
UNIHIVE FRI RESEARCH PROPOSAL COMPETITION 2025 We are proud to announce the achievements of four students at the UniHive FRI Research Proposal Competition 2025, held in Cambridge. The competition brought together young researchers from across the globe to present innovative proposals in front of academics and peers. These students represented St Swithun’s and received the following awards: Tiara L – Behavioural Biases in Investment Decisions: A Comparative Study of Crypto and Traditional Stock Markets – awarded 3rd Grand Winner and Subject Track Winner (Social Sciences and Humanities Studies) Violet L-S – Women as Artists vs. Women as Subjects – Subject Track Winner (Social Sciences and Humanities Studies) Chloe Y – To what extent should the market outcomes of the attention economy on social media be regulated? – Subject Track Winner (Social Sciences and Humanities Studies) Elaine Z – How did Cubism challenge Renaissance conceptions of perspective and redefine the artistic representation of space and human identity? – Finalist (Social Sciences and Humanities Studies) Chloe Y added, “Presenting my research proposal was a genuinely rewarding experience—it pushed me to refine my ideas and made me inspired and even more curious about research.”
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SCHOOL LIFE
Senior School Newsletter Autumn 2025
WRITING WORKSHOP BY KIRSTY APPLEBAUM We were lucky enough to have a visit from local children’s author Kirsty Applebaum. She shared her new book ‘The Disappearance of Imogen Good’ with L4, as well as running a workshop on how to set up gripping characters in their own stories. The L4 showed excellent engagement and creativity, and Kirsty was very impressed with their originality and confidence.
OLD GIRLS’ DAY 2025 OGA Day 2025 was a wonderful day of reunion and nostalgia as our alumnae shared memories and browsed some of our archives. We had over 30 students attend from the leaving year of 2020 who were affected by Covid. It was fantastic to hear about what they are doing now and give them a warm welcome back.
The Old Girls’ Association includes former staff and parents as well as students. It is an important part of our school community that enriches the school. There is a regular monthly eNewsletter and annual magazine, the OGA Chain. If you know of a former student, parent or staff member who would like to receive these, and hear about future OGA days and other networking opportunities, head to our hub here.
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SCHOOL LIFE
St Swithun’s
L4 CAMP OUT Our new L4s started the year with an overnight camp on the school field, pitching their own tents, enjoying team games and bonding over toasted marshmallows by the fire. It was a perfect start to their St Swithun’s journey.
L5 LEADERSHIP DAY Our L5 students embraced Leadership Day with lots of energy, taking on problem-solving tasks and collaborative activities to strengthen their communication and resilience.
MATHS INSPIRATION U5 and U6 mathematics students joined 400 peers from local schools in our Harvey Hall for Maths Inspiration, hearing from expert speakers on topics ranging from astronomy and crowd behaviour to earthquake design and juggling.
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LAURA BATES TALK
SCHOOL LIFE
Senior School Newsletter Autumn 2025
Laura Bates, acclaimed author and founder of the Everyday Sexism Project, spoke to senior students and parents about gender inequality in everyday life. Of particular interest was her deep dive into the impact of AI on reinventing misogyny, exploring generative and algorithmic AI, deepfake technology, metaverses and AI girlfriends. Laura spoke about intersectionality and then went on to explore viable solutions. The girls took the lead, impressively, at the end of the talk with their questions; these included exploring how legislations around AI can be implemented, and whether we will ever see a fairer society.
M5 ENTERPRISE DAY M5 students took part in The Poverty Trap simulation with Empathy Action, experiencing the challenges of surviving in a mock slum environment by making paper bags to earn money for rent, food and sanitation. The day encouraged empathy and creative problemsolving, culminating in enterprise pitches to improve lives in extreme poverty - congratulations to winning team Super Sewing (Daisy R, Angela Z, Flora E and Eliza L) for their sewing kit idea to help women generate income.
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SCHOOL LIFE 16
St Swithun’s
MURDER MYSTERY EVENING FOR SIXTH FORM
U6 students enjoyed a murder mystery evening in Finlay uncovering clues to reveal the cunning criminals behind the murder of Mr Fyfe.
PARIS TRIP
At St Swithun’s we pride ourselves on the vast array of opportunities we offer beyond the curriculum. In the October half term, the U4 went on the French trip to Paris. Four intense, unforgettable days were spent exploring all the iconic sights, from the Eiffel Tower to Montmartre. They cruised the river Seine by night and even stepped back in time with a virtual reality journey through Notre Dame’s history.
SCHOOL LIFE
Senior School Newsletter Autumn 2025
ST SWITHUN’S INDOOR SPORTS FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT During the course of this term the contractors have undertaken extensive ground works, and have created new car parking, along with ducting and services linking to the existing swimming pool building. An attenuation tank has been fitted and a new pathway is being installed along the line of the courts at the back of the pool, wide enough for a wheelchair user. Drainage channels and footings have been excavated and the ring beam foundation poured, all in preparation for the arrival of the glulam structure mid-January. All of the works are on schedule and next term, the building structure will begin to emerge ahead of the planned opening by September 2026.
L4 CHRISTMAS MARKET
L4 girls learnt about how other cultures celebrate during the festive period. Towards the end of term our Modern Languages department ran a Christmas Market, where the girls were able to bring different dishes from these cultures that they had prepared at home. After our judges had tasted the wonderful array of food and drink items, the girls were able to partake themselves. We had some amazing dishes, unusual drinks and attractive table decorations. Students (and their parents!) are to be congratulated.
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SCHOOL LIFE
St Swithun’s
UNIVERSITY GUYS We welcomed ‘The University Guys: International Universities Roadshow’ who provided a valuable opportunity for students to meet admissions staff from a range of international universities and learn more about what students can study, the admissions process, and university life in countries across Europe and the US.
2ND GIRLS’ BOARDING SCHOOL IN THE UK FOR A LEVEL RESULTS IN THE SUNDAY TIMES PARENT POWER 2026 LEAGUE TABLES
We are celebrating another year of academic success after being ranked the 2nd girls’ boarding school in the UK for A Level results in the Sunday Times Parent Power 2026 league tables. The achievement follows the school’s strongest set of A Level results in a non-pandemic year, with 34% of all grades awarded at A* and 72% at A/A*. The Parent Power guide, widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive and authoritative assessments of school performance in the UK, also reported that we have attained significant local success, ranking 2nd in Hampshire for combined A Level and GCSE results. These results reflect the school’s continued commitment to academic excellence and to providing an ambitious and supportive learning environment for all pupils.
END OF TERM DAY AND BOARDING HOUSE ACTIVITIES Our houses enjoyed a variety of exciting outings and activities in the last week of term. Day houses took part in a chocolate-making workshop followed by pizza in the OJS Hall, while Earlsdown visited Winter Wonderland in London. High House and Hyde Abbey also embraced the festive spirit at Winter Wonderland in Reading. Hillcroft spent the evening at West Quay in Southampton, dining at Cosmo restaurant and finishing with ice-skating, while Le Roy also enjoyed a trip to West Quay and a meal at Cosmo. Meanwhile, Finlay opted for pizzas at The Stable in Winchester. 18
CHRISTMAS AT ST SWITHUN’S
Our penultimate day of term featured our inter-house song competition, won this year by Hillcroft; the iconic Finlay video and dance; the equally legendary Christmas assembly featuring carols and light-hearted contributions from staff; and final assembly in which we celebrated students’ willingness to follow Samuel Beckett’s advice: Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better. As we know, anything worth doing is likely to be difficult and to involve some form of failure at first, but the key is to adapt your strategy, improve and keep trying until you achieve your goal.
SCHOOL LIFE
Senior School Newsletter Autumn 2025
On our final day of term we enjoyed our traditional carol service in the majestic surroundings of Winchester cathedral. It was a pleasure to see many of you there. Watch our Christmas video here.
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THE ARTS 20
St Swithun’s
DRAMA PRODUCTION: THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME
THE ARTS
Senior School Newsletter Autumn 2025
The Drama Department delivered an excellent performance of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time to great acclaim. The cast delivered a thoughtful and engaging performance, with a particularly strong portrayal of Christopher Boone. The technical team turned the stage into a vivid reflection of Christopher’s world. Original music by sixth-form student Alina J also added depth and atmosphere, and overall, this production was a showcase of superb creativity.
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THE ARTS
St Swithun’s
MUSIC CHORAL WORKSHOP Students participated in a dynamic choral workshop where they learned vocal techniques, ensemble skills, and enjoyed performing together.
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MUSIC SCHOLARS’ CONCERT
Music scholars showcased their dedication and musical excellence in a captivating concert in Harvey Hall again this term.
SWITHUN’S LIVE
Students from St Swithun’s senior and prep school and Winchester College came together for Swithun’s Live, delivering a high-energy rock concert that lit up the stage.
THE ARTS
Senior School Newsletter Autumn 2025
RECITAL AT ST CROSS Music scholars performed at St Cross Church in Winchester to family and friends.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
At our annual Christmas Concert our audience were treated to an array of festive favourites from our musicians, including ‘O Holy Night’, ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ and ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ amongst many others. It was a wonderful way to end the musical year.
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SPORT
St Swithun’s
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR AWARDS FINALIST FOR SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT We were named as a finalist in the prestigious Independent Schools of the Year Awards for Sporting Achievement, a reflection of the school’s continued strength and commitment to girls’ sport.
TRAMPOLINE REGIONAL SUCCESS In December we participated in the regional trampoline competition. The Under-16 team, Ella P, Eloise C and Ava B, achieved 3rd place while Amelie S competed as an individual. The girls demonstrated resilience and confidence throughout the presentation of their routines - well done to all involved.
NETBALL ISL
Our netball team achieved a 2nd place finish at the ISL competition, securing qualification for finals day against the top division teams. Each round recognizes outstanding individual performances, and we are proud to share that: Izzy H was awarded Mid Court Player of the Day in the second round. Eloise B-G earned Shooter of the Day in the first round. MVP honours in both rounds is a great testament to the skill and determination of our players.
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SPORT
Senior School Newsletter Autumn 2025
COUNTY CHAMPIONS – 1ST NETBALL TEAM In October our 1st netball team were crowned county champions, progressing to the upcoming regional competition. This is an excellent accomplishment in a county renowned for its strong netball talent. The newly formed team battled seven other schools in an intense day of competition, producing a mix of narrow wins, close defeats and hard-fought draws. With the top three teams finishing on equal points, victory was ultimately decided by goal difference — and St Swithun’s took the win ahead of runners-up King Edwards VI School. Both schools will now go on to the regional rounds in late January, where the top two teams qualify for the National Finals.
SOUTHWEST RALLY SUCCESS - LACROSSE
The U19 1st and 2nd teams both claimed the top spots at the southwest rally this term. For the 1st team this was the second consecutive year and for the 2nd team the fourth time in a row. The 4th team notched up notable victories against other 3rd teams, while the 3rd team ended their campaign with a confident win over Godolphin in the 3rd/4th place play-off. The 1st team produced some of their best lacrosse of the season, beating last year’s national champions, QAS, 4–1, and powering past Marlborough 7–1. In the final against an unbeaten Godolphin side, they held their nerve to take a 4–3 win — and with it, the U19A Championship trophy for the second year running. Well done to all lacrosse players. Read more here.
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IN THE COMMUNITY 26
St Swithun’s
HARVEST 2025 A phenomenal effort was made for the Harvest collections for both the Senior and Prep schools this year. Truck loads of goods were taken to Winchester Basics Bank by the year 6 students. Thank you to all students and parents involved.
ASSIST TEAM
Our three school charities for this academic year are The Brain Tumour Charity, the Marine Conservation Society and Doctors Without Borders (MSF). The hard-working Assist team plan various events throughout the term to raise money for them and for The Bramston Foundation.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Senior School Newsletter Autumn 2025
Follow the student run Instagram account to stay up to date: @stswithuns_assist
FUN RUN
This autumn we held a fun run in aid of Doctors without Borders, one of our school charities. It was a fantastic event and great to see both staff and students involved.
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St Swithun’s
Stay up to date with the vast number of events and activities around the school, by visiting our news page on the school website or by following us on our social media accounts.
St Swithun’s School, Alresford Road, Winchester, SO21 1HA 01962 835700 | office@stswithuns.com | www.stswithuns.com Registered Charity Number 307335 28