Keeping Connected October 2020

NZ Views

The New Normal
Much has happened in 2020 and Winchester has had to adapt accordingly. Prior to the start of Short Half we welcomed back a number of pupils from overseas who quarantined in Furley’s. To minimise the spread of any possible infection, all students spent the first two weeks of term up to House learning virtually and taking part in a diverse range of extra-curricular activities, all in their house bubbles. Face to face teaching is now in full swing and Winchester is as it should be, full of life and noise, although with strict one-way systems around the school and of course, the addition of face masks. We are now preparing ourselves for Leave Out and the significant logistics required for a safe return to school.

Bryden Black v3

Letter from Abroad

This comes courtesy of Bryden Black (C, 1964 – 68).

For this edition we travel to the other side of the world.

A Reflection
"All men are weak; public school men are weaker; and Wykehamists are the weakest of the lot!"

Laurence Guymer, Head of MP and Vth Book Div, reflects on Wykeham’s legacy of service to the nation. Laurence suggests that while Winchester might only be able to boast of one Prime Minister, many Wykehamists have served the nation in Parliament and in Cabinet over the centuries and have contributed significantly to the life of the people… and who knows what is yet to come!

Informing and Inspiring

Celebrating Wordsworth - To mark the 250th anniversary of the poet’s birth, Fellows’ Librarian, Dr Richard Foster, explains the importance of the school’s latest acquisitions.

The Friends of Winchester College - Dr Adam Rattray, Head of Art History and the new Director of the Friends of Winchester College, has assembled a broad and fascinating series of talks. Currently Friends are able to enjoy these from the comfort of their own home. Join us here.

Publications - Every year Winchester College produces scholarly publications about its heritage and collections which can be viewed and purchased online.

Quiristers rehearse for 'A Winter's Night' - Chapel Choir has just released a new album. Information about the album and how to purchase it can be viewed here.

Community Update
Exam Fiasco - The Headmaster has written an article for School Notices reflecting on the summer exams fiasco and explains why he believes it could have been handled differently.

Exploring Div - This term, parents are receiving a regular video message from the Headmaster. In the video shown, Rupert Balmain, a New Man, interviews Dr Hands about his views on Div and its evolution.

In the following week's video, the Headmaster talks to two MP students about the diversity of our curriculum more generally.

Black History Month - As the school considers how it celebrates the diversity of its community, Black History Month provides an opportunity to focus on how pupils are learning about different voices and cultures, and their inseparability from our own histories and experiences.

A Life on our Planet - As part of the school’s Duncan Louis Stewart Natural History Lecture programme, on 1 October the College was delighted to participate in Winchester Green Week with the screening of Sir David Attenborough’s A Life on Our Planet. The Executive Director of Silverback Films and producer of the Our Planet series, Keith Scholey, introduced the film to boys in New Hall as well as giving a lecture at the Theatre Royal, its first event since lockdown. The film went on public release on Netflix on 4 October.

Founder's Obit - 27 September marked the annual commemoration of the death of the school’s founder, William of Wykeham. This year's digital offering reminds us of Wykeham's legacy.

And Finally...

The new Director of Win Coll Soc, Christopher Normand (F, 76-81) has been with us since the beginning of Short Half. It is unlikely that many of you will see him in person for the foreseeable future while our traditional pattern of dinners and drinks parties is interrupted by COVID.

Despite the current limitation on social events, we are keen to keep in touch with you all. You can expect to hear more about our plans over the next couple of months.