News & Diary
Winchester Weekly – 19th May 2026
In her latest video message, the Headmaster reflects on the growing debate around online examinations and the wider consequences such changes could have for teaching and learning in schools.
“What gets tested gets taught. It’s a mistake to think that assessment systems are independent of curriculum and teaching. If high-stakes exams go online, it will inevitably drive more classroom teaching and more routine assessment online, whether or not that’s best for learning. We thus run the risk that for the sake of more efficient administration of examinations for a few hours at the age of 18, we compromise daily learning for the 14 years leading up to them.”
Watch the video in full below.
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Last week, eleven pupils brought the earliest surviving play in western literature to the QEII stage with two performances of Aeschylus’s The Persians. Dr Krishnan set the tone from the outset, delivering his safety announcement in ancient Greek, helpfully subtitled for the uninitiated.
The play follows a Chorus of Persian elders, played by Archie (H), Justin (B), Nikheel (A), Rory and Nye (Coll:), anxiously awaiting news of their army’s campaign in Greece. Queen Atossa, played by Maya (H), and a prologue from Benjamin (Coll:) and Orlando (G) set the scene before a Herald, played by Toby (H), arrives with news of catastrophic defeat.
The elders summon the ghost of former King Darius, played by Arun (Coll:), who offers no comfort, and finally the defeated King Xerxes himself, played by Edwin (Coll:), appears to join the Chorus in mourning Persia’s lost glory.
Mr Robinson’s percussive soundtrack, inspired by Indian and Persian music, ran throughout. Mrs Kight’s modern military costumes drew parallels with contemporary conflicts, and Mr Cunio’s set, dominated by a throne left empty for most of the play, framed terrific performances from the whole cast.
We’re delighted to share our brand new Notions Book, a guide to the unique words and customs that have shaped life at the school for centuries.
You’ll find old favourites alongside some you may not have come across before.
Whether your son or daughter is in their first year at Winchester, or completing their final term, this booklet is a wonderful window into the language and traditions that bind the Winchester community together.
A special mention goes to Alexandre (MP, C), whose wonderful illustrations bring the whole thing to life
We hope you enjoy exploring it!
A fantastic afternoon of athletics at the University Stadium at Bar End on Thursday 14th May, with some brilliant individual and team performances across the board.
Toye’s took the overall Pascoe Pot title with a commanding 300 points, ahead of Phil’s (234) and Cook’s (219), winning both the Senior and Junior Boys competitions along the way. Cook’s held on to the Senior Girls title in fine style. Seb (G) retained the Senior Boys Victor Ludorum with two blistering sprint wins, Erica (A) claimed the Senior Girls award, and Emmanuel (K) swept the Junior Victor Ludorum, a fitting reward after breaking three junior school records earlier in the term.
Two school records that had stood since the 1980s were also broken: Chris (B) threw 44.72m in the Junior Javelin, and Osamede (G) put 14.13m in the Senior Shot, outstanding achievements from both boys. Phil’s rounded off a superb afternoon with record-breaking performances in both relay events.
A huge well done to every athlete who took part, and many thanks to all the volunteers who helped make the day such a success!
Despite inclement weather for much of last week, the cricket teams still managed to take to the field for their fixtures.
Lords played through the drizzle on Thursday to complete a good win against the MCC, with Abilash (C) setting up the chase for Amar (I) and Aryan (G) to see the College over the line. The following day, Tom (E) and Isaac (K) impressed against Embley, the latter finishing 70 not out.
That proved a popular score, with Arthur’s (D) innings setting up a win for the 3rd XI, and Ilan (D) and Hugo (E) putting on 138 for the first wicket in a 9-wicket win for the JCBs. The standout performance with the bat, however, was Hamish’s superb 115 away at RGS Guildford, the next highest score in the game being just 32.
With the ball, Archie’s 4-21 helped secure the win for Lords, before William (H) brought up our 4th hat-trick of the season away at St Edward’s, finishing with 4-19.
Our Year 12 geographers travelled to the Jurassic Coast earlier this month to spend a brilliant weekend developing the fieldwork skills they’ll need for their Non-Examined Assessment (NEA), which makes up 20% of their final A Level grade.
Over the weekend, pupils practised a range of techniques, including beach profiling, sand dune succession, and exploring the impact of tourism around Corfe Castle. They also studied key coastal processes such as sediment transportation and mass movement at locations like Swanage Bay.
Alongside the fieldwork, pupils had plenty of chances to enjoy the fresh air, and more than a few ice creams in the sunshine.
They returned well-prepared for their NEA write-up, which begins in earnest next academic year.
