News & Diary
Window on Winchester – Autumn 2025
How do we balance the power of technology with the need for focus in the classroom?
In a recent video, Headmaster Ms Elizabeth Stone shared how Winchester blends technology innovation with evidence-based learning and why devices aren’t always the answer.
Our approach:
– Paper-first study habits for the younger years
– Judicious use of laptops
– Limited phone access & corresponding limits on other devices
– No FOMO: everyone follows the same rules
– New research with Oxford University on technology & learning
Find out more in the video below.
If you’re looking for Christmas present ideas and ways to keep your children immersed in a book rather than on their device, here are some reading suggestions from us – books that your children might enjoy, and they might get even more out of if you read them alongside them.
1. For our younger years, we recommend Alan Bennett, The Uncommon Reader and Jack London, The Call of the Wild
2. For Sixth Form: Martin Amis, Time’s Arrow and Muriel Spark’s The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.
Earlier this month, a Sixth Form pupil was announced as the winner of the Institution of Electronics National Electronics Competition. The national award recognises outstanding innovation in electronics.
He designed and built a remarkable “word clock” from scratch. The device displays the time using illuminated words, but also contains hidden touch controls that allow users to play Snake, Tetris, as well as other functions.
He engineered every element himself, designing the PCB, constructing the housing, writing the software, and integrating the interactive features.
To enter the competition, entrants had to submit a two-minute demonstration video and a 10-page technical paper explaining his design process.
Recently, the College launched Founder’s Scholarships, available to new pupils joining at 13+ or Sixth Form from September 2026.
The Scholarships will recognise original thinking, intellectual curiosity, analytical rigour and flexibility of mind. They will be awarded on academic merit and will not be means-tested. Recipients of a Founder’s Scholarship will benefit from a 25% remission of school fees.
The College’s means-tested bursary programme is among the most generous in the country and is wholly funded through the school’s endowment and ongoing fundraising. This commitment remains unchanged. We will continue to offer and actively grow our bursary provision even further, widening access and supporting affordability for even more families. The Founder’s Scholarships will be funded through a combination of the school’s endowment and fundraising, and will not affect our existing bursary programme.
During the summer this year, 16 Wykehamists travelled to Philadelphia, USA for a soccer tour.
During the tour they took part in the StreetSoccer USA tournament, which saw both the U16 & U19 teams make it to the finals, where they faced off against all-star select teams.
The U16, depleted due to injury and illness, put up valiant effort, but lost 4-2. The U19 put on their best performance of the weekend, winning their game 4-2 & claiming the trophy.
Outside of the tournament, the team played multiple matches against other schools in Philadelphia and New Jersey, including a game against Germantown Friends School. They also took in the sights, visiting Independence Hall Museum, the World Trade Centre and 9/11 Memorial, and even ran the step to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, made famous by the film, Rocky!
