A 'Short Half' Celebration
Welcome to the end of term Christmas Hamper. Here you will find a selection of festive delights to delve in to, from 30-second video clips created by the boys, to the magnificent annual Mince Pie concert held in College Hall.
The Headmaster’s last message of the term sees him highlight particular pupil achievements, as well as recognising leavers and long-serving members of staff.
A full list of Short Half 2020 prizes and awards can be found at the link below.
Enjoy!
Joseph and the Angel
A candlelit performance of Joseph and the Angel by Hafliði Hallgrimsson, performed by the Winchester College Chapel Choir and conducted by Mr Ben Cunningham, Assistant Director of Chapel Music.
3 min 13 sec
The Science of Christmas
Have you ever wondered what a nativity scene would look like if it were staged by a science technician? Well, we have...
Join us for a view of Christmas through the eyes of the school's science department, complete with a DNA-tivity, how to spice up the flames on your Christmas pudding, as well as ideas for after-dinner entertainment.
No animals were harmed in the making of this fine production...
3 min 15 sec
Christmas rock
Enjoy a performance of All I Want For Christmas and Chelsea Dagger by senior school rock band, The Notions.
Please be aware that this video contains flashing lights.
4 min 28 sec
The Chase
During the recent exeats, boys across all year groups had the opportunity to attend a professional film-making workshop. In November, a group of JP boys attended a particularly festive workshop, complete with Father Christmas and a snow machine!
38 sec
Sleigh Ride
Watch this festive performance of Sleigh Ride by the Winchester College Symphony Orchestra.
3 min 48 sec
Mince Pie Concert
Each year, the Mince Pie concert takes place in College Hall. Music is performed by Cantores Episcopi, the school's close harmony group. The name Cantores Episcopi, ‘The Bishop’s Singers’, was chosen because four of the original five members of the group had previously sung as choristers in choirs connected with William of Wykeham (at New College, Oxford, Winchester College or Winchester Cathedral) and found themselves together at Wykeham’s school. The group is directed by David Hurley who sang in the ensemble as a pupil at the school in the 1970s, before a distinguished career with the King’s Singers. He can also be seen in today's concert.
Look out for a very special rendition of the 12 Days of Christmas at the end. This editor's personal highlight!
26 min 52 sec
CHRISTMAS FROM THE COLLEGE OF THE BLESSED MARY OF WINCHESTER
The Dean of Chapel, The Reverend Justin White has produced a special reflection for Christmas from the College's Chapel. The video features carols from the Winchester College Chapel Choir, as well as a piece from Mark Byford, former Deputy Director-General of the BBC and author of 'The Annunciation: A Pilgrim’s Quest’ on a beautiful artwork owned by the College.
17 min 39 sec
A Christmas Message from the Second Master
'When we were filming a message for the children of staff, we took the opportunity to ask some of the boys who happened to be passing what their own particular Christmas wishes might be. They replied in a typical Wykehamical fashion - not with an answer, but with another question. 'Does it have to be material?', they asked.
What they then shared with the team touched all of us very deeply because their answers reflected the values of this community and of William of Wykeham himself. I think he would have been as proud of his sons as you are today.'
Mr Nicholas Wilks, Second Master
2 min 29 sec
Cullerne's Calypso
'This term Wykehamists have learnt that Samba II is a COVID-19 testing machine developed by the research company DRW in association with Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge. Dr John Cullerne is an expert in the technology and applications of Samba II. It therefore seemed only right to commission a samba dance to commemorate his extraordinary efforts this term.
The composer Ben, known for his interest in versatile instrumentation, was selected from a wide field of composers considered for this commission. The resulting composition, Cullerne’s Calypso, is scored for keyboard, percussion, and a variety of more unusual and topical instruments, including nasal probe and hand sanitiser. It is believed to be the preeminent example of a creative composition in the COVID period…'
Dr Tim Hands, Headmaster
1 min 45 sec
Illumina
Traditionally at the end of the Autumn term, parents, boys and staff gather together for Illumina (short for Illumination). Candles cover the medieval walls surrounding the playing fields, and a large bonfire is lit. The event commemorates the removal of a wall in 1862 which separated boys housed in College from boys who lived outside the College walls.
While we can’t gather together around the bonfire this year, we hope you enjoy our virtual offering.
5 min 21 sec
Christmas giving
The Charities Committee is a group of Sixth Form boys led by don in charge, Mr Dominic Rowland. Typically, the boys carry out numerous fundraising initiatives, including fun runs, sponsored events, as well as collections after plays and concerts. The money raised supports three nominated charities, all of which support the education and development of young people.
With limited opportunities to fundraise at events this term, the boys would like to ask parents to kindly consider a Christmas donation to one (or more) of the school's nominated charities.
- Winchester Young Carers – a charity supporting young people who are carers for members of their families.
- NSPCC - the UK's leading children's charity, preventing abuse and helping those affected to recover.
- Stay at School Nepal - a charity working to reduce drop-out rates and improve educational attainment in the poor mountain regions of Nepal.
Thank you and warm wishes for a very Merry Christmas.
The Winchester College Charities Committee
Back to Previous Newsletters