News | Independent School | Wells Cathedral School

Nia, from our Independent School in Somerset, at the British Youth Musical Theatre

07 Oct 2021

Distinction for Nia

Congratulations to Nia Avenell, Year 10, for achieving a Grade 8 distinction for ‘Musical Theatre in Production’ based on her work on Goblin Market with British Youth Music Theatre this summer. We look forward to seeing Nia continue to perform during her time at Wells!

06 Oct 2021

Masterclass with Conductor Chloé van Soeterstède

We were delighted to welcome back acclaimed conductor Chloé van Soeterstède to Wells last Friday for an afternoon on Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite, following her triumph with the Symphony Orchestra in last summer’s Symphonic Finale. Chloé worked with Bridget Yee, Brian Choy, Yufei Zhu (Upper Sixth), Defne Anar and Leo Wong (Year 11) in an afternoon conducting masterclass, followed by an open Q&A on her path to conducting and the world of orchestral music making. In the evening, Chloé treated...

06 Oct 2021

Photography Trip to Lacock Abbey

On Monday 4th October, our Year 10 GCSE artists and photographers, visited Lacock Abbey to gain an insight into the work of William Henry Fox Talbot and visually investigate the magnificent architecture in and around his former residence, now National Trust property, in Wiltshire. The sunny Autumn morning was perfect for pupils to take striking photographs of defined shadows and architectural details as well as looking through the window through which Fox Talbot discovered and created ‘a positive from what...

Ian Murphy, Art Workshop hosted at our independent school in Somerset

06 Oct 2021

Creative risk taking with contemporary artist, Ian Murphy

Year 10 Art pupils (along with four of our Year 11 short stay pupils) had a fantastic day on Tuesday this week, whilst boldly experimenting with a broad range of textural approaches to the observation of the built environment. The whole day Art Workshop with contemporary artist, Ian Murphy, encouraged pupils to take creative risks outside of their usual comfort zone and developed their skills in both drawing and imaginative use of layered grounds. In addition to being able to...

06 Oct 2021

European Day of Languages Great Bake-Off Challenge

To celebrate our diversity, our pupils and staff took part in the European Day of Languages Great Bake-Off Challenge during Exeat weekend and baked (or cooked!) a variety of tasty treats.The Director of Languages, Ms Desmarchelier-Arpino said, “It was a shame that we could not judge the competition by tasting the dishes this year… they all looked so delicious though, and everyone is a winner! Thank you to our parents, pupils and staff for their support!”Thank you to everyone who sent...

01 Oct 2021

West End Scholarship for Lily McCarthy

This summer, budding actress Lily McCarthy (Year 9) received a scholarship to train at the West End Stage summer school. The course focused on the main qualities of musical theatre, dancing, singing and acting and culminated in a performance of The Sleeping Beauty. This amazing experience offered her the opportunity to train with current West End actors and watch them perform. Lily even achieved a certificate of distinction at the end of the course! Well done to Lily for this...

30 Sep 2021

The New MUGA!

Wells Cathedral School is delighted to announce the opening of its latest, brand-new sporting facility – a new MUGA (Multi Use Games Area).Sited at the top of Cedars Field, the MUGA is a 33m x 15m fully enclosed all-weather sports facility. It offers four cricket lanes for bowling and batting practice, alongside a further 15m x 15m open area that can be used for multiple sports activities, including:skills practice for all main sports such as hockey, netball and footballPE activities...

27 Sep 2021

Kevin is Somerset Badminton Champion

Kevin Luk (Upper Sixth) had a hugely successful weekend at the Somerset Restricted Badminton Championships, where he won the Men’s Singles title, and came runner-up in the Men’s Doubles event.As champion of Somerset, Kevin has now been invited to take part in the English Counties “Champions of Champions” event at the National Badminton Centre in Milton Keynes on Saturday 18 December. This is one of the biggest events in the UK badminton calendar.It’s hugely impressive that at such a young...

24 Sep 2021

Heads of Schools Conference 2021

Fifty pupils from schools across the South West took part in our annual Heads of School Conference event – our largest turnout since we started this venture back in 2018!The demanding and exciting programme got off to a fast start with a couple of energisers before the pupils engaged in aspects of their role that they will have to contend with in the year ahead, including being visible, managing meetings, safeguarding responsibilities and aspects of leadership.The energy from the pupils...

24 Sep 2021

Concerto Final Winners 2021

Vivian Kao (Upper Sixth), with her beautiful rendition of Barber’s Violin Concerto, won our recent Concerto Final on Saturday, which took place in front of an external adjudicator and audience. Vivian will perform the Barber with the Symphony Orchestra before the end of the year. In addition, Yufei Zhu (Upper Sixth) was highly commended; she will be offered an opportunity to perform her marimba concerto with a chamber ensemble again at some point this academic year. As part of the...

Independet School Somerset England Hockey

23 Sep 2021

A Summer Full of Hockey Success

It has been a particularly busy summer for our Hockey players. Huge congratulations are due to Oskar Edwards (Lower Sixth), who represented England U16s against both Wales and Scotland and contributed to convincing victories in both matches. Oskar now has an U18 trial a year young this month.Ralf Warner and Monty Pratt (both Year 10) represented the West Panthers U14s at the Repton Cup where they made the final in scorching heat. Tilly Matthews and Linsey Mitchell (both Year 9)...

23 Sep 2021

Outstanding Harp Performance

Well done to Michael Dey (Year 6) who scored a quite amazing 148 out of 150 in his ABRSM Grade 1 Harp Performance exam. This score is incredibly rare, and will be one of the highest scores in the country.

23 Sep 2021

Academic Extension

The Sixth Form Academic Extension group enjoyed their first session this week. They undertook an ‘only problems not solutions’ discussion based on global challenges. The aim was to break down the problem so that they could understand it enough to think about solutions in the future. Critical thinking in action!

21 Sep 2021

Wells Cathedral School Seeks Director of Music

Wells Cathedral School – one of the world’s leading music schools – is today announcing the search for a new Director of Music.Wells is a completely unique school: not only is it the only one of the UK’s five specialist music schools to offer world-class musical education within an all-round school, but it is also one of the world’s oldest cathedral schools, where young choristers benefit from exceptional musical training and all-round education. The School enjoys a global reputation, and...

20 Sep 2021

Save the Children Walk 2021

On Sunday, over 300 walkers from our School community covered either five or ten miles over the Mendip Hills as part of our annual Save the Children Walk. In addition to raising money for Save the Children, the participants experienced glorious views from the top of Bristol Hill and Ebbor Gorge in the sunshine. The Junior School walkers particularly enjoyed our new stamp collecting adventure challenge en route!We are accepting donations until Friday 5th November: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/wellscathedralschool2021 All money raised goes...

16 Sep 2021

Friday Night Symphony

We were thrilled to see the return of “Friday Night is Symphony Night” last week, with around 50 pupils coming together to give a performance of Haydn’s Symphony no 104 in Quilter Hall. This evening, the pupils will be in Cedars Hall for Mendelssohn’s effervescent Italian Symphony.

16 Sep 2021

An Incredible Bronze Medal for Sophie

Sophie Nicholls (Year 11) represented the England team at the Great Britain School Games Finals in Loughborough last week and won a bronze medal in the 3000m race, running an incredible time of 9:57.59.Director of Sport Tom Webley comments that: “This is an outstanding achievement by Sophie, who continues to demonstrate what a fantastic athlete she is. I’m delighted that we have an athlete of the calibre of Sophie flying the Wells flag on the International stage!”

15 Sep 2021

Weaving the Willow

The beautiful willow dome in the Junior School playground is a favourite spot for many of our pupils. This week, a group of Year 6 pupils – guided by Mrs Rogers – helped to weave it back into shape, after a period of bumper growth over the summer!

Year 7 trip to Mill on Brue Outdoor Activity Centre

15 Sep 2021

Exciting New Adventures for Year 7

Year 7 pupils visited the Mill on the Brue Outdoor Activity Centre as part of the transition process into Wells Senior School. They completed a number of challenges and team building activities as part of their overnight stay including canoeing, high ropes, assault course and zip wire. David Rowley, Head of Year 7, said, “It was great to see pupils challenging themselves, developing friendships and working together in their first week of senior school.”Well done to our Year 7 pupils...

12 Aug 2021

Wells Pupils’ Hard Work and Resilience Rewarded with Brilliant GCSE Results

Wells Cathedral School pupils are celebrating after their hard work and resilience has ensured they have achieved a very strong set of GCSE results. Their achievement is all the greater after two years of study full of unprecedented challenges, two extended periods of remote learning and considerable uncertainty.Head Master Alastair Tighe said, “The School is delighted with the successes achieved by all our pupils. They have collectively secured fantastic grades, and we could not be more delighted for this cohort...

10 Aug 2021

Wells Pupils Celebrate A Level Results After a Challenging Year

Wells pupils celebrated impressive results and the successful attainment of well-deserved places at University and Music Colleges with a Champagne Breakfast held by the School on the morning of Results Day.Head Master, Alastair Tighe, said “I am so proud of what this group of young people have achieved. Despite the enormous challenges of the last 18 months, they have all demonstrated resilience and tenacity beyond their years and all of them, no matter what their grades, are to be congratulated...

02 Jul 2021

Wells Shortlisted for Co-Ed School of the Year

After being crowned “Performing Arts School of the Year” at last year’s Independent School of the Year awards, we are thrilled that this year we’ve been shortlisted for “Co-Ed School of the Year”. A fitting tribute to our incredible staff and pupils, who have been truly amazing in such a difficult year! We’ll find out in October if we’ve won!Head Master, Alastair Tighe said, “On the penultimate day of an enormously busy term, and an extraordinary year, it’s so wonderful...

02 Jul 2021

Speech Day 2021

Pupils, parents and staff enjoyed a celebratory end to what has been an eventful and often complicated academic year at the School Speech Day on Friday.With social distancing still in place nationwide, the Prize Giving Ceremony in Cedars Hall was attended only by Prize Winners, and live streamed for the rest of the School, parents and families.The traditional Leavers’ Service at Wells Cathedral was held for Upper Sixth Leavers, their parents and Sixth Form staff, with the Service recorded and...

02 Jul 2021

Russell Fox Heath Trust Awards

Eight Upper Sixth pupils have been generously given substantial awards to complete a variety of adventures and expeditions in the year after they leave Wells by the Russell Fox Heath Trust.Russell Heath was a former pupil who died mountain walking in New Zealand in 1992. A fund was established in his memory by his family and awards are made each year to Upper Sixth pupils who are planning post-School adventures.This year, projects range from cycling in France, hiking the Hadrian’s...

01 Jul 2021

Year 7 Adventures at The Mill on the Brue

On Wednesday, Year 7 pupils enjoyed the final trip of the academic year with adventure activities at The Mill on the Brue!We’ll be back with next year’s Year 7 pupils for an overnight stay in September.Enjoy a selection of photos of their adventures below:

01 Jul 2021

Ribbon Acrobatics

Year 6 pupil Isabella Blake put on a wonderful demonstration of acrobatic skills to fellow Junior School pupils and staff in Jocelyn Gardens on Wednesday as she floated, balanced and twisted her way through a beautiful routine on a silk, to the tune of A Million Dreams.Isabella has been learning the silk for a couple of years and the routine she performed showed off her gymnastic skills and core strength. It was an amazing display of confidence and elegance, which...

01 Jul 2021

Arts and Volunteering Week

Wells pupils have spent the final week of term off-timetable enjoying a series of creative arts-based and volunteering activities.These have included a charity car wash, sponsored walk, volunteering at the Lawrence Centre, Wells Museum, Cathedral Gardens and Bishop’s palace, Film in a Day (courtesy of the Young Film Academy), Bollywood Dancing, treasure hunts, university cooking, stage combat, designing wedding dresses out of toilet roll, Kwik Cricket, artwork and abstract photograph, culminating in a whole School hike on the Mendips on...

30 Jun 2021

Zumba and Party for Years 3 and 4

Pupils in Years 3 and 4 all had a wonderful time playing garden games, eating ice lollies, participating in a fantastic Zumba session with local instructor Chiara Chatard and enjoying delicious pizza from DaLuciano in the last week of term. Well done on your hard work, resilience and positive attitudes this year!

Independent School Somerset Music Year 12

30 Jun 2021

Young Songwriter Winner 2021!

We are thrilled and extremely proud to announce that talented Lower Sixth songwriter, Hetta Falzon, has won this year’s prestigious Song Academy Young Songwriter 2021 Competition!The result was broadcast on Tuesday evening on a livestream with some of the competition judges, including BRIT Award winner Tom Odell. Hetta was invited to join them for an interview.Now in its 11th year, the Young Songwriter 2021 is the leading international songwriting competition for those under 18. This year’s competition attracted over 1,000...

29 Jun 2021

The Jazz Picnic

This year’s Parents’ Association Jazz Picnic took place with a limited pre-booked audience in the Marquee on Cedars Lawn – a fabulous way to celebrate the final Sunday of the academic year!Enjoy a selection of photos from the afternoon’s entertainment, below:

29 Jun 2021

Belinda Sings Solo at the Oxford Festival

Congratulations to Year 5 singer, Belinda Gifford-Guy, who sang the child solo part in Carmina Burana alongside the Orchestra of St John’s, as part of the Oxford Festival on Saturday.

Independent School Somerset Specialist Music

29 Jun 2021

Friday Musical Discovery Showcase

Wells musicians enjoyed an action-packed day of musical discovery last Friday, the final Friday Music Seminar of this School year. Outgoing Academic Music Captain, Francois Cloete, led the seminar with a fascinating comparison of composers’ reactions to the state, with a spotlight on Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5.Friday Night is Symphony Night returned in the evening with an exploration of Elgar’s Enigma Variations, ably led by student conductors Leo Wong, Yufei Zhu, Dawid Kasprzak, Defne...

24 Jun 2021

Confirmation Service 20th June 2021

Congratulations to David Gaski, Keziah Whitehead, Hannah Krekel and Shannon and Jo Williams, who were finally confirmed on Sunday 20th June 2021 by Bishop Trevor at Wells Cathedral after the completion of their Confirmation class 14 months ago!Confirmation classes for 2021/22 will start again after the summer holidays.

24 Jun 2021

Senior School Sports Day

Senior School pupils have been enjoying a fantastic day down at Tor taking part in Senior School Sports Day. A fabulous way to round off sport this year at Wells as we come to the end of the academic year!For a glimpse of some of the fun, see below:

Private School Somersey Specialist Music Year 10

24 Jun 2021

Wilamena Features in Music Teacher Magazine

Year 10 pupil Wilamena Dyer is featured in the July edition of Music Teacher Magazine, alongside Jayne Obradovic, Wells Head of Student Experience and Well-being and Co-ordinator of Percussion.Read the feature here: Wilamena’s on a Drum Roll

24 Jun 2021

Popular Music Showcase

Wells musicians presented a series of inspiring performances last Sunday at the Popular Music Showcase.A big thank you to Tim Walker and his team for the technical support and to the team of pupils who assisted on the day.Here are some images of the evening to enjoy:

24 Jun 2021

First Prize for Abbie

Congratulations to Upper Sixth violinist, Abbie Chan, who has won first prize in the USA Classical Music International Competition held in May 2021 by International Youth Music Competitions.

24 Jun 2021

Year 7 Geography Trip to Glastonbury

Pupils from Year 7 ventured over to Glastonbury on Wednesday in glorious summer weather for the annual geography trip. They used clinometers to work out slope angles and learned how to take bearings. In the town itself they conducted a survey of shop types and environmental quality.Thank you to Head of Humanities, Jeremy Boot, for arranging the trip and providing pupils with a fascinating and enjoyable conclusion to the year!

24 Jun 2021

Final Cadet Sailing Session of the School Year

The Wells Naval cadets enjoyed their final sailing session of the year on Wednesday afternoon. Here are James Durham, George Milton-Parry, Emily Oxtoby, Matilda Binns, Oliver Pearce and Hetty Christopher alongside Izzy Savage and colleague from Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club, the OnBoard Instructor – clutching a chocolate ‘thank you’ from Wells – all under the watchful eye of Humphrey the sailing spaniel!Great day’s sailing to close out the term – well done to all who have participated and here’s to...

22 Jun 2021

Prefect Team Building Session

Recently appointed prefects in the Lower Sixth enjoyed an afternoon’s training and team building session on Cedars Field on Monday!

22 Jun 2021

Celebration Concerts in Wells Cathedral

Last week, Wells musicians from across the music faculty put on two splendid concerts to mark the musical reopening of Wells Cathedral.After a year without the chance to play in public, Wells Brass and Percussion musicians were delighted to join forces with friends from the Vocal and Organ departments for a concert titled Eternal Source of Light Divine and to perform a programme of celebratory pieces.Later in the week, Wells Woodwind and Strings musicians celebrated with a programme of much-loved...

22 Jun 2021

Mozart Opera Gala Rehearsals

Rehearsals have been taking place in Cedars Hall for the Mozart Opera Gala, which will be performed to a limited audience on the evenings of Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th June.What a fantastic opportunity for our vocalists and instrumentalists to round off the year in such musical style!

22 Jun 2021

PA Quiz Night Trophy Presentation

On Friday, current Chair of the Wells Parents’ Association, Rachel Hewson, presented members of the winning PA Quiz Night team – The Slightly Muddled Troublemakers – with their engraved trophy. This year’s quiz was held online during lockdown and provided an evening of much needed competitive entertainment!

Private School Somerset Artwork Years 3,4,5,6

21 Jun 2021

Junior School Summer Artwork

During the Whitsun and Trinity Terms, Junior School pupils have been very busy in their art lessons, learning new techniques and discovering inspiration from a range of celebrated artists and historical events.Pupils in Year 3 focused on the theme of landscapes. They studied the work of several impressionist artists and then used the new painting techniques to paint in the style of their chosen artist. The pupils loved mixing the colours and worked on larger scale images. They then used...

21 Jun 2021

Jazz Evening

Last week’s Jazz Evening showcased the talents of jazz players and small group jazz from across the School. Introduced by Coordinator of Jazz Studies Edward Leaker and specialist improvisation tutor Nick Malcolm, the concert gave Wells pupils a long-awaited chance to perform a selection of jazz standards and original compositions. The evening finished with a socially distanced jam session.

18 Jun 2021

Year 5 French Fashion Show

Pupils in Year 5 have spent the year learning about colours, weather and clothes in their French lessons with Head of Modern Languages, Jules Desmarchelier, and as a culmination of all their hard work, they choreographed a fabulous French Fashion Show.Each pupil created a summer and winter outfit, with a written description in French. They then recorded their summary to practice their oral skills and perfect their French pronunciation.The Fashion Show, held in Cedars Drawing Room proved a riot of...

18 Jun 2021

West Panthers Hockey Squad

Well done to Year 8 pupils Paul Kemp-King, Tilly Matthews and Linsey Mitchell, who have all been selected for the West Panthers hockey squad to represent the West at the UK Festival of Hockey at U13 level in Nottingham. Following four trials and a lot of competition, they have all done extremely well to be selected.In further hockey news, seven Wells pupils – Year 9 pupils William Perring and Ralf Warner; Year 10 pupils Mia Falco, Florence Gummer, Archie Mycock...

18 Jun 2021

Oskar Selected for England Squad

Congratulations to Year 11 pupil Oskar Edwards who has been selected for the England U16 hockey squad and has played in two matches, one against Loughborough University where he scored for the team, and the other against Great Britain women’s U23.Oskar has also been playing for Team Bath Buccaneers 1st XI in the Y1 Hockey league, and took part in the Final of the League on Friday, beating the University of Bristol Men’s Hockey Club 4-3 to be crowned inaugural...

17 Jun 2021

Year 5 WWF Fundraising Initiative

Freya Williams and Alice Compton, both in Year 5, set up a fundraising initiative for the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), holding a sale of homemade gifts after School on Monday. The girls raised over £50 for this leading non-governmental organisation, showing impressive independence and resourcefulness.

16 Jun 2021

Junior One Day Event National Finals

Congratulations to Year 9 pupil Lola Phillips whose team, the ETSW (Equestrian Training South West), have made it through to the National Finals of the Horse Trials Junior One Day Event, taking place at Swalcliffe Park in Banbury in early August.Lola was also one of the youngest competitors at the recent British Eventing competition at the West Wilts Equestrian Centre outside Bradford On Avon.

16 Jun 2021

Year 10 Hockney-Inspired Photography

Year 10 pupils produced some stunning Hockney-inspired photography, after studying the artist in their lessons this year. Here is a selection of their work:

16 Jun 2021

UK Mathematics Trust Junior Challenge

Wells Lower School pupils took part in the Junior Mathematics Challenge, run by the UK Mathematics Trust in the first half of the Summer term for Senior School pupils in Years 7 to 8.Four pupils achieved Gold Awards and were subsequently selected to sit Follow-On Kangaroo papers. Congratulations to Lucille Raynal in Year 7, and to Alfie Carey, Sophia Dou and Joshua Knott in Year 8.Five pupils achieved Silver Awards, congratulations to Charles Groom, Thomas Parkman and Luca Wiseman in...

Independent School Creatie Arts Somerset

16 Jun 2021

Our Country’s Good Filming

Filming has been taking place this week for the Senior School Drama production of Our Country’s Good, which will be available to view by a pre-booked virtual audience in late June.This challenging play, based on the novel The Playmaker by Thomas Keneally, has been professionally filmed in Cedars Hall this week, providing the actors and technical crew with the opportunity for real film experience instead of the usual live performances.The demanding storyline, which takes place in an Australian penal colony...

16 Jun 2021

Cricket Week 2021

The Wells Annual Cricket Week commenced with a wonderful display of cricketing prowess as the First XI took on the MCC on the glorious Cedars cricket pitch on Monday.The stunning grounds and blazing sunshine provided a fitting backdrop to this showcase, the first of many scheduled matches for the celebration week, and offered a masterclass in batting skill by Wells captain Bryce Furlong, who had a fine innings of 87 not out.The week’s cricket continues with matches against Taunton Deane...

16 Jun 2021

15 Years: A Lifetime at Wells!

Four members of this year’s Upper Sixth have been making the most of their final few weeks at School, as their 15 years apiece as Wells pupils comes to an end.Humphrey Boot, Harry Chantrey, Jack Denegri and Hector Gummer all joined Wells as toddlers in the Nursery, when it was run with military precision by the inimitable Ronni Clarke. Having progressed through subsequent years in the Pre-Prep, the Junior and Senior Schools and now the Sixth Form, they are all...

16 Jun 2021

Year 9 Army Cadets Field Craft Day

Last Thursday, Year 9 CCF Army Cadets spent the afternoon on Yoxter Ranges on the Mendips, conducting a day of fieldcraft, which culminated in a break contact drill under effective enemy fire. Much fun was had by all involved!

15 Jun 2021

Winning 1,111 Anniversary Mug Design

Pupils were asked to submit designs for a mug which would be specially created for the School’s 1,111 Birthday before Christmas. The mugs have now been made and the photo shows Upper Sixth pupil Charles Wilson with his winning design!

15 Jun 2021

Lower Sixth Geography Trip to Exmoor

Last Thursday Lower Sixth geographers, along with teachers Jeremy Boot and Rebecca Murdoch, conducted a river study to analyse downstream changes in channel characteristics of the River Horner on Exmoor.Pupils used equipment including a theodolite to measure gradient and hydroprops to measure velocity. The river itself is short and heavily monitored due to potential flood risk to two villages in its lower course. It was a great opportunity for pupils to conduct field work in a beautiful part of the...

Private School Somerset Lower Sixth Geology

15 Jun 2021

Lower Sixth Geology Trip to Sand Point

Despite Covid restrictions, Wells geologists have been able to participate in a number of field trips to enhance their studies this term, using covid-safe equipment.Visits have been made to Portishead, Sand Point and to Vallis Vale to observe, record and interpret the strata, fossils, geological structures and even lava flows in the local area!

15 Jun 2021

Year 3 and Year 4 Teams Reach National Finals

Congratulations to the Wells Year 3 and Year 4 teams who have made it through to the National Finals of the National Key Stage 2 General Knowledge Inter-School Quiz Championship for 2021.Teams from Years 3 to 6 participated in this annual general knowledge competition, which comprises four team members for each year group. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic this competition was held remotely this year.All four of the Wells teams did extremely well, but both Year 3 and Year 4’s...

15 Jun 2021

Junior Mathematics Challenge Awards

Congratulations to Year 6 pupil En Xuan Tan, who achieved a Gold Award and was selected to sit the Kangaroo Follow-On paper in this year’s Junior Mathematics Challenge, run by the UK Mathematics Trust. Fellow classmate, Tom Hellier achieved a Silver Award.The Junior Mathematical Challenge is a 60-minute, multiple-choice competition aimed at pupils across the UK. It encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought, and fluency in using basic mathematical techniques to solve interesting problems. The problems on the Junior Mathematical...

15 Jun 2021

Wellensian Association Horizons Awards

Congratulations to the following pupils, who have each been awarded £500 by the Wellensian Association towards the cost of their chosen projects:Emilia Candlin (Upper Sixth) – to fund a course at The Orchards School of Cookery in Evesham, Worcs, which has a history of training award-winning cooks.Harry Chantrey (Upper Sixth) – to fund a visit to Iceland to explore its culture and its incredible geographical and geological physical landforms.Maddie Davis (Year 11) – to explore the evolution of wine-making and...

12 Jun 2021

Food Bank Donations

A big thank you to Lower Sixth pupils Karina Chan and Natalia Gal who delivered food donations to the Wells Vineyard Church Food Bank on Saturday, which they had been collecting as part of their project for Wednesday Afternoon Activities with Nicky Connock this term.Nicky said, “The girls organised the whole process as part of their activities and should be praised for their efforts. The church was incredibly grateful for the donations, explaining that demand is still high and donations...

12 Jun 2021

TEDEd Talks

On Thursday evening, five members of the Lower Sixth gave a series of individual TEDEd Talks to an audience in Quilter Hall.Pupils put forward a fascinating set of arguments which included a focus on philosophy, science and justice, from ‘64 – the inevitability of liberal democracy’, ‘Immortality, At What Price?’, ‘Why are we Afraid of Death?’, ‘The End of the Universe’, and ‘The 1992 LA Riots’.Congratulations to Harriet Carlill, Eliza Haskins, Belle Li, Amelia McCormack and Max Warner, for their...

Independent School Someset Music Specialist Songwriter

10 Jun 2021

Hetta Reaches Final Three!

Huge congratulations to Lower Sixth singer/songwriter Hetta Falzon, who has been selected for the Final 3 in the Song Academy Young Songwriter 2021 competition, for the second successive year! Last year, at just 15 years old, Hetta was runner up of the whole Young Songwriter of the Year Competition 2020, with her song ‘Obsession’.Now in its 11th year, the Young Songwriter 2021 is the leading international songwriting competition for those under 18. This year’s competition attracted over 1,000 entries from...

Private School Somerset Geography Trip GCSE

10 Jun 2021

Geography trip to Lulworth Cove and Man O’War Bay

On Tuesday 35 pupils studying GCSE Geography, plus teachers Jeremy Boot, David Rowley and Rebecca Murdoch, headed for the Jurassic Coast for a field study day. Durdle Door beach itself was so crowded that the group decided to use Man o’ War Bay instead to measure beach profiles and perform data sampling tasks. Afterwards the group headed for Lulworth Cove and Stair Hole where the evolution of this remarkable stretch of coastline was explained.The group were fortunate to have a...

09 Jun 2021

SALSA BRASS GO!

Young brass players from 65 Schools across the UK and Europe have taken part in Wells Cathedral School’s free online project Salsa Brass Go!The inclusive project focused around the brass piece ‘Salsabasco’, and musical participants were given access to online content, including 12 bespoke tutorial videos featuring Wells Brass department members, Emily White, Simon de Souza, Andy Cresci and Ross Brown. Backing tracks and 14 different parts for musicians ranging in ability from grade 1 to grade 8 were also...

Private School Music Scool Competition Winner

09 Jun 2021

Haslemere International String Competition Winner

Congratulations to Year 10 violinist Dawid Kasprzak, who has just won joint First Prize in the Junior Category of the Haslemere International Online String Competition 2021.The Haslemere String Competition was launched in 2017 to give talented young string players a chance to gain significant solo concert exposure. Originally aimed at students living in the counties around London, it has since expanded greatly, and now draws talented youth from across the south and west of the UK.

08 Jun 2021

Egyptian Feast Fit for a Pharaoh!

At the end of the Whitsun term, pupils in Year 4 rounded off their topic on Ancient Egypt with a spectacular Egyptian feast, fit for a pharaoh!Pupils tried lots of new foods that would have been available in Ancient Egypt, with favourite dishes including goat’s cheese, pomegranates, fresh and dried figs, lentils with onion and garlic, and bread dipped in honey.The pupils also made their own canopic jars inspired by their favourite animals, and enjoyed dressing up as Cleopatra and...

08 Jun 2021

Alfred the Great History Trip

On Monday, Sixth Form pupils studying History enjoyed a day visiting the key local sites associated with Alfred the Great’s campaign against the Vikings of 878, which included Athelney, Alfred’s Tower and the site of the Battle of Edington on Salisbury Plain above Westbury in Wiltshire. A good time was had by all – enlivened by two trips to farm shop cafes! The pupils were accompanied by Head of History, Chris Eldridge, History teacher Sam Broderick and Eva James, our...

07 Jun 2021

UK National Arena Eventing Championships Podium Finish

Congratulations to Year 9 pupil Lola Phillips, who achieved a double clear and finished in second place in the individual honours at the British Riding Club’s National Arena Eventing Finals at the end of May on her horse Spike (officially titled ‘Gortmore Giggidee Goo’) at Aston le Wall Equestrian Centre in Northants.The British Riding Club holds a national championship over the winter months for Arena cross country, which involves riding clubs across the UK. There are 480 Riding Clubs in...

07 Jun 2021

Nordic International Piano Competition Special Prize

Congratulations to Year 11 pianist Jeremy Sun, who was awarded a Special Prize for the Best Performance of a Nordic Piece in the Junior Talents (15 Years and Under) section of the prestigious Nordic International Piano Competition 2021.Jeremy and Upper Sixth pianist Sejin Yoon in the Young Artists (18 Years and Under) section both reached the Finals in this online competition, which attracted a very high global entry of 193 young pianists.The Nordic Piano Competition, based in Sweden, has been...

07 Jun 2021

Silver Duke of Edinburgh Qualifying Expeditions

A large group of Year 11 and Lower Sixth pupils undertook their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award Qualifying Expedition over the weekend, whilst a Year 10 group completed their Silver Practice Expedition.The pupils left Wells on Friday morning and spent the weekend hiking and camping on the beautiful Mendip Hills in glorious sunshine before returning to School on Sunday afternoon.The groups enjoyed the first 36 hours in beautiful weather, but awoke in a rain cloud on Sunday morning and had...

07 Jun 2021

Poetry By Heart Commendation

Congratulations to Year 8 pupil Oscar Lovell-Clark, who has been Highly Commended in this year’s 11+ Category of the Poetry By Heart Competition.Oscar recited two poems in the Classic section of the competition from a list published on the Poetry By Heart website. One poem had to be published before 1914 and one published in or after 1914.Oscar chose two contrasting pieces: The Pobble Who Has No Toes by Edward Lear and Lament of an Arawak Child by Pamela Mordecai.An...

07 Jun 2021

Bushcraft Adventures

Year 7 pupils enjoyed a great day of Bushcraft activities in the Cotswolds just before the half term break. Severe weather warnings prevented their planned overnight camp, but despite this the group were able to make shelters, light fires and learn about camouflage and concealment in the depths of the woods on the Badminton Estate.

20 May 2021

Royal Visit to Wells Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace and Gardens

As part of a joint visit by The Earl and Countess of Wessex to Wells on Monday to coincide with the re-opening of hospitality and tourism and to meet members of the Wells Coronavirus Network Team, Their Royal Highnesses visited the Bishop’s Palace and Gardens and Wells Cathedral individually.HRH The Earl of Wessex visited Wells Cathedral to hear about some of the Cathedral’s fabric projects before moving on to the Bishop’s Palace and Gardens. There he met Palace representatives in...

17 May 2021

Victory in 1500m Race for Sophie

Congratulations to Year 10 athlete Sophie Nicholls, who won the 1500m mixed U17 race at the Yeovil Athletics Open last weekend, running a personal best.

17 May 2021

Young Organists’ Competition Winner

Congratulations to Upper Sixth musician François Cloete who has won the Advanced Class of the School Organists’ Association Young Organists’ Competition, and a financial prize.The inaugural competition has just taken place online and was adjudicated by Professor Stephen Darlington MBE, formerly Organist and Tutor in Music at Christ Church, Oxford. Competitors submitted video files of their performances, although in future years it is intended to be run live.The competition is for young organists aged eighteen and under; the Advanced Class...

17 May 2021

Celebratory Community Bunting

The last year has been challenging for everyone and many villages and towns up and down the country have been using Community Art as a way to help and support each other.The Wells Community Bunting Project has enabled the people of Wells and the surrounding villages to become involved in the local community and support others, by making and hanging 1.5 kilometres of bunting around the city centre.Pupils and staff at Wells have been very involved in the project, with...

13 May 2021

Shona to Play in Billy the Kid

Congratulations to Upper Sixth musician Shona M’gadzah, who has been selected to play tenor saxophone and clarinet in a National Youth Musical Theatre London West End production of Billy the Kid between 25th and 28th August.Shona was also accepted to play in the National Youth Musical Theatre production of The Night the War Ended at the Theatre Royal Margate, but unfortunately the dates clashed with Billy the Kid.

Woody from our Music School on BBC Radio

11 May 2021

Woody on BBC Radio Somerset

Year 8 pupil Woody Collins has composed a new song ‘Molecules’ alongside a music video, which will be featured on Luke Knight’s Arts and Culture show this Friday at 7:15 on BBC Somerset Radio. Woody will be the special featured artist on the show.To see Woody’s video and listen to his track, click here: Molecules

10 May 2021

Bridget Awarded First Prize

Congratulations to Lower Sixth pianist Bridget Yee, who has been awarded first prize in the 15-17 age group category in this year’s online Junior Orbetello Piano Competition.The international panel of judges included Leonardo Colafelice, Julianna Kiss, Nati Ballarìn and Giuliano Adorno.

10 May 2021

Captain Sir Tom Moore – The Challenge Continues

More pupils have been involved with the inspiring Captain Sir Tom Moore 100 Challenge over the last few days, completing tasks that they’ve set as teams, tutor groups or individuals.Kate Brown’s Year 10 tutor group, completed 100 netball goals in 10 minutes during tutor time on Thursday, a challenge masterminded by Mia Falco; whilst Jayne Obradovic is doing 10,000 steps each day for 100 days, and will be taking out Claver Morris girls for a walk each evening if she...

10 May 2021

EDF Energy STEM Visit

Last Wednesday, a representative from EDF Energy came to talk to Year 9 pupils about the future of energy production. Pupils learnt that EDF is the biggest generator of low-carbon electricity as they use different sources of electricity like wind, nuclear and solar.As part of the session, pupils built wind turbines in teams to try and generate maximum electricity.Sophie Lam, in Year 9 said “We adjusted our turbine to try and make it spin quicker when the wind was going...

10 May 2021

CCF Royal Navy Cadets Take to the Water

Six Wells CCF Royal Navy cadets took to the water at Cheddar Reservoir in the School’s Pico sailing boats on Wednesday and enjoyed a sunny and blustery afternoon learning some sailing basics.Sailing is just one of the exciting Adventurous Training opportunities in the Summer term for CCF cadets.

10 May 2021

Faraday Engineering Challenge

Pupils in classes 8L and 8K took part in a 5-lesson Faraday Engineering Challenge last week to design and build a prototype to help Network Rail cope with the increasing number of passengers using their stations and trains throughout May. The team challenge was set by the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) in combination with Network Rail, judged by an IET judge.The pupils rose to the challenge, quickly realising that teamwork was the key to success. With each team...

05 May 2021

Full Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards

Following the awarding of their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Certificate of Achievement last year during the period of Covid-19 lockdown, the following 16 pupils in Year 10 successfully completed their Silver Practice Expedition on the Mendip Hills last weekend, and have all qualified for their full Bronze Award. They will be receiving their certificate and badge in the post soon.Congratulations to: Peter Baller, Annie Banks, Abigail Beech, Nina Kemp-King, Edward King, Xanthe Knott, Edson Macedo Bird, Campbell Maddox, Emily Morris,...

04 May 2021

Bristol Suspensions Crowned ICCA UK Champions

Congratulations to The Bristol Suspensions, directed by Old Wellensian Robbie Armstrong, who have been crowned UK champions of collegiate a cappella, and now go on to the world finals of the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA), in only their seventh year of existence.The Bristol Suspensions are a 17 piece mixed a cappella group from the University of Bristol. Founded in 2014, the group includes Old Wellensians Robbie Armstrong (2017) and Francesca Corr (2019), who were both also Wells...

04 May 2021

Duke of Edinburgh Silver Practice Expedition

The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme at Wells goes from strength to strength, and it is exciting that the inspiring expedition sections are now able to restart as the country opens up again after lockdown.Over the Bank Holiday weekend four groups of Year 10 pupils successfully undertook their Silver Practice Expedition on the Mendip Hills, covering 25km over three days.The groups left School on Friday morning and headed North to Rowberrow Warren, facing rain, wind, hail and plenty of hills,...

04 May 2021

Hetta Through to Final Ten

Huge congratulations to Lower Sixth singer/songwriter Hetta Falzon, who has now been selected for the Final 10 in the Song Academy Young Songwriter 2021 competition, for the second successive year!Hetta has had a busy few days, in addition to this success, Hetta enjoyed performing in her first official paid gig at London’s Wired4Music online Allegro Festival at the weekend, having been selected to perform by the Wired4Music Committee. At 16 years old, Hetta was the youngest performer in the festival...

03 May 2021

Wilamena Helps Raise Thousands for ‘Cornwall Mind’ Charity

Year 10 pupil Wilamena Dyer has produced another report for the BBC following the success of her previous one. The report went out on the BBC on Friday and focused on the charity ‘Cornwall Mind’ and how, as young people transition to adult mental health services, charities like Mind can play a key role.The report also featured an art auction for ‘Cornwall Mind’ which concluded this weekend – this involved Wilamena doing extensive interviews with various artists and celebrities who...

03 May 2021

Captain Sir Tom Moore 100 Challenge!

The School community has embarked on a number of activities in support of the Captain Sir Tom Moore 100 Challenge. The activities so far have been Physical: 1.1 mile walk for Pre-Prep pupils, 100 baskets, 100 tennis balls over the net and walking 10k steps for 100 days; Academic: creating an organic molecule consisting of 100 atoms and conducting 118 science experiments in 20 minutes; and Creative: baking 101 tasty chocolate flapjacks!Thank you to everyone who has already donated to...

03 May 2021

Winner of Tunbridge Wells International Music Competition

Congratulations to Upper Sixth pianist, Sejin Yoon, who has been announced as one of the three winners in the Piano section of the prestigious Tunbridge Wells International Music Competition for 2021.This year the competition was held remotely and attracted a wide international field. The winners were announced at the Awards Ceremony on Friday 30th April by a distinguished panel of judges: John Wallace CBE, Katherine Bryan, Tasmin Little OBE, Natalie Clein OBE, Joanna MacGregor CBE and Sam Haywood.Winners will receive...

02 May 2021

Over 100 Experiments in 20 Minutes

The Science Department successfully completed the Captain Tom 100 challenge at lunch time on Wednesday: 8 pupils, one outstanding technician, 118 experiments completed.The team set up a circus of 25 and the pupils worked together or in teams to complete as many experiments as they could in 30 minutes.The experiments were all designed to be ‘experiments that you can do in your kitchen’ and ranged from tea bag lanterns to spinning eggs with fire, water and everything else in between....

02 May 2021

Upper Sixth Geologists Visit Vallis Vale

Upper Sixth Geologists visited the De la Beche site at Vallis Vale, a nationally important location to complete their A level fieldwork at the end of April.They have now finalised fieldwork on the Mendips, Bristol Channel Coast, Hartland Quay and Dartmoor despite the restrictions of Covid. They were able to apply the work done in the classroom to new situations and had a valuable opportunity for revision of a number of key topics.

02 May 2021

Event on the Lawn Online

This year’s Event on the Lawn, our very own popular annual mini music festival, organised and performed by Wells pupils and showcasing many of our most talented popular and commercial musicians from across the whole School, took place on Saturday evening.With something for everyone, the evening featured six bands, including Midnight Studios and Chasing Chickens, and an eclectic assortment of solo acts – all captured on high quality video and available to view here: The Event on the Lawn 2021All...

L6 Geology Trip to Portishead team photo 2021

02 May 2021

Lower Sixth Geology Field Trip to Portishead

Last week, Lower Sixth geologists undertook a field trip to Portishead to study the sediments and geological structures as part of their fieldwork and practical portfolio.They made the most of the opportunity to get out in the field for the first time in several months and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Covid protocols were followed and an enjoyable, safe and successful field trip was the result.They are pictured standing on the axis of a fold!

02 May 2021

Sam Wedgwood Provides Inspiration

Sixth form pupils studying A level Music Technology were treated to expert feedback on their creative work and inspiring career advice from esteemed media composer and Old Wellensian Sam Wedgwood (www.samwedgwood.com) last Thursday. Although now based in Australia, Sam kindly offered his expertise and experience via remote 1:1 sessions, offering a range of creative and technical feedback, to help pupils further develop their music technology skills.

30 Apr 2021

Calligraphy on Vellum

Lower Sixth historians experienced the art of Anglo-Saxon communication last week, attempting calligraphy on vellum (parchment) as part of their course, learning about the history of manuscripts such as the Lindisfarne Gospel, the first great art produced in Britain.In addition to their beauty and the value of their scholarship, Head of History, Chris Eldridge wanted pupils to understand the challenges involved in physically making them – a complete Bible like the Codex Amiatinus needed the skins of 1000 sheep/goats/calves. It...

30 Apr 2021

Two Moors Festival Winners

The much anticipated Two Moors Festival Competition 2021 took place on Saturday 24th April in Taunton and Wells pupils were two of the five winners of this coveted title, chosen from 41 competitors.Congratulations to Lower Sixth recorder player, Eliza Haskins, and to Year 9 flautist, Lily Owens, both of whom are amongst the winning five.Year 10 trumpeter, Hetty Christopher, was awarded Highly Commended for her performance. The competition adjudicators included previous winners, Josephine Goddard and Joseph Shiner. Joe was a specialist clarinettist...

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