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Summer CCF Camp

The Wells CCF cadets enjoyed a jam-packed week at CCF Camp at the start of the summer holidays, which included training in built up areas. This involved simulated grenade throwing, assaulting a building, casualty evacuation as well as archery, paintball, range shooting and many other activities. They spent the week on an Army base and had talks in the evenings from different Army networks.

Wells Cathedral School Speech Day

Pupils, parents, staff and guests enjoyed a celebratory end to the academic year in glorious Somerset sunshine at the School Speech Day on Friday, the first Speech Day under the leadership of Head Master Alastair Tighe. Simon Shercliff OBE, Director for National Security at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and an Old Wellensian, was the inspiring speaker at Senior School Prize-Giving, giving a fascinating talk to Senior pupils about the opportunities and experiences around the globe that he has garnered...
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Last Chance to Paint

On Friday Wells Junior School pupils enjoyed a joyous creative afternoon painting a giant vibrant nature-focused mural in the gardens of Number 8.The art project ties in with the Last Chance to Paint initiative launched by Wells parent, Cornish painter and Eden Project’s artist in residence, John Dyer, as a way of educating children about the effects of climate change by forming a real connection to the natural world. Throughout the Trinity Term, pupils in Year 3 have worked on...
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Chamber Music Concert

Wells musicians enjoyed a full audience at Friday’s lunchtime concert in the Bishop’s Palace Chapel. This is a new initiative in our performance programme with one or two such concerts happening per term, usually in Quilter Hall. The programme included some fine string and vocal pieces as well as one using the Chapel’s organ.

Jersey Island Walk

Congratulations to Year 11 pupil Thomas who took part, for the eighth year running, in the celebrated annual Jersey Island Walk this weekend, coming 40th in a field of over 1200 walkers.The grueling Main Walk covers a distance of 48 miles, and its difficulty provides a stark contrast with the beauty of the route that passes along Jersey’s beautiful coastline, sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and stunning countryside. The average time for completing the walk is between 17 and 19 hours....
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Summer Solstice Party

The Pre-Prep department held a lively Summer Solstice Party on the Pre-Prep lawn on Saturday afternoon to raise money for the School’s playground development. Children and their families celebrated the Solstice with face painting, arts and craft activities, pilates classes, photography and plenty to eat and drink! £550 was raised on the day.

Choristers Sing at Liverpool Cathedral

Wells Head Girl and Head Boy choristers, Erin and Ross, represented Wells Cathedral at the recent Diamond Fund Concert at Liverpool Cathedral.Over 100 singers performed live at Liverpool Cathedral on Thursday 13th June, in the second concert of its kind since The Cathedral Choristers of Britain was formed in 2016. The concert was put on by Friends of Cathedral Music’s Diamond Fund for Choristers, in conjunction with Liverpool’s Anglican and Catholic cathedrals, to showcase Britain’s 1,000-year-old choral tradition, bringing together...
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National Youth Jazz Collective

Congratulations to Year 10 percussionist, Luke, who has been accepted onto the National Youth Jazz Collective summer course for the second year running on drum kit. Competition for the course is fierce as NYJC spend 16 days auditioning talented musicians from across the whole of the UK. Luke impressed the South West audition panel enough to be selected ahead of many other talented youngsters. He will spend a week in July working alongside other talented young jazz musicians and an...
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Year 8 Trip to the RSC

On Thursday pupils in Year 8 visited the Royal Shakespeare Company to see As You Like It and participate in an educational workshop. Directed by Kimberley Sykes, the bright and riotous production offered pupils a colourful, entertaining and vivid introduction to the Forest of Arden and the world of play that they are currently studying in their drama lessons. Prior to the production pupils took the opportunity to take part in a workshop designed to give them a deeper understanding...
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The Great Science Share

In the Trinity term Year 8 pupils took part in The Great Science Share initiative – a national campaign to inspire young people to share their scientific questions with new audiences. This involved a 3-week science project covering global issues such as climate change, plastic pollution, world hunger and the provision of clean energy. On Tuesday morning Sixth Form scientists gave a series of exciting science workshops to the Year 8 groups, which were then followed by informal presentations of...
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Wells Draw Against the MCC

On Monday the 1st XI Cricket team played the MCC on Cedars Field. The match ended in an exciting draw with the 1st XI 8 wickets down at stumps chasing the MCC’s 275 to win. Wells were 202-8. Player of the match and winner of the ‘spirit of cricket’ award was 14 year old Sahil, visiting from Mumbai, who scored an excellent 100.

Cricket and Culture

In the first three weeks of the Trinity term, Wells was delighted to welcome and host talented young cricketer, 14 year old Sahil, who plays for the Under 14 Mumbai team, and has been named as one of the most promising under-14 cricketers in India.Sahil was selected by Cricket Beyond Boundaries, a global sports initiative that uses cricket as a vehicle to transform lives and provide opportunities to young India crickets to travel to the UK to spend time in...
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South West Badminton Champions

Congratulations to Year 10 pupil Kevin and to Year 11 pupil John, who won the competitively fought Team Doubles Gold in the South West Badminton Championships at the weekend. Kevin also won the Individual Gold in the Singles finals.Other Wells players who also took part in the Championships were Year 11 pupil Serena, and Lower Sixth pupils Samantha, Melvyn, Yolanda and Nate.

Taunton Festival of Arts

Congratulations to Year 4 pupil Heidi who performed in the Taunton Festival of Arts over the Whitsun half term. Heidi won a silver medal for her modern solo, out of 22 entries, and a gold medal with her group performance.

Blue Peter Big Beagle/Basset Bonanza

Year 3 pupil Eva enjoyed a day of adventures with her pet beagle Harry, when they were invited to visit the Blue Peter Studios and Garden in Manchester this week to take part in the Big Beagle/Basset Bonanza.The Blue Peter team have recently adopted a little beagle-basset hound cross rescue dog, called Henry, and they invited fellow beagles and basset hounds, and their 8-14 year old owners to join them to welcome him to the programme. Henry is Blue Peter’s...
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Asta Wins Butterfly Gold

Congratulations to Year 5 pupil Asta who won the 25m butterfly final at the IAPS National Swimming Finals, held at the London Aquatics Centre this week. Despite a hair-raising false start, Asta finished in an incredibly quick time of 15.04 seconds, winning the gold medal.Junior School teacher Noami Hammerton, who accompanied Asta to the London finals, said, “Asta is an amazing all-round athlete, who embodies the spirit of great sportsmanship.”

Medieval History Trip

Just before the half term break, Year 7 history pupils spent a day visiting Tintern Abbey and Chepstow Castle, where activities included dressing in chainmail, watching sword fights and learning archery skills.

Somerset and Beyond

Congratulations to Year 7 pupil Arthur, who has had his nature-focused textile artwork selected for exhibition at the Wells and Mendip Museum from the 26th June to 13th July, as part of the Somerset and Beyond Textile Art Exhibition.

Recognition for Lt Lancey

Congratulations to Wells CCF School Staff Instructor, Lt Glyn Lancey, who has been selected for promotion to become a fully Commissioned Officer, following recognition of his experience and expertise with both the Army Cadet Force and Combined Cadet Force.

Amsterdam Conservatoire Percussion Collective

On Tuesday musicians from the world-renowned Conservatoire von Amsterdam Percussion Collective gave a series of inspiring and collaborative percussion workshops and masterclasses to Wells percussion pupils in Cedars Hall.In the evening the Collective played music by Reich, Takemitsu, Miki and Gershwin at a fabulous concert.

Jazz Outreach

On Friday the Wells Cathedral School Jazz Ensemble, featuring musicians from Years 7 to 9, visited St Michael’s Academy in Yeovil for a performance and workshop. St Michael’s has been borrowing the Academic Music department’s set of pBones (plastic trombones), and it was great for pupils from both schools to be able to create music together.

Warwickshire Champion

Congratulations to talented badminton player, Kevin, a pupil in Year 10, who entered the competitive Warwickshire Rising Stars U18 Badminton Competition over the weekend, and won the event!

High School Musical

Over 80 Lower School pupils put on three stunning performances of Disney’s High School Musical to a packed Cedars Hall over several evenings this week, in this year’s vibrant and high octane Lower School Production. With catchy songs and intricate dance routines, the central theme of the show, the freedom to be yourself, chimes perfectly with the Wells ethos, esto quo es (Be what you are). Questions about identity, acceptance and peer pressure have never been more prevalent for our...
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Two Moors Winner

Congratulations to Lower Sixth oboe specialist, Ella, who is one of the winners of the prestigious Two Moors Young Musician competition 2019. Ella has been awarded a cash prize and a recital opportunity at the Two Moors Festival in October.

Pre-Prep Arts Week

This year’s Pre-Prep Arts Week took place in mid-May and followed the theme A Snapshot in Time. Early Years pupils journeyed through time with Dr Who on their very own Tardis, with Year 1 pupils “visiting” Pompeii just before Vesuvius erupted to investigate the science behind volcanoes, conduct experiments with jelly volcanoes and soda and mentos eruptions, and meet some beautifully dressed Roman ladies from the era. Younger pupils “visited” the Jurassic period when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, which involved...
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National SportsAid Award for Matt

Congratulations to Lower Sixth pupil, Matthew, who has been awarded a prestigious SportsAid Award following nomination from his governing body, British Triathlon. SportsAid helps the most promising young British athletes by providing them with financial support, recognition and personal development opportunities during the critical early stages of their careers. It helps more than a thousand young talented athletes across the country each year. Matt was nominated for a SportsAid Award as a result of his selection for the England Talent...
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Podium Places for Wells Runners

With the final race of the fiercely competitive cross country season wrapped up at Tor Leisure in April, Wells junior athletes were delighted with their final standing in the Mendip Junior League. Overall, Wells came third across the area; achieving the runner up award for both the Lower School Girls (Years 3 and 4) and the Upper School Girls (Years 5 and 6) categories.Singled out for particular praise this year are the following pupils, whose performances over the five races...
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Boarders’ Activities

Boarders enjoyed a trip to Longleat and an action-packed paint-ball session over the bank holiday weekend, part of the energetic programme of Boarders’ Activities provided by the School at weekends.At Longleat pupils enjoyed spotting the wild animals on the safari tour, held snakes and tarantulas, saw leaping sea lions on the Jungle Cruise, bounced across rope bridges and completed the famous Hedge Maze in just seven minutes. The paint ballers enjoyed a frenetic afternoon of competitive war games, aided by...
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Concerto Competition Winners

Congratulations to Lower Sixth trumpeter Eliza and Year 11 pianist Max, who are joint winners of this year’s Concerto Competition.The finals of the competition were held at the start of May in Cedars Hall, when performances by all six finalists were adjudicated by Stephen Threlfall, Director of Music at Chetham’s School of Music, Manchester.Both Eliza and Max will each perform their concertos with the School Symphony Orchestra either in Cedars Hall or in Wells Cathedral next academic year.The standard of...
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Top of the Range Cricket Facilities for Bunbury Team

Wells was delighted to host the Bunbury U15 South West cricket team at the School for a practice match in early May. The team included the best 28 cricketers in the South West, training in preparation for the National Festival in July. The School was also lucky to be joined by the National Performance Manager for the English Cricket Board, David Graveney OBE, who was present as a scout. Wells Director of Sport, Tom Webley said, “The 1st XI pitch...
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Equestrian Podium Places for Holly

Year 8 pupil Holly and her pony Ro compete regularly in the National School Equestrian Association (NSEA) competitions for Wells, recently coming second in the grass roots One Day Event at the Moreton Equestrian Centre in South Dorset. Holly and Ro competed in all three disciplines for this event: dressage, show jumping and cross country.The duo also competed at the Show Jumping competition at Millfield over the bank holiday weekend and they were placed fifth in a big class of...
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Sophie Qualifies for National Finals

Congratulations to Year 9 pupil Sophie, who has qualified for the national finals of the British Mountaineering Council Youth Climbing Series.The finals were open to competitors from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales and hundreds of children enter each category from across the UK.This was Sophie’s first major competition and she came 15th in the whole of the UK in lead climbing, and 19th in the overall competition. She is one of just 28 climbers who qualified for the national finals.

National Marching Band of the RAF Air Cadets

Congratulations to Year 10 pupil Toby, a Wells CCF Corporal and an outstanding trombonist and saxophonist, who has been selected for the prestigious National Marching Band of the RAF Air Cadets.Music camps for the National Marching Band are sponsored by the RAFAC and are held annually at RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire. The camps help train cadets in the RAFAC Music Service and specifically cadets in the national marching band.Toby’s first course took place over the Easter holidays, where he...
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Single Reed Day

The recent Single Reed Day, for saxophonists and clarinettists, was a high energy day for everyone involved. Over 40 musicians enjoyed the day’s sessions on improvisation, ensemble techniques and masterclasses, which culminated in a finale concert to parents and friends. One participant commented, “It was really wonderful to play with so many good musicians and the teachers were inspiring – motivating me to play even better!”

Hermione reaches semi-finals

Congratulations to Year 10 pupil, Hermione, who reached the semi-finals of the Dorset Ladies County Golf Championships, held at Knighton Heath Golf Club in Bournemouth over the weekend. Hermione was awarded the Carter Cup, for the best net score over the qualifying 36 holes on the Friday of the competition.

Geography Field Trip to Dartmoor

Lower Sixth geographers recently spent the day studying the extraordinary landscape of Dartmoor National Park, including a visit to Hay Tor and a river study of the East Bovey Head, where despite the poor weather forecast, the sun came out, briefly. The final location was the remarkable granite formation at Great Staple Tor, where pupils surveyed and measured the granite features, and contrasted them to neighbouring Cox Tor.As you can see, we offer #MuchMoreThanMusic! Please click here for more information...
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Gold Duke of Edinburgh Practice Expeditions

Two hardy groups, comprising 13 senior pupils, successfully completed their Gold Duke of Edinburgh practice expeditions in the Black Mountains over the Easter break. Their 80km routes took in the highest point in the region, as well as the Llanthony Valley. Tremendous teamwork, resilience and keen navigation saw them safely to the end of their planned routes. Despite initial concerns among the staff over the group member who finished in an expertly applied sling for a ‘wrist injury’, it turned...
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More England Caps for Lily

Year 11 hockey player Lily represented England against The Netherlands at Under 16 level at the National Lilleshall Sports Centre in Shropshire over the Easter weekend. Lily, who represents the Wessex Leopards region, was one of only 16 England hockey players selected for the three-match set of internationals against the Dutch. Very many congratulations to Lily on gaining further international caps!As you can see, we offer #MuchMoreThanMusic! Click here to find out more about our sport.

Bronze & Silver Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions

Seven Year 10 and 11 pupils completed their Silver; whilst 70 Year 9 pupils completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Qualifying Expedition in perfect weather in the rugged Quantock Hills over the Easter break.The Year 9 pupils spent the Friday evening at the Army Cadet Force (ACF) Training Centre at Bridgwater preparing for their expedition and benefiting from a CCF taster with LT James Commander, the ACF Platoon Commander. Pupils were given the opportunity to test their skills at map...
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Wind Ensemble Tour to Berlin

The Wind Ensemble visited Berlin in the final week of term, with Wells musicians enjoying sightseeing tours and a German history lesson, as well as a packed musical schedule.The group visited the CPE Bach Musikgymnasium, cementing the School’s relationship with the ‘Young Music Talents in Europe’ group. They performed a programme of Francaix, Orff, Reicha and John Williams alongside German soloists and ensembles, following rehearsals with their Head of Wind, Norbert Muller. A further day was spent at the Rheingau...
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Sixth Form Geography Field Trip to Bristol

Lower and Upper Sixth geographers visited Bristol in stunning weather at the end of March. They took a boat tour around the historic floating harbour, learning how 30 years of regeneration has utterly transformed the area. They also visited St Pauls in the inner city, where a huge mural commemorating HMS Windrush has been painted on the wall, as well as the business park at Aztec West and the central area of Bristol around Castle Park, the covered market and the...
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High School Musical Rehearsals

Rehearsals for this year’s Lower School Production of High School Musical are well underway, as cast and band are put through their paces on every level. It’s a high energy show with a complicated score and more iconic dance numbers than you can shake a stick at! Not to mention enough dramaturgical adjustments and enrichments to give our young actors the opportunity of developing all their performance skills to a very high standard. It promises to be a glittering, foot-tapping...
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Malcolm Arnold Essay Prize

Congratulations to Upper Sixth pupil Thomas, who has recently been awarded Eton College’s prestigious Malcolm Arnold Essay Prize 2019 in the under 19s category. This was for Tom’s essay about the English composer’s 1959 music for a production of The Tempest at the Old Vic.

Emma and Bandit join GB Team

Congratulations to Lower Sixth pupil Emma, who has been selected, along with her beautiful cocker spaniel Bandit, for the Great Britain Junior Dog Agility Team taking part in the European Championships in Switzerland in July. Bandit (Kennel Club name, Black Knight of Wessex) is a five year old working cocker spaniel who Emma has trained since he was a puppy. Emma has been taking part in agility competitions for seven years and trains at Active Agility with her trainer Stephen...
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EPTA Finals for Ruby

Congratulations to Year 10 pianist Ruby who has reached the finals in the Under 15 category of the prestigious 2019 EPTA Competition. The National Finals will be held on Saturday 6th April in the David Josefowitz Recital Hall at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Esteemed adjudicators will be Philip Fowke, vice-president of EPTA UK, Julian Jacobson, the chair of the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe and Anthony Williams, concert pianist, writer, lecturer, ABRSM examiner and moderator and festival...
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Badminton Clean Sweep

The Wells Badminton squad have had a clean sweep of the Somerset Schools Badminton League this season, winning every division where the school was represented!The U18 Girls team won Division 1; the U18 Boys A team won Division 1; and the U18 Boys B team won Division 2. Very many congratulations to an extremely talented squad of players.

Wells Senior Jazz Combo at Jazz and Blues Festival

The Wells Senior Jazz Combo were invited to perform at the Bristol International Jazz and Blues Festival on Sunday, appearing on a roster alongside many established professional ensembles. Their set was popular and widely applauded.Ed Leaker, Wells Head of Instrumental and Vocal Coaching, said, “Many thanks to Old Wellensian saxophonist and technical assistant, Will Rees-Jones, as well as to the GMAs Georgina Hardy and Cameron Cullen who helped out at the event.”

Artists’ Postcards from Wells

An exhibition of Artists’ Postcards from Wells and beyond was held at the Wells and Mendip Museum from March 18th to March 23rd in aid of the St Thomas’s Church Development Fund. Professional and amateur artists of all ages were invited to donate up to three pieces of postcard-size original art using any medium (including drawing, painting, mixed-media, textiles, ceramic tile or relief, printmaking, glass or photography). The works were displayed anonymously and available for purchase at £20 per item....
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Exeter UCAS Exhibition

Last week, 80 Lower Sixth pupils from Wells attended the annual Higher Education Exhibition held at the Westpoint Centre in Exeter, accompanied by Wells Head of Careers, Ben Taylor, Sally Rowley, Helen Tallet and Charlotte Farmer.The pupils were able collect prospectuses and speak to UCAS experts and representatives from all of the universities in the UK, as well as representatives from graduate-level apprenticeships, gap year specialists and members of the armed forces. There were inspirational talks, topical seminars, application process advice,...
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Tag Rugby Event

On Tuesday, Wells hosted over 100 pupils from local primary schools for a tag rugby event on the School’s Astro Pitch. The event was a huge success, with the pupils making the most of an exciting new experience on the Astro; whilst many of their parents came to watch the action. The event was hosted by the PE department, assisted by an enthusiastic group of School Sports Leaders, who helped with coaching and refereeing.

Hockey Tour to Barcelona

Two senior boys teams and one senior girls team spent several days in Barcelona during the February break as part of a school hockey tour.The group of 37 pupils, plus school staff, played at some amazing facilities in and around Barcelona, including Club Egara, CD Terrassa, Atletic Terrassa and Iluro Hockey Club.They were also fortunate enough to watch a Top La Liga game, visit the Nou Camp and spend time on the beach, which was a real treat in February!...
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Online A-level English Literature Seminars

Wells English A-level students recently took part in two online A-level English Literature seminars with university academics. The first was a seminar on ‘Hamlet’ with the University of Exeter’s inspiring Dr Briony Frost; the second a seminar on analysing prose fiction extracts with the University of Sussex’s Senior Teaching Fellow, Dr Graeme Pedlingham.Next week there will be a seminar on Chaucer’s ‘The Merchant’s Tale’ with Dr Marianne O’Doherty, an Associate Professor of Late Medieval Literature and Culture at the University...
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Mid Somerset Festival

Major Awards The Piano Shop, Bath Salver (Outstanding Young Pianist) Max May King Award (Outstanding Young Adult Singer) Gabrielle Keyboards Open Recital 1st Francois 2nd Sejin 3rd Jane Open Baroque 2nd Oscar Open Classical 1st Max 2nd Ruby Open Romantic 2nd Ruby 3rd Max Post 1900  1st Yolanda Repertoire (U13) 1st Jeremy 2nd Bibi Concerto Class 2nd Max Vocal Art Song (13 years) 1st Esme 2nd Amelia Art Song (14 years) 1st Annabel Art Song (15 years) 1st Ellen 2nd Cordelia 3rd Joint – Charlie & Freddie Show Song – Musical or Film (14 years)  1st Annabelle Show Song or Operetta (15 years) 1st Ellen Unaccompanied Folk Song (12 & 13 years) 1st...
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Ella crowned Taunton Young Musician 2019

Congratulations to Lower Sixth oboe specialist, Ella, who was crowned Taunton Young Musician 2019, after winning first prize in the finals of the prestigious Taunton Young Musician Competition at Queen’s Hall in Taunton, at the weekend. Ella won a significant financial prize, as well as the fantastic opportunity to perform a concerto with a full orchestra in the next academic year. The standard of the competition was particularly high this year and Ella performed alongside nine other finalists to take...
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Primary Maths Challenge

In November, a number of Year 6 pupils took part in the Primary Maths Challenge, a national competition involving 67,000 children around the country. Two Wells Junior School pupils achieved a score of over 20 in the initial challenge, which ensured qualification for the Bonus Round in February. Out of the 2,300 children who took part in this more demanding paper, both Wells pupils were awarded medals. Rosie was awarded a Silver medal and Joshua achieved the highest gold award,...
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Year 9 Drama Trip to The Making of Harry Potter

As part of our Drama and Integrated Arts programme, pupils in Year 9 took the opportunity to visit The Making of Harry Potter at Warner Bros Studio in London. The unique studio tour took pupils behind-the-scenes to explore the magic of the Harry Potter™ films, which showcased the huge array of beautiful sets, costumes and props. It also revealed some closely guarded secrets, including facts about the special effects and animatronics that made these films so hugely popular all over...
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Geography Field Trip to Glastonbury

28 Year 7 pupils headed to Glastonbury last Tuesday for a Geography field trip of two halves. In the first session pupils climbed to the top of Glastonbury Tor, where they learnt about the location of this historic landmark, followed by a session at the top on how to take bearings and measure slope angles using a clinometer.Pupils then headed into Glastonbury town centre to investigate the range of shops and determine where the busiest and most attractive parts of...
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Dorothy’s Magical Adventure

Wells Nursery and Pre-Prep pupils put on three sparkling performances of Dorothy’s Magical Adventure to parents, friends and siblings in the Ritchie Hall this week. This bespoke play, written and produced by Penelope Lambert, was inspired by the various strengths and personalities of the young children performing it – tailor-made to fit their individual talents! The story focuses on the adventures of a ruby-slippered Dorothy who explores different nursery rhyme lands, meeting a whole world of endearing characters along the...
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Theatre Trips to Oxford and Bath

A selection of pupils studying A-Level and GCSE Drama and Theatre Studies were treated to two wonderful theatre trips over the past couple of weeks. On Monday 18th February they were lucky enough to see a performance at the Ustinov Studio in Bath of the acclaimed The Blue Door, a play with original songs; listed by The Times as one of the most important shows to see in 2019. A true masterclass in acting from its two leads, the play...
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Regional Dance Heats

This year, two new Dance Companies have been created at Wells, one for the Upper School and one for the Lower School. We are delighted to announce that both groups are now through to the regional South heats at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon on Tuesday 19 March. Competing against other companies from across the South of England is a fantastic experience within itself, but there is also the possibility of a place in the National Finals. Best of luck...
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Commando Training Centre Royal Marines CTCRM

Last weekend Captain Elks and Lieutenant Lancey took 17 cadets away to the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in Lympstone, Devon. The cadets attempted the infamous Royal Marines bottom field assault course, completed the Royal Marines Battle Swimming Test with full weight and weapon, had an afternoon learning how to clear rooms in a house and fighting in built up areas (FIBUA), were introduced to foreign weapons of the world and then put through their paces on the drill square completing leadership...
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Intermediate Mathematics Challenge 2019

In February, 82 pupils from Years 9, 10 and 11 sat this year’s Intermediate Mathematics Challenge.11 Wells pupils achieved a Gold Certificate: Year 9 pupils Abigail and Jason; Year 10 pupils Rocket, Lilian, Imogen and Lynus; Year 11 pupils Justin, Harry, Francois, Amber and Jeroan, who gained the highest score in the school, for the second year running. In addition there were 15 pupils awarded Silver Certificates and 17 pupils awarded Bronze Certificates.12 pupils have been invited to take part...
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Brass Tour to Jersey

Five Sixth Form musicians spent four days in Jersey as part of a Brass Tour to the island, during the March exeat weekend. Trombonist Meggie, tuba player Jacob, French horn player Hannah, and trumpeters Eliza and Danni performed in four concerts, engaging and entertaining audiences with mute demos, trumpet and flugelhorn comparisons, impressive hand-stopping and “build a brass instrument” demonstrations. For the evening concert each musician elected to speak about their instruments and their repertoire, presenting well-researched and prepared information...
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Muddy Puddles, the Listening Dog

Lucky young pupils at Wells Cathedral Junior School have recently welcomed a caring and cuddly new friend to their classrooms. Muddy Puddles, a beautiful Australian labradoodle, and experienced ‘listening dog’, joins pupils in different Pre-Prep and Junior School classes once a week for group and one to one sessions with the children, helping them develop a passion for reading. With his calm and loving temperament and soft, warm coat, Muddy Puddles provides a reassuring and soothing presence for children starting...
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The Event on the Lawn 2019

The Event on the Lawn 2019 took place on the evening of Saturday 2nd March and proved a huge success.The night of live music involved performances from a huge range of talented singers and musicians from the Senior School, from individual vocalists, to the Jazz Orchestra, alternative rock groups to the Barbershop. Whilst enjoying the series of fabulous acts, the lively audience of pupils, family and friends were able to partake in tasty snacks and street food as well as...
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Devon Silver Tournament Champ

Congratulations to Year 10 pupil Kevin, who won the U19 Devon Silver Badminton Tournament on Sunday. Year 11 pupil John reached the Quarter-Finals.The boys also reached the Semi-Finals of the Boys Doubles in the same tournament.

Jazz Skills Day

Led by the engaging and professional jazz maestro Iain Ballamy and Head of Jazz Ed Leaker, young musicians at this year’s Jazz Skills Day experimented with improvisation styles in the jazz tradition. The sessions were embellished by a wide spectrum of instruments including flutes, euphonium and cornets, which all added to the great atmosphere on the day.

High Sheriff Concert

On Friday 22nd February, a Lower School Brass Quartet, comprising of Grace, Nathaniel, Alexander and Daniel, played in the High Sheriff of Somerset Concert in Wells Cathedral. The concert consisted of drama, dance and musical performances, involving people from across Somerset.This photo, taken by Nick Spratling, shows the Brass Quartet in action.

Principal Horn Trial at SCO

Congratulations to Old Wellensian, Zoë, who is currently on trial as Principal Horn of the internationally celebrated Scottish Chamber Orchestra (SCO). Zoë, who was Head Girl at Wells in her final year in 2017, is currently in her second year studying French Horn at The Royal Academy in London. She returned to Wells over the weekend to take part in the Fire and Water concert collaboration in Cedars Hall between members of the Royal Academy of Music and Wells Brass and...
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TedEd Talks

At the end of February, seven Lower Sixth pupils gave interesting and inspiring TedEd-style talks to a fascinated audience in Cedars Hall. Wells done to the following pupils on a range of diverse topics:Polly – ‘999 – Is It Really an Emergency?’ Georgia – ‘Living with Lenses’ Alexander – ‘Super-science ; the Science Behind Superpowers’Hannah – ‘Does Feminism Need a Rebrand?’ Astrid – ‘Is Every Challenge a Blessing in Disguise?’ William – ‘Why Meat-eaters are the Greatest Threat to Mankind’...
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First England Cap for Lily

Congratulations to Year 11 hockey player, Lily, who represented England U16 in the recent internationals against Ireland at Lilleshall National Sports Centre near Telford at the end of February. Lily gained her first caps as a forward in the English team which won both matches in a competitive derby. She is one of 25 members of the elite English squad.Lily will now look forward to the future series overseas against Belgium, Holland and Germany in the forthcoming months, whilst also preparing...
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Creative Writing and Theatre Trip to London

Earlier this week, 19 Senior School pupils, accompanied by English teachers Sam Clarke and Janice Gearon, spent two active days exploring London as part of a Creative Writing and Theatre trip to the West End.The group, which included those studying A-level English in the Upper and Lower Sixth, and some pupils in Years 10 and 11, took part in a challenging creative writing workshop run by BBC scriptwriter Frazer Flintham at the City Academy, as well as time exploring paintings...
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Lit Soc Explores Chaucer

Last week members of Lit Soc explored the art of Chaucer in their evening literary soiree. Four Upper Sixth pupils gave talks on different aspects of Chaucer’s work: Flora looked at the presentation of the family group in the context of other tales; Susanna explored the key historical context of his work; Tommy argued that Chaucer is more renaissance than medieval; whilst Miranda encouraged the captive audience to write some lines of Middle English poetry.The next Lit Soc is due...
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De Winton Lecture – Professor Ian Pallister

On Friday Professor Ian Pallister, Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon, based at Swansea University, gave a talk to Sixth Form pupils at the regular De Winton enrichment session. Professor Pallister brought some of his groundbreaking prosthetics with him, which some of our potential medics tried out after the talk!

Sixth Form Artists at Hauser & Wirth

Last Tuesday Sixth Form artists spent the day at Hauser and Wirth in Bruton. It was a very exciting, inspiring and creative day, viewing exhibitions of paintings and installations by Catherine Goodman and Matthew Day Jackson. The pupils experienced drawing workshops in response to the exhibitions, and created their own individual paintings informed by the painterly and expressive visual language of Catherine Goodman’s work. Catherine was artist in residence for the gallery for six months, and all the work displayed...
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Tate St Ives

Last Friday Wells GCSE art pupils visited Tate St. Ives and the Barbara Hepworth sculpture garden and museum. This trip forms the contextual ‘springboard’ for generating ideas and work for the Year 11 GCSE exam and Year 10 mock exam, based on the theme of ‘Reflection’. The pupils enjoyed sketchbook tours of the Modern Art of St. Ives; a collection of 20th Century art created in and around St. Ives. This included work by Ben Nicholson, Peter Lanyon, Barbara Hepworth,...
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Junior Poets

Junior School pupils from Years 5 and 6 took part in this year’s Shepton Mallet Poetry Festival, over the half term break. Pupils wrote poems on the theme of ‘snowdrops’ during their English lessons and entered them into the poetry competition where entries from all over the world were accepted. Eight pupils from the Junior School had their poems shortlisted from over 600 entries and were selected as finalists for the £50 prize money. They were asked to attend the...
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Fastest in the UK!

Congratulations to Year 5 pupil Asta, who swam the fastest 50m freestyle in the UK in the last 12 months for her age group, in the recent Somerset County Swimming Championships.Asta won ten events at the Championships, receiving gold, silver and bronze medals, and breaking a number of Street and District Swimming Club records. She has now qualified for events in the upcoming South West Regional Championships in May where she will swim against the region’s fastest U12 swimmers.

National Schools Badminton Championships

Congratulations to the Girls Badminton Team who represented the School in the prestigious National School Championships over the February half term break at Wellsway School in Keynsham, the first time that Wells pupils have taken part in the competition.Well done to Ava, Serena (Captain), Betty and Dora, all in Year 11.

Welcome Advice for Wells Newspaper Club

Journalist Mrs Knight led the Year 4 newspaper club in one of their weekly meetings before the half term break, bringing with her a fascinating and unique insight into national newspaper journalism.Mrs Knight provided the club with tips about hooking the reader in the first line of the article, and listening out for new and funny stories that the person being interviewed might not have told anyone else. She also spent time with budding Wells journalists helping them with their...
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Malcolm Arnold Trumpet Competition 2019

This year’s Malcolm Arnold Trumpet Competition was held in Cedars Hall on Tuesday and adjudicated by the Principal Trumpet of The Royal Shakespeare Company, Andrew Stone-Fewings.Pupils performed in different age categories, with the following results:Years 6/7Winner – CharlieHighly Commended – JoshuaYear 9Winner – FelixHighly Commended – GraceYears 10/11Winner – LukeHighly Commended – CharlieSixth Form ClassWinner – MatthewHighly Commended – ElizaThe Most Promising Trumpet Player was awarded to Luke.Adjudicator Andrew Stone-Fewings was impressed with the quality of the performances of the...
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The Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Competition

Congratulations to four Year 9 pupils, whose poems were commended in the Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Competition 2019.Highly commended: Freya and EmilyCommended:  Alix and Emily BoThe competition was judged by poet David Morley, winner of the Ted Hughes Award and Cholmondeley Award. He is the award-winning writer of eight books of poetry.

Gold at the International Acro Cup

Congratulations to Year 7 pupil Eliza who has won gold at the Bristol International Acro Cup, with her acrobatics partner Henry. The Acro Cup is an international acrobatic gymnastics competition, this year held at Yate International Gymnastics Centre.Eliza, who has been competing since she was eight years old, is clearly an extremely talented gymnast, and trains at the City of Bristol Gymnastics Centre, where her coach is based. Acrobatic gymnastics is a competitive gymnastic discipline where partnerships of gymnasts work together and...
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Musical Extravaganza

Monday evening’s Musical Extravaganza involved a wide range of talented young musicians from across the School, and featured vibrant performances from the Sinfonietta, Frigus Ensemble, Symphonic Wind Band and Jazz Ensemble.

Wind Promenade Concert

The fourth Woodwind Promenade concert, in its current format, offered a unique experience for performers and audience alike on the evening of Wednesday 23rd January.The concert, held in the beautiful environs of Wells Cathedral provided a wonderful showcase for the extensive repertoire of solo and chamber woodwind music at Wells.The evening featured a range of performances across the Cathedral from some of the youngest pupils in the Junior and Lower School to those from our most senior and experienced senior...
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Year 6 Senior School Transition

As part of the transition process to the Senior School Year 6 pupils took part in science lessons in the senior school laboratories last week.Class 6G attended a Physics lesson taught by Charlotte Farmer where they were investigating friction. First they looked at how hovercrafts work through the pockets of air at the base of the craft and progressed to build their own hovercraft using an old CD, a cork and a balloon.Class 6W attended a Chemistry lesson with Fiona...
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Brass and Percussion Promenade Concert

The first of our candlelit promenade concerts in Wells Cathedral took place last night, with a wonderful celebration of music at the Brass and Percussion Promenade. With Stravinsky’s dramatic trumpet Fanfare for a New Theatre emanating from the Cathedral Organ Loft to commence the performances, the rapt audience were treated to a stunning evening of themed-based repertoire with a connection to the live stage, including opera, ballet, Irish dance, musicals, incidental music and modern dance. Presented by pupils from the...
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South West Cross Country Championships

Congratulations to Year 12 pupils Ella and Matt, who have both been selected for the senior section of the Somerset Cross Country squad for the South West Championships at Bath Racecourse on 2nd February. Year 9 pupil Joshua has been selected for the reserve list in the junior section of the squad. Good luck to the runners!

St Endellion Festival Concert Series

Head of Student Performance, Paul Denegri, took three upper sixth music specialists to give a recital at The St Endellion Festival Concert Series in Cornwall on Monday.Violinist Cristina, pianist Bruce and bassist Alex gave outstanding performances of demanding repertoire in this prestigious professional concert series.

Trumpet Day 2019

Spirits were high on a chilly January day as enthusiastic trumpeters from Hampshire, Devon and Somerset raised the rafters of the Quilter Hall. Four experienced tutors, all professional trumpeters, led the groups, including three Old Wellensian musicians: Ross Brown, Hannah Opstad and Robert Webb. Wells specialist trumpet teacher, Simon Jones, led the grade 5-6 ensemble; whilst all tutors were expertly assisted by current senior trumpet specialists: Jesse, Charlie, Eliza and Danni. Parents and friends enjoyed a rousing concert, which included...
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University and Music College Offers

Final year pupils at Wells Cathedral School have been receiving offers and scholarships from prestigious academic and music establishments, as they plan the next steps in their education post A-level.Pupils have, to date, received over 130 offers from Russell Group universities, with offers to study a wide range of subjects at universities across the UK, from aerospace engineering to geology, history of art to law. Five pupils have received offers from Cambridge University to continue with their studies: Flora has...
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Planet Percussion

On Saturday, the percussion section and trumpeter Richard Blake from the world-acclaimed City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra joined Wells instrumentalists and singers and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire at Cedars Hall for the Planet Percussion concert.Music included the post-war masterpieces Music for Mallet Instruments, Voices and Organ by Steve Reich, the extraordinary Kimmo for trumpet and percussion by Anders Eliasson and Rick Dior’s insane B-movie homage Science Fiction with live video projection.The packed audience were delighted with the eclectic sounds and...
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ECB Level 4 Master Coach

Congratulations to Director of Sport, Tom Webley, who has been awarded Level 4 Master Coach status by the English Cricket Board over the Christmas holidays. The elite course is widely regarded as one of the highest coaching qualifications internationally, and held by only 140 coaches worldwide. Tom has been working towards the prestigious qualification over the past three years, with components including 52 days of course contact time, numerous assignments and a dissertation on elite coaching. Tom said, “I’m hopeful...
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Imperium

As part of the school’s unique sixth form medieval history syllabus, the history department has produced a European companion to the English history text. Written by Chris Eldridge, edited by Marcella Bishop and published by Neil Bowen, our new book, Imperium: The Fall of Antiquity and the Birth of Europe 284-1118, is an ambitious foray into the politics behind the decline and fall of the Roman Empire and the emergence of Europe as a political, not just geographical, concept. It...
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Mendip League Cross Country

Our Junior School pupils have been competing in this season’s Mendip League cross country league around the region, with particular success going to the Wells lower and upper girls’ teams at this half-way point in the championship.Well done to all members of the Wells team and particular congratulations to the following pupils who have achieved top 30 rankings in the league races at Millfield Prep School and Shepton Mallet’s Collett Park before Christmas:Lower Girls and Boys: Willow, Eva, Olivia, Lulu,...
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