UPDATE

AUTUMN 2018 ENRICHMENT OFF TO A FLYING START Varndean’s enrichment activities have got off to a flying start. Students have already attended the weekly Law Society to discuss the pros and cons of the death penalty, the College’s netball team have competed in their first league match of the season, students have read poetry on the theme of ‘change’, and the Politics Society has welcomed its first speaker of the year, local Labour MP Peter Kyle.

VARNDEAN COLLEGE IS DELIGHTED WITH THE SUCCESS OF ITS STUDENTS WHO HAVE ONCE AGAIN MAINTAINED AN IMPRESSIVE RECORD OF IB, A LEVEL AND VOCATIONAL EXAM RESULTS. ANOTHER YEAR OF EXAM SUCCESS FOR From a total of 1312 A Level exams Principal, Phil Harland, said; “We Samuel Segal (ex ), College, London, Ines Mathieu and Zoe Alexander (ex Dorothy taken, the overall pass rate was are extremely proud of the excellent gained an incredible maximum score Garcia de Movellan (ex Millais Stringer), Art Foundation at 98.02%, with 49% achieving A*-B results achieved by our students of 45 points, putting him in the top School), Politics and International Met. Isabelle Standen, and 75% achieving A*-C grades. 19 this year, particularly in light of the 0.5% of students worldwide, and is Studies at Warwick University with 40 points, is studying Politics, A level subjects achieved a 100% recent changes to A Levels which has now studying Medicine at Sheffield Philosophy and Law at King’s pass rate made them even more challenging University. Portia Smith (ex London with a £20,000 Visual Arts courses (Art, Graphic than before. Students and staff have College) gained 43 points and is scholarship and Magdalena Lech Design, 3D Design, Textiles and worked extremely hard over the last studying Medicine at Cambridge, (ex Bedes) with 36 points, studying Photography) were once again two years and thoroughly deserve Gemma Robson (ex High) Medicine at Southampton. particularly impressive. Out of the this success. “ gained 44 points and is studying Last year’s IB Co-ordinator, Emily 250 entries, all subjects achieved The A Level exam success followed History at Oxford, and Bruno Buckley Board, couldn’t praise the students a 100% pass rate with 94% of on from Varndean’s second best (ex-Hove Park) gained 39 points and highly enough. “The International students achieving A*- C grades and ever International Baccalaureate is studying History at Cambridge. Baccalaureate is certainly a 30.4% achieving the prestigious A* results earlier in July, when 42 IB With 43 points was another of challenge but it produces confident grade. Diploma students averaged 36.12 our medics Ruth Goffi (ex Lewes and articulate young people The College also offers a points, the equivalent to three A Priory School) who is now studying who know a lot about the world comprehensive programme of A grades at A Level, with 13 students Medicine at Brighton and Sussex around them and can really think Level equivalent vocational courses, (30.95%) gaining 40 points or above. Medical School and Samantha for themselves. It’s been a great which many students take alongside Seventy-five per cent of those Burgess (ex Dorothy Stringer) who is pleasure working with them all and traditional A Levels, and once applying to UCAS acquired places at studying Liberal Arts at Leeds. we wish them all the success again these results were equally Russell Group universities, including With 42 points was Calvin Liu in their future careers. They impressive with 16 courses achieving three at Oxford and Cambridge and (ex Seaford Head) studying are a real credit to the a 100% pass rate. six studying Medicine. One student, Medicine at Queen Mary College.” VARNDEAN STUDENTS REAP IN THE AWARDS

PATHWAYS 2SUCCESS CAMBRIDGE CONFERENCE Three of our Modern Language students, Elsa Polo Laube, Tatyana Goodwin and Joanna Goad, all went to the Pathways2Success Conference at Cambridge University back in July. They stayed overnight at the Our Early Years and Child Care students stunning women only Murray Edwards College and recently underwent a six hour paediatric attended talks on Success and Opportunities, met first aid course, provided by ‘Daisy First current and former students, as well as participating Aid’. Students learnt how to respond to in workshops on how to apply to Cambridge. The emergency situations such as, choking, KATE GRANLUND MONICA RICHARDS JUDE BIRCH event was a great opportunity to meet aspiring young burns and scalds, bleeding, seizures, and women from across the country and a real eye opener ‘INNOVATOR OF unresponsive breathing. Back in June, Varndean student, and 2018. Kate hopes to go on to to student life at Cambridge University. THE YEAR’ Kate Granlund was awarded study at Cambridge University in Congratulations go once again joint second place in Cambridge the future. to Varndean College student, University’s annual Woolf Essay Another current second year IB Jude Birch, who has scooped up Prize. Kate, who previously went yet another award; this time one to , and is student, Monica Richards, also INTERNATIONAL achieved success back in the of ’s Youth in Action now in her second year studying awards, ‘Innovator of the Year’, the International Baccalaureate summer by becoming runner up in WELCOME the Politics and Economics category sponsored by the i360. Presented September saw us welcome 81 international students to Diploma was invited to attend the of New College of Humanities’ essay by the i360’s Head of Sales Varndean College. The students were given an induction prestigious university’s prize-giving writing competition in which only and Marketing, Jude’s mother day in early September and were also shown the various ceremony where guests were given 27 students were shortlisted out collected the award on his behalf tourist sites in Brighton. Here they can be seen enjoying a tour of Newnham College, followed of 1,800 entries. Monica’s essay as Jude was taking up another the likes of The and Brighton’s seafront by a presentation ceremony when was titled “Is war a prerequisite for of his prizes at the time, a trip to attractions. Kate collected her certificate along peace?” Google’s HQ in California! Jude with £200 prize money. had previously beat off more The Woolf Essay Prize is an annual A Level student Tatyana Goodwin, than 3,500 people in Google’s competition offered by Cambridge also won third place in the History annual coding competition University with questions inspired category of New College of back in February by creating an by Virginia Woolf’s ‘A Room of One’s Humanities essay competition and educational game using Pocket Own’. This year’s question was ‘I find more recently also won joint second Code. Jude studies Computer myself saying briefly and prosaically prize in Trinity College, Cambridge’s Science, Maths, Further Maths that it is much more important to R.A.Butler Prize for essays in Politics and Physics A Levels and hopes be oneself than anyone else. Do not and International Studies. Tatyana’s to follow a career in computer dream of influencing other people.’ latest prize was £200 but this is programming in the future. To what extent was this possible divided equally between the entrant for female writers pre-1928? Ninety and his/her college, so Varndean years on, is the situation any received a book token to the value different? Kate’s winning essay of £100 for use in its library. Tatyana, explored the extent to which it was who is in her second year studying possible for female writers to be and four A Levels in English Literature, write as themselves, both pre-1928 Modern History, Philosophy and and today. She also explored the Maths, as well as the Extended relationship between gender and Project Qualification, is hoping to self in literature as well as the place study at Oxford University in the that influential writing has held future. in female literature between 1928

VARNDEAN COLLEGE FINISH THIRD IN CHEMISTRY NEWS ‘CYCLE SEPTEMBER’ CAMBRIDGE CHEMISTRY Members of staff at Varndean COMPETITION AWARDS VARNDEAN COLLEGE College took part in the ‘Cycle Varndean students once again FILM STUDENTS ATTEND September’ competition again this competed in Cambridge University’s year. Run by Love to Ride, Brighton C3L6 Competition in the summer A TALK BY WORLD & Hove, participants gain points by and yet again won some impressive cycling and registering their trips. medals. Twenty-five Varndean RENOWNED FILM CRITIC Companies and organisations enter students were granted awards; 3 as teams, cycle to gain points and gold, 9 silver and 13 copper. DAVID THOMSON move up the league to win prizes. World renowned film critic David The Independent, The New York CHEMISTRY OLYMPIAD Out of 150 organisations which Thomson, made a rare UK personal Times and Sight & Sound. signed up, Varndean finished in 3rd A strong team also took part in the appearance at the Depot Cinema, He is the author of more than 30 place within Brighton & Hove and 6th RSC’s annual Chemistry Olympiad Lewes, back in March, sharing books on film, including The Moment nationally. this year and finished with 18 DOCTORS IN THE MAKING his insights in conversation with of Psycho: How Alfred Hitchcock Visual Arts technician Richard medals; 13 bronze and 3 silver. In July, some of our potential medics listened to a talk by Dr Anita Depot Young Programmers. Three Taught America to Love Murder and Gaskell finished 5th in the Top Sugavanam Consultant Anaesthetist at the BSUH entitled ‘Please Do CHEMSOC TALKS: of these programmers were The Whole Equation: A History of Commuter League with 249 miles Not Give Me a Blood Transfusion Unless I am Bleeding to Death! They are Varndean students: Edie Dams, cycled over 20 days and Cathy The ChemSoc has started the series Hollywood. pictured with Dr Sugavanam and Chemistry tutor, John Luton. Carlos Almonacid and Phoebe Jackson was our top ‘new rider’ with of talks by eminent speakers. We In this rare opportunity, David Ralph, who were participants in the 92 miles logged over 9 trips. Pictured started with Jasmine Lightfoot (ex The MedVetDent Society continues on with a series of speakers set for this (now resident in San Francisco) programme. here are just some of the members of student) who is investigating novel term, see below: explored with the students the staff who took part. A huge well done ways to tackle the current plastic Described by John Banville as ‘the unique experience of watching film to all of them. problem by making biodegradable FORTHCOMING MEDVETDENT AND CHEMISTRY TALKS greatest living writer on the movies’, using examples from knowledge of polymers from sugar sources like Students can also look forward to many forthcoming talks over Thomson has written about film for Hollywood cinema and answering cellulose (of which there is masses!). the coming weeks: publications such as The Guardian, questions in a Q&A. This has been followed by Joe l Yann Newby “Lfe as a medic, what to put in a personal statement Downey from Kings Hospital London and work experience”. where he is currently researching l Anjum Memon “Public Health and Epidemiology” more efficient ways of using PET STUDENTS GET PADDLING l Dr Sally Doust “Holistic medicine and whole-person care” scans to detect prostate cancers. Last month, our Public Service Level 3 students participated in l These talks give a fascinating Cyril Crua “Engineering” a raft-building session at Buzz Active in Cuckmere Haven, which insight into the current cutting edge l Mustafa Mohammed “A Life in Chemical Engineering” formed part of their unit on Leadership and Teamwork. research going on in chemistry and l Hal Sosabowski (date and venue to be confirmed) They managed to build successful crafts and then had races on illuminating to see how young the “Drugs: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” the river with them before working together to paddle a Giant researchers are! SUP on the river. LOTTI BENTHAM MATILDA HOLTOM WILLIAM EVERETT MAYA RUTLAND OTIS WALSH

VISUAL ARTS STUDENT LILY MCCUE Visual Arts student Lily McCue, who only left Varndean this summer, has already been busy working alongside various designers. Lily helped of his photography portfolio has eventually producing a set of stamps designer Sarah Arnett paint ‘Soraya’, secured him a place on the Art to commemorate these great ships.” one of the many snails featured VISUAL ARTS SUMMER Foundation course at Brighton Met.” Matilda is now in London studying in Brighton’s local Snail trail. She Graphic Design at Central St. worked on the ‘Thank You’ to the EXHIBITION 2018 Otis Walsh (ex Dorothy Martins. British Legion to celebrate their 100 Stringer school) studied A Level year anniversary, has undertaken Photography and won the Anne William Everett (ex Dorothy Varndean’s Visual Arts department The economic future of the UK Ellis Warren (ex Lewes Priory a fashion Intern at the Sunday Howard Memorial Golden Shutter Stringer School), studied A level supports the work of more than two depends on creativity, and ), studied Photography Times ‘Style’ magazine, as well as Award 2018 3D Design. William said “The hundred A Level Fine Art, Graphic College exemplifies the high Ellis said “My time at working with textile designer Sophie A Level. He created a project about The 3D course has definitely been Design, Photography, Textiles and standards of achievement which Varndean has allowed me to develop Darling at Port Elliot Festival. Lily Royal Sussex County Hospital. the main highlight of my time at 3D Design students from Brighton, our young people are capable of.’ my ideas in ways I never would have (who previously went to Blatchington Otis said ‘I wanted to capture the Varndean College as the teachers Hove, Sussex and further afield. At its Generously supported by Cass Art, otherwise.” His photography teacher Mill School) achieved A Levels in Art way that the NHS has managed to are wonderful and the projects summer Visual Arts Exhibition, Head also in Market Street, commended Gail Eastwood said “His projects are (A*), Textiles (A*) and Film Studies (A) maintain the order of the hospital we’re given are really fun and of Visual Arts, Rob Macdonald said students received a gift of art rich and personal and the strength at Varndean and is now following an even despite the construction challenging.” William’s 3D teacher “Our end of year summer exhibition is materials worth £50. Maya received Art Foundation Degree at Brighton process.’ Otis’ teacher Gail Eastwood Sarah Lampard-Sawyer said “Will’s a celebration of ingenuity, personal an additional award for materials Met. ELLIS WARREN said ‘His work has been selected projects have an innate sense of expression and a lot of hard work! - very useful as she continues her because of the interesting story curiosity and a conviction that I’m very proud of the superb creative studies in art at Brighton Met telling and narrative - and the idea the design process should be work of our talented Year 2 students College. of looking at the inside and outside governed by the physical process of who will go on to be the stars of the of the building, reflecting its use.’ making.” William is at Loughborough future in the UK’s creative industries. Otis is continuing his Photography University following a degree in In a climate where creative subjects studies at Brighton Met. Product Design. are under threat in schools, we are more convinced than ever of their importance for careers.” Here are just Matilda Holtom (ex- Dorothy Lotti Bentham (ex-Shoreham a few examples of the work seen. Stringer School) studied A Level College) studied A Level Art and Graphic Design. Matilda said “I Textiles. Lotti said “I love making have really enjoyed the course and work that makes people laugh”. Maya Rutland (ex-Dorothy it has enabled me to experiment Lotti’s textiles teacher Jill Hurst Stringer School) studied Art and and develop ideas in my own way.’ said “Lotti has been so much fun Textiles and was the winner of the Matilda’s teacher Dave Stephens to work with and is one of the most Kellie Miller Art Award. said ‘Matilda spent a lot of time prolific students I’ve taught.” Lotti is Gallery owner Kellie Miller said researching the ships including now following an Art Foundation at ‘The creativity of the young people a visit to the Mary Rose before Central St. Martins in London. around us today is truly inspiring.

VARNDEAN COLLEGE WIN SUSSEX SCHOOLS U19 FOOTBALL LEAGUE Varndean capped off a great and ran out 2-0 winners on the with the Russell Martin season in the Sussex Schools U19 night with goals from Lucas Foundation, has gone from League back in April, with a win in Tyrell and Callum Kealy. Some strength to strength this year the 1st XI Final against a strong great performances and a ‘MOM’ and has the chance of further side. display from Thomas Cooklin. silverware in the English Colleges Varndean had been unbeaten The College football academy regional competition. ZAMBIA! in this competition all season programme, run in partnership Back in July, Varndean students & staff made their annual trip to Zambia & took with them the largest amount of charity donations ever! 19 bags weighing over 20kg each (one bag actually burst at Heathrow and they had to have it bubble wrapped). Whilst there, they also planned for 18 bicycles to be bought for students identified as having the furthest to walk to school (often 2 hours each way!) from a shipment that will arrive in Luansobe in Oct/Nov. Work wise, students were extremely busy building one of four drop toilets at a school in Kwesha (each brick weighed 8kg!), making 16 tables and benches; they also scraped and painted a long wall outside the creche and taught lessons in the local school. A School Sanitation project was introduced to 50 school girls and translated into Bemba with the intention that 3 schools will be involved in the scheme. Varndean students were a credit to the College in their efforts and engagement with the community and they also cooked some delicious meals. Needless to say, couscous and rice will not be on their menus for a VARNDEAN COLLEGE SPORTS long time! Exhausted, everyone was in bed by 9pm every evening! LEADERSHIP AWARD STUDENTS GAIN VALUABLE EXPERIENCE ORGANISING ‘YEAR 9 SURRENDEN CUP’ Students at Varndean College This year, the Surrenden Cup following the Sports Leadership saw Year 9’s from BACA, Dorothy Award alongside their academic Stringer, Longhill, PACA, Patcham studies once again ran another and Varndean schools compete in fantastic tournament for the a day’s football tournament, with ‘Year 9 Surrenden Cup’. taking home The College’s Sports Leadership the winning trophy for the second Award is aimed at developing time in three years. the students’ communication, Lloyd Hooper, Programme Leader organisation and leadership skills for Sports at Varndean College through sports coaching and as said: “This is a great course for any well as coaching pupils from Years student wishing to develop his/her 3-6 in their PE lessons at two local teamwork and leadership skills. primary schools, students are also Students learn how to plan and expected to organise and deliver lead activity sessions and sporting the Year 9 Surrenden Cup for pupils events, which can help lead them at six local secondary schools. into employment in the industry.” VARNDEAN MEDICAL STUDENT WINS SEVEN YEAR BURSARY FROM THE ARMY Varndean Science student Anya-Niamh Tidey has her eyes set on a medical career in The Army when she graduates, but her passion, skills and achievements have already BUSINESS been recognised by The Army who have awarded her a remarkable seven year bursary. STUDENTS OUT Anya-Niamh, who previously studied at Holy Trinity AND ABOUT CofE School, currently studies A Levels in Biology, Even though it was supposed to Chemistry and Physics, as well as the Extended Project be Spring, Year 2 BTEC Business Qualification, and hopes to study medicine at one of the UK’s top Diploma students braved the universities for six years before going on to be a doctor with the Armed torrential rain back in May to visit Forces. She recently applied for the bursary through The Army’s website and Ravens Bakery and its surrounding had to undergo an in-depth interview, full medical, as well as various short area as part of their assignment stay activity days wherein both her physical and mental skills were tested research work. Students sampled a to the limit. Anya-Niamh had to prove herself by completing various assault range of products from the bakery courses, a bleep test, as well as computing tests and essay writing. and their competition, looked at She has now been granted an incredible bursary of £3,000 in her final the main target market of the area year of study at Varndean College, £2,000 in each of her first three years and considered possible marketing at university, followed by £10,000 for her final three years of university campaigns to raise the profile of education. the business. Despite the dreadful weather, the students were The Army currently employs around 600,000 people from all over the UK and brilliant and made some insightful there is a desperate, pressing need for scientists, engineers, accountants, observations - the food tasting mathematicians, doctors, nurses, legal experts, and much else besides went down well too! The research formed part of their presentations VARNDEAN STUDENT WINS SUSSEX for their final assignment of their POLICE ‘INDIVIDUAL CADET OF THE YEAR’ Unit 9 work. Then in October, Business BTEC AWARD Level 2 students visited the Varndean College student, Harry newly established Cereal Café in Dawes, has recently been awarded Brighton. Being only the fifth Sussex Police’s ‘Individual Cadet one like it to open in the UK, of the Year’ award. Harry, who was the Cereal Café is run by one a former student at the Burgess of Varndean’s ex-students and Hill Academy (formerly Oakmeeds is like a cereal ‘pick’n’mix’, in a Community College) is currently uniquely styled ‘Doodle Café’ studying for the BTEC Diploma in where drawing on anything is Public Services (equivalent to 2 permitted! Visitors have the A Levels), alongside a BTEC Sub opportunity of choosing from a Diploma in Applied Biology, and menu of various combinations of hopes to follow a career either with cereals, mixing up to six cereals in Sussex Police or as an airline pilot in a bowl, then added with a choice the future. of over 50 different toppings! Needless to say, the students had Varndean College currently has a fun time and learnt about the nine students who are Police cadets pros and cons of starting up your throughout different units in Sussex. own business. We congratulate Harry on this splendid achievement.

Varndean College For further information Surrenden Road please telephone Brighton (01273) 508011 www.varndean.ac.uk BN1 6WQ email: [email protected] Autumn 2018