UPDATE

AUTUMN 2019 WORLD-BEATING SCORES ANOTHER YEAR OF YET AGAIN FOR VARNDEAN EXAM SUCCESS FOR COLLEGE IB STUDENTS

IB MEDICINE STUDENTS DYLAN PONSFORD KATE GRANLUND Varndean College once again Congratulations went to Kate Varndean College is the only local Varndean College is once again Principal, Phil Harland, said; “We celebrated outstanding Granlund (ex Dorothy Stringer) who state-run provider of the IB Diploma delighted with the success of are extremely proud of the excellent International Baccalaureate (IB) achieved 40 points and is studying in the local area, which it has offered its students who have yet again results achieved by our students Diploma results back in July, with English at Cambridge, as well as since 2008. This prestigious Diploma achieved an impressive record of A again this year, particularly with all our IB students who secured is one of the world’s most highly- this year’s cohort of students bound Level and Vocational exam results. the A Level linear format being for leading universities including places on Medicine degree courses: regarded and academically rigorous reintroduced recently. This has made l 1229 A Level exams were taken Cambridge, Durham, Bristol, UCL, Daisy Beddall, Amalia Coburn, educational programmes, requiring the exams even more challenging; Louie Garnett, Ella Shepherd, Anya students to succeed in six subjects l Overall pass rate at A level was Warwick, York, Sheffield and Leeds. and students and staff have worked TATYANA GOODWIN Rehman-Wood and Jessica Simpson. - including English Literature, 97.5% with almost 50% achieving tirelessly over the last two years in STUDYING POLITICS & PHILOSOPHY, Star performers included Anya Mathematics, a Science, a Foreign A*-B and 72% achieving A*-C These results came at the end of order to deserve the success they LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS Rehman-Wood (ex Downlands Language and a Humanities subject grades School), whose near-perfect score another successful academic year - as well as completing a 4000-word have achieved. I would like to thank for the IB Diploma at Varndean l 21 vocational courses had a 100% of 44 points out of 45 - comparable extended essay on a subject of their my entire staff for their hard work College, praised recently by Ofsted pass rate. to five A*s at A Level - placed her in choice and undertaking community and enthusiasm over this past year who commended the “exceptional l Visual Arts courses (Art, Graphic the top 1% of 169,000 IB students work. and for giving our students the drive quality” of IB students’ work at Design, 3D Design, Textiles and worldwide. Anya will study Medicine and passion to achieve the best the College, adding, “Students on Lee Finlay-Gray, IB Diploma Photography) were once again at University College London. Dylan they can.” the IB course make outstanding Coordinator, commented: “The IB extremely impressive. Out of the Ponsford (ex Lewes Priory), with 42 This exam success follows on progress. Their achievement is Diploma is a demanding course, 254 entries, 94% of students points, will read Mathematics at from the successful International exceptionally high and well above which yet again has inspired our achieved A*- C grades. the University of Warwick, while the international average.” students and teachers to excel. Baccalaureate results earlier in l Our English, Film, Humanities and DANNY DUFFILL the 41 points achieved by Cardinal Our learners leave us as confident July, when 50 IB Diploma students STUDYING BIOMEDICAL Newman’s Sophia Stamoulis and and articulate young people, Law continue to be outstanding. averaged 36 points, the equivalent ENGINEERING, IMPERIAL ex-Dorothy Stringer duo Freya Clarke independent, questioning and A level Law students gained 100% to 3 A grades at A Level, with nine COLLEGE, LONDON and Ella Remande-Guyarde put all knowledgeable about the world pass rate with 63% getting A*-B, students gaining an impressive 40 three of them in the top 2.5% of around them. They are a credit to the Film Studies 100% pass rate with points+ (equivalent to 3 A* grades). students worldwide. Ella will read College and the IB community.” 64% A*-B, English Literature 100% See opposite page for full story. Politics, Philosophy and Economics pass rate with 84% gaining A*-C, Ex-IB student Ella Cohen-Haddon, at the . Politics students 100% pass rate who graduated this year from Oxford Nearly half of the 50 students University with a degree in Oriental with 77% gaining A*-C. achieved 36 or more Diploma points, Studies, said: “My enthusiasm for equivalent to AAA at A level; with languages was really cultivated by nine gaining an impressive 40 the wonderful French and German teachers I had during my time on the JO GOAD points or more, equivalent of A*A*A* IB at Varndean and more broadly I STUDYING GEOGRAPHY, and placing them in the top 3% of UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE students worldwide. think that the IB encouraged me to think beyond the UK and Europe in terms of education and possibilities.”

ANYA REHMAN-WOOD BERLIN CHILDCARE AND Our second year German lessons; in the afternoon EDUCATION DIPLOMA A Level and IB students they had a chance to went on a trip to Berlin explore the vibrant and STUDENTS YET AGAIN last December. To improve historical parts of the city ACHIEVE OUTSTANDING their language skills and enjoyed a variety of CAMBRIDGE they attended lessons excursions and diverse CHEMISTRY RESULTS in a language school activities, in which they COMPETITION Varndean College’s students undertaking the two year NCFE in the trendy district of learned about German SUCCESS CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education have once Prenzlauer Berg every politics, history and food! again achieved an outstanding set of results; some continuing morning. The lessons The evenings were packed Varndean College students once again competed their studies on higher education degree courses and some were tailor-made to their with cultural programmes in Cambridge University’s annual C3L6 Chemistry receiving offers of employment. abilities and they enjoyed and included a mix of Competition and yet again won an impressive The fourteen students who recently completed course achieved learning with students of light hearted theatre, a LAW STORIES array of copper, silver and gold awards. Thirty-six an impressive 100% pass rate, with 50% achieving an A*- A all ages and nationalities. multi-media exhibition Varndean students were granted awards; 1 gold, grade and 50% achieving B-C. The quality of the and the fabulous German MOCK TRIAL AT 15 silver and 20 copper. This represented just under lessons, the inclusive Samiya Ali and Serine Toumi will study Childhood and Youth Christmas markets. 50% of first year International Baccalaureate learning environment, MAGISTRATES COURT Studies at Greenwich University; with a third, Ali Rabina, also Varndean’s annual mock trial competition moved students and 63% of first year A Level students. friendly teachers and going to Greenwich University to study Criminology & Criminal off site this year to the Brighton Magistrates Court. excellent facilities in The competition is open to any UK student in Justice. Laila Elhadaoui will study Early Childhood Studies at JP Shirley Venning and School Governor, Jeff Nixon, the school made this an Year 12 (ie first year of sixth form) studying either the University of East London and Danielle Moss, Children’s presided over two mock trial competitions. Students unforgettable and highly A Levels or the International Baccalaureate. It Nursing at Edge Hill University, Lancashire. Ella Collins and had spent weeks preparing for the court case in which valuable experience. takes the form of a 90 minute written paper which Kaitlin Holford have offers of employment in childcare and a teacher was charged with assaulting a pupil whilst students take within college. Students who do education. Ella as a teaching assistant at Downs View School The students not only in his class. Heated exchanges took place between well in the competition are sent certificates of and Kaitlin looking after children at a children’s holiday club in benefited from language barristers over key pieces of evidence. Fraser Howell achievement (either a copper, silver or gold award), Greece. and Bobbi Perrerrell-Farnes, acting for prosecution, and those who perform best win an invitation to a secured a guilty verdict by staying cool under pressure This follows on from last year’s success when three Childcare residential camp at the University of Cambridge at and having exceptionally well-prepared questions Diploma students took up places at Brighton University to the end of August. courtesy of the whole teams. Both students now intend follow Teacher Training degrees and two students went to to pursue this as a career - well done to all! the prestigious Norland College in Bath to become ‘Norland Nannies’. The NCFE CACHE Diploma is VARNDEAN LAW STUDENTS a two year vocational course, INVITED TO NATIONAL equivalent to 3 A Levels, in which the students undertake a series LEGAL APPRENTICE FINAL DANCING TO SUCCESS Five Varndean Law students, Lottie James, Erin Young, of coursework units. They also This year, we said Sienna Collins (ex BACA) Anna Nye, Angel Fullylove and George Vranceanu, were have to complete 750 hours goodbye to five more - BA (Hons) Dance at all personally invited to attend the National Legal of work placement, as well of our dance students Chichester University Apprentice final at News UK, in London. The two teams as undertaken a 5000-word who are heading off to had competed nationally with 900 other teams for essay. Georgia Simpson (ex KAITLIN HOLFORD continue their dance ) - BA the potential of an apprenticeship at international law STUDENTS CELEBRATE training as full-time (Hons) Dance at The firm Kingsley Napley. Varndean teams came within the students on various dance Liverpool Institute for top 50 teams. Participants took part in three rounds FRESHERS’ WEEK courses throughout the of legal competition, varying from The very dynamic Varndean College Student Performing Arts (LIPA) UK. identifying difficult legal issues Union organised a lively and fun 80s themed Hannah Parker such as employment rights, health party to celebrate the end of Freshers’ week. Milly Stead (ex Patcham (ex Lewes Geoghan and safety law and negligence All Year One students were treated to some High School) - BA (Hons) Priory) - BA (Hons) Dance to interviewing witnesses and refreshments in the Student Common Room Dance at Chichester Performance at Middlesex preparing witness statements. where they took the opportunity to chat and University University All agreed however that the meet fellow new students. (from China) - BA Erjia Lui We wish them all the best last challenge of pitching to a (Hons) in Contemporary Outside in the quad, our SU had booked an of luck for their future potential high-profile client was Dance at London inflatable pod, complete with a full set of 80s careers. the most difficult - something Contemporary Dance props and students took some very inspired they all aim to perfect for this School (The Place) photos! What a great start to the academic DANIELLE MOSS, ALI RABINA AND SERINE TOURMI year’s competition. year! The 3D Design department organised a visit to for their first year HETTY LUCAS 3D students. The purpose of the visit is to use the Marina IMOGEN LONGLEY and the planned ‘Tower’ development site as the context for their first practical project. We did extensive drawings, SCARLETT WISH photographs and recording of the Marina and surrounding area to use as a resource in the LOTTI TERRY development of ideas for this project. It gives the students the opportunity to work to a ‘live’ Hetty Lucas Lotti Terry project brief. Hetty Lucas, (ex Downlands), studied Lotti Terry, (ex Varndean School), VISUAL ARTS SUMMER A level Textiles. Hetty’s project studied A Level Photography. India’s was based on armour, recycling portraits were shot on a trip to GRAPHIC DESIGN plastics and wool to create a fashion Morocco. Lotti said ‘Being thrown STUDENT DESIGNS EXHIBITION 2019 garment. Hetty said “I would highly in at the deep end in Morocco was POSTER FOR BREAKING Varndean College Visual Arts Scarlett Wish Yuri Blishen recommend the course to anyone one of the most challenging things BOUNDARIES Department supports the work Scarlett Wish , (ex – Lewes Grammar) Yuri Blishen, (ex Dorothy Stringer) wishing to express and explore their I have ever done. I was given lots First year Graphic Design students of more than two hundred A Level studied her A Level Fine Art. Scarlett studied A Level 3D Design. Yuri’s creative side.’’ Hetty’s tutor Jill Hurst of access to domestic life and the were in close collaboration with the Photography, Art, Textile Design, says ‘’ doing Art at Varndean exhibition featured a vinyl record said ‘’Hetty is a really innovative genuine generosity of the people Dance Department earlier this year Graphic Design and 3D-Design has really helped me develop my storage unit. Yuri said ‘I really student and she has created who befriended me comes across to produce publicity for the annual students and from 7 -11 June confidence’’. Scarlett’s tutor Amy enjoyed my time in 3D Design, it was beautiful pieces.” Hetty is now at in the portraits.’’. Lotti’s tutor Gail performance of Breaking Boundaries, this year opened its doors to the Dury said ‘’Scarlett took the streets my favourite course’’. Yuri’s tutor York University studying Business Eastwood said ‘’Lotti has been such held at the Sallis Benney Theatre in public to view the students’ work of Lewes as her inspiration, with Belinda Coyne said ‘Yuri responded Management. an inspirational student and her Brighton in May. at its annual Visual Arts Summer vibrant colours and lines in her to an initial design brief about work has been awarded the Anne Archie Redgrave’s design was Exhibition. stunning paintings.’’. Scarlett is now movement in nature and his final Imogen Longley Howard Memorial Golden Shutter selected out of the many at Northbrook MET doing an Art piece showcased his exceptional Imogen Longley, (ex Lewes Grammar) Award 2019.’’ Lotti is now studying outstanding designs created by the Head of Visual Arts Rob Macdonald Foundation course. making skills.’’ Yuri is now at Brighton studied A Level Graphic Design. Musical Theatre at The MET. students, who all gained valuable said, ‘’the exhibition was a MET doing an Art Foundation course. Imogen’s end of year exhibition experience working on this live wonderful celebration of the featured a series of eerie illustrations project with Lisa Yelland, creative talents of our students. In for the nursery rhyme Ring-a-ring- Artistic Director, and the a time when visual arts subjects YURI BLISHEN a-roses. Imogen said ‘’I wanted dancers as clients. are sometimes side-lined, we are to examine the dark and sinister Archie’s design was inspired proud to champion how important elements of its origins in the Great by the Bauhaus and used creative subjects are for the future Plague’’. Imogen’s tutor Jas Chopra an avant-garde typeface, success of these brilliant young said ‘Combining lino cut techniques, subdued colour scheme people and we welcome visitors in traditional mark making and with cropped photographs to see for themselves these stars of digital processes allowed Imogen to to express the elements of tomorrow.’’ establish a bold and illustrative style different identities, which while also maintaining strong and was the theme of this year’s meaningful concepts.” Imogen is now performance. at Kingston School of Art in London. VARNDEAN COLLEGE SCIENCE STEM TO GROW STUDENT WINS UK ‘YOUNG AT VARNDEAN SCIENTIST OF THE YEAR’ AWARD Construction of our new £2.9m STEM DRAMA & NEWS FROM THE Varndean College Science and Clinical Engineering Centre is now rapidly taking shape PERFORMING INTERNATIONAL student Anya-Niamh Tidey was departments. and over the past few months we the winner of Uptree’s ‘Young Anya, who for the past two have seen the main external frame ARTS DEPARTMENT structure completed, with work now Varndean students explored and Scientist of the Year’ Future years has been studying A Levels Congratulations to our International From a Slovakian boy currently being undertaken on the performed the play ‘Lungs’ by Talent Award in July. Sponsored Biology, Chemistry and Physics A STAR 2019 graduates who have all I really like the way the interior. Duncan Macmillan this Summer. by the NHS, the award at Varndean College, has her achieved a place at university in the UK. teachers at Varndean ‘Lungs’ is a play exploring the recognises students who have eyes set on a medical career in Over the next 4/5 months, We wish them all the very best for their talk to you like a person, and dilemma facing a young couple made the most progress on their The Army in the future; and her contractors will continue working to future careers. honestly want to know your thinking of having a child and the science career journey. Anya- passion, skills and achievements construct the impressive two-storey opinion. This is very different for impact of our actions, and choices, Yifan Wang: University of Arts London – Niamh first reached the final ten were last year recognised by centre comprising of four science me, and it took me some time on the environment. The students Foundation degree in Fine Art nominees, then made it down to The Army, who awarded her a labs; six teaching rooms; prep to really believe it! I have also found this highly topical, given Yunxuan Shen: University of Manchester the final three and on 1st July at remarkable seven year bursary room; toilet, kitchen and staffroom learnt to look after myself in so the rise in environmental protest - Business Management and German a celebration ceremony hosted to fund her throughout her facilities, office/IT space, as well as many ways, instead of relying on in recent years. Always up to the by J P Morgan, was awarded the training. an attractive lobby and atrium. There Chiungyi CHIU: University of Durham - my parents. This experience has minute with production choices, the outright winning gold award. Anya-Niamh is now following a will also be an accessible lab, toilet Japanese Studies opened my eyes to the world of students performed this play just Her prize is a unique tour of the six year degree in Medicine at St and lift for students with disabilities. Runshi LU: Queen Mary College. London travel. And to myself. I know I am before it is due to be presented by Healthcare Science Department George’s College, University of The Centre is due to be completed by - Accounting and Finance transformed!” at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital London, hopefully followed by the end of February 2020. the Old Vic company in London. in London, including the Critical training as a military doctor in Siyi MI: University of Ravensbourne - From an Italian girl: At Varndean College, through Illustration and Digital Communication Care Unit, Renal Dialysis, The Army. our challenging and engaging Making the most of the good I feel I have had a chance teaching, we hope to inspire and weather this summer, A level Erjia LIU: London Contemporary Dance to breathe. I really loved motivate the next generation of Drama & Theatre Studies and BTEC School - Modern Dance studying three subjects in depth, FIRST FEET EXPERIENCE! scientists, technologists, engineers Performing Arts Students also got We are also very pleased to welcome 57 instead of the twelve subjects we Last summer, Varndean College Podiatry and how this can be and mathematicians. Through this to express themselves in a outdoor new International students from 14 study at home. I love the hands- medic students visited The applied in identifying criminals. teaching we encourage students to workshop, developing their acting countries across the globe: Brazil, Chile, on practical lessons in Biology Leaf Hospital in Eastbourne, a Then, following a short break, the move on to higher level STEM courses and vocal skills by exploring roles China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, and I feel I’ve really learnt a lot university hospital specialising students were provided with an and into a STEM career. from Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Korea, Norway, academically. But also, I feel in podiatry. They were given anatomy session supervised by It’ and Moliere’s ‘Tartuffe’ at the more confident because I have From September 2020, as well Russia, Slovakia and Switzerland! All the opportunity to experience one of the lecturers, in which they Brighton Open Air Theatre. the students have arrived, bubbling with been treated like a person not first-hand what it would be like to investigated leg structure and as continuing to offer A Levels in a number, as in my big school Biology, Chemistry, Maths and high expectations, keen to experience our study on a podiatry course run by possible defects caused by factors different learning styles and UK culture. in Italy.” the . Firstly, and diseases. A Year 3 university Physics, and vocational courses in Applied Biology and Applied Our thanks to the friendship and they tried plaster casting on each student then provided small tour guidance offered by the Varndean other, which helps a podiatrist to around the hospital. The students Science, the College will be introducing a brand new Level 3 ‘Student Buddies’ in their first days observe the foot structure and any felt that it was a well-spent day of orientation here. Everyone in defects. They were then consulted with lots of new information to vocational course in Engineering. The course will be the equivalent to the college makes such a positive on choosing the right footwear and consider for their future career impact on our visitors’ lives ... some students were advised on aspirations. one A Level and will include units on: engineering principles; engineering here are just a couple of our past changing their own shoes to avoid students’ reflections on leaving future feet problems. practices; engineering product design and manufacture; and in June. Later, Professor Ivan Birch electronic devices and circuits. introduced them to Forensic

WHY IS ADDRESSING CLIMATE COMPUTER SCIENCE CHANGE SO DIFFICULT? STUDENT MAKES BAFTA Varndean College has entered the 2019 CORE Schools Economics Challenge (CORE-SEC). Organised by The CORE Project in collaboration with The Financial Times for Schools, this FINALS international competition challenges students from schools and colleges across the world to Varndean College Computer Level Computer Science, Physics, create a three-minute video, with this year’s theme being ‘Why is addressing climate change so Science student Jude Birch (who Maths and Further Maths difficult?’ left the college this June) was one plans to take a gap year before Varndean Year 2 Geography students, Lily Tregenza and Grace Algar, have been working tirelessly of only 11 UK finalists in the British hopefully studying Computer over the past few weeks and their final video was submitted on 30 September. Winners will Academy of Film and Television’s Science at university in 2020. be announced on 25 October, with first prize being £1,000 for the College and £500 Amazon (BAFTA) 2019 nationwide Jude is no stranger to winning TRIP TO HARRY vouchers for the students. Good luck Lily and Grace. competition to find the country’s competitions. In 2018 he was the POTTER WORLD best young game designers. winner of Google’s annual Code-In Back in May, Year 1 Level 3 Creative competition, winning a trip to The annual competition is open Media Production students spent the California to visit Google’s HQ, to young people aged between day at the Warner Bros Harry Potter and also in 2018 was announced 10-18 to submit game designs Studio Tour in Watford. They had ‘Young Innovator of the Year’ and concepts which address a fantastic day discovering all the in The Argus’s Youth in Action a wide range of social issues behind the scenes magic of the Harry Awards. including mental health, climate Potter films; practised spell casting, change, conservation, disability, visited platform 9¾, jumped aboard bereavement, and the rights the Hogwarts Express, as well as of transgender people. Jude’s experiencing the iron belly dragon at submission in the ‘15-18 years Gringott’s bank! Game Making’ category was a futuristic adventure game called Year 1 student Sadie Funnell said “It ‘Space Core’ using Unity. was quite surreal to go behind the natural hazards at scenes and see the actual sets and Jude (ex Lewes Priory School), the Natural History props that were used during the film- GEOGRAPHY AN who has recently completed two Museum. This ing of Harry Potter. Overall it was a ENRICHING years at Varndean studying A autumn students brilliant day and I would recommend SUBJECT will visit London it to anyone who is thinking of going.” We all know Geography is a dynamic for a lecture subject in which students get out programme and about and involved in hands-on with geography CREATIVE MEDIA STUDENTS GET activities and this year has been no speakers, such as Professor Danny TO TRY OUT VR TECHNOLOGY exception. Dorling (from Oxford) an expert on Year 2 CTEC Level 3 Creative Media student Maisie Hudson said “It was global inequalities. We shall also visit City, Philadelphia and Washington In the summer, Geography students students were visited by Chris Hogg, very exciting getting to use the VR an area to look at diversity. DC. Over the years we have taken undertook three days of intensive many groups to North America Media Arts Lecturer from Royal sets that he brought in, as I’d never fieldwork, visiting a range of Year 2 students are also currently and have developed an exciting Holloway University on Friday 20th tried it before, I really enjoyed the sites including the working on their coursework programme of study experiences, Sept. His visit was primarily to talk session!” coast, Seven Sisters Country Park, investigations in which they including visiting the United Nations to students about progression to Portsmouth Waterfront, as well as undertake serious research into HQ and conducting ‘cultural study Media & Film at university rural areas of Mid Sussex. They learnt a small-scale human or natural geography’ research in Harlem. and to give tips about how to write how to collect a variety of field data environment. The outcomes may a Personal Statement. However, he THORPE PARK Lastly, we are delighted that many in both human and natural settings. make a real contribution to our also brought along some gadgets geographers have joined the College On a gorgeously sunny day back in At Portsmouth, they evaluated the understanding of local issues as too! Students were treated to a Environmental Committee. This March, a group of 70 Health & Social Gunn Wharf development within its well as developing their research lesson in experimenting with VR student led group meet to organise Care and Early Years students went local hinterland and in Mid Sussex and analysis skills. The coursework technology, as he gifted the college campaigns or take part in practical to Thorpe Park. They were able to measured trees to assess the carbon counts for 20% towards their A level with Google cardboard VR sets to conservation activities. Over the look at how a major leisure attraction and water storage capacity of a grade. try out. Everyone had the chance to years they’ve helped to create our accommodates visitors of all abilities. small woodland. put themselves into the upside- We have a long tradition of visiting campus nature reserve, as well as Students left with an increased down world of Stranger Things, or Last autumn, Year 2 Geographers international destinations, both in promote environmental campaigns awareness of Guest Services, Ride more terrifyingly, spend time in the visited London to gauge the impact Europe and further afield. In October, around College. This year we are Access Passes, SEND provision and presence of ‘Pennywise’, the clown of globalisation around The Shard, Geographers will join with students hoping for some really exciting ideas the Disability Policy. An informative from the film IT! Creative Media as well as studying geology and from other courses to visit New York to surface. Watch this space! and fun day had by all. SPORTING NEWS AOC SPORT LEADERSHIP ACADEMY In recognition of the work carried out with sports leadership in the STUDENTS RAISE community (including inclusive AWARENESS AND sport and female sport), Varndean REDUCE STIGMA OF College has been recognised as an MENTAL ILLNESS AoC Sport Leadership Academy. The Leadership Academy is an In July, the College’s #IAMWHOLE AoC Sport project to support Champions attended a celebration colleges to enhance and develop ceremony. They presented volunteering programmes for NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH their campaign to several local their students. The aims of the BRIGHTON RUGBY CLUB schools and were awarded a academy are to get more college Varndean College Sports Department certificate by the Mayor of Brighton students volunteering in sport is also pleased to announce that it has & Hove, Councillor Alexandra Phillips. and to diversify the volunteer recently formed a new partnership The #IAMWHOLE Champions were workforce. with Brighton Rugby Club; delivering supported by YMCA Right Here, a rugby development programme Brighton & Hove Public Health which provides players with coaching Schools Programme and their teacher, alongside their studies and supporting Helen Chong. They planned and their pathway in the game. delivered a student-led action to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of mental illness. They developed a ‘7 Day Wellbeing Challenge’ which POLITICS STUDENTS included establishing a healthy sleep pattern. The #IAMWHOLE IN THE NEWS! Champions are now working on a Last week IB & A Level Politics new campaign for 2019-20. and Philosophy students visited The Labour Party Conference here in Brighton, NEW INITIATIVE TO in what turned out to be a HELP ANY STUDENTS more action-packed day WITH MENTAL than we’d bargained for HEALTH ISSUES Students attended a fringe Nineteen Varndean College stu- meeting on climate change dents have been trained in Youth with Rt Hon Ed Miliband Mental Health First Aid. The train- MP, (Secretary of State for ing was conducted by Brighton & Energy and Climate Change Hove Public Health School’s team before he led the Labour Party). unlawful prorogation of Parliament. and involved students developing They also found about careers in Students saw the media response their skills and confidence to spot politics from a Labour Party staffer at first hand, with BBC Politics Live the signs of mental health issues and from a member of Jeremy being filmed and countless MPs in a young person, to offer first aid Corbyn’s parliamentary team. Some being interviewed. We were lucky and guide them towards the support of our students who were part of enough to be in the conference hall they need. The Mental Health First the climate strike movement joined for Jeremy Corbyn’s speech, which Aiders work closely with the College’s the Shadow Business Secretary on had been due to take place the Wellbeing team and are supervised stage for the launch of the Green following day, but was rescheduled by Psychology Teacher, Helen Chong. New Deal, and were pictured in the so that the MPs could go back Throughout the year, the Mental Guardian newspaper the following to Westminster for the recall of Health First Aiders offer peer sup- day! However midway through Parliament. The students were port and run campaigns to raise the morning, the atmosphere was absolutely buzzing - we couldn’t awareness and reduce the stigma of electrified when the Supreme have chosen a more eventful day if mental health. Court announced their decision on we’d tried!