BRIGHTON COLLEGE REVIEW

Autumn Review 2012England’s Independent School of the Year 2011–12THE SuNday TImES

England’s Headmaster of the Year 2012TaTLER

Sunshine bathed the Jubilee Ground on July 4th as the Earl and Countess of Wessex visited the College to open our state-of-the-art new Diamond Jubilee sports pavilion. Members of college sports teams lined the path, Union Jacks in hand, joined by younger pupils from the prep and pre-prep schools. The royal couple chatted to pupils, took the opportunity to watch matches being played on the extensive grounds and to enjoy the views across the Sussex Downs. Before unveiling a commemorative plaque, the Earl thanked pupils for returning from their holidays for the event and for helping the royal family to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year.

With ground broken just six months ago, the building has taken shape at a phenomenal rate. Testament to the combined fundraising efforts of pupils, staff and Old Brightonians, it will provide parents, pupils and visiting schools with a spectacular, but immensely practical, base from which to take part in, and view, college sport. Further improvements to the ground and parking facilities are planned, including the planting of trees around the perimeter.

Record A-level and GCSE results – the best in history – have placed Brighton College very firmly at the top of league tables in Sussex, and at the school's highest-ever position nationally.

The smiles could not have been broader in August, as Brighton College pupils celebrated yet another year of record results. At a time when government resistance to grade inflation made it more difficult to achieve top grades, leaving many thousands disappointed, Brighton College pupils rose spectacularly to the heightened challenge. At A-level, 77.8% of grades were at A or A* and 100 sixth formers achieved at least three A grades. Twenty pupils gained at least three grades at A*.

Not to be outdone, GCSE candidates followed with their own record performance. Almost 91% of grades were at A* or A (the grades demanded by leading universities) and, astonishingly, the

most common grade of all was an A*. A record 100 pupils gained A*/A grades in every single subject they sat (up from 89 last year).

These A-level and GSCE results were some of the highest in the country and placed Brighton among the top three co-educational schools in England for the fifth year in succession.

Top school in Sussex

GCSE results (ranked by A*/A)Bracket School A*/A (%)90%+ 1. Brighton College 90.780%+70%+ 2. Christ’s Hospital 77.7

3. Burgess Hill School for Girls 74.460%+ 4. St Leonards-Mayfield School 66.2

5. Brighton & Hove High School 63.66. Roedean School 62.4

50%+ 7. Farlington School 58.88. Eastbourne College 58.09. Lancing College 56.810. Worth School 54.0= Ardingly College 54.0

40%+ 11. Moira House Girls’ School 47.412. Lewes Old Grammar School 42.2

30%+ 13. St Bede’s 38.314. Battle Abbey School 32.6

20%+ 15. Seaford College 23.7

A-level results (ranked by A*/A)Bracket School A*/A (%)70%+ 1. Brighton College 77.860%+ 2. Burgess Hill School for Girls 62.650%+ 3. Brighton & Hove High School 55.3

4. Roedean School 53.75. Christ’s Hospital 50.36. Our Lady of Sion 50.0

40%+ 7. Lancing College 48.98. Battle Abbey School 48.49. Farlington School 48.010. St Leonards-Mayfield School 47.811. Moira House Girls’ School 47.312. Ardingly College 43.013. St Bede’s 41.5

30%+ 14. Seaford College 31.8 20%+ 15. Lewes Old Grammar School 23.7

NB. Hurstpierpoint College has not revealed its results.These results may not include re-marks, which can add 1 to 2% to a school's score.

Royal opening of Diamond Jubilee Pavilion marks new era for college sport

A* grades atGCSE

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Soups by LeonChefs at renowned London restaurant chain, Leon, have created exclusive soup recipes for Brighton College to serve at the Diamond Jubilee Pavilion. Leon restaurants are famous for their delicious, fresh, healthy food, and the soups they have created specially for the College will provide welcome warmth for spectators at half time.

Results in Sussex

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Leora Taratula-Lyons (above) achieved three A* grades and one A to secure her place at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, to read English, having helped to care for her partially blind mother throughout her studies.

Izzy Meikle-Small (below) celebrated achieving nine A* grades and an A at GCSE, despite juggling her studies with her acting career; in particular with her role as young Estella in the BBC’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations.

Twins Sam and Annie de Belder (above) achieved an astonishing 20 A* grades between them at GCSE. Meanwhile, Emma Harris (below) was thrilled to discover she had been awarded A* grades in every one of the 11 subjects she had taken – a wonderful present for her sixteenth birthday, which coincided with results day.

Every single one of the ten English pupils who took Mandarin at GCSE this year achieved an A* grade, an extraordinary accomplishment.

At the prestigious Tatler Schools Awards, held at the Dorchester Hotel in London in September, Richard Cairns was awarded the title of England's Headmaster of the Year – one of the most highly-prized accolades in independent education, and all the more pleasing as it followed so swiftly on Brighton College being awarded the title of England's School of the Year in November last year by The Sunday Times.

In their summary of his achievements, Tatler highlighted in particular the outstanding improvement in academic results that Brighton has seen over his tenure. The only school in England to have seen academic improvement every single year for six years, the College has

Results in the News

Richard Cairns named ‘England’s Headmaster of the Year’

risen from 136th to 16th in UK rankings and to be the leading co-educational school in the country. The last six years have also been the best in the 167-year history of the school in terms of Oxbridge and Russell Group university entrants. Most importantly of all, however, Tatler pointed to the warm, friendly and tolerant environment he has established at Brighton.

The Schools Awards marked the formal launch of the magazine's influential annual guide to the top prep and public schools in the UK, Tatler Schools Guide 2013. Here are a few highlights of their review of Brighton College:

'Everyone's talking about Brighton College these days – have you noticed? Increasingly seen as the smart co-ed option, it's smack in the centre of oh-so-splendid Brighton, a few blocks from the sea and 50 minutes from London by train, and has the best A-level and GCSE results of any co-ed school in the country.’

Unprecedented university offer ratesSixth Form pupils received exceptionally high offer rates from their chosen universities this year. Of particular note were the superb increases in offer rates from some of our pupils’ most popular choices: offer rates from KCL and Bristol were both up by over 30% against the previous year; Exeter, Leeds, Warwick, UCL and LSE all by more than 10%.

Popular university choices whose offer rates topped 80%:

University Offer Rate (%)

East Anglia 100.00Exeter 98.00Southampton 96.15York 93.75Leeds 93.18

Cardiff 91.30

Bath 89.66

Loughborough 88.89

Newcastle 87.50Warwick 86.21Manchester 86.05

Birmingham 85.71Nottingham 84.31KCL 82.61Bristol 80.85

College pupils’ stellar GCSE and A-level results did not go unnoticed in the national press. News of their achievements appeared throughout the country, with a number of personal stories gaining particular attention.

“ Time and again, we're told what a kind, tolerant, open-minded, modern school this is.” TATlER 2012

‘Boarder numbers are rocketing, with huge demand for the weekly option from London and Surrey families’.

‘The co-ed thing works brilliantly here: no one bats an eyelid if boys opt for riding or dance classes, and girls play in the boys' First XI cricket team. But alpha males flourish, too, and the First XV is tremendously successful’.

‘Time and again, we're told what a kind, tolerant, open-minded, modern school this is – not just snapping at the heels of the major-league players, but about to overtake them completely.'

Four of the pupils who achieved A* in Mandarin

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“Three concrete rooms and a toilet block”… Eli Ihala, a small infant school in Sri Lanka, is typical of more than twenty on the island helped by sixth form pupils this summer. Pupils spent two hot, sticky weeks decorating classrooms, working on tea plantations and, above all, teaching: the sixth formers prepared detailed lesson plans and taught subjects as diverse as advanced mathematics and anatomy, netball and the royal family. They left, according to one of the teachers accompanying them, "with tan lines, broad smiles and a comprehension of the invaluable role charity can play in the developing world.”

Lessons for all in Sri Lanka

Handcross Park sees numbers soar by 30%After outstanding common entrance and scholarship results, Handcross Park has started the year on a new high. Numbers have risen by 30% since its merger with Brighton College, additional teachers have joined the talented staff team and the boarding house has been extended to provide further capacity.

Music SchoolThe landscape to the rear of the Gilbert Scott building took on a new aspect this summer, as contractors moved in to prepare the site of the new Music School. This will overlook the Home Ground and bring all the College’s music-making under one roof, at the very heart of the campus. It will include a spectacular double-height recital room, with a ‘floating’ roof. Future developments will include a new

theatre and drama school on the site of the current science block. Building is planned to begin in the summer of 2013, for an autumn 2014 opening, but this is dependent upon the necessary funds being secured. For more information, and to find out how you can help, please contact the Development Office, or visit the Alumni and Development pages on the college website.

Travelling in styleThe College has taken delivery of a fleet of six shiny new minibuses, affording the many day pupils who travel to school from across Sussex the opportunity to travel in greater style!

Sixth Form entrepreneurs bring eTrack to marketSince winning a share of £10,000 in their Lower Sixth year as part of the college Entrepreneurship competition, Team Abraham has brought their idea for an electronic tracking device – eTrack – to market, sourcing production from China and using a Ukrainian company to build their website.

Boarding awardThe online schools guide, www.best-schools.co.uk, has named Brighton College one of the UK’s top co-educational boarding schools.

Mr Ken Grocott accepts the trophy

In June, the Royal Society of British Architects (RIBA) conferred an unprecedented honour on the College as it announced no fewer than three prestigious awards for the school’s building programme. Both the Simon Smith and the Skidelsky Buildings won awards for outstanding architecture, while the College won the institute’s South East Client of the Year Award for its ‘determination to attract the best architects in England’ and for the ‘scope and ambition of its vision’. With five new buildings opened in the last five years, the development plan continues apace.

Right: The stunning Lower School common room in the Skidelsky Building is big enough even for circus skills!

College wins prestigious architectural awards

Boarding numbers are at their highest for over 80 years, having more than doubled in the last five, and applications from parents outside Sussex are now at an all-time high. To help meet the demand that is growing along with the College’s reputation, plans have been submitted for a fifth boarding house, to open in September 2013. Designed by Allies and Morrison, architects of the award-winning Simon Smith Building, it will be built in brick and flint to complement the existing buildings, and will be home to 71 girls.

Boarding expands to meet huge demandIn the meantime, a new suite of airy, light and spacious boarding rooms has been created in the Dawson Wing, along with an open plan common room and kitchen space. The newly refurbished space is home to 14 School House boarders.

The café in the Simon Smith Building is well-used by boarders and day pupils alike.

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INDIVIDUAL SUCCESSES

Ian Headley Upper Sixth leaver, Ian Headley, was selected by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office as one of just five UK students to enrol on an all-expenses-paid summer school course. Ian spent a month at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, studying Chinese Language and Culture, having submitted a highly creative YouTube video to the selectors on what he perceived to be the benefits of studying in Hong Kong.

Noah MakowerAmongst the works displayed at the Royal Academy’s prestigious Summer Exhibition this year was the painting ‘Pastoral Scene’ by Noah Makower, now Upper Fifth. Fifteen-year-old Noah was one of the youngest exhibitors to have work selected for the show, the majority of pieces being by professional artists.

Dominic Hewitt For the second year running, Dominic Hewitt (Upper Third) represented Sussex Elite in Sweden in the Gothia World Youth Football Cup. The team played against Sweden, Portugal, Finland and the Philippines, before losing to a tough Scottish side. Dominic has now been invited to the Independent Schools’ Football Association regional trials, from which a national squad will be selected.

Sophia Razvi Sophia Razvi (Lower Sixth) successfully gained a place on the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain acting course, in a year when the NYT received a record number of applicants.

Matthew Pearse Matthew Pearse (Lower Sixth) received offers from both Trinity College and Guildhall Junior Music Departments in London after auditioning against very tough competition, ultimately accepting the place at Trinity College.

Harriet Barsham Harriet Barsham (Lower Sixth) has been selected to ride in this year’s Horse of the Year Show.

Beatrix Grant Beatrix Grant (Lower Fifth) featured in the BBC’s highly acclaimed wartime drama, Parade’s End, in September. A talented rider, she also won the novice class of the Coombelands Hunter Trials last term.

Anya Olsen Anya Olsen (Upper Third) won top prize for the southern region in the National Abraham Trophy event, and was declared the most improved junior after being placed sixth in the competition. She went on to secure a place in the national Wee Wonders finals at St Andrew's, where she came ninth.

James Manzoor James Manzoor (Lower Sixth) has received a prestigious Arkwright Engineering Scholarship.

Jack Morgan Jack Morgan (Upper Third) was cast by Brighton Film School in a short film called 'Minus' over the summer. He plays the 12-year-old son of a soldier who returns from Afghanistan in a wheelchair.

Weilun LiuWeilun Liu, Upper Sixth (below left) achieved a prestigious ‘Roentgenium’ award in the 2012 Cambridge University Chemistry Challenge this summer, having come in the top 1% of the some 4,300 pupils nationwide who entered the competition. Four copper, five silver and seven gold awards were also taken by Brighton College pupils in this, the school’s first year of entry to the competition.

Joe GilmourMeanwhile, Joe Gilmour, Upper Sixth (below right), beat thousands of participants internationally to achieve a top 10 place amongst under-18 entrants to the online Cambridge Chemistry Challenge.

Amelia Craddock Congratulations to Amelia Craddock (pictured centre) who has gained her Silver Chorister’s Award with Merit from the Royal School of Church Music. As a result, Amelia was invited to participate in the RSCM Summer Course at Salisbury Cathedral, singing daily services in the Cathedral.

Spencer Douglas & Jamie Cash Spencer Douglas and Jamie Cash (Upper Sixth leavers) rode from Brighton to Barcelona over the summer to raise money for the Willow Foundation, which provides holidays for terminally ill children and their families.

National Physics Challenge 2012 Sixteen college participants in the National Physics Challenge achieved awards, with Bosco Tam (Upper Sixth leaver) achieving gold.

Cameron Dashwood Head of School Cameron Dashwood (Upper Sixth) last term gained a highly sought-after place on the summer’s Senior Physics Challenge at Cambridge University.

Top Physics Awards

Sophia LiuCongratulations to Lower Sixth Music Scholar, Sophia Liu, who has been awarded her DipABRSM piano diploma. This is a professional performing qualification and to receive it is a remarkable achievement for a school pupil.

College Chemists’ Cambridge Success

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Diamond Jubilee celebrationsHer Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee offered a fine opportunity for the College to deck the Quad in bunting and to celebrate in traditional – and less traditional – style. A Coronation Chicken picnic was followed by House entertainment that included morris men and maypole dancing, before soloist Corinne Hull (Upper Sixth leaver) led a glorious Rule, Britannia. Every member of the college community then leapt to their feet to celebrate in an equally rousing flash mob dance to Chris Brown’s Turn up the Music.

Simon Bird with Cameron Dashwood and Tessa Hutchinson

The College was delighted to welcome television and film star, Simon Bird, as Guest of Honour at its annual Speech Day at Brighton’s Dome theatre in June. Famous nationwide not only for his role as Will in BAFTA-winning comedy The Inbetweeners, but also for his outspoken views and incisive comedy, Simon Bird did not disappoint: after entertaining the packed audience with a Speech Day address that was quite unlike any other, he thrilled the hundreds of pupils who queued to meet him as he tirelessly signed autographs and posed for photographs.

Comedy star makes for a Speech Day like no other

International schools thriveBrighton College's second sister school will open its doors in the UAE in September 2013. On a 24-acre, purpose-built campus in Al Ain, the school will teach a British-style curriculum with the aim of becoming one of the leading schools in the Middle East. Meanwhile, the first of Brighton's

international schools, Brighton College Abu Dhabi, has started the new year with 860 pupils on roll, 48% higher than at its opening last year.The school has welcomed 28 new teachers and three Deputies, appointed under the leadership of new Head Master Ken Grocott, as well as its first cohort into Year 10. London Academy

of Excellence opensThe London Academy of Excellence, England's first Sixth Form free school, has opened in Stratford, East London, with 200 pupils – 30% higher than originally expected. The 21 staff include a number on secondment from the seven independent schools overseeing the project, which include Brighton College.

EVENTS

College visitors make the newsThe visit of Education Secretary Michael Gove in May became the subject of many column inches in the nation’s press. Having first described the College’s academic success as “breathtaking”, he sparked national controversy when he highlighted how many positions of wealth and influence in society are held by privately-educated individuals. Also making the

headlines following forthright comments at the College were chief schools inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw and historian David Starkey. For once, however, Jeremy Paxman – who took time to meet pupils and to sign copies of his books for the college library – was not at the heart of the political furore.

Olympics WeekOlympics fever swept through the College in June as themed events and lessons took over the timetable and the Olympic rings adorned the Quad. Sport was, of course, centre stage, but the theme permeated every area of school life, as pupils made and designed Olympic medals in DT, studied the Berlin Olympics in History and even made their own suite of bronze, silver and gold ‘medals’ in Chemistry.

And on the subject of the Olympics: as Andy Murray joyfully received Olympic gold in the men's tennis singles, he became the first Briton to do so since Old Brightonian Major Josiah George Ritchie. Ritchie (BC 1887-88) won three medals at the 1908 London games, including the men's singles gold.

A moving service to dedicate the memorial plaque of Naishel Kelly took place in the chapel in September. The plaque was funded by anonymous donations to the Naishel Kelly Memorial Fund, any residual money from which will be used to assist college families who find themselves in difficult circumstances through the death or serious illness of a child or other family member. We are deeply grateful to all those who have contributed.

In memory of Naishel

Plans for Brighton College UAE

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SPORT

English Schools' AthleticsSeven of the College's top athletes represented Sussex at one of the most prestigious events of the sporting calendar, the English Schools’ Championships in Gateshead. All performed well, with Matthew Grant throwing a personal best of 14.50m in the shot to finish third and to win the bronze medal. Other college successes included Jordan Auburn, who took fifth place in the Senior Hurdles and Ryan Gue, who was placed sixth in the Senior Discus.

National Indoor Champions

Brighton College cricketers won the Lady Taverners U15 Schools Indoor Competition in a thrilling finals day at Lord's. Having progressed unbeaten through three earlier rounds, the girls secured their place in the winners’ pool with wins against Hereford and three-times national winners, Ilkley. After beating Beckett School convincingly, they faced Ivybridge in the final. A below par score of 54 all out from Brighton never looked like enough, but superb bowling and fielding built pressure and it was Brighton who held their nerve to win the title, ahead of the more than 450 schools who entered this year. Brighton previously won the title in 2004, when current England players, Sarah Taylor and Holly Colvin, were in the team.

The PGA teaching professional and ex-European Tour player, Carl Watts, is working with the school’s golfers – beginners and experts alike – to help them improve all aspects of their game, in the launch of the College’s new Golf Academy. Building on the success of recent years, the Academy is intended to widen participation in golf, develop the wealth of talent at the College and to ensure that Brighton can compete with the best golf schools in the UK.

Harlequins debut1st XV captain James Chisholm made his debut for the Harlequins A league team just a few weeks after his 17th birthday and performed extremely well against Saracens in this, his first adult match alongside full-time professionals.

Outstanding start for Ist XV

After a week in Ireland, pre-season matches against Wellington College and games at the Esher Festival, the 1st XV have impressed in their opening fixtures of the 2012/13 season. They followed their defeat of Cranleigh (37 – 29) with an emphatic win a week later over Hurstpierpoint College by 43 – 0. The other college senior teams also enjoyed wins over Hurstpierpoint, scoring over 100 points and conceding only 10.

Hockey successFor the second time in a row, Brighton’s 1st XI Hockey team pushed Epsom College into second place as they were again crowned champions in the annual Christ’s Hospital Tournament in September. After convincing wins over Tormead, Christ’s Hospital and Pangbourne in the group stages, Brighton found themselves facing home side Epsom College once again in the final. Despite a Brighton goal

in the opening seconds by Tabitha Worsley, the teams went into half-time with a 1-1 draw. Sterling defence in the second half by Brighton held Epsom at bay. A second goal from Tabitha Worsley was followed by an outstanding short corner routine which allowed Tessa Hutchinson to deflect the winner home for a 3-1 finish.

Sarah Taylor on top of the worldFormer pupil and England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor (above right) has been named Women's T20 Cricketer of the Year at the International Cricket Council's Awards in Colombo. During the voting period Taylor played 10 Twenty20 Internationals for England, scoring 340 runs at the top of the order at an average of 48.57. The 23-year-old wicketkeeper also claimed 11 dismissals, including 7 stumpings.

Golf Academy launched

Sport supported by

Carl Watts pictured with Jamie Dart

Izi NoakesFormer Brighton College pupil, Izi Noakes (above), has been selected for England Women Under-19s. Noakes recently helped Sussex become ECB T20 County Champions, playing alongside no fewer than six other past or current Brighton College pupils.

1st XI victories1st XI wins included a victory over Bedford School in a T20 in the first week of the season, followed by double wins over Eastbourne and Ardingly in both T20 and 50 over matches.

Former Pupils' Cricket Success

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THE ARTSThe College’s annual Dance Show played to packed houses in the Great Hall, as children from the pre-prep, prep school and college joined together in a spectacular performance.

From classical ballet to musical theatre, tap dance to street dance, boys and girls aged 3 to 18 provided a brilliant, sequinned, dazzling showcase of all the Dance School has to offer.

let's Dance!

More than 200 musicians took part in the College’s Festival Concert at St George’s Church in May. They treated the packed audience to outstanding music-making, in a very ambitious programme that ranged from Telemann to Karl Jenkins. The College’s Symphony Orchestra opened the concert with Mendelssohn’s overture Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage, followed by

the guitar quartet, who performed the Telemann piece that had taken them to the National Chamber Music Competition’s semi-finals earlier in the year. The College's Chamber Orchestra brought the first half to a close with Karl Jenkins' Palladio. The Choral Society and soloists performed the Brahms Requiem to complete a wonderful night of music.

Festival Concert

Annie de Belder wins against international dance fieldIn August, Dance Scholar Annie de Belder (Lower Sixth) won a scholarship to study at an international summer school, having been identified as the pupil showing the most promise at this year’s Royal Academy of Dance Performance Course in London, a course that drew pupils from seventeen countries worldwide. Under the distinguished tutelage of teachers from the Royal Ballet, Australian Ballet and The Place, Annie excelled in all three of the dance genres studied, to secure this extraordinary honour.

Bugsy MaloneA cabaret-style format transformed the Great Hall, drawing the audience into the speakeasy world created by the Lower School’s performance of Bugsy Malone...

Canterbury Tales…whilst typically English summer weather drove inside their performance of Bogdanov’s adaptation of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. Due to christen the wonderful new outdoor theatre space of the Woolton Quad, it took place instead beneath the glitter balls of the Simon Smith café.

Opening ceremonyThe College’s Director of Drama, Mr Dermot Keaney, took part in the Opening Ceremony of the London Olympics. Playing one of the ‘Brunel Men’, he performed in front of 80,000 people live and 1,000,000,000 others sitting in front of screens all over the world.

Mr Dermot Keaney ( front right)

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PREP SCHOOL

Year 8 pupils again excelled in the 13+ scholarship awards to the senior school of Brighton College, the UK’s leading co-educational school. BCPS pupils won a stunning array of scholarships, winning over 30 awards. Amongst these awards were three major academic awards, two major music awards and five sports scholarships.

Top of the class! Inspiring a new generationWorld record-breaking feats, explained in a stunning audio visual show, including a sonic boom reverberating around the auditorium, added extra excitement to our 2012 Speech Day held at Brighton's Dome theatre. Richard Noble, former world land speed record holder, and leader of the Thrust 2 programme which brought the world land speed record back to Britain (763 mph), presented the prizes, and received a very enthusiastic response from the young audience to his passionate call for a new generation of scientists and engineers. The response was not surprising as the school already has a national reputation in design and technology.

Curiouser and curiouser!Year 6 pupils performed with great confidence and maturity to thrill a packed audience with their enchanting production of Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’. With the exception of a consistently unpunctual rabbit, the actors’ timing was impeccable as they delivered the humorous but tricky script with great effectiveness and panache!

Playing with distinctionTwo Year 8 Brighton College Prep School girls achieved the remarkable total of five grade 8 awards (all with distinction) from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. Maddi Considine gained her grades in violin, clarinet and piano and Yvonne Helmore achieved hers in violin and piano. This is a remarkable achievement by two 13-year-olds – one rarely matched nationally – and we will watch their musical progress at the College with great interest.

Three titles in a row for star footballersThe 1st team footballers won the Ardingly 8-a-side football tournament for the third year in a row. Playing some of Sussex’s strongest prep school football sides, our team won all their matches. They scored 16 goals and only conceded once on their way to the final, where they beat a strong St Andrew’s team (1-0).

Dancing the night awayA large number of BCPS pupils take weekly dance classes, taught by a team of six specialist dance staff, in genres ranging from Street Dance, ISTD Modern, Jazz and Tap Dance to RAD ballet. They featured prominently in the whole college annual Dance Show which brilliantly showcased our dancers’ passion, talent and enjoyment.

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PRE-PREP SCHOOLThe Best of British The celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, together with the London Olympics, have made this year a momentous one in the children’s lives. Both events provided us with the perfect opportunity to set aside our usual timetable and to embark upon a series of exciting and creative activities that truly challenged the children and brought the school together as a whole. The Jubilee celebrations included a giant picnic, followed by a Punch & Judy show which filled the hall with roars of laughter and a sea of smiles.

Sports DayFor the first time, the pre-prep sports day took place this year on our own, dedicated playing fields, following the move to our wonderful new site twelve months ago. The event started – in true Olympic tradition – with an opening ceremony, each class doing a lap around the field, displaying their specially designed class flag and taking in the cheers of the crowd. The morning was a huge success and a memorable moment in the children's lives.

Year 2 swimming gala launchedYear 2 pupils this year took part in our first swimming gala for the age group. All the children tried their very best in the pool and there wasn’t a dry eye in the place when one child swam a full length for the very first time.

A royal honourSix-year-old pre-prep pupil Lana Cracknell was chosen to present a posy of flowers to the Countess of Wessex when she visited to open the Diamond Jubilee Pavilion. Lana's lovely curtsey was warmly appreciated by our royal visitor.

The Great Fire of LondonA visit from Rainbow Theatre Company helped to enhance Year 2’s History topic. The children came to school dressed as 1666 'poor citizens' and re-enacted the dramatic events from all those years ago.

Dance ShowThis year's Dance Show was a spectacular occasion. With over half of all Nursery & Pre-Prep School pupils involved in the show, including our very youngest at just 3 years old, the audience was treated to a diverse range of jazz, modern, tap, contemporary and street dance pieces.

Book WeekThe highlight of this year’s book week was a visit from the author, James Mayhew. The author retold a story to every class, whilst painting a different picture for each... upside down! The children were mesmerised by his talents and were keen to share their story ideas with him. The week culminated in our first outside assembly, taken by Father Robert, in which he retold a story from his own favourite book (The Bible!), and in a ‘Big Book Swap’, each child bringing in a book to swap from home.

Pyjama Day This special day was a School Council initiative and never before has an event been so highly anticipated. After collecting the children’s suggestions from special boxes around the school, School Council members decided on Pyjama Day as their chosen fundraising event. The children raised a superb £204, which they presented to the fundraising manager at the Royal Alexandra Children’s hospital. The highlight of the day has to have been Father Robert in his frog onesie!

Reach for the SkyFrom the moment the children started work on the Year 3 musical, they did not stop laughing. ‘Reach for the Sky’ is a musical celebration of the London Olympics, which reflects also on funny moments in sport lessons at school, and had the children in stitches.

Instrumental concertOur dedicated team of visiting musicians has once again inspired learning on the trumpet, cello, violin, fife and guitar amongst the Year 2 and 3 pupils.

Bubble OlympicsGreat fun was had by the reception children at their ‘Bubble Olympics.’ The children made bubbles of all shapes and sizes and chased them as they floated across the field!

Toy TreatsBrighton Toy Museum staff visited the Year 1 children in September and brought along a vast array of toys from all over the world. The children greatly enjoyed playing with the unique collection, which included trains, boats, dolls, games, novelty items such as puppets and much more.

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BRIGHTON COLLEGE

01273 704201registrar@brightoncollege.net | www.brightoncollege.org.uk

College Open Morning (11+, 13+, 16+)Saturday 2nd February 2013 9.30am – 12.00 noon

Prep/Pre-Prep (3+ to 10+ entry)Saturday 26th January 20139.15am – 1.00pm

“ A caring and supportive ethos permeates all aspects of school life”. 2011 INSPECTION

“ The school everyone’s talking about”. TATlER 2012

The top co-educational school in England

THE SUNDAY TIMES 2011

• Extensive bus routes across Sussex • Day, Weekly and Full Boarding• 11+ boarding at Handcross Park,

13+/16+ at Brighton College