District Athletics 

This term, over 60 Denefield students from Years 8, 9 and 10 took part in the District Athletics at Thames Valley Athletics Centre. Students competed in a range of events, including sprints, long-distance races, jumping events and throws.

There were many strong individual performances, with several students placing in the top three in their events. Special congratulations to Lucas Santos, who secured first place in the U17 boys’ high jump with an impressive 1.6m, and Reneille Cox Williams, who took first place in the U17 boys' discus with an impressive 24.68m. We also saw great teamwork from our relay squads, with the U17 girls finishing third in their 4x100m race.

Every student gave their best and represented the school with pride. Well done to everyone who took part.

The final results are as follows:

U15 Boys

U15 Boys Overall Results

U17 Boys

U17 Boys Overall Results

U15 Girls

U15 Girls Overall Results

U17 Girls

U17 Girls Overall Results

 

Flag Football 

We are delighted to announce that a team of our Year 7 students recently competed in a Flag Football qualifying event; a non-contact version of American Football that is growing in popularity across UK schools.

Students were selected to represent Denefield based on their outstanding commitment to our PE clubs, and this was a fantastic opportunity to reward their dedication. Competing against other schools in the county, our team showed great energy, teamwork and determination.

Denefield placed sixth overall, and we are incredibly proud of how our students embraced this new sporting challenge.

Denefield Interhouse Chess Tournament

This term, our Interhouse Chess Tournament returned with another exciting display of strategy, focus, and competitive spirit. Held over two days, the tournament saw students from all houses compete in a series of quick matches to decide the winner.

On the first day, eight students from each house competed in three seven-minute games. By the end of the session, one finalist emerged from each house:

Sulham: Markos

Kentwood: Nathan

Norcot: Dawid

Langley: Jamie

         

         

On the final day, Markos (Sulham) faced Jamie (Langley), and Nathan (Kentwood) played Dawid (Norcot) in the semi-finals. After two closely fought matches, Jamie and Nathan advanced to the final.

In a tense and tactical showdown, Nathan from Kentwood claimed victory and was crowned the Interhouse Chess Champion 2025.

Well done to all the students who took part, and all the staff members who supported the event. 

Congratulations to Kentwood House for winning this competition.

 

 

Denefield Interhouse Photography Competition

We are pleased to announce the results of this term’s Interhouse Photography Competition. Entries were shortlisted anonymously by Mr J Nicholls and then judged anonymously by the Senior Leadership Team.

First place: Rosie Parfitt Roberts (Norcot) – Poppies and cornflowers

Second place: Millie Parfitt Roberts (Norcot) – Seagull

Third place: Ruby Gaughan (Kentwood) – Flower

A special mention goes to Millie Parfitt Roberts for her other entry, which was a stag beetle photograph and was a very close contender.

Other shortlisted entries came from Chloe Freeman, Morgan Jones, Evie Baigent, Daniel Purnell and Victor Richards-Gutierrez.

Thank you to all the students who entered and showcased their creativity. Congratulations to Norcot House for winning this competition.

GreenPower at Mallory Park

On Wednesday 7 May, the Denefield Racing Team returned to the track for their second GreenPower race of the year, this time at the iconic Mallory Park circuit. Building on a fantastic start to the season at Goodwood in February, where both cars placed fourth and fifth, the team was eager to tackle new challenges.

With good driving skills and determination, our new drivers, Samuel and Luke, along with Oscar in Denefield Car 1, worked brilliantly as a team to climb the leaderboard to 12 in class. The same good driving and good cycling through the gears by Adam, Layla and Jack meant that Denefield Car 2 also achieved the high position of 11 in class. 

Well done to all the students involved, and special thanks to our volunteers, Mr Dew and Mr Dixon, and to Mrs K Herbage for her ongoing support at every race. 

Can You Help GreenPower?

GreenPower relies heavily on student fundraising, and we are always looking for extra support. If you can help with any of the following, please contact Miss T Simpson at smp@denefield.org.uk:

• A 3m van or trailer we can borrow at weekends

• Skills such as welding or working with composite moulding/fibreglass

• Help provide materials like metal for the framework of our scratch-built cars

 

 

The O2 Basketball League Final visit

Recently, a group of our students were invited to watch the Basketball League Final at the O2 Arena. It was a fantastic experience, giving them the chance to see top-level basketball action live and enjoy the thrilling atmosphere of a major sporting event.

Thank you to the staff who accompanied the students and helped make the visit possible.

 

 

Year 12 University of Winchester visit:

This term, our Year 12 students headed to The University of Winchester for the UCAS Discovery Expo 2025. They took part in a range of sessions covering university courses, apprenticeships, and career pathways, and gained valuable tips on UCAS applications and personal statements. The event helped students understand what options are available to them and to plan their next steps.

Click the button below to see more photos from this visit.

See More Photos

Year 5 Information Evening

Over the past few weeks, we were delighted to welcome Year 5 pupils and their families to our Information Evenings. These events provided a great opportunity for visitors to hear from our students and staff, while learning more about life at Denefield.

We hope all who attended gained a clear sense of what makes Denefield such a supportive and ambitious school community. Thank you for coming along and taking the time to explore what we have to offer; we look forward to welcoming you again in the future.

Please note that our Year 5 tours in June are now fully booked. However, we will be offering tours for Year 6 pupils and parents/carers in September 2025, following our Open Evening. We look forward to welcoming you then.

 

 

Sixth Form Enrichment – We Are Via
Our Sixth Form students recently welcomed representatives from We Are Via, a charity offering free, confidential support to adults and young people across the UK who are dealing with issues around alcohol dependency and drug use.

During the session, they presented important information about the impact of drugs and alcohol, highlighting the challenges young people can face. They also explained the support services available to help those affected and offered advice on how to access help when needed.

This valuable session helped raise awareness and provided students with knowledge about the resources available to support their wellbeing.

 

Sixth Form Enrichment - University of Reading

Year 12 students recently had the opportunity to hear from a representative of the University of Reading. The session focussed on the importance of higher education and the benefits of choosing university as the next step after school.

The representative explained how university can open doors to new knowledge, skills, and career opportunities, as well as personal growth and independence. Students learned about the range of courses available and how university life can help prepare them for their future ambitions.

This informative visit encouraged students to consider university as a valuable option for their next stage of education.

Berkshire Renegades

Madden Swim School

Whiteknights Studio Trial