<![CDATA[Christ Church Cathedral School News Feed - OUR NEWS]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk%2Fprivate%2Dprep%2Dschool%2Doxford%2Fnews%2Devents%2Fnews Juniper Education Content Management System (CMS) Version: 4.5 (junipereducation.org) Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:08:24 GMT Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:08:24 GMT <![CDATA[ Rugby School Music Workshop ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=257 We were delighted to welcome Ian Foster to CCCS last weekend, to spend time with our boarders on ensemble playing and squeezing in a mini master-class for some of our soloists, too. Mr Foster brought along his tuba and demonstrated an incredible range of effects (including flutter-tonguing and harmonics) which definitely impressed our brass players! The boys tackled some challenging music at sight, and were fearless in performing - as well as responding to constructive criticism throughout the morning.

]]> Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:08:24 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=257 <![CDATA[ IMC Success for Our Year 8 Boys! ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=251 This year’s IMC competition was one of the most challenging on record, with entries open to pupils up to Year 11. Nine of our Year 8 boys took part and delivered outstanding results.

]]> Wed, 11 Feb 2026 12:54:13 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=251 <![CDATA[ Music Day at Abingdon School ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=256 We are very proud of Hugo and George who made the trip to Abingdon School yesterday to join Music staff at Abingdon School for their 'Make a noise' day today. Armed with their Clarinet and Trumpet, they learnt pieces by Tchaikovsky, Purcell and Beethoven from scratch.

]]> Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:01:18 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=256 <![CDATA[ CCCS Table Tennis stars smashing it in the National League ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=249 CCCS currently has four boys competing in the Cadet British Clubs League (U15s), the main National Table Tennis League for under-15s.

]]> Mon, 9 Feb 2026 17:02:42 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=249 <![CDATA[ Coding their way to the Carnival ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=250 This term, in Computing lessons, Form 4 have been developing their coding skills by programming lights, motors and switches to create their own fairground ride.

]]> Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:39:43 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=250 <![CDATA[ Move over, Jamie Oliver, there are new chefs in town! ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=244 Inspired by Jamie Oliver, our Reception class made their very own fresh pesto using basil, pecorino cheese, olive oil and sunflower seeds with a sprinkling of lemon zest.

]]> Tue, 3 Feb 2026 11:21:19 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=244 <![CDATA[ Pre-Prep adventures in Woodland School ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=242 The incessant rainy weather finally showed Pre-Prep some mercy, and we were able to enjoy a lovely afternoon over at our Woodland School on Merton Field. The children were fascinated to see a lot of changes within the wood since we last visited, with four wood-chipped seating areas having been constructed for us, the beginnings of an attractive perimeter hedge partially assembled with Christmas trees from our 'School Light Show', alongside natural changes such as the first snowdrops, and hazel trees heavy with delicate catkins.

]]> Mon, 2 Feb 2026 14:20:17 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=242 <![CDATA[ All is not what it seems ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=243 Last Sunday, a quartet of choristers visited the Oxford Illusion Museum, a welcome newcomer to the High Street, with four floors of eye-tricking, mind-scrambling effects, including the infinity dodecahedron, unnerving mirror passages, magic eye – and a friendly young staff, who let us have the ‘perpetual motion’ jumping ball to ourselves as we enjoyed hot chocolate.

]]> Tue, 3 Feb 2026 10:54:25 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=243 <![CDATA[ Composer Nico Muhly visits CCCS ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=235 It was fantastic to welcome New York-based composer Nico Muhly to school on Saturday, running a session on harmony and composition with some of our senior boys. Mr Muhly is a highly sought-after composer known for blending modern classical music with electronic styles, and he has worked extensively with artists including Steve Reich and Björk. Parents may recognise some of his superb film music – particularly the score for 'The Reader', which won a World Soundtrack award in 2009.

]]> Thu, 29 Jan 2026 11:52:11 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=235 <![CDATA[ CCCS gets funky with the Brass Funkeys ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=236 CCCS welcomed the amazing Brass Funkeys to school last Friday! They ran an awesome workshop for the Jazz band, focussing on learning tunes by ear and improvisation. They then performed on the playground to the whole school, with infectious energy, marrying the vibrancy of New Orleans with pop and jazz!

]]> Thu, 29 Jan 2026 11:55:55 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=236 <![CDATA[ Oxbridge Success for former CCCS Choristers ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=234 We are delighted to share that two former CCCS Choristers have been given places to study music at Oxford University in September.

]]> Mon, 26 Jan 2026 12:27:14 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=234 <![CDATA[ Happy New Year from Flaine! ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=237 While most of us started the new term carefully, trying not to slip and slide along Brewer Street, fourteen of our boys decided it would be much more fun to do just that, in Flaine!

]]> Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:24:26 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=237 <![CDATA[ Celebrating Music Exams Success ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=223 We are delighted that a large number of our instrumentalists gained very pleasing exam results at the end of Michaelmas term.

]]> Mon, 12 Jan 2026 09:14:44 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=223 <![CDATA[ Cathedral Choristers perform at Wigmore Hall ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=226 As part of our 500th Anniversary Celebrations, the Cathedral Choir performed at Wigmore Hall on 5th January with a recital program tracing a remarkable multi-century arc of English choral music, beginning with John Taverner’s early 16th-century works Christe Jesu, pastor bone Weston Wynde Mass. Taverner is among the most significant composers of the early Tudor church and was also the first appointed Organist of the Cathedral. His music laid foundations for English polyphony with its rich, flowing lines and deep spiritual resonance.

]]> Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:25:41 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=226 <![CDATA[ Tennis Champ joins the TEN-PRO Global Junior Tour ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=221 Richard (F6) recently took part in the TEN-PRO Global Junior Tour, held at the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar in Mallorca, Spain, where he competed against other rising tennis talents from over 50 countries.

]]> Wed, 7 Jan 2026 15:16:45 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=221 <![CDATA[ The curious case of the stolen Christmas Pudding! ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=219 Last Friday was our final Enrichment class of the term, and the Making the Most of Oxford and Photography groups were treated to a specially arranged visit to the magical Christ Church Christmas Tree Festival!

]]> Thu, 11 Dec 2025 17:35:07 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=219 <![CDATA[ Informal Christmas Concert ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=215 Last night we hosted our Informal Christmas Concert. A huge thank you to our peripatetic music staff, our pupils and, of course, our wonderful Music Director, Miss Biddell.

]]> Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:48:06 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=215 <![CDATA[ Orchestral Workshop with Nicholas Cleobury ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=216 Our most advanced instrumentalists gathered in the Walton Hall on Saturday for a workshop with Nicholas Cleobury. Mr Cleobury is globally renowned as a conductor, having spent his career working with orchestras and opera companies around the world, as well as teaching conducting at the Royal Academy of Music.

]]> Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:50:16 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=216 <![CDATA[ Goldilocks and the Three Bears ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=218 Forms 3 and 4 gave the performances of their lives this week when they put their spin on the classic tale, Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Ever the professionals, the boys put on two shows for our school and families to enjoy - a matinee and evening performance, no less!

]]> Thu, 11 Dec 2025 17:18:05 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=218 <![CDATA[ Nursery show Paddington how marmalade is made ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=217 This week, our Nursery children enjoyed a wonderful visit to the Museum of Oxford, tucked inside the Town Hall on St Aldates. The trip linked beautifully with our seasonal Christingle discussions, especially the orange, and Oxford’s long history of marmalade making.

]]> Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:56:12 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=217 <![CDATA[ Ashmolean Adventures ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=213 On a decidedly frosty Friday afternoon, Reception and Form 1 embarked on an exciting trip to visit the Ashmolean Museum. It was the first time that a number of the children in the group had ever been to a museum, so it was gratifying to see them enjoying the experience so much. I am proud to report that the museum staff commented that the children were a credit to our school, such were their impeccable manners and their inquisitive and intelligent questioning.

]]> Thu, 4 Dec 2025 09:42:36 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=213 <![CDATA[ Walking all over the bullies, one odd sock at a time ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=210 Our Pre-Prep and Nursery settings were alive with colour and activities for 'Anti-Bullying Week'. Not only did all the children and teachers dress up in a fabulous array of mismatching socks to represent our wonderful differences, but we enjoyed singing and dancing to songs by ‘Andy and the Odd Socks’, that taught the children all about showing one another respect and using our superpowers for good.

]]> Thu, 20 Nov 2025 14:15:50 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=210 <![CDATA[ Parental Pastoral Seminar - Neurodiversity ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=209 On Monday, the school held its very first Parental Pastoral Seminar. This was based around the topic of Neurodiversity and involved a fantastic presentation and question and answer session from Madga Bouwman, a specialist at the Oxford Neurodiversity Clinic. The session was well attended with over 20 sets of parents, staff and governors of the school - Thank you to everyone who attended.

]]> Thu, 20 Nov 2025 14:04:05 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=209 <![CDATA[ A Spark-tactular Night at the Pavilion ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=199 Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Fireworks Night on Saturday - and also to those who attended Evensong at the Cathedral beforehand – it was lovely to see so many of our friends gather together to support the School and enjoy such a wonderful evening.

]]> Mon, 10 Nov 2025 09:57:03 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=199 <![CDATA[ Always remembered. Never Forgotten ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=200 Today we pause to remember and honour all those who gave their lives in service and sacrifice, as we also hold in our thoughts those who continue to serve and fight for our freedoms today.

]]> Mon, 10 Nov 2025 10:09:08 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=200 <![CDATA[ Building 'Biscuit-henge' ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=204 Form 3 had a fantastic time learning about one of Britain’s most famous landmarks – Stonehenge! The children discovered that Stonehenge is a giant circle of enormous stones found in England, some as heavy as four elephants and taller than a double-decker bus.

]]> Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:03:52 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=204 <![CDATA[ Safety First - Learning how to avoid an unplanned trip to the hospital ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=208 Earlier today, Form 6 visited the JR hospital to take part in the annual I.M.P.S (Injury Minimization Programme for Schools) session. The boys were first lucky enough to be able to visit the Emergency Department of the hospital (thankfully not as patients!) where they were shown some equipment that may be used if you visit the children’s ED.

]]> Thu, 20 Nov 2025 12:30:59 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=208 <![CDATA[ Organists visit St Peter's College, Oxford ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=203 Before Half Term, three CCCS boys - currently preparing for their Grade 4 and 5 organ exams - loaded up with their organ shoes and music, before heading to St Peter's College to try out its famous Willis organ.

]]> Tue, 11 Nov 2025 10:26:09 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=203 <![CDATA[ Wild Adventures at Cotswold Wildlife Park ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=202 Earlier this week, Forms 5 and 6 enjoyed a pre-half-term treat with a trip to Cotswold Wildlife Park.

During their visit, the boys participated in two workshops which were linked to their Science topics – Habitats and Adaptations and Life cycles. The workshops were great fun and gave the boys an opportunity to put their knowledge into practice.

]]> Mon, 10 Nov 2025 14:11:56 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=202 <![CDATA[ Learning to use our WITS ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=198 This term, the boys have been learning how to develop strategies for dealing with disagreements in the playground. The new initiative is called 'Use your WITS'. 

]]> Tue, 21 Oct 2025 15:29:05 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=198 <![CDATA[ Number Circles in Reception ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=197 The Reception children have been cementing their understanding of one-to-one correspondenc by going on colour themed object hunts. 

]]> Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:47:04 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=197 <![CDATA[ Bringing harvest to life through poetry ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=196 In celebration of our Harvest Festival today, Form 2 have embraced the spirit of the season with a sensory celebration of harvest time. As well as creating some colourful crafts, they have been inspired by the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures of autumn, culminating in the children crafting vivid poems that brought harvest to life in verse.

]]> Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:37:52 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=196 <![CDATA[ CCCS enjoys triple National Children's Orchestra Success ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=194 It is always an honour for a school to see one of its pupils awarded a place in the National Children’s Orchestra (NCO). So you can imagine our excitement when we learned that not one, not two, but three of our boys have been selected for the NCO 2026!

]]> Thu, 16 Oct 2025 14:44:59 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=194 <![CDATA[ And the winner is... ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=191 In Pre-Prep this term we launched Houses for all children from Nursery to Form 2. Every child is now part of either Wolsey, Carroll, or Sayers, in line with the Prep School.

]]> Mon, 13 Oct 2025 17:37:36 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=191 <![CDATA[ Woodwind Afternoon with Matthew Draper ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=193 On Friday our senior woodwind players participated in a workshop run by oboist Matthew Draper from Brighton College, who has taught at the Royal College of Music and also maintains a busy performing career with a range of renowned orchestras.

]]> Wed, 15 Oct 2025 14:27:56 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=193 <![CDATA[ Pre-Prep pay a neighbourly visit to Campion Hall ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=192 We often say how lucky we are to have such beautiful grounds right on our doorstep - and last Friday reminded us just how true that is.

Our Pre-Prep children took a short trip, just next door in fact, to Campion Hall, and were once again in awe of our stunning surroundings.

]]> Mon, 13 Oct 2025 18:02:22 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=192 <![CDATA[ Strings Day at Rugby School ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=189 Our senior strings players were invited to a brilliant day of workshops for advanced players at Rugby School on Thursday, culminating in an impressive performance in Rugby's famous Temple Speech Room.

]]> Thu, 9 Oct 2025 12:27:07 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=189 <![CDATA[ Nursery Wonderlings ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=188 Our Nursery children enjoyed a truly special visit to the Cathedral for a Wonderlings session with Revd Charlie Kerr.

]]> Thu, 9 Oct 2025 11:22:26 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=188 <![CDATA[ Celebrating National Poetry Day ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=187 National Poetry Day was a joyful celebration across the school today, with children getting involved in sharing and performing their favourite poems.

]]> Mon, 6 Oct 2025 12:20:42 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=187 <![CDATA[ Celebrating our multilingual community ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=185 Today, we're celebrating International Day of Languages!

]]> Mon, 6 Oct 2025 12:15:57 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=185 <![CDATA[ Nursery explore Christ Church Cathedral ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=184 Today, the Nursery children were fortunate to be invited to visit the Cathedral with Revd Charlie Kerr. The afternoon’s excursion became even more exciting when Mrs Fairhurst came to help us cross St Aldates dressed in her finest Lollipop crossing clothing.

]]> Wed, 1 Oct 2025 15:33:42 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=184 <![CDATA[ A ‘Little Red Hen’ Adventure at Cogges Manor Farm ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=181 Forms 1 and 2 had a wonderful day out at Cogges Manor Farm, where the theme of ‘The Little Red Hen’ came to life through hands-on activities, discoveries, and plenty of fun. 

]]> Wed, 1 Oct 2025 15:18:20 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=181 <![CDATA[ Checkmate Champion Strikes Again! ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=183 You may remember that last term we celebrated Jing’s fantastic achievements at the Oxfordshire Junior Chess Club where his team emerged the winners.

]]> Wed, 1 Oct 2025 15:29:23 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=183 <![CDATA[ Autumn Walk around Christ Church ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=179 The Nursery and Reception children excitedly got ready for their first Wednesday exploration of the new term.

]]> Wed, 24 Sep 2025 12:27:08 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=179 <![CDATA[ Congratulations to our newly installed Choristers ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=177 Huge congratulations to Sebastian, Dave and George who have been officially installed as Christ Church Cathedral Choristers. 

]]> Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:19:59 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=177 <![CDATA[ Form 1 Everyday Heroes ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=182 Form 1 started our 'Superheroes' topic.

]]> Wed, 1 Oct 2025 15:25:23 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=182 <![CDATA[ Get on your bike boys! ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=174 We are really happy to offer the Bikeability course, Levels 1 & 2, to our boys again this year.

]]> Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:17:13 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=174 <![CDATA[ Welcome back to our Choristers! ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=175 We are delighted to welcome our boarders and Cathedral Choristers back to school after the summer break.

]]> Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:22:38 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=175 <![CDATA[ Choral singing is good for you! ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=173 As we excitedly welcome our children and Choristers back to CCCS after the summer break, it is great see that The Times recently published an article sharing something we have known for some time – choral singing is good for you!

]]> Tue, 9 Sep 2025 10:45:07 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=173 <![CDATA[ Russell, our rising star ]]> https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=171 Bringing our Scholarship Spotlight Season to a close is Russell, who has won a Music Scholarship at Abingdon School.

]]> Wed, 2 Jul 2025 12:27:20 GMT https://www.cccs.org.uk/news/?pid=3&nid=1&storyid=171