Approximately 1 in 10 pupils receive a bursary or scholarship. We are committed to ensuring an MCS education is open to the brightest pupils, no matter their personal circumstances.
Approximately 1 in 10 pupils receive a bursary or scholarship. We are committed to ensuring an MCS education is open to the brightest pupils, no matter their personal circumstances.
It’s been a gorgeously sunny week here in Oxford, which has put the Rose Garden in good stead just in time for the virtual Chelsea Flower Show.
This week we were thrilled to expand our team by welcoming Kristina McClendon to the Waynflete Office as Deputy Director – a proper introduction follows below. Next week, the Waynflete Office will be enjoying some downtime during half term, as we hope you will be too. We’ll be back with more school and OW news during the week of 1 June.
In the meantime, enjoy reading through all the MCS and OW happenings below.
Virtual Chapel
In this week’s Virtual Chapel, the Master ponders the challenges that face leaders in the era of COVID-19 but looks forward to committing “to the art of forgetting, and return(ing) to a joyful and I hope even better normality” post-pandemic.
The Chaplain’s homily reflects on the ascension, noting that “life at its deepest is driven by a desire and design that sees riches in a raindrop and providence in the fall of a sparrow … I hope you’ll find some way through the next week that gives you peace and self knowlege, and enables you to live a life of real purpose, even delight.”
School News
MCS continues to pivot and adapt in the face of the current pandemic.
In any year other than 2020, 5th Form and Upper 6th students would currently be on study leave. But with exams cancelled and school now continuing for those pupils until early July, MCS has devised a syllabus and electives to keep them engaged – and in the case of the U6, to move more toward a university-style of education.
Teachers will base subject area lessons on topics which are of particular interest or are underrepresented at A-level, giving both students and teachers alike the chance to delve into themes above and beyond the curriculum. Additionally, staff are offering up their expertise in some ‘life skills’ areas and hobbies, and there will be supplementary electives on cooking, nutrition, photography, and cryptic crosswords to name a few.
The school is enthusiastic about what this inspiring extension work will offer both pupils and teachers. We look forward to sharing more with you after half term!
Your Memories of School Leaving
2020 Leavers will be finishing school in a very different fashion to any year prior.
We would love to gather your memories of study leave and leaving school, to get a picture of what this time has meant to MCS pupils.
This week we have more thank yous to extend to OWs in the medical profession.
Here is Livvy Hitch (OW 2013), who is a FY1 Junior Doctor at Ninewalls Hospital in Dundee.
And this is Joe Wilson (OW 2016), a fourth-year medical student currently volunteering at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.
#ThankYouFromMCS, Livvy and Joe, for your selfless work throughout this pandemic!
We are proud to hear about the impactful work of OWs and MCS Friends on the curerent situation – keep sending photos and updates to the Waynflete Office.
OW News
Stephen Mitchell (OW 1965) wins prestigious prize
OW, Fellow of The British Academy, honorary Fellow of St John’s and world authority on the history of Asia Minor Stephen Mitchell (OW 1965) has been awarded the Gustav Schlumberger prize for 2020 by the Academie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres in Paris.
Awarded once every three years for an influential work in the field of Byzantine History, this accolade recognises Stephen’s recent comprehensive study of the Greek and Latin incriptions of Ankara.
Mike Pinch (OW 1950) in Tasmania
In February, Mike flew to Tasmania to visit family as he usually does, planning to be back in time for April’s OW Dinner at Westminster. Little did he know at the time that lockdown would scupper those plans!
Still, being ‘stuck’ in an island state with family does have its benefits – read Mike’s account here.
Hardship and Bursary Fundraising
We now have a picture of the current MCS families facing hardship in light of the current pandemic. The School has reduced fees by 15% for Trinity Term in recognition of the challenges that the situation presents to parents.
Donors have a profound impact at MCS, confirmed again by the fact that every single penny of hardship funds supporting MCS families affected by COVID-19 this term has come from donors.
That’s well over £100,000 so far. Of course, we don’t yet know how families will be affected next school year or in the longer term. Bursaries and hardship will be the focus of our fundraising in the years to come.
If you can help, you can make a gift through the website, or contact Susie Baker in the Waynflete Office.
Welcome Kristina!
We are delighted to welcome Kristina McClendon to the Waynflete Office as our new Deputy Director!
Originally from California, Kristina graduated with a BA in English from Pepperdine University in 2012 and earned an MA in Victorian Studies with Distinction from Birkbeck College, University of London in 2016.
As a seasoned development professional in the higher education sector, Kristina has previously served in roles at institutions such as the NYU Stern School of Business and Pepperdine University. She is committed to facilitating fundraising efforts that allow all students academic opportunities regardless of their financial means.
When she isn’t working within the education sector, Kristina is a keen academic, baker, photographer, vinyl collector, and yoga enthusiast.
Kristina is eager to get to know the MCS community and would love to meet you virtually – feel free to drop her a note here.
Some MCS-Inspired Entertainment in Half Term
Wondering how to keep entertained over half term? Look no further!
We are thrilled to invite you to our second virtual Jazz and Blues night TONIGHT, 22 May from 6.45pm. Hot on the heels of our first night on Mayday and last week’s MCS Electronic Music night, this hour of music in true MCS style will be streamed live. Join the Music Department YouTube Channel at 6.45pm to see what musical delights from MCS pupils await you.
And don’t forget that episodes three and four of When We Meet Again, the original eight-part MCS radio drama, will be available here from 6pm today and next Friday 29 May respectively.
With broad bean season nearly upon us, why not try your hand in making Will Wyatt CBE (OW 1961)’sBroad Bean Risotto (above)? This receipe comes to you courtesy of the MCS 2000 Cookbook, a fundraising venture comprised of contributions from the school community and sponsored by local merchants.
And Finally …
Delight in the below comic wit of MCS Lower School pupils, who have independently produced and edited the first edition of their student newspaper, The Waynflete Post.
And to round off our news, languish in Keith Douglas’s evocative Oxford imagery (set against the sobering backdrop of imminent war) in today’s Poem of the Day, as suggested by MCS Geography teacher Nick Marshall.
Canoe by Keith Douglas
Well, I am thinking this may be my last
summer, but cannot lose even a part
of pleasure in the old-fashioned art
of idleness. I cannot stand aghast
at whatever doom hovers in the background
while grass and trees and the somnolent river
who know they are allowed to last for ever
exchange between them the whole subdued sound
of this hot time. What sudden fearful fate
can deter my shade wandering next year
from a return? Whistle, and I will hear
and come another evening when this boat
travels with you alone towards Iffley:
as you lie looking up for thunder again,
this cool touch does not betoken rain;
it is my spirit that kisses your mouth lightly.
Keeping in Touch
We are always thinking of our MCS community and endeavour to help you feel connected to the school during this unprecedented time.
And so that we can keep in touch with you, please notify us of any contact details change via the new online form on our website.
If you would like to organise a virtual reunion or reach out to long lost school friends, please let us know via email. The MCS Strava group is also serving to keep members of the MCS community healthy, connected and motivated.
We are pleased to continue to receive your submissions to the Pandemic Papers.
On behalf of the Waynflete Office, may the coming half term week bring you rest and good health.
MCS ranks among the top independent secondary schools in The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2024, placed seventh nationally and third in the Southeast.
MCS ranks among the top independent secondary schools in The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2024, placed seventh nationally and third in the Southeast.
28 of our pupils achieved 10 or more 8 or 9 grades in 2024.
Your donations contribute over £150,000 a year to bursaries as well as building an endowment to fund bursaries for the future.
28 of our pupils achieved 10 or more 8 or 9 grades in 2024.
Your donations contribute over £150,000 a year to bursaries as well as building an 
