From The Principal #203

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Just like that a whole week has flashed by since the half term break ended, and the school has been a hive of activity. Exam season is really cranking into action now with our Year 11 students sitting mock examinations this week, followed by our Year 13s next week. These mocks are an important part of the examination process as they allow our students to understand what a real exam feels like. They also allow us all to understand where further support is required as we head towards the formal summer exam season. The key message is that if your son or daughter has not done as well as they hoped there is time to rectify this, and our teachers will be working hard to ensure they are fully prepared come the actual exams.

This month is LGBTQ+ History Month and the theme is Science and Medicine. During PSHE this week our tutors have been discussing LGBTQ+ history with our students learning about LGBTQ+ science and medicine pioneers. Walking around the school it was fantastic to hear the diverse and engaging discussions that our tutors were having with their students.

Dr Daniel Woodley (Head of University Admissions) led a Year 12 assembly to introduce UCAS. We are encouraging our Year 12 students to start thinking about what they want to study at university when they have completed their A levels. For some of our students they might choose to go straight into employment and as part of National Careers Week our Head of Careers (Paul Schoonenberg) will be leading a whole school assembly on Tuesday 5th March 2024. More information on this to follow.

Over half term a few of our boarders took part in a fun filled trip to Northern Ireland. Jan who led the trip has a fuller report later in this newsletter, but it is clear the students had a great time! Many have signed up to the upcoming Wales and Scotland residentials.

As I look out the window, I am hoping that the current rain eases off this weekend as I embark on the London Winter Run in aid of Cancer Research. I am running in memory of my lovely Mum who sadly did not survive this terrible illness and in the hope that we can eradiate this in our lifetimes. If you happen to be out in Central London give me a wave and if you want to donate in support of Cancer Research the link is here: https://www.winterrun.co.uk/fundraisers/GarethEvans

Kind regards,

Gareth Evans
Assistant Principal (Pastoral and Boarding)