From the Principal #128

This has been a reflective week at DLD College London. There have been a number of events which have contributed to this including the Year 13 and International Foundation Programme students undertaking their second milestone tests of the year, the sombre and thought-provoking Remembrance Day event, the absorbing Art trip to the National Gallery and the recognition that we received with another national award at the ISA Awards 2021.

With four weeks to go of the term, the teaching staff and students are working hard to ensure there is a clear picture of current progress and there will be important feedback sessions happening in a couple of weeks to all the students. All year groups have now completed at least one milestone test, allowing their teachers to be able to accurately assess their current levels and provide some reflections for the students to absorb and adjust to improve their overall progress, whether in terms of effort or academic performance.

This year our Parents Evenings will be online to keep the community as safe as possible and invitations were sent this week. Please do book your slots as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. It is essential that school and parents/guardians work in partnership to maximise support for the students. The dates are 24th November for Year 13 and International Foundation Programme students, followed by 1st December for Lower School (Years 9, 10 & 11) and Year 12 parents.

Looking forward, the students will be undertaking mock exams in January. Can I ask you to support us in ensuring that your son/daughter prepares thoroughly for these exams. In the previous two years we have been forced to use mock exams scores to assist in our overall assessment of the students at the end of the year. We do not anticipate this to be the case this year, but any assessment remains an important evidential piece for us within school and we encourage all parents to join us in ensuring that students prepare well for both internal and external assessments.

I was delighted to award the first of the Vice Principal (Academic) commendations this week to Egor who has made an excellent start to his time at DLD College London and has impressed in a range of subjects.

At DLD College London, our mantra is London is our Classroom, and the trip to the National Gallery from the Year 11 students is an excellent example of the ease in which we use the world-class resources around us to enrich the educational experiences. I would like to thank the Art department for their organisation of this enriching moment for the students.

The Remembrance Day event this year was very special – the respect shown to the two minute silence, remembering all those who have lost their lives through conflict, was superb and as Irfan stated at the end of the event it makes you incredibly proud of the community at DLD.

What also made us proud this week was the college winning another national award at the Independent Schools’ Association Awards. Irfan was on hand to accept the award for Excellence and Innovation in Mental Health and Wellbeing. Thank you once again to the staff and students for all they offer towards the ongoing development of the students, supported by our outstanding Wellbeing team, Tutors, Housemasters, Housemistresses and Head of Lower School, Houseparents and support staff.

Finally, this is my last contribution to the weekly FTP as I leave DLD College London after five and a half years. I would like to thank you all for an incredible experience, it has been an honour to support your sons and daughters on their journey’s whilst at the college and I wish you the very best in your future. DLD College London is an outstanding school, rich with culture, deep with respect and built on relationships and you all contribute to this. My outstanding successor, Sarah Watson, will be in position as Vice Principal (Academic) from January 2022.

Best wishes,
Tom

Tom Hadcroft, Vice Principal