8th June 2020
Winchester Weekly
Guest Editor
Behind the scenes
The role of Domestic Bursar is wide-ranging, and I’ve learnt that it doesn’t have a defined perimeter: I frequently open an e-mail that starts ‘‘I don’t know if you’re the right person to ask but….’’ and even after 16 years here, that can send me to explore parts of school life that I hadn’t previously understood – or even known about.
I’m based in the Bursary, but the various teams that work with me do so right through the school. Most of them work ‘behind the scenes’ and so might not be known to many, although we’d certainly miss them if they did not achieve the huge amount they do, in Facilities, Catering, the Tuck Shop, Transport, the Porters’ Lodge & Security, Enterprises, Boarding House Domestic staff support and the Clothes Shop. There are several of these teams at work now, continuing to support the school. Meanwhile, many people are spending a great deal of time planning and preparing for a return, and I am especially grateful to those, both within and beyond my own teams, who are working on this project, so that all of us can be reassured that the school will continue to be a safe place for our boys and colleagues.
Caroline Gilbert, Domestic Bursar
Academic Announcements
On Friday 5th June, the Headmaster wrote to parents to share the decision that unfortunately there will not be a return to on-site education at the school this term, in any year group. The communication can be found here with a full explanation of the decision and its timing. The Headmaster would like to thank those parents who have written since the announcement. There are already a number of consequences of this decision.
UCAS decisions: with speculation growing about university provision and finances next year, the top year received a booklet of supplementary advice earlier today.
UCAS applications: Fourth Year can likewise expect updated advice later this week.
IT platforms: The school will be changing its platform to Microsoft teams. Hable will complete the training of all staff before the term ends.
IT and Remote Learning: EdTech Consultants, Cairneagle have interviewed key staff and received responses to a questionnaire from almost 100 members of the Common Room. Results are being released to all dons today.
Cairneagle will be training ten ‘IT Champion’ dons in techniques of remote learning during the last fortnight of term, with this training then being cascaded internally. Cairneagle have five grades of remote learning excellence. Winchester is currently at the top of grade three, often seen as the ceiling, though the vast majority of schools are at stages 1 or 2. The aim is to rise to at least the top of stage 4 by the start of next term.
Editorial
Postcards from home
Living through lockdown in Nigeria with his family, Tomiwa describes the all too familiar pattern of endless baking, eating and then realising the need to exercise intensely. He writes about how he's filling the time when he's not studying.
'From sitting in the TV room in Chawkers, watching Manchester United dominate teams on a Sunday afternoon, to going out on the astroturf to play football with my housemates after lunch, football has always been my main hobby. I've taken to kicking a football around my garden continuously.'
Kitchen Percussion Competition 2020
Head of Composition, Oliver Tarney today announced the winners of the Kitchen Percussion Competition 2020. Challenging boys to create music using kitchen-based instruments, Ben Salwey (Kenny's) took Gold for his piece entitled 'BA-DRUM-DRUM'.
Mallory Challenge 2020
Keeping the spirit of adventure alive
The Mallory Challenge celebrates the spirit of adventure displayed by former pupil George Leigh Herbert Mallory (College 00-05) who took part in the first attempt to conquer Everest in 1922. The Challenge typically sees the CCF conduct an arduous week of journeying around the Lake District by canoe, foot and mountain bike to raise funds for Service Charities.
Determined to keep the spirit of challenge alive and fulfil their commitment to SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, 34 CCF cadets and 21 staff have today embarked on a virtual Mallory Challenge to cover the distance from Winchester College to Everest Base Camp by bike and running, with each member of the team tracking their individual progress online. Like conquering big mountains, everyone’s individual determination, drive and resilience will lead to the success of the team.
Reflection
Black Lives Matter
Every institution is likely to take a look at itself and its policies in the wake of the George Floyd incident. The College will obviously wish to be at the forefront of such reviews. There are some things, such as a possible revision in our codes of conduct, which can be done immediately; but we will also have a more extensive and fuller review.
The Warden has asked our incoming Bursar, Mr Paresh Thakrar, to survey the school culture with a fresh pair of eyes and then report to the Governing Body on any issues arising and desirable next steps. Mr Thakrar, who will be asking a number of parties to assist him in this task, will be pleased to hear any views direct.
Dr Tim Hands, Headmaster
Thought for the Week
Needful facts
English don, Richard Stillman reflects on the protests sweeping the United States and the United Kingdom in the latest edition of ‘Thought for the Week’. In Mr Stillman’s words, "It is not enough to not be racist. We have to be anti-racist. We need to start this by doing what we do best: educating ourselves. What more can we do to reduce the ignorance that fosters racism? These are urgent questions."
Also included is Jessi Glueck's related article recommending 'Girl' by Jamaica Kincaid as the 'Book of the Week'.
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