From the Headmaster
Inspection Report
The school was inspected in September. Like all inspections, this took place at short notice; and, in this case, had two specific areas of focus. The first was ‘material change’ i.e. the admission of day pupils and of girls, and whether both physically and educationally the school had made proper provision. Second, the educational inspectorates now have a particular emphasis on safeguarding, so safeguarding is always inspected whatever the prime reason for any inspection.
The Inspection Report has now been received, which you can read via the link below. In inspections of this kind the categories are only pass or fail, and neither quality judgements nor descriptors are permitted. Some parents may find the report an unexciting read for this reason. But in a climate where failure is increasingly expected, the report can legitimately be read as something of a triumph, especially for those most closely involved: the Bursar and Estates Bursar; Dr Cullerne; Mrs Harber, Mr Quayle, Mr Fox, Dr Hodgins, and Mr Barnes; and our Fellow with particular responsibility for safeguarding, Mrs Mayne. May I thank them all on your behalf for all the hard work they have put in to ensure this period of transition for the school has been so successfully navigated. I understand that all pupils, and not least new pupils, were particularly impressive in what they said about the school, and how eloquently they expressed it.
From the Bursar
A more Sustainable School
UNEP's Emissions Gap report, published last week, was painful to read. It is clear that the world has some way to go before hitting targets that will avoid the worst impacts of the climate emergency.
Ahead of COP27, in the film below, the Bursar explains what the school is doing to improve its sustainability across the estate, and to inform and empower pupils to consider their potential impact.
From the Second Master
Relationships and Sex Education: parental consultation event
Parents are invited to a consultation event about our relationships, sex and health education curriculum. This is a chance to ask questions and to talk to those involved in delivering the programme. The event will be held via MS Teams, on Tuesday 15 November, 1900-2000. In order to receive the link, and to submit questions in advance, please sign up here.
Parent Portal
This is a one-stop-shop for parents and carers to access a range of important documentation, including: pupil intermediate grades, pupil timetables, pupil reports, weekend arrangement forms for boarders, and vacation arrangement forms for all pupils. The Parent Portal link can be found in the footer of the school's website, alongside links to the school calendar, term dates, and SOCS.
Weekend Arrangements for Boarders
Please access the Parent Portal here to inform us of your child’s plans for this weekend. Log in and then select Interactive and Weekend Sign-out to complete the form. Chapel details for this weekend can be found here.
UK Trip
Geography in Cornwall
Over Leave-out, 24 Year 11 pupils went for an in-depth and immersive experience of nature-based solutions to climate change and explored associated land-use change issues. The group visited Cabilla - a 300-acre farm on the edge of Bodmin Moor - that has begun a 1000-year project to rewild the area.
Activites ranged from foraging to surfing, with some expert lectures back at base, followed by delicious meals that included wild venison and seasonal, vegan dishes. The decision to return to Cornwall this year is part of the College's commitment to more local school trips.
Local Trip
Isle of Wight Art
Over the first weekend of Leave-out, 24 pupils from Years 10 to 13 went on a four-day drawing and painting trip to the Isle of Wight. The trip was aimed at developing pupils’ abilities to respond, problem-solve and record experiences over a short space of time, in challenging environments.
Based mainly around the south coast, it was a packed few days exploring dramatic coastal landscapes and variable but beautiful weather systems. Pupils worked in the areas of Ventnor, Steephill Cove, and St Boniface Down before moving north to study the coastal architecture of Ryde Pier and Cowes Harbour.
Everyone made significant progress and showed great character on the few occasions where incoming showers became active participants in the creative process.
Academic
Prizewinners
Modern Languages
Sixth Form pupil Kirill Kolotiy (Cook's) was awarded first place in the Young Writers Prize organised by the Fundación Hispano Británica. In Spanish, he wrote an original and well-argued essay on the influence of social media. Kirill was awarded his prize at the Spanish Embassy during Leave-out.
Mathematics
From 208 entries into the Senior Mathematical Challenge, 108 pupils received Gold certificates, with 21 automatically qualifying for the British Mathematical Olympiad, and 87 qualifying for the Senior Kangaroo competition.
Congratulations to Chris Brain (VI Book 1, College) and Will Thomson (VI Book 1, College), who both scored full marks. Congratulations also to Kate Robinson (VI Book 2, Furley's), who achieved Distinction in the Mathematical Olympiad for Girls.
Sport
Cross Country
The annual first year Cross Country competition, known as Jun Jun, was run on 20 October in somewhat damp conditions.
Particular congratulations to Ivor Martin (Phil's), who smashed the previous record to take first place with a time of 26mins 03secs. Second place was taken by Caspar Edwards (Furley's) and third place by James Zawoda-Martin (Hopper's). In the House competition, first place was taken by Kenny’s, with College taking second place, and Beloe’s in third.
Many thanks to all parents who came along to support.
Partnerships
Food and Farming with Primary Pupils
Over three days in October, pupils from Winnall Primary School joined our staff and pupils to celebrate UN World Food Day through a rich programme of experiences exploring sustainability in food production and preparation. During this annual event, children from Years 5 and 6 learn about everything from farming and foraging, to survival skills and smoothies.
Social Event
Parents' Quiz
A reminder that you can now book your place for the Parents' Quiz on Friday 3 February 2023.
Tickets cost £10 per person and include all your food and drink for the evening.
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