Thursday 16 October 2014

Head Master's Weekly Notes - 10th October

Abba, Ikea, Larsson, smörgåsbord and Zlatan Ibrahimović (I have been preparing for the PSA Quiz tonight!) are all Swedish icons which have become part and parcel of the British psychic and it was a pleasure welcoming Mr Tom Strahle from Scandanavia last week. Mr Strahle was instrumental in the success of our recent sports tour to Sweden and spent last week with us at Sexey’s looking at the way we operate as a school and investigating ways we can further collaborate with Sweden both from a sporting and cultural perspective (he is member of the Swedish Sports Council). He was bowled over by the school especially the enthusiasm and energy of our students and we look forward to working with Mr Strahle in further promoting our values and virtues – though he still needs to explain to me how to put together a chest of drawers with an allen key… And values and virtues were at the forefront of our discussions on Thursday when Sexey’s hosted the inaugural Candle Conference organised by our Head of Theology & Philosophy, Mrs Sue Nurse with the eminent theologian Mr Peter Vardy in attendance. Schools from all over the county enjoyed the religious discourse and debate at Sexey’s which fired up imaginations and got our students to think outside of the box, preparing them to have that conversation.

On Tuesday we had our 6th Form Open Evening for prospective students and their parents and with over 160 families in attendance, there was standing room only in the Main Hall. Again, our 6th form were a real credit to their parents and the school and our speakers articulated their thoughts on their experiences with great passion - not an easy task addressing 350 odd people in the Hall, but they did it. We have an outstanding 6th Form (the results at A-level speak for themselves) and a dedicated team who go over and beyond the call of duty. If any of our Y11 parents didn’t get a chance to come in on the evening or would like to visit again, then please do get in touch with Mrs Sam Brownlow, the Admissions Registrar who will be only too happy to organise a private visit for you. Speaking of the 6th form, a reminder that our Lower 6th (Year 12) ‘Meet the Tutor’ event takes place next Wednesday, 15th October at 4pm in the Sixth Form Centre.

And of course, my ruminations would not be complete without mentioning the weather and it really should make up its mind at what it’s doing – do I sport the Sexey’s scarf and carry around my brolly, just in case? But at least last weekend the weather was kind when over 30 of our intrepid explorers gained their DoE Silver qualifying award on expedition to Exmoor and again our students’ attitude and conduct was exemplary. Hockey and rugby matches continued to dominate the Elm and Daisy Fields this week with matches against Dauntsey’s and Milton Abbey and it was wonderful to hear the excitement of a Y13 girl who bounded towards my study this morning to tell me all about how the Senior Hockey Girls’ team  managed to beat Milton Abbey away - a tremendous feat and a memory which will last with that young woman for a long time to come. I hope she can draw on her experience on that astroturf in Dorset and use it as inspiration in her everyday life. Last weekend also saw the U16 Girls’ compete at Millfield in the Netball competition and Amber McCormick representing the Equestrian Team at the NSEA Dressage at Moreton in Dorchester - the full sporting stories and results can be found on our Sports website here.

Next Friday is not only the final week of this Michaelmas half term (is it really, I hear you gasp?), but it is also our Speech Day, which is an important event in the Sexey’s calendar where we celebrate achievement and success and we are delighted to welcome the distinguished journalist and broadcaster, Mrs Mariella Frostrup as our Guest of Honour and Speaker. Mrs Frostrup is the respected media voice on the UK’s arts and culture scene and on social issues and we look forward to seeing her at Sexey's next week. Please do come along and support the school and our students in their various endeavours – you are always welcome.

I look forward to seeing you at the many school events organised over the coming months at Sexey’s and, of course, at tonight’s PSA Quiz (Cranium Cruncher) – let the cerebral battle commence!

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