tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6849490063768699392023-11-15T06:35:31.942-08:00Head Master's BlogMr Latif's thoughts on events at Sexey's and beyond.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18302205436758626256noreply@blogger.comBlogger129125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684949006376869939.post-18487618305197311042017-10-06T08:05:00.004-07:002017-10-06T08:05:55.953-07:00Headmaster's Weekly Notes - 6 October 2017<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans",sans-serif;">During this week’s Sixth
Form and Lower School assemblies, we reflected on the senseless tragedy in Las
Vegas last weekend and prayed for the victims and their loved ones. We said
that immediate action must be taken by leaders to address the archaic gun laws
in the US before more innocent people lose their lives. It is of course a topic
that generates much debate and I am pleased to see our students embrace the
opportunity to do so.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans",sans-serif;">On Tuesday this week we had
our 6th Form Open Evening for prospective students and their parents and were
happy that once again, there was standing room only in the Main Hall. Our 6th
Form helpers were a real credit to their parents and to the school and our
speakers articulated their thoughts on their experiences with great passion -
not an easy task addressing over 200 people in the Hall, but they did it. We
have an outstanding 6th Form (the results at A-level speak for themselves – 41%
A*-A as compared to the national results of 26%) and a dedicated team who go
above 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 Stallion who will be only too happy to organise a
personal visit for you. Speaking of the 6th form, a reminder that our Lower 6th
(Year 12) ‘Meet the Tutor’ event takes place on Monday, 9th October at 4pm in
the Sixth Form Centre. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans",sans-serif;">Despite the colder weather,
our Hockey and Rugby matches continued apace this week, with fixtures against
Nailsea School, Beechen Cliff, Wells Cathedral School, Bruton School for Girls,
and Milton Abbey. Planning sessions for the upcoming trip to Nepal have also
been held this week and we are all getting very excited as the trip takes
shape. More details to come soon.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans",sans-serif;">I look forward to seeing
you at the many school events organised over the coming months at Sexey’s
(especially those Year 11 parents who will be here for Parents’ Evening
tonight) and, of course, it’s Speech Day in a couple of weeks’ time which also
signals the end of this half term. Where has the time gone?</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18302205436758626256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684949006376869939.post-48210380113995630352017-09-22T08:17:00.002-07:002017-09-22T08:17:17.324-07:00Headmaster's Weekly Notes - 22 September 2017<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans", sans-serif;">The senseless terrorist attack
last Friday at Parsons Green station in London formed the narrative
of this week's 6th Form assembly. We asked the important question of
whether we continue to be safe in our major towns and cities. The terrorist
threat is still high on the agenda and it was an opportunity to reflect
and remember those who had lost loved ones in attacks around the world since 7/7
and what we must do to stop this violence - education is the key and I hope our
values will help reinforce this and empower the next generation of leaders and
decision makers: </span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans", sans-serif;">Those values were
clearly demonstrated at the Lower School Open Evening this week which saw
record numbers of prospective parents from far and wide come through the
Sexey’s School gates. Parents commented on the maturity, enthusiasm and
exemplary manners of our students and I hope we left them with a good
impression. Thank you for promoting the event amongst your friends and our next
Open Evening, which will be for our Sixth Form, takes place on Tuesday the
3rd of October. Do please keep banging that drum!</span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Plenty of activities this week, including rugby and
Hockey fixtures against the likes of Clayesmore & Wells Cathedral, Sherborne Girls, The
Park School & Bucklers Mead; Y13 EPQ trip to Southampton University and the
Duke of Edinburgh Silver expedition to the Quantocks - I wish our intrepid
explorers the very best and hope that the weather is kind to them -
it has been good so far.</span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans", sans-serif;">We also had the PSA AGM
and Meeting yesterday in Walwin and it was our Chair's last one. Mrs
Kit Pottow has dedicated her time, energy (and life it seems!) in making
the Sexey's PSA what it is today and during her time, it has raised in excess
of £35,000. The money raised through various events and activities
is given to the school to improve and further enhance the education
of our students. And this money has had a positive impact on the outcomes for
our students. The work that Mrs Pottow and her committee have done
over the past 8 years has been of tremendous value and we will miss
her dynamism and passion for all things Sexey's as she retires for
pastures new. My heartfelt thanks to Mrs Pottow and I wish
the new committee every possible success. We are looking for
volunteers (I know there are many new parents out there eager to
support the outstanding work of the PSA). Do please get involved - it means so
much to us, the school and ultimately our children. It is after all why we
are all here. </span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans", sans-serif;">I wish you all a pleasant and restful
exeat (good luck to the Equestrian team this weekend at Stonar) and I hope that
the weather continues to be kind to us all… </span><u1:p><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></u1:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18302205436758626256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684949006376869939.post-31401083301151656532017-09-22T08:16:00.000-07:002017-09-22T08:16:56.239-07:00Headmaster's Weekly Notes - 15 September 2017<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">School
is in full swing this week, with the Year 7s navigating the school site like old
hands, Girls’ hockey and rugby practices, the Sixth Form pantomime rehearsals
set to begin, preparation for the silver DoE, the China Trip, Cross Country
Club, Geology Club, Army Cadet Force, Cooking Club, British Sign Language Club,
Fencing Club…. Our boarders took time at the weekend to unwind at Splashdown in
Poole (pun not intended) and to take part in the Glow in the Park Run at
Longleat - a success by all accounts. I do wonder has it really only been 10
days since the start of term? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">During Friday’s Key
Stage 3 assembly, Mr Darryl Carpenter, the Head of Key Stage 3,
explored with the pupils what is good about the school. We had a number of
responses from the quality of teaching to the range of activities on offer –
sport, music, art and drama to the food. One student talked about the students
and staff here, and that struck me. It is people that make a place special and
how we treat each other speaks volumes about us as individuals, as a school, as
a community and more importantly, as a family. It is only our second
week back and I can see our values of tolerance, respect and kindness in
abundance here at Sexey's. As we prepare to welcome students and parents
at our Lower School Open Evening next Tuesday (please spread the word!) I
reflect on how proud I am of the way in which our students have begun this new
term, with enthusiasm and endeavour. Long may it last!</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18302205436758626256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684949006376869939.post-62924652843152943912017-07-10T01:02:00.001-07:002017-07-10T01:02:21.032-07:00Headmaster's Weekly Notes - 7 July 2017<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">With
only a week to go until the end of term, there is no signs of activity slowing
down in School. This week we held our Year 6 Induction Day, welcoming all of
our new joiners, and this weekend sees our new Y7 boarders entering the houses
for their sleepover taster weekend. </span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">Tonight
is the final production of the whole school musical ‘Bugsy Malone’, which had
its premiere on Wednesday and has had sell-out audiences. Congratulations to
everyone involved from the actors, to behind the scenes, to the technical
department, to front of house. All of the funds raised from the tickets and
refreshments sales will go towards the next school production and the Drama
department, so we are immensely grateful for your support. Tickets for
tonight’s show (7.30pm) are available on the door if you haven’t got yours
already – I hope to see you there!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">This
week a huge congratulations goes to our Year 8 girls who – following a
gruelling session at Millfield – have been crowned county champions in Rounders
for the second year in a row. We are very proud of them – especially as many of
them are also county netball champions! Well done ladies. Cricket fixtures and
athletics meets have also been held this week against Warminster School and
Millfield. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">The Year
12 Geography department returns this afternoon from their field trip to the
Dale Fort Field Centre in Pembrokeshire, where they have been assessing
biodiversity change in intertidal zones, among other things. Photos can be seen
via Twitter @SexeysGeogDept <a href="https://twitter.com/sexeysgeogdept" target="_blank">Geography Trip</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">On
Tuesday this week we welcomed fifteen potential employers into school for a
careers conference for our Years 8-10. Thank you to everyone who made this
excellent opportunity to support our students’ future business lives a
possibility – a full write up can be read here <a href="http://www.sexeys.somerset.sch.uk/56-news1/events/732-careers-conference" target="_blank">Careers Conference</a>.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">Should
any of you be visiting the Yeovilton Air Day this weekend then do look out for
our stand – we will be representing Sexey’s as we do each year, in support of
our forces families. Spread the word!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18302205436758626256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684949006376869939.post-4328079994873967102017-06-30T08:57:00.001-07:002017-06-30T08:57:48.458-07:00Headmaster's Weekly Notes - 30 June 2017<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">Arts,
Music and Drama are thriving this week at Sexey’s as set up for the whole
school musical, Bugsy Malone, is currently well underway. I hope to see you
there Wednesday – Friday next week (tickets available at Reception). This
week has also seen the End of School Art and Photography Showcase, when we
welcomed parents, friends, and colleagues from the neighbouring schools to view
the outstanding final pieces produced by our artists in Years 10-13. Well done
to all of you for some superb artwork, described as “inspiring” by a visiting
Head of Art. Congratulations also go to those students involved in the Trinity
Guildhall Speech and Drama Showcase – what superb talent we have in school.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">Our Year
7s have departed for a Science trip to @Bristol today and we look forward to
hearing more about their visit on their return – please keep an eye out for
updates on the school news pages (from the homepage) and twitter (</span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="https://twitter.com/SexeysSchool"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-size: 12.0pt;">@SexeysSchool</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">We were
happy to welcome some of our new students this week as the Sixth Form Induction
and SEND Transition Day went ahead. The school was buzzing with a renewed
energy – as it does every year at this time – and we look forward to welcoming
our new joiners back again in September. Of course this also means that we bid
a fond farewell to some of our current Year 11s, with whom we celebrated this
week at their Leaver’s Prom at Hauser & Wirth Somerset. Thank you to our
hosts and all of the organisers for a truly fantastic evening. Photos can be
viewed (and I understand, purchased) here <a href="http://www.terryfisherphotography.co.uk/-/galleries/proms-and-summer-balls-2017" target="_blank">Prom Photographs</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">Our
Sports Department has once again been busy with Athletics fixtures (well done
to Maddy Britton and Josh Carr for winning their 100m sprints, and to the Y10
boys who won the Area Athletics Competition), Rounders (well done to the Y8
ladies team who also won a Rounders Area final tournament), and several cricket
matches this week, including an U14A match against Wells Cathedral School and
U13A vs Dauntsey’s. These matches can be followed via the twitter feed </span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="https://twitter.com/SexeysSport"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-size: 12.0pt;">https://twitter.com/SexeysSport</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">A very
special congratulations must also go to Sixth Former Georgia Silcox, who has
been invited to trial for Great Britain in the triple jump – our very best luck
to Georgia as she prepares for that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">Once
again a very big thank you to our Parent Staff Association who met last night
to discuss the department bids and distributed a great deal of funds to support
our school. It is all hugely appreciated. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">And
finally, this weekend we wish our boarders well as they head off on trips to
Studland in Dorset and the New Forest in Hampshire, to those students and staff
who will be rehearsing for next week’s production of Bugsy and to the Sexey’s
All Star Cricket XI who will be taking on a touring side from Cambridge on
Saturday afternoon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18302205436758626256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684949006376869939.post-15995238933783798182017-06-16T08:33:00.004-07:002017-06-16T08:33:43.969-07:00Headmaster's Weekly Notes - 16 June 2017<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Gill Sans MT, sans-serif;"><b>I have been struck this week by the strength of community shown in response to the Grenfell Tower fire in West London. It is a reminder of our shared humanity – a lesson that as a school we will be taking forward into our work around National Refugee Week next week. I hope through education and our values of tolerance, respect and kindness, we all work to make our communities better places for us all.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Gill Sans MT, sans-serif;"><b>There was certainly a strong sense of community at today’s Year 11 Leaver’s Service and barbeque. As I gave my address and looked out across the sea of faces, I realised how far these students have come, becoming engaged, helpful young citizens with an exciting future ahead of them. We look forward to welcoming many of them back to our Sixth Form next term. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Gill Sans MT, sans-serif;"><b>This week has seen a group of Year 10 GCSE History students on a trip to Montacute House to study hierarchy and status in Elizabethan society, as well as an extremely moving Acoustic Night (with Ben Macnaughton performing a song for his father serving in Afghanistan and Princess Ijaola singing a song that she had written for her friend who is leaving Sexey’s to return to Spain at the end of the year). There wasn’t a dry eye in the house!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Gill Sans MT, sans-serif;"><b>We must give our congratulations to Georgia Silcox for her Somerset County Schools win and new Long Jump championship record of 6.08m last weekend. Well done Georgia – your success is testament to all of your hard work and dedication. Cricket and rounders fixtures have been played this week against Millfield Prep, King Arthur’s, Dauntsey’s, Stanchester and Milton Abbey (more information at the dedicated School Sports site as always) and we wish the equestrian team well for the upcoming NSEA Dressage competition in Dorset this weekend.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Gill Sans MT, sans-serif;"><b>I must close now and dig out my black tie for the Sixth Form Ball at Haynes Motor Museum – yet another opportunity to reflect on the strong sense of community and friendship here at Sexey’s.</b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18302205436758626256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684949006376869939.post-13012136281195719172017-06-09T08:17:00.001-07:002017-06-09T08:17:01.017-07:00Headmaster's Weekly Notes - 09 June 2017<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">Welcome
back after what I hope was a restful half term – it does seem quite a long time
ago!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">Those of
us who did not manage to stay up all night watching the electoral votes coming
in, woke to a very interesting political scene this morning. Commentators have
reflected that this is the General Election in which young people have taken to
the ballot boxes to make their voices heard. Perhaps we will see politicians
engage much more heavily with the younger demographic as a result – this can
only be a positive thing for our future. As a school we take very seriously the
need to equip our students with the life skills that they will need to stay
informed with this ever changing world. Our mission statement resonates this -
‘Teaching boys and girls to think intelligently, act wisely and be fully
engaged in a challenging and changing world’. We thank all of those politicians
that have come into school in recent weeks to meet with our students and
explain the political process. As I write this, the current Government, is
looking to establish itself with the support of DUP, ten days before Brexit
negotiations begin. The question of grammar schools, academy sponsorship and
school funding, to name but a few, will become more important than ever now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">In the
spirit of staying informed, I hope that you will take the time to read Mr
Clackson’s safeguarding letter relating to TV programmes, websites and apps
currently available to children who have access to mobile devices, sent out to
parents and guardians earlier today. It is a topic that is important to us – we
are continually assessing our safeguarding procedures to ensure that your child
is safe at school, physically, mentally and virtually. Please don’t hesitate to
contact your child’s tutor should you have any concerns.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">It has
been another busy start to term, not least as the exam season continues.
Yesterday saw our Year 10 Drama students performing powerfully executed
extracts from Hitchcock’s ‘The 39 Steps’. We also welcomed visitors from
Bristol Cathedral Choir School who were conducting a friendly peer review of
our teaching and learning to prepare us for future Ofsted monitoring visits.
Their feedback was positive – they were clear that there has been apparent
progress since January and that there are tremendous strengths and
demonstrations of outstanding practice visible in the school. Thank you to
everyone involved. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">On
Tuesday we held a minute’s silence in honour of all of those affected by the
London terrorist attacks. Our thoughts and prayers remain with them and with
their families and during times like this, it really does put things into
perspective. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">We have
had a number of cricket and rounders fixtures this week, with fiercely
contested matches against Millfield, Hugh Sexey’s, Westfield Academy and Huish
Episcopi. And a reminder that next Tuesday sees the final Acoustic Night for
the year – do please come along and support the excellent work of our
musicians. The weather today has been pleasant (more reminiscent of how it
should be during summer) and we wish all those going on the Bronze Duke of
Edinburgh expedition across the Mendips this weekend the very best of luck - let’s
hope the weather is kind to them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18302205436758626256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684949006376869939.post-32956491040714057642017-05-26T08:48:00.001-07:002017-05-26T08:48:51.452-07:00Headmaster's Weekly Notes - 26 May 2017<b><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">From the Headmaster</span></b><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">What a
scorcher of a day for Sports Day! Spirits were high as we processed up to the
Elm Field - our four houses were in fine form singing with gusto the School
Song, building team spirit. It was lovely to see so many parents there in
support (thank you again to the PSA for staving off the dehydration). My
personal thanks also go to the PE department for their meticulous organisation,
to the Estates team, House staff, KDR, IT and of course the competitors, who
battled hard but shook hands at the end. This time victory belonged to Golledge
who won the prestigious West Midlands Relay Shield and the Track & Field
competitions with Knight House winning the Macmillan Cancer Support Student –
Staff Race. It was a fine way to round off this busy half term and a
well-deserved break awaits our colleagues and students alike.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">It has
been a moving week as we marked a minute’s silence yesterday in respect for the
victims of the Manchester Arena terrorist attack on Monday. We have been open
in speaking to our students about how the news has affected them, but if you
are anxious about doing so at home, you may find <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/13865002" target="_blank">this information</a><span style="color: #0563c1;"> </span>from the BBC helpful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">We
welcome home our students from the China Exchange next Wednesday. To read more
about their trip, please see <a href="http://www.sexeys.somerset.sch.uk/56-news1/events/728-china-visit-2017" target="_blank">here</a><span style="color: #0563c1;">.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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A moving Leavers’ assembly took place yesterday in the Sixth Form Centre and it
was a fitting tribute to the maturity and diligence of this particular year
group. They have been led admirably by Maximillian Kaberry, Victoria Regan and
Francesca Llewellin, who have encapsulated all the qualities that make a
Sexeian – all commented on the friendly nature and warm atmosphere of the
school, the life skills they have learnt and the strong relationships they have
built, which will last for many years to come. The Sixth Formers now immerse
themselves in public exams after half term and we wish them well in their
endeavours as they pursue coveted university places, gap years and internships
come August. I thank them for the outstanding service they have given to the
school – from music, art and drama productions, to a variety of sports teams
and to the prefect body for setting the gold standard to the younger members of
our community and keeping them on TRaK. Their skills
in Car Pool Karaoke was also a revelation…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">I wish
you all a pleasant and peaceful half term break and look forward to welcoming
you back into school on Monday 5<sup>th</sup> June (4<sup>th</sup> June for our
returning boarders).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18302205436758626256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684949006376869939.post-21299926730700586492017-05-22T01:09:00.002-07:002017-05-22T01:09:20.692-07:00Headmaster's Weekly Notes - 19 May 2017<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">Summer
exams started this week, with students taking part in breakfast and lunch
revision clubs and The Sanctuary providing welcome relaxation. Our teachers can
be seen poring over the papers in the break times, and the whole school is
behind those are working so hard at this time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">Our
extra-curricular activities provide welcome relief at these times and it was
superb to hear our Sexey’s singing group perform so well at Roth Bar &
Grill last weekend. Their fine voices certainly bode well for the whole school
musical ‘Bugsy Malone’ in July. Tickets are already on sale in Reception; we do
hope you can join us. Meanwhile, our sportsmen and women performed well in
cricket, rounders, equestrian and tennis fixtures played this week against
Ansford, Dauntsey’s School and Huish Episcopi Academy, and the athletics Track
and Field Cup meet at Millfield on Wednesday saw wins in the relays and sprints
– congratulations to everyone involved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">We also
had a very successful Boarding Open Morning last weekend and again thank you to
all colleagues and the community who go over and beyond to support us in our
endeavours. It was an excellent opportunity to show our future students what
they can achieve at Sexey’s, and to provide an update on all that we have been
doing recently in Boarding. Feedback was extremely positive, and our existing
parents may also be interested to read the latest updates to the Boarding and
Academic Action Plans <span style="color: #0563c1;"><a href="http://www.sexeys.somerset.sch.uk/images/files/Statutory/Boarding_Action_Plan_2016_v14.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> </span>and </span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://www.sexeys.somerset.sch.uk/images/files/Statutory/Academic_Action_Plan_Jan_2017_v1.10.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">here</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;"> respectively. As always, we
welcome any questions or comments on these.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">As I
write, final preparations are being made for the China Exchange trip, which
departs tomorrow to Beijing. We wish them the very best of journeys, a fruitful
visit, and a safe return. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "MS Gothic";">祝你一个平静</span><span style="font-family: "Microsoft JhengHei",sans-serif;">轻松的周</span><span style="font-family: "MS Gothic";">末</span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans",sans-serif;">
(</span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">I wish you a
peaceful and relaxing weekend</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif;">).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18302205436758626256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684949006376869939.post-22110924687731827402017-05-15T01:28:00.002-07:002017-05-22T01:09:33.744-07:00Headmaster's Weekly Notes - 12 May 2017<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif;">Whatever
your political view, it is hard to be anything other than impressed by the fact
that a person with drive and a vision for change could be elected French
President only a year after starting his own political movement, En Marche. It
is this level of passion with which we aim to enthuse our students and the
coming week’s activities encourages me of our success. Continuing the political
theme, we were pleased to welcome the Liberal Democrat prospective candidate
for Somerton and Frome into school on Thursday to speak to our Sixth Form
Government & Politics students on the democratic process. Engaging the next
generation in the current political debate is important to us as a school and
we encourage those Sixth Formers who are eligible to do so to register to vote
in June.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif;">The film
festival this weekend at Hauser & Wirth includes Youth Cinema Foundation’s
‘Strange Magic’, written and directed by Sexey’s Sixth Former Megan O’Neil and
involving several of our students. I would encourage you <a href="http://www.hauserwirthsomerset.com/events/silent-cinema-film-school-20170301" target="_blank">to get your complimentary ticket</a> and support their
enthusiasm and endeavour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif;">It is a
season of school trips. This morning saw a group of our Year 8 Gifted and Talented
students in the school car en route to The Salters’ Institute of Chemistry at
the University of Bristol for a day’s competition with other schools in the
South West, solving chemical challenges. More on this on our news section of
the website shortly. Next weekend 15 students will be visiting our partner
school Yueyang No.2 Middle School, China for over a week, working alongside
Chinese students and visiting Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall of China and
Ming Tombs among other sights. What a fantastic opportunity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif;">The
summer sports season is in full swing with cricket, rounders and tennis matches
played this week against Ansford, King Arthur’s, Millfield, Clayesmore, and
Huish Episcopi Academy. Don’t forget the</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.schoolssports.com/school/default.asp?Id=2703" target="_blank">Sexey's School Sports dedicated site for more details of
fixtures</a></span><span style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif;">. Best
of luck to students participating in the equestrian events this weekend and we
look forward to welcoming you all at Sports Day on Friday 26<sup>th</sup> May,
if not before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif;">We wish
all our Y11 and 6<sup>th</sup> form the very best in their public exams which
continue to gather pace next week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18302205436758626256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684949006376869939.post-76492917809987866042017-05-08T01:17:00.003-07:002017-05-08T01:17:29.032-07:00Headmaster's Weekly Notes - 5 May 2017<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Gill Sans MT', sans-serif;">Although a short week (though this is a long time in politics!),
we have seen much activity in school as we returned from the first of our May
bank holidays. GCSE Art and Spanish students have embarked on their exams and I
commend all of our students for their thoughtfulness in keeping a respectful
air for their peers who are mid-revision at this time. Next week our Key Stage
3 students will take their internal exams and we wish them all the very best of
luck for them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Gill Sans MT', sans-serif;">The Sports Department has been as busy as ever with cricket and
rounders fixtures played against Holyrood Academy, Millfield School and The
Gryphon this week. A special congratulations goes to Sixth Former Georgia
Silcox who became Somerset Schools’ Senior Heptathlon Champion at the Somerset
Schools’ Combined Events Championships on Monday. A tremendous achievement on
all accounts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Gill Sans MT', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Gill Sans MT', sans-serif;">Next weekend we see off our latest Duke of Edinburgh practitioners on
their Bronze practice expedition to Cranborne Chase. We add our thanks to those
flooding in from around the world in praise of Prince Philip as he announced
yesterday that he is stepping back from public office this year, in particular
for his inspirational work with the DofE award scheme. </span><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Gill Sans MT', sans-serif;">Thanks
in large part to the team of teachers led by Mrs Wilkinson, who give up their
time in support of the scheme, we are proud to be one of the largest providers
in the South West. Students from Year 10 onwards are given the opportunity to
participate in the scheme, which is widely recognised by colleges, universities
and employers and has been popular with Sexey’s students for many years. </span><span style="font-family: 'Gill Sans MT', sans-serif;">Success in the award brings many challenges but also many rewards for
participants in exchange for commitment, hard work and determination.</span><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Gill Sans MT', sans-serif;"> To
read our news story from the latest award ceremony for our successful students,
please click the link here: </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://www.sexeys.somerset.sch.uk/56-news1/events/719-duke-of-edinburgh-awards"><span style="background: white; color: #0563c1; font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">http://www.sexeys.somerset.sch.uk/56-news1/events/719-duke-of-edinburgh-awards</span></a></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">. <span style="color: #0d0505;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Gill Sans MT', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Gill Sans MT', sans-serif;">On Saturday
13<sup>th</sup> May we also hold our Boarding Open Morning and thank all of our
parents for spreading the word and encouraging any families in your network
that might be interested in our school to register on the school website and
join us at 10am in Macmillan House.</span><span style="font-family: 'Gill Sans MT', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Gill Sans MT', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Gill Sans MT', sans-serif;">Yesterday’s
local elections took place and I hope that our students will continue to keep
abreast on what is happening in politics both here and around the world,
especially with the French going to polls this Sunday.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18302205436758626256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684949006376869939.post-87903229065158025952017-05-03T01:05:00.002-07:002017-05-03T01:05:45.005-07:00Headmaster's Weekly Notes - 28 April 2017<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">As
tensions rise on the political battlefield both here and across the Channel, we
spoke at Sixth Form assembly this week about the recent French elections and
how this will have an impact on the UK and Brexit. There is so much uncertainty
that it is difficult to navigate politics currently and it's the next
generation of leaders (our students) that will need to be equipped with the
right tools in order to do so. Their thoughtful comments make me optimistic for
the future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">Sticking
with the Sixth Form, as a Gifted & Talented venture, our G&T and
PE departments recently secured the opportunity for six of our talented Year 11
PE students to experience a Sports Psychology programme with Dr Barry Cripps, a
registered Sport and Exercise Psychologist with notable clients such as The Met
Office, The British Olympic Association, and the High Performance Unit at the
University of Exeter. The aim of the programme was to help the students gain a
better insight and understanding of their talents and to coach them in ways
that would help them with their performance, including relaxation techniques,
confidence, concentration, goal setting strategies and practising mental
rehearsal. And speaking of goal setting, our Sixth Formers also arranged a
school fundraiser for Dorothy House Hospice, raising important funds for
this special charity, which cares for people of all ages, from all walks
of life with life-limiting illnesses and is this year celebrating its 40th
birthday. The event, held in the sixth form games session, was a sports
day style event with three-legged and sack races and a fancy dress obstacle
course. Well done to all those involved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">As I
type, final preparations are being made for the 5km Race for Life in support of
Cancer Research on the Elm Field. Thank you to everyone who has joined us for
this fantastic charitable event which has been organised by our Deputy Head
Girl, Lucy Febrey. Just like the image of one marathon runner helping
another in the final metres of that gruelling race, I hope we at school will
continue to go out of our way to support those in need.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18302205436758626256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684949006376869939.post-5437590784026416982017-04-21T08:48:00.001-07:002017-04-21T08:48:23.907-07:00Headmaster's Weekly Notes - 21 April 2017<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">Welcome
back to the start of the new summer term – a term traditionally when courses
culminate in the taking of public exams, cricket, rounders and athletics form
the major sports and the sun is supposed to shine – and unfortunately it isn’t.
It’s good to be back at school and to get back into the swing of things after
the Easter holidays and although the school is now in summer mode with regards
uniform, the weather certainly doesn’t reflect that and it is forecast to get
slightly colder. Please see below the school’s expectations with regards the
summer dress code. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">This
weekend, thousands are donning their running shoes to take part in the London
Marathon. Its Charity of the Year, Heads Together, aims to end the stigma
around mental health and enable young people to talk freely about their issues
and concerns. In school this week, we once again welcomed the Samaritans, who
have been coming to talk to the whole school about ways in which our students
can strengthen their emotional and mental wellbeing (this week they addressed
Y10). They have<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span>also spent time with our
Year 11s, providing them with tips and advice on dealing with examination and
revision stress. Leaflets following those sessions are available in The
Sanctuary or from Mrs Nurse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">Getting
active is of course one very good way to improve mental health and I look
forward to welcoming as many as possible to our own running event, the 5km Race
for Life, at the Elm Field next Friday. Meanwhile, our huge
congratulations also go to the Year 8 Netball team who became County Champions
after a gruelling final at Millfield yesterday – well done girls!<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">Staying
on TRaK (Tolerance, Respect & Kindness) continues to be our drive this term
with preparation for public examinations fully underway (the KS3 Summer exams
take place early next month), and it is important that our students remain
fully engaged and focussed. The pace and intensity has been relentless since we
got back and I have been impressed with students’ work ethic, independence of
thought and positive attitude in and around school, including the boarding
houses, and I commend them for their sterling efforts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">With the
PM calling a General Election on the 8<sup>th</sup> of June, which has caught
many by surprise, the question of education funding still remains a hot topic
of debate and I hope that the new Government, whatever colour it may be, puts
education at the heart of its manifesto and will address this crucial area so
that the futures of our children are protected and that schools up and down the
country are not forced to take decisions that will ultimately harm the nature
and ethos of what we are trying to do – provide our students with an all-round,
holistic education that will give them the necessary skills to prepare them for
the future.</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18302205436758626256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684949006376869939.post-51937604891558866022017-03-20T02:05:00.002-07:002017-03-20T02:05:48.810-07:00Head Master's Weekly Notes - 17 March 2017<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">Article
50, constitutional challenges between England and Scotland and school funding
are dominating the news and the latter is of particular concern to us.
The National Funding Formula in its current format is going to see every school
in England experience budget cuts before 2020 which will inevitably harm
standards in schools up and down the country. Despite this, we continue trying
to provide the best opportunities we can for your children and this week has
been no exception. I’d like to thank all of the parents and guardians who
took the time to attend our forums on Wednesday and Friday last week.
They were challenging but ultimately productive sessions in which you raised
some clear areas in which we could improve in our communication with you.
We have spent this week reflecting on the necessary actions to address the
concerns that you voiced and as a result, we will be writing to you in due
course with regards bullying, the use of Moodle and explaining the other
specific actions that will be included in a summary of the sessions.
Thank you also for your expressions of support during this process – they are
very much appreciated and we will continue our hard work to do them
justice. Fundraising was another topic of the forums and I will write to
you separately on this matter in due course once the formula has been debated
in the House of Commons next week – as it stands it looks like the formula may
well be rejected, but we have seen things go the other way in the past…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">Sporting
fixtures aside in rugby, netball and equestrian where our sportsmen and women
have excelled, we have had the opportunity to celebrate British Science Week
during tutor time and in lessons this week. Our successful Duke of Edinburgh
applicants collected their certificates for Bronze, Silver and Gold awards at
the DoE ceremony at the Octagon in Yeovil this week, and our congratulations go
once again to them for their endeavours including that of Mrs Wilkinson and her
team. Meanwhile, while continuing with our improvement plans in light of
Ofsted, we have met with our Parents & Staff Association (if you are
willing to help here please do get in touch) and been preparing for next week’s
lectures which will both challenge and inspire – from the award winning film
maker, Jo Ruxton who will be talking about ‘Plastic Oceans’ next Tuesday
evening to our TEDEd team of Sixth Formers giving a series of wide-ranging
lectures including topics such as existentialism,</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">child
mortality, literacy rates, sustainability and education on the Wednesday
evening. I hope to see you there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18302205436758626256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684949006376869939.post-80750300330205725472017-03-15T05:57:00.001-07:002017-03-15T05:57:10.210-07:00Head Master's Weekly Notes - 10 March 2017<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Gill Sans MT', sans-serif;">Our recent Academic
Ofsted inspection unfortunately did not go well and the full report and
response to it is on our website. We have an Academic Action Plan in place
which we are working with colleagues and Governors on to address the
shortcomings highlighted by the report. We are fully committed to rectifying
those areas as well as continuing with our Boarding Action Plan. There are also
many positives in the report and we should not lose sight of that - our
students feel safe, are happy, well behaved, participate in a range of
activities and enjoy coming into school. May I take this opportunity to thank
you for the overwhelming support that you have given the school since receiving
the report this week and for attending the Parents’ Forums - it speaks volumes
about you and about our very caring and supportive school.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Gill Sans MT', sans-serif;">Despite the
disappointing news, it’s business as usual here and I was impressed with the
reaction of our students following the news of the report in assembly this
week. They were considerate, articulate and passionate about their school and
the way they conducted themselves for the Whole School Photo afterwards was
indicative of the comments in the report. We have learnt that four of our
U6 students came in the top 30% of students in the U.K. who sat the prestigious
and highly competitive International Chemistry Olympiad run by the Royal
Society of Chemistry - an impressive achievement to say the least which we can
all be proud of and there have been plenty of boarding activities too. With a
number of sporting fixtures to exercise the mind and the body, auditions for
next term’s Drama production of 'Bugsy Malone', rehearsals for this month’s
Spring Concert in full flow, colleagues running the Bath Half Marathon this
weekend in aid of the school’s partner charity, Macmillan Cancer Support and
news of the proposed Sexey’s expedition to the Himalayas in July 2019 (more
details to follow), the school carries on - a real strength of our community.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18302205436758626256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684949006376869939.post-65526666937149366532017-03-03T09:17:00.003-08:002017-03-03T09:17:51.941-08:00Head Master's Weekly Notes - 3 March 2017<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">Despite
the dreary and grey weather, the school has been awash in colour and bathed in
a golden glow with everyone dressed in yellow to support ‘Big Yellow Friday’ in
aid of the excellent work of the Children’s Liver Foundation, a charity close
to school’s heart and my thanks to staff and students for all their help and in
particular to Mr Dave Hill and his granddaughter Tilly (who is now a bonnie 3
year old), who took part in the fund-raising raffle at lunchtime today. It was
lovely to see her and the community spirit displayed in full today by the whole
school. It has certainly been a busy week! Well done to the Y10s for
keeping their cool as they sat their trial exams and I congratulate them on how
well they have conducted themselves during this important week – it will
prepare them for the future and I hope they have faced up to the challenge and
that they have learnt a little more about themselves. The Sports department has
played a number of netball, hockey and football fixtures this week (the 1<sup>st</sup>
XI claimed a victory against Yeovil FC’s Academy side) as well as Rugby 7s
competitions with the 1st VII last weekend losing in the plate Semi Final at
Canford. Today the U13s and U14s are at the Perins School’s 7s tournament in
Southampton and we wish them well in their endeavours. Congratulations
also to our Karate team who last weekend competed at the English Karate
Federation Tournament in Birmingham and won three trophies for performance and
fighting. The Y11 Oxford University trip was a success and we welcome back this
evening our Y12 Geographers who have been carrying out their field work in
Devon – it’s safe to say that the weather hasn’t been kind to them either.
Where has this week gone?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">I look
forward to seeing you at the PSA Spring Dinner and Dance tomorrow evening where
we will continue to celebrate our strong and caring community.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18302205436758626256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684949006376869939.post-75895149379101016322017-02-24T08:39:00.001-08:002017-02-24T08:39:03.050-08:00Head Master's Weekly Notes - 24 February 2017<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Half term
came and went in a flash, but the foul weather seems to be still here! With
Storm Doris ravaging most of the United Kingdom yesterday, our sportsmen and
women were also creating a storm on the games fields against the likes of
King’s Arthur’s, All Hallows’, Sandroyd, The Blue School and Bruton School for
Girls. Well done too to our Year 7 footballers Ben George, Charlie Hawkins and
Morris Moore who – we have just learnt - have made the final round of the SW
District trials. Have we really only been back a week? We also saw plenty of
inspiring performances by our musician at Acoustic Night this week which saw
members of the String Group, Perla Walker, Hugo Peel, Lily Nuttall-Redman,
Annabel Thrippleton, Cecily Minting et al take to the microphone and belt out
such classics as the Eagles’ ‘Hotel California’ and Adele’s ‘Someone Like You’.
They played to a packed and appreciative audience and I am delighted that so
many of our students (and staff) are engaged in music at the school – an
essential part of the all-round, holistic education we endeavour to provide all
our students. During Lower School assembly, we reminded our students to stay on
TRaK – the Christian values of tolerance, respect and kindness which underpin
everything we do here at Sexey’s and forms an integral part of our identity and
community. They are clearly displayed in the school’s reception and in all that
we do – please reinforce these values at every opportunity; they are
important. And the Assistant Head (Pastoral), Mr Clackson gave a
thought-provoking talk on the effects of bullying, which we take very seriously
here at Sexey’s and I hope that our students will continue to be model citizens
both in and out of school in all that they do and reflect our core values.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And as the Y10s get ready for their Trial exams next
week, our Equestrian team competes in the NSEA Inter-Schools’ Show Jumping
Competition at West Wilts on Saturday, our 1<sup>st</sup> VII rugby team
compete at the prestigious Canford VIIs rugby tournament on Sunday, our Y11
geographers prepare to head off to Devon on their field work studies, some of
our Y11s visiting Exeter College, Oxford, I try to find my black tie for next
week’s PSA Spring Dinner & Dance (only a few tickets left so do get yours
quickly!), and our charity fund raising event for the Children's Liver Disease
Foundation ‘Big Yellow Friday’, I do wonder where February and the half term
holiday went. We seem to be cooking up our own storm here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18302205436758626256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684949006376869939.post-62249845417981917222017-02-10T07:53:00.001-08:002017-02-10T07:53:42.605-08:00Head Master's Weekly Notes - 10 February 2017<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">Our Jacobean founder,
Hugh Sexey would have been proud of this week’s School Production of Shakespeare’s
‘King Lear’ (written between 1604 and 1606), which was performed with
such confidence and aplomb by our students. The power and raw emotion from the
actors set the tone for the stunning performance and the lead, played by Jasmin
Dennis, has been compared to Glenda Jackson’s take on the role in the West
End. High praise indeed. The cast and crew have again produced a play which has
further raised the bar for future productions - expectations will be high and
the challenge even greater. From front of house to backstage, from the music to
make up - everybody has an important part to play and they do it so well; a
self-less and caring community wanting the best for each other. Setting high
standards and challenging our students to do things differently is what we
strive to do and ‘King Lear’ was no exception. The upcoming review in ‘What’s
on Somerset’ (which I encourage you to read) sums it up well and
reflects the commitment and passion our students and staff have for our special
school. Drama continues to excel at Sexey’s and with Trinity Guildhall
examinations on offer to our Sexeians and our partnership with the Youth Cinema
Foundation, I am pleased to see Drama both at school and in the community,
going from strength to strength. The summer production will be our
interpretation of the hit musical ‘Bugsy Malone’ which should be a real treat
and I’ve been asked to sit in the front row…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">Speaking
of community, a group of young Sexeians went to Sexey's Hospital on Monday to
meet with the current Master, Canon Paul Jenkins, who gave them a tour of
Sexey's Hospital, met with the residents and then presented us with a new
school flag to continue our strong and healthy relationship, something our
founder would be very proud of. We thank Canon Jenkins for his tireless
support of the school and wish him well as he retires next month. His legacy
will last for many years to come, both in school and in our community.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">And so
to half term – while the students are enjoying an early start to a
well-deserved break, colleagues from Sexey's and schools from all over Somerset
have come together today as a learning community to share best practice and to
learn from one another in what works best in the classroom - over 1000 teachers
in over 40 schools have been working closely together for the benefit of the
next generation. Community on an even bigger scale and a privilege to be a part
of.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">The RBS
Six Nations Rugby continues this weekend, and I will be watching the game
tomorrow with our local community - all sorts of communities coming together
for a variety of reasons on a local, national and international level; it can
only be a good thing. I wish you all a pleasant and peaceful half term.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18302205436758626256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684949006376869939.post-9630834012587648332017-02-06T01:10:00.002-08:002017-02-06T01:10:41.162-08:00Head Master's Weekly Notes - 3 February 2017<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">Last
Friday saw the PSA put on a fabulous show when we had a great turnout for the
PSA Annual Quiz in the Main Hall. The whole event was expertly compered
by our very own Mr Keith Partridge and a team called ‘The B Team’ successfully
won back the title! The atmosphere was competitive and at times you
could hear a pin drop as the cogs were whirring incessantly; the food was
delicious and there was plenty of fine cheese too courtesy of Barber’s. I
cannot thank the PSA enough for all their hard work and the time they give up
to organise such excellent events (the Spring Ball is next month) which raises
important funds for our school - benefiting our students hugely in
the long term. The Quiz will no doubt be back again next year, so get those
thinking caps on and start revising!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">It’s now
only a week before the end of what has been a truly busy and eventful half
term. Next week, our thespians tread the boards in Shakespeare’s ‘King Lear’
and I urge you all to come along and support this fine cast who have been
rehearsing ‘come what may’ (that is in fact a quote from the bard himself). The
U16 Girls' netball team triumphed in the Somerset Netball Competition at
Westfield at the beginning of the week by winning all 5 of their matches
convincingly and the U15 Girls’ Rugby training at Castle Cary RFC was a truly
muddy affair and quite timely with the 6 Nations Rugby kicking off this
weekend. The U13 Boys' Hockey at Holyrood also proved popular this week and we
hope that boys' hockey gains momentum here at the school. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">During
Lower School assembly we were treated to a scintillating performance of the
Stranglers’ ‘Hanging Around’, by the 'Rock Scholars' who had everyone in
awe. They will be next performing at Acoustic Night later this term, so do
please come along and support them as well as all of our musicians. And finally
we had the school Chaplain, Mr Richard Kelley, speak to the students about the importance
of listening to one another and respecting each other’s opinion –
something we, politicians and world leaders can learn to do from time to time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18302205436758626256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684949006376869939.post-11270537987330925062017-01-30T01:15:00.002-08:002017-01-30T01:15:32.078-08:00Head Master's Weekly Notes - 27 January 2017<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">The
January Blues should hopefully be over soon, but there has been a couple of
nasty bugs doing the rounds. As a result staff absence has been particularly
high at the moment, with many students also being unwell. The school is doing
its utmost to ensure a subject-specialised teacher is covering teacher absence
but, as some of the notifications from staff are being received by the school
last-minute, this isn’t always possible. In these instances, lessons are
covered by other members of teaching staff, and <span style="color: #1f497d;">e</span>ven
when staff are unwell, they try hard to ensure work is set for their classes
and that the lesson time is used productively<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span>(I
have enjoyed teaching ‘Romeo and Juliet’ to Y9 and ‘Percentages’ to Y8 this
week). We ask that you please bear with us whilst we are managing this challenge
and also that you do not send your child to school if they are unwell. If your
child is a boarder and they fall ill, it would be very much appreciated if you
could arrange to collect them as soon as possible because the strain on the
Health Centre is apparent. Sister Rosemary has had a baptism of fire this week
and I thank her and other colleagues who have stepped in to support and I hope
that over the exeat, staff and students will have the time to recuperate and
will be back in school on Monday fighting fit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">My
congratulations to the Y11 students who sat their Core Exams this week and
conducted themselves with great maturity – I hope they found them challenging
and rewarding and will learn from any mistakes they may have made. The results
of these exams will be out in due course. It was refreshing too this week to
hear the newly elected MYP for South Somerset, our very own Lower Sixth Former
Katie Leeming speak at assembly about her hopes and aspirations as she embarks
on her political career where she will debate issues in Parliament such as
education, health, policing and Brexit, amongst others in this uncertain
political world. I just hope that the next generation of leaders learn from the
past, hold on to our cherished values and pave the way for a brighter future.
Choose Education - which will be put to the test at tonight's PSA Quiz.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18302205436758626256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684949006376869939.post-41425650312349376692017-01-13T08:34:00.001-08:002017-01-13T08:35:16.857-08:00Head Master's Weekly Notes - 13 January 2017<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif;">Welcome back to the start of a new Lent term and although the
weather </span><span style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif;">was due to turn this week,
its ‘another day of Sun’ here at Sexey’s (the
‘Sun’ reference will become apparent in the days to come!), albeit there is quite a nip in the air. I trust that you
all had a restful holiday (seems like such a long time ago) and are now settled
into the rhythms and routines of the New Year. Over the festive period, the
School was delighted to learn that Sixth Former Katherine Leeming was
appointed to the UK Youth Parliament representing South Somerset after a hard
fought campaign – a tremendous achievement and we wish her well as she speaks
for the youth of today on issues such as education, the health service, Brexit
and the current political turmoil we are experiencing. The Sexey’s Ski Trip to
Kitzbuhel last term went well too and the skiers had a great time with many
improving their skiing (and language) skills – preparations are already
underway for next December’s trip. Do watch out for further details as I am
sure places will be snapped up very quickly indeed.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif;">The Lent term is packed (I wouldn’t have it any other way!) with
plenty of activities in and around school – from sport, drama, music, art,
charity fund raising</span><span style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif;">
and PSA events. Well done to the 6<sup>th</sup>
form who sat their Trial Exams this week (A-level Art and Photography exams
continue next week) in preparation for public exams in the summer; university
offers are also coming in thick and fast too. The drama
department is busy rehearsing for Shakespeare’s
‘King Lear’ which
takes place next month – do please come along
and support the students’ efforts. And the Spring Concert will also be
taking place this term – if you missed the Christmas Concert last term, you had
better get your ticket for this one as I expect it will be standing room
only…again! For a list of this season’s sporting
fixtures (Football, Netball and Rugby 7s) please do check the <a href="http://email.schoolcomms.com/wf/click?upn=nl9DPDRQgxK0O6CEoJOLnX-2BBwAcUtCqiWGAhAeGrB-2FqSSZcxAnGQ4ylnnI2LQMMdYzDmAP-2BPZuGFwj5IqImfLM2PeL6cuKyedNa2pcsDKGohhg9iy77mXJvWJKu5k1-2Bt2NyQo4mtyVLb-2F-2BDSUoHgbGIc3v-2FEYnyjEiHLHp0ZeQEG98Q1YX99XQmp5K5UW5XoExZuXMqWdtJtqVSF-2BUwtsGQh8mGv2jklUJ3pLiMVUN3keSw54XAS0-2FrLoR61rvUYM54jg9L5n1My0dVe97jLTRi2Hb-2BqPI-2B66jFOI2v9P09jp8ZfZqMbq7ZFvw-2FgS3BRkEkoWEYF9zxwYKKVVmZGXMfeYcewUPqzu9uSBRf1gaUjz38uIDYyN-2FFldih9pdwi116FA-2FerlXt1dWhP8aruZcDmfNeJP9i4LRJqH69gSpNqwjbgij34pnvPHTSHIR8mF29-2BZ7nTv1eYbkinXhblLO29xB7ry9Hexe8-2FypiQKr7gUXUgL4WVjoi66kUiyZEKmHKIXCrtjNIwnJ8GQUvvu8-2BHrsIGCdLmrTH1PouACiTIignxdyoQKt87t6ypG1-2BX_pr-2Fm16UegYPRg0nb2lkguV5voIVcPeIfV25Mk8J-2FtCbw3hMUYVuBgKJt1jkZrP1J6heYOC1hzb7EMoExLZqfOQFE-2BGdkhhiv0MAttPLqAz2ZPUNrgzDOXblfx683hpfVTeXpiVEpflSAWItRbTcxQIwMoJuuFpijUXNtg6aD4-2Fi9vKO8LnqhWkUixY8o2BNh1dowEhPghiZ3FWMmUf-2F7vWdHL-2BAUNmeXA7UgyJ-2Bs38HzqXsfNEyxIfKuxwRyJIKt-2FcM2JNidKWj9mMfVRKon8I6AUd5yfPDPcmdkjDW-2BXNo-3D"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">schoolsports.com</span></a>
website which is easily accessed through the school’s website. Fixtures start
in earnest next week against the likes of Sherborne, Beechen Cliff, BSfG and Warminster with the U18 Badminton Team
play in the County Finals on Monday - if you can come
down for the Home matches it would be wonderful to see you cheering on from the side lines. <br />
<br />
The new term is already in full swing and it proves to be a very exciting and
busy one – I look forward to seeing many of you at
the numerous events that will be happening at School over the coming weeks and
months (the much anticipated PSA Quiz is next Friday – more details below). Yesterday,
a Year 7 pupil came and sat with a colleague and I at lunch and spoke about
their holiday and their future aspirations. I was so impressed with how polite
and articulate they were – brimming with excitement about school and the
opportunities it offers; it was heartening to see how our students are
developing, both in character and confidence and I hope that what we do, day in
and day out, makes a difference. Thank you in advance
for your continued support and loyalty and I wish you a very successful and
prosperous 2017 – let’s hope for more days of Sun!</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18302205436758626256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684949006376869939.post-69302136616985837182016-12-09T08:19:00.000-08:002016-12-09T08:19:24.979-08:00Head Master's Weekly Notes - 9 December 2016<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif;">So the
Christmas spirit has finally arrived at Sexey’s this week and it certainly
feels likes Christmas now, with the Christmas trees looking splendid, tinsel in
the classrooms, carols playing in school and the 6<sup>th</sup> form taking
part in Christmas Jumper Day in support of the school’s various charities.
After all it is December and all we need now is some snow…</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif;">Yesterday's
traditional Christmas Concert was a wonderful occasion and it was a real
pleasure to see so many parents and friends of the School in attendance - it
was standing room only and the concert highlighted the wealth of talent
abundant in the school. This year we were treated to fine performances by the
Wind Band, the Strings Group, the Folk Band, Choir and spirited solo
performances too – Leanne Baker (I Dreamed a Dream), Princess Ijaola (My Boy
Lollipop), Adam Wagstaff (Infant Holy), Toria Ives (Away in a Manger) and
Alexandra Macmillan and Jessica Taylor (Silent Night). There were plenty of other
stunning performances (far too many to list here) and it was incredible to see
the level of engagement, participation and most importantly, the sheer
enjoyment of the students which was in so much abundance last night. From Year
7 to the U6, the breadth and depth of musical talent here is strong and the
quality of music in a school reflects its ethos, spirit and creativity and I
know that under the stewardship of the brilliant Mr Badley (who played more
than 5 instruments last night!), music will continue to go from strength to
strength at the school. The festive season is well and truly here!<br />
<br />
We have just had an absolutely sumptuous Christmas Lunch by Mr Ben Futcher and
his team in the KDR which was preceded by another Sexey's Christmas tradition -
the Annual House Cross-Country (my thanks to Greg and Elaine Beedle at Gants
Mill for their continued support of this brilliant event). The school was awash
with students (and a number of colleagues) in their colourful kit and fancy
dress running for their Houses and their chosen charities, UNICEF and SANE –
from Santa’s Sleigh complete with reindeer to the Sexey’s Swim Team running in
just their swim kit, to the ‘Mr Southwood Appreciation Society’ and the Sexey’s
Christmas Presents. We also had the Head of School, Victoria Regan and the Head
of Boarding Fran Llewellin together with Jess Perry and Rachel Palmer dressed
as Santa’s Little Helpers. The PSA were also in fine form tackling the tough
course in aid of SANE. Thankfully the weather was kind to us today (though it
was perishing and quite soft underfoot after last night’s downpour) but the
atmosphere was very warm (as was the hot chocolate) and at times, electric. The
camaraderie and support shown by the students for each other, and for
colleagues was truly humbling - the students singing the School Song set the
tone for the character building morning. Again, it never ceases to amaze me the
sheer talent that is in such abundance here and the fervent pride the students
have for their Houses (house hockey and rugby matches will be fiercely
contested next week and after the holidays), let alone their School. And
speaking of talent, we had Ellice Pounder (L6) who participated in the
Supadance National Ballroom and Latin Finals in Blackpool last weekend. In
the couples event she managed to get to the quarter finals and came third as
part of the ladies team - a tremendous effort by our very own ‘Strictly’ star!
I would also like to wish our Oxbridge candidates the very best next week as
they travel up to the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge having been invited
up for interview. They have been preparing feverishly this week and have had
tough mock interviews with colleagues who have been putting them through their
paces. I am sure this passion for learning both inside and outside of the
classroom will continue long into the weekend, when the boarders will be off to
Southampton for Christmas shopping and also making preparations for next week’s
Feast Night, whilst the Y11 Geographers will be getting ready for their
expedition to Snowdonia. We are very privileged to be part of this spirited and
warm community. <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18302205436758626256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684949006376869939.post-58245035603270842902016-12-05T01:37:00.002-08:002016-12-05T01:37:13.451-08:00Head Master's Weekly Notes - 2 December 2016<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">I trust
you all enjoyed the extended exeat last weekend. Our equestrian team were
competing on the Sunday at the Team and Individual Show Jumping event organised
by the South & West Wilts Pony Club and Gretel White (won her class – well
done!), Jess Brewer, Iris Anderson, Daniel Meir and Niamh O’Keeffe performed
admirably and we are very proud of the team and of their efforts. This Sunday
afternoon Niamh O’Keeffe and Georgia Silcox are competing at the Seavington
Show Jumping Competition at King’s Sedgemoor – we wish them both all the best.
And thank you to all parents who attended the Q&A last Friday on the recent
Ofsted Boarding inspection – I hope you were reassured by our plans to move
forward and also had a chance to read our new Boarding Newsletter, keeping you
up to date with what’s going on in and around our boarding houses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">Earlier
this week I opened my mail in my study and I was surprised to find a Christmas
Card in November! Firstly, I was surprised at the efficiency of the sender and
secondly, it alerted me to the fact that we are just four Fridays away from
Christmas. Is it me, or does Christmas seem to be arriving earlier every year?
The John Lewis ad (apparently this signals the start of Christmas), the
annual battle of the supermarkets, Black Friday, the Sunday supplements
teaching you ‘How to cook the perfect Turkey’ and Christmas trees popping up
around the School and in the Boarding Houses. So we are officially in the
festive season and this week we have seen a veritable feast of opportunities,
which have included County Cross Country Trials at King's School, Bruton,
sporting fixtures against All Hallows' and The Blue School, Hockey Area Finals,
indoor athletics, the Y7s, 8s, and 9s were treated to a performance of Charles
Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ by The Quantum Theatre Company from London, PSHE
talks to Yrs 10 and 11, Oxbridge interview preparation, code breaking, cake
sales in aid of charity and ‘The Great British Brain Bake Off’ (a Psychology
Department Production!) which involved a lot of baking, eating and thinking.
Food for thought. And alongside all of this, our very own Christmas
preparations are underway; I noticed the Christmas decorations coming out of
the school attic, the boarders putting up Christmas trees in their boarding houses;
preparations are underway for the Christmas Concert next Wednesday – do come
along and join in the yuletide festivities; the annual Cross Country event next
Friday, Christmas Lunch in the KDR, 6th Form Christmas Jumper Charity Day, the
Christmas Shopping Evening on Bruton High Street, Feast Night in the Boarding
Houses and of course, the Christmas Carol Service on the last day of term at St
Mary’s, Bruton. This will round off the term and put everyone in the Christmas
spirit, though some may already be spreading the Christmas cheer at School…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18302205436758626256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684949006376869939.post-53617948392842113582016-11-14T00:37:00.004-08:002016-11-14T00:37:40.124-08:00Head Master's Weekly Notes - 11 November 2016<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Gill Sans MT', sans-serif;">Welcome back after a splendid half term break where I hope you had
the opportunity to relax</span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">,
recuperate and spend quality time with family and
friends; we are now back into the rhythms and routine of school life and
concentrating on the core business of teaching and learning at Sexey’s.
However, we have been somewhat distracted by the extraordinary events that took
place in the US this week – is the American dream alive or has it turned into a
complete nightmare? I am still in shock with the outcome of the most bitter
and divisive presidential campaign in living memory and only time will tell if
Americans have made the right choice. I only hope that Donald
Trump can 'bind the wounds of division' created by this campaign, bring people
together and be a decent president that will represent all Americans. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Gill Sans MT', sans-serif;">With Oxbridge exams and Maths Challenges having already taken
place and Y11 Michaelmas Exams next week with Sixth Form assessments following
closely behind, the school is a hive of academic learning, as it should be, and
I have been impressed with the conscientious approach taken by our Sexeians – I
wish all our students the very best in their academic endeavours. And
speaking of endeavours, some of our Y11 and 6<sup>th</sup> Form students</span><span style="color: #0d0505; font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;"> accompanied the
School Chaplain Mr Richard Kelley this week on a Young Vocations breakfast
visit to meet with none other than the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd
and Rt Hon Justin Welby, at the Bishop’s Palace in Wells. The breakfast
was designed for young people exploring God's calling on their lives, and the
Archbishop was excited to hear that the students which included Vicky Sanders,
Chloe Thomas, Sophie Couper and Caroline de la Harpe, will be starting a
Christian Union at Sexey's. Another great opportunity for our students.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #0d0505; font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Gill Sans MT', sans-serif;">Whilst we enjoyed our half term, we had a number of Sexeia</span><span style="font-family: "Gill Sans MT",sans-serif;">ns representing
the school at various events and activities over the holiday. Iris
Anderson (Y8) won her class in the NSEA show jumping competition at the
Addington Manor County Finals and will now represent Sexey’s and Somerset in
the National Finals next year – a tremendous effort! Our Y10 army cadets,
Will and Tim Forster represented the school at the Combat Stress event in
Castle Cary which is a Veteran’s mental health
charity which supports veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder</span>,<span style="font-family: 'Gill Sans MT', sans-serif;"> depression and anxiety. My thanks to them and their parents
for their continued support.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); font-family: 'Gill Sans MT', sans-serif;">The three Bruton schools, the Brownies, the
Scouts, members of the armed forces and the community will parade through the
town On Sunday to pay their respects at the Remembrance Day service at St
Mary’s. It will be a time to remember and commemorate those Brutonians,
including those from Sexey’s and King’s, who gave their lives during the Great
Wars. In total 63 Sexeians lost their lives fighting for our country and
the School’s Armistice Day service this morning remembered them, with Warrant
Officer David Hill present at the service to read the Kohima Prayer. Our
bugler, Faelan Sydenham (L6) did the school proud as he played the Last Post
and Reveille respectively (not an easy thing to do) as did the Heads of School
and Senior prefects who read out the names of the fallen. It was a
poignant and emotional service and I hope our Sexeians will gain and learn much
from this and Sunday’s experience - they are the next generation who I hope
will work tirelessly to avoid such conflicts from happening again in the future
and will endeavour to continue to bring peace in our world. We have much
to thank the courageous and selfless acts of these young men (some as young as
our Y11s) who gave their lives in fighting the Great Wars and other conflicts
so that we could enjoy our freedoms today and tomorrow - we will remember them,
always.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18302205436758626256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-684949006376869939.post-59368433607353576332016-10-24T01:32:00.003-07:002016-10-24T01:32:56.826-07:00Head Master's Weekly Notes - 21 October 2016<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif;">We
stopped and paused for reflection at our annual Speech Day this afternoon where
we welcomed our Guest of Honour, Mr Kevin Roberts. Here we celebrated the
success of Sexeians past and present and I was thoroughly impressed with the
slick organisation, the conduct and maturity of our students, the calm
composure of the Wind Band, the assured delivery by the Heads of School (Max
and Victoria) and the quality of our guest speaker, Kevin. A truly memorable
occasion which highlights all that is outstanding about this fine institution
and thank you to all colleagues who made this possible today – a great team
effort and the Hobhouse (30 years old this week) looked stunning, including the
flowers. There has also been plenty going on at Sexey’s - from numerous House
competitions, sporting fixtures, drama rehearsals, music practices, art
workshops, PSHE, Open Evenings, the Philosophy and Theology Conference,
Boarders’ Church Services, Bath Rugby, TEDxSexey’s, Duke of Edinburgh award and
of course the important matter of teaching and learning. It was great to hear
the excitement from the Head of Sixth Form, when one of our U6 students had
already received an interview from a university – their application was only
sent off last week! This bodes well for the future and I wish the U6 well. And
of course, the Y11s have their Michaelmas Trial Exams after the half term break
(w/c Mon 14 November) and it would be wise for them to use this time
productively to prepare for these important examinations, but at the same time
to have some rest and to recuperate – it’s vital that there is a balance here. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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So as we hurtle towards the end of this busy term I would like to thank all
staff and Governors for their efforts in ensuring that our students receive the
highest quality teaching and pastoral care – it’s not easy at times but I am
grateful for all their hard work, patience and commitment. And also to you too,
for all the support you give to our school – by working together in partnership
we can all bring out the best in our students.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gill sans mt" , sans-serif;">Have a
pleasant and peaceful break.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18302205436758626256noreply@blogger.com0