Head Master's Weekly Notes - 28th November 2014

It was shocking to learn of the untimely passing of a young cricketer this week who died as a result of the injuries sustained when he was struck by a ball while batting for South Australia against New South Wales. The tragic incident will have implications for cricket the world over and our thoughts and prayers are with Philip Hughes’ family and friends. With England playing the One Day International (ODI) series in Sri Lanka and the test series about to commence next week between Australia and India, the cricketing world will be pausing for a moment to reflect on this week’s horrible accident - spare a thought too for Sean Abbott, the bowler who delivered the bouncer that hit Hughes.

And whilst England were doing everything they could to overcome Sri Lanka in the 1^st of seven ODI matches, Government funding, collaboration with the private sector and the importance of state boarding schools were the topics of debate and discussion at last weekend’s SBSA Conference at Holyport and Eton College. Politicians, government officials and educationalists led a very useful conference which, I am sure, will help further shape the educational landscape as we see it. State boarding schools are the jewel in the state sector’s crown and the Home Secretary, the Rt Hon Theresa May MP was not surprised that state boarding schools prove so popular with parents and pupils. As Aristotle said “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit’. And I believe we provide an excellent all-round education for our students – from our Key Stage 3 students producing sculpture with celebrated artist Peter Rush to numerous sporting fixtures – rugby, hockey and table tennis - all this week. Let’s not forget the annual Inter House Cross Country event next Friday – a test of resilience, stamina and character.

It is the most wonderful time of the year - with Christmas decorations nearly up, the Choir in fine form, preparations for the block sporting fixture against Warminster (rugby and hockey) next Saturday, Carol service proof reads and Christmas trees adorned with baubles in various places around the school, the festive spirit has certainly arrived at Sexey’s - and it’s still only November! Thank you to all parents who have contributed gifts for the Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party next week (Weds 3 Dec). That very evening, the Christmas Concert will be taking place at 7pm in the Main Hall and it would be lovely to see you all there to see in the festive season – it will prove to be a most wonderful occasion! This weekend will see our Mo Bros shave off their cultivated upper lips after growing and nurturing them for a month and today students, including Mo Girls sported fake moustaches in support of the campaign to raise awareness about men’s health issues – testicular cancer, prostate cancer and mental health.  I am still trying to grow one…

The boarders are off to Cardiff for Christmas Shopping tomorrow and by my reckoning, there are only 26 shopping days left to Christmas and only a day to the 2ODI in Colombo…

Head Master's Weekly Notes - 21st November 2014

Last week I opened my mail in my study and I was surprised to find a Christmas Card in the middle of November! Firstly, I was surprised at the efficiency of the sender (an Old Sexeian by the way) 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, the Sunday supplements teaching you ‘How to cook the perfect Turkey’ and a message from the Facilities Manager asking about Christmas trees for School and the Boarding Houses. So we are officially in the festive season, even though it is still only November - and this week we have seen a veritable feast of opportunities which have included drama performances from the critically acclaimed Muddy Choir, cracking sporting fixtures against Sherborne and Clayesmore, the Business Breakfast Meeting for our 6^th Form students and business leaders in Bruton and the Yr 7 boarders for supper at Walwin. Of course, the Y11s have started their Autumn exams (the Artists completed their exam yesterday) and they all start in earnest next week. And alongside this, our own Christmas prep is underway - I noticed the Christmas decorations coming out the school attic, the boarders are putting up Christmas trees in their boarding houses; preparations are underway for the Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party, the Christmas Concert on Tuesday 5 December, the annual Cross Country event, Christmas Dinner in the KDR, the Christmas Shopping Evening on Bruton High Street, where the PSA will be in full force, as will our Carol Singers, 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.

We have the extended exeat this weekend and this will be an opportunity to rest, relax and reflect, but I fear that I may well be writing Christmas cards…

Head Master's Weekly Notes - 7th November

Welcome back after a splendid half term break where I hope you had the opportunity to relax and 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. With Sixth Form assessments having taken place all this week followed by Y11 Michaelmas Exams in a few weeks’ time, 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.

However, I am not writing this edition from the comfort of my study in Bruton (the poppy display outside my study on the front lawn is stunning) but from Ypres in Belgium (and the Somme in France) where I have the privilege and honour of accompanying the School’s WWI Centenary Battlefields Tour this week. As a pupil, I learnt about the war at school but had never visited Ypres, nor the Somme and so I really did not fully appreciate the significance of the sacrifice made by our young men. The Ypres Salient is vast, as are the graves at Langemark and Tyne Cot, where Brutonians and Old Sexeians are honoured at the latter. And as I sit here and reflect having reread John McCrae's ‘From Flanders Field’ and an old letter written by Harold Scott (OS) of an Old Sexeian, Trooper Harry Warr, who lost his life on 13 May 1915 during the Great War, I take on board the enormity of what happened here exactly 100 years ago. It's truly humbling and very powerful indeed, quite overwhelming in fact when you see the number of graves, monuments, memorials and inscriptions about the war. The war poets, Sassoon, Kipling, Owen et al brought home the madness of war in their writings and when I read ‘Dulce et Decorum Est’, it still sends a shiver down my spine - 'going over the top' will resonant for a long time to come. We have just come back from an emotional Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate where current Sexeians, Jack Lecerf (9 Kni ACA) and Georgina Bewley (9 Gol DJB) laid a wreath in honour of the Old Sexeian Harry Warr whose name is inscribed on this solemn memorial - a true honour. My wife’s two great uncles are also named on the Gate – the war affected everyone. In total 63 Sexeians lost their lives fighting for our country and the Remembrance Service at St Mary’s, Bruton on Sunday and the School’s service next Tuesday will hold even more poignancy. And I hope our Sexeians gain and learn much from this experience, as I have done, as we look forward to visiting the battle trenches at Sanctuary Wood tomorrow - they are the next generation who I hope will work hard to avoid such conflicts ever happening again 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 War so that we could enjoy our freedom today and tomorrow - we will remember them, always. 

Head Master's Weekly Notes - 17th October

The seventh week of this Michaelmas (Autumn) term is already here and while we prepare for the generous break ahead, it’s an opportune moment to pause for reflection on this very busy half term. This would have naturally occurred today at Speech Day, but due to circumstances out of our control we have had to postpone this event and are looking at rescheduling it next term. However, there has been plenty going on at Sexey’s which highlights all that is outstanding about this fine school - from music concerts, numerous House competitions, sporting fixtures, drama workshops (the Year 8 Macbeth workshop brought this Shakespeare play to life), art visits, Literature Festivals in Bath and Wells, Open Evenings and of course the matter of teaching and learning. It was great to hear the excitement from one of our Y13 students this morning who has already received an offer from university – 3 in total have received offers this week despite only sending off their applications on Tuesday! This bodes well for the future. And of course, the Y11s have their Michaelmas Exams after the half term break (w/c Mon 24 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. 

Whilst the students are relaxing and revising, Mrs Wilkinson will be in China with the Yueyang-Somerset partnership and the British Council to further develop our understanding of the Chinese education system and its intriguing culture. As we now offer Mandarin lessons as an enrichment opportunity after school for our students this relationship is even more important and we look forward to hearing about her research on her return. Keep up to date with her exploits in the Far East on Twitter @SexeysSchool.

The PSA put on a fabulous show last Friday night when we had a record turnout for the PSA Quiz (Cranium Cruncher) in the Main Hall which was expertly compered by our very own Mr Partridge and a team called The Management successfully defended their title. The atmosphere was competitive and the food was excellent and there was plenty of fine cheese too; and speaking of cheese, the French Exchange are having a great time and are immersing themselves in French culture, enjoying going to école and the delectable cuisine. The weather is apparently much better there too…

So as we hurtle towards the end of this busy term, I would like to thank staff and Governors for all their efforts in ensuring that our students receive the best 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 we can all bring out the best in our students.

I wish you, and my colleagues, a peaceful, relaxing and well-earned holiday.

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!

Head Master's Weekly Notes - 3rd October

Literature, music, art and a culture of reading means so much in our day and age where technology seems to rule –  ironic as you are probably reading this through your phones and/or mobile devices. But understanding, appreciating and developing a passion for literature are crucial if we want our children to grow up with fervent imaginations and the ability to develop their own opinions.  Hence,  I am proud that the school is involved in community events such as the many Literature festivals in and around the county which brings the books that our students are reading to life. Last Sunday, a group of Sexeians and colleagues attended the Bath Children’s Literature Festival for an audience with Steve Cole, the award-winning author of the bestselling "Astrosaurs" series and the newly commissioned writer of the Young James Bond books. The packed event, which was sponsored by Sexey’s took place at the Mission Theatre in Bath and the energetic and manic Steve Cole talked about what inspires him and how he has learnt to be creative – his imagination certainly runs wild and I can see why he is such a success. The Q & A session preceding the talk with our Sexeians in the Green Room was entertaining and informative and my thanks go to the students for their excellent questions and behaviour. The welcome address was given by our very own Mr Manning who spoke very eloquently and is a big Bond fan – his son is named after a character from a famous work of literature, that is how passionate he is about his subject. Next week we are off to hear Michael Morpurgo and Andrew Motion, the former Poet Laureate, at the Wells Literature Festival – providing our students with valuable opportunities to feed their imagination. Speaking of feeding, we had an entertaining lunch in the Square adjacent to Bath Abbey and were given an impromptu lesson in life saving and CPR by St John’s Ambulance who had a stall there that weekend – carpe diem I say. As ever, our Sexeians behaved impeccably, looked immaculate and were a credit to both you and the School – I am very proud of them; and I have been meeting a number of students over the past few weeks who have been awarded commendations and the like for excellent work, both in and out of the classroom, in my study for the Head Master’s Reception. It’s been rewarding  getting to know them and celebrating their success over a cup of tea during morning break, whilst discussing current affairs and what’s going on in the world.

This week saw Music Week at the School with open rehearsals, free taster lessons and much more. Laurie McMahon kicked off proceedings by performing at the beginning of Assembly and I was really impressed with the high standard of singing – he has developed further and will now certainly give Ed Sheeran a run for his money! Tuesday’s House Music competition showcased the wealth of talent that is abundant here at Sexey’s with Glynn –Jones taking the spoils, and this was followed by last night’s hugely successful Acoustic Night in the Sixth Form Centre where our students, new and old, took to the stage to perform their compositions to the assembled crowd. The performances were both confident and assured, qualities I hope we are developing in our students. My thanks to the Director of Music, Miss Jemma Middleton and her ‘orchestra’ for organising such an impressive week. We have our Sixth Form Open Evening next week (Tuesday 7th October) and if any you or any your friends are considering sending their children to Sexey’s for Sixth Form, then please let them know. Full details are available on the website and it would be great to have another record-breaking Open Evening – do spread the word, either verbally or through social media via our Twitter feed (@SexeysSchool).

Next Friday sees the annual Parent Staff Association (PSA) Quiz taking place in the Main Hall and I recommend that you organise a team for Cranium Cruncher as soon as possible.  I hear that it is fiendishly ruthless and that the competition is stiff. The Head Master’s Team will be there defending their title and I will certainly be reading up this weekend…

Head Master's Weekly Notes - 26th September

As I walked down to the boarding houses on Wednesday evening I could hear the church bells ringing at St Mary’s, Bruton as the sun was setting – a reassuring yet calming sound. And it’s a sound that you don’t often hear if you live in sprawling city and one that I hope continues to ring in our parishes for years to come. The art of bell ringing (campanology) is an important skill and a language in its own right and I am eager to support our two churches in Bruton and Pitcombe by setting up our own Campanology Society; if there are any students interested, please do give me a ring! And speaking of languages, today saw The European Day of Languages being celebrated at the school and the MFL department put on a variety of activities which engaged and enthused not only the students, but the staff too – from a pop up creperie to quizzes and competitions. Acquiring the grammar and linguistic skills to speak and understand another language is so important as it not only helps communication but also develops a deep cultural understanding which nurtures the values of tolerance, respect and kindness – the very values we as a school promote as part of our ethos – studying languages can only be a good thing.  And these values were demonstrated at the Lower School Opening 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 the pupils  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 Sixth Form, is on Tuesday the 7th of October.

Not only am I proud of our students achievements in a variety of sporting and cultural pursuits, but also those of our staff on their personal achievements – congratulations to Mrs Hosford who completed the Bristol Half Marathon last weekend in a time of 2 hours 16 minutes raising over £300 along the way for Time is Precious - a local charity supporting children and their families during hospital stays. And speaking of success, our Girls’ Hockey teams have caused a riot this week with the U16s winning 5-1 over Holyrood Academy (having come back being 0-1 down) and the U15s and U14s claiming the spoils at Huish Episcopi yesterday winning 3-1 apiece. The U15s enjoyed their hard fought victory and celebrated by singing the School Song with great gusto after the match – passion and enjoyment. I watched the U16s game on the Daisy Field and amongst that game, the U14 Girls and Senior Girls had hockey practices, whilst the U12 and U13 boys had rugby practices. This was whilst the 1st XV and U15s were playing rugby against Wells Cathedral – tremendous to see so much sport going on after school. The U12 Boys’ rugby team had their first match on Thursday against Wells Cathedral School (normally they would play after half term) and they put up a tremendous performance winning narrowly 12-10 to a strong Wells side – commitment and dedication. Our philosophy is to inspire a lifelong interest in sport, promoting fitness, well-being,  team work and most of all, enjoyment and I hope our Sexeians seize upon and enjoy the numerous opportunities on offer to them.

The Macmillan Coffee Mornings are now a national institution and we hosted one today at Walwin House - Douglas Macmillan, the founder of Macmillan Cancer Support was an Old Sexeian (1894-97) and is the School’s partner charity. We were inundated by people at Walwin this morning raising over £300 and my sincere thanks to all those businesses who supported the event – we  even had proper coffee machines and a barista from Bean Shot Coffee with Nick Law serving cappuccinos, espressos and lattes. Plenty of cakes and scones too by the likes of our Catering Department, At the Chapel, Taylors Bakers, Taste Bruton, Somerset Dairies, Godminster Cheese and The Cole Manor Tea Rooms – working with the local community to help and support others.

There are plenty of activities going on this weekend, from a trip to Bristol, a visit to Bath Guildhall to listen to the author Steve Cole speak at the Children’s Bath Literary Festival, the Equestrian team competing at Stonar School to a Mountain Biking expedition. I am off now to Macmillan House, named after our illustrious Old Sexeian, for more coffee and cake as they host another Macmillan Coffee ‘Morning’ at Sexey’s. After all the cake I have had today, I may well have to join Mr Cowley on his mountain biking expedition. Now where are my cycling shorts…

The exeat seems like such a long time ago!