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…
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