We stopped and paused for reflection at our annual Speech Day this afternoon where we welcomed our Guest of Honour, Mr Roger Saul. 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 (George and Julia) and the quality of our guest speaker, Roger. A truly memorable occasion which highlights all that is outstanding about this fine institution and thank you to all colleagues who made this happen today – a great team effort and the Hobhouse looked stunning. There has also been plenty going on at Sexey’s - from numerous House competitions, sporting fixtures (the Y7s Girls’ Hockey team made it into the County Championships), drama workshops, art visits, PSHE, Open Evenings, the Philosophy and Theology Conference and of course the 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 offer from a university – 3 in total have received offers despite only sending off their applications last week! 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. The PSA put on a fabulous night last Saturday when we had the inaugural Sexey’s Barn Dance in the Main Hall – a real antidote to the cold evenings that are beginning to creep in. The family atmosphere was warm and convivial, the food was delicious and the dancing somewhat suspect. But a great evening was had by all and I would highly recommend that you come along next year.
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.
I wish you, and my colleagues, a peaceful, relaxing and well-earned holiday.
Friday, 16 October 2015
Friday, 9 October 2015
Head Master's Weekly Notes - 9th October 2015
‘Now Is The Winter Of Our Discontent’ (or should that have been ‘Disconnect‘ as we lost our LEA provided internet connection for 3 days last week- apologies for any inconvenience caused, but it was also quite liberating) and ‘All the World’s a Stage’ by William Shakespeare are quite apt writings and poems in light of the school’s celebration of National Poetry Day, and England crashing out of the Rugby World Cup. Yesterday saw dozens of students scribbling away and creating their own poems under the guiding light of the English Department and I look forward to hearing them read their masterpieces. Providing such opportunities within the school day for our students to let their creative juices flow is important, and allows them to express themselves in a different context. I want to continue to encourage creativity here at the school and hope that our students will take up the many opportunities on offer. Our Y10 Drama students are currently at a Shakespeare work shop at the Merlin Theatre in Frome – the work and the world of the bard continues to inspire generations.
On Tuesday we had our 6th Form Open Evening for prospective students and their parents and with over 150 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 300 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 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 next Wednesday, 14th 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 weekend hockey fixtures against Leweston and weekday matches against Dauntsey’s, Wells Blue and Bruton School for Girls. It was wonderful to hear the excitement of a U6 girl who bounded towards my study this morning to tell me all about how the Senior Hockey Ladies’ team managed to draw with BSG 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 and use it as inspiration in her everyday life. 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 globally successful entrepreneur, Mr Roger Saul as our Guest of Honour and Speaker. Mr Saul is the founder of the luxury brand, Mulberry and a successful farmer and we look forward to seeing him 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 tomorrow night’s Barn Dance organised by the PSA (Parent Staff Association) and the Old Sexeian Rugby Match who take on our 1st XV on the Elm Field at 10am on Sunday – I hope our players show more creativity in their back line than England did last week…
On Tuesday we had our 6th Form Open Evening for prospective students and their parents and with over 150 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 300 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 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 next Wednesday, 14th 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 weekend hockey fixtures against Leweston and weekday matches against Dauntsey’s, Wells Blue and Bruton School for Girls. It was wonderful to hear the excitement of a U6 girl who bounded towards my study this morning to tell me all about how the Senior Hockey Ladies’ team managed to draw with BSG 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 and use it as inspiration in her everyday life. 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 globally successful entrepreneur, Mr Roger Saul as our Guest of Honour and Speaker. Mr Saul is the founder of the luxury brand, Mulberry and a successful farmer and we look forward to seeing him 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 tomorrow night’s Barn Dance organised by the PSA (Parent Staff Association) and the Old Sexeian Rugby Match who take on our 1st XV on the Elm Field at 10am on Sunday – I hope our players show more creativity in their back line than England did last week…
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)