Head Master's Notes - 4th December 2015

So the Christmas spirit has finally arrived at Sexey’s this week and it certainly feels likes Christmas now, with the Main Hall decorated, the Christmas tree looking splendid and carols playing in school. After all it is December and all we need now is some snow…Wednesday’s traditional Christmas Concert was a wonderful occasion and it was a real pleasure to meet so many friends of the School - Old Sexeians who fondly remembered their time here; residents of Sexey's Hospital and those who served the School. Hearing the old stories over a cup of tea and a mince pie was inspiring and I look forward to seeing them again soon. This year, we were treated to fine performances by the Wind Band, Strings, the Folk Group, Jazz Group and spirited solo performances too – Isabella Birt (Silent Night on the harp), Tom Chapman (Prokofiev’s ‘Troika’ on violin), Adam Wagstaff (Szelenyi’s School Break (only a week to go!) on violin) and Elena Gaffney (Mr Magorium’s Emporium on piano). The festive season is well and truly here!

We have just had an absolutely sumptuous Christmas Lunch by Mr Matt Briatore and his team in the KDR which was preceded by another Sexey's Christmas tradition - the Annual House Cross-Country. The school was awash with students (and a number of colleagues) in their colourful kit and fancy dress running for their Houses and our school partner charity, Macmillan Cancer – from the Sexey’s Express to George Stewart running as Susan Hill’s ‘Woman in Black’ to the ‘Where’s Wally?’ team and the Heads of School, George Tracy and Julia Blackmore running as a Spice Girl and as the balloons from Up – don’t ask! 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 immediately after the Christmas holidays), let alone their School. And speaking of talent, I would like to wish our nine 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 we play our Saturday rugby block fixture against Warminster School and the Equestrian team compete in the NSEA County Qualifier at Kings Sedgemoor. Come along and see for yourself. We are very privileged to be part of this spirited and warm community.

Head Master's Notes - 27th November 2015

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 Isabelle Wilson, Jess Brewer and Georgia Silcox performed very well indeed. Myself and other colleagues were in Lancaster last weekend at the SBSA (State Boarding School Association) Annual Conference which was held at Royal Lancaster Grammar School, another successful state boarding school, on the edge of The Lake District. It was an excellent conference and we were inspired by the likes of Kevin Roberts, the CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi and Brian Ashton, the former England Rugby coach – both Old Lancaster Grammar boys – and learnt more about the ongoing work of the sector to provide more boarding places to vulnerable children from the edge of care. The state boarding sector continues to go from strength to strength and the news of a national funding formula for schools announced in the Chancellor’s Autumn Spending Review can only support the outstanding work that we are doing as a sector.

Earlier this 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 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 a message from the Estates Manager asking about Christmas trees for the 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 cracking sporting fixtures against Monkton Coombe and Milton Abbey, the Y7s, 9s, 10s and 11s all reaching the County Hockey Finals, the ‘Boarders of the World’ disco last night celebrating diversity and culture in our school community, Sky Sports visit and preparations for Music Week. Of course, the Y11s had their Trial Exams all this week and well done to them on approaching these exams with great maturity and purpose – bodes well for the future. And alongside this, our own Christmas preparations are underway - I noticed the Christmas decorations coming out the school attic, the boarders putting up Christmas trees in their boarding houses; preparations are underway for the Christmas Concert on 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, where the PSA will be in full force, Feast Night 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…

Head Master's Notes - 20th November 2015

In light of the attacks last weekend I appreciate this week has not been easy for many and our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and the people of Paris and France during this difficult time. This week’s 6th form assembly was a solemn occasion where we took time to reflect on the atrocities that occurred in Paris last weekend – an attack of the values that we strongly believe in and cherish – tolerance, respect and kindness – and an opportunity to think about our place in the world and the importance of democracy and solidarity.  It’s hard to believe that we are here again a mere 10 months after the Charlie Hebdo attacks. The Deputy Head boy, Alex Amann, read eloquently and after the prayer, Y12 Josiah Berkeley performed a beautiful piano recital while we reflected on the events of the weekend. It was a poignant and respectful moment which highlights all that is special about our 6th form and school. After the assembly, I was impressed at how our students articulated their responses to the attacks (and at last night’s Head Master’s Supper at Walwin House for our Y7 Boarders) and it was encouraging to see young people developing their own opinions – something I am very keen for them to do here at Sexey’s. Do discuss with your children what’s going on in the world, encourage them to read the newspaper, listen to the radio, take an interest in current affairs and the political debate – those conversations around the dining table are vital in developing their intellectual curiosity and helping them to engage with what is going on beyond the safety of our school gates.

Congratulations go to a number of Y12 students who were awarded their silver DoE awards at the assembly and also to one Y13 student, Hannah Petrovic, who was awarded her Gold award (unheard of in DoE circles as this is normally awarded at the end of Y13 and not at the beginning) and again highlights the opportunities and possibilities that are available to our 6th formers here at Sexey’s. The 1st XV also went on to win convincingly against Sherborne School yesterday afternoon (20-12) in a very competitive and tough match and I wish the Equestrian Team the very best as they compete at the South Wilts Show Jumping event over the exeat.

I sincerely hope that the next generation of Sexeians will look closely at the world and use the qualities and skills they have learnt and developed to help build a safer and secure future for us all – education, I believe, is the key.

Head Master's Notes - 13th November 2015

It has been another busy week at Sexey’s, with 6th form assessments, numerous sporting fixtures, boarding activities, BBC Children in Need fundraising, 6th form interviews and preparation for the Y11 Trial exams. We also interviewed for the new Housemaster and Housemistress of Lisbury and I am delighted to announce that Luke and Rebecca Brailey have been appointed to take on this important pastoral role in the school. We wish them and their family the very best as they continue the strong legacy of excellent pastoral care established at Lisbury through the commitment and dedication of Richard and Jenny Hinks, who themselves will be moving on to pastures new. We thank them for all they have done for Sexey’s and for the countless Sexeians who have benefited from their wise counsel, compassion and warmth.

The three Bruton schools, the Brownies, the Scouts, members of the armed forces and the community paraded through town to pay their respects at a moving  Remembrance Day service at St Mary’s on Sunday. It was 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 on Wednesday remembered them, with Air Commodore D A Whittaker OBE MVO present at the service to read the Kohima Prayer. Our buglers, Isaac Mills and David Clackson did the school proud as they 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 service and I hope our Sexeians 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.

Head Master's Weekly Notes - 6th November 2015

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 Oxbridge exams and Maths Challenges already taken place, with Sixth Form assessments all next 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.

The Rugby World Cup came to a fitting end over the break with New Zealand winning the coveted Webb Ellis trophy for a record third time and we explored in 6th Form assembly why they are such a potent force – consistency, well-organised, team work, respect for one another, strong work ethic, commitment and dedication  – we can all learn so much from them to help us achieve our own aspirations and goals. With hockey and rugby matches in full flow this week and preparations for tonight’s Y10 performance of ‘Macbeth’ at the Merlin Theatre in Frome, it is as though we haven’t had a half term! However, over the break, two young Sexeians were recognized for their extraordinary talent at the Western Gazette's Gold Star Awards. Cricketing prodigy Ali Layard in Year 8, who won the Inspirational Young Sportsman of the Year Prize was told he would never walk again when he was caught in the propeller of a boat three years ago, badly injuring his legs. But he refused to take no for an answer, and through sheer determination, Ali has become a rising star on the cricket pitch, representing both Devon, Axminster and Sexey’s School and is a real source of inspiration. Y10 Fela Sowande, another prodigious talent was awarded the Young Artistic Achiever of the Year. You may recall that Fela’s extraordinary art work was curated and displayed at Bruton Museum during the summer. We are very proud of both Ali and Fela’s stunning achievements, as we are of all our students and hope that Sexey’s can continue to develop and nurture the talents of tomorrow.

Head Master's Notes - 16th October 2015

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.

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…