Mr Richards' Words Autumn 7

Wow, where did that half term go? So much squeezed in, a number of firsts, many fantastic achievements alongside plenty of learning. It has been a real delight to watch enthusiastic faces in classes and pupils full of inquisitiveness, being guided and supported to discover answers for themselves. This excitement to learn and express themselves brings joy to me when I catch up to discuss their hopes and aspirations over an apple crumble at lunch. It is definitely worth taking on the spaghetti splattering suit roulette risk to do so. The dining room is a real barometer of a happy, engaged, eager cohort. They certainly also relish the plentiful options available to them here. Our Junior Boys centurions certainly do not march on empty stomachs.

This week has seen no let up. I did get one email earlier in the term explaining an intended absence with ‘you’ll be winding down for the holidays’. It made me smile! Not here. Trips to Hampton Court Palace; a Science challenge at RAF Hendon; a Year 6 internet and social media awareness presentation; many matches; pre-prep’s topic day and Mr Denton’s amazing assembly, which really made the boys think. What a truly remarkable presenter and role model he is. His work in Ghana over the summer certainly opened his and our eyes. It also illuminated clearly to me that our community clearly does contribute to wider society.

One of my colleagues recently experienced a rather unpleasant tirade explaining an attitude towards an independent education, where it was claimed that ‘we only care about ourselves’. How painfully inaccurate they were. I’d be delighted to host the cliched practitioner and demonstrate how we are inclusive, aware, kind and connected. Our Harvest Festival was also another terrific example today. The 'OneCan' Trust was overwhelmed with your generosity so thank you for all your kind donations. I thought the boys projected their understanding and awareness of others amazingly.

Also, a huge thank you goes to all the bakers (and Mums) from Year 2. The event was brilliantly supported and at the last count, nearly £500 had been raised for charity.

So what has been my highlight of the half term? A difficult question to answer but for me seeing how our old boys welcomed the newest to their number and seeing our Reception boys just dive into everything like they’ve been here for ages.

Have a safe and exciting holiday. I cannot wait for term to start again.