Mr Spanswick's Words Summer 8

It has been another very successful week for our boys. From our Reception, Year 1 and 2 classes who have participated in their swimming gala at school, to our Year 3 Vikings and our Year 4 Chembakolli citizens, from our 5 and 6 cricket tourists, to our senior Longridge expeditioners, it has been another hectic yet enjoyable seven days at school.

Many congratulations go to our Year 5 Maths team who competed at the Regional Interschool Maths Quiz on Tuesday. The team of Teo Rybak, Danyal Baber, Haider Ali Baig and Mani Singh under Mrs Henry’s guidance took on the best Mathematicians from a range of independent and state schools from the south east region, and they came second overall out of a big field of teams. A wonderful result, very well done boys. Not to be outdone, Mrs Icke and her group of drama specialists from Year 3-6 have been on Cloud 9 - the boys took their Speech and Drama exams this week and not only did every boy pass, they passed with either Merit or Distinction. Many many congratulations to the 13 boys who gained a Merit, and to the 29 boys who achieved a Distinction. Quite a brilliant set of outcomes.

On the cricket field, congratulations go to Jamie Shepherd who scored his maiden half-century (53 not out) against a strong bowling attack from Oratory Prep School - he has been presented with a cricket ball for his endeavours. Partnering Louis Stewart who scored a superb 47 not out, the boys put on over a century together and showed tremendous concentration and skill at the crease. I have informed them both that they must remember their old Headmaster when they play for England at Lord’s as I should be one of the first in line to get some tickets!! A special mention must also go to George Crowe who scored an impressive 40 runs for the Under 10’s.

We must not forget that this has been Healthy Eating Week, and the boys have had the chance to try a variety of new foods and learn more about the importance of getting the correct nutrients into the body. I have been told on good authority that some of the fruit smoothies were so delicious that we are in fact going to have them as part of our drinks menu in the next academic year.

In your sons’ bags today (Year 1-6) will be an envelope containing their GL assessment standardised scores. Please take the time to read my words preceding the scores to gather an understanding of how the extra rigour in the assessments this year have affected scores across the country. I am pleased to report that we as a school are really pleased with the results and for me, this emphasises that our dedication to full pupil engagement and commitment to their studies has such a more positive impact than ‘hothousing’ and ‘cramming’, and ensures a lifelong love of learning rather than a disengagement when things get too tough. You will have the opportunity to chat through these scores with your son’s form tutor next week at parents’ evening, and Mrs Nott, my deputy Head and Director of Studies will also be on hand to answer any questions.

I will be holding Year Group Information mornings from next Friday, and you will receive (or have already received) information regarding these timings through boy post. Please attend if possible as I will be able to give you an overview of what to expect at school come September, and hopefully answer any questions you may have.

Best of luck goes to the 13 athletes who have been selected to represent the London West at the ISA National Athletics Championships on Monday, and I will update you on their progress next week.

My last word goes to three of our Year 4 boys who have really impressed their teachers - Oscar Griffin, Jack Toker and Luke Robertson have been so thoughtful in the way that they looked after a particular friend this week both inside and outside of school, and I am particularly impressed with their maturity and the compassion they showed. Well done boys.

I wish you all a lovely weekend.

Justin Spanswick