The afternoon was a memorable occasion and Sophie Billing kicked it off with a thoughtful and thought provoking speech!

“Once you get to year 11, it doesn’t matter how your story started because it’s up to you to write the next chapter. School can only take you so far and then it’s your responsibility to apply these lessons to your life.  Over the years, Claires Court has taught me many things that go beyond classrooms. I have learnt the importance of responsibility, the value of respect, the true meaning of loyalty and the power of integrity; such values that travel further than grades and which you cannot learn from a textbook. The only way that one can learn these skills is from the people that you are surrounded by.”

We also had the perfect forum to thank our lead PTA members, Anna Taylor- West and Ann Jesseman for all their support and tremendous efforts over a number of years. It was an especially nice occasions as Year 11 pupils, Emily and Kate, presented flowers on behalf of the school to their Mums.  

The girls and boys had a fabulous opportunity last Friday to take part in first ISA National Choral celebration. The focus of the day was about fun and participation and it certainly delivered both of those, in abundance! The pupils and staff were buzzing with excitement on their return to school.

I am delighted to inform you that we have a rising star in our midst. Hannah Senior whose song submission into the ISA National Music Composition has recently won her first place with her song - Christmas Wish!

And, for those of you who managed to attend the Christmas Senior Performance Platform would have heard Hannah perform her song to an audience for the first time. This is an amazing achievement and the judges were impressed with her control and that thought the song would not be out of place in the professional sphere.

Given the time of year there is not a huge amount else going on within school just at the moment - well unless you count preparations for athletics trials, the Festival on the Field, Sailing Regatta, GYear 10 DofE expeditions... so yes we are still bubbling away!

Exam season is well underway for the GCSE and A Level courses, Years 7-9 earned themselves a rest this weekend after the conclusion of Common Task 3 and Years 10-12 are focussed on revision and preparation.

“Energy and persistence conquer all things” Benjamin Franklin