Last Friday Year 11 said their formal goodbyes to each other and to Claires Court Senior Girls as they have now gone on study leave and GCSEs have started in earnest. By common assent it was the best Year 11 final day that we can remember. No silly pranks, no vandalism just a whole lot of good humoured activity with those that have worked most closely with them - and who can forget the fancy dress rounders match! They took on the responsibility for much of the organisation of the Final Assembly and it was a very moving occasion. They showed respect - for themselves, for their teachers, and for the school and I cannot praise them enough.

One of the highlights of the assembly was the opening remarks made by the Head Girl. Ellie gave testament to journey they have all been on, and her words epitomised the reasons she has been such a success in the role. The new Head Girl will be announced before half term and the final hustings are taking place on Monday and Tuesday of next week.

Year 10 are engaging in a parallel general election to the one that is taking place nationally and we look forward to hearing their party manifestos next week.... and I shall avoid all claims of bias by declining the opportunity to comment any political party’s education proposals! I am hoping that the work we are doing in house meetings and school assembly will help our youngsters begin their engagement with the country’s democratic processes, as the voting record for young people under the age of 25 is pretty woeful.

Have a lovely weekend.

Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.
Franklin D. Roosevelt