There seems to have been a good deal of fun had too, and the important relationships built between teachers and their classes has seen much more active, lively participation. ‘Mics on’ is a well heard phrase, and whilst the pupils’ preference remains to be present as an icon rather than ‘on screen’, their personalities are coming across really well. Thank you boys! In school, the work has been full of purpose too, and facilitating physical education classes and games sessions have assisted in completing some very good exercise and skills development. 

Since half term, the Boat Club have been busying themselves moving into their new ‘winter’ quarters at Maidenhead Sailing Club. For the past 30 years, winter rowing has largely been a land-based enterprise, because of the River Thames’ preponderance to flood (currently on Amber warning!). The new arrangements permit us access to three considerable straights over the lake, enabling good sprint and endurance training. I am pleased to show these new arrangements to our PTA President, Phyllis Avery, today. These new arrangements are significant, and provide for our rowers very considerable advantage in their preparation for the new competition season when it reopens in 2021.

And finally, as I made mention at assembly yesterday, former pupils continue to show considerable success in their achievements. Of particular note is the new film by Beno Obano in his new documentary “Everybody’s Game” (Amazon Prime), a personal study of the endemic social inequalities that lead to a lack of ethnic minority players in the game. Film-maker Ben Marlow (1991-97) has created a remarkable visual feast, capturing the seriousness of the narrative that Obano and his fellow players, Anthony Watson, Ellis Genge, Biyi Alo and cousin Maro Itoje develop during the film. Claires Court has a very proud tradition of providing every possible opportunity on land or water for its boys and girls to develop their athletic skills to the full, and it is clear that we are pretty good at encouraging creative, visual designers and cameramen! Bearing witness to that is the superb natural history showreel sent over for the same Assembly by Oli Moore (2011-18), studying Marine Biology at Plymouth University.