The Headmaster reflects on the first day back of the Easter Term.
It is very disappointing that we have had to restart remote teaching and learning this term, but it is reassuring to know that all staff and pupils managed this so effectively throughout the summer term; I am confident of similar success from the first day of the term onwards.
I walked around a very quiet and bitterly cold school campus and there are some teachers in school working from the classrooms, particularly teachers who teach practical subjects. It has been good to wish them a socially distanced Happy New Year, and it is also comforting to see the School Flag flying again proudly above Old House. The buildings may be closed to pupils, but the School is up and running for this new term.
I will be dropping in remotely to as many lessons as possible over the coming weeks, which will give me the opportunity to see the excellent teaching at first hand, and also the chance to chat to boys and girls from across the year groups. The BTEC exams went ahead as planned, and I reassured all our pupils who are preparing for their external exams that they will be supported fully to gain the best possible grades according to whatever system the government decides to put in place.
The King’s Spirit will start up again, to ensure that our remote education goes beyond the academic, and all our pastoral teams are ready to support the boys and girls throughout this third lockdown.
Floreat Brutonia!
Ian Wilmshurst - Headmaster