The Headmaster reflects on the first half of the Summer Term...

The Headmaster reflects on the first half of the Summer Term...

It has been very good to be nearly back to normal school this first half of term, although the wet weather and the need for ongoing assessments for the exam years has dampened spirits somewhat. The pupils deserve great credit for their positive approach to mass testing, face coverings and to quarantine for the overseas boarders. We are still having to adapt to the challenges thrown at us by the pandemic, and wellbeing is certainly a key issue for both pupils and staff, but we are now looking forward to the rest of term with growing confidence that we may have moved further to normality (and some sunshine) in June.

Sport, CCF and DofE have restarted and it was great to see our strong rugby 1^st XV finally take to the field for a school match against Wells Cathedral School, whilst on the same day our U14 Netball Team also played their first competitive match. Sadly, ongoing restrictions still limit what we can do with Music and Drama, but we are managing to keep rehearsing safely with a combination of creativity and adaptability. The exam years continue to develop evidence for teacher-assessed grades, which has been demanding for both the pupils and indeed for the staff, but we are nearing the end and all TAGs will be checked and submitted by June 18^th.

I very much hope that we will be able to end this strange year with a normal Prize-giving and Leavers’ Ball, but firstly, we all deserve a relaxing half-term break in some sunshine.

Ian Wilmshurst - Headmaster