Head's Blog
Head's Blog
Young People Can Create, Make, Invent, Lead And Pioneer
Ask a member of the public about teenagers and they could be forgiven for thinking about ‘Kevin’ from Harry Enfield. The truth is that teenagers are remarkable people. They are so kind, thoughtful, resilient, collaborative, creative and passionate.
I was speaking at our School in Action day this week about the dominance that ‘preparation’ has in our education system. For example, other schools and colleges will typically say that they are there to prepare a child for the future, as if it is going to happen to them and we know what that future will be. For me it conjures up an image of an incubator where young people are kept dormant through school until they leave Sixth Form and are suddenly, somehow, ready to act on the world when they leave. But I think that status quo does our children such an injustice. Wellington will prepare our children brilliantly for exams and other performance moments, but we also believe that young people can act on the world now, that they have so much creativity and agency to give whilst they are here. That they can create, make, invent, lead and pioneer. Indeed, it has been wonderful to continue to enjoy the company of students this week around campus as they tell me what they want for the school and to hear about what they are passionate about in the world.
Determined To Make Wellington The Best School For Parent Experience
Perhaps the most remarkable result of last weekend was on Saturday evening when the quiz team I was on ended up winning. None of this was my fault I might add – just ask anyone on the same table. It was, however, another wonderful effort by The Friends of Wellington School who continue to work so hard to provide parents with the opportunity to connect with each other and the School. We are determined that Wellington becomes the best school for parent experience, as well student experience, and these opportunities to have fun together are very much a part of that ambition.
Stretching The Potential Of Young People
At the excellent Year 6 careers evening, I spoke about being present for ourselves and thinking deeply about who we are. I challenged students to reflect on what they love doing, to have a mindset of exploration and discovery – getting out of their bubble to learn from difference and excellence in areas they might not normally be interested in – and going out of their way to make connections with the world around them. Embracing this way of thinking, can help our purpose emerge and grow, and our lives become the adventure they deserve to be. We start applying for things because they (the job, experience, degree etc) enable us to live out our purpose and we start thinking about how a job can support our purpose rather than just be a way to pay the bills. We begin to engage with the world and ourselves in a more mindful way rather than sleepwalking towards assumed futures and established paths. Towards the end of my time with Year 6, I shared a basic framework with them that I think is useful for any of us and consists of the following:
What is your 5 year dream?
What are the 3 major challenges to overcome for that 5 year dream to be a reality?
What are the 10 tactics that will help you overcome those 3 challenges over the next 5 years?
If using this with your children, then really ask them to dream big and to challenge the societal expectations that exist for them. Stanford University, for example, encourages its students to ‘study for a mission, not a major’. For example, why shouldn’t a 14 year old be dreaming of setting up their own business that addresses an issue they care about in the world? What do they need to do to enable that to happen and how can the school help? These are the sorts of questions that really matter, that speak to stretching the potential of young people and something we will only be giving more thought to in the months and years ahead.
Young People Should Be Inspired To Create The Future
The model of ‘Ikigai’, as I have mentioned before, is a Japanese concept that encourages us to discover our purpose rather than just think in silos about a job, a degree, money, or what society might define as ‘successful’. Indeed, schools are typically places where young people are just prepared for assumed futures and pre-determined destinations that are in line with whatever has always been done. The much rarer alternative mindset is to inspire young people to search for their purpose, to dream with an open mind and explore possibilities by starting small. School should be a place, as Wellington is, where young peoples’ worlds are widened rather than narrowed; and where our children are inspired to create the future, not just be prepared for it. In closing, and because our children shouldn’t feel as though they need to have been prepared to follow a passion, I share the quote below from a blog post I follow:
‘The greats don’t wait. Every major innovation started with someone doing something small. YouTube began with a few friends posting grainy videos. Amazon started by selling books from a garage. Google started as a grad school project. What separates dreamers from doers isn’t talent or luck – it’s the willingness to start before feeling ready. The perfect moment is a myth. The right time is now. But here’s the key: start small and learn fast. Your first move doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs to teach you something. Focus more on the next small step that moves you closer to the goal. Motion creates momentum, and momentum reveals opportunities that standing still never could.’
Actively Looking For Innovation
To be able to really inspire others to flourish in a challenging world, broadening our own perspectives and learning from difference is something I feel is an important first step. Having Brian Ashton (MBE) back here over the past two days is an example of a significant moment along my own learning journey that started when we first met in 2009, eighteen months after he had guided the English Men’s Rugby Team to a World Cup Final in 2007. As a young PE teacher, I thought I knew how to coach rugby back then, but the journey that followed and the relationship we built, led me to see quite how much opportunity there was to re-imagine what is possible. It was a moment where things changed for me. I found myself looking outwards rather than being happy to do what had always been done, believing what I had always learnt and how I had always thought; I began actively seeking learning from environments I had never been in and alternative perspectives from which to gain greater understanding, inspiration, and empathy. Through wanting to learn more from difference, I gained access to high performance spaces in the music industry, in medicine and in business, where I spoke to and observed the workings of high-performance teams in as many different settings as I could. It enabled me to work with people like Jess Thirlby (Head of England Netball), where we mentored Premier League football coaches together as part of the Premier League’s ECAS programme; or to a situation where I continue to be able to learn from individuals like Kevin Roberts (ex CEO Worldwide of Saatchi and Saatchi). Being in and around different thinkers and environments changes our perspective, it enhances us, and it ultimately enables us to more positively affect others. Brian’s routine involvement here with the heads of all our main sports across the School, is the first step along a journey of working with more people who can stretch and challenge the thinking of already talented staff; to challenge the way we do things (because we can always get better) and yet further, to create a positively different environment for our staff and young people. Indeed, it is an example of how we are actively looking for innovation and placing our community at the centre of that journey.
Sunday Evening In The Company Of Chapel Choir
I never quite know whether a Sunday evening is concluding the week or starting it in a boarding school, but I would gladly start and finish any week if it was to the wonderful sound of our Chapel Choir, as was the case this past weekend. Gareth Dayus-Jones – aka ‘Mr DJ’, the best name possible for a Director of Music - is superb. He seems to balance the rigour required to obtain high performance, with the compassion and creativity to create belonging, aspiration, and fun; and all as if it was a simple task. It was, therefore, very easy to agree with my 7-year-old as he leaned across to me after 3 minutes and said, ‘the Choir is so good!’. Furthermore, as the week progressed, I didn’t have long to wait for another musical performance – albeit of a different type. One of our frequent Sixth Form socials took place last night, this time a cabaret evening, hosted brilliantly by Hakim and Wahab, with a string of performances that varied from comedy to quick fire quizzes, to solo singing to band performances, and all followed by some music and dancing. It reminded me yet again, of how proud we are of our Sixth Form students here: they are simply amazing young men and women. Not only was their behaviour and support for each other typically excellent, but they had great fun in another down-to-earth event that enabled them to relax and connect in the middle of a busy week.
Outstanding Support For Sixth Form From Careers Co-ordinator
Our Sixth Form receives outstanding support from our Head of Careers, Mrs Bailey. The number of enrichment events that she and the Sixth Form team enables for our students is quite astonishing and, alongside the personalised support and interview preparation, the stretch and challenge on offer each week is superb. This week alone we’ve had students involved with PhD research, opportunities to learn how to suture during a clinic on practical surgical techniques, apprenticeship events with leading companies, and countless opportunities for work experience. Indeed, it was an absolute pleasure writing a reference for one Year 12 student’s application to McLaren Racing this week, and to speak to another about their time behind the scenes on Strictly Come Dancing recently, as they continued to learn about the world of media and production.
Our young people are amazing.
The Japanese Concept Of Ikigai
The world is so full of possibility, and you deserve to think big. Whilst being aware of traditional routes and options, don’t be hemmed in by them or walk towards them without challenging them. If you can imagine your future at this point, I’d suggest you are not thinking big enough. There is a wonderful Japanese concept called Ikigai which encourages us to think about four things as we search for our purpose in life;
What we love (think in life, not school subjects)
What the world needs
What we are good at
What we can be paid for
Our purpose can typically be discovered at the sweet spot between these things. So, keep your eyes open for the path less travelled; for the emergence that life has to offer and the opportunities that presents. Be proud to want to be different and to not cave into the status quo. Believe in yourself and chase your dreams; for your purpose is something you create, and you deserve nothing less than to flourish with it.
Enhancing Pupil/Staff Relationships Through Co-curricular Participation
It was superb to watch the girls in action with the first netball games of the season– there was some excellent netball on show, and I was particularly impressed with the physicality of the 2nd team. The competitive intent was clear (coming off the back of their goal setting and training in pre-season) and they played with excellent energy and accuracy against the other schools’ 1st team. It was also great to see so many staff members across the school engaged with the netball and hockey teams too: I always think it enhances relationships so much when students see teachers in different settings and in environments where they get to share the same passion. Year 11 have also continued to apply themselves with similar spirit towards their rehearsal exams which conclude today; now the most important part of reflecting and learning from the experience will begin, as individual paths continue to be forged with specific feedback.
Student Voice - Putting Students In The Driving Seat
Alongside morning tutor groups, I’ve continued visiting boarding houses this week and very much enjoyed my time in Beech on Monday evening and Willows on Tuesday. It has been lovely to continue to put students in the driving seat next to us, hear their opinions of their school, what they love and what they think could get even better. It harks back to my strong belief mentioned in a previous bulletin that in today’s world we need more than the concept of ‘student voice’ in schools. Indeed, as well as providing the opportunity for students to share opinions in an environment that listens, they need the opportunities to co-create their ideas with us (as we do with them). This speaks to a different concept – ‘inter-generational leadership’ - and transforms the basic expectation of student voice into a vision where young people practice the skills of bringing their ideas to a reality, work with change (the frustrations and joys, challenges and opportunities), and actually create more desirable futures for their community. Perhaps most importantly, as they learn the skills of delivering ideas to reality, they also develop a more meaningful hope in their lives; they further explore their own agency and power and feel more equipped to take on other challenges in life, however great or small.
A Midsummer Night's Dream - Shakespeare Transformed
It has been a week of performance, with A Midsummer Night’s Dream showcased in Great Hall. As the first senior production I have seen, I was blown away; a Shakespearean play transformed into something that students could really connect with whilst authentically and respectfully depicting the original story. Sitting next to the grandmother of one of our Year 9 pupil, who is currently abroad filming for a production of Lord of the Flies, it was lovely to hear how our teachers and coaches have supported him to shine.
Ten Tors Squads Brave Storm Bert
I was delighted to see that Storm Bert didn’t put off our Ten Tors training expedition on Sunday. Under the expert guidance of our Head of Outdoor Education, Mr Legg, and joined by many other staff and Year 13 helpers, we gathered on Sunday morning for the pre-training talk. The news that Storm Bert is just a damp squib when compared to some of the conditions the teams may face on Dartmoor really focussed the mind, and off we went. It was wonderful to see so many young people in Year 10 and 12 who had put themselves forward for this challenge. Ten Tors is a challenge across Dartmoor covering either 35, 45 or 55 miles; a serious adventure and test of togetherness, teamwork and mental toughness. It’s a challenge that Wellington has serious pedigree in too, and another example of how a spirit of adventure is a key mindset behind our education here. As I moved between the groups on Sunday, it was excellent to see the positivity of the students and how they were both working hard and bringing joy. Considering we could have done most of the route in a canoe, the efforts at speed walking with large packs all day was particularly impressive. I’m not sure many other schools were out training last weekend!
'Welly Under Lights' - Huge Sporting Success
Our inaugural ‘Welly Under Lights’ has provided such joy on each night (even though the snow beat us yesterday) and I am so looking forward to the last set of fixtures this evening. My public thanks to Luke Foot (our visionary Director of Sport) and so many other staff members who have worked to make this a reality. We remain grateful to our sponsors (GT Floor coverings, Badgers Rugby, Thomas Franks, OWs, Wellington Nissan, Danco Marquees, Foxes Electrical, Conway Cladding, Vincents, Littlewell Financial Management and Devon Garden Machinery) who enabled the week to be cost neutral, and to all colleagues who worked so hard to help, whether umpiring/refereeing or coaching, working miracles to keep School Field in good shape, helping with car parking, or making sure that reems of players and supporters were fed and cared for. It has been another inspirational and positively different experience here. Indeed, alongside our ambition and energy, our grounded and caring family ethos has also shone through on each evening, epitomised through the support that has been on show by so many in the community: thank you so much. Moreover, having watched a Prep School fixture this week as well as Welly Under Lights, it re-enforced to me how superb the standard of sports coaching is at Wellington. I have rarely worked in an environment where the experience and qualifications are of such a standard at all levels, something that has been so noticeable this week when watching our teams play and the intent with which they go about their business.
Wellington In The Community
The tone of the week has, in many ways, been inspired by last weekend which was such a wonderful community moment. Firstly, we hosted an Old Wellingtonian (old boys and girls of the school) weekend, which included a focus on our flourishing Drama Department on Saturday evening, before a Remembrance Service on Sunday morning, where so many OWs returned to pay their respects. The choir was superb on Sunday, it was my first time listening to them in a formal setting and it was a joy to behold; a huge well done to all involved. We then transitioned from one moving service to another, with Wellington Town’s act of Remembrance in the afternoon, in which the School plays such a crucial role. I don’t know of another school so embedded in the local region’s approach to such things. Indeed, as our incredible Corps of Drums led the way out of our gates, the streets were lined with those out to pay their respects. Hundreds joined the procession from Great Hall to the War Memorial at the other side of town, including our own 250 strong cadet force and many local groups, representatives and organisations close behind. It was fittingly poignant, a privilege to be involved, and any student that played a part should be very proud of themselves. And, as next week beckons, the excitement of ‘Welly Under Lights’ is building. It should be another excellent community event, providing so much opportunity for our students to be involved in sport under lights in the evenings. The festival atmosphere will be alive and kicking, as we engage in something else unique to the School and I look forward to seeing you on any evening next week should you be able to make it.
In other news, you will have seen the Chair of Governor’s letter about fees sent out this week and the challenges that all independent schools and their parents are currently facing. I wanted to follow this up with a re-iteration that we remain steadfast in our commitment to you and to being the best school for supporting your child’s dreams and aspirations in an ever-changing world. A Wellington School education that enables your child to create the future, find simplicity and stability in the world’s complexity, joy in community, opportunity in challenge and hope in adversity, is more important than ever. Moreover, the responsibility we have to maintain our incredibly high standard of educational provision, whilst making costs as affordable as possible, is something we continue to take incredibly seriously. We will continue to prioritise being excellent value and to provide the appropriate depth and breadth you would expect in all areas from a sector leading school. We appreciate how hard you are working to send your child/ren to Wellington too, and this is something we will never take lightly; the privilege of looking after those you love the most is something that inspires us all, every day. Furthermore, alongside continuing to find cost savings and additional income outside of fees, we are confident, ambitious, optimistic and full of energy for the future. This unique community - with compassion, vision and a restless ambition at its very core - remains very well placed as a transformational opportunity where young people, staff and parents can flourish together. One or two parents have also asked about the legal action being taken against the government’s position on VAT on school fees; indeed, you may also have encountered news about this via the BBC recently.
Empowering Students To Get In The Driving Seat
It has been brilliant spending time with students this week and hearing about their half term breaks, and so lovely to hear that a well-deserved rest was taken. Conversations uncovered that everyone chose to keep their brains active too, but – as I discovered from spending some time in the Year 11 common room on Thursday – so long as it mostly started after 10am (I think that’s pretty good for a teenager in 2024!). And on that note, I’ve so enjoyed getting to know our wonderful Year 11 even more across the last few weeks as I continue my tutor group visits in the mornings; it is vital to learn and listen to those most important to us: for this is your children’s school and they must be empowered to get in the driving seat. I’m so keen that all students know they can catch me (and any other staff member) around School, visit me in the office or ask me to attend things, and to do so because their voice matters and they have the power to make a difference. Many schools (thankfully) talk about ‘student voice’ – something that is so important – and yet we aim to go even further. Children of any age have ideas that are as legitimate as any adult leader, and it’s not just about adults listening (as important as that is), it’s about creating the spaces for young people to not only give their opinion but to lead on it (either on their own or with us in different guises). To not only imagine something different but to collaborate with others to bring it into being; to believe that they can act on the World now, not just when they leave Sixth form. We are committed to creating those spaces for students to lead change and to make sure they don’t need a formal position to do so. Wellington is about inter-generational leadership: a paradigm even beyond that of student voice.
We’ve had some wonderful events happening across half term too, with the Classics trip to Greece, the Geography trip to Morocco and the inaugural ‘Edukid’ trip to Uganda, all particular highlights. There was some well-deserved success for staff too; in particular, Katja Sass (our Head of Religious Studies who also leads the Extended Project Qualification at Sixth Form), who was shortlisted for the Oxford Flash Fiction Prize and got the opportunity to present her work at Oxford University last week. Katja also runs our creative writing club on Monday evenings – one of so many clubs that run throughout the week, stretching and challenging students of all abilities - and enabled by staff who are experts in their craft. This week we’ve had students leading assemblies on themes of peace and remembrance, and we look forward to supporting the town’s Remembrance Service this Sunday. We’ve also had a spectacular Autumn Concert this week and yet more sporting excellence, with two of our Netball teams marching on through the knockout stages of the national competitions towards the quarter finals: it continues to be such a privilege to watch the standard of our sport here. Moreover, we’re restless to enable yet further opportunity, learning and high-performance levels in the weeks and months ahead. Watch this space.
What A First Term!
It has been a wonderful first half term in post; I can’t quite believe how much has happened. I’ve loved being out and about with the students and staff in as many different locations as possible, whether that has been up Mt Snowdon with our Year 9s, on the hockey and rugby pitches, in classrooms or in Forest School. I‘ve also taken such joy from meeting so many members of our community whether students, staff, parents, extended family, international agents or local residents. We are such a down-to-earth, family-orientated, community school and that has rung true on every turn.
Particular highlights for me have included:
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Following students around their lessons, seeing the inspirational teaching in both our Prep and Senior Schools, the excellent standards of behaviour and the way in which the students really respect themselves during the school day.
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The vibrancy of our three-storey 6th Form Centre and the way in which students have spoken about genuinely being able to lead and create change in the School.
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The fantastic atmosphere in the boarding houses and the diversity of our international students who enrich our community so much. Boarding is thriving here, and the community is flourishing amidst so many opportunities to grow and develop. What I’ve most enjoyed seeing is how the community is so integrated throughout the School.
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Watching our 250-student strong Combined Cadet Force (CCF) in action and the Corps of Drums with 42 musicians in it. It must be one of the largest CCFs in the country, and who knew a school does the Field Gun Competition…that’s amazing.
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Being part of whole school events such as the Cross Country (it was an atmosphere the likes of which I have never experienced before); I wouldn’t have guessed I’d have been on the start line with a hammerhead shark (I think she might have beaten me too)!
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The House competitions every Thursday lunchtime when the whole school comes dressed in games kit (the week before half term was inter-house conkers!)…childhood is being preserved here at Welly!
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Seeing the joy on faces when students collected another superb set of GCSE and A Level results. At A Level we were double the national average for A*-A (at an impressive 40%), with 71% of grades being A*-B. Moreover, 100% of students got their first or second choice university place. At GCSE almost a third of all grades were 9-8 and, yet again, we achieved much higher than the national averages across the board. But perhaps what is most impressive was our value-added data (the data that shows the effect on our teaching here) which continues to be very impressive indeed and something we are very proud of.
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Watching Charlie and The Chocolate Factory – our Year 8 and 9 performance in September, and seeing the time, creativity, teamwork and imagination that goes into productions here.
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Being exposed to so much musical stretch and challenge (although my apologies to the students who sung next to me in the ‘back of the bus’ choir – what a cool idea to get people singing by the way!).
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Cheering on our sports teams who have risen to high performance levels once again and in serious number (indeed, I’m looking forward to us working closely with Brian Ashton MBE – ex Head coach of the England Rugby Team, and Jess Thirlby – Head Coach of England Netball, later this term)…watch this space for more collaborations that challenge the status quo of school sport and stretch our coaches and players to new heights in every area.
The list goes on and on. And what’s most important are the huge number of individual achievements within all of this momentum. It has been joyful to see a community that celebrates diversity, understands that everyone is unique and creates opportunities for that difference to shine. How proud we have been of every student here across these last few weeks.
And so, to next half term. Alongside another amazing collection of personal and collective moments and stories to come, we turn our attention to our strategic plan for the next 10 years. As I have mentioned to current parents already, we are going to be creating a movement here at Wellington, a movement for the future of education with a school at the heart of it. I passionately believe that education, for too long, has been stuck in its ways and could be so much better for our young people. Based on the old industrial paradigm of old, every other school will say that their role is preparing your son or daughter for the future, as if it is something that will happen to them, and that they know what it will be. We don’t agree with that here and will be launching a community wide consultation as to how we can create an education which enables young people to create the future, not just be prepared for it. To escape the passive hoop jumping of the status quo and bring the real-world into their lives. We are passionate about the potential to work with real-world business, on real-world problems and co-create real-world solutions; to engage in inter-disciplinary project-based work rather than just staying in subject silos; imagining new futures for society, technology and the planet and bringing those into being with others; to be the pioneers, entrepreneurs, changemakers, community builders and pathfinders that our world so desperately needs. We look forward to having you with us on that journey and to building the future together, a future that will have your children at the heart of it and open more doors than you could possibly imagine.
A Story of High Participation And Performance
House Cross Country had a beautiful festival feel; close to 700 senior school students mingling around charity stalls, dotted around chatting whilst recovering from or waiting for their run, some sat under trees knitting, and many lining the course cheering the community on. It was as so many things have been here: an experience unlike anything else I have had in another school. The vibe was fun, supportive and inclusive with room given for elite athletes to shine (and we have plenty of those too: a remarkable number of twenty students attended the English Schools Cross Country Championship this week with four finishing in the top ten for the year groups whilst running a year young and all attending doing a fantastic job). Such an example is a story of high participation and performance that frequently and routinely eclipse other schools in the region, regardless of the activity. I am hearing this time and time again at both Prep and Senior School level. Indeed, it is no surprise to reflect on the fact we were finalists for the National Independent School of the Year award, 2024 (only five schools are shortlisted), something that is so clearly deserved when appreciating all that happens here.
No Students Were Harmed In The Making Of This Production
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was so good that – having already watched it in the Prep School - both my sons wanted to watch it again. And so, we went last night, and I watched it for the first time; it was such a great performance. Alongside the acting, dancing and singing, the audience was roaring at the special effects involved when Charlie (playing Augustus Gloop) was sent on his way to the fudge room through a long pipeline and when Annabelle (playing Violet Beauregard) inflated to become a human blueberry. I can confirm that Charlie made it to period 1 this morning and that Annabelle has fully recovered and is now back to her brilliant self (no students were harmed in the making of this production!). One of my sons was sitting next to Daphne (a grandmother of one of the cast) and, alongside being very patient with him (thanks again, Daphne!), was extolling the virtues of Drama here: I was left in total agreement: what a team we have. I can’t wait for the next one.
Talking VAT On Fees On The BBC
And so another terrific week at Welly comes to a close and I can’t believe three weeks of term has gone already. Our Year 9 team of students and staff did brilliantly on their trip to Snowdon last week and - as is so typical here - the experience was awash with individual stories of achievement. Away from the mountain I’ve learnt to utilise techniques from Banksy in an art lesson (although I’m not yet backing myself to draw any animals hanging from the window of my office) and that Animal Farm by George Orwell is actually all about Russian politics.
We’ve had the BBC onsite too, speaking with a family who were extolling the virtue of a Welly education in light of VAT on fees, and I’ve had the pleasure of speaking on BBC Radio last week as our educational opportunities have come further into positive spotlight. I was told that the audience for my moment on the airwaves was as many as 4 people but, upon further investigation, it was found that my mother had tuned in on as many radios as she could find.
Connecting With Students
I have continued to enjoy connecting with so many more of your wonderful children over the last few days too. I was particularly taken by the enthusiasm with which Callum, in Year 1, introduced himself during the Prep School Celebration Assembly last week; the sparkle in Daisy’s eyes in Year 10 when she spoke about her passion for climbing and ventriloquism (not at the same time) over lunch, and the way in which a Year 8 class taught me about the perfect tense in Latin. I’ve had destinations for local family outings kindly suggested by Year 11s at lunchtime (thank you girls), I’ve been called ‘biotic’ by year 7 in Geography (a good thing apparently) and witnessed Dan become the Lower School thumb war champion in Chapel (before the theme of peace was then discussed in more depth). And, what’s more - as Open Day beckons on Saturday - and the weather continues to be kind to us, I received a wonderful email from Felix in Year 7 (thank you, Felix!), kindly sharing some stunning photos he took of the natural world when on a walk with his family last Sunday. What a wonderful way to take us into a weekend where yet more joy, opportunity and connection awaits...
Connection To Nature
A particular highlight in recent days was a visit to our Forest School with Year 6, something that is used every week by our children in the Prep School. What a fantastic space that is: an expanse of woodland, a meadow, trails to explore and a Gruffalo Pizza oven (who wouldn’t want one of those!). As if that isn’t good enough, the setting is in the palm of the Blackdown Hills, and the children have access to qualified forest leaders and passionate volunteers from different backgrounds and ages. It is a beautiful space and one I’m sure we can make even greater use of for the whole community over the years ahead.
Experiences such as these re-enforce my belief that connection to nature and to each other is vital for our development in the world. Even as adults, we must never lose that sense of wonder, awe and fun that can be garnered from sharing time in the living eco-systems around us of which we are such a constituent part. We are never too old to get lost in the woods, have the chance to fall over, laugh, make a den or play hide and seek…something I’ll no doubt need to remind myself of when climbing up Snowdon with many of our Year 9s for a day next week.
