From The Principal #178
21st April 23
Welcome back to the start of the new summer term – a term traditionally when courses culminate in taking public exams, summer sports, art exhibitions, music concerts and when the sun is supposed to be shining, and unfortunately, it’s not. It’s great to be back at school and to get back into the swing of things after the Easter holidays, and although the school is now in summer mode, the weather certainly doesn’t reflect that, and it is forecast to get slightly colder and wetter. This is, after all, the Great British Summer!
It was fantastic to announce the new Student Council 23/24 members during our whole College assembly on Monday morning, and the energy and enthusiasm from our students continue to impress. With the previous Student Council 22/23 members working on next Friday’s Summer Ball in Westminster and the prestigious Graduation Ceremony at the Houses of Parliament in June, there is plenty to focus on beyond assessments and exams.
Staying on TRACK (Tolerance, Respect, Academic Curiosity, Community & Kindness) continues to be our drive this term, with preparation for public exams (GCSEs, A-levels, BTECs and IFP) fully underway. Our students should remain fully engaged and focused during this critical time. The pace and intensity have been relentless since we returned (including on the basketball court!). I have been thoroughly impressed with our students’ work ethic, independence of thought, and positive attitude in and around College and the boarding house – long may it continue! I commend them for their excellent attitude and sterling efforts, and I wish them all the best – I know they will do us all proud.
We wish Madeline Farr (Teacher of Economics) all the best as she runs the London Marathon this weekend, raising vital funds for her chosen charity, the National Autistic Society. Maddie hopes to finish the gruelling 26.2 miles across London in under 4 hours and 15 minutes. You can learn more about her fundraising efforts via this link. Go, Maddie!
And finally, Eid Al-Fitr celebrations take place worldwide this weekend, marking the end of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. Congratulations to our Senior Vice Principal, James Kidd, who, amongst many of our students, kept all the fasts during Ramadan – no mean feat and impressive considering the days are now longer. For those members of our community who are celebrating Eid this weekend, I hope you have a wonderful time with friends and family and, for everyone else, a restful and, hopefully, sunny week ahead!
Irfan Latif
Principal
