The summer term has almost come to a close and it has been exciting and productive. I cannot do the term full justice, in all fairness, in so few words.
The Year 11s are about to finally depart after the leavers' ball and we wish them the very best of luck with their results.
We have had two glorious sports' days, in juniors and seniors, in which school records tumbled. Our athletics teams went away to the national competitions at Birmingham and sealed the year by adding to the largest haul of medals, 84 I believe, ever. This is outstanding. My thanks to the Sports' Department.
The junior swimming gala was a highlight for me: the pupils competed with such enthusiasm, in spite of their varying levels of ability. They got stuck into the event with gusto demonstrating their understanding a team ethos superbly. (Some of them seemed to be immune to pain on impact too.) Well done to them. And what a hot day that was.
As I sit in my study, tapping away at my keyboard to write this entry, I can hear the sounds of very energetic young people taking part in the Year 5 sleepover. I am looking forward to sharing a burger or two with them all. I am well aware too that Year 6 are at Blacklands for their activity residential too.
The summer assessments are over in the senior school and the pupils are taking stock of their achievements - and, of course, they are mulling over what needs to be done in order to achieve some necessary improvements, in some cases. This is how it should be. The new GCSEs certainly seem to demand a sizeable degree of independent learning and the pupils need to take this on board. These examinations are excellent learning moments. They should certainly do the work set for the summer vacation, as well as have some time off, naturally.
I am about to put my finishing touches to my thoughts for Speech Day, which is a time of celebration of the community, which strikes upon me with some poignancy as the world beyond Shoreham has been sorely tested at times. In my mind, this only lends more value to the College's motto, 'Deus Horam Dat'. God gives us these opportunities and moments to cherish. I wish everyone a lovely summer holiday and we'll see you in September.
Mr Taylor-West, Headmaster