Living rurally

Published on: Friday, November 25, 2022

The mid-point of the second half of term has arrived and we vacate the premises this weekend as the Rural Living Show moves in.  The biblical amounts of rain recently have certainly fed into our British need to discuss the weather and it does feel, sadly, as if this is going to be one of the less good years for the front field. Experience suggests it usually recovers over the winter and we don’t use it much in the months ahead.

I have been back and forth to the College recently and, as ever, it is good to come across children who were at the Prep between 5 years and 5 months ago. The other thing growing at the College is the 6th Form centre which is entering its final stages and will be in use some time next term.  This will not only be an incredible addition to the 6th Form experience directly but have a huge indirect benefit across the school as other areas are repurposed as appropriate departments move into the new build.

This little break in proceedings includes the First Sunday in Advent so the Christmas clock is well and truly ticking.  We shall be sending you information to help with events ahead, including our Carol Service, which all Prep children are expected to attend, on Sunday 11 December at 5.30pm in the College Chapel.

Have a good weekend.

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A Dramatic Week!

Published on: Friday, November 18, 2022

“It just puts a smile on your face” was a comment I heard last night from one lucky enough to watch the first performance of Moana. They’re right. Such a bouncy, energetic show with terrific songs and where the children are clearly enjoying themselves. It also has very strong core messages that touch the heart of any truly vocationally minded Head! Many congratulations to all involved in its success.

As well as drama here on our own stage, there have been many children heading off to the Taunton Drama Festival. It is so lovely to see them return a good deal more confident than when they head out, and many with the added bonus of a medal or two.  These opportunities to put yourself a little further from your existing comfort zone are the only way to grow and explore what your increasing potential may be.  Thank you to those taxi driving parents amongst you who make it possible for so many children to get there and back.

After so much energy and effort (both physical and emotional) it is only right that there are just fixtures for the Under 9s tomorrow.  Have a good rest!

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Multitasking

Published on: Friday, November 11, 2022

I sit here looking down the front field and Fire Magic are on site setting up their display for later.  It appears the weather is going to offer up a pretty decent window of opportunity so we should have a lovely evening.

The week has seen a great number of children thoroughly busy once again after a two week break for half term.  Experiments, essays, sports tournaments, play rehearsals, outdoor ed, Viking invasions, musical interludes and plenty of fun along the way have all been part of the last four and half days.

Today we had our annual moving and poignant service, including two minute silence at 11am along with the nation, to remember those who have fought and died in the service of our country.  The wreath laid by the youngest and oldest in Prep, the Last Post and Reveille played live, readings, anthems, prayers, hymns, processions all conducted by the children. It is a powerful and emotive occasion.

I have spoken to the children this week about the ability, skill and need to respond differently to differing circumstances in life and certainly that is required today as we move between Remembrance and fireworks. Life’s rich tapestry is multi-faceted, multi-textured, multi-coloured and consequently generates a multi-emotional (sic) experience. Learning to respond, behave and grow accordingly and appropriately is a valuable understanding to gain.

The weekend ahead remains busy for very many children with plenty going on tomorrow.  I have the OA Dinner (former pupils of King’s) tomorrow night and the recent leaving long-serving staff members will be amongst the guests of honour.  Mr and Mrs Biggs, recent Head of the College, and Mrs Brazier along with Mr and Mrs Thomas who all left King’s Hall last year will be duly feted.

I hope you have a good weekend.

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