Dear Parents

Thank you for all the warm welcomes as I settle in to Windermere School. I have been really struck, not only by the raw beauty of the environment, but also the commitment of the staff. Everyone knows how unique and special a school this is to be a part of, and there is a real sense of wanting to strive together to do the best we can be for your children.

I have been impressed too with the pupils I have met: They have been warm, polite and friendly. The Senior Council, our Year 13 leaders, are thoughtful and care about the school community. Today, however, as we came together for our annual Service of Remembrance on the Terrace in glorious November sunshine, I was most deeply struck by how respectful and reflective the pupils can be too.

We have an important parents meeting coming up on Tuesday 21 November. Originally billed as the Options Evening for GCSE and Sixth Form choices, this will now also be the evening when we explain to you the outcome of the curriculum review. I have been very impressed with the work that has gone in to deliver what is a significant set of improvements to the senior school curriculum.

We are therefore inviting all parents from Years 6 to 11 to attend and hear about these exciting changes, and you will be receiving an invitation to this event very soon. We will provide follow up information for those not able to make it, but we warmly urge you to come in person if you can and hear the announcements first hand. We understand that this will not be possible for parents overseas and in more distant parts of the UK so we will send a narrated PowerPoint of the presentation to everyone following the event.

At the time of writing I am preparing to visit Madrid to introduce the school to prospective parents, as well as meet some current parents. It has been an interesting exercise putting together a presentation to summarise the strengths of the school. In doing so, it has become clearer to me just how unique the school is, balancing the provision of a world class curriculum with the opportunities for adventure, sport and musical drama.

Our commitment to the IDEALS of the Round Square movement, the six pillars you see as you come up our drive, will only strengthen as we go forward. I am looking forward to meeting the Senior Council again soon and start to focus on the development of pupil leadership. I am also heartened by the passion for Service, an integral part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme.

We are aiming to develop capable and compassionate young people who will have the capacity and desire to shape the future in better ways, and it is clear to me that the IDEALS of the Round Square movement and the values of the IB are powerful means to achieve this.

Following the Options Evening I will put out the parent survey I mentioned at half term. As well as gathering your views, I will be asking for your help, particularly in developing a careers programme for the pupils and students to help them discern their futures. Please do give this some thought and offer your help if you can. We want to present a wide variety of pathways to the young people of the school and our parent body and alumni have between them a vast amount of experience and wisdom.

Please look at the calendar for all the special events which come thick and fast at the end of term. I understand that these are very much enjoyed by everyone, and I am looking forward to discovering them for the first time.

With best wishes

Frank Thompson