Dear Parents and Guardians,

The highlight of the past fortnight must be the Year 13 Graduation and Leavers Ball at the Low Wood Hotel. Because the International Baccalaureate is a global qualification, the examinations are taken somewhat earlier than GCSEs, and by last Friday all the Upper Sixth had completed their examinations. So Saturday was the ideal day to celebrate and we were joined by families from all over the world for the occasion.

The Graduation was held in Crampton Hall and was a very personal occasion. Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Murphy, spoke warmly about all the students and our Senior Student, Serena, read a thoughtful reflection on her journey through the school. Luana shared how being part of Browheadline has helped shape her life at Windermere and Gwennaelle and Olga led the farewell speech, giving us a few laughs on the way. There were tears too during the vote of thanks made by Hector and Clarissa as the realisation that the end of school days was upon them fully dawned.

These were soon wiped away as we enjoyed celebration drinks and canapes on the school terrace in beautiful weather and then enjoyed a memorable dinner at the Low Wood, complete with special ‘character’ awards for every student. These were funny, kindly meant and received in good humour. Then it was dancing until midnight – students, parents and staff.

Sunday was a quieter day!

In very different news, Adventure has been in full force over the past fortnight too and I hope you have seen the amazing photos and videos on our social media. Oscar teamed up with two students from Oban High School to compete in the Scottish Islands Peaks Race; an intense sailing and fell running challenge over several days that is not for the faint hearted. Very much one of the most adventurous events we do in the year, Oscar had a fantastic time though sadly, all the youth competitors had to pull out on Sunday as, uncharacteristically, the weather was too good. There was no wind and the sailing boats had to motor back to harbour. Thank you to Mr Reedy for such a wonderful opportunity.

Six of our Year 9 pupils, Emily, Holly, Sebastian, Josh, Joey and Jake, also took part in the Round Square Adventure Race against three other Round Square schools in Wales. Many thanks to Abbotsholme for hosting the event, well done to the team for coming a very impressive second place and thank you to Mrs Roberts and Mr Platt for looking after the team.

Have a wonderful half term break and see you all for the final leg of the academic year on Monday 3 June.

Kindest regards,

Mr Frank Thompson

Head of Windermere School