NEWSLETTER – 29 September 2023

Half term is only two weeks away but this gives us a great opportunity to look at how much has already been achieved. As always, our pupils are embracing all the fabulous opportunities and added value that our school has to offer.

As a Round Square School, our ethos is underpinned by the Round Square IDEALS, namely the Spirit of Internationalism, Democracy, Environment, Adventure, Leadership, and Service. Our pupils embrace these IDEALS in all manner of ways, both within the classroom and their wider school life, and I cannot think of a better example of this than our exchange programme. Next half term sees this begin with some of our Year 9 pupils travelling across the globe to countries such as Japan, Canada and Bermuda. On a smaller, but no less important scale, we have members of our School community taking their Service project down to our Pre School and Reception class. While Year 7 are embracing the Adventure of being in the Senior School by quite literally throwing themselves into their Residential (off a bridge in Eskdale!).

Talking of Adventure, Year 9 have had a Reflection to introduce them to the Duke of Edinburgh Award, with all the challenges and excitement that it entails. In our last Newsletter you will already have seen our Silver D of E Canoe Expedition to Scotland at the start of the month. Last year saw 6 pupils complete their Gold Award, which is a commendable achievement. So the challenge is on for our Year 9 pupils and we cannot wait to see their achievements.

My hope is that through the Round Square IDEALS, our pupils will grow into global citizens who embrace the diversity of our world. I want them to develop a personal compass for equality, fairness, justice and self-discipline. I want them to have broad horizons, to understand the forces that shape our surroundings, and the impact we have. I hope that they will have the ability to push themselves beyond their perceived limits and to recognise that successful leaders are driven by a desire to be of service to others.

Wishing you a happy weekend,

Jenny Davies

Interim Head