Headteacher's

Column

The school year always has a distinctive rhythm with intensive periods of study, punctuated by special events and public examinations. In the last few years the calendar has been crammed with an increasing number of assessments as the examination system has become modular and controlled assessments have replaced coursework.  The net effect is that many students feel they are on a roller coaster which is barely in control and at a very young age they experience the negative effects of stress.

As a Christian school we have a high awareness throughout the year of the liturgical seasons and festivals such as Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter and Pentecost.  The pattern of reflection, prayer and worship is for many an antidote to the negative stress effects of competition, assessment and ambition as it helps us gain perspective and reminds us of what is truly important.  So in the midst of intensive revision and last minute exam preparation, it is reassuring to see how many students and staff  have time to think of others who are in need.  They work together to raise funds for a whole range of charities and they have fun in the process!  Our most recent project has been in support of CAFOD.

Congratulations to all students and staff who have achieved our target of raising more than £1100 for CAFOD’s “Thirst for Change” campaign.  In recognition of CAFOD’s 50^th anniversary the government pledged to match funds raised, pound for pound.  This means the school has raised more than enough for villagers somewhere in drought affected Africa to drill a bore hole so that they can have clean water without walking miles every day.