Friday 23 May 2025
Head’s Weekly Update
Llangorse 2025
At the start of this week, I joined the Year 9 pupils for two days of their Adventure Training Week and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Bronze Practice Expedition to Llangorse in the Brecon Beacons National Park. As you will be aware, I believe that it is not enough for pupils to leave Pangbourne just with good exam results. Exam results open doors but they do not demonstrate the whole of a person. Experiences such as Llangorse develop team work, leadership, resilience and emotional intelligence in our students. These are the attributes that will enable them to be happy and successful.
I had the privilege of taking one group of pupils on their Bronze DofE practice expedition where we walked for 20 miles across the two days. I was impressed with the pupils as they demonstrated resilience and great depth of character. The trip has also provided the opportunity for pupils to have much needed time away from their screens which has been rejuvenating for all.
Staff Update - Sports Department
Further to my updates on staff last week, I wanted to share further appointments that have been made in the Sports Department. Within the Five Year Sport Strategy, our commitment is for each of the Performance Sports to have a Director to lead and shape the programme for each of these sports. I am delighted to announce the following appointments and please do read their biographies here.
Ben Sainsbury - Director of Rugby
Having been at the College since 2019, Ben brings a wealth of coaching experience and energy to ensure that every pupil is supported in achieving their potential on and off the pitch and we are delighted to appoint him as Director of Rugby in addition to his role as Head of Cricket.
Georgia Jones - Director of Hockey and Head of Athletic Development
We are delighted to announce that Georgia Jones will become our new Director of Hockey and Head of Athletic Development from September 2025. Georgia joined Pangbourne in 2024 and has competed at the highest levels as a current International Hockey Player with Scotland, played in the Scottish Premiership, German Bundesliga and Victoria Premier League in Australia and is a current Reading Hockey Club Women’s 1st XI player. We look forward to Georgia developing and shaping the hockey programme as well as the Athletic Development programme with her extensive experience and qualifications. Our investment in Athletic Development will have a strong impact on supporting our athletes at Pangbourne. Mr Hewick’s research into the pupil cohort demonstrates a higher than average number of summer born children at Pangbourne who will benefit greatly from this additional support across all sports.
Sporting News
I would like to congratulate our equestrian team Olivia (Year 11), Sophie (Year 10) and Maisie (Year 10) who competed in the Services 1.05m showjumping class at Royal Windsor Horse Show last weekend and who achieved an incredible 2nd place. In addition they also achieved individual accolades of fastest clear round and best U25 rider. The only team who beat them in the end was one from the Bahrain Defence Force, some of whom have ridden at the Olympics! This is an extraordinary achievement and one which is unparalleled in the history of Pangbourne riding. I wish the riders good luck this weekend as they compete at Hickstead.
This weekend our rowers are also competing in the National Schools’ Regatta in Nottingham and I would like to wish them the best of luck for their races. A huge thank you in advance to the dedicated parents for their commitment and support during the course of these long weekends.
Timetable 2025-26
As you will be aware, we have made a couple of tweaks to the timetable during the academic year but the new academic year provides an opportunity to look at some other aspects. There are many elements of the current timetable that work well but also some things we can improve upon. Mark Seccombe has been working on alternatives and the changes are not as significant as the change from last year but we hope will be a positive evolution. The revised timings are here and a document explaining the rationale for changes is here.
Follow Up Session for ‘Coffee with The Head’ Events
Last night we held the Follow Up Session from our 'Coffee with The Head' events that were held last term. It was lovely to welcome back parents who had previously attended one of the sessions covering Academic Provision, Sport & Co-Curricular, Neurodiversity, Pastoral Care and Sixth Form. Parents were given an update on the developments in these areas which have been made to date and plans for the next academic year and beyond. I will be holding more of these events in the next Academic year and look forward to even more parents attending these sessions which are invaluable for gathering your feedback first-hand and in person.
Finally I would like to wish you all a very happy Half Term. For those pupils taking public examinations, please ensure you have a good balance of revision but also take some respite to put yourself in the best position for the final few weeks of exams after Half Term.
Best wishes
Oliver Knight
COLLEGE NEWS THIS WEEK
Year 9 Adventure Training Week in Llangorse
On Sunday 18 May, all of our Year 9 pupils set off to Llangorse for an activity training week and to do their DofE practice expeditions. This trip is always thoroughly enjoyed by the pupils and is a great opportunity for them to step away from the classroom, get off screens and enjoy being active and getting outside. They have been up to all sorts including rock climbing, abseiling, bouldering and other fun team building activities. In preparation for their Bronze DofE Award they took part in route planning, map reading and walking. It was also a great opportunity for the pupils to fully embrace quality time together, building on current friendships and making new ones.
After a fun filled week in Wales, Year 9 arrived back to the College this afternoon, ready for a restful half term break, hopefully with many fond memories from the week.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Friday 23 May - Sunday 25 May, All Day
National Schools' Regatta in Nottingham
Rowing
Friday 23 May, 16:45 - Sunday 01 June, 19:00
Half Term Holiday
Holiday
Saturday 31 May, 10:00 - 16:00
Pangbourne College 8th Annual Classic Car Show - Parade Ground
Charity, Community
Monday 02 June - Friday 06 June
Year 7 & 8 Exams
Academic
Monday 02 June - Friday 06 June
Taking Responsibility Week
Sixth Form
Wednesday 04 June, 16:45 - 17:30
Trinity Drama Showcase - DR1
Drama
Saturday 07 June, 10:00 - 16:00
Dunbar Family Fun Day
Community
Monday 09 June - Friday 13 June
Year 9 Exams
Academic
Wednesday 11 June, 16:45 - 20:00
Lower Sixth Parents’ and Guardians’ Meeting
Academic
Friday 13 June, 18:30 - 20:00
Sports Celebration Picnic
Big Side
Sunday 15 June, 09:00 - 14:00
Falkland Islands Memorial Service 2025
Chapel
NOTICES
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The hugely successful Pangbourne Classic Car Show makes its annual return on Saturday 31 May 2025 10:00 - 16:00.
Hosting a spectacular array of vintage, classic and rare vehicles, the event is open to the whole community to enjoy. The organiser has arranged a flypast by the RAF battle of Britain memorial team in their iconic Spitfire at 14:20 on the day.Please book your spectator ticket (cost is per car parking space) here.
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In the interests of pupil safety, can all drivers please observe the speed limit of 10mph on the Parade Ground.
No learner drivers should be driving up to Parade Ground (i.e. they shouldn't turn right at the mini roundabout).
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Following the recent success of our Trinity Drama exams, we would like to cordially invite you to the Trinity Drama Summer Showcase on Wednesday 4 June 2025, from 17.00-17.45 in the Drama department (DR1). Should you wish to attend to support our talented students, please email Miss Rhiannon Bland at rhiannon.bland@pangbourne.com and how many will be in your party as space is limited, no later than Sunday 1 June 2025.
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In Pride month we are joining in with the rainbow laces campaign aimed at promoting LGBTQ+ participation and visibility in sport. For the whole month pupils will be able to wear rainbow laces on non-naval uniform (sports kit or Sixth Form suits). The proceeds from the sale of the rainbow laces will go to SupportU, a LGBTQ+ charity running support groups in Berkshire. A pair of laces will cost £5 and can be collected from the College after half term. If you would like to participate then please complete the form here.
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A reminder that the Marching Band and Guard photographs taken recently are now online and available to order with delivery direct to your home address. Please use the link here, and your email address when prompted, to view and order on the Gillman & Soame website.
Please use the link here to view the Whole School Photo.
If you have any queries, please feel free to contact Gillman & Soame directly at enquiries@gillmanandsoame.co.uk or on 01869 328200.
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Please see the leaflet here about an opportunity for young actors across Oxfordshire to perform in ‘The Railway Children’ at Didcot Railway Centre.
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During the summer holidays, a group of Lower Sixth students are going out to Uganda to work in Nabugabo, our partnership primary school. They will not only be taking out teaching and learning resources which they will make as part of the Taking Responsibility course, but other donations as well. This year we are focussing on collecting boys boxers and girls pants, aged 6 - 14. The items need to be brand new in their original packaging. Your donations will make a huge difference to the children. Mrs Bond will be collating the donations, so please leave them in Reception or give them to your child to give to her.
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The Sports Celebration and Rowing Dinner have been consolidated into one event this year and will be taking place on Friday 13 June. The evening will start at 18:30 and will take place at the Anthony Hudson Pavilion on Big Side. Families are invited to bring their own food and picnic rugs or chairs and there will be various speeches and awards presented to celebrate the sporting success of the pupils throughout this year. The dress code is smart casual and it will be an alcohol-free event. This event will be free of charge to all pupils and parents.
Please RSVP by completing the online form here by Friday 6 June. -
Join us on Friday 20 June at 18:00 for a relaxed and enjoyable evening of live music performed by Pangbourne pupils. The event will be held on Devitt Lawn with stunning views across our surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
This family-friendly concert is the perfect way to spend a summer evening — bring a picnic, unwind with friends and family, and enjoy live performances that highlight the musical life of the College. This event will be an opportunity for Pangbournians, past and present, to come together and to celebrate the College's positive community impact. It promises to be a fabulous end of year celebration.
Tickets are £15 per adult (under 18s free). To purchase your tickets please click on the link here.
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Join our one-week rowing camps for ages 12-18, led by Olympic gold medallist Harry Brightmore.
Week 1: 21 – 25 July 2025
Week 2: 28 July – 1 August 2025
Details: 09:00 - 16:00 daily at Pangbourne College Boat Club on the River Thames
Cost: £375 including VAT per week (includes lunch & camp T-shirt)
The camp is suitable for rowers with less than a year’s rowing experience. Participants will need to be able to swim and they will have to take a swim test on the first morning of the camp.
Final Day: Regatta-style races — parents welcome to watch!
To learn more and book please click here
For further information, please email: rowingcamps@pangbourne.com
Years 7-8
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Alongside the revision techniques that are preparing Year 8 for their exams after Half Term, they are also building skills for rehearsal and presentation in anticipation of their final Devitt and Moore poster presentation conference at the end of Summer Term. Many degree courses favour the presentation of information visually now rather than in written dissertation form so this will give valuable experience to the students as well as drive their curiosity for in depth research.
For more information and the list of topics, please click the link.
Elly Hayward (Head of Theory of Learning)
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Exams for Dunbar will be held in the week immediately after Half Term. These are important exams which give us an indication of pupil progress through the year and for Year 7 pupils will inform the setting as they move into Year 8.
The exams will take place in the Sports Hall and pupils should take revision with them. This revision should be in hard copy, pupils will not be allowed to bring their own devices into the exam hall apart from the Progress Test sessions. Where pupils have an access arrangement for PC use, they will be provided with a College device.
Support for the pupils:
Revision guidance documents will be shared on Google Classroom, which tell pupils what content they need to revise and where they can find revision materials. This document is also available for Parents on the School Portal by clicking here and then the 'Academic - Exams' category.
Pupils have been learning about memory and effective revision strategies during their Theory of Learning lessons during the year.
Years 9 -11
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Exams for Year 9 will be held in the week commencing 9 June. These are important exams which give us an indication of pupil progress through the year and will inform setting as they move into Year 10.
The exams will take place in the Sports Hall and pupils should take revision with them. This revision should be in hard copy, pupils will not be allowed to bring their own devices into the exam hall apart from the Progress Test sessions. Where pupils have an access arrangement for PC use, they will be provided with a College device.
Support for the pupils:
Revision guidance documents will be shared on Google Classroom, which tell pupils what content they need to revise and where they can find revision materials. This document is also available for Parents on the School Portal by clicking here and then the 'Academic - Exams' category.
Pupils have been learning about memory and effective revision strategies during their Theory of Learning lessons during the year.
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Study leave commences at Half Term for Year 11 pupils. This means that attendance at College is not required unless pupils are taking exams. Please note that if you are bringing your child in for an exam they must be in College attire (No.2s or College sports kit) and they must be at the exam venue by 09:00 for a morning exam and 13:30 for an afternoon exam.
As highlighted in Mr Skidmore's email earlier this week, if pupils are on site for exams or revision session in both the morning and afternoon, they need to remain on site for the gap in between.
To provide additional support for pupils in their preparations for the remaining exams, subject teams will be delivering extended revision sessions in advance of the exam. Combined with the exams themselves and the pre-exams blasts, these sessions will enable pupils to come into College and have a full day of exam preparation focused on the most imminent exams. We strongly recommend that pupils take advantage of these support sessions. Grades can, and will, be determined by single marks and every opportunity to benefit from the exam expertise of the teachers is invaluable. The sessions being delivered will be tightly focused on the required exam technique and 'high leverage' topics which either appear frequently, carry lots of marks, or both. We have been somewhat surprised at how many pupils have opted to stay at home in their preparation for exams. The pupils who have continued to attend lessons have benefited greatly from very personalised attention from their teachers.
The schedule for both the Pre-Exam Blasts and the Extended Revision Sessions can be found in the 'Academic - Exams' section of the Portal.
SIXTH FORM
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Study leave commences at Half Term for Upper Sixth pupils. This means that attendance at College is not required unless pupils are taking exams. Please note that if you are bringing your child in for an exam they must be in College attire (No.2s, a suit, or College sports kit) and they must be at the exam venue by 09:00 for a morning exam and 13:30 for an afternoon exam.
As highlighted in Mr Skidmore's email earlier this week, if pupils are on site for exams or revision session in both the morning and afternoon, they need to remain on site for the gap in between.
We will continue to run the Pre-Exam Blasts before each exam (starting at 08:30 for morning exams and 13:00 for afternoon exams). We strongly recommend that pupils take advantage of these support sessions. Grades can, and will, be determined by single marks and every opportunity to benefit from the exam expertise of the teachers is valuable. The sessions being delivered will be tightly focused on the required exam technique and 'high leverage' topics which appear frequently, carry lots of marks, or both.
Teachers will also be available at the times where lessons would have taken place. If you intend to come in to seek support of a teacher, it would be beneficial to let them know in advance so that they can expect you. The pupils who have continued to attend lessons in the past two weeks have benefitted greatly from very personalised attention from their teachers. We have been somewhat surprised at how many pupils have opted to stay at home in their preparation for exams.
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Please note that the date for students to confirm their ‘firm’ and ‘insurance’ universities is 5 June. After this date, the universities will withdraw their offers. If they would like advice, they have been encouraged to speak to Ms Kaur, tutors and teachers.
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Please do ensure that applications are submitted if students are planning to go this autumn.
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The Lower Sixth will be off timetable following their return after Half Term. There is a week of activities and parents will be sent a letter with further details. Students have also been informed about the plans for the week.
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A link to book your appointments will be shared after Half Term.
SPORT
ROYAL WINDSOR HORSE SHOW
A young team of Olivia (Year 11), Sophie (Year 10) and Maisie (Year 10) represented Pangbourne in the Services 1.05m showjumping class at Royal Windsor horse show last weekend. The team all jumped very fast and clear in the first round, to put Pangbourne first out of all the teams competing (17 other teams including ones from the Household Cavalry, the RAF, the Police, Sandhurst and the Bahrain Defence Force). This is an extraordinary achievement and one which is unparalleled in the history of Pangbourne riding. Olivia very impressively also won the U25 junior rider category. In the second round only one rider jumped, Olivia rode very well again, and Pangbourne ended up with a fantastic second place overall. The only team who beat them in the end was one from the Bahrain Defence Force, some of whom have ridden at the Olympics! This is quite some achievement and a day which will stay with the girls for a very long time. Riding with King Charles watching and in front of Windsor Castle is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
GOOD LUCK TO THOSE COMPETING AT THE NATIONAL SCHOOLS’ REGATTA THIS WEEKEND
Good luck to all of our rowers who are competing at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham for the National Schools’ Regatta 2025. The competition is taking place between 23-25 May and we look forward to getting all of the updates throughout the weekend.
DIVISIONAL UPDATES
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With the grass outside wet with rain for the first time in some while as I write, it makes me appreciate just how glorious the weather has been recently, and how stunning the campus looks when the sun shines. Hopefully we will maintain some good weather for the upcoming Half Term break, and I do hope that you will enjoy this opportunity for time together again.
When we return after Half Term we will be straight into the end of year exams for both Year 7 and Year 8 pupils, and I wish them the best of luck with their papers. Whilst it is important that the tests are a fair reflection of their progress this year, and they should certainly be preparing adequately for them, I would also stress that the Half Term is a week to rest and recharge, and I would not want pupils at this stage in their school career to feel overly anxious about the exams. I am sure Tutors will have helped them to prepare, and if they (or you) have any concerns about these exams then their Academic Tutor should be best placed to help and support them.
Coming up at the end of the first week back is our Dunbar Family Day on Saturday 7 June. The day will start with a fun and social tennis tournament for all the family, which will begin at around 10:30, so I would recommend arriving at around 10:00. There will be a BBQ available if anyone would like to bring food to cook on the grill and, of course, we also have a hob and oven in the House if anyone needs that. Picnics are also welcome, and I attach the response form HERE for you to register your interest. Please complete the form even if you will not be able to join us so that I can get an indication of numbers and start planning the tennis tournament. There will be racquets (and balls!) available for anyone to use if they don’t have one, and we will see who will take home the beautiful trophy currently sat on the side in Dunbar, having been won by Isla and Peter last year.
The next announcement is for the Year 8 parents only, and is to flag up that due to an unforeseen clash with a large conference being held at the College on Friday 27 June, I have been asked if we can move the Year 8 Dinner to the day before, meaning it will now take place on Thursday 26 June from 19:00 - 21:00 in the Old Library. As usual the dress code for the dinner is black tie, and is for Year 8 pupils and Dunbar staff only, although parents are most welcome to take photos beforehand, and are always invited through to the Devitt balcony and lawn to take photos at the end of the evening.
Finally I will give a brief reminder about the Falkland Islands Memorial Service (FIMS) which takes place on Sunday 15 June. This is a wonderful event, and a great opportunity for Pangbourne staff and students to honour the ex-service men and women and their families who took part in this conflict over 40 years ago, and who now gather each year here at the College for a service of remembrance. All pupils have been sent an invitation to help serve by our Chaplain (Rev. Jeffers) and I know a number have already signed up.
I wish you all a peaceful and productive Half Term, from my family to yours.
Best wishes,
Ian Hart
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As we come to the end of a very busy first half of Summer Term I have been really pleased with the efforts I have seen from the boys. They all seem to be responding well to the challenges that they all face, those with public exams have a well deserved break coming up.
I was with the Year 9 boys in Llangorse from Sunday to Tuesday, Mr Jackson is with them now, walking, climbing and teambuilding - all without mobile phones. Really refreshing on the walks to see and hear them talking to each other - even if it did continue late into the night.
Congratulations to those who represented Harbinger in the Divisional Cricket last week, a really impressive domination of the mini tournament and well deserved winners. Good luck to all those competing at National Schools in the rowing this weekend.
A reminder for everyone that we have Wendy’s celebration picnic on Sunday from 13:00 until 17:00 - bring your own picnic. We also have final sign ups for the Harbinger Dinner at Goring & Streatley Golf Club here. We would also like final numbers if possible for the BBQ on Founders’ Day kindly organised by Anna Badcock - see my separate email sent to you all with the link.
Have a wonderful, restful but productive half term.
Andy Sumner
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It has been a good half of term and as the exams have started I have been impressed with the academic rigour that these year groups have shown in preparing for the exams.
It has been very quiet in the division this week without our Year 9s who headed off to Llangorse for a week of adventure and taking themselves out of their comfort zones. I hope that they learn from the experience, developing those all important skills and values that the College leans on - leadership, resilience, industry and kindness.
After Half Term the next five weeks will go in a blink of an eye. It is a busy period with ‘Taking Responsibility Week’ for the Lower Sixth. We then have the Falkland Islands Memorial service which I have encouraged all of the boys to go and volunteer at as it is such an amazing experience and a chance for the pupils to interact with the veterans and their families.
I hope that all of the boys enjoy a restful and relaxing half term.
Tom Cheney
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As we move through the term, the sunshine has made a welcome return and exam season is in full swing. While the holidays may be on the horizon, there’s still much to be done, and now is the time for focus and determination. This is the message being shared with the girls in Illawarra, particularly those sitting public exams and they are responding with great maturity and drive.
This week, our Year 9 girls headed to Llangorse a much-anticipated part of their school year that always proves to be both challenging and rewarding. The trip encourages them to step outside their comfort zones, and the early feedback suggests they’ve done just that. I’m confident they’ll return with lasting memories and valuable lessons in resilience, leadership, industry, and kindness, the very values we aim to foster here at the College.
After the Half Term break, the next five weeks will fly by. It’s a busy and exciting period ahead, including ‘Taking Responsibility Week’ for the Lower Sixth. We also look forward to the Falkland Islands Memorial Service, an important event that offers a unique opportunity for our girls to volunteer, engage with veterans and their families, and gain a deeper appreciation of service and community.
I hope all the girls enjoy a restful and refreshing Half Term, ready to return with renewed energy for the weeks ahead.
Rosie Jewell
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The sun is shining, the exams are progressing and, before we know it, we will be counting down to the end of term. However, with plenty to be getting on with, this is certainly not the time to be taking our foot off the pedal. This is the message to the boys in Macquarie - especially those in public exams - and they are responding accordingly.
This week saw our Year 9 boys head off to Llangorse. This week, a mainstay in the Year 9 calendar, really pushes them out of their comfort zone but the early reports suggest they have worked hard and had a great time. I hope that they learn from the experience, developing those all important skills and values that the College leans on - leadership, resilience, industry and kindness.
Finally, a massive thank you to all the parents who joined us last Saturday evening at the annual Macquarie Dinner. It was a wonderful, albeit emotional evening, which highlighted the relationships across the division, the students and the parent body. I hope that everyone enjoyed it.
After a busy first half of term, I hope that all the boys enjoy their week off.
David Metcalfe
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These last few weeks have flown by, and with Year 9 currently out at Llangorse and the exam groups in public exams, the campus feels quiet, yet purposeful. As I write this report the rowers will be being collected ready for National Schools’ Regatta in Nottingham. Good luck to all the boys involved.
Last weekend saw Divisional Cricket take place under the glorious sun with boys from all the year groups involved in the one Port Jackson team. It was really pleasing to be the only division to fill all numbers, plus some. It showed exactly what the division is about and some of the cricket on show was sublime.
Next half of the term is going to be another busy one, especially looking towards preparations for September. It will give the Lower Sixth an opportunity to lead, and the rest of the division to enjoy the celebrations that come with the lead into Founder’s Day. I wish the boys a well deserved half term.
Steve Thompson
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Another fortnight of mostly glorious weather! The exam years are in full swing having all now done anything between two and ten exams. The Lower Sixth have also completed their Trials. I have been delighted with how the girls are approaching these and the effort they are putting into their revision.
I would encourage those doing GCSEs to ensure they get to as many of the 2 hour pre exam slots after Half Term as they can. Staff have prepared material that they hope will be really helpful for the paper that follows them.
Year 9 have been at Llangorse this week and I have heard lots of positive things about how they are doing there. Some have had to dig deep and display real resilience but this is an attribute that can only really be developed through challenging yourself. I hope they will come back with some great memories and some stories to tell.
I was very proud of the girls who turned out for Divisional Cricket last weekend. It was a very close match with St George winning on the last ball.
After Half Term we only have 5 weeks until the end of term but they will be busy. Taking Responsibility week for the Lower Sixth, Divisional Tennis, Divisional Swimming and Divisional Athletics in the last week of term and lots of practice for Founders’ Day.
On Sunday 15 June is Falkland Island Memorial service and I hope that lots of the girls will volunteer to help out. It is a poignant event and the veterans are always delighted to meet our pupils.
I hope that you all have a lovely Half Term and that the girls return relaxed and refreshed.
Jenny Jones