It is hard to believe that we have already reached the half term holiday. The boys have achieved so much in recent weeks, not least settling into new routines, making friends, and building up their knowledge and understanding in a whole range of subjects and disciplines both inside and outside the classroom. 

When we reach the end of a half term, it is a useful time to reflect, not just on the positives but also on areas for improvement.  This week in assembly, I asked the boys to think about how they deal with difficulties, and not just those they might face in a lesson, but also in their friendships, around school and at home. Building up resilience to bounce back when things get difficult or when you face disappointment is a key learning strength. Linking to Black History Month, we discussed the civil rights movement and the discrimination which people have and still can face because of their race, religion, age or the other ‘protected characteristics’ that the boys study as part of their PSHE work in school. The boys learnt about Rosa Parks and how her resilience and actions helped inspire change in America in the 1950s and 1960s.  To stand up for what you feel is right takes great resilience, and I challenged the boys to show resilience this week in doing the right thing, not necessarily the easy thing.  

This week it was wonderful to welcome visitors to the school. On Monday, pupils from Evergreen School visited the Science Lab and worked with Mr Lewis on an evaporation experiment. While on Thursday afternoon, some of the Year 5 boys joined with the pupils from Clapham Terrace to complete their investigations in the Lab.  

The term continues apace on our return in the first week of November including a range of rugby fixtures, a Maths and English presentation for parents, our Remembrance Day Chapel Service and the Junior School Open Morning for new parents. 

Thank you for your support of your sons and the school over the last half term and I wish you a safe and enjoyable half term break. 

John Bond