News from cyberspace

"Technology is nothing. What's important is that you have a faith in people, that they're basically good and smart, and if you give them tools, they'll do wonderful things with them." Steve Jobs

Two 'good and smart' men; Albin Wallace, UCST's Group Director of ICT and e-Safety, and his colleague James Garnett spent a day this week giving our junior pupils, staff and parents news about the tools they need to stay safe online, with a particular emphasis on combatting cyber-bullying. James and Albin were delighted with our pupils' awareness of Internet safety, which is a credit to their teachers. Our children have an incredible ability to navigate the worldwide web in a way that sometimes exceeds even their parents' understanding but, by talking to our children (not texting, emailing or Skyping them, mind you!) as well as educating them, we can manage the risks appropriately. If you missed the Parental Training Session, I urge you to come along to the next one. For now, you can find out more on these websites:

https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/

http://www.ceop.police.uk/

http://www.kidsmart.org.uk/

Despite my love affair with my i-Pad, I agree with those technologists who say that we must let children be children and not plug them into technology too early, too soon or too often. In the 'offline world' there is much to be said for giving children the simple tools of a ball and a muddy field. And, it has to be said that Arnoldians are very good with balls in muddy fields!

Our U16 footballers played in monsoon-like conditions in their first round match against Liverpool College in the ISFA National U16 Shield at Collins Park and I applaud their gladiatorial efforts. Well done to their loyal supporters for braving the weather too. I am so looking forward to following the boys' progress in their inaugural football season, which starts in January. As an Arsenal fan, I could do with some good news on the pitch frankly. Our hockey players are showing great competitive spirit this term, and Miss Raby has been effusive in her praise about some exceptional Year 6 and Year 7 hockey players who made their debuts against Wakefield. I trust the 1^st XI and U15 will keep up their unbeaten runs too... what a start to the season girls; well done.

Happily there was quite a lot of mud in my week, which I spent in St Andrews with the Heads of more than 250 leading independent schools at the annual meeting of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC). Here I met colleagues from near and far and was inspired by some visionary speakers, particularly Lord Winston and Ed Smith. Unfortunately, enthusiastic but fairly useless golfers such as your headmaster are not permitted on the stunningly beautiful St Andrews' golf courses so instead I pulled on my beloved running shoes and ran for miles on the sodden country lanes around the greens each morning. As our hockey and football players would testify, in such physical activity can happiness be found, thoughts cleared and perspective regained.

Whilst away I followed school news from cyberspace of course; reading about mini-beast hunts, some extremely hungry translucent caterpillar larvae and "awesome displays of tackling" by the U12s, who made a winning start to their rugby careers. I can confidently report that we are indeed giving our pupils the tools and they are doing wonderful things with them.

Best wishes

Jim Keefe, Headmaster

Follow School headline news on Twitter: @jimkeefe_arnold

Posted by: J E Keefe
Date: Tuesday 11/10/2011