“The best kind of pupil”

It is not only our pupils who go on amazing educational trips; sometimes the Headmaster is allowed out of school as well! I spent two fascinating days in York this week at the Group Education Forum for all UCST and ULT Heads. I was particularly excited by the discussions we had across our family of schools on how to develop further our pupils' talent and high performance. My colleagues and I are continually striving to improve the provision at Arnold and my time in York has given me plenty of inspiration on how to provide an increasingly stimulating and challenging learning environment for our pupils.

On my way to the conference, I stopped off in Leeds to watch our U16 hockey team at the North Finals. What struck me most were their commitment, unity and passion for the game. The support that they received from their families was also something special and there was a real sense of togetherness and a shared ambition to 'let battle commence'. Unfortunately I had to leave early, but as I drove away I was bursting with pride at the team of pupils, staff and parents. Although the girls were defeated in the semi-final, their team ethic is something to cherish.

On Monday some members of one of our Young Enterprise teams approached me with an idea that they wanted to run by me. I held my breath in anticipation... and when they asked me to help promote their company website I was only too delighted to oblige. It is great to see our busy Sixth Formers complementing their academic diet with extra-curricular activities that promote leadership and entrepreneurial flair. Within a matter of hours they sent me all the information I needed to go live with an article on our website and I also agreed to promote 'Northern Lights' via my tweets and blog so, to find out more about their candles and their company endeavours, please click here. 

I met our prospective pupils and their parents at our Entrance Examination at the weekend and the photographs on our website galleries bear happy testament to the fact that the boys and girls had a good time even though they were giving up their Saturday mornings to take an examination! It was lovely to speak to families who are determined to give their child the best possible start in life by choosing an Arnold education. At home later, my young daughter asked me why pupils have to sit an examination to join the Senior School. I replied that Arnold looks for a special type of bright pupil: someone who will try hard and isn't afraid to face new challenges, who will make the most of the many opportunities at Arnold, who is positive, kind and fearless and who will eventually leave school having grown into a fine young adult. This obviously made sense to the six year old because she simply nodded and replied stoutly: "The best kind of pupil then." I have to agree with her and I am delighted to report that the "best kind of pupil" was much in evidence this week: at the entrance examination, in our Young Enterprise team and on that cold hockey pitch in Leeds.

Best wishes

Jim Keefe, Headmaster

Posted by: J E Keefe
Date: Tuesday 01/02/2011

  • “The best kind of pupil”