Arnold School

Celebrating Independence

Just before half term we said goodbye to the Class of 2011 when our Upper Sixth left us. We came together as a community at their Leavers' Celebration Evening to applaud the individual achievements of this talented year group. There was much to celebrate. It was an emotional and happy occasion and we reflected on their journey through the school which, for some, began way back in 1996 when they were tiny tots in Reception. Old Arnoldian Henry Lord was our guest speaker this year. An accomplished author, golfer and publisher, Henry gave some inspiring advice to our leavers as they embark on the next stage of life's great adventure. We trust our leavers to embrace their independence, seize every opportunity that comes their way and strike out with confidence. Over the next few generations their talents will surely stretch out around the world and we will watch with interest because we are part of their lives now as they are part of ours.

Charlotte Evans and Jessica Omassoli were both busy over half term; not only with their revision but with hockey as well. The girls made their debut appearances for the England Girls U16 hockey team in two matches against Scotland. Charlotte even scored after 68 minutes of the first match, following some impressive interplay from the Arnold duo. Charlotte deflected home the goal after Jessica had made a good run down the left and she crossed it in with a reverse stick shot. I am immensely proud of their outstanding achievements. 

The senior school returned to school examinations after the holiday. These come in the middle of the public examinations season and I was reassured to see so many students in school over the half term holiday, all of whom were voluntarily participating in, and benefitting from, the many revision workshops that were taking place here.

As I write this, our Year 3 and Year 4 pupils are building self-esteem and tasting independence as they enjoy a few days of ghyll scrambling, walking, canoeing and climbing in the Lake District. You can read all about their exploits on Arnold Bear's blog. Our annual activity holidays at Glaramara are an important part of our Junior School education and give each boy and girl, from Year 3 through to Year 6, the opportunity to face some huge personal challenges and discover just what they can achieve. For many younger juniors, it is also their first holiday away from their parents and, as I watched the children scrambling excitedly onto the coach on Monday morning, I felt certain that Arnold Bear would not be the only teddy bear squeezed into the corner of a suitcase. Every Arnoldian, no matter how independent, still needs a reminder of home when they spread their wings.

Best wishes

Jim Keefe, Headmaster

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Posted by: J E Keefe
Date: Wednesday 08/06/2011