Back to School

One of the few drawbacks of being a teacher is that you still get that "back to school" feeling on the Sunday evening prior to the start of term. If we are honest, few of us teachers practise what we preach and we still leave our "homework" until the last minute. In my case, that means preparing for the first staff meeting and the first assembly of the term. As I put pen to paper though my mind returns to our final gathering on the day we broke up for our holidays. In a really pleasant celebration of a very successful term not only were colours awarded to the various talented sportsmen and sportswomen but cups and trophies were awarded to the most successful teams and the winners of the House competitions. We also celebrated our other successes such as the Duke of Edinburgh award expeditions, Stars in their Eyes shows, teatime concerts, the UK Maths challenge, the Evening of Swing and the wonderful choral concert.

I encouraged the children to have a rest as the Spring term is actually a tough one to get through. It is usually short, the weather is not great, the evenings get dark early and a lot of activity is packed into a short time. I am sure most will have been ready for a holiday as the majority were involved in the many things that have gone on over the last three months. Notwithstanding, I also hope that those pupils who have public examinations soon managed to get down to the essential and constructive revision necessary for success in the summer. They know precisely what they need to do in order to get the grades of which they are capable and should be in no doubt as to the task that faces them. Given their ability and motivation, they should be aiming very high. In particular, the L6th should not allow themselves to be deluded into thinking that the AS exams in the summer are unimportant, because there is always the opportunity to resit modules. No one should be starting the U6th under pressure to put right a set of results that are not up to standard. Again, realism, honesty and hard work are needed now.

For the U6th, the final hurdle approaches and only the well prepared will get over it. The impression I have is that most are focused on the task in hand and their approach is generally a determined one. Congratulations to those who have received offers to their first choice universities and who are working hard to ensure that they meet the entry requirements.

Last term was another very impressive one in the sporting arena. As well as a string of good performances at the various rugby tournaments there were plenty of individual achievements too. Josh Beaumont, Ben Perkins, James Aird, Jacob Nickson, Louis Mottley and Richard Whiteside all represented Lancashire in their respective age groups, and Ben, James, Jacob and Richard were also part of the Elite Player Development Group at Sale Sharks Academy.

Our hockey exploits are well documented but it was a pleasure to congratulate, once again, our many successful players after a period which saw every age group win a trophy. There could be more success to come as the U13 team qualified for the National Mini Hockey Final, which will take place in Nottingham on Friday 7^th May. Ben Mortimer was selected for Lancashire for the U17 North West of England Championships and so we were also delighted to be able to congratulate a male hockey player for a change!

I have memories of gruelling cross country runs in terrible February weather and sympathised with our runners, many of whom shone. Amongst the very best were Molly Betmead, Marcus Quarmby and Abigail Lucas who were selected for the Lancashire team in the National Championships at Heaton Park. Along with Molly, Daniel Quarmby represented Lancashire at the Inter-Counties Cross Country Championships held in Birmingham. Well done to them all.

Looking ahead to the sunshine, Mr. Evans tells me our cricket squads have been preparing well and look forward to a busy season. Nathan Bolus has been appointed 1^st XI captain - good luck to him.

Mr. Stuart and Mrs. Taylor left us at the end of term after helping us out whilst Mrs. Caunce was on her maternity leave. They go with our best wishes and thanks.

The holiday has seen a number of different trips. A Classics trip to Italy, adventurous training with the CCF, a Junior School ski trip to France and a Geology trip to Spain have all taken place. The eruption of an Icelandic volcano with an impossibly spelt and unpronounceable name has meant that our U6 geologists will be away a little longer than anticipated, stranded by volcanic ash. They may not be the only ones and we will see on Tuesday who else - pupils and staff - is still stuck in an airport somewhere. Jim Keefe contacted me today from Canada where he is waiting for a flight home. I always say that it is Jim that really runs the school, so we shall have to see how we do in his absence! Godspeed and safe return to everyone.

Kind regards

Barry Hughes

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Date: Sunday 18/04/2010