Everyone in school looks forward to the second half of the Spring Term; not only are the dark days of winter behind us, but we still have everyone in full productivity mode, to the extent that this School Principal finds himself invited to all and everything, which is of course a great pleasure. Those who manage my diary remind me that I have work to do as well, hence my absence from some events (the Parent Questionnaire tells me that it was once noticed) for which I will always apologise – the offence was never intended!“Ut Omnes Unum Sint” is the school’s motto, meaning “So that all may be one”, being as we are one school that covers the age range from 2 to 18. Because we are appropriately separated across our three sites for age, stage and gender, providing information that covers all that we do is best left to our social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and our own app. It’s genuinely fair to say that all the year groups are having their day in the sun and not just because of the good weather we’ve enjoyed recently. 

A Term of Growth

This term, we’ve all witnessed extraordinary moments of growth. Our pupils and students  have excelled in the classroom, on the sports fields and water, in creative pursuits and with some great efforts working in the community, making a real difference with their charity work and fundraising. The Claires Court App captures so many moments – from the Nursery exploring how best to use PE equipment to an individual player’s best moments winning the UK county tennis cup for Surrey – to show progression over 16 years! 

Divisional Highlights

The Juniors have been mastering the acquisition of academic skills together; particularly impressive is the obvious and visible joy of reading and writing, re-enacting the Battle of Hastings and so much more. The extended playing fields, swimming now in the open air, use of the new Junior Astro, and performing together quite brilliantly in Bugsy Malone, all go to show just how exciting coming to school is! With the support of the PTA, we have added a Flexi tent to provide both a cover and focus for our summer activities. With other really generous donations, it means that we have already been able to invest in new stage curtains for our drama events with an even better sound system to follow.

Life at Senior School for our young people very quickly grounds them in how to tackle common tasks and challenging coursework, because in whatever way their modes of learning are tested, they will need great research skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with others. Year 7 have just completed their forensic challenge, determining who had stolen the Axolotls (boys) or sports trophies (girls). In terms of what’s gone particularly well, the new Food Studio at Ray Mill Road East and its Technology counterpart at College Avenue have become a major focus in recent weeks, as the various year groups called in staff ‘volunteers’ to test their practicals; thank you for some great breakfasts and evening meals I have enjoyed at school! 

With 166 in our Sixth Form, incredible developments continue apace there as well; for example two of our A-level economics students have now got work at the Bank of England with one taking the opportunity to pursue work experience (and has sat in on the Monetary Policy Committee discussions about bank base rate) whilst the the other has landed an internship there for next year. The photo below shows the new study pavilion opening at the start of next term, acting as a separate examination hall for the summer exams and study and recreation facilities for the rest of the year. Our student leaders have developed specifically close relationships with the Thames Valley Hospice, the plan being to use their ‘upcycling’ skills to furnish the pavilion every summer once the exams are over, introducing them to the joys of setting up living accommodation for university and beyond. 

Looking forward

You, our parents, need to be celebrated too and every year we arrange events to bring as many people together as possible. This year we have ‘Cocktails and Canapés’ at the CIM in Cookham on Friday, 6 June.  This event is organised by the PTA, not just to raise funds, but also to bring the whole parent body together from Nursery to Sixth Form.  We’d love to see as many of you there as possible so to book, please use this link here. 

In short, every division has shone brightly this term. The examples above, and so many more, showcase the depth of talent and commitment here at Claires Court. I will always admit there are bumps in the road, not least caused by the government and its imposition of new taxes and employment levies. I was present outside the Royal Courts of Justice this Tuesday morning to support the parents’ groups and their challenge against the unfair imposition of VAT on tuition fees, as well as to show solidarity to the Independent Schools Council, who are also contesting this appeal on behalf of the 1400 schools it serves. However, I am deeply proud of my colleagues in leadership and more broadly our staff; we have worked tirelessly to foster an environment where academic excellence and personal development go hand in hand, and it’s a joy to see your children thrive as a result. 

Enjoy the coming break—I’ll be reflecting in my blog (www.jameswilding.blog) on Professor James Reason, my Psychology tutor at University, who first taught me that most disasters arise from small issues; he sadly passed away this February and whose grandchildren I still have the privilege to educate, and whose storytelling was inspirational. 

Reminders

• Summer Term: Begins on Wednesday 23 April 
• Holiday Club: Book via the Parent Hub.

Thank you for your support, and to our staff for their tireless work. 

Wishing you a joyful Easter!

Warm regards,

James Wilding