Headmasters Letter – May 2009
May 15, 2009 – 9:10 amDear Old Sulians,
The spring and summer terms stretch ahead into the far distance and I can almost hear the clinking of Pimms glasses and the sound of leather on willow …. Perhaps this is all more hope than expectation but it is useful to remain optimistic!
Academic aspirations are high for this summer. We would expect around 75% of our boys to leave Year 11 with five or more good GCSE passes, many of them achieving at the very highest levels. For many of them the promise of Sixth Form life awaits, a promise sadly denied a large number of external applicants. The Sixth Form has been inundated with applicants and it will number over 300 in September, effectively doubling in size over the last ten years. Our boys will face strong competition from around 100 new girls into the Sixth Form, coming to us with impeccable references and a very strong academic profile. We anticipate that as many as 25 of our new Lower Sixth will have Oxbridge potential.
The cultural life of the school thrives; ‘hard on the heels’ of the ‘Children of Empire’ play, our boys have been involved in the Theatre Royal’s production of ‘Oliver’, taking on the roles of ‘Oliver’ and ‘The Artful Dodger’ – to great acclaim.
Our Art exhibition takes place in June and this will give visitors another opportunity to admire the work of some very talented young artists and photographers. If you are able to come along and view the work, we would be pleased to see you.
Sport, as always, will play a large part of school life this term, particularly the aspiration of our cricket teams to add to the Headmaster’s growing silverware – they have all been instructed on the basis of the Spartan principle – ‘Come back with this shield or upon it’! We will be in a position to give you an update on their achievements in July, as well as a report on the Forty Club match and the 1st XI vs MCC game at Lansdown. Let us hope that the weather will allow the boys to make the most of the packed schedule planned.
The Music Block project continues ‘apace’ and the plans are now being drawn up by architects. We still have a shortfall in our funding but hope to work with possible partners to try and make this up. The addition of this resource will allow the exceptional qualities of our music teaching and talented pupils to be recognised more widely – and to give them the environment they deserve.
The ‘Ten Tors’ hike, Centurion challenge and Sports Day will supplement a packed term of events, culminating, of course, in the reunion of the ‘49ers in July. We look forward to welcoming this esteemed group at that time, although you are all welcome to visit us at any time.
In July I will write in rather more detail, updating you on any further progress and achievements – in all areas of the corporate life of the school.
Yours sincerely
Andrew Davies
Headmaster