Old Sulians' Association

Headmasters Letter – May 2010

Dear Old Sulians,

The onset of Spring has allowed minds to focus on the imminent examinations and cricket season preparations – I leave it to you to decide which is more important in the formation of a boy’s character.

Currently John Cruickshank, teacher of Economics and Classics, is working on the 2010 version of the ‘Gryphon’, our school year book. Those of you familiar with last year’s edition will know that this is an exceptional work and I am very much hoping that each member of the Old Sulian’s can be prevailed upon to purchase a copy this year. It will include details of some excellent sporting success, the next foray into dramatic arts though the school production, Model United Nations work and, of course, a piece from the President of the Old Sulians’ himself!

The Spring Term saw success in the County Hockey, Football and Rugby – senior teams winning Somerset and Avon cups in each sport. I believe this is unique even for Beechen Cliff! The term ahead will see a large number of school cricket teams preparing to ‘do battle’ (in the most civilised way, of course) and I very much hope that the July newsletter will recount positive news of our adventures against the great and the good in the school cricketing world. Outdoor activities will also be a focus for the next few months, the school attempting the “Three Peaks” challenge for the first time, as well as running the incredibly popular (and also incredibly challenging) Centurion Challenge. Boys and staff will put themselves through huge levels of physical suffering to prove that the school will never shirk from any challenge – it never did and should not do so now. As one boy said “It beats lessons”. Probably not the quote I was looking for …..

A short piece this time but the promise (or threat?) of a much longer one to come at the end of the summer term.

Best wishes to all and thank you again for the support of your school.

Andrew Davies

Special Note from the Editor

MUSIC PROJECT

The School is embarking on the construction of a new Music Block. They need to raise a considerable sum of money. If you would like to make a donation towards this ambitious project please send your cheque, large or small payable to: Beechen Cliff Trust No. Two Account
to:
Beechen Cliff School, Alexandra Park, Bath, BA2 4RE

If you are a taxpayer, you can even increase your gift to the school at no cost to yourself by completing the Gift Aid form available on the website. This allows the school to reclaim tax against your gift increasing its value by over 28% and, if you are a higher rate taxpayer, you can also reclaim part of the tax yourself. As an example, a gift of £25 is worth £32 with the reclaimed tax.

I will ask the Headmaster to give further news of their intentions and progress in the September Newsletter.