Sport, Music and Drama Successes: The Joy of Co-Curricular Activities
As we look to improve on the co-curricular offering from September 2024 with a new and exciting programme with clearly defined time for our students to thrive and excel beyond the classroom, it is so exciting to see so many of our students clearly engaged in a wide variety of different pursuits. Even in the past week, we have seen significant performances from Charlotte P-R and Isabelle T in the field of equestrianism; Charlotte was crowned Supreme Champion at the Woodbridge Horse Show (a prestigious event that has been running for 150 years) winning two trophies, one huge sash and two rosettes, whilst Isabelle came first in the Under 14 section of preliminary dressage and third in the showjumping competition at the Adventure Riding Club competition. With Ipswich Town FC gaining promotion to the Premier League for the 2024-25 season, it was a delight to see a former student and Old Felician winning their award for Academy Player of the Year. What an achievement and we wish all three them of the very best in their continued sporting endeavours as we do to our swimmers who are competing in the World School Swimming Championships this weekend in London.
It hasn’t just been a busy week for sport though; over the course of two evenings, we were able to witness the students develop their love and passion for drama across a number of individual and group performances in preparation for their LAMDA exams next week. From those that were taking their first steps in the dramatic arena to those that are already highly accomplished in this field, it was a joy to witness the preparation, skill and bravery that lies behind the actual performance itself. The performing arts play such a pivotal role in allowing students to collaborate, grow in independence and confidence, as well as developing their ability to speak eloquently and with precision to an audience. We wish them all the very best in their upcoming exams. In addition, the Prep Department took part in the ILG Choral Festival at St Francis College in Letchworth; I have heard from Ms Wong, Mrs Denny and Mr Fletcher that they performed with great vigour and stole the show. In the words of Ms Wong, “not that I am competitive, but if it had been a competition, there was only one winner”!
It has been equally pleasing to see the growth of academic extension opportunities over the course of this year; an area that will become a primary focus over the next twelve months as we move towards a faculty-based approach. The Psychology Department are establishing strong links with the University of East Anglia, and our Year 12 students benefited from a visit this week where they went to a lecture and saw some of the research areas being utilised. It is these kind of visits that inspire and excite and many of our students are partaking in the WW1 Battlefields Trip later this month which will provide a chance to see and feel the reality of history as well as develop some language skills. You will have an opportunity to hear more about future opportunities at my presentation after half term.
I hope that the good weather continues and that you can all enjoy a glorious weekend.
Yours sincerely,
Matthew Oakman
Head
