Opportunities Abound!
Now that we have finished a complete cycle of the new timetable, it is wonderful to be able to relay some of the amazing new opportunities that our students have been able to take advantage of. This is just the start of the creation of an innovative and pioneering programme that will broaden as the year progresses with further additions as we establish new connections and partnerships.
As you will see from the attached programme, there is something there for everyone and with the Saint Felix Diploma providing more chances to broaden their academic horizons, it has a truly holistic feel. With team sports such as Rugby, Netball and Football continuing to play a pivotal role whilst also enabling individual sports to take greater prominence, there is a wealth of physical activities for our students to become passionate about. It was a real delight to hear about our U14 Badminton Team beating Gresham’s 5-1 in the first round of the National Cup whilst also seeing the excitement of our golfers journeying to Southwold Golf Club to enjoy a new option that has already become hugely popular. The introduction of Dance has also gone down extremely well and I look forward to seeing what they might perform as time goes on. Our new Outdoor Education Instructor has expanded the range of activities available in this field to compliment the revitalised Duke of Edinburgh programme with Orienteering, Archery tag and much more now available. Beyond the physical and adventurous activities, some more cerebral pursuits including Lego League, Life Drawing and Instrumental Practice have also proved to be a hit. We are looking at how to incorporate Yoga, Fencing, Martial Arts and so many more activities and clubs for the remainder of the year. Please do bear with us whilst we ensure the right balance across all of these areas to ensure that everyone can find new areas to try as well as increased mastery where they are already proficient.
In other sporting news, it was incredible to hear about Ben E competing in the Open National Surf Lifesaving Championships where he was the youngest participant; the waves were high and in his surf race he finished in the top half of 32 swimmers whilst in the Surf Team he and the Board Rescue Final he finished an amazing 4th. Competing against adults who had just returned from the World Championships on the Gold Coast! What a phenomenal experience that will set him up beautifully for such future events.
For many children, some parts of the experience of adolescence can prove difficult and trying; this can be the case with friendships which change and alter with the passage of time. An amazing book has been written on this subject which focuses on girls and when they fall out with each other. It is a guide for parents of daughters told from the girl’s point of view. When school-aged girls experience painful friendship turbulence it can leave parents feeling powerless, anxious and worried. When Girls Fall Out is a frank and carefully explained guide for parents to help them support their daughters effectively. Told from the girls’ point of view, this book shows parents how to empower their daughters to be empathetic, resilient and more consistently happy in their friendships. For those of you with daughters, our pastoral team would thoroughly recommend this book to you.
Next week, I will be highlighting some of the new elements being taught within the Saint Felix Diploma so that you can begin to get a fuller understanding of the breadth of the whole curriculum within the new shape of the day and week.
Furthermore, please can I remind you all that Saturday 5th October is a compulsory school day where registration will be taken and student attendance is an expectation unless prior permission has been granted. It is an important morning for the school as it looks to continue the growth in student numbers. Your assistance in this matter is hugely appreciated.
Yours sincerely,
Matthew Oakman
Head
