Christmas Musings & New Year Resolutions ...

Christmas Musings 

With only two weeks of school left, Christmas is almost upon us.

The tree in school has been dressed and is a magificent specimen. Much better than last year when Mr Beeson must have been on a cost saving mission.

Christmas for me is all abut spending time with the family. Often it is the time for families to convene from different parts of the world to eat turkey and drink mulled wine.

I had my first Christmas dinner last week as a guest of Bancroft School. The lunch was held in the Long Room and Lords, and it was a lovely meal. The first of many Christmas meals, with resolve required so as not to put on too much weight.

A friend and colleague who happens to be a reader of this blog, and a fellow Northerner, suggested I might have put on a few pounds in recent months. Well the website images are not the most flattering, however, I deny that I have eaten all the pies. It is the people from Wigan who do that - isn't that right Mr Last?!

New Year Resolutions 

I have never been one for setting resolutions, however, I am looking forward to the New Year. The year 2012 is the year of the Olympics, but for us is the year we move into our new school. What an opportunity.

Great News

We were delighted to hear that 170 parents have put Drapers' Academy as a preference for secondary transfer. Another move in the right direction.

New pupils, new building, new 6th form in the New Year!

Halloween

This week’s theme at school assemblies has been Halloween, a traditional and historic festival that has had it’s roots in this country for around 2,000 years.

The ancient Britons would celebrate the change in the seasons, by dressing in animal skins, lighting bonfires and walking from house to house, seeking gifts of food and drink from different families.

Around 800 years ago, as Christianity was spreading through Europe, and most of the rest of the world, a counter festival, called All Saints Day, was introduced on November 1^st.

The day before was known as All Hallows Eve, which over the years has been rephrased and re-understood to be known as Halloween.

The tradition of trick or treating has been popular for many years expecially in the USA and parts of South America, but did not return to the UK until the 1980’s.

Many of the older staff in the Academy, including myself, have not ever been trick or treating, and for us it is an odd evening which seems to be driven by the UK’s obsession with following American culture.

Sadly it seems that trick or treating might also be an excuse for poor or unruly behaviour. It seems to be for some that rules do not exist for this evening, and that anything goes. A sad state that we find ourselves living in but yet a reality.

So the question I ask myself is this: Should I accept the changes that have occurred within my lifetime and embrace the opportunity to have fun on a night such as this or? Do I stick to my own upbringing and not accept change.

Can you imagine if I had decided to never follow change, and not use a mobile phone? Would I still be listening to cassettes, or records and CD’s instead of my iTouch?!

Perhaps I would arrive at the Academy on a horse and cart?

Yet still I have a nagging doubt about the validity of an event which for some people is frightening, intimidating and deeply unpleasant.

My own children have spent this weekend watching countless American TV programmes on Nickleodeon and Disney Channels, all about Halloween and the fun side of this.

However, my children will not be taking part in any celebrations for Halloween, because of how I feel.

As Principal I have asked the children, because they’re children, to listen to their parents and follow the rules that exist within their family.

As pupils, I have asked they listen to the staff here, and follow the rules that exist within the school.

And as citizens of this country, it is important that they listen to the advice of the government, judges and the police, and follow the rules and laws that exist within our society.

Perhaps this feels that young people have less choice. But as young people get older they will have more choices come their way, and need to make decisions. More opportunities will be presented where they can follow their own mind and make their own path.

The hope of our children’s parents, the school and society is that they will make good decisions.

Decisions that keep them safe.

Decisions that keep them out of trouble.

Decisions that value other peoples opinions.

And decisions that make a good impact for them and those around them.

Well that is my hope…

Thank you for reading.

Starting our 2nd year...

As I sit to write this blog, two things cross my mind.

Firstly, I am looking forward to our Open Evening on Monday 26th September. It's a real chance for the community to see and hear about the work we have been doing over the past year.

The second thing is that Ofsted will be arriving on Wednesday for a two day visit .. and for that reason this is a short blog and I am blogging off!

I will be back to blogging when Ofsted have left the building....

Education Matters!

Education Matters!
The ever changing world of education keeps on being ever changing. The speed of change from Government is monumental. Policy developments appear on a weekly basis, with schools, colleges and universities attempting to respond accordingly.

Interestingly the ideas that Mr Gove is promoting, fit very closely with our own views. So may be the pace of change is just what we need.

Dinner with a Knight.
I was fortunate enough to attend the "Guest Dinner" of Queen Mary University last week. I had the pleasure of sitting alongside Sir Michael Wiltshaw. Sir Michael is the Principal of the most successful academy in the country. As Principal of Mossbourne Academy he has taken the school to new heights - an act we will endeavour to follow.

Birthday Honours.
Nothing as exciting as a knighthood - it was my birthday last week!

My favourite gift was from my youngest child. It was a homemade badge which had my age printed on it. Whilst I don't plan to say how old I am, for those mathematicians out there I am exactly double 21!!

And Finally...
The prom is quickly approaching and the special suprise guest is booked. All I can say is that he or she is from BRITAIN and has GOT TALENT too ! 

Welcomes and Goodbyes at the Academy

Royal visitor.
It is not often that a member of the Royal Family chooses to visit a school, so it was with immense pride that I was able to welcome HRH, the Duchess of Gloucester, to Drapers' Academy earlier this month.

The Duchess was very keen to hear about the plans for the future and see the progress on the new school buildings. However, her greatest pleasure was in meeting and talking with our pupils.

The Duchess remarked that Drapers' Academy provided an inspirational atmosphere and that the pupils and staff were clearly proud. And I couldn't agree more.

Goodbye... but not yet!
It was time to say goodbye to Year 11 who went on study leave last Wedneday. How wonderful you may think... however, they were back in class on Thursday!

The leaving was a ceremonial act and marked the start of the GCSE season. We have high hopes for all our pupils and wish each and every one of them success.

Hello and welcome.
A number of appointments have been made at the school recently, with ever growing interest in working at Drapers' Academy. This positive shift means that competition is strong for places and that only the best are chosen.

West Ham - gone but not for long.
It was sad to see the relegation of West Ham. They are an old fashionned football club that have always tried to play football on the deck.

I am of course dreading Sunday, when my beloved Blackburn Rovers are facing a real threat of relegation. As a nervous supporter away from the ground, I will busy myself watching a ballet performance. My middle daughter, Sally, is a butterfly ... obviously !

And finally...
My Dad always said, its not about doing the job you like, but liking the job you do.

I must be very lucky ... as I love my job!!

Easter Holidays Begin...

Easter begins...
As the Easter  holidays commence, lots of people (staff, pupils, parents, myself included!) are ready for the Easter break.This is my favourite holiday, as often we are blessed with Spring sunshine, and there isn't the level of commitmet to party's and social occassions that you get at Christmas, so you can really relax.

Appointments
It's been a busy term with new appointments. Lots of interest has been shown in vacancies at the Academy and we have made a number of good appointments in maths, science and P.E. The quantity and quality of applications has been very good.

And Finally...
A short blog this time but I wanted to finish by sharing with you some of the things I shall be enjoying this Easter. I am looking forward to visiting Blackburn with my family. My son Jonah and I will be guests in the box for Blackburn Rovers against Birmingham City in the Premier League. Apparently the pies in Blackburn ar very famous, famously good I'm hoping!
Also in the holiday I shall be seeing a Turkish gypsy punk band called Dogan Mehmet & the Deerhunters. Not sure what to expect but will keep you posted!

And finally wishing you a happy and peaceful Easter. 

Progress, Progress and Progress...

Not Just the Clocks Going Forward
Time marches on, as does the new building. It is fascinating to watch as steel and concrete are emerging from the ground. The shape of the new building is becoming clearer, as is the enormity of the floor space. It is going to be an amazing facility and will allow pupils to learn because of, rather than in spite of, the building.

Multi Cultural Day
What an amazing day was had by all.

Pupils took part in culturally aware lessons, as every area of the school adopted a different country for the day. However, the office staff, supporting Australia, did include an imposter! The picture board quiz included an image of a kangaroo, pretending to be Skippy, a clear doppleganger!

Dinner and Film Sets
Myself, Mrs Monk and Mr McGuiness were lucky enough to attend a dinner at Drapers' Hall. The room we sat in was recently featured in the Oscar winning The Kings Speech. The guest speaker on this occassion was Lord Adonis. He sent his best wishes for the future of the school and has promised to make a visit.

Keeping Up Appearances
A recent visitor to the Academy remarked on the pride in which pupils wear their uniform. It makes me proud every day, and long may that continue.

And Finally .. the Prom Guest
The year 11 prom plans are well under way with a special guest booked, but without giving away too much, all I can say is they definitely have got talent!