Hands tied by EU

Very frustratingly we have had to cancel our geography field trip to the school's house in France this weekend because of a ridiculous EU law that states that it is now illegal for teachers to drive minibuses in France unless they have a specific licence which appears to be something similar to a coach drivers licence! This is so frustrating. It is becoming more and more difficult to organise interesting educational outings and trips which enhance the pupils' learning and also provide them with a broader view of life than we are able to provide within our walls. Even for the teachers to drive in England we have had to buy a new bus with two fewer seats so that teachers who passed their driving tests after 1997 are able to drive it. Are they somehow worse drivers that those who passed before that date? I doubt it.

Tiny Treasures!

I have just been handed a new book called Tiny Treasure in which 8 Sunningdale boys have stories published. They are fantastic!! I am so proud of them and everybody should buy this book!

Evening Standard Article

Apparently I was mentioned in gossip column of the Evening Standard yesterday and quoted as 'moaning about the Archers  having a go at boarding'. Very funny as although I was certainly at the awards ceremony mentioned, I never said anything about the Archers as, sadly for my mother, I never even tune in to the Archers!

Oh, no award by the way!!

First football matches of the term

So looking forward to matches this afternoon. It is a beautiful day and the boys are really excited about them. It could be a bit of a baptism of fire as they have only had a few practices but I suppose it will be the same for our opponents.

Fingers crossed for the results! Watch this space .........

Daily Mail article

This morning is the weekend section of the Daily Mail, there is an article about the upcoming BBC 2 documentary. It makes quite interesting reading.

My response to the article would be to say that Nick Duffell's comments, while valid in their own way, present one side of boarding. What the article fails to mention is that for every one child that does not respond well to boarding there are hundreds for whom it is a fantastic experience.

I would also say that you would find pupils that have not enjoyed their school experience in every sector of education, be it boarding or day, independent or state.

BBC Documentary

On Wednesday 22nd September, BBC 2 will be showing a programme called "Britain's Youngest Boarders". It was filmed at Sunningdale during the Michaelmas term last year and it tells the story of what it is like to start at boarding school.

The whole school saw the programme on Thursday evening and I think they were pleased with it. I think it gives a fair representation of life at Sunningdale and I will be very interested to see the reaction of the wider public. I am sure that there will be those who say that they would never send their son to boarding school and that is their prerogative. I do hope, though, that people who watch the programme will realise that boarding is so different from how many people, unfamiliar with it, perceive it.

Start of Term

I am so excited to have started back at school. The boys are on terrific form and they all seem to be looking forward to what lies ahead this term. I love hearing what they have been up to in the holidays and what they are most looking forward to this term. For some it is the football season, others are looking forward to the carol services or Bonfire Night and for some, the highlight of their term will be 'Bust Up' our Christmas party!

There is no doubt that it is going to be very busy and that is so important in a happy and productive school.