e-Safety

This morning we had the good fortune to listen to Karl Hopwood, an expert on the subject of using the internet safely. We split the school into seniors and juniors and he adapted the talk accordingly. He was quite hard hitting with the senior boys and the message certainly got through. Karl then spoke to a small number of parents who had come to listen. All present agreed that it was an extremely valuable talk and I certainly learned a good deal. 

I think that every school should have a talk of this nature. The internet is everywhere and we cannot hide from it. We need to embrace it and all that it offers but make sure that we give today's children the skills to use it sensibly and safely.

Jubilee Weekend

What a wonderful weekend that was. It made me very proud to be British and very proud of our Queen!!

Summer has arrived!

I can't tell you the difference it makes having some sun! Sunningdale is a wonderful place to be when the sun shines, the rhododendrons are out and we get to play cricket, athletics and tennis without freezing!

The last ten days have been fantastic. The cricket teams having been playing really well, including four wins out of six against Woodcote. The  athletes also managed to win against Hall Grove and Bishopsgate although yesterday's match against Hall Grove was a bit tough. We have our first tennis match this afternoon.

Yesterday evening saw the first round of the house debating competition. It was such as success and the motions, very well selected by Mr Verey, certainly provoked some interesting questions which were well handled by all sides. 

Dorm Challenge

Further developments to the dorm challenge!

Team Matron!

This a great idea from the matrons that has really got the boys
working hard to have the tidiest dorm!

Prep Schools taking pupils up to 16

There is a very interesting article in the Times today about prep schools taking pupils up to 16 instead of them leaving to go on to senior school at 13. Over the last few years a number of parents have suggested to me, probably not being too serious, that we should consider doing the same thing. 

It is a very interesting argument. The Times article indicates that the reason parents are keen on this is so that their children can be shielded from negative influences at senior schools, that they can be wrapped in cotton wool. The article mentions nothing about the quality of education or the range of opportunities on offer. In my experience, when boys come to the end of their time at Sunningdale, they are ready to move on. They need a new challenge, they need to broaden their horizons and they need to meet new people. I can see that it may be lovely and cosy for them to remain in a school which they know well and with people they feel comfortable with but is that really what is best for them?

The History of the World