Mr Bolderow’s Blog 02.10.20

Throughout lockdown the LAMDA teaching continued online and I am very pleased that so many of the boys managed to sit the exam over the summer.  The results that we have received so far have been excellent.  7 boys passed with Merit and 3 with Distinction, one in Grade 8 and two in Grade 5, which is a great achievement as only around 10% of entrants receive this grade.  These qualifications help build confidence with public speaking and communication skills so are well worth pursuing as they build important skills for later life.

One teacher has also had something to celebrate.  Mr Astbury-Palmer, the Head of Maths, has been selected for an Outstanding Educator Award by the University of Chicago.  The award has been running for the last three decades.  Each year new undergraduates are asked to “to nominate an educator whose guidance has helped them along the path toward intellectual growth”.  Mr Astbury-Palmer was nominated by one of our students who left us at the end of last academic year.  I am sure you will join me in congratulating him.

I am pleased that Miss Twomey and Mr Tibbles have started rehearsals for the Sixth Form play.  As those who have been here for some time will know, the Drama department have moved easily between genres – from promenade and physical theatre to horror and farce – and have chosen an interesting piece and approach for this term’s production.  Beat the Devil, a monologue written by David Hare about his experiences in lockdown, will be divided between a number of boys and will be streamed in early December. We look forward to seeing it!