Headmaster’s blog 13/01/23

Despite a wet start for our boys on Tuesday, our first week back in Marylebone has passed smoothly and concluded with our assembly at Hinde St. In my talk to pupils, I included a rather timely discussion on gratitude – the thankful appreciation for what you receive, whether tangible or intangible. As I explained to our boys, gratitude enables us to acknowledge the goodness in our lives and this process usually means recognising that the source of that goodness lies, at least partially, outside ourselves. As a result, being grateful helps us to connect, whether to other people, nature, or a higher power.

During our assembly, I asked our pupils to reflect on their recent Christmas holiday and what they were grateful for, whether it was a present they were given or the chance to spend time with family and friends, then tell the boy next to them. Throughout these subsequent conversations, I saw smiles on the faces of our pupils, as they enjoyed talking and listening to their neighbour, making for a fantastic first assembly of 2023.

Years 11 and 13 were absent from today’s assembly, as their mock exams have been taking place this week. These continue next week, and I have been hearing positive feedback about our boys’ behaviour and conduct from our exams team. As always, mock exams provide a good opportunity for our young people to demonstrate their learning, discover any gaps in their knowledge, and gain valuable exam practice, all vital for their summer exams.

Indeed, it has been a particularly busy time for our current Year 13, as they are now starting to learn the outcomes of their university applications. I’m delighted to report that, even though it is only early January, we already have four sixth formers holding offers for the USA, with a number of other boys still to hear on the progress of their North American applications.

Such excellent news reflects the hard work of our boys, plus the support given by their families and Wetherby Senior staff. In particular, our university advisors work closely with pupils from Year 11 onwards – much earlier than other schools – to help them achieve their higher education ambitions. Wetherby Senior’s unique and bespoke university support has just been featured in School House and we have a further news story on this, below.

Our university guidance continues with a number of activities planned this term, such as our US Mock Admissions event in March (details below), open to pupils and parents wishing to learn more about applying Stateside. In addition, a reminder that Karl Hopwood will be visiting next Tuesday, from 6pm, to talk with parents on the hugely topical issue of online safety. You will have received further information about this via SchoolPost, so please use that form to register your attendance.