From The Headmaster
“Good luck, guys!”
Starting the races at the annual sports day, I often hear these words, and for me they capture something of the essence of the school it has been my great pleasure to lead since 1995. We all want to do well, and along the way we shall encourage and support each other.
We strive for excellence within a broad curriculum. Teaching groups are small and there is plenty of time given to music, art, drama, sport and recreation. We are here to develop the body and soul as well as the mind. There is no ‘cramming’; rather, there is the joy of learning and the promotion of teamwork. A code of conduct is recognised throughout the school, and high personal standards are valued alongside curricular achievements.
I know things are right when Stuart, who is sitting scholarship examination papers tomorrow, takes time out from studying to chat to his friends during free-time in the woods. He wraps his knees round a bough and hangs upside down to share the joke of the day. Claire pauses from her flute practice to give me the thumbs-up from a window in the Music Centre. And Josh, who has just made it into the Second XI, hits his first four. He stands in the centre of the cricket field with a smile as wide as the Berkshire downs.
This is a happy, purposeful community in a beautiful estate. We regularly and rigorously review our procedures. The programme of development is continuous, so that a wonderful environment is in place for dedicated teachers to deliver the best possible education. We hope that the children in our care will leave us with a well established set of values which will stay with them for life. We want them to gain confidence from their achievements in this school and move on to great future success and fulfilment.
I trust that those who are, or have been, members of St Andrew’s recognise this as true, and I warmly invite parents who are considering placing their children here to come and see that it is. A website can only give a series of snapshots. Come and see the real thing!
