From the Desk of Nick Clogg - College Deputy Head: Academics   
Last week we celebrated our annual Prize- Giving event in which we recognised all the boys in the College who achieved academically in 2017. In my brief address, I suggested that each year’s Matric results should only be applicable to that particular year, and to expect the same or even better results from following years can be educationally unsound. Furthermore, I suggested that a better measurement of each year’s success should include measured improvements from one assessment to another. It is pleasing to note that most of our boys have improved consistently from one formal assessment to another. This positive trajectory of improvement affirms our commitment to develop each boys’ academic potential over a five-year period. 

As an educational institution we cannot rest on our laurels – in fact, we must continue to challenge all academic boundaries and skills development, by reflecting on our current practices and ensuring that our academic standards remain relevant and rigorous as we strive to help each boy to reach their own academic potential. This reflection has allowed us to continue with the extension of the Robotech programme into Grade 10; and to introduce the elective programmes in Grade 9 and 10. These electives are skill-driven and designed purposefully to avoid a specific curriculum or assessment – they are there to enhance the educational process outside of defined boxes. In addition, we have started the conversation around the possible introduction of the Cambridge International A-levels programme as an alternative route for the Grade 10s of 2019.  The future remains uncertain and the more one delves into the various futurists’ windows of tomorrow, potentially, the more one can become overwhelmed and indeed, fearful.  I remain of the opinion that instead of worrying about these ‘predictions’ let us use them and start looking at all the possibilities and how best our boys can become trail-blazers of significance. We are, without doubt, in a very exciting space at St David’s. This excitement is driven by an exceptional staff right from Mini-Marists to the Prep and in the College. I am amazed at how the staff have embraced change – change that has only been possible through their continued professionalism and willingness to experiment without fear of failure.