Early in the term, we had the pleasure of welcoming the world-renowned naturalist, explorer and broadcaster Monty Halls as part of our Headmaster’s Lecture Series. Alongside his exploration of his experiences living with his family on the Galapagos Islands (as reflected in his recent Channel 4 documentary), he made two observations that stuck with me: one was about the importance of being a good ancestor, and another noted that what older people envy most about the young is that so much of their potential is ahead of them. As we despatch our Year 11 and Year 13 students into the exam arena, with the latter having had their last proper day in school just one week ago, I am reminded of the importance of having the future in mind as you enjoy the present; that one must invest heartily in the ‘you’ of tomorrow.
So much of this very busy term has been lived in that spirit: embracing wonderful and enriching experiences today, and looking forward to tomorrow. For many of our Prep School pupils, the ‘Let’s Go Sing’ gather at Ewood Park in Blackburn, joining thousands of children from across the area for a communal concert, will have been an event on an unprecedented scale. An extraordinary suite of competitive sports fixtures have taken place, including some exceptional individual performances in regional and county athletics, with Anna and Camilla in Year 7 becoming county champions in the javelin and 100m respectively. We are also delighted that Henry in Year 7 was awarded the national ‘Best in Everyone’ award, as judged by United Learning, for Drama for his performance in Oliver, and that Alicia in Year 13 was similarly recognised for Music Composition ahead of her departure for Oxford to study Music in the autumn. And, in recognition of our extraordinary community, AKS earned the ‘Wellbeing in Schools Award’, which notes the contribution of so many to the positivity, good cheer and care that characterises so much of our day-to-day life in school.
So: a chance to pause, to rest, to revise, to dry out from the Dragon Boat race, and with so much to come in the final weeks of this all-too-swift year. I look forward to seeing you, everywhere, as the summer arrives.
David Harrow, Headmaster
Nursery and Prep School News
Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 were treated to workshops by felt artist, Gill Ferguson, generously funded by our PTA.
A choir of 75 pupils performed at the Let's Go Sing concert at Ewood Park, Blackburn.
Finally, the half term ended on a high with our celebration of the Queen's Jubilee, with a themed day and a decorated crown competition.
Year 6 Heart Dissection with Dr Carey
Prep Sport
The cricket, athletics, tennis and rounders seasons are now well underway, with many competitive matches and a wide variety of sports clubs for Prep School pupils to enjoy. Congratulations to all pupils who have taken part. Here's Mr Moretti's round-up.
Our Year 11 students completed their Duke of Edinburgh Silver expeditions and Year 10 students completed their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze expeditions.
Two Tycoon in Schools teams presented Trinity Hospice and Brian House with the proceeds of their fundraising endeavours.
Congratulations to Henry C. (Year 7) and Alicia C. (Year 13) who have won United Learning's National 'Best in Everyone' Awards for Music in Years 7-9 (for Henry's outstanding performance in 'Oliver') and Music Composition (Alicia).
Over the 7-week half-term, AKS Sport and AKS Prep Sport have played over 90 competitive fixtures across six sports, including cricket, tennis, athletics, rounders, football and basketball. Read our Senior School sporting highlights here.
It was wonderful to welcome so many new faces at our Ladies' Luncheon Club (LLC) Afternoon Tea in May. You can find out more and how to sign up for next year's programme here.
Our AKS Dragon Boat team went head-to-head with other organisations on Fairhaven Lake to raise money for our local NHS charity, Blue Skies.
