Taster day and assembly
November 03, 2011
It was wonderful to welcome such a super group of boys and girls to the taster day today at Milton Abbey. I'm really pleased that they enjoyed themselves, taking part in science activities, attempting the assault course, cooking the hospitality suite and getting involved in a teambuilding exercise.
I was going to post my assembly here after Monday - apologies for the delay!
"Firstly, I’m pleased to report that the Warriors Trip, which this year consisted of Anthony Bentley-Buckle and Tom Walker, was a great success. Anthony and Tom went to South Africa, where they involved themselves in sky-diving, trekking, abseiling, big-swinging, and numerous other extraordinary activities. I have asked them to present on their experience next term, at the same time that we will be inviting members of the present Lower Sixth to apply for the Warriors Scholarship.
You may have noticed that a huge amount of work has happened at the site of the new boarding houses. The first earth was cut on the Monday of half term, and much has been achieved over the last few days. Pupils in Damer and Tregonwell will be taken down to the site this week to talk to the site manager, and go through the plans with the builders in detail. We’ll also be setting up a system where pupils who are interested in getting involved in the construction industry, project management or architecture, can experience first-hand what is involved in a major build. Housemasters will be asking for names of those interested in each house later this week.
There has been work done on the tuck shop, which Housemasters would have mentioned in their House Meetings this morning. Firstly, the left hand side of the shop has been divided to create a separate area for the lower school, namely the 3, 4 and 5 years. This can be accessed through the side of the building only. The Upper School, namely the L6 and M6, has access through the main door. Each area is solely for the use of the Lower School and the Upper School. Pupils are not allowed into areas that are not designated for their use. The newly formed Tuck Shop Committee will discuss and debate what facilities are wanted in these areas prior to any work taking place. I will be discussing the matter with the Pilot body, and Alick will be speaking to individual sixth formers about membership of the committee.
Within the tuck shop, we’ve also introduced an electronic barcode reader which means that any items that are to be put on the bill will need to be bought after your passcard has been scanned. You will see that there is a barcode on all our access cards, and this will link directly to your school account. You will not be able to purchase food without your card, and you will not be able to use cash. Parents will be contacted and asked to give a limit on what can be spent in the tuckshop. Once that limit is met, you will not be able to purchase any more food, which means you need to plan your spending appropriately. The Housemasters met with me last night and will be formulating a policy concerning cash use in the school which I will share with School Council.
I am pleased to report that the effort grades in Progress Reports have been very positive. However, there is still much to do, and the GCSE exams that are later this month must be focussed towards. There is no reason why pupils should not be fully prepared for these exams, and working towards some good grades.
Finally, Movember is with us. The final list has been compiled by the Deputy Head, and there will be a formal photograph, taken by Tempest, for all those involved. Please can I ask that you wear suits, and look as smart as possible. We will then take a photo with everyone in the same place on the 30 Movember to give evidence of facial hair growth. If you haven’t signed up to be involved, and think that you would like to, then please see your housemaster."