Welcome AGS

From The Headmaster

Welcome to the Summer edition of Flourish, a fantastic publication that brilliantly captures the vibrancy, variety and effervescence of life at AGS.

I cannot believe we are at the end of another academic year. The buzz and positivity that surrounds the end of the summer term also brings with it an element of reflection, awe and astonishment at the sheer number, diversity and breadth of School events, visits, fixtures and returning Old Aylesburians that fills our School calendar.

Students have enjoyed a variety of educational visits this term, from exchanges, to code breaking at Bletchley Park, jousting at Warwick Castle, fieldwork on the Lakes, a visit to the Olympic Park and a literary walking tour in Brighton. Not to mention the arrival of our German exchange friends and the pioneers in Malawi helping to build a new secondary school.

This term the hotly contested and eagerly awaited Watson and Brodie trophy winners were announced at the start of the month and, no spoilers here. You’ll have to read on to discover which House gained 2023 glory.

The AGSPTA School Summer Fete was an absolute triumph - with stalls, activities and entertainment for all the family. Thank you to all those involved, and to our exceptionally hard-working PTA who add so much to the life of the School. An incredible amount was raised and we are extremely grateful to the entire community for their continued support in bringing these important events to life.

I was delighted to be asked to open the AGS Sport and PE Racketathon event, taking on our outgoing Head Boy of School Silas Glover (Denson ‘23) in a thrilling (and exhausting) three game special. A huge congratulations to Silas for his win - I will ask the Sports team to arrange a rematch. It was a privilege to be part of this important fundraising event for our students, with the opportunity to support them in raising funds for the Dubai 2023 Tour.

We are incredibly proud to share news that we have been awarded the coveted School of Character Quality Mark Plus, following an extensive assessment process. This accolade is presented to schools and colleges that can demonstrate that they take an ‘explicit, planned and reflective approach to the cultivation of positive character qualities in their students in the interests of human flourishing’. The aim of the award is not just the recognition of good practice, but also to support schools to develop desirable character qualities that contribute to individual as well as broader societal flourishing.

Verulam School hosted its first conference, “Let’s Talk About Boys” on the challenges faced by boys in today’s society and we were thrilled to have three fellow members of AGS staff (Mrs Mawdsley, Mrs Beckley and Mr Taylor) attend the event, as well as an Old Aylesburian present as a keynote speaker. Some incredible and thought provoking talks and ideas on how we can (as teachers) nurture a generation of caring and empathetic young men. Some excellent debate and outtakes, many of which are already part of our teaching practice, and other information we can build on.

Most recently, we have welcomed a new cohort of Aylesburians to AGS, with the Year 6’s enjoying their induction days. The anticipation and excitement coming from the Foundation Hall was palatable.

Together with the cheers and roars of excitement at discovering which House our new students were in. The strength of our House System is an intrinsic part of our School and their journey starts here. From the newest members of our community to our more senior students, we said goodbye to our Year 13 cohort who enjoyed a lively last day in fancy dress, but in great spirits and a collective sense of gratitude.

We also said goodbye to Judi Warman, Office Manager and Catherine Garot, Student Support Officer, both of whom are enjoying their early retirements. I must also mention that Mr Skinner, Head of English and Mr McGill, Head of Hampden House and Leader of Core PE, Games and Outreach, are leaving us at the end of term to take up their new roles as Assistant Head and Director of Sixth Form, and Director of Sport respectively at local schools. We thank them for their incredible contribution to AGS and wish them all the best.

Looking forward, the Governing body and Senior Leadership Team have been discussing the strategic planning process, reviewing the current School’s vision and purpose together, looking at the key areas of focus for the next academic year and beyond.

I’ll leave you with this shot of the Student Senior Leadership Team and myself paying tribute to the iconic photograph from the Beatles’ Abbey Road album. Not quite Abbey Road, more Walton Road, but it’s ours!

Have a fantastic summer and I look forward to returning in September, ready for the exciting new academic year ahead.

Mark Sturgeon, Headmaster