HEADMASTER’S WELCOME Welcome to the Aylesburian magazine for 2019-2020. Once again, this publication stands as the definitive historical reference for the School and so we hope that you enjoy it. All our thanks go to Mr Dallas and the whole editorial team for this year’s production. It is at times of great challenge that we fall back on the characteristics and values that make us who we are. It has been across this year, most notably since March, that the clichés are dropped and we had to look at the key characteristics of Respect and Aspiration, of Ownership, Motivation, Resilience, Innovation, and Courage, in order that we navigated these difficult times. We were, and still are, all in this together and through our community and commitment were stronger, wiser and re-defined what it is to be an Aylesburian. ‘You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them’ Maya Angelou. An academic year that began with a focus on a new school inspection framework and the reality of a visit from Ofsted and concluded
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with 14 school weeks of Remote Home Learning, limited onsite provision and tutorials, cancelled examinations for GCSE and A Level, whilst preparing for a full reengagement with the School community in September 2020.
by the students, our greatest ambassadors, and the staff who have been relentless, restless and focussed in all the prevailing circumstances they find themselves. We are humbled and appreciative of the entire community.
None of us could have foreseen how the year would pan out and how we would all begin 2020-2021 in a new protective environment with measures taken for safety, but realising the need to get back to School. The reality has been one of reflection, admiration for the community and cohesion that makes our School such a unique and wonderful place to learn.
‘Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you’re doing the impossible’ St Francis of Assisi.
In between the planning, responding, preparing and protecting, we continued to evolve the School and achieve some wonderful feats catalogued in this publication. From sporting success, amazing music, drama and art, research and academic success, infrastructure developments, local and international collaboration, the School is moving forwards with exceptional verve and energy. These developments and achievements are made possible
The Aylesburian 2019/2020
We led the year with optimism and interest, looking back on some terrific outcomes for senior students and have ended the year with determination, humanity and hope. Wishing our departing Aylesburians great success in the most difficult of circumstances and welcoming the new students to our community. My sincere thanks to everyone involved in the School for the most challenging year. Reward and recognition can sometimes be lost, but I am privileged to lead this School and hope that this years’ publication of The Aylesburian provides you with a real sense of the impact the School has on our entire community. Thank you to everyone. Mr M Sturgeon - Headmaster
