Reflections

Right from the beginning BSB ethos and values were top priority

Reflecting on the school’s beginnings took me to what was, for me, the most exhilarating and most formative educational moment of my career: an open workshop called by Alan (Humphries) in February 1970 - I think, certainly well before the school opened. All six newly appointed staff were invited to his home to deliberate freely and openly the nature of BSB, that we were all to work in, when it opened in September, a few months later. Of all the aspects we talked about, ethos was just one. Areas of positive and structured approaches to ensure successful personal and social development at the individual and group levels.

The outcome of this discussion was that all involved participants, and all future pupils, staff and parents could use and understand the labyrinth named ‘discipline’. In brief we would all challenge each other’s understanding of the concept of Respect for People, Property and Time and come to an agreed way forward, without facing a whole list of rules and regulations. Several years later, Will, in Year 6 I believe, did not see why he should not have bought a duckling while on a school journey. His respect for animals could not be called into question -although this particular adult really enjoys foie gras de canard!

The duckling was nestling in a cardboard board box with easy-to-change tissues to keep the temporary environment clean, and a well-thought-through plan for its food and drink, given our return home the next day. What was wrong with what he’d done? Will argued. My first school rule came into force - NO ANIMALS TO BE PURCHASED ON ANY SCHOOL VISIT (and a riveting assembly when back at school on the subject of EU rules concerning the importation of livestock across frontiers, with related issues concerning health and hygiene!)

Peter Saunders was Head of Middle School in 1970 and at BSB from 1970 - 2002