Heads of School Speeches

To put things into perspective, as international boarders, we leave our parents and our countries at a young age; we start to speak a foreign language 24/7; and we are exposed to a new environment, a new culture and a new education system; there are moments when homesickness gets really, really bad; there are moments when we try desperately to avoid making conversation or asking questions just for fear of saying the wrong thing. For international students, stepping into a school like Clifton is a big deal.

Since joining Clifton five years ago, I have grown so much as a person: my English has definitely improved; I was introduced to the multifaceted delight that is cheese; and I’ve had many happy hours observing and immersing myself in the unique qualities of British ‘humour’ at its finest.

Most importantly to me, despite not being classically trained and not having the slightest knowledge of classical music in my formative years, somehow Clifton made me a classical musician. Never in my life would I be able to explain how what is now my greatest passion just organically grew out of me. Who would’ve thought that after receiving four years of classical music education, this Chinese guy would get to conduct a piece of 20th century Western astrology-inspired entertainment in the chapel of an elite British Independent School?

As Cliftonians, we are flooded with opportunities to discover and unlock these talents and traits that perhaps were unfamiliar to us. Whether it’s 1st team rugby boys practising hard to win the annual Part Song competition, or a multicultural group making their debut on stage, Clifton encourages you to find areas of interest and develop them. It’s taught me that it’s OK to challenge accepted wisdom and, dare I say it, even get into passionate arguments about maths problems (and not just with my fellow mathematicians). We are motivated and supported to become the best versions of ourselves. This is, in my humble opinion, what Clifton is all about: opportunity, diversity, and acceptance.

Nowhere in the school are these three traits more clearly represented than in the Percival Library. The current Head of House in Wiseman’s once said, “If you can’t find Benson in his room, he’s either in the Music School, or he’s probably in the library”. It has always been my firm belief that the Percival Library plays a central role at Clifton - the librarians’ involvement in the school is astronomical. Hence, on behalf of all the students, I would like to show our appreciation to the librarians for all they’ve done to make Clifton a more delightful place to be, and, on a personal note, thank you for being my strong mental support over the last five years.

On behalf of all the leavers, thank you to all the Housemasters and Housemistresses, who have all played amazing roles in our Clifton experience, and dedicated many hours of their lives to us. Whilst there is one title in the school that will always be contested, and that is the best Houseparent, I thoroughly believe that, Mr Janke, you are the best

Housemaster that there is and ever will be - thank you for always supporting me and having my back. Another thank you to all the matrons for taking care of us and putting up with us. A big thank you to all the teaching staff for your hard work, generosity and patience. I would also like to give a special thank you to the only teacher who taught me all the way through my five years at Clifton, Mr Cross - it is a known fact that you are a genius - thank you for everything and for helping me through all the hurdles this year. Mr Robson and Mr Drinkwater, I will be forever grateful for the roles you’ve played to start my journey in music. Finally, I’d like to thank all my fellow pupils. I’ve had so much fun around many amazing people, and accumulated so many invaluable friendships. You guys made the last five years of my life something truly, truly special. I wish you all every success and happiness in the years to come. It’s not a goodbye - it’s a see you later.

Benson Zhou (WiH)