Middle School

The Middle School pupils have been remarkable in their resilience, humour and enthusiasm in what has been a very unexpected couple of years at school. When challenged by the demands of remote learning, the pupils were committed to ensuring their academic progress continued at pace and congratulations should be offered to two year groups of Year 11 pupils who gained strong GCSE results and took the challenges of TAGs and CAGs in their stride. What was wonderful to see was the way pupils embraced the opportunities available in these times, from weekly Bake-Offs to Strava athletic-art competitions, organised by their form tutors and heads of year. This group of remarkably committed and caring staff ensured that every pupil remained fully part of school and a strange time was made less strange by tutors, teachers and friends alike.

The sight of teenagers genuinely delighted to be back at school, and almost galloping over the bridge upon our return, indicates how pleased they were to be back to the ‘new normal.’ The buzz of the classrooms reflects the academic aspirations of the Middle School pupils; they are focused on achieving great results and last year’s cohort of Year 11s — the first to take ‘proper’ exams in three years — deserve real credit for the self-disciplined and focused approach they took. There has been much delight for the return of school trips, with Classics trips to Bath bringing learning alive whilst the end of year Field Week saw great times enjoyed on Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and at the lakes of the Andrew Simpson aquatic centre, learning new skills whilst getting soaked to the skin!

There have been considerable sporting successes during this period, with Middle School being particularly successful in both national competitions and against local rivals. The Middle School rowers enjoyed the most recent National Schools Regatta as a chance to race against some of the best teams in the country, with many of their boats making commendable efforts and showing real determination. The Year 9 girls enjoyed a netball tour to Cardiff over February where they were undefeated and received coaching from Welsh international players. Special congratulations for sport among the Middle School pupils must go to Fleur (11DGA), who is currently the second fastest ranked 3000 metres runner globally in her age group! She deserves enormous kudos for achieving this whilst balancing preparation for her GCSE examinations.

The pupils’ voice within the Middle School over the last few years has grown and become a hugely important part of its identity. ‘The Bridge’, the group that discusses gender equality both in school and in the wider community, is well attended and has discussed topics as diverse as challenging inappropriate language to addressing gendered play spaces. Middle School pupils can also be seen contributing their thoughts and leading change in the Archer group, Athena Society and the School Council.

It is an enormous privilege to lead the Middle School’s pupils, heads of year and tutors; their enthusiasm for all aspects of school life is contagious and I am excited to see what lies ahead for the next school year.

Mrs J McIsaac (Head of Middle School)