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Even with all the disruption, there has been lots to celebrate
A word from the Headmaster Teaching has many great privileges but few are more satisfying than being inspired by, and learning from, young people. The last academic year has certainly been one of the most testing for all those in education but, as I looked out into the audience on both our Speech Days in July (more later), it was with incredible pride that I reflected on our pupils’ determination to thrive and our staff’s commitment to keep school life on an even keel despite some very choppy waters. In particular, our 2021 leavers proved to be a special year group; they did not have an easy ride during their last two years but showed tremendous resilience and character. There are hugely gifted individuals in all academic, artistic and sporting arenas but, more importantly, collectively, we are very proud of the fine young Old Reedonians they have become. Reflect To compose this letter to Old Reedonians, I reread the various communications I’d sent to parents, staff and pupils between September 2020 and August 2021. Inevitably these were heavily punctuated with references to COVID and brought
back a range of emotions, from hopeful highs to devastating lows; so much so that I thought it worthwhile diarising extracts, both to share with you and to document for the future, when we look back at a year like no other! For those of you who would like to read these extracts, please see overleaf. Review However, even with all the disruption, there has been lots to celebrate: watching our 1st XV finally run out on 12 Acre to play Felsted was a highlight, as was the live streaming of the girls’ hockey, Sports Day, the London Raleigh, the Summer Concert, seeing the 1st XI on Bigside again and, of course, two Leavers’ Balls in one week (2020 and 2021 leavers!). In recognition of the work of the Reed’s Foundation, we were delighted to have won the Outreach/Partnership Award from AMCIS (Admissions, Marketing and Communications in Independent Schools) and to be a finalist in the Independent Schools of the Year ‘Social Mobility Award’. Both acknowledge the impact the Foundation continues to have on thousands of children’s lives through our bursary and outreach programmes.
In 2021, with public examinations cancelled once more, Reed’s pupils, like those throughout the country, were awarded qualifications based on centre-assessed grades submitted by the School. This followed a lengthy and rigorous process, along with a series of robust checks and measures, to award the most likely grade that each student would have achieved had they been able to take the examinations. It is testament to the professionalism of the teachers that none of the grades were amended following JCQ’s (Joint Council for Qualifications) external assurance processes. At A Level, around three-quarters of grades were awarded at A*/A while at GCSE around two-thirds of grades were awarded at grades 9 or 8. Renew Despite COVID restrictions, work around the site continued apace including the completion of two keys areas: the renovation of the Sixth Form Centre and the extension of the Bridgeman Building (which some ORs may remember as housing Science and Geography classrooms).
