A Word from the Headmaster

Even with all the disruption, there has been lots to celebrate

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).

...we are incredibly fortunate at Reed’s to have Governors who are passionate about the School and the Foundation...

These buildings now provide bright, imaginative learning spaces that inspire creativity and curiosity amongst our pupil body without detracting from the character of the School. ORs are more than welcome to visit and see the new developments for themselves.

Recognise

As with any organisation, a change in staff is inevitable. However, I am so gratified that those teachers who left us at the end of the year were doing so for specific reasons: promotion, new location or new career path (see page 82). I would like to offer my thanks and best wishes to each one but, in particular, to Colin Sandison-Smith, who has spent 38 years in teaching, 32½ of them at Reed’s!

I would like to also pay special tribute to Mike Wheeler, who stepped down as Chair of Governors at the end of August. Mike served on the Board for 14 years, with the last five as the Chair. He has a forensic mind, unflappable demeanour and possesses the most elusive and highly prized of all attributes – wisdom. I have been the beneficiary of his sage advice on many occasions. Indeed, we are incredibly fortunate at Reed’s to have Governors who are passionate about the School and the Foundation (several being Old Reedonians and former Foundationers); they are a body of exceptional people, with great skill and integrity.

My final thanks must, however, go to our ORs; you are a vital part of the wider School community and, as can be seen throughout this magazine, are an unstoppable force! Over the last year, your enthusiasm, commitment and unstinting financial support has been invaluable in ensuring the continued success of both the School and the Foundation – at a time when it really mattered. I am really looking forward to being able to welcome all our donors and supporters back on site to thank each of you in person, and to see for yourselves the difference you are making.

With my warmest regards for a healthy, happy and hearty 2022.

Mark Hoskins

Headmaster

2020/21 DIARY OF A HEADMASTER

September 2020

“We all returned safely in September and there is a buzz of excitement around the School, despite twice weekly testing for every single person on site, with strict segregation in place.”

“Yesterday we had our first confirmed COVID case but our ‘track and trace’ systems worked well and our blendedlearning systems mean that pupils will still be able to attend lessons if they feel well enough.”

October 2020

“We have all adapted well to the new systems in various aspects of school life; however, we are now looking forward to thinking of ways we can replicate some of the face-to-face occasions and events that we are missing. I am pleased to write that the pupils themselves are at the vanguard of this movement.”

November 2020

“It has been a very good first week back after half term and, despite the fact that we are entering a second lockdown, there is much to look forward to including our virtual Autumn Concert and Remembrance Day Service.”

“As we celebrate the work of our Founder, Andrew Reed, a social reformer who founded schools, hospitals and galvanised support to challenge slavery in the USA, I wonder what he would have made of the fact that the issues he was passionate about then still continue around the world to this day.”

December 2020

“As we entered another lockdown, the words of Eeyore to Winnie the Pooh came to mind: ‘Could be worse. Not sure how, but it could be.’; and he wasn’t referring to COVID either! I am sure that Eeyore would have been impressed with the resilience shown by the Reed’s community and, as he also said after reflecting on his situation; ‘After all, one can’t complain. I have my friends.’. How true that is, for all of us!”

January 2021

“It is not the return we wanted, but there is still a lot going on, not least in the mass testing centre that we set up in record time. I continue to be inspired and impressed by the ingenuity of our staff and pupils and the array of creative online pursuits that break the monotony of the day and get pupils away from screens.”

February 2021

“It has been a superb week with the announcement that pupils and staff will be back at Reed’s from Monday 8 March. We will, in fact, be asking pupils to come in next week to have their first lateral flow test so that we can get everyone back, raring to go, on Monday.”

“We realise that although most pupils will be looking forward to returning, some will be anxious. We are sensitive to this very natural reaction, and so our primary aim will be to settle everyone back into the routine of school. Hopefully, by Friday, the memory of remote learning will be replaced by the vibrancy of being together again.”

March 2021

“It’s been a great week, everyone back and the buzz and bustle filling the air. It was wonderful to see so many pupils playing sport again last Saturday and involved in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme too – what a testament to everyone’s enthusiasm for the co-curricular life of the School.”

“I am hoping that the Easter Assembly via Teams this afternoon is the last time we finish the term in a virtual way.”

April 2021

“Tomorrow we have, I hope, our last remote Open Morning. As we move through May and into June all of us in the School community are looking forward to events with actual people present!”

May 2021

“From Monday (at the time of writing at least), pupils are able to take off their masks in class – this will be a welcome and visible sign that we are returning to a more normal school environment. We must of course be guarded; there are cases in local schools and so the testing regime is very important to maintain.”

“I am delighted that we are inviting parents to watch the cricket fixtures tomorrow. The sun is shining at last, and I know all the boys and girls are looking forward to the half-term break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in June for the last stretch.”

June 2021

“It has been an incredibly challenging time for everyone over the last 15 months and, probably more than anyone in the Reed’s community, our Senior pupils have learnt the meaning of resilience, responsibility and independence.”

July 2021

“The Junior School and Senior School Speech Days were a superb way to finish the term. Our guest speakers, Major Mike Foster Van Der Elst (Mullens 2001) and Shahin Baghaei (Capel 2002), gave inspiring addresses which were all the more poignant for our pupils, coming from Old Reedonians. The boys and staff listened intently and I am sure they will reflect on the advice from both speakers on leadership, character and grasping opportunity.”