The Foundation: Overview

The Foundation

Overview from Kathryn Bartram

Director of Development & External Relations

As a former Mathematician and Economist, I have always been intrigued by Edward Lorenz’s concept of the Butterfly Effect and subsequently general Chaos Theory. Namely, how seemingly small occurrences can have a disproportionally large impact on systems and society.

This often comes to mind when speaking with our Foundation pupils, both past and present. We love hearing their stories about how they came to be Foundation pupils, their time at Reed’s, and how it has fundamentally changed, not only their lives but those of their family and friends. What often comes out is that “chance” happenstance which made it all possible: someone mentioning Reed’s to their mother when she felt all hope was lost, coming across a mention of Reed’s in a publication, or even just stumbling across the Foundation website. Whether it was 200 years ago or last month, the story is the same; one small event changed their lives, their families’ lives, and, ultimately, our collective society forever. As you read through this addition of the Reeder, you will see so many variations on this. Whether it is grand actions such as Arthur Moxham’s clear thinking and presence of mind in the immediate aftermath of the Johnstone flood or simply the recollections of an OR on a life well lived, not only for them but for their children and grandchildren.

Everyday in our office we are privileged to hear these stories. Just recently one of our new Foundation mums wrote to let us know that after a series of terrible events over the past few years, when she was constantly worried for her son’s future, a last-minute Foundation place restored her faith in the world and gave her the confidence to apply for a new role (which she got!). On the other side, we often get contacted by the grandchildren or even great-grandchildren of ORs who are doing genealogical research. It is humbling to hear about not only the tragic circumstances that started it all, the story behind their admission to Reed’s (one notably involved Queen Mary showing up at their Great-Grandmother’s cottage door to tell her about the School), and subsequently what their descendants have gone on to do.

Trying to capture all these stories is virtually impossible but in our new Foundation film, we do try to capture one. The multigenerational tale behind Shahin’s journey from war torn Iran to the upper echelons of Britain’s legal world truly embodies the spirit of the Foundation. I would encourage you all to watch it.

Whether it is mentioning the Foundation and the School to a family you know of in need, helping with careers advice for pupils and younger ORs, or financially supporting the Foundation each of us has the capacity to be a butterfly – helping to change the world in our own way.

Thank you for all your support!

Kathryn Bartram