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THE REEDER 2017
#1 Promote Academic Excellence
A word from the Headmaster As the Headmaster of an institution that is steeped in 200 years of history and heritage, I am most aware that sometimes one needs to look back in order to prepare for the future. This is why I enjoy meeting with and hearing from our wide network of Old Reedonians; it is through sharing your stories, memories, anecdotes and words of wisdom, that I am able to bring to life the ‘Reed’s character’. I know that it is this Reed’s character and ethos that makes the School so unique and one that is very much shaped by the legacy of Andrew Reed and the Foundation. It is our job today to make sure that this remains the case, not only in the past, but in the present and for years to come. To this end, we have developed six key aims for the School which I will use as a framework to share a review of the academic year with you. As you read through, I am sure you will see that our Old Reedonians are very integral to School life and I am grateful for the wonderful support you continue to give in so many ways. Please accept my sincere thanks again for all your support of Reed’s School and I hope you enjoy this year’s edition of the Reeder and the wealth of articles in it. I also hope it inspires you to come and visit soon.
The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don’t tell you what to see. Alexandra K. Trenfor
I am delighted that we moved up the various league tables again this year with excellent examination results at both GCSE and A Level, but am also aware such measures do not always reflect the wider educational benefits on offer. I believe this resonates with both our current and prospective parents, as applications continue to rise. I am also proud that we are an inclusive school that focuses on academic excellence as last year’s leavers demonstrated: 90% of the 125 pupils achieved their first or second choice university, 70% of these to Russell Group universities with four to Oxbridge and others gaining places at top US and European universities, Art Colleges and RADA. Our aim is to ensure our pupils learn how to learn and learn how to think by promoting a lifelong intellectual curiosity. This takes place right through the School: by teaching chess to all the First Form; by introducing FutureTech lessons to all Second Form; by requiring all Third Form pupils to write a dissertation for their Nissen Bridgeman project; by introducing mindfulness lessons in the Fourth Form; by developing a ‘tougher minds’ programme in the Fifth Form and by offering the extended project qualification in the Sixth Form. We believe such a dynamic approach is vital and are always looking for ways to enable our pupils to be creative and independent. I am proud of our pupils’ efforts and their achievements. Likewise I am proud to lead a school where the skill, enthusiasm and dedication to their craft of our staff is exceptional.
