2015
WINTER ISSUE
The
Headmaster’s Termly Newsletter Welcome to the Winter Issue
Inside…
It is a great pleasure to write this welcome to the
What really caught my eye was the realisation that
latest edition of the Headmaster’s Termly Newsletter.
South West’s values chimed so well with what we value at Highclare School and what we seek to
If, like me, you follow the Harvard Business Review
inculcate into the pupils, regardless of their age or
on twitter, you may have seen the very interesting
setting. I am also pleased to see how these attributes
post featuring the recruitment and staff development
are reflected very neatly in our own TAKE CHARGE
policy of the company South West Airlines, the Dallas
initiative, which is having such a positive impact. One
based budget airline which claims to be the world’s
of the great joys I have in my job is the opportunity
largest low-cost carrier.
I have to visit our three superb sites and to dip into them to experience all that is valuable and going on,
I am sure they are a successful company for a
frequently behind the scenes, in the varied learning
number of reasons but one factor which caught my
environments that we operate. I can tell you that I’ve
attention was their commitment to employing only
witnessed the warrior spirit, the servant’s heart and the
those people whom they judge to have values in
fun-loving attitude in spades!
lead to a set of clearly defined expectations which
On another note, I am delighted that the Governors
are written into job descriptions and underpin
have given me permission to introduce, from
their interviewing methodology and professional
September 2016, for the first time at Highclare School,
development framework.
a means-tested bursary to cover potentially 100% of the cost of school fees for a boy or girl upon entering the Senior School in Year 7.
courage, to persevere
Known as the Highclare School Governors’ Prize, it will cover fees for the duration of a pupil’s education in the
• A servant’s heart – ie the ability to put others first, treat everyone with respect • A fun-loving attitude – ie be passionate about your work, enjoy yourself, don’t take yourself
Senior School and will be available for any boy or girl, currently at any local primary school, who may wish to attend Highclare School but whose family financial circumstances would not currently allow.
too seriously.
It is a significant initiative to support and cement our long-standing and proud presence in to be able to raise our accessibility in this way. It is entirely in keeping with our Latin moto, which translates to: Deeds, not Words. So, as the New Year approaches, let us all show the courage of a warrior spirit, the compassion that is the servant’s heart and enjoy our
details three key ingredients that are sought: • A warrior spirit – ie the desire to excel, to show
pg 2 & 3
• Senior News - pg 4 • Junior News - pg 4 & 5 • Junior Sports Results - pg 6 • Infants - pg 7 • Pre-School - pg 8 • Senior Sports Results- pg 9, 10 & 11 • Tops - pg 11 • Charity and Community News - pg 12
Erdington / Sutton Coldfield and I am delighted
sync with those of the organisation. These values
So, what is it that South West Airlines seek? The post
• Senior School (Including Sixth Form) -
lives within the fellowship of our families and communities. I wish for you all a peaceful and restful break. On behalf of all at Highclare School, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Dr R Luker Headmaster
Senior Speech Night
Speech Night Presentation 13th November 2015
Pupils, parents and staff enjoyed an evening of celebration at Senior School Speech Night. Many past pupils, together with their parents, came to receive their A level certificates from guest speaker, Sir Robert Dowling. GCSE and subject prizes were also awarded, together with prizes throughout the school for effort and achievement.