MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

The Spring term can be dark and cold, bringing with it a temptation to hide under the duvet… but last term was crammed full of activity. From new and exciting strides being made for Bohunt Horsham to the Trust’s largest cultural exchange with Chinese students, there has been much to enjoy – and it is this element of Bohunt’s ethos we concentrate on for this third issue of BETTER Times.

Early in February, our Sixth Form hosted over 100 Politics, Economics and History students from Bohunt School in Liphook, together with similar students from Bedales and Churcher’s College in a very lively and enjoyable Question Time panel, chaired by journalist Victoria Lambert. Our East Hampshire MP, Damian Hinds, who is also the Secretary of State for Education, was joined on the panel by Neil Strowger, Chief Executive of BET, Magnus Bashaarat, the Head of Bedales, together with Jessica from Bohunt Sixth Form and Connie from Bedales Sixth Form.

As you will see from the front cover, Mandarin continues to be an important focus across the Trust. In February, 75 pupils from Guangzhou (our largest group ever) arrived for an intensive exchange programme. Read more about their visits to three BET schools – an experience which will have been eye-opening for all participants from the UK and China, as both education and normal home life are very different. A deep understanding of Chinese culture is an integral part of Mandarin learning, and is essential to our future trading success with China.

Numerous other examples of cross-Trust collaborations are being established, including a Basics Day, in which students came together to learn techniques and revision exercises, and of course the traditional Red Nose Day activities, thoroughly enjoyed by all students who develop a deeper sense of community whilst raising money for the local charities which they support.

Later in the term, I was delighted to participate in the Inspire competition. Held at Liphook in the Sixth Form building, this event was organised by a small group of Year 11s from TPS, and involved teams of Year 10s from schools across the Trust competing with presentations on a variety of themes. All of the presentations were innovative and thought provoking, whilst the confidence and skill of the presenters was amazing, switching within their teams with panache and without hesitation. Well done to all concerned, both organisers and participants. I look forward to being invited to next year’s event!

No doubt you are all gearing up for the “final push”, as Year 13 and Year 11 students begin their intensive revision for A-Level and GCSE exams. Good luck to them all - I look forward to another set of excellent results in August.

DR RAY MORTON

Chair of the Trust Board