HEADMASTER’S WORDS

Reading School was founded in 1125, centuries before the printing press let alone the computer. The printed word is important. Reading and literacy have always been significant for students here. Indeed, I would contend that the need for clear and valued communication has never been greater in order for our students to flourish. The values at the heart of our holistic approach referred to as the ‘Reading Way’ or Via Redingensis, namely excellence, integrity, leadership and community are evident in this publication, the first edition of the student-led school magazine. For instance, we strive to nurture men of excellence who aim high, develop their ambitions and strive to achieve the best they can whilst ensuring that their feet remain firmly on the ground. Reading School’s journalists and writers should be encouraged to be creative, adaptable and seek to deliver a sustained high performance over time. I hope that this publication is the first in a series of highquality publications. It is my wish that budding writers are encouraged to hold themselves to account and to seek the fulfilment of their potential for the benefit of others, as well as themselves.

Regarding integrity, we fully support any initiative that helps to build good men of principle and seek to positively align actions with words. This publication can be viewed as an exemplar of leadership where student collaboration is utilised for the common good. The editor and the writers have undoubtedly demonstrated a spirit of commitment and a clear sense of purpose. It exhibits features of an approach which appreciates the opportunities offered to students and the importance of encouraging involvement in the culturally rich life of Reading School. The enrichment opportunities offered and the importance of encouraging human flourishing are given their due emphasis. Clearly, this publication can be viewed as part of our collective approach as a community to reinforce a positive culture of belonging. It provides opportunities for members of the Reading School family to cultivate and enhance an outlook which allows us to strengthen our communities. The sharing of our positive narrative emphasises how our current students add to our distinguished history.

Our emphasis on academic excellence is exemplified through the Sunday Times Parent Power ‘State Secondary for South East England 2020.’ Whilst our passion for ‘Building Good Men’ is evident in not only this publication, but also our: Floreat programme, the House system, Future Stories initiative and the innovative Power to the 9’s programme. This is also supported by the excellent House system and our support for educational visits. We must build on the foundation of those giants who have gone before us, and take up the mantle to ensure that the richness of the education offered remains of the highest quality. Perhaps there are no better examples that the student-led charity committees. This vitality and vibrancy, also illustrated by this publication, ensure that our students flourish. The 150 th anniversary of the founding of the school on the Erleigh Road site, is a catalyst for this positive literary production that promotes student partnerships. I hope that the readers appreciate the importance of a narrative which seeks to build the community, rather than hindering its growth.