Speech Day - the Headmaster's Speech
M
r Chairman, Mr Fraser, Ladies and Gentlemen and members of the School, in 1903 the Governors timed Speech Day so skilfully as to prevent the school from entering candidates in the Higher Certificate examination. I have to apologise to this year's external examination candidates for failing to resurrect such an interesting tradition this year. On a day when the gardens and grounds look so splendid and are a real credit to the dedicated team which looks after them it is particularly apt to quote Pope John XXIII, speaking ofhis mission, said"I am not here to guard a museum but rather to cultivate a garden". His late Holiness was, perhaps, being a little hard on museums, which can be lively, exciting institutions, but the wisdom ofhis metaphor is contained within the idea that a Garden is a living and ever-changing place: a skilful gardener will show instinctive sympathy forthe existing contours ofthe terrain and ofthe character ofthe soil, but will not be dissuaded from innovation or rejuvenation as they are both are necessary processes. Vision, when supported by sheer hard work, can transform a garden, as can neglect. We, the current guardians of Sutton Valence School, must see ourselves as gardeners rather than curators and be prepared to work hard in orderto achieve ourvision ofthe future whilst respecting the strengths ofourtradition and heritage. Indeed, this has been a memorable year in the history of Sutton Valence School for our territory has been extended. On the first of September, 1995 Underhill became the Junior School to Sutton Valence and, this new structure offers us the opportunity to build a dynamic and innovative programme of education for children between the ages of three and eighteen. Links between the school's two sites are evolving. Much remains to be done if we are to realise our ambition ofa school which is proud ofits tradition and history yet is sufficiently flexible to adapt to the challenges ofa rapidly-changing world, a place which can foster the pursuit of academic excellence at the same time as providing cultural breadth, an environment which welcomes diversity and promotes the Christian values of consideration for our friends, our neighbours and our environment: we have, however, made a beginning, and all elements ofthe combined community will continue to work to secure this ambition. It is particularly fitting to welcome Mr Fraser to be our guest today for the history of the school
demonstrates that the world of commerce played a large part in determining the character of our school. For well over 300 years the Clothworkers' Company administered the school of Sutton Valence, only surrendering this function in 1910: there was, of course, no drive towards vocational initiatives within the academic curriculum in those days as the philosophical value of education for its own sake was universally prized, even by the entrepreneurs ofthe City of London! It is fitting that in this momentous year in the school's history we will, with the aid ofa generous grant from the Clothworkers' Company, be celebrating the Guild's contribution by restoring the two courtyards which abut the Almshouse building. The retiring Chairman ofthe United Westminster Schools' Foundation, Peter Piper, worked extraordinarily hard on our halfin a characteristically selfeffacing fashion, to secure this grant and we are grateful to him. We are also looking to build more practical contemporary bridges with local commerce and industry. The programme ofwork experience is an established feature ofthe school year and allows young people the opportunity to sample the atmosphere within a broad range of local businesses. This year, for the first time, the school has, in partnership with one ofthe clearing banks, enjoyed having its own school bank which has been run on professional lines by members ofthe Sixth Form. In conjunction with the Old Suttonians' Association, we are seeking to encourage young Suttonians to talk to their older counterparts who are practising in a field of common interest. We are also seeking to make a place within the curriculum forthe teaching of skills and leadership qualities necessary forsuccess in business. It is a prized result ofthe size ofthe school that young people can maintain quite striking breadths in theirportfolios of activities and interests: this leads to a calm confidence and self-beliefwhich must be major strengths when facing a world in which traditional paths are closing and young people should expect to change careers a number of times during their working lives. The experienceofleading an expedition, ofparticipating in a dramatic performance,ofcontributingto a musical concert: allofthese are desirable in pure educational terms but also valuable and valid exercises in promoting sense of worth and clear communication skills. They are the common ground between education and industry. We have also to recognise the increasing pressures upon both pupils at school and those 5
