‘All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,’
As You Like It, William Shakespeare
One of the many joys about being a part of a great school is the multiplicity of faces that we meet at different stages on their journey. On Monday I went to the Prep school and was interviewed by Year 6 students, who had put together some searching and interesting questions. When asked about whether I had lived abroad (and I have been lucky enough to have grown up in Asia, and lived in America and Europe) it was lovely to see hands being raised in recognition all around the room as I asked who else had lived in these places. It’s a timely reminder of the importance of belonging within a community, of how being recognised and appreciated for yourself whether pupil, staff or parent means so much.
Later that day, in appreciation of the work that they have done in taking our school forward I took our outgoing Prefect team for supper. As we chatted around the table, they told me of the joy they had found in their school and their service, their sense of community and what they considered really important to keep as traditions (which included the new one of taking them out to supper – of course!). During our meal they recognised a well-known alumna at the next table and were delightfully shy about introducing themselves as they didn’t wish to disturb her privacy. It was a reminder to me about the importance of keeping in touch with our former pupils and the impact that they can have on current pupils, even when eating at the next table.
Last Friday night thirty of our alumnae did come back to school, virtually, to share their adventures and tales of derring-do (and don’t) with our students. In rooms hosted by current pupils they guided, advised and shared their stories and top tips. How lucky our students are to have so much guidance on all sides – to understand the challenges of the world through the eyes of pioneers, and for those returning alumnae to see how far they themselves have travelled along their journey’s road as they inspire the next generation to go beyond.
Last week was our first Wellness Week and I was struck by the joy of being in a school which celebrates all students in the multiplicity of activities on offer. Whether the adoption of a pot plant by Form rooms (be warned, as your daughter’s Form plant may well be coming home with her for half term or holiday care), or playing music in the Crush Hall at the start of the day, the numerous tips and techniques for our pupils in how to actively engage with managing their mental health were freely available. Thank you so much to all our volunteers who ran workshops ranging from dance (of which I managed the 5 minute warm-up in heels!) to painting on stones to meditation, yoga and friendship guidance. It can be tempting to regard these activities as subordinate to curriculum lessons but they are absolutely essential in providing our students with the tools to manage themselves through pressured times. It was heartening to hear so many pupils tell me after their sessions on the Teen Tips website of the different areas that they had found relevant to them. After all, the aim of Oxford High School is to provide our students not only with their content driven curriculum but also an co-curricular and personal health programme designed to fire their curiosity and intellectual resilience, which offers context and relevance to all they learn both academically and on their individual journeys of self-discovery.
You will read below of the successes that we have had on so many fronts whether sporting, creative, dramatic and academic. To the legions of pupils who have strived for so much this half term; well done and a thank you to you, parents and carers, and our staff, who have supported, encouraged and worked together to help our pupils through some tough times. This week I am interviewing for Sixth Form Scholarships and one candidate said that at her level of elite sport, it is no longer just about the individual but rather about the team that supports that individual and enabling and appreciating their help. I couldn’t have put it better myself. I wish you all a restful and joyful half term.
With warmest wishes,
Marina Gardiner Legge
Headmistress