Last week I interviewed a pupil for Year 9. To the question ‘ why do you want to come to Oxford High School?’ a usual answer is about getting more academic challenge, being in a supportive and warm environment, a place where students can study a subject which isn’t available at their current school or aspirations to be a doctor, medic, engineer, novelist or a whole cornucopia of life plans. This answer was different; ‘I want a place where I can be free – free to be myself.’ When considering all the activities that your daughters have engaged in this term whether it’s on the academic front and presenting their extraordinary explorations into their own projects, or speaking on a topic close to their hearts as part of the ‘Speak Up’ challenge or leading on the sports field as Sports’ Leaders, or joining in welly wanging, organising our diversity fair or sitting in the library reading a book Oxford High School really is a place where students can be free.
And that is due to being girls’ only. I find it ironic that in a school where we are prescribed as being girls’ only there is no sense of gender holding one back at all. I met an alumna this week who did computer science at a prestigious university and was one of only 15 students in a cohort of 300. This must change and our mission for the next few years is to ensure that Oxford High School is the school of choice for leaders and scientists of the future. And you, our parents, our networks and our alumna are key to that. Following the amazing success of our students, Amy, Christina, Kasey and Aaron in Houston Texas, the Head of a university college called me and put us in touch with their STEM admissions tutor who will be coming into speak next term to our students.
And, of course, it’s about ensuring that everyone is able to follow their passions. I have a wonderful anthology sitting on my desk inspired by Anne Frank’s copying out of ‘beautiful sentences’ where our students have chosen their own and written about why they are important to them or those who attend the regular reading café sessions or talking in languages both in and out of school. At our recent Year 13 farewell students who had travelled abroad told me of how they managed an emergency using their Spanish and paying tribute to their teachers. Our learning may not be always as practical but that joy of learning, the joy of knowledge is at the heart of all we stand for – indeed that is true freedom.
And for that we are so grateful to all of you. I am so thankful to our staff – all of them who work with those at 4 years old to those at 19. Their dedication, commitment, knowledge and sagacity ensures our students thrive. To you, our parents, thank you so much for your support and working in partnership with us to ensure your daughters grow in confidence and to our Governors whose enthusiasm for the school is terrific.
Finally, though, as ever, to our students. You are joyful, engaged and engaging young people and I am so proud of every one of you.
Ad lucem to you all,
Mrs Gardiner Legge