On the 13th of May, we welcomed back to Oxford High School over 70 leavers from the past 5, 10, 20 and 40 years. I’m always slightly nervous before talking to alumnae as I know that they are so proud of being members of the school community and, as a Head who hasn’t met them before, it’s really important to them that I understand the essence of their school. When speaking to each of them I was struck by the way that they are so different, and yet, so similar. President Kennedy in his 1961 address to the Canadian parliament said that ‘what unites us is far greater than what divides us.’
He was talking about geography, economics and politics but I think the argument extends across to ethos too. In those students who returned to Oxford High School I saw so much of what I see every day in our school. They were so complimentary about the school and the teaching that they experienced and the support that individuals gave them on their academic journeys. They talked of being inspired, of being taken beyond examination learning and how they really learnt what hard work was. Many shared with me how when they started work they found themselves really well equipped for the workplace they were in ranging from places as diverse as hospitals, music studios, art schools, chambers and offices. How their can-do attitude and the ability to graft mean that they were welcomed by their workplaces and that they fit in quickly and rose with confidence. Of course, as ever, some of their routes were more ‘squiggly’ than others but they acknowledged the curiosity and the confidence that had driven those explorations.
But there was one moment in my words to them that every single alumna clapped at; that was the declaration that we are still, at Oxford High, dedicated to curiosity and questioning of the status quo – that despite the stereotypical view of women being compliant that Oxford High School students love asking why and engaging in different points of view.
There was one other treasured time that day. The class of 2018 had brought a copy of their leaver’s video and all of them laughed and shared the joy of being together again. That joy of friendship and fun is so important – the establishing of life long friendships and as one said to me, ‘I gravitate to my OHS friends because we’ve shared something special. They share the same values as me and are always there.’
And that is the other side of the coin. As exams have started we see the same determination, commitment and dedication to hard work in this generation of students – a golden thread which weaves through the school. But no school is just about hard work, assessments or examinations – that would only be a half an education. It must be fun as well and full of memorable experiences to treasure. Our weeks have been full of those too. The inaugural House ‘Just Dance’ competition exemplified the best of OHS spirit: community, fun and huge whoops of support for every single dancer – and supporter.
On Monday I was lucky enough to enjoy the Year 12 Agatha Christie play ‘Fiddlers Three’ which was performed with joy and chutzpah, the U15 football finals which went to penalties (doesn’t it always?) and the Lower School Concert where the variety, commitment and dedication shone through. Also, a shout out to our Young Enterprise group Alyra who won the Young Enterprise Oxfordshire finals (for the 19th year) and last night were at the Regional Finals. There are so many more examples in this newsletter; I hope you enjoy their stories.
Confidence, a sense of fun, an understanding of how to work hard when it matters and kindness to one another. What else matters?
Mrs Gardiner Legge