It has been another amazing week - in my unbiased opinion! The rain on Monday did not deter attendees at our ‘Virtual Open Day’ (possible a great indoor option given the circumstances!) and luckily we were blessed with better weather for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition and activities over the last week. The sunshine emerged as the week progressed and once again, we have enjoyed seeing the campus busy with sports activities and pupils enjoying the outdoor spaces, particularly the Junior School enjoying their May Day picnic and dancing round the maypole!
I have enjoyed chairing the Boarding School’s Association conference this week and being inspired to look at the shape of a world class future for schools post-COVID. It is great to connect with colleagues and share best practice, as well as hear thought provoking speakers and join in current debates. Reflecting on themes that emerged from the two days is quite enlightening. One theme was that we need to encourage everyone to be fearless with their ideas and another was that we should look to the pupils for inspiration and problem solving; I fully endorse both these ideas.
This Term I have been delighted with the formation of a wider Head Girls Group to further empower pupil voice and am excited by the development of our Charity Committee into a Philanthropic Society (which Mrs Sapsford has been explaining to everyone in assembly) in order to gain more pupil understanding and ideas in this key area. Badmintonians are great at generating ideas and we are always looking at ways to harness them.
It has been great to see more of our pupils applying their ideas and winning awards for challenges (more of which later in this issue!) and we will continue to seek opportunities for them.
Finally, here are some lovely reflections for Teacher Appreciation Week:
Chenumi:
“During the Easter holidays, Miss Sapsford went out of her way to help me finish my HPQ and met up with me online so we could talk about it. Miss Ashby also went out of her way, teaching me Physics in her spare time when I was stuck. Badminton teachers are all very helpful and easy to talk to. Whenever I need help, I know that I can comfortably go and speak to them with no judgement.”
Kirsten:
“Badminton teachers are kind and helpful when I am struggling with the content we cover in class. They never judge and are always willing to stay behind during Break or Tea to explain the topics.”
Eve:
“Mrs Ashby has set an amazing revision guide for us containing all we need for the upcoming exams, as well as some top tips on how to revise best! This is immensely useful for all of us and we are so glad she has provided this for us.”
Coco:
“Miss Reeder consistently went out of her way to help me improve my exam technique and knowledge base in Psychology. Genuine care about each pupil paired with willingness to help is what makes Badminton teachers so special!”
Marina:
“Ms Blood has helped me a lot in Chinese and finding ways to help improve my vocabulary to be the best pupil I can be. What makes Badminton teachers stands out is their ability to keep the class engaged no matter how big or small it is.”
Bea:
“Thank you to Mr Williams who always goes out of his way to send me the equipment during lockdown for Science Outreach. Also thank you to the Dinner Ladies for not getting cross with us for always coming late to lunch after Global Perspectives!”
Nastasja:
“When we were working on our project, Ms Blood created a Monday session at Break to help us out. Badminton teachers stand out because they go out of their way to help their pupils.”
Zahra:
“When I was doing HPQ Mrs Richardson always answered my messages promptly on Teams even during the holidays and she helped me a lot. I like how Badminton teachers always support and help pupils when they need it.”
Mimi:
“Ms Trevan helped me by gathering topics for me to learn to help moving up a set in Maths more easily. Badminton teachers always go out of their way to organise clubs and activities using their own skills to help pupils be all rounded.”
Joy:
“When I was struggling to find my Biology folder, I told Ms Elsley and she sent out an email so that I was able to find it that same day. Something that I appreciate about the staff and teachers at badminton is the support they always give us and time they take to help individuals in class if they’re stuck.”
Ava:
“The Art Department have been particularly helpful since they have had options to help out at lunch times and have been helpful at advising me with my artwork.”
Sarah:
“Mrs Aylott helps me every single week with my homework and English.”
Kristina:
“If you need help, the teachers are always ready to support and help you, which is very pleasant.”
Jasmine:
“I love how teachers at Badminton always go out of their way to help out with my work whenever I need it.”
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