Old Wheatleyans
Dear Old Wheatleyan, Our U6 leavers always try to surprise us with a novel take on leavers’ day, even if - without exception – they always end up getting very wet! This year they adopted the theme of ‘I’m a student, get me out of here’, coming to school dressed in jungle wear, and we were then treated to a fun leavers’ concert. What a very fine bunch of young people they have become, and we wished them every success as they embarked on their A level exams. I have no doubts that they will make our world a happier, freer and friendlier place. The following day, the rest of school set out for our annual Expeditions Day, with spirits undampened by the rain! Pupils visited Warwick Castle (History), RAF Cosford (Science), Compton Verney (Art and English), Bletchley Park (Maths and History), the Peak District (Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Expedition) and Coombe Abbey (team-building and community service). A coach also departed for Strasbourg for a few days’ French and German immersion. All of these activities and experiences, as well as our extensive co-curricular programme, help to mould our children into the young adults who eventually leave us, well equipped for the next stage of their journey. I hope Old Wheats can identify with this: there is far more to Bablake than the pursuit of academic excellence, for our intention is to provide an education for life. Recent research by the University of Edinburgh amongst 1,000 former pupils of Gordonstoun found that non-academic experiences had an “overwhelmingly positive influence on students’ personal growth and development”. According to the Times, respondents said that such experiences had helped them to grow personally, supported their careers and enhanced their academic studies. As our pupils finish their exams (both external and internal), I am sure they would agree with the article’s headline: ‘Pupils thrive when exams take a hike’! Best wishes,
John Watson Headmaster 1