A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF BOYS’ DIVISION

As we near the end of the Spring Term, we reach the transition point from our Winter sports to our Summer programme. The cricketers have already been busy in the nets getting ready for the season ahead, hopeful for some silverware having narrowly missed out last Summer. For much of this academic year I have had the pleasure of following the U12 football squad, watching them develop as a team over the season, and I write this having just watched them secure a place in the Town Cup semi-final. Similarly, the U13 rugby squad have also enjoyed a great season, losing only once and securing the Rugby 7s Trophy, whilst the U15s won in their Bowl competition, too. I know that for many of you, school sport holds many memories, and the feature on ISFA football on page 20 will therefore be of great interest to you.

Looking back to the Autumn Term, I was pleased to host my first Tillotson Lecture having been representing the School at a conference in Sweden the previous year. Professor Robin Ali returned to deliver an outstanding lecture, the 50th in the series, on the ‘Biotechnology revolution and the future of healthcare’. It was especially fitting to welcome Professor Ali back for the 50th edition as he was Captain of School in Marcus Tillotson’s final year as Chairman of Boys’ Division.

At the end of the Autumn Term, we said farewell to Cath Fox, who has taught Religious Studies in the division since 1994, leading the subject as Head of Department since 1999. Her long service is recognised in this edition of The Bugle, and I know many of you will have very fond memories of being taught by her.

The inaugural Alumni of the Year Awards have also taken place this term, recognising the talents and hard work of Old Boys and Old Girls. The winners enjoyed a day in School, addressing and inspiring the current generation of boys and this is an enduring feature of our School; the Old Boys inspiring the next generation by sharing their stories and helping with advice on a wide variety of careers. I know you will enjoy reading these features and will hopefully be inspired yourselves to continue to help our community thrive.

Nic Ford Head of Boys’ Division