Upper

UPPER HOUSE

“May you live in interesting times” is either an old English proverb or Chinese curse depending on what you believe. I am pretty sure that the last year qualified as being “interesting” and Upper House got through it all in typically resilient fashion and with true Upper Spirit.

In the Autumn term, there were so many new things to get used to. Not being able to gather in our House every morning was certainly a big frustration, but the boys all contributed to creating positive atmospheres in their respective bubbles. Respecting the social distancing and wearing of masks rules were taken sensibly and in good humour. In the Spring term, we were back in lockdown with assemblies, lessons and parents’ evenings on Teams. Then we returned to school in the Summer for important A Level, GCSE assessments and end of year examinations for the other year groups. Teachers had to find their way to many different classrooms, everyone had to adapt to the latest technology and with a new Headmaster finding his way, to boot! What a year!

Despite all of this, Upper boys still achieved many things. The year started in fine fashion with our first success for many years in a rousing House Music competition, there were numerous commendations and distinctions to announce every week, boys secured places at the country’s most prestigious universities, progression towards Duke of Edinburgh continued and many took part in Model United Nations activities. Sport restarted in a more limited way with success for Upper in Rugby and in Hockey. We also had significant participation and noteworthy talent in Cricket and Tennis. Upper continued to be the home of Cross Country with senior athletes leading the way in House competitions and boys also receiving international call ups in Orienteering. Besides this, we had great success in Drama and Music at the KATS Awards.

In House assemblies and tutor periods we shared Black History Month in October and Pride Month in June in addition to an eclectic mix of other topics such as “The Original Stonehenge”, “Thomas Ferens” and “Downhill Ski Racing.” This was supplemented by Mr Stuttard’s regularly thought-provoking quiz.

At the end of the year, it was liberating to enjoy a successful Sports Day together and to have social get togethers on the Upper for both Year 11 and the Upper Sixth after what had been a particularly challenging

Jim Head of House

time for them. We commended them on their fortitude and wished them all the best for their future wherever they may be heading and whatever they may be doing.

In our final House Assembly, I congratulated Jim Bailey for his exemplary work as Head of House and Max Mohr as his assistant. In addition to pulling House events and activities together, Jim presented some inspiring assemblies which were much appreciated and enjoyed by the rest of the House. Jim thanked the Upper tutors for all that they have done for the boys this year, to which I added my particular thanks to Mr Stuttard for his support as my Deputy.

Most importantly, Upper continued to be the inclusive, supportive and friendly House that it has always been and we look forward to being together again in possibly less “interesting” times next year.

Upper continued to be the inclusive, supportive and friendly House that it has always been...