A YEAR IN PICTURES 2023-24
Whenever I go to Lord’s to watch the cricket – sadly, not as often as I’d like – I am struck by the ever-present hum of the crowd. There are, of course, pulses of greater energy when a wicket falls or a batsman hits a glorious cover drive, but it is the constant hum that lives in the memory. It symbolises a comfortable rhythm and a relaxed anticipation. While the sight of stumps clattering or the ball sailing across the boundary brings momentary joy, there is something special simply about a ‘day at the cricket’. The sense of routine: the toss, the rolling of the pitch, the conversation, a hearty lunch, and, dare I say it, a glass or two.
Radley life is, in many ways, quite similar. The moments of thrill are obvious, especially this year when national and international success came so readily. But while it was nice – wonderful, actually – to be crowned national debating and rugby champions, qualify for the robotics world finals, and even be named Tatler’s School of the Year, it was not the success itself that pleased me so much as the manner of it.
It was the fact that our victorious sportsmen were present in Chapel that evening, that our debaters – still high on the fumes of the Oxford Union’s hallowed chamber – turned up to help junior boys hone their arguments in a humble history classroom later that week, and that our robotics engineers came off the red-eye from Dallas and happily embraced a full timetable of lessons.
It is seen in everything we do. The sight of boys sitting around the Cocoa table in the evening, chatting freely and openly with dons. The bustle of boys scrambling for a seat in the Coffee Shop ahead of the weekly lunchtime concerts. The rowers jumping on their bikes at Clock Tower and sprinting down to the boathouse. There is an ever-present sense of relaxation and routine that could translate into something exciting and another headline. As you flick through the pages of A Year in Pictures – now in its third edition – I hope you sense that. There are photos of glorious achievements . . . but there is just as much beauty in day-to-day Radley life too.
John Moule Warden
Academic culture is defined not by the achievements of the few, but the determination and ambition of the many.
Engaging with complex ideas, challenging perceptions and working in collaboration with others are the hallmarks of Radley’s academic life. Our first ever national debating title, secured at the Oxford Union in April, evidences a long-standing commitment to excellence and diversity of thought.
Engaging with complex ideas, challenging perceptions and working in collaboration with others are the hallmarks of Radley’s academic life. Our first ever national debating title, secured at the Oxford Union in April, evidences a long-standing commitment to excellence and diversity of thought.
However, examination success is an individual discipline. The sight of boys working studiously in the newly refurbished Shop, as shown opposite, is mirrored across the campus. As our founders rightly declared, beautiful surroundings inspire great things.
However, examination success is an individual discipline. The sight of boys working studiously in the newly refurbished Shop, as shown opposite, is mirrored across the campus. As our founders rightly declared, beautiful surroundings inspire boys to great things.
It is no coincidence that a vast number of boys have secured places at elite universities in the UK and the USA. Next year, Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Princeton, Penn, Duke, Northeastern, Oxford, Cambridge, UCL and Imperial will boast Radleians in their ranks. How lucky they are.
It is no coincidence that a vast number of boys have secured places at elite universities in the UK and the USA. Next year, Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Princeton, Penn, Duke, Northeastern, Oxford, Cambridge, UCL and Imperial will boast Radleians in their ranks.
How lucky they are.
Leaders are not born in a classroom. They are moulded by victory and defeat, by loyalty and integrity, and through their understanding of the world around them.
Whilst our triumphant JC rugby players were crowned national champions this year, they learnt more about themselves in the moments of challenge and trepidation. The many productions not only provide an opportunity for experienced thespians to showcase their talent, but for quieter boys to step beyond their comfort zone.
Whilst our triumphant JC rugby players were crowned national champions this year, they learnt more about themselves in the moments of challenge and trepidation. The many productions not only provide an opportunity for experienced thespians to showcase their talent, but for quieter boys to step beyond their comfort zone.
Leading is a word that encapsulates the reputation of our co-curricular programme.
Leading is a word that encapsulates the reputation of our co-curricular programme.
Across everything we do, we lead the way. Our partnerships work is nationally recognised for its impact and there are very few schools, if any, who can match us for quality and breadth in sport, music, drama and adventure.
Across everything we do, we lead the way. Our partnerships work is nationally recognised for its impact and there are very few schools, if any, who can match us for quality and breadth in sport, music, drama and adventure.
But leaders are never complacent, and an unwavering commitment to development and growth is the most prominent strand of the Radley DNA.
But leaders are never complacent, and an unwavering commitment to development and growth is the most prominent strand of the Radley DNA.
Whilst academic results and co-curricular excellence often capture the spotlight, community, collective spirit and camaraderie are the true hallmarks of a world-class boarding education.
Social, our word for boarding house, perfectly encapsulates the Radley experience. The relationships forged in these grand yet homely buildings not only act as the centre of gravity for a boy’s five years at Radley, but also lay the foundation for a lifetime of friendship.
This chapter begins with Shells unpacking their trunks on the first day of Michaelmas Term and ends with our 6.2 boys leaving us. Both are monumental occasions, but they are not moments that define a boy’s character. Character is shaped in everyday moments, whilst discovering a new passion, supporting a friend through a tough time or sharing a joke with dons at the end of a busy day.
Boarding is not just something we do; it is the very fabric of our existence.
