Head of School’s statement

Head of School

Seeing first-hand how the College has progressed since joining St Dunstan’s seven years ago has been an immensely rewarding experience. From the College’s own expansions, especially over the last two years, to how each student’s journey and pathway has shaped them, there has been remarkable growth and achievement in all aspects of the College, and I can’t help but wonder, perhaps with a tinge of jealousy, at its very exciting and promising future.

Sixth Form provided us with a refreshing change from middle school. We were suddenly given more freedom both in our studies but also with co-curricular activities, and time for independent work. The narrowing down of subject areas to just four of particular interest, with additional breadth and intellectual challenge, alongside the ability to set up societies, saw everyone really immerse themselves in, and contribute to, an ever-present atmosphere of excitement and inspiration. I distinctly remember being acutely aware of just how much I was enjoying each and every moment, whilst also looking forward to the next class, club or whichever event happened to lay ahead on that day. Covid soon threatened to curtail all that the Sixth Form experience had lived up to be, and devastating though it seemed at the time, we overcame many of the challenges it posed exceptionally well. An immediate response from the College meant a smooth transition into online learning, with no lapse in lessons or content and an immense amount of support thanks to the great efforts of all our teachers and staff, to whom we owe so much and could never thank enough. Great resilience was also shown this year with how well the prefect team adapted to their own new circumstances. Though lunch and corridor duties became obsolete, prefects were soon playing a key role ushering and welcoming parents in, as well as providing insights into life in the Sixth Form at the many online and on-site events put on for prospective parents and students, all in a Covid-safe manner. The prefect team also played a vital role in the smooth running of College Parliament, always giving student voice the attention it needs and working with each year group to keep the College informed and connected as a whole. Chairing this year’s G8 Summit and collating contributions from every year, gave me a unique insight into the development plans within the College. The level of enthusiasm for key areas of the College’s focus this year, such as diversity, has never been higher, with huge involvement in the audit and meetings involving both staff and students to assess what the College can do to improve. With all that it has to offer including academics, ample room to discover strengths and develop skills through the Forder Programme, and other opportunities such as the St Dunstan’s Diploma, we can all leave with a sense of accomplishment, well-equipped for the next step of our lives.