REVIEW OF THE YEAR Below we print extracts Commemoration Speech:
from
the
Headmaster's
Philosophy A significant and enjoyable part of my job as Headmaster is to meet prospective pupils and their parents and to show them round the School. Two rather tricky questions are often put to me. I am sometimes asked, "What are your views on discipline?'. I resist the temptation to say out of perversity that I am against it, and I go on to talk about a structured and happy environment in which crime and punishment fortunately do not loom large. A harder nut to crack is the second query, 'What is your School philosophy?'. Here I share the view of John Rae, mentioned for the second time this morning and the writer of the recently published Delusions of Grandeur, an autobiographical account of his Headmastering years. Like him I am not particularly strong on theories and am essentially more a pragmatist, hoping that my day-to-day decisions across a whole spectrum of responsibilities go towards producing a School that is both successful and purposive. I tell my parent-questioners that my philosophy adds up to this: high academic endeavour and achievement with teaching of quality; a full and rich life outside the classroom with many opportunities for our pupils to realise their best potential in sport, music and much else; a happy School atmosphere which can only be achieved within a framework of discipline; and something more — that moral purpose conveyed by our Christian traditions and worship and by a staff concerned and caring for every individual boy and girl. How then has the last year measured up to these demanding ideals and standards? Academic Results First the academic sphere. Last summer our public examination results at both A-Level and G.C.S.E. were better than ever. The A-Level pass rate of over 9 5 % , with 51 % of grades at A and B, and a G.C.S.E. pass rate of 92% were outstanding, and it was no surprise that we emerged 160th in the Financial Times league table of 1,000 top state and independent Schools, far above all our significant regional competitors. In addition eight pupils have gained Oxbridge places, with Christopher Braganza being given a choral award to Clare College, Cambridge. Another indicator of our academic standing has been the continuing development of the Alcuin Library, its greater pupil use, its enhanced stock, its computerised systems, and the considerable input of our full-time librarian, Avril Pedley.
performed. However, I believe that all that is attempted here should be done wholeheartedly, and it is good indeed to record splendid success in a number of areas. Our rugby football results continue to improve, and I congratulate Paddy Stephen and his players for a season with as many matches won as lost at first team level. A particular achievement was our victory against Bradford Grammar School in last autumn's Under-17 Competition. I subsequently received the following letter from L. W. Bentley, past president of Yorkshire Rugby Football Union:
I should like to congratulate your under-17 rugby XV squad and the staff responsible, not merely for winning the trophy at the first attempt, but for their overall behaviour on and off the pitch, their very high standard of play, courage and determination and their exemplary sportsmanship Supporters of rugby football were as enthusiastic and proud in recognition of your team as you must be at St. Peter's.
That says much for the standards of Peterite sports in general and the spirit in which they are played. Our cricketers are also achieving success with a strong eleven commended more than once in the columns of The Daily Telegraph and with two centuries scored by Richard Musgrave and two by the team captain, Michael Davies. Indeed Michael's 167 against Bradford Grammar School was the highest score in the School's cricketing history. South Africa last December was a memorable experience and excellently conceived and put together by David Kirby. It was an equally rich experience for my wife and myself to meet up with the team for some of their matches, two of which were played against elevens from the townships. The beauties of Hilton College in the heart of the Natal Midlands; the shanty towns stretching to the horizon outside East London and the other big cities; a day's cricket played in the shadow of Table Mountain; the rubbish dumps next to wealthy suburbs being scavenged by destitutes and cripples; the sophistication of Cape Town and its waterfront: a welter of experiences and memories which will give all of us who were out there a compelling interest in the fortunes of that beautiful country as the events of the coming months unfold. Our rowing also remains strong; entries and successes at various regattas have been legion; and we congratulate the VIII on once again having been selected and having competed at Henley.
The Arts Sport As to our extra-curricular life you would not thank me for a dry recital of matches won and concerts
The musicians have also had a busy year, and standards of choir, band and orchestras have never been higher. The recent Associated Board exams, with fourteen
