Happy Holidays from the Boarding Team!
We made it! And what a fantastic year we have had. We are so proud of our boarders who have achieved so much on both an individual and group level throughout the 2023-24 academic year.
Looking back, it’s hard to comprehend how much has been packed into a busy but incredibly enjoyable Summer Term, and the two terms before that. Our trips have absorbed the best of our beautiful Cornwall location with ziplining, surfing, team building, charity events, ice skating, paintball, karting, coasteering, beach trips and more. Our students have taken part in concerts, drama performances, Duke of Edinburgh and Ten Tors expeditions, sports fixtures, and so many more activities that I would struggle to list them here.
One of the best parts of boarding, I believe, is the social collaboration and range of opportunities on offer and our boarders have certainly made the most of all that Truro School and our local area can provide.
Looking forward to what will, for many, be an exciting summer of travel, catching up with friends, family and more will be results day for A Levels and GCSEs. Whilst these are indeed important and a focus for academic goals, it is important to remember that real success is achieved and maintained by those who try and keep trying. Therefore, whatever the outcomes of those examinations, it is important to recognise that they are not the end of a journey, they are simply a small part of it. Life will be full of ups and downs, all you can do is try your best and keep at it.
All that remains is for me, on behalf of our wider boarding team, to wish our boarders a wonderful summer break filled with enjoyment and memory-making moments. To those departing Truro School this summer, we wish you the very best for the future and would love you to pop back to visit us and let us know how things are going. For our returning boarders, stay safe, stay well and we look forward to seeing you in September!
Happy holidays!
David McKeown Head of Boarding
A look back at the Term
Our Community Gathers for the Start of Term
The Senior School community came together today to kick off a busy Summer Term, with staff welcoming back all pupils, students, new starters and boarders.
During the whole school assembly, Mr. Johnson reminded pupils about our Year of Courage, acknowledging the acts of courage and determination displayed by pupils throughout the previous term and the Easter break. He encouraged everyone to support and uplift each other as they navigate the upcoming busy Summer Term.
Rev Helen also shared insights on the Finnish concept of Sisu, emphasising resilience and perseverance.
Fun and Finds at the FTS Beach Clean
On a gloriously sunny afternoon, our boarding community joined over 20 families and staff members from Truro School and Truro School Prep for the annual FTS picnic and beach clean at Watergate Bay.
Led by Rob from Beach Guardian, our beach cleaning crew were provided with gloves, litter pickers and collection bags before they scoured the shoreline to recover buckets of waste including microplastics, glass and plastic bottles, a ‘croc’ shoe and some pipe insulation.
Some of the more unusual finds included an old badge that might have been a ‘collectable’ from a cereal packet, an entire cuttlefish and a firework rocket (discovered in two parts).
To celebrate the buckets of waste that are no longer clogging our shorelines or entering our waters, everyone was treated to a delicious ice cream as a thank you for their hard work.
News from the Boarders
Gwennap Pit – Exploring Methodist
Gwennap Pit, a hidden gem with a rich historical background, was once praised by John Wesley as “the most magnificent spectacle this side of heaven.” Over a weekend, 23 of our boarders, accompanied by Reverend Helen, explored this remarkable piece of Methodist history.
Originally formed by a collapsed mine shaft, this conical pit was transformed in the 1700s into an open-air amphitheatre for sermons attended by the local mining community. With its quaint little church and amphitheatre seating 1500, it continues to host Methodist services, preserving its iconic status in Methodist history.
It was a beautifully serene place for our boarders to spend a sunny afternoon.
Boarders Have a Wonderful Weekend
The May Bank Holiday Monday was far from ordinary for the boarders as they embarked on a thrilling adventure at Flambards Theme Park. From adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to refreshing log flume rides, the day was filled with excitement and laughter.
The boarders also had a fantastic time at Perranporth Beach, honing their surfing skills under the sun. And on Saturday evening, they indulged in some creative fun by tie-dying T-shirts in Malvern, adding a splash of colour to their weekend activities.The fun didn’t stop there as the group continued their escapades, celebrating Anina’s birthday with balloons, gifts, and plenty of cheer.
With such a diverse range of activities, Truro School Boarding proves that weekends are for making memories and enjoying every moment to the fullest.
News from the Boarders
Sunny Delights in Adventure Gully
Boarders enjoyed a weekend of adventure at the Newquay Activity Centre, participating in coasteering and giant SUP boarding along the Cornish coast. Adventure Gully is a natural hidden gem on the North Cornish coast, which provided a thrilling weekend experience for our boarders, who climbed through the rock at Smeagol’s Perch and jumped into crystal-clear plunge pools. The team even met the local friendly seal, who popped up to say hello.
Guided by expert instructors, the boarding team honed their coasteering skills, navigating sluices, natural rapids, and the gully wash through. The sunny day was ideal for exploring this natural aquatic playground, filled with rock ledges and pools and practising their teamwork skills while paddling a giant SUP through the coastal caves of this beautiful natural coastline.
Congratulations to all for their exceptional teamwork and positive attitude.
The Cornish Beach Challenge
The Cornish Beach Challenge put our boarders’ strength, stamina, and mettle to the test. Team Shrek and Team Skillage, comprising of mixed members from all boarding houses, took part in Californian-style beach games that challenged both physical and mental abilities. The competition included a paddle relay race, tug-of-war, surfboard tunnel challenge, lifeguard’s flag sprint, beach volleyball, aqua targets, and the dizzy stick challenge. Team Shrek emerged victorious after a closely contested battle, demonstrating determination and excellent teamwork.
Congratulations to all participants for their fantastic efforts, what a fun afternoon at the beach!
News from the Boarders
Boarders Shine at Rainbow Run
Truro School boarders had a fantastic afternoon participating in the vibrant Rainbow Run, a 5km charity event designed to raise funds for Children’s Hospice South West. The boarders were showered with powder paint as they ran, adding to the festive and colourful atmosphere of the day.
Children’s Hospice South West is a local charity dedicated to providing care for children and young people with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions. They offer essential support not only to the individuals but also to their families, helping them navigate through challenging and emotional times.
The event was a massive success, with enthusiastic participation from the Truro School boarding community. The boarders’ efforts and the support from the broader community contributed significantly to the fundraising goals for this worthy cause.
A Joyful Summer Fayre
A huge thank you to the Friends of Truro School (FTS), our amazing boarders and our Truro School Prep families, staff and visitors who made this year’s Truro School Prep Summer Fayre such a joyful occasion.
The grounds were packed with families, enjoying the stalls and games. There was certainly plenty to choose from, with a silent disco, Country Fayre Competition, teddy tombola, face painting and cake stall outside the Grassby Classrooms and everything from welly wanging, archery and a coconut shy to a huge bouncy castle on the field.
The egg and spoon races were great fun but the highlight of the day had to be the Soak a Teacher game which left Mr Morse, Mr Frewer and Mr Keveren decidedly soggy.
It was a truly happy afternoon and it was wonderful to see our community coming together and having so much fun.
News from the Boarders
New Senior Prefect Team Announced
We are thrilled to announce the appointment of our new senior prefect team, a group of outstanding individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and a strong commitment to our school community. The selection process was comprehensive, involving several stages to ensure the best candidates were chosen.
Students submitted written letters of application, showcasing their vision and dedication to the role. Each application was meticulously reviewed, with staff members providing detailed feedback and casting their votes. The Lower Sixth played a crucial role in the selection process by evaluating and voting on the list of applicants. Additionally, the outgoing Upper Sixth senior prefects cast their votes, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of leadership. Before the final decision, the applications were carefully considered by the Head, Mr Williamson and Mrs Jupp.
Congratulations to our new senior prefects, pictured here with Truro School Head, Mr Andy Johnson. We look forward to seeing their positive impact on the school community and are excited about the initiatives and contributions they will bring to our school.
Thanks also go to our outgoing team who have led with integrity, empathy, and enthusiasm. They have served as exceptional role models, guiding and inspiring their peers while upholding the school’s values and standards.
Congratulations to:
Madeleine B
Jason C
Ben D
Megan D (Deputy Head Girl)
Nia E
Percy F
Ollie G
Alice H
Matthew J
Thea L
Oscar L
Finlay L (Head Boy)
Pax M (Deputy Head Boy)
Evie M
Gwen M
Cyrus N
Benjamin N
Elowyn P (Head Girl)
Head of Malvern: Angie S
Deputy Heads of Malvern: Maddie B & Percy F
Head of Trennick: Cyrus N
Deputy Heads of Trennick: Samson H & Tom B
News from the Boarders
End of Year Art Show
The much-anticipated End of Year Summer Show opened its doors, featuring the impressive works of our A-Level and GCSE pupils in the annual summer art exhibition. A cherished highlight in the school calendar, this event showcases the culmination of dedication and creativity from our talented art students. From intricate paintings to innovative sculptures, the exhibition reflects the diverse artistic skills nurtured within the school.
Mr. Meads, the Head of Art, expressed his pride in the students’ achievements, stating, “The Heseltine Gallery provides a stunning gallery setting for our GCSE pupils and A-Level students to display their work. The quality and creativity on display are truly outstanding and a testament to the hard work and passion of our young artists.”
626 Transition Day
Newly appointed Head Girl Elowyn has been very busy organising a transition day for the Year 6 pupils at Truro School Prep to help ease their transition to the Senior School in September. Entirely student-led, the aptly named ‘626 Day’ provides our Year 6s with a dynamic carousel of activities including a Maths scavenger hunt, Physics and Biology practical sessions and creating fossil casts for Geology.
Held at Truro School Prep, each exciting session was run by a group of newly appointed Sixth Form Prefects. It was a fantastic opportunity for the younger pupils to get acquainted with new subjects while for ming all-important bonds with their new prefect team.
There was also time for the Year 6 pupils to quiz the Prefects about life at the Senior School, with questions ranging from whether there would be salt on the chips (there will) and what kind of activities the boarders got up to at weekends.
Upper Sixth Leavers
Fond Farewells and Treasured Memories
At the end of term, we bid farewell to our phenomenal cohort of Upper Sixth as they leave us to embark on bright futures.
Their final day at Truro School was a mixture of fun and reflection. Dressed in their old school uniform, the morning was packed with a delicious breakfast and games on the field including the highly-anticipated sumo suit wrestling and bungee run. This was followed by a year group assembly, with light-hearted awards presented and memories shared.
A joyfully moving Chapel service, led by Rev. Helen, included heartfelt reflections by Macarena, Lexie and Tom S who spoke beautifully about their respective journeys through the School and the bonds created between friends through success, sometimes adversity and the fun of shared learning and creativity. The Upper Sixth then moved to a delightful Afternoon Tea on the lawn with loved ones.
Sixth Form Ball Marks Significant Milestone
The Harbour Hotel in St Ives hosted our Leavers’ Ball, welcoming our departing Upper Sixth and their families in style. The masked partygoers revelled in the Cornish charm of the event but the highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the sense of celebration and camaraderie, as students and their loved ones marked this significant milestone together.
With exams complete, our Upper Sixth are looking forward to their next steps; for many, this will be university, for others travel, apprenticeships and work placements beckon.
This cohort has been remarkable in their dedication to their academic studies and ability to look beyond themselves and reach out to our wider community, both here at Truro School and beyond. We do not doubt that they will all be hugely successful and we wish them a restful summer ahead of their exam results in August.
Best of luck to Macarena, Taerim, Leora, Kundai, Alice, Viktoriia, Asia, Diana, Stanley, Josh, Sam, Jamie, Gabriel and Seb. We will miss you!
Stay in Touch
We invite all leavers and their parents to join the Old Truronian Community.
This supportive community provides a network for life and allows Old Truronians to stay connected to Truro School, regardless of where life takes you next.
Simply scan the QR code below and enter your contacted details to join the Old Truronian Community.
Very best of luck for your next steps.
Best wishes, Sam,
Amanda and Jo - Alumni Relations Team