EDITOR ’ S NOTE
From the
HEADMASTER ’ S DESK
Dear Old Pocklingtonians ,
I could spend this introduction looking back at the incredible year we have experienced at Pocklington . I could reflect on the periods of online learning , bouts of selfisolation , testing , tracing and bubble arrangements that have significantly changed the operation of our school . I think we have all had enough of this and , looking at my introduction to last year ’ s magazine , I am frankly keen to move on !
As a final word to the academic year 2021 / 22 , I will underline what an astonishing success our staff achieved , and what wonderful fortitude and determination our pupils showed . If this is to be the beginning of the end of the pandemic , this is the legacy we will hold on to as we move to a brighter future .
Rachel Dare ( OP Liaison Officer )
I am pleased to bring you the 2020-21 issue of the Old Pocklingtonian magazine with a look back over another busy OP year despite the continued lockdowns and disruption caused by the pandemic .
Things seem to be looking more positive . Whilst Zoom opened up the possibility of virtual events such as the PSF Careers & Business Network Q & As and Christmas Drinks with T-Lo ( Trevor Loten !) enabling us to engage with OPs from further afield and even overseas , it was wonderful to hold ‘ in-person ’ events again and to see OPs face-to-face over the summer . Events included OP cricket and tennis fixtures , the Malcolm Milne memorial scoreboard dedication ceremony , the Pixies cricket tour and more recently the rearranged Class of 2021 Leavers ’ Ball and the Class of 2020 Black Tie Reunion Dinner .
Looking ahead , a full programme of OP events has been scheduled for the coming year , so do take a look at the back cover of the magazine which lists them all and perhaps detach the page to pin to your noticeboard and save the date ! We would love to see you if you can make it to an event !
Another key development in recent months is the launch of the new website , OP Connect . As well as the usual OP news and events , by registering on the website OPs can update their details , get involved in the OP careers network and mentoring scheme , join a sports club or career sector network , and connect with their contemporaries . The more who register the better the resource , so please do get involved if you can by joining the online OP community at www . oldpocklingtonians . com .
Thank you as always to the committee for their support and commitment to the OP Association . If you would like to see who is on the committee , or consider getting involved yourself , please turn to page 35 . Finally , thank you to you all for keeping in touch , getting involved , supporting OPs and the school , and coming to our events – we are so lucky to have such a fantastic OP network .
And what of that future ? Well , we ’ ve redesigned our timetable to facilitate the best learning opportunities for pupils , facilitating lessons that encourage more independence , debate and reflection . Pupils will continue to have the chance to engage in clubs ranging from Archery to Yoga and , with a fixture list against the best of the best and pupils as pleased to participate as they are to win , we cater for all sporting needs . Post-Covid rugby looks set for some changes ; the hope being that even more pupils will get involved . Golf and dance come on stream , and the success of our female cricketers is likely to go from strength to strength .
Boarding is even more attractive , allowing pupils to benefit from the talents of our teachers , whilst accessing the environment on our doorstep . We welcome pupils on an even more flexible basis , in the knowledge that demands on families require an approach founded on convenience .
As part of our new timetable , we ’ re curating a curriculum that maximises potential and develops the skills needed to succeed . This means sports leader qualifications , our new ‘ Curiosity Project ’ for our youngest learners , dissertation-style tasks for 14-year-olds , a scholarship programme that stretches the best and a suite of opportunities at Sixth Form that is the envy of many .
The very best in pastoral care is offered through our world-class Wellbeing Service . This includes Clinical Psychologists and Mental Health First Aiders on call 24 / 7 , along with our much-loved House and tutor system .
Of course , all this is bolstered by the outstanding support we receive from our former pupils . The OPA has been involved in countless successes this past year . The generous gift of our newly dedicated Malcolm Milne scoreboard , the launch of our Shape the Future Campaign and the support from the OPA for our leavers ’ hastily rearranged ball are just some examples of how this partnership helps our pupils and the school .
Thank you for your support of our Foundation ; enjoy the reading !
Toby Seth , Headmaster
Enjoy the magazine ! Best wishes
Rachel Dare OP Liaison Officer
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