Pocklington School Newsletter Michaelmas Term 2018 | Page 2

Headmaster’s Welcome
Welcome to the Autumn newsletter which
reflects an extremely busy and rewarding term
for the School. There is much to be celebrated in
the following pages, both at an individual level
and in terms of joint achievements.
The highlight of this term for me was our
recognition as the first UK boarding school to
achieve the Carnegie Institute Boarding School
Mental Health Award for outstanding mental
health and wellbeing provision. Excellent
pastoral care and close communication with
parents are the bedrock of a successful school
and I am particularly proud that the Award
assessors found we excel in these areas. Thanks
to all staff, particularly Clare Swann, Head of
Pupil Welfare, and Adam Hall who has engaged
with LGBT charity Stonewall to spread their
message of mutual support and inclusivity. They
are among many teachers at Pocklington School
who regularly go above and beyond to ensure
pupils feel happy, safe and secure within our
community.
Congratulations to Physics teacher David
Hutchings, who has been accepted as a fellow of
the Institute of Physics. This accolade recognises
his position as a leading physics professional, as
well as his ability to progress the future of the
discipline.
We are also celebrating the Sports Department
being shortlisted in the Independent Schools of
the Year 2018 awards; in recognition of the
individual focus and support we offer pupils,
regardless of ability. The staff’s breadth of
expertise and extra effort is typified by the
introduction of a professional-level Strength and
Conditioning Programme, GPS tracking units
and our participation in an England
RFU-supported Bath University study into
injuries and recovery time in schools rugby.
The term began and ended with two impressive
productions which reflect the talent and flair of
our drama and musical theatre pupils: the York
Mystery Plays on the city’s streets - and the
successful production of Daisy Pulls It Off. Both
also attest to the skill of our Drama Department,
whose support and guidance gives pupils the
freedom and confidence to excel.
we prize at Pocklington School even more vital
to us all.
I feel privileged and proud to have been part of
the Pock community over the past 10 years, and
look forward to seeing it go on to even better
things under Toby Seth’s leadership. I am
confident of the warm welcome you will extend
to him and his family; and I wish him every
success.
Chatta, the learning app we support and use at
the School, was named this term as one of the
world's 100 most inspirational, high-impact
education innovations. Nothing can replace
teachers but used appropriately, technology
such as this can help children make huge strides
in their learning.
This term also saw our new Careers and Business
Development Network go from strength to
strength, connecting the whole school
community through events which encourage
them to seek advice, share experiences and
potential business opportunities; concluding
with an inspirational presentation from Nick
Pollard, OP.
Our services to mark the 100th Armistice
Remembrance Day were particularly moving and
I was impressed by the pupils’ respectful and
thoughtful approach. The School values of truth,
courage and trust resonate throughout accounts
of wartime bravery and heroism. They are just as
important today, when society’s great divisions
make the open, informed and civilised debate
Pocklington Awards 2017-18
Toby Seth –
New Headmaster
BRONZE AWARD WINNER
FOR LOWER SCHOOL
PHOEBE ANDERSON
SILVER AWARD WINNER
FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL
I am very much looking forward to joining the
Pocklington community in January. Having now
visited the School on a number of occasions, I
am even more convinced of the exciting
possibilities and future at Pocklington. On a
personal note, my family and I are looking
forward to our very first Pocklington Christmas
and I should like to take this opportunity to
thank the Headmaster for his support since my
appointment. I wish him the very best for his
next challenge.
Three students were presented with special
trophies at the School’s prize giving ceremony,
in recognition of their outstanding commitment
and individual participation in activities outside
the classroom. FREYA STEWART
The trophies form part of the ‘Pocklington
Award’ programme, which is open to all
students at the school. Its aim is to celebrate
and reflect students’ life outside the classroom,
and offer them an opportunity to learn how to
present their achievements to others. GOLD AWARD WINNER
FOR SIXTH FORM
1
CAMERON BROWN