Pocklington School Newsletter Michaelmas Term 2019 | Page 2

Headmaster’s Welcome
I can scarcely believe I have been Headmaster of
Pocklington School for nearly a year now and
understanding quite how the time has passed so
quickly is a challenge to say the least. A few
weeks ago, I came across a possible
explanation.
Henry Van Dyke is probably an unfamiliar name
to you. Born in 1852, Van Dyke had a fascinating
and varied career that included the posts of
Professor of English at Princeton University,
Minister to the Netherlands and Luxembourg
under US President Woodrow Wilson and
officiator at Mark Twain’s funeral. He also wrote
the poem “Time Is”, which includes the line:
“Time is…..too short for those who rejoice”.
Given that I spend a great deal of my time at
Pocklington School rejoicing in our pupils’ many
achievements, this may go some way to
explaining the speed with which this year has
flown by. On a daily basis we delight in
celebrating our pupils’ many achievements and
this newsletter offers a brief snapshot of these. I
trust you will enjoy this insight.
This term has seen staff, governors, OPs and
pupils turn their attention to the future. We are
looking forward to launching our new Strategic
Education Plan in January 2020 and, following
our Parents’ Survey of March 2019, have now
completed the process of consultation with all
our stakeholders. This plan will take the school
well into the next decade and lay the
foundations for many Pocklingtonians to come. I
am confident it will crystallise the ethos, values,
aims and objectives of the school and so offer us
a secure and innovative platform for
development.
I hope the Christmas break brings you festive
cheer and much rejoicing. Enjoy the holidays.
Toby Seth, Headmaster
Pocklington Award Winners
Meet the
new chaplain
It is a joy to be the new chaplain of Pocklington
School. I was previously the lead chaplain at
Bournemouth University and the Arts University
for 11 years, where I lectured in counselling and
bereavement related issues. I headed north and
worked for a year as a chaplain at HMP Full
Sutton prison working with ‘lifers.’ Coming to
Pocklington School is quite a contrast. During
my interview, what spoke to me most, was how
positive the pupils were about the atmosphere
and ethos of the school. I look forward to
building on the work of the previous chaplains,
in enhancing the pupils’ health and well-being
by developing their spiritual awareness. The
privileged role of a chaplain is to care for all in
the organisation, from pupils, teachers and back
room staff. I would also like to offer support to
parents when appropriate. Do get in touch if you
would like to know more about the work of
chaplaincy.
Canon Dr Bill Merrington, Chaplain
School hosts
student MMIs
Bronze
Award for
Lower School
LUCY
GREWER
Gold
Award for
Sixth Form
FLORENCE
COLBECK
Three students were presented with special
trophies at the School’s prize giving ceremony at
the end of Summer Term, in recognition of their
outstanding commitment and individual
participation in activities outside the classroom.
Silver
Award for
Middle School
KOBBY
FOFIE
The Pocklington Award programme celebrates
and reflects students’ co-curricular activities and
their contribution to school life. The Awards
recognise students’ development of the
qualities and attributes which are in demand
from employers all over the world.
1
The school recently hosted multiple mini
interviews (MMIs) for Upper Sixth Formers
hoping to study Medicine, Dentistry and
Physiotherapy at university. Students from our
school and York College practised their
interview skills during several sessions with
volunteers from medical and professional
backgrounds, to help with their university
application process.