Lower School
It has been an absolute joy to be able to return to school this term and , with the scientific cavalry now visible on the horizon , I know how excited our Lower School students are about getting back to ‘ normal ’ at some point in the not too distant future . I know that the First Years in particular cannot wait to be able to explore the whole school and get the full Pocklington School experience .
I would also like to say a big thank you to all the pupils , parents and staff for being so adaptable , disciplined and enthusiastic in what have been unprecedented times . Pocklington School is very special and this has been reflected again and again in my recent meetings and conversations with our Lower School students , who have commented on the supportive environment that we have here that allows them to try new things out – both inside and outside the classroom – without fear .
Lower School students have also most definitely been busy this term . In assemblies we have explored the theme of new perspectives , getting our students to challenge their preconceptions about a range of things from race to luck , with Isabelle Dimmack being our most ‘ lucky ’ student ! I have also been impressed by how enthusiastic our students have been about new initiatives we have launched this term , especially the Lower School Reading Bingo Challenge which has added a competitive edge into the Lower School . I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the wide range of books they have been exploring , and can ’ t wait to read a few of the students ’ intriguing recommendations over the Christmas break . I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year , and look forward to seeing you all rested for what promises to be an exciting new term .
Middle School
Callum Braidwood-Smith , Head of Lower School ( acting )
My office sits in the historic " hub " of the Middle School . Usually , a place teaming with students and deafening teenage chatter ! It is currently a much quieter place , with the students now operating out of their year bubble bases . However , despite the Middle School ' s temporary separate island existence , it has been heart-warming to see us maintain that spirit of togetherness and positive optimism for the future . Technology has again helped : Zoom assemblies now a regular feature with staff getting to live out a Presidential-like address to the nation fantasy on a regular basis ( or perhaps that is just me ?). Yet , through all our changes this term , the fundamentals have remained the same : looking out for each other , working hard to build and maintain relationships and making sure that we strive to achieve our best , take advantage of opportunities , and ask for help when we need it . I know for all the students this has been a long and tiring term , but I can only thank them again for how well they have done . Students will have completed multiple assessments across their subjects in recent weeks and there is still work ahead for our Fifth Year as they prepare for their mock exams . A break is certainly what we all need . And , although Christmas will be a little different this year , I wish all of you a very happy and restful one . We all deserve it .
Gareth Hughes , Head of Middle School
Sixth Form
Michaelmas Term in the Sixth Form is always a busy , exciting and important time . Be it making the transition from pupil to student , learning a new skill , managing the greater degree of freedom and responsibility , making new friends , planning for Higher Education or a career , or adapting to the greater demands of more challenging academic courses ; there is always something going on !
Our Upper Sixth students have had a hugely successful term . They completed their mock exams back in October , received feedback , and have further developed their academic skills and understanding as a result of this process . Our newly appointed prefects and students in other leadership positions have carried out somewhat reduced but nonetheless important roles across the school . Most students have now either completed and submitted their UCAS applications or made positive progress with applications for apprenticeships , employment , Art Foundation courses or overseas universities . Indeed , many students are starting to receive offers ! Throughout the term , despite the challenges presented by our current context , sporting , musical and drama activities have continued to provide real breadth to our students ’ weekly programme .
Our Lower Sixth students have built upon their excellent start to the year and they have continued to receive lots of positive feedback from staff regarding their mindsets and approach to learning . They are enjoying the special atmosphere of being in the Sixth Form and they are rising to the challenges that study at A Level and BTEC Level 3 brings . Along with their core academic programme , they are undertaking enrichment qualifications such as Counselling , Cookery , Sports Leader and EPQ . On Thursday afternoons they are involved in a range of activities including Work Experience , CCF , EAL and Symposium .
Face masks , hand washing , social distancing , bubbles and zoom parents ’ evenings have all been features of this term . However , the overriding features experienced by our students have been learning , enjoyment , friendship , opportunity and personal development .
Tim Morris , Head of Sixth Form
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