EDITOR’S NOTE
From the
HEADMASTER’S DESK
Dear Old Pocklingtonians,
Rachel Dare (OP Liaison Officer)
It feels like it has been a bumper year for OP events and I have
thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many OPs over the last 12 months. As
well as the regular schedule of social and sporting events, there were
reunions for the ’09, ’99, ’79 and ’69 leavers in York and Pocklington as
well as the ’49 joiners who came to the Summer Reunion to mark 70
years since leaving Pocklington School – quite remarkable!
I was disappointed to miss the Dinosaur Club Luncheon in September
last year due to a broken ankle after an “extreme” shopping trip to
Sainsbury’s, but time flies (and ankles heal!) and I am very much
looking forward to the next one in September 2020 – for OPs of
a certain age (you have to have left school 50 years ago or more to
qualify!), this is a highly anticipated event and has a growing following.
On the sporting front, an OP v School netball fixture was introduced to
the programme for the first time in OP history. The game was played
alongside the OP hockey matches and really enhanced the event.The
plan is to establish netball as a regular annual fixture going forwards.
The Pocklington School Careers and Business Network, supported by
the OP network, has gone from strength to strength and was a finalist
in the Independent Schools of the Year Award for its inspirational
Student Careers Programme. OP speakers have featured at all three
of this year’s networking events in Leeds, London and at school and
OPs have continued to support the school’s ongoing careers talks
to students.
These are just a few highlights in another busy OP year. I hope
you enjoy reading through the magazine for further news, features,
reports and updates on OPs and the school.
Please keep in touch and let us know your news – and if you have
chance, please come and meet us in person at one of the many OP
events or why not organise your own reunion? We’d be happy to help!
Best wishes to you all
Since taking on the role of Headmaster at Pocklington School I have been overwhelmed
by the level of engagement Old Pocklingtonians show in their alma mater. Having now
managed the odd weekend jaunt into the local area, I can quite confidently say that
OPs pop up in the most unexpected of places! What they all have in common is a
pride in their school, an interest in what is going on and a desire to support in whatever
way possible. I have worked in four superb schools but have never before come across
such strength of feeling amongst a former pupils’ association. I am proud of this aspect
of Pocklington but in some ways I am not that surprised. The overwhelming feedback
I receive from prospective, current and former students, parents and staff is that the
“feel” of Pocklington is something very special. It is therefore not surprising that this
emotion continues post-Pocklington and draws out real strength of feeling amongst
our former pupils, colleagues and parents.
The arrival of a new Headmaster brings
a range of challenges and opportunities.
I have tried at all times to take a fresh look
at how things are done at Pocklington,
always seeking to balance the many
excellent existing aspects of school life
with things I feel we could do that little
bit better. The school is in excellent
shape with many outstanding features.
Without doubt one of these is the
Old Pocklingtonian Association. Having
attended OP drinks and celebrations,
witnessed the competitive spirit at the OP rugby and hockey events and marvelled
at the generosity of spirit that helped deliver the superb Art and Design Centre,
I can confidently say that the organisation is thriving. The tennis court is something of
a second home to me and so I was sorry to miss the Summer Reunion that coincided
with OP tennis and cricket matches. I shall make a point of including it in my diary
next year.
The future at Pocklington School is bright. We are excited about the development
of our new Strategic Education Plan and the new energy and focus that will bring.
Our recent parents’ survey demonstrated just how positively our parents view the
school though we were equally delighted to receive some clear guidance on areas
they felt could be improved. In September, we embarked on a period of consultation
with a view to launching our new aims, ethos and values in January 2020. As part of
this process, we will garner the views of the OP committee members at their next
meeting in November to ensure we have input from an OP perspective. We are also
looking forward to launching our legacy and bursary campaigns. These two initiatives
will play a key role in widening access to Pocklington School, aiming to give all children
the chance to experience a flying start in life, in the form of a Pocklington School
education. We would be delighted to hear from you should feel able to support either
of these causes.
May I take this opportunity to wish you, your family and friends a happy and healthy
year ahead. I hope to see you again soon at Pocklington and thank you for your support.
Toby Seth,
Headmaster
Rachel Dare
OP Liaison Officer
Contact Us:
OP Office
Pocklington School, West Green,
Pocklington, YO42 2NJ
Tel: 01759 321307
E-mail: [email protected]
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