WELCOME// HEADMASTER
HEADMASTER approach which comes into its own
during House competitions.
I am extremely proud of the diverse
range of activities which take place at
our School, and this magazine captures
the spirit and energy of our pupils as
well as the dedication of our staff. In my
last contribution as Headmaster I would
like to thank pupils and colleagues for
their contribution to Pock and will leave
in December with many cherished
memories. I was given an early introduction to
this when, a month into my new role as
Headmaster, I was disturbed in my office
by the persistent sound of drumming
one Friday evening, well after lessons
had finished for the day. I followed the
sound to the Gruggen Room, where I
discovered a Sixth Former standing on
a chair, directing the dance routine for
a House Music finale. There wasn’t a
teacher in sight but I was struck by the
enthusiasm and concentration of all
those taking part.
I realised Pocklington School was a
special community on my first morning
in January 2008 when the Head Girl
approached to ask if I needed any help
just to let her know. That warm welcome
and generous spirit is commented on
time and again by visitors.
Our strength is based on a strong
working relationship between pupils,
staff and families, without which we
wouldn’t be able to achieve many of the
activities and adventures detailed here.
The family atmosphere was exemplified
by the remarkable Quincentenary
Celebrations in 2014. I particularly
remember the Founder’s Day Service
in York Minster when 2,300 teachers
and pupils, OPs, former teachers,
parents and governors past and present
gathered to celebrate the School’s
journey from 1514. The sight of so
many people packed into the pews to
celebrate all our School represents was
particularly moving and will always
remain with me.
The mutual support and encouragement
we foster through events like those
featured in the following pages help
cement bonds of enduring friendship
and loyalty. When OPs get together,
regardless of whether they are old
friends or meeting for the first time the
conversation is always punctuated by
warmth and a strong sense of identity.
Very much in evidence in the following
pages is our emphasis on nurturing
students’ creativity and independent
thought in every aspect of academic
and co-curricular life. Pupils are given
every opportunity to take the lead, an
The standard of our Sixth Form-
led House Music and House Drama
Festivals is consistently impressive.
Another time when pupils have come
together in a successful joint venture is
the annual School Walk, to supplement
our Charity Week fundraising efforts.
The sight of all snaking across the Wolds
for 16 miles, chattering happily and
occasionally dropping back to spur on
stragglers, is another I will take with me.
On the sports field, too, I am impressed
by the team spirit and sportsmanship
which students display.
Pocklington teachers go the extra mile to
help our pupils achieve their potential.
The supplementary time they dedicate
to getting to know each individual,
helping them master the unknown and
grow in confidence helps us stand out as
a nurturing community. I have personal
experience of this: Chris Thornton-
Holmes, my singing teacher, patiently
nudging me along over many months.
This summer I was proud to achieve
what had previously been unthinkable:
performing solo for the first time in June
(probably the last time too!).
I also count myself fortunate to have
been involved in the School play,
Animal Farm. It was the first time I
had acted since I was at school and felt
very much out of my comfort zone. But
the warmth and encouragement of my
fellow cast-members, together with the
calm, steady guidance of the Head of
Drama (and The Pocklingtonian editor)
Alan Heaven helped me enjoy the
shared endeavour of all involved.
Our support staff’s hard work to
keep the School running smoothly is
exemplary. I particularly recall the time
when our water supply was cut off and
buckets of water were ferried back and
forth relentlessly to allow the School to
remain open. During snowy weather,
they have toiled to clear pathways and
roads to ensure safe access. The catering
staff have always been magnificent.
Our support staff’s hard work to
keep the School running smoothly is
exemplary. I particularly recall the time
when our water supply was cut off and
buckets of water were ferried back and
forth relentlessly to allow the School to
remain open. During snowy weather,
they have toiled to clear pathways and
roads to ensure safe access. The catering
staff have always been magnificent.
I am particularly proud to have played
a role in the development of our new
Arts and Design Technology Centre’s
progression from a wonderful idea to an
impressive reality. In committing to see
the project through, we reaffirmed the
pioneering commitment of the original
Art and Design Centre’s founders, in
1969, to foster a multi-disciplinary
approach to creativity and innovation.
I am confident the Centre will inspire
many generations of students to visualise
and build a better future for us all.
Enjoy reading this snapshot of
Pocklington School‘s many enriching
activities. It’s been a pleasure and
a privilege to have been part of this
vibrant and caring community.
THE POCKLINGTONIAN
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