A TRADITION OF SERVICE
THE FUTURE FOR SOME SCHOOLS IS FAIRLY BLEAK , BUT FOR THIS SCHOOL IT IS ASSURED positive influence on the lives , characters and careers of each Younger generation . Dr Hands alludes to the importance of continuity as characterised for him in the ‘ dry stone walls ’ of the buildings . Old Cloister provides such a setting for my father ’ s plaque , a source of great pride for the family .
The Wykeham Journal also features interviews with two talented and highachieving young OWs , Thomas Sharrock ( Coll , 2017-22 ), a local Winchester boy who had a full bursary , and Yasu Suzuki ( I , 2021-22 ), an exchange student who represents the seventh generation of his family to attend Keio High School in Japan , and who has made an extensive study of our motto . I discover the exceptional impacts of both these young OWs on Winchester .
Dr Hands is retiring in July 2023 . He reflects on his seven years in charge , considers an extraordinary period in the school ’ s history , and explores our two themes . He is upbeat : ‘ The future for some schools is fairly bleak , but for this school it is assured ’. And the ‘ dry stone walls ’? He means that the historic value of the buildings and the environment should never be underestimated in the influence they exert over all who teach or study at Winchester , ‘ and it is evident that the pupils at the school do appreciate the beauty ’.
I have been struck by the burgeoning success of the Partnership Programme ( branded ‘ Empower ’) which is part of Winchester ’ s access strategy . This has focused on setting up partnerships with secondary schools — particularly in areas of economic disadvantage . The criteria for each link are on a ‘ best fit ’ basis . The Head of Educational Partnerships at Winchester , Hannah Fletcher says : ‘ We tailor the provision to meet the needs of different schools with a bespoke programme ’. The objective now is to optimise and to sustain these benefits with the existing partnerships . The links are all with schools in Hampshire and along the south coast . ‘ The further away you go , the more there is that has to be done on-line ’, says Hannah , and adds : ‘ the cost is minimal
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