Read on
From the Headmaster’s Desk: 3 March 2023
Mr Hammond
Headmaster
You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me. So once said CS Lewis, author of the Chronicles of Narnia. Too right, I say, reading is one of life’s great pleasures and finding time to read something, anything, is of vital import.
Lewis was a sometime friend, sometime rival of JRR Tolkien (a favourite of mind, as all children at Senior now seem to know) and one of the principle writers of his day. Their writing is of its time, and occasionally overly complex, but great works of fiction endure through the years – will David Walliams or Jeff Kinney be remembered in 70 years’ time?
You will have seen Mrs Shuttleworth’s wonderful article about World Book Day and Week. We have been treated to such a wonderful range of events: from author visits and a trip to Daunt Books to top level journalists and live lessons, the week was capped off by the children (and our wonderful staff) dressing up as favourite characters and the Senior Poetry Competition. My current novel, Moby Dick, sits to the right of my keyboard, on the off-chance that DEAR should be announced. We were even treated to the Senior TAs singing and dancing to a very famous track, ya’ll. I hope we can share this high-quality musical production with you in due course, if the artists will sign the release forms.
When asked about the importance of reading, children will give the most satisfying answers. A selection for you:
Books are funny;
I like reading with mummy/daddy/my brother sister/the cat;
It makes you smarter;
I feel like I am part of a different country;
It helps you relax.
As adults, we should model best practice – reading to or with children, or having children read to you are just some of the simple ways in which we can encourage a deeper appreciation and love of books. Even seeing adults read (“Mr Hammond, are you still reading that big book? Yes!) provokes discussion and debate. At lunch, when chatting about current picks, the pupils asked me: can we read what you are reading? Yes to Moby Dick and no to The Furies. We also discussed why we read books that upset or challenge us and the importance of exploring the unknown. They were fascinated and reassured that teachers could get emotional when reading, as much as they feel joy.
Following last week’s Year 4 Play, and in fitting with Book Week, Year 3 parents were treated to Roald Dahl/Mr Ward’s Cinderella. The piece showcased some wonderful acting, loud singing and amazingly comical moments. Well done to all pupils and staff involved (and parents for supporting); a great example of collaboration all round.
Finally, I am excited to announce Abercorn’s secret podcast project (not so secret now) is nearly ready to unleash – watch this space for the first episode!
All the best for the weekend. Enjoy whatever you are reading.
Mr Hammond
To see how busy a place our wonderful School is and for a more detailed look into all things Abercorn, follow us on social media; Twitter, Instagram and Facebook offer a wide range of updates. My personal thoughts on educational life can be found @hammondteacher.
