Remembrance
From the Headmaster’s Desk: 10th November 2023
Mr Hammond
Headmaster
I write this week’s missive with Remembrance in mind. In 2023, the UK and Royal British Legion remember and honour Service.
Service – in this case, the act of defending and protecting the nation’s democratic freedoms and way of life. Such service is rarely without cost to those who serve. Physical, mental or emotional injury or trauma, the absence of time with loved ones, or the pressures that come from serving, highlight why the Remembrance of service is so important. Of course, in recent years, we have all come to appreciate the key work of our emergency services and other Key Workers who kept the World turning during the pandemic.
This Saturday, at 11am on the 11th November, a two-minute silence will be observed across the country to reflect on the service and sacrifices the Armed Forces make on our behalf. Observed every year since 1919, the time and date marks Armistice Day and the time the guns fell silent on the Western Front to mark the end of the First World War in 1918. There is another observed Silence on Remembrance Sunday; the most impressive iteration taking place at the Cenotaph and widely broadcast.
Silence in life is importance and (I hope) this formal Silence helps us to further realise that war and violence are never the best answer to anything. It is important that we remember (in whatever way we choose) that the ultimate aim of what must be a last resort is peace.
Moving away from Remembrance, earlier this week I was privileged to attend the Independent Schools Association’s Autumn Study Conference, as a Headmaster and Trustee, to explore how we can further develop Abercorn and to share best practice with like-minded colleagues in the sector. The topics covered were wide and varied:
Inclusion is incredibly important at Abercorn, and we want to make sure that all opinions are heard. I am confident in the culture we have created at school, but it is always important to critically evaluate that discrimination of any form is not present and that girls and woman, those from the LGBTQ+ community and all from any ethnicity or faith have a voice. Our Anti-Bullying Week (with workshops across the school) is a time to focus on this theme, but a lack of kindness has no place in polite society at any time of the year – people are who they are and should be free to live and love as they see fit. I have always said that Abercorn is proudly diverse in all senses of the World. We will never shift from this course.
There were also lectures, seminars and discussions about the future of education, including artificial Intelligence (its benefits and risks), the importance of SEND and political challenges. Of course, to continue to develop, we must recruit the best talent to fit with Abercorn’s ethos, and the seminar about how Early Career Teachers, with their fresh ideas and agency are a key way to develop any school, was enlightening.
Of course, with The Independent Schools Inspectorate fresh in my mind form last week, the discussions about the ISI’s new Inspection Framework were particular interesting. I am delighted that pupil wellbeing and pupil voice have been prioritised in the new inspection system and look forward to working as an inspector under the new regime.
Plus, I did get to meet Kriss Akabusi. 400m runner, hurdler, MBE and legend. He is very loud, speaks very fast and is a great case study for how the child who is different can make a difference and an impact. Inspirational stuff.
All the best for a relaxing weekend! Mr Hammond
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