Future past
From the Headmaster’s Desk: 31 March 2023
Mr Hammond
Headmaster
As discussed in last week’s missive, the Easter holidays also herald Passover. At the same time that we mark the resurrection of Jesus, that most famous of Jews, we also celebrate the Israelites’ (whose descendants are the Jews and Samaritans) escape from slavery in ancient Egypt. These events took place thousands of years ago, but are important now and will continue to be so in the future.
History has been very much on my mind this week (and term) as Abercorn implements the exciting strategic decision of combining Years 3-9 pupils into our new site on Paddington Street. The children may have departed yesterday, but my wonderfully committed staff are working through their holidays (across all sites) to ensure the transition is a success. Senior School is a hive of activity today, with rooms being moved and staff planning for next term, but it feels oh so empty without the children here.
However, as with all changes at Abercorn, the combination of our Upper and Senior Schools will have a hugely beneficial impact on the outcomes of the pupils, including the opportunity to access modern, purpose-built facilities, such as our theatre, large dining room and library as well as the ability to walk to lunch break in Paddington Gardens!
A good spring clean often unearths surprises – who hasn’t read old newspapers that were only meant to be used as packing material? At one point this week, a Year 6 girl appeared at my door holding some of my history school work from twenty-seven years ago. This was somewhat of a surprise, as you can imagine. I have just read a younger man’s musings on The Troubles in Northern Ireland, First World War trench warfare and the Battle of the Little Big Horn. Looking back at my teacher’s comments was a strange experience: the guidance to “add more examples,” and “focus more on what the government did” was balanced by “excellent, in depth work” and reminded me that Mrs Shaw (one of the best teachers I ever had) was a huge influence on my choice of career.
Those who work in schools have the ability to inspire and the end of a term brings with it many unusual conversations as staff and pupils drift towards the holidays. Just this week, I have discussed books (without prompting, a Year 8 boy has plumped for The Hobbit) and the fifty best football players currently playing; Paul Pogba is not one, in my opinion – a lack of discipline never goes down well in my estimations. Topics for corridor chat should be broad and varied; they are as important a skill as formal conversation.
Nostalgia aside, the past (both in world history and our own chronology) can teach us a great deal about the future; we can aim to learn from events gone by and make the most of the future. I am very much looking forward to the Summer Term and making the most of the opportunities that our new Senior School presents.
All the best for the Easter holidays. I look forward to seeing all pupils in Years 3-9 at Senior School on Paddington Street on Thursday 20th April.
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.
