Sport and Faith

I very much enjoyed watching the sports fixtures this weekend. The Under 16’s had a good victory away at BGS and maintained their discipline for the first time this season! The other teams lost marginally at Failand but again the heads didn’t drop. One of the students grinned as he said. “We lost but played really well sir!” The SIAMS inspection went very well last week. The inspector commented on the maturity and brilliance of the students. The report should be published over the next couple of weeks and we will make sure that it is available on the website. Well done to all the staff and students who were involved. The recent news about radicalisation in schools makes me even more convinced that a mixed community (all faiths and none) like BCCS is a good thing. Students gain a rounded view of the world understanding other views. Like all schools we have incidents of intolerance but in the main students accept and celebrate difference. We have undertaken a cultural diversity review recently with the support of SARI. We will of course publish the report for parents when it is complete.

Uniform

I was interested to read the headline last week about the Headteacher in Bradford, Elizabeth Churton who was criticized for sending 152 students home in a day for wearing incorrect uniform. She had of course been warning students and parents since July! I am amazed that this hit the national headlines. It was interesting to hear Michael Wilshire, Head of Ofsted, defending her actions in subsequent days. We have of course done similar things at BCCS though in smaller numbers and usually at the beginning of term when there really is no excuse. Uniform is on the agenda every day and I ask staff to check uniform standards in tutor time and at the end of each lesson. Anyone who walks round the school with me, will know that I consistently and routinely do the following: Confiscate hoodies Ask students to tuck shirts in Suggest that girls make their skirts a little longer Tell students to take coats and hats off indoors Ask students to buy alternative shoes Remind students that they must wear school issue skirts and trousers. The list is not exhaustive but today these seemed to be consistent themes. It is a constant and irritating battle, but I believe it is very worthwhile. I know that some parents disagree with the uniform policy and some feel that we still do not do enough. I make it very clear at all open events that we have high expectations on uniform. Of course the vast majority of students do look very smart and we need to celebrate that. Students clearly know what to expect from me, some tuck shirts in as I approach, others try to scurry past hoping I will not notice. I usually do!

It was wonderful to be in the Cathedral for the Remembrance Service on Tuesday. The students and staff leading the service delivered a moving tribute and thought provoking reflections. The last post was brilliantly played and the two minute silence was impeccably observed. Students and staff exited the Cathedral in absolute silence. A number of guests remarked about the outstanding community engagement, a moment for us all to be proud.

It was good to watch the rugby fixture at Wells this weekend. All three teams suffered competitive defeats but remained positive scoring tries even when all was lost. My thanks to the staff and parents who supported the fixtures. I mentioned in my speech at Prize Giving last term that we continue to value and deliver a rich provision of co-curricular activities competing with independent schools, despite doing so with far less resources and most importantly fewer staff. We are always looking for parent volunteers who can help and who can work with us for extended periods of time. We certainly recognise that students would like to do more sometimes but there is a limit to what staff are able to do.

Please do remember that this week we have our second sixth form open evening on Tuesday. On Wednesday we host another Parent Information Evening focusing on mental health and wellbeing. I do hope as many of you as possible will be able to join us, we have an outside speaker from CHAMS and as usual staff will be available to answer questions and engage in discussion on this important topic.