School That Matters: Word Power
- Jun 26
- 2 min read
We have hit the busy period. Duke of Edinburgh visits, transition for new Year 7, the Madrid trip and all sorts of sporting fixtures. In the last week pupils have competed in the Manchester University Minesweeper competition, most of Year 10 have been on work experience and have garnered fantastic praise in the process.
This week we have received our School of Sanctuary validation visit (more to follow) that looks at the ways in which we provide a welcome and support for young people from all over the world. Our pupils have been in action in rounders and cricket and we have welcomed the new Year 7s from over 30 different primary schools. That said, the vast majority come from the six primary schools of the Jubilee Alliance, confirming that the close working between our schools is progressing very well indeed.
On Thursday as part of the transition activities we welcomed the wonderful poet Karl Nova to perform and insire Year 6 and Year 7. And he did just that. Engaging does not even come close to describing the atmosphere of participation and the energy that he brought to our school. He told us about his upbringing in London and Nigeria and he performed some of his poems. He provoked our audiences gently with his support for Arsenal (he wasn’t alone) and he finished his performance with a freestyle that gives this week’s newsletter introduction its title. In doing so he conveyed powerfully the life-changing magic of reading, of words, of music (rap especially) and demonstrated clearly to the pupils that connecting with people, making them laugh and telling your story is not just enjoyable, it is the very essence of life.
The theme of this week’s assemblies has been courage (now there’s a powerful word that speaks from the heart) and Karl embodied this quality too. Again showing that being brave enough to stand-up, be yourself, celebrate what you can do and connect with others is liberating and is also an expression of our faith and mission. Word power is where it’s at.
Ben Davis,
Headteacher
