"Come writers and
critics
Who prophesize with your
pen
And keep your eyes wide
open………
For the times they are
a-changin’”.
Bobby Dylan, “The Times
They Are A-Changin'.”
As I sit and reflect on the term so
far, it has been a real rollercoaster: with our outstanding results
in August; a record enrolment, so that for the first time in our 25
year history, we were full; a really successful induction programme
which was planned and delivered by our own staff, and the numerous
accolades that we have received about our success as well as our new
building beginning to take shape and be ready by the end of this
term.
Well, if this wasn’t enough, we were
informed that we would be inspected during the first week in October
and we had our first Awards and Open Evenings of the year. I guess
the adage about waiting for buses comes to mind.
The Inspection
has been completed and I am delighted to inform you that in all of
the subject specialist areas that were selected by Ofsted for
examination, we were judged to be Outstanding.
“Provision is
outstanding in science and mathematics, languages and literature.
These areas are characterised by high levels of student enjoyment,
participation and intellectual curiosity”.
What is really interesting is that
there are at least 18 subjects that the Inspectors looked at and were
deemed to be outstanding. Wow!
The Inspectors were also highly
positive about our students and the academic culture of success that
exists at our College.
"The College
provides a harmonious environment in which high aspirations, positive
community values and the growth and care of the individual are
nurtured and promoted. Intellectual and spiritual enquiry are
encouraged and embraced by many. Inspectors were highly impressed
with the students' maturity, personal development and high levels of
confidence. Students have a very positive attitude to learning".
I believe that what was even more
interesting were the "off-the-record" comments that were
made to all of us in the Senior Team. Comments such as:
"… It is
unusual for Inspectors to be "excited" about being here".
"You should
not be content with being in the top 10% of all colleges; you could
become one of the best in the country".
"We have never
experienced a library where there is such a work ethic".
"The culture
of success and achievement is incredible".
"Your students
are amazing".
On that last note, I have to agree to
feeling so proud of all of you, the way that you conduct yourself and
your attitude to learning.
Clearly, as in any Inspection, there
are some things that we need to do to become even better and we will
be doing so with urgency because we owe it to you to become one of
the best colleges in the country.
Our first Awards Evening of the year
was extremely enjoyable and amusing, not least because Manjeet Kler
(despite being reminded that the Principal’s trophy was made out of
glass), proceeded to drop it in the ensuing excitement. Only Manjeet
could have done this! It was amazing, however, to be a part of so
much success and celebration. Our Guest of Honour, Neal Hodgkinson,
the Editor of the Hull Daily Mail, was equally impressed and
proceeded to give an amusing and inspiring speech on 'being young'
and 'aspiring for greatness'. It was lovely to be a part of this and
to have so many parents and students thanking me on behalf of our
College. I likened it to 'being the best man at a wedding' when you
are actually a 'part' player but everyone is on your side and willing
you to do well.
Our Open Evening a week later was also
incredible. If only I could measure the ’positivity’, it would
be off the scale. The largest number of students and parents that we
have ever had, our wonderful 'Student Crew' and student helpers and
the general vibe as one walked into the building was amazing. It
confirms that whilst our accommodation is really good, what happens
inside is truly beautiful!
The second part of the Autumn Term is
likely to be equally busy: on Thursday we have 16 visitors from
Thailand (from the world of business and education); a planned visit
by the Shadow Further Education Minister; next Tuesday evening we
have our first ever poetry and piano recital, "Manifesto dream",
which is a part of the Humbermouth Hull Literature Festival as well
as our second Open Evening.
Life at our College continues to be
busy and I am also aware of your successes in the National sports
trials and championships: we had 7 of our netballers taking part in
the England trials as well the successes for our footballers,
badminton players, cross-country runners and for the first time
(again), we have a member of the Great Britain Sailing Squad at our
College. Auditions have also taken place for our first cross-College
production of "Little Shop of Horrors", and I suspect that
rehearsals have already started.
Of course, academic life and focus on
academic work continues. I am pleased that we have had at least 10
students who have applied to Oxford or Cambridge University and a
similar number for medical, veterinary or dentistry courses. I am
delighted that many of you are already receiving offers and
invitations for interviews. I must urge all second-year students to
get their UCAS forms submitted and of course, all of you need to
focus on the forthcoming mock examinations in January. These will
certainly be as demanding as any module examination that you may have
taken in the past.
My problem is that when I start, I
cannot stop. I feel guilty that I have not referred to any of the
national and international developments: the budgetary stalemate in
America; the phone tapping of the French, German and our own,
leaders; the price ‘hike’ by the energy companies; schools only
being allowed to enter students once for their GCSEs and the (slow
but sure) ascendancy of my beloved Leeds United.
Remember, work very hard, play hard and
you are really amazing.
