‘Twas the night before Christmas’ – well, not quite, but the feel is much the same at BGS now that we have reached the final week of autumn term. Some might think it predictable, hackneyed perhaps, to say that it’s been a great term, but it really has.
A short while ago at our regular Monday ‘Celebration Assembly’, Mr Boardman rightly praised those who have experienced and achieved so much in the fields of sport, music and the performing arts. This has been the weekly pattern since September with trips, clubs and societies, volunteering, wider examples of esprit de corps and student leadership also peppering the Price Hall assembly messages. Many individuals and teams have been mentioned, and colleagues thanked too. Today there was much affirmatory nodding and clapping, and Mr Boardman received some polite applause in reply, a lovely measure of the mood at BGS, even after a long term.
I won’t single out favourite moments, nor flounder in an attempt to summarise the past four months of BGS life, an impossible job. But given the seasonal festivities, I will mention the simply terrific Junior and Senior BGS musical performances that we have enjoyed in recent days. We Heads are routinely wheeled out to sit at the front at such occasions, reflecting common practice, but also our lofty status (and soaring egos!). Two thoughts: firstly, it is a privilege to be present on such nights, irrespective of where one is sat; that said, to be close to the action is special. Secondly, even though I’ve been walking in the Head’s shoes for four years and accepting that I have a responsibility to look after guests sat front and centre, it still feels a little awkward to be gifted such rare attention. Rightly or wrongly, I don’t imagine I will change in this regard.
The detail of the human interplay between performers and colleagues at our musical events is amazing to behold. No fancy Headmagisterial language is required to describe, for example, the quick sideways looks betraying fleeting nerves, hands held briefly in solidarity with a neighbouring musician, warm reassuring smiles from a teacher, followed later by a discreet thumbs up. Or the students who, as the music fades, walk away from the limelight a touch taller than when they walked on … all of which is nothing short of magical. What an honour to be part of this!
Chamber Concert, Senior and Junior School Christmas Concerts, Rugby Parents Association Ball, The Nine Lessons and Carols Service at Bradford Cathedral, and not forgetting the BGS choir in full voice at the switching on of the Saltaire lights, the quality and variety of the performances has been astonishing. Music at BGS is flourishing and represents an important part of the education we provide. Wider concerns persist however about the health of school-based music nationally. In the aftermath of the general election, Deborah Annetts, chief executive of the Incorporated Society of Musicians, the UK’s professional body for musicians, wasted no time reiterating their observation of ongoing “undermining [of] creative subjects in our secondary schools” adding “creative subjects are central to our cultural life, a key driver of economic growth, and give our children the tools to navigate a fast-changing digital world, but our current education system is failing to prepare for the future. The incoming Government must review the EBacc – a failing policy – and reform or scrap it altogether”.
Independent schools, and the 626 of us who, according to the 2019 Independent Schools Council census, enter into partnerships, are helping to sustain the musical life of the UK – a reassuring note to a degree. Meanwhile, back at BGS and the micro scale, school music is helping to sustain me, that and the extra sugar in my steady flow of strong coffee. This I gulp while reviewing the current batch of end of term reports for Years 7, 8, 10 and 12. Music gets a mention, which brings me back to the theme of time spent well, wisely and productively, this past term.
In plain terms, the reports lift spirits. The vast majority of our young people embrace BGS life in all its variety and are enriched by it. The same goes for staff. Active participation in lessons and opportunities outside of the classroom are the key to living a fulfilled and successful school life, one that builds confidence, character and awareness of self and others. The end of term reports also serve to encourage those few who are yet to take up the offer of our BGS co-curricular programme to do so in 2020. It is never too late to take that first step into a bigger world.
And with that thought in mind, my eyes drift back to the pile of red folders, reports inside, waiting patiently for attention. Two-and a-bit days to go. It’s not over yet, but I can’t help but be fiercely proud of our students, and my colleagues, for what they have undertaken and achieved since the start of term. A little more singing and the booming Price Hall organ will bring things to a Christmassy close at our final assembly on Wednesday, but before then I would like to take this opportunity to thank our parents, BGS families and friends for their ongoing support and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
“Active participation in lessons and opportunities outside of the classroom are the key to living a fulfilled and successful school life, one that builds confidence, character and awareness of self and others.”
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