The Autumn Hoc Age magazine, full of pupil achievements, events, trips and good news stories across the whole school, is now available online.
“Welcome to this latest edition of our termly, whole school magazine, Hoc Age. Named after our school motto, which in plain terms means ‘just do it’, this edition, like those before, illustrates that we walk the talk of our motto. The year started strongly and I’m delighted to say that both our GCSE and A Level results were the best BGS has achieved since these qualifications were reformed many years ago. Year on year comparisons are problematic in the pandemic and post pandemic era, but we exceeded expectations this summer and also improved upon the teacher assessed grades of COVID times, which is a rare and remarkable achievement. Very few other schools can make that claim and I pay tribute to our students and my colleagues because these outcomes tell us much about school spirit and work ethic.
As does the national recognition that BGS continues to receive for our public benefit work. Our outreach and partnership work has once again been celebrated at the Palace of Westminster. Last year it was our STEM activity and workshops for primary school pupils in Bradford to excite them about satellites and space travel. This year, it was our grass roots sports partnership with Skipton Tennis Centre that grabbed attention. BGS is leading the way, making a difference in our locality, in our community and inspiring other independent schools to do likewise.
More broadly, BGS life remains colourful and busy. I began writing these words to the sounds of senior debating in the DH Room, found distraction in a cup of tea, and now finish them as families walk in for the Chamber Concert, which is where I am off going to now. Well done to all new starters and familiar faces who have embraced school life so enthusiastically.
Enjoy the Christmas and New Year holiday when it arrives… but for now, read on!”
Simon Hinchliffe, Headmaster
“We recognise that we have a responsibility to share our time and talents and make a difference to the lives of others. Service is a key BGS value and this
term the children in Clock House have been fundraising for a number of local and national charities to improve and enrich the lives of others. Cakes and treats were made (and quickly eaten!) in our Harvest Appeal bake sale, raising more than £1,000 for Action Aid. In November, the children took part in a sponsored walk around an autumnal Lister Park to raise money for Children in Need and a ‘reverse advent calendar’ was launched to collect produce for the Bradford
City Food Bank. These regular acts of kindness matter and help us to see the many benefits of helping others.
Day visits have taken place in most year groups this term. Year 3 enjoyed a visit to Nell Bank (Stone Age), Year 4 to the Yorkshire Wildlife Park (Science), Year 5 to Leeds City Museum (Ancient Egypt) and Year 6 to Eden Camp (World War II). There is much to be gained in venturing beyond the school gates to enrich learning.
Enjoy reading more about life in Clock House this term in the Junior Section of Hoc Age.”
Be Social!