The Ultimate November 2024 Education Roundup

All the latest UK news from schools this month, November 2024.

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Hole In One At Windlesham House

Windlesham House is excited to announce that in one fell swoop, it has become one of the only prep schools in the entire country to have it’s own indoor gold simulator. This state-of-the-art facility isn’t the only golf-related feature of the school – it compliments the pre-existing nine-hole golf course at the school. The simulator and the golf course will work in concert, allowing children and families to have individual and group coaching from the school’s own golf professionals all year round. The project took months of hard work, and Windlesham would like to give thanks to the parents and Friends of Windlesham, without whom this endeavour could not have happened.

Haileybury’s New Forward-Looking Master Is Committed To Building On School’s Success

Haileybury, one of the UK’s leading co-educational independent boarding and day schools located in Hertfordshire, has welcomed new Master, Eugene du Toit, to lead the School through its next exciting chapter.

‘I am honoured to be leading this historic and highly regarded school, and I am committed to building on the School’s many strengths,’ says du Toit. ‘Haileybury’s commitment to championing intellectual curiosity, supporting academic ambition … developing character, resilience and leadership wholly align with my educational philosophy.

Du Toit brings with him a vast wealth of experience in education and the independent sector. His previous roles have included Headmaster of Wellington School in Somerset, Senior Deputy Headmaster at Trinity School in Croydon and Undermaster at St Paul’s School in London.

Du Toit joins Haileybury at an exciting time in the School’s history. Haileybury recently achieved the Tes UK Boarding School of the Year Award and opened its new state-of-the-art Science and Technology buildings, which see pupils and staff carrying out research in partnership with professors from Stanford University in the USA. Haileybury is also at the forefront of new innovations including working with an aerospace engineering firm to launch a CubeSat into space, enhancing sustainability with the aim of being net zero and exploring how to best harness new technology to support teaching and learning.

‘Haileybury has enjoyed considerable success in recent years which is testimony to the hard work of staff and Governors,’ continued du Toit. ‘I am delighted to be working alongside such a dedicated team to ensure Haileybury continues to be a place of educational excellence. I am committed to ensuring our outward-looking perspective ensures we remain at the forefront of outstanding British and international education.’

Du Toit says he is committed to building outstanding relationships within the School and across the local community, as well as with Haileybury’s national and international partners. He believes that these excellent relationships will support the sharing of best practice, develop global citizenship, enhance social awareness and provide the best possible education for pupils.

‘The School is a remarkable place; its magnificent setting and world-class facilities set it apart. It has a strong sense of community, which underpins an equally strong sense of purpose and ambition. The range of opportunities available to pupils ensures that everyone has something to take part in and enjoy.’

St James Schools Get Philosophical

Philosophy – classists among our readership will be well aware of the etymology of the term – sometimes attributed to Pythagoras, it comes from the Ancient Greek words φίλος (philos) ‘love’ and σοφία (sophia) ‘wisdom’. And at St James, Philosophy is offered in its original sense, as the love of wisdom – that is discovering one’s true worth, enabling them to act wisely.

As St James Schools celebrate World Philosophy Day, the Heads of St James Nursery & Preparatory School, St James Senior Girls’ School and St James Senior Boys’ School proudly share their unique approach to teaching Philosophy.

At St James, self-awareness is developed through moments of quiet at the beginning and end of each lesson, and throughout the school day. This development leads to inner confidence, and at the same time enhances wellbeing, both in body and mind.

Pupils from Reception to Sixth Form, are encouraged to ask the ‘big questions’ of life and to debate and challenge ideas in a respectful and inclusive way. To do this, Philosophy lessons are conducted in an atmosphere of trust, in which pupils feel confident to express themselves freely.

‘These philosophical discussions around topics such as morality and justice help pupils appreciate different viewpoints and navigate the complexities of human interactions,’ says the school.’ They learn how to be kind and to become thoughtful members of the school and society.’

Through philosophy, St James Schools’ pupils also learn to develop and analyse arguments, which is essential in both their academic and personal lives. Philosophy encourages pupils to articulate their thoughts clearly and concisely, fostering strong communication skills and most importantly, the ability to listen.

Lest We Forget

This Remembrance Day, a rather striking sight could be seen in the centre of Old Amersham, Surrey over the historical Market Hall – a vast visual display of draped poppies handmade by staff and pupils of The Beacon.

The unique installation was initiated and organised by Miss Michelle Jackson, Head of Art at The Beacon. The display – featuring a colossal 3,200 hand crafted poppies – remained in the heart of the town until Wednesday 13th November, so that residents might come and pay their respects as well. Take a look at the images attached – we think you’ll agree it was a remarkable sight to behold.

Royal Hospital Remembers

The Royal Hospital School (RHS) in Holbrook, Suffolk commemorated Remembrance Sunday on 10th November 2024 with a parade and a chapel service, where a sermon was delivered by Reverend Laura Mumford, Chaplain of the Royal Hospital School.

The day’s Remembrance Divisions Parade was set against the impressive backdrop of the school’s historic grounds. It ‘paid tribute to the values of service, courage, and remembrance integral to the RHS community’, says the school.

The event saw pupils having distinguished roles from the piping party to the guard, with each role contributing to the solemnity and precision of the day. Of particular note was a pupil bugler, Ed Reade, Head of Band, who sounded the ‘Last Post,’ resonating across the silent parade ground. RHS alumni also participated in the parade, with many others attending as spectators.

The parade began with the whole school marching into their designated positions. The piping party set a reverent tone, and at precisely 11am, a cannon marked the beginning of the two-minute silence. A pupil bugler, Ed Reade, Head of Band, then sounded the ‘Last Post,’ resonating across the silent parade ground, while the gathered staff, pupils, and the Inspecting Officer observed a moment of reflection.

The Armistice commemoration continued on Monday, 11th November, as RHS pupils and staff gathered for a moving act of remembrance at 11am, with cannon fire again punctuating the two-minute silence observed by the school.

In a poignant addition to this year’s Remembrance Day services, year 11 History pupils embarked on an educational and commemorative journey to the battlefields of Ypres, the Somme, and Arras during October half term. Their dedication culminated in a solemn and moving remembrance ceremony at the famous Tyne Cot Cemetery, where pupils Jess, Joel and Kathryn laid a wreath for the fallen. This visit provided a powerful opportunity for RHS pupils to connect with the legacy of the past, and ‘deepened their appreciation for the sacrifices commemorated on Remembrance Day.’