Happy to be Holistic ... by Toby Spence R


espect the wide diversity among us in our lives and relationships. Refrain from making prejudiced judgments about the life journeys of others. Do you foster the spirit of mutual understanding and forgiveness which our discipleship asks of us? Remember that each one of us is unique, precious, a child of God.


Advices and queries 1.22


ibford is rightly renowned for holistic education and this newsletter speaks for itself as an illustration of what our community gets up to over just a few months.


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In terms of highlights these would have to include the theatrical treat which was ‘Cabaret’, some wonderful sport including the Rugby 7s tournament and many musical performances of note – not least ‘Young Musician of the Year’, the ‘Crocus Concert’ and the fabulous ‘Friends Schools Joint Choir Festival’. We have seen trips across the globe as well as the UK and a typically busy term of fundraising. Many of our pupils are not only working hard in the classroom but they are taking a lead in all sorts of areas of


upon the importance of a well-rounded, holistic education for our pupils and students – not least given some of the challenges facing the globe at this moment in time. Yes, academic success will remain fundamentally important and yet developing mindful, happy, inquisitive, resilient and caring young people will always be central to what we are about as a place of learning. I am heartened to report that my exploration into the 175 year history of the school suggests that this holistic approach has always been at the very core of the Quaker education at Sibford School. As educators we are guided to some extent by national examinations and benchmarks – this of course becomes more pronounced towards GCSE and Sixth Form study. The balance we aim to strike is in providing an education based upon outstanding pastoral care, breadth of choice and pupils who are well known and supported both individually and collectively. Perhaps less obvious is the ongoing discussions we have with regards to providing a balanced curriculum which prepares pupils for a world which is unfolding before our eyes.


Student speakers at the recent Symposium


community life and extra-curricular activities. A dedicated and energetic staff are fundamental to any thriving school and I see colleagues across the school working tirelessly to support, captivate and guide our students.


I have seen my own children entirely captivated by the ‘Out of this World’ project which cleverly linked aspects of the curriculum – from Forest School to History and from Art to Numeracy – as the children covered all aspects of space exploration and the world above the stratosphere. As a parent, I never cease to be amazed by how our Junior School colleagues muster the reserves to encourage and enthuse our young children day in, day out.


As we come to the end of term, I have reflected 2


At the end of term we held a Symposium where staff from across the school


delivered and reviewed papers which covered just about every aspect of Sibford School life – from Quaker life to Boarding and Outdoor Learning to Assistive Technology. We also enjoyed a presentation from Sibford students. Our aim was to consider how we ensure that Sibford School provides an outstanding education for the 21st century. No small challenge then! However, we live in a world where global warming, conflict and famine cast a shadow over future progress and prosperity and political shifts and realignments challenge the very fundamentals of our societal norms. To that end, it seems to me that turning out well- rounded, adventurous, mindful and resourceful young minds is more important than ever.


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