HEADTEACHER Dear Parents/Carers,


It’s that time of year again – when all the hard work of the year so far culminates in exams, and we find out whether the students have learned what we think they have! Year 12 have had their mock examinations, which will inform us (and them) where their strengths and weaknesses are, and help us provide A level predictions. Previously, we had AS level grades which were a pretty good indication of eventual A level grades, but now all A level courses are on their ‘reformed’ syllabus this is no longer available. Other year groups have already started their public exams, with Years 9, 11 and 13 already having had their first papers. For Year 11, the exams seem to have started well, which is reassuring since most are sitting new style exams for the first time. We are projecting


their overall results to be even better than the very good results last year, though as the courses are new our predictions are probably less secure than previously.


Year 13 are about to go on study leave, and again, they really seem to be working well – perhaps peaking at the right time! They have been a really good year group as they have moved up the school, and we will certainly miss them. We thanked the outgoing prefects at a recent assembly, and have recognised the contribution many of them have made to school life. We will be giving them a final send off at the Graduation Evening on the 28th June.


We recently appointed our new prefect team, with Head Prefect Matthew Cuff and Deputies Will Bonab, Frank Herrington and Junting Jiang leading a team of 30 prefects. I cannot remember a year in which the quality of applicants was so high, and I know many were disappointed not to be appointed to one of the senior positions, and numerous boys who would have made very good prefects missed out too. I can honestly say this is one of the most positive tasks I am involved with, as the candidates have some excellent ideas, and a list of contributions to school and outside organisations that are impressive. The selection process includes a vote by students and staff, as well as the outgoing prefects – a group who have made an excellent contribution to the school this year. I would like to thank the outgoing prefect team, led by Sebastian Lewis, Eddie Downing and Max Pearson-Smith for their commitment over the past year.


A few dates for your diary. The PSA/School Summer Extravaganza takes place on 16 June (see the flyer in this newsletter for details), and Sports Day is on the afternoon of 4th July. Both these events showcase the broader educational provision we provide – encouraging healthy competition and physical activity, and raising money for good causes while at the same time having fun! We hope to see many of you at these events, as they are great opportunities for the school community to come together.


Finally, people often ask me why I’ve stayed at Poole Grammar so long. An incident that took place on Friday really encapsulates the school. Some Year 10 boys found a stray budgie on the school field. They put it in a lunchbox, and took it to the office, where it was rehoused in a cardboard box. The office then sought advice – the RSPB weren’t interested, the local Budgie Society said to feed it (!) and the local radio declined to put it out as a news item. A photo was taken of the bird – during which it bit a member of staff – and details were posted on Facebook. It was taken home by another colleague whose brother is an experienced bird owner. On Saturday the owner got in contact, and the bird was delivered safely. I do think this could only happen at Poole Grammar! At least we don’t have a school cat, which would presumably have eaten it.


I hope you all have a good break over half term, and we’ll see our students back on Tuesday 5 June.


A.J. Baker Headteacher


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