Headmaster’s Blog – 27/1/17

Every day at Polam is full of excitement but this week Wednesday and Thursday were exceptional and highlighted what makes us so strong.

On Wednesday I juggled with two important events. The Junior School assembly was scheduled at the same time as the launch of the U5 6^th Form taster day. As always it was great to see parents and families come to support their sons and daughters but sadly I missed the year 2’s input into the assembly.

In welcoming students and our guest speakers to the 6th Form taster day I was immediately deeply impressed by the positive attitude of the U5’s and proud of the effort they had all put into ensuring they met the business dress code. I knew instantly I was addressing the leaders of tomorrow who would be active partners in our journey together throughout their time in our 6th Form. Buoyant from this experience I re-joined the Junior Assembly where I was greeted by the most amazing singing and a passion for literacy revealed through our word of the day programme.

On Wednesday night our badminton players got through to the regional finals and so ended a wonderful day on an amazing high.

Thursday, meanwhile, saw a Kangaroo afternoon in which Year 6 pupils worked with Senior staff and 6^th Formers in a transition programme which helps them prepare for the move into the Senior school. Pupils learnt new team work skills through problem solving activities. Bridge building and search and rescue challenges saw outstanding levels of co-operation, enthusiasm and engagement. It was a privilege to watch the Upper School students take on critical leadership roles and for the Year 6 pupils to form highly effective teams.

Mr Langley, our Key Stage 3 co-ordinator said of the event:

“The activity today really summed up for me the special nature of Polam; the way in which helpers in L5 and U6 worked with the younger pupils, and how staff are prepared to go above and beyond their normal duties to create this kind of event. It is not something you find in all schools.”

I completely agree. Polam Hall’s character is not skin deep but constantly refreshed through the hard work, dedication and commitment of the whole school family.

Headmaster’s Blog 20/1/17

Sense of pride

It has been a wonderful week from my perspective, and one that has left me brimming with pride for Polam Hall and everything that the School has to offer.

First, I had the pleasure of meeting students, together with their parents, as they start to consider next year’s KS4 options and explore the progress made in subjects taught. It would seem that many are already aware of the benefits that lie further ahead should they decide to of become an integral part of Polam’s Sixth Form. This is very encouraging.

I was struck by the wonderful relationships that were constantly being strengthened in appointments between staff, students and parents at the L5 Parents Evening on Monday. As progress was checked, advice sort, and the beginning of new pathways for growth and development considered, the evening was a true reflection of what makes Polam so unique.

Similarly, the confidence and strength of character of our Sixth Form students made me incredibly proud as they assisted staff so ably and professionally at our Sixth Form Open Evening on Thursday. Undoubtedly, their contribution and candid conversation helped to make the evening such a success. The leadership and social skills of our Y12 and Y13 students really is something to behold.

And finally, I was lucky this week to capture a magic moment in Music when the U5 Voice Ensemble performed two songs. The depth and quality of the performance, not to mention their relaxed, close-knit performance, produced a musical interlude to the day that made my heart soar on so many different levels.

So all in all, a week in which my pride of what Polam stands for and what it achieves has genuniely bloomed!

 

Headmaster’s Blog 13/1/17

New Beginnings

It is with great pleasure that I take over the weekly tradition of submitting this blog and I will continue to use it as an opportunity to share with parents the School’s many successes and pupil achievements.

The welcome that I have received from pupils, students, parents and staff has been wonderful and has allowed me to instantly feel as though I am at home. Such generosity and warmth also highlights the core values and principles that make Polam Hall a unique and vibrant seat of learning that cares for the development of the whole child.

Readings

The central theme of both the Junior School and Senior School readings has been new beginnings and we have explored opportunities for personal growth in being reflective and setting new challenges, alongside the importance of resilience and the core values of Polam.

The first Reading of the New Year undertaken by J2 was a delight and allowed both parents and myself to witness that courage, determination and hard work leads to success. They led us through new year rituals and resolutions with infectious passion. I found it particularly warming to be able to sing Auld Lang Syne with my new School ‘family’.

Parent Trust Meeting

New beginnings were also a central theme of the Parent Trust meeting on Monday. It was wonderful to be able to meet so many parents and to hear presentations from a panel of Governors, Woodard Trust representatives and the Headmaster of Kings Priory. The questions that were raised at the meeting and ones that were sent into me afterwards will form a ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ document which will be published next week. This should enable parents to have a clearer understanding as to why we going to be a partner in the Woodard Academies Trust.

Year 6 into L4 Parents Evening

It was a privilege to talk to parents of our Year 6 pupils on Thursday about the special qualities of our all through school and I had a deep sense of pride of the leadership that was shown by our L4 students as they guided visiting parents through a senior school tour.

Sporting Success

We have started the new year with some impressive footballing success – not least our under 12 girls football team, who in their first set of games came third in the Darlington 5-a-side football tournament. A very well done to them all.

I hope your new year has begun as successfully as Polam Hall’s.

Martin Fleetwood, Headmaster