The House system is a defining part of the life of Wallingford School. It is fun, competitive, noisy and exhilarating. Most importantly, there is something in it for everyone from the pancake race to the bake-off, across the sports and the quizzes, in Science and Music and Drama and a whole lot more, its tentacles reach into every element of our school.

The week before a school holiday sees House Assemblies and this week’s have been excellent. The scores have been revealed, achievements celebrated and there has been a focus on all of the activities on offer during term 6 including one of the highlights of the school year – Sports Day. It’s all to play for when we return after the half-term break.

Public examinations by their very nature are less noisy or exhilarating and I have to commend our Year 11 and Year 13 (and a few Year 12) students who are working so very hard during this exam season. Without exception, their hard work, commitment and focus are so very impressive and they all deserve to do well when they receive their results in August. However they do, our staff who are supporting them so effectively currently will be there to guide them on to their next steps whether that is university or college, Wallingford School Sixth Form or another destination. They have a few more weeks to go before a well-deserved summer break and we really could not ask any more of them. 

Finally, it’s been great to see Year 9 students on their Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme Bronze expedition last weekend and Year 10 Geographers on the beach in Dorset completing their fieldwork during this week. Lots of learning and activity in the fresh air is to be encouraged and they have all had great experiences.