It’s the second full week of the academic year and the extra-curricular life of the school is gathering momentum with football matches, rugby and hockey practices, choir practices and auditions for the school production amongst other things – and, of course, the Bigg Band rehearsing in all its glory!

All of these things are vital elements of the life of our school and it is great to see so many students involved already – and there is a lot more to come with lunchtime clubs and activities also kicking in. Assemblies this week have been about Routines and Expectations and it feels like they are well-set for the year even at this early stage.

Our Year 7 students continue to be very impressive in everything they do – polite, focused and already enthusiastically playing a real part in the life of our school. Equally, it’s all been new for Year 12 and they have made a really good start to their Sixth Form lives. It is great to see those students who have been with us since Year 7 in Wallingford School Sixth Form but also to welcome those who have joined us from other schools at the start of Year 12. They always integrate into our school seamlessly and make a real contribution to what makes our Sixth Form so successful.

The House system is never far away at Wallingford School and it’s European Day of Languages next week including a Speed Learning Challenge and with House Points available – it’s early in the year but all to play for.