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Hurst Issue No 4 February 2008
Academic Hurst

The pressure is building. Mock GCSEs have arrived. AS and A2 modules have drawn to a close, and the time has come for serious work. It is at about this time of year that pupils start to 'disappear'. In other words, recognising the importance of the approaching exams, they begin to take themselves off for quiet, productive study at home, in the house, or in the library. This is to be greatly encouraged. Time is moving along swiftly. Generally, I am pleased with what is happening throughout the College academically. However there are still a few pupils who seem to be rather slow on the uptake about the importance of public exams for their future. Even though I believe that exams involve the stalling of true education they are a necessary part of it and require proper preparation. Any parent whose child is sitting significant examinations next term, and has any concerns about their progress or commitment should contact Richard Taylor-West (5th Form) or Tim Firth (Lower and Upper 6th) to discuss how best to support and encourage their child. In the coming weeks, every member of 5th Form will have an "eyeball" moment with Mr Taylor-West, to identify that which needs to be done to ensure success. Likewise, Mr Firth will be seeing every member of St John's, immediately the AS/A2 Module Results become available in early March.

All that said, there is a good deal to celebrate, with so much great work going on in the school. As Tim Firth commented to me the other day, the 6th Form has never been so well prepared for modules in January. And, pupils are to be praised for their vacation work which had to compete with the distractions of Christmas.