Autumn Term Welcome 2023

On a gloriously sunny day, we welcomed all new, and returning, pupils and members of staff to the College for the first Whole School Assembly of the academic year. For pupils in Years 8, 10, 11 and 13, it was their first day back at College while those in Years 7, 9 and 12 were returning for their second day. 

Yesterday, on Monday 4 September, all new pupils in Years 7, 9 and 12 attended an induction day at the College where they met their fellow pupils and teachers, got set up with IT, and, in the case of our Year 9 pupils, underwent sports testing. With our Year 7 pupils, it would prove to be a momentous day as we welcomed girls into the year group for the first time in our history, continuing Shiplake’s journey to becoming a fully co-educational school. It was a wonderful sight to see both boys and girls in their Shiplake uniforms before completing a Shiplake milestone – the swim and capsize test. Emulating the school motto, exemplum docet (the example teachers), the Headmaster demonstrated how to do the capsize test by going first!

Today’s Whole School Assembly began with the new College Chaplain, Reverend Dr Baker, leading the school in prayer and in his address to the pupil body, the Headmaster, Mr Howe, set out his expectations for all pupils at the start of the academic year. Now entering his fifth year at the helm of the College, Mr Howe reaffirmed the importance of the College’s values – the three Is – Inclusive, Individual, and Inspirational. He said: 

'Shiplake is a community where we look out for and look after each other. It is a school where we want to respect each other – it doesn’t matter where you come from, the colour of your skin, ethnicity, religion, gender, the way you speak, your accent – any way that others might want to define us. We are all part of the Shiplake community – and we respect each other.'

Mr Howe then introduced the new members of teaching staff - Mrs Hill, Miss Morgan, Mr Adam, Mr Green, Mr Bosomworth, Miss Kenyon, Mr Cartwright, Mrs Isaac, Mrs Dunn, and Mrs Elliott – there will be a separate welcome news article with further information about them! 

Deputy Head (Academic), Mr Jones was next to address the College with a reminder of the College's routines for learning and the timetable format before new Head of Rugby, Mr Edwards, set out his expectations for the rugby season.  

The Assembly concluded with a rendition of Happy Birthday to Mrs Partridge who celebrates her birthday today, before the College joined together to sing Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer. 

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