I have written and spoken this year of the desire for Bradfield to be like the Galapagos Islands, a fertile platform for diversity. Our educational principles and our pupils remain rounded, but our all-rounders are not mere jacks of all trades but often masters of many. That is as it should be because learning to do one thing really well – or at least with real passion – is invaluable.
One such pupil is five-time World Tap Dance Champion Kia (I 14-19). Kia’s dancing is supported by outstanding singing and acting; we wish her well for her Musical Theatre course next year. I have no doubt that her application to Liverpool Media Academy included great resumé virtues. I am also confident that they, like us, will soon come to value even more highly Kia’s eulogy virtues, notably her infectious energy and zest for life which are an inspiration to us all.
Hamish (E 14-19) will hopefully soon be drumming in Cambridge, where he has an offer to read Maths. Listing Hamish’s CV could take some time. Instead, I will use some of his tutor’s words: ‘Hamish’s great strength lies not in the objective list of trophies collected or boxes ticked, but rather in his endless sense of inquiry. Hamish never considers anything he has achieved as a task completed, but rather the beginning of a new chapter in a lifetime of discovery. He is desperate to make a positive difference to this world of ours.’ How’s that for a eulogy?
Billy (D 14-19) and Will (H 14-19) have been key members of our highly successful football team. They also demonstrate the manner in which many of our pupils are talented across several domains for Will’s jazz and Billy’s acting are also of the highest order. As one considers a gap year and apprenticeship and the other English and Film at Exeter, we know that Will’s generous smile and Billy’s natural charisma have been hugely influential within and beyond their peer group.
Charlie (I 14-19) plans to read History of Art after a gap year. The epitome of a Bradfield all-rounder, she has made superb contributions across the board. She has spoken memorably about the manner in which her family is proof of the principle of one Bradfield, many Bradfieldians and about the gratitude so many pupils feel to their parents for this opportunity. Charlie’s modesty, her care and her sometimes wicked sense of humour are, however, the things for which she will most be missed.
Lauren (J 17-19) has made a massive mark since joining Bradfield in the Sixth Form as the first girl to play for the boys’ cricket XI. Playing for Berkshire, Middlesex and Southern Vipers and a member of the England Women’s Academy, Lauren’s cricketing CV is deeply impressive. So are her personal example, her calm and measured approach and the manner in which she ensures that sporting success does not define her. She is planning to go to Loughborough to study Criminology and Sociology.
Our Heads of School this year demonstrate the same rich combination of talent and integrity, ability and empathy, effort and enthusiasm. Jess (M 17-19) has made a remarkable impact on Bradfield since her arrival, drinking deep of the opportunities on offer whilst standing true to her convictions, leading debate and challenging convention. And then, just when we thought we knew her, she revealed that she has a fabulous singing voice. She hopes to read Biomedical Sciences at Bath. May she quickly find her voice there.
Raff (G 14-19) is a pupil who has earned the respect, admiration and friendship not only of his own year group but across the pupil body. He is a young man who cares deeply about people and has always tried to put pupil voice to the fore. Like Jess, his final year also saw him reveal a fine singing voice to go alongside his talent for jazz and sport. Psychology with Innovation at Bristol sounds a fascinating course very well suited to Raff. I am deeply grateful to him and Jess for the lead they have given the College this year.
