Our theme this week has been Respect. Mr Wilkinson – Deputy Headteacher, gave a moving whole school assembly this morning, as he told the story of Lieutenant James Bradley. James was taken as a prisoner of war, after the Japanese invaded Singapore in 1942. He was subject to brutality and torture during his captivity, but was part of a daring escape plan with 10 other officers. The men survived for over 8 weeks, as they attempted to walk through the jungle towards the sea, the story is captured in James’ book -‘ ‘Towards the Setting Sun: An Escape from the Thailand – Burma Railway, 1943′. The 5 men that survived to the River Ye were recaptured by the Japanese at the final moment, when freedom was within inches, having been betrayed by local village elders. Usually Japanese officers executed all escapees, either through firing squad or the more dreaded Samurai sword. Amazingly, the 5 British Officers were spared execution and remained as prisoners until 1946. James believed his survival was down to respect. The Japanese officers respected the bravery and courage of the escapees and feared disgrace from the Emperor, if they were to kill such brave men. James Bradley died in 2003 at the age of 91.
Talking of respect, I give my full respect this week to the Year 11 students who made a focused and committed start to their formal revision timetable. Out of the whole year more than 2/3rds achieved the goal of 3 revision sessions or more this week, with the vast majority doing significantly more. Whilst there are a few who have not quite made the target, to gain an exit pass for ‘Free Friday’, most of those have newly assigned Senior Leaders as mentors, so I expect a more promising result next week! There is no doubt about it though, this year group are impressing me with their work ethic and have clearly taken on board the advice and guidance given by teaches, tutors, leaders and parents. The aim is not to ‘pile on the pressure’, more to relieve it by being prepared.
We hosted yr 5 and 6 students from Hawes primary yesterday, at our annual science day – with added climbing wall activities. The students were an absolute pleasure to meet and work with. They successfully identified DNA in kiwi fruit, made things go with ‘a bang’ in chemistry and were extremely agile on the climbing wall. A huge thank you to the Hawes teaching staff and our teachers for making this a worthwhile and exciting day for the students. We look forward to seeing them again at our Open Evening on Thursday 4th October.
