Growing Up
In A.A. Milne’s classic poem, Now We Are Six, the young speaker briefly summarises his life to date before closing with the line, “So I think I’ll be six forever and ever.” Evidently, he feels he has become clever enough and there is no need to learn any more nor, indeed, grow up.
Growing up is hard! With each year comes more responsibility and higher expectation but it is important not to get weighed down by this. In response to the age-old question, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’, research by Forbes magazine shows that the most common answers for boys are sportsman, fireman and engineer while for girls it is doctor, teacher and scientist. However, right up near the top is the response “I don’t know”. It seems, then, that children have no trouble admitting what so many young adults won’t – they have no idea what they want to be when they grow up.
This is no bad thing, especially for children. Yes, ambition and focus are good; having a target often brings positive results. But keeping horizons broad and developing a range of interests is also beneficial because in this changing, ever more global world, citizens need to be adaptable. The older children have received lessons in building a CV this week so that they know what senior schools and employers are looking for. They know the importance of a well-rounded character with interests and values alongside good qualifications. Most importantly, though, they know that selectors want eager minds with a hunger to learn.
Regrettably, we cannot stay six forever and ever. And we definitely cannot stop learning. But, while growing older is inevitable, growing up is more optional and perhaps more of us should retain a six year old’s attitude to friendships, fun and giving things a go.
This was arguably the approach of David Winn who passed away this week and for whom our flag has been flying at half-mast. While his connection to St Andrew’s was not as strong as to Eastbourne College, his contribution to the charity as a whole is almost unrivalled. The Chairman of Governors Philip Broadley writes: ‘David Winn’s contribution to Eastbourne College – as a governor for over 30 years, as a parent and grandparent, as President of the OEA and Eastbournian Society and as the charity’s greatest benefactor – was truly unique. David was an eternal optimist and any occasion was lifted by his presence. We have lost a true friend.’
A couple of weeks ago, we welcomed a journalist from the magazine Muddy Stilettos and I am delighted with her review of the school which you can read here: Muddy Stilettos Review. Highlights for me include the observation that the children “exude a sense of purpose, of grounding and belonging” while flourishing in our forward-thinking environment. Music to my ears!
Talking of music, we were delighted to hold our first Richardson Recital on Tuesday, albeit socially distantly with smaller numbers. Nonetheless, what a treat! With a focus on the voice and the violin, we heard a variety of musical styles from a range of performers, some of whom were giving their first concert. These recitals are a wonderful way of allowing pupils to gain public performance experience and we look forward to the next one in October.
The music in the school is part of our thriving performing arts output and the finishing touches have just been applied to a new video which you can view here: St Andrew’s Performing Arts Video. I feel it showcases a great deal of the wonderful things we produce and my thanks go to everyone involved in its compilation.
Last week I mentioned that Archie and George Shakespeare competed in the ISGA National Golf Championships in Oxfordshire. I am delighted to confirm that Archie finished in 3rd position individually while George was tied for 6th and, together representing the school, they finished in 2nd place overall just two points behind the winners. A fantastic effort!
Speaking of which – well done to the Juniors who filled bags and bags of rubbish in their ‘Beach Clean’ yesterday. Ecotastic!
The Year 3 pupils have been enjoying their weekly story time in the Library with Mrs Garrett. Having just finished The Legend of Spud Murphy by Eoin Colfer (about a fearsome librarian – hopefully not like Mrs Garrett), they are now on to My Brother is a Superhero by David Solomons.
Following the Prime Minister’s briefing on Tuesday night, we see no material changes to our continued operation. We are fortunate to benefit from the green, spacious and ‘blue health’ lifestyle that our coastal location affords and even though there has been a rise in positive cases nationwide, here in Eastbourne the rate is still very low (at 7 per 100,000 people). We hope the tighter measures will restrict the growth further and we fully expect that with everyone’s vigilance and good sense, our community will stay safe and well.
It is an exeat weekend which means no Saturday morning activities as well as, hopefully, a much needed rest. Have a good weekend everyone!