On Monday 11th November, the normal buzz of the school and the whirring of learning fell silent. All that could be heard was the rustle of leaves and bird calls, as Sydney Russell School respectfully observed two minutes’ silence in commemoration of Armistice Day and all those who have fallen for our freedom.

My thanks to Mr Fells who read the Exhortation and the Kohima Epitaph, and Mr Mitchell who played The Last Post and La Réveille following the two minutes’ silence.

This poignant act of annual remembrance is all the more powerful when over 2000 students are gathered in the same place to show their respect.

The second half of the week saw six visitors spend three days with us for our QAR (Quality Assurance Review), looking our ways of working, going into lessons, meeting with students, teachers, support staff and leaders.

The review team could not be more complementary of our school, our staff and especially our students, commenting on the exemplary ways in which our students engage in what is on offer, conduct themselves in lessons as well as around the school, and the high quality of curriculum, teacher practice and leadership that is strongly evident.

I am delighted to share that our QAR outcome is Leading for Leadership at all levels, Leading for Quality of provision and our Personal Development provision has been successfully accredited as an Area of Excellence!

This is a fantastic opportunity for us to reflect on the excellent and important work happening every day to make SRS the place it is, enabling our young people to achieve brilliant outcomes, both academically and personally. Congratulations everyone!

Have a lovely weekend.

Mrs Cross