The first half term of the academic year is always a whirlwind of activity – and this one has been no exception! From the opening days of term with the whole-school Malawi walk, to the recruitment and training of a new batch of Peer Supporters to the dramatic ‘amuse bouche’ of Curtain Raisers and the formation of new teams across the range of sports, Autumn is really our Spring – the new growth of talents and the stepping up to new responsibilities.
This is most clearly seen in the commissioning of a new Prefect group and the appointment of the Heads of School but across the school as a whole House Captains and Heads of House exercise their leadership also, those who have joined the Third Form have truly found their feet and Year Group Councils and the School Council are deploying and hearing pupil voice and harnessing pupil ideas and initiatives. Already we are seeing new members of our Third Form active in the Chapel choir; representing the school across a range of sports and stepping up to make their voices heard and to represent their fellow students in the Year Group and School Councils.
The Admissions team is busy this term also with visits to Prep Schools (and we would love to visit you or to be invited to Future Schools events…) and a range of Open Events (our next one on 14 November – and is focused in particular upon the 13+ entry. ) We have been delighted to see so many pupils registering for the Year 6 Advance Programme in January (the Lancing version of the Pre-Test) and also to have 13+ scholarship applications flooding in (the deadline for these is Sunday 29 November, in case this is something some of your parents might welcome a reminder about!)
This term always feels like the powerhouse of the academic year and half term provides a much-needed respite for all before the excitements of the half term ahead (the whole-school Musical, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is in the final swing of rehearsals) and the run up to Christmas – a magical season in the College’s calendar.
With all best wishes from all at Lancing for the half term ahead,
Hilary Dugdale
Director of Admissions
