The College has a festive air today, with splashes of red, white, and blue amidst the school uniforms and the union flag fluttering above the buildings. The national anthem was sung out with gusto at Assembly this morning. We have our fair share of ardent royalists at Lancing alongside some sceptics, as well as those who are indifferent to it all, but there is absolute agreement from everyone on one thing: this three-day coronation exeat and its chance to relax and re-energise will be relished by all.
The public examination season is well and truly upon us and those students navigating these tricky waters are setting the tone for all: the mood in the school is industrious and focused. Our tranche of prize-winning Chemists augurs well on this academic front and there is an impressive list of music examination achievements to read here too.
When it comes to musical accomplishment, I should take the opportunity to say ‘Bravo!’ to those parents who participated in the College Singers concert in the Chapel last week – a Lancing tradition open to all and delightfully revived in the Chapel this year. This first newsletter of the term also shares the return of the annual Dance Show and if ever there were a time to celebrate joy, skill and sheer choreographed pizazz, this is it.
Our annual celebration of Founder’s Day is just three weeks away. Attached is the programme for the week-long Arts Festival which precedes the Day and which brings together a host of events and previews. You are warmly invited to come and see some of Lancing’s artistic variety, from new work in the art, design and photography exhibitions to drama and music in the Theatre and Great School. On Founder’s Day itself, and following Prize Giving in the Chapel, you will be welcome to join us for a hog roast and barbecue and to cheer on our now annual Founder’s Festival of Athletics. More details will follow next week. In the meantime, I wish you a thoroughly enjoyable Coronation Bank Holiday.
Best wishes
Dominic Oliver
