HM's Letters
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Letter to parents - 23rd May 2011
Dear Parents
It is difficult to believe that we are quickly approaching half term; seemingly a great deal has been achieved in a very short period of time.
SWGrid for Learning
Harm Reduction Officer Alan Earl of the SWGrid for Learning has recently spoken to most of the school about the benefits, drawbacks and dangers of social networking sites. He is well known to the school and I was not surprised that the children were thoroughly engaged by his address and accordingly thereafter were appropriately reflective. Mr Earl believes that our children generally use social networking sites sensibly however, he has concerns about the small number of very young children who appear to have access to Facebook. My understanding is the Facebook guidelines indicate that it is inappropriate for children under 13 to use the facility. He was perhaps more surprised by the number of pupils who have and play consul games that are rated '18'. 'Call of Duty' is one such game.
Having children of my own I am entirely aware of the difficulties faced by parents who wish to follow the national guidelines, after all the purpose of such regulations is to protect young children from what has been judged as unsuitable content. Given significant peer pressure, particularly from those who have older siblings, it is often extremely difficult to 'stand ones ground'. You can be assured however, that the school's view is that our pupils should not be taking part in games, activities or events that have been devised for their elders. This is not just simply a case of it being easy to take the moral high ground but a genuine value and means by which we can be consistent and reasonable in our judgment.
The DSA Summer Ball
As you will be aware the Summer Ball takes place on Friday 1st July. By popular demand there is more emphasis on dancing this year and I am sure 'Gee Baby I Love You' will prove excellent live music. Needless to state good food and wine will also flow in abundance. To date tickets sales have been slow and so the Ball Committee has extended the 'Early Bird Offer' (saving £5.00 a ticket) until Wednesday 25th May.
The Summer Ball is a major event of our calendar year and I very much hope that you will be able to come and dance the evening away. It is always a pleasant, entertaining evening, family and friends being most welcome.
Parents Hockey - Friday 27th May, 5.45 - 8.00pm on the Astros
On Friday evening we are hosting an evening of social hockey. The 1st XI Boys are playing the 1st XI Girls - I think for the first time ever. The Downs School Mums are playing Clifton College Mums and the Dads are playing a team from Firebrands. Other games will be organised as necessary. If you would like some exercise, followed by a burger and beer, please let the school office know by Wednesday afternoon. I suspect there is little need to worry about your level of skill or experience!!
Year 8 Common Entrance and Scholarship Examinations
Monday 6th June - Thursday 9th June
Year 8 candidates will take their Common Entrance Exams and Scholarship Exams over four days immediately after half term. The candidates have prepared well to date and earnest revision will enable them to secure more marks in the next few weeks. The need to prepare well cannot be underestimated not least as it will reduce anxiety when it comes to the reality of the occasion.
As half term comes to an end on Sunday 5th June, I will be pleased to spend a few hours with the candidates. They should come to school at 1.45pm when we will organise the exam room before doing a little final revision. Mrs Gunn will then host a barbecue and swim before collection at 4.30pm. This preparation time is compulsory for external candidates; internal candidates are more than welcome to attend.
Although centrally set external candidates have their exam scripts sent on to their individual senior schools for marking. We receive the results at The Downs on Thursday 16h June. The internal candidates have their papers marked by their teachers at The Downs. All the results coordinated I will give the pupils their results individually after lunch on Thursday 16th June. The pupils will then be given the opportunity to phone home with the good news.
We concluded last week by welcoming over one hundred Grandparents to afternoon tea and a concert. Their Grandchildren clearly enjoyed showing them around their school and as always they were engaging company. Indeed Grandparents Afternoon has quickly become a very pleasant and popular event. We look forward to another very busy week culminating in the House Music Competition. Thereafter I wish you all a very good half term and I look forward to seeing you at the Summer Fete on return to school - I suspect at some stage I will be in the stocks if you cannot find me!
Yours sincerely
Marcus Gunn
