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Hear from the Principal 05.05.23

Debating the future

I would like to congratulate our Year 11 students, Rose and Marina, who took part in this month’s annual inter-school parliamentary debate, which was held at the Palace of Westminster. With an established history of success in the competition, I was delighted to learn that they won first and second place respectively. Both girls also enjoyed meeting their local MP, Lucy Frazer, who hosted the event.

While your children can practise their own debating skills during their iCAS Xtra sessions, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) fosters the development of listening and communication skills in all of our students through continuous discussion about the world around them.


Taking refuge in literature

On Friday 21 April, a number of our Year 10 students were invited to attend ‘Over the border: Bernadine Evaristo and Ali Smith’, through the Cambridge Literary Festival’s programme of activities.

Exploring the present international environment through conversations and first-hand accounts, the event was a powerful reflection on different experiences and perspectives from the global community. I was particularly proud to hear how mature and respectful our students were and their engagement with the sensitive topic of asylum. 


Bienvenue!

Cultivating an international mindset underpins education at the College. Our dedication to this means that we are able to offer our students a choice of five different language options at GCSE, in addition to a robust programme of international experiences through iCAS and international visits. Last year, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of our French exchange programme and on 25 April, I was delighted to welcome students from College St RĂ©gis St Michel, Le Puy-en-Velay, France, to the College.

From classroom learning, to games, and sports, our students hugely enjoyed the opportunity to practise their French language skills and learn more about life in France. I know they are looking forward to future visits to Le Puy-en-Valay!


‘May’ they enjoy their time away

As you know, the College works hard to offer all of our students access to educational visits across the UK and abroad. This month, our students will be jetting off to explore Ardèche in France and Zaragoza in Spain, enabling them to experience new cultures and practise their language learning through conversations with native speakers. I know how excited they are about their upcoming visits, and I look forward to hearing their reflections on their return.

Keep an eye on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts for photos from their visits.


Parent and Carer forum

Next up for our family engagement events is our Parent and Carer Forum, which takes place on 10 May. You are invited to join us to discuss the experiences of students, and their families, at the College. I hope you find it useful and enjoyable to meet with other parents and carers and share your experiences.

Please contact us if you would like to attend.


May 5, 2023