I fully expect our young people to prove their character

A reflection, and why not? It’s late, I can’t sleep and there is a restorative glass of something Scottish in easy reach.

We are in new territory, as a school community, as a nation. The vast majority of our pupils, some colleagues too, will soon be working from home. Nevertheless, it is our ambition to keep BGS families informed and connected with school. These are unprecedented times and we are embracing new ways of learning, working and looking after each other. Bradford Grammar School is not closed, we are simply adjusting to a new routine.

That said, my heart goes out to all our students who are understandably wondering what the remainder of the academic year will hold for them, most particularly our Year 11s and Year 13s who have been working so hard and positively towards GCSE and A Level exams. There are several teachers at BGS who have shed a tear in the presence of exam classes. We care deeply and will use our influence and agency, work with Ofqual and exam boards, to find a fair and equitable way forward for everyone. When we hear what is going to happen next, we will let our students and families know. For now, we wait, patiently, trusting to the anticipated judgements of Ministers and senior colleagues.

At the time of writing, there remains much that we do not know. I wrote in my recent letter to BGS families that we will do our best to support the ongoing education of our young people; however, any new pattern of working will demand a period of adjustment and whilst we have tried hard to keep things straightforward, use familiar systems and mimic the rhythms of a normal school day, we anticipate the occasional hiccup. Reassuringly, we know that our pupils are capable and kind; they will undoubtedly show initiative, solve problems for themselves and support each other when needed. Colleagues at BGS are problem solvers too and with a little patience and understanding, we will make things work, together.

We talk a lot about our historic school motto ‘Hoc Age’ in assemblies and written communications. I mention it again now for example. Its meaning, more or less ‘get on and do it’, axiomatic with School identity, becomes a mantra now for our collective approach. Something about grit? We should ignore the social commentary of others, characterising British youth as ‘snowflakes’ or similar. I know different. I fully expect our young people to prove their character in these challenging times, to demonstrate some gumption. Folk should take note.

To close, and perhaps illustrate the point, this is an email exchange today from Bradford Grammar School between a Year 13 student and our fantastic chef, Mr Winter:

Subject: Chef’s choice on Friday

Dear Mr Winter,

Seeing as this Friday will be the last day for year 13 pupils, I would just like to request that the ‘chef’s choice’ desert could be a firm favourite – treacle sponge. This sponge has brightened the days of pupils for years and to have it as part of our last supper would be nothing but amazing. I look forward to hearing about your delicious amendment to Friday’s menu.

Many thanks 😀,
(on behalf of the hungry year 13s)

Swiftly followed by: Subject: RE: Chefs choice on Friday

Hi 😀,

I can now confirm that treacle sponge will be on the menu for Friday lunch, thank you for your email and good luck with life after BGS.

Kind regards
Dean Winter
Executive chef