As part of our end-of-year reflections and celebrations as a staff group this week, our Vice Principal, Lindsay, treated us to a slideshow and video to remind us of some of the incredible highlights from this year – there was so much to look back on, it had to be quite a long video! We’ve had three terms packed with events and opportunities for students to develop, to grow, and to enjoy their time at the College – from incredible residential trips, including those to Venice and a ski resort in Italy, through to the activities that make Brampton a special place day in, day out, such as our inspiring guest speakers, our enrichment programme, or our achievement assemblies. I have to pay tribute to my wonderful colleagues who combined to make these events – and many more – happen.
Clearly, a highlight for the College was our ISI inspection in March this year. We are still on a high from having received such positive feedback from the inspection team. June has been an opportunity for us to reflect on two references in the report that we are particularly proud of. Firstly, in the section on pupils’ physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing: “the annual wellbeing day helps raise the profile of emotional and mental health and enables pupils to undertake a range of activities to support this now and in the future.” We held our Annual Wellbeing Day on 11th June and it did just this – students were able to participate in physical activities such as circuit training, Zumba, and boxing; creative work such as flower arranging and painting; and mindful activities including animal petting. We had a wonderful time working together, learning new skills, and benefitting from an educational talk on the importance of diet for good health and wellbeing. I am delighted that we are able to put on such a comprehensive and unique suite of activities to promote emotional wellbeing and positive mental health.
Secondly, in the section on pupils’ social and economic education and contribution to society: the College “provides access to recent alumni… which helps pupils to make informed choices about their next steps. Pupils appreciate these opportunities to reflect on their decision making.” There have been a number of opportunities this month for students to engage with our recent alumni. Just this week, we held our Alumni Panel as an activity during our annual UCAS and Higher Education preparation days. We were exceptionally proud of the team of six who came to visit us to discuss their experiences since leaving Brampton and to give advice and recommendations ahead of the final year of A level and the university application process. Answers to the question “What advice would you give to your Year 12 self?” were particularly revealing and useful!
Then, at our Summer Open Evening, we invited some of our alumni back to Brampton to advocate for the College and to reflect on their experiences from their time with us. Two of them spoke to the prospective students and parents on the night, and it was moving and emotional to hear their words and of the love and affection they still have for the College. Once a Bramptoneer, always a Bramptoneer! I’m particularly proud of Trisha (pictured here with me, second from the right), who won her place at medical school in 2022, overcoming many challenges along the way, and Safy (next to Trisha), who will be studying graduate-entry Medicine at Imperial College in September this year.
They never gave up on their dreams. And neither did we.
Have a great summer.
John Wilson
