SHENSTON IAN 88 - Old Silhillians Association

from
the
headmaster
1988 has been an important milestone in the school's history in many ways: as
such it will take some time to assess its real significance. The immediate impression
is certainly that it has been another good year, with some notable aspects to make it
rather special: a record number of pupils, for we have never exceeded 980 before;
our best A Level pass and higher grade percentages; by far the most successful
Charity Week programme, raising over £4,000 more than last year's previous
highest total; the most generous gift to the school by any individual — the Gordon
Wilcox Squash Courts; the major refurbishment and development of School House
at a cost of £1/2 million; as high a standard of music making as we have probably had
and an exceptional number of concerts; a cricket team reaching the semi finals of a
national competition; and splendid records by athletes, swimmers and rugby
players. For most individuals too it has clearly been .a notable year, as the reading
of many excellent reports which highlight commitments to an impressively wide
range of activities bears out.
It is particularly good to see the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme producing its first
Gold Award winners and to note the popularity of house and individual
competitions at all levels. Each section of the school has its own atmosphere and
programme of activities; and the staff responsible for these take immense trouble to
ensure that everyone finds at least one satisfying 'niche'. Anydne who opts out of
such opportunities is assuredly missing the flavour of the school.
One development that has certainly made the year distinctive is the completion
of the first of the GCSE courses. As I write this letter, I obviously have no idea how
the results will come out or whether we shall see any notable differences between
external assessment for this new scheme of things and that which one could
generally expect at 0 Level. So far, the media search for drama has not been
fuelled by evidence of excessive pressures or lack of direction from our experience;
and all departments comment favourably on the level of commitment that has been
shown. The emphasis on problem solving in as contemporary a context as possible
has had an obvious and beneficial impact on teaching and learning below the Lower
Fifths; and one can expect some changes in the near future in relation to A Level.
A good year and distinctive year — but why an important milestone? For that
we have to register the passing of an era — for during the course of the year we
have had to say goodbye to six most important and loyal servants of the school,
whose distinguished contributions total nearly 200 years and average over 30 each.
Fulsome tributes are appropriately paid in the pages of the magazine but they will
do scant justice to numerous initiatives and kindnesses over the years, or to the
ways in which they have contributed to the immense progress that has taken place
here since the 1950s: in particular, the meticulous way in which Mr. Peter Arculus
has managed the Science Department and development initiatives for Combined
Science courses; the development of Design and Technology at the hands of Mr.
Trevor Archer, who also managed to find time to lead the Middle School so
successfully for 13 years; the dedicated commitment of Laurie Bailey to people in
the Solihull area through Community Service and to boys and parents in the Lower
School since 1977; and Mr. Tomlin, whose ceaseless enthusiasm for all school
activities, combined with the maintenance of the highest standards in relationships
and performance, has been the hallmark of his 19 years as Second Master. They
have provided Solihull School with an absolutely exceptional contribution, and one
which has assuredly confirmed its position and reputation for the next century.
We seem to have spent the last fortnight of term, in our various ways and
groups, trying to express our gratitude and admiration for such outstanding
teaching careers. The record of 1988 is' in itself a fitting tribute to them — as is the
indisputable fact that we have a wealth of talent and commitment to continue the
work on which they have been engaged so successfully.
A.L.
16.7.88.
Notes and News
Our congratulations and best wishes to Dr. Jeremy Troth on the occasion of
his marriage to Miss Susan Hinton.
Our congratulations to Mr and Mrs Keylock on the birth of a son, Matthew;
Mr and Mrs Caldicott on the birth of a daughter, Niamh; and Mr and Mrs Smith on
the birth of a daughter, Louise.