Headmaster's Newsletter Friday 2nd December 2022

They are at NCS for nine years of their educational lives, which is quite some chunk of time. During this time, they will develop strong friendships. But even strong friendships can come under pressure when we are busy, tired, short of time, and sometimes in need of a little break. (I am aware that, with a week’s break, the boys have been in one another’s company for twelve weeks in a row now!). I hope that what we teach here helps the boys to understand how interpersonal relationships work, and that appropriate expectations in those relationships will lead to them becoming secure in the long-term. Quite often we get a gaggle of NCS alumni coming back to the gate on Savile Road and, quite often, they are still in their old friendship groups quite some years after they have left at thirteen. I know of several old NCS boys in their thirties and forties who are still best friends with their best friends from here. This is worth remembering when we can become fixated on grades and standardised scores: a large part of education is learning how to coexist with others, even those to whom we might not necessarily automatically warm, and how to nurture friendships that are going to be a source of great joy and solace as the boys go through the rest of their lives.

Have a great weekend, and do check in on an old school friend.

Matt Jenkinson

We are looking forward to our carol services next week. Please note that all boys should come to school in full school uniform on both days. On Wednesday, for those boys who have Games in the afternoon, they should bring in their kit separately and there will be an opportunity to get changed in school after the service. Apologies in advance for any lost socks. Tickets for carol services are being sent home from the office via your sons. Please be in touch with office@newcollegeschool.org if any go awry (tickets, not sons) or if you have any questions.

Next Thursday, 8 December, is our Christmas Jumper Day, raising money for Save the Children. It is the customary £2 if boys would like to wear a Christmas jumper – taste optional. They are also welcome to wear Christmas hats and/or socks. Please do not go to any great expense for this, nor feel any pressure to take part; borrowed/old jumpers are totally fine. Thursday is also the day for our NCSPA Christmas Fair in the sports hall. Many thanks in advance to all those parents, carers and friends who have worked so hard to put together such a special event for the boys.

On Monday, Year 4 made their way to the Ashmolean. The boys have been looking at Ancient Greece in Greats and this was an amazing opportunity to visit different galleries. To have such a display of wonderfully preserved and varied pots, sculptures and artefacts on display at such an accessible location creates an immersive experience for the boys. They had a great morning looking at the different types of pots and being awestruck by the incredible sculptures. The boys were enthusiastic, well behaved, and thoroughly enjoyed their visit. My thanks to Pip Usher for organising such a worthwhile trip.

On Tuesday, the Year 7s and Year 8s engaged happily on Tuesday with an entertaining story performed entirely in French by the Onatti Theatre Company. Max B and Didrik joined the cast and acted alongside them, providing further top-class entertainment with their French and acting skills. ‘La maison hantée’ (‘The Haunted House’) was funny, accessible through visual clues, loads of actions and repetition, with modern touches and opportunities to join in to please everyone. The experience was enjoyed by all; my thanks to Catherine Phillips for organising this special event.