June 13th 2020
The protests and demonstrations following the death of George Floyd have quite rightly dominated the news recently. It is very important that Moulsford boys understand both the Black Lives Matter movement, and the history behind it, and I hope that my assembly on Monday sparked discussion in households. Recent events raise issues for all of us to consider and it is right that children are part of the debate on these very challenging topics. For example, how has society allowed institutional prejudice against the black community to be endemic? Is it right that monuments are pulled down, and that those who have committed criminal damage should not be challenged? Should Winston Churchill be categorised in the same bracket as Edward Colston? Where does Oliver Cromwell stand in relation to his treatment of the Irish?
Education is a great vehicle for change and this week many Moulsford classes have been talking about these issues. To affect real change, it is so important to be able to have an open and healthy debate, and to listen to the views, concerns and fears of others. At Moulsford, we aim to teach the boys tolerance, understanding and instil in them the ability to present a reasoned and balanced argument, rather than taking a polarised stance on a position. The historian, Sir Simon Schama, gave an interesting interview on this topic on Radio 4’s Today programme on Wednesday. To hear this, click here and listen from 1:23.54 to 1:28.47.
Many congratulations to the Year 8 Common Entrance candidates who all did extremely well in their exams last week. It was a great pleasure to have a virtual opening of results together this afternoon. It was a bit strange sitting alone under the tree in my usual CE results location with only a screen for company, but the boys were in the better place at home as I got rather wet! Our son would have finished his ‘A’ levels today. Whilst there is lingering frustration that he has not been able to sit his exams, we are somewhat relieved that his leavers’ trip to Magaluf next week has been cancelled!
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