January 7th 2023
We have really enjoyed welcoming the children back to Moulsford after the Christmas break, and the staff have been very impressed by how everyone has got straight back to task in the classroom. There is a real sense of purpose around school.
Last term we welcomed ‘Talk Education’ to Moulsford to update their review of the school. These visits are extremely thorough processes, with all aspects of the school looked into in detail. In many ways, it’s a bit like having another inspection, but rather than the findings being constrained by extremely rigid criteria, the written ‘report’ is in plain English, and the use of adjectives and descriptive language are encouraged! In short, the reader gets to discover what the school is really like.
The Talk Education reviewer spent a good deal of time chatting with members of staff, but her greatest insights undoubtedly came from the many formal and informal conversations that she had with the boys. I learnt many years ago that while you can prep boys on manners, courtesy, eye contact, firm handshake etc., trying to control or influence what they say to visitors is futile. Boys tell it exactly how they see it, and are refreshingly honest in their responses. This can be quite disconcerting on Open Days when multiple groups are touring the school each being guided by boys, and you’re pretty sure all parents are going to ask what they think of the Head. It can feel like multiple ticking time bombs circulating around the school.
Similarly, when the boys are in charge of tours, less desirable areas of the school suddenly become part of the show round, such as the changing rooms: off limits on a standard tour for various reasons, not least due to the odour of sweaty socks. At my previous school, one unfortunate prospective was taken down the trapdoor beneath the school stage. When I later asked his guide why this was part of the tour, the boy’s response was: “If he ever got stuck underneath the stage, I thought it was important he knew how to get out”.
Thank you to the boys who kindly spoke with the Talk Education reviewer. When you read the report, you’ll notice the numerous references to what fantastic ambassadors they are. It’s a hallmark of Moulsford boys, that whenever volunteers are requested to meet parents or visitors, they are so keen to take up this opportunity, and always get rave reviews.
