Dear KS5, 

Welcome to this final briefing from me. Good luck with your work experience next week and I hope you enjoy your time in work-related learning.

This is a bittersweet moment for me. You have been my last year group at this school, and I could not be prouder of your achievements and the young people you have become.  A sixth form is more than its buildings and classrooms, it is defined by its people and culture. It has been an honour and privilege to work alongside some amazing colleagues and lead this area of the school.

In terms of students, I could not have asked for more (well, some of you need better attendance, punctuality, meeting deadlines, going to lessons) but apart from that, you have been perfect. 

We live in extra-ordinary times in constant wheel of perma-crises; climate change, Brexit, inflation, weak economy, air pollution, sewage in the seas, cost of living, demand for social care services, Artificial Intelligence and the exponential pace of technological change.   Perhaps if you’re a Harry Potter fan, Professor Dumbledore’s words sum up where we are: “Dark and difficult times lie ahead.” 

To some extent, my generation have not left you an easy inheritance, you will have to be extraordinary to cope with these challenges ahead; you will have to work together, heal divisions and ask big questions about what type of world we want to live in.  

 
However, there is hope, I am a teacher for one reason only – every day I am surrounded by possibility, by what you could become. By hope. And when I look out at you, I feel proud of the young adults you have become, and hopeful for the things you will achieve.  

Dumbledore’s quotation ends: “Dark and difficult times lie ahead. Soon we must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy.”  

 
Looking at you now, I am filled with the hope that you will choose what is right over what is easy. It is those choices which will define your generation. I know you can do better than your predecessors. And you have to – it’s never mattered more.  You will be the ones who will make a difference. 

I want you to know that I will be waving you on from the sidelines, cheering you all the way. Good luck.  

Very best wishes 

Mr H

Director of KS5.