I am now enjoying my second wet summer in Bloxham in my role as Headteacher at The Warriner. While I cannot claim that every day has been without challenge this is without doubt the most rewarding job I have ever had. To be responsible for over 1100 students and 150 staff is a significant responsibility but also a pleasure. Recently our Year 11 students started their examination leave as the full blown GCSE season starts. Saying goodbye to them in the knowledge that, for the vast majority, we have provided them with a sound and well rounded education is satisfying to say the least.

Those of you reading this who receive our newsletter too, may remember my comments about the whole examination system and the gross over-testing we submit our children to in this country. However, we will do all that we can to ensure our students achieve academically, not to do so would place them at a disadvantage when they come to leave us and move on with their education and career. Here at The Warriner we believe in the education of the whole child, not simply in outcomes that can be measured through examination outcomes. Students are individuals and we provide a wide range of curricula and extra-curricula activities to engage, challenge and stretch each to the best of their abilities. I am delighted that after a period of absence we have the Duke of Edinburgh scheme back on offer, though we have been somewhat overwhelmed with the level of response from students: but then this is a problem we are pleased to manage.

In the past few months we have hosted several major community events; the Young Chef of the Year, the British Veteran’s cross-country championships and the Tour de Trig walk. We recognise that we have a role to play in the wider community and will be extending our activities in this area next year. We will be introducing a range of computer courses and would be delighted to hear from anyone who has any particular need in this area before the end of this term so that we can match our offer to the needs of local people.

We had a fantastic Farm Open Weekend which I am sure many of you enjoyed with your families as I did. We were certainly lucky with the weather for the two days and did need to rely on the Bloxham Fire Engine to put out the fire rather than the rain!
There are a number of significant developments planned for the school over the coming three years and I will write more of these in later editions of the Bloxham Broadsheet. Best wishes Nick Hindmarsh, Headteacher – The Warriner School.