The Waddesdon Voice

Our school magazine, the Waddesdon Voice, is published termly. It showcases our students’ achievements and their contributions to the school community and beyond. As its name suggests, the Waddesdon Voice provides a mouthpiece for our students. Each edition offers you a rich range of articles, think-pieces and reflections on how our students make a positive impact on society.

“Look to the future now It’s only just begun…”

When we decided on the theme for this term’s Voice, these iconic lines from Slade’s Merry Xmas Everybody were not quite what we had in mind!

However, on reflection, they seem quite fitting, not only in terms of what you will read inside these pages, but also given the significance of this time of year in the Christian calendar.

The wonderful thing about working in a school is the knowledge that we are preparing our young people for their futures lives and the many ways in which they will benefit others through the learning and qualities that they acquire along the way.

It was a real honour to welcome Dr Emma Williamson back to Waddesdon in September and to enjoy the recognition given to her, as she was awarded a prestigious purple plaque. Emma made a point of telling the students how her dyslexia has enabled her to think differently and therefore positively benefit others to have more positive futures.

And just recently, we had a SIAMS Inspection which echoed the same themes. This type of inspection focuses on the impact of our work, as a Church of England School: on our ethos and culture. In the report, the Inspector wrote:

“The school’s Christian vision and values are deeply embedded and thoughtfully applied to school life. This has a transformational impact on its students, helping them to live a full life.”

“For many, the school has transformed their educational experience and future life chances.”

We are, of course, proud to read these lines, but education is the work of a lifetime, and school is just part of  that. It is grounded in supportive families, enabled by the positive influences in society, while all the time, must be filtered through the thoughtful reflections of young people themselves.

To be an educator is to be an optimist – and, in my daily interactions with young, people – it feels like the future is bright. The inspector also noted: “Student leadership is a strong feature of school life with Sixth Form students, in particular, serving as role models to their younger peers.”

They should be proud of the school of which they (and you) are firmly a part.

Finally, the words of Slade have a particular resonance for Christians at this time of year. Advent is about preparing for a future which was foretold and the promise of life in all its fullness through the person of Jesus Christ. “Look to the future now. It’s only just begun…”

In this light, I wish you a joyful, blessed and hopeful end of the year.

It is my genuine hope that we can all see, and embrace, the four qualities of: Hope, Peace, Love and Joy which encircle the Christ candle, on the Advent wreath.

Happy Christmas!