Lights, Camera, Whitgift

Whitgiftians - boys and staff - might have been forgiven for thinking they were becoming film stars last week, as two lots of camera crews visited the School. We had been invited to be part of the IB's information film, part of their drive to increase global awareness of the IB, involving filming some IB lessons; then later in the week Simon Jones, whose excellent Bonjour Agency produces our podcasts, was with us to record some film footage for our website. It's hard to find footage which does justice to the every day experience of the students, as opposed to the special moments, so he and his team went into classes - the result will be on our website next year.

Simon was full of enthusiasm at meeting in person some of those he has interviewed - we've done quite a few series of these podcasts now - and above all for 'the unflinching passion and enthusiasm with which [staff] spoke about subjects and students.'

It so happens that I was reflecting with some parents on Saturday's cricket boundary, about how such things as cricket fixtures and concerts seemed, during Covid times, as if they might never happen again. Yet here we are. Much changes in life - a cliché if ever there was one, I know - but some things are permanent. High up on the list is the importance and influence of great teachers, and though this has always been a hallmark of Whitgift (and schools like Whitgift), I do think the last few years have seen increasing levels of pure passion in teaching. Partly it's our revised Junior Years curriculum, partly the efforts of our Learning and Innovation team, and their predecessors, but mainly I hope because we trust teachers to inspire the boys and get them excited about learning, in the knowledge that results will follow as a by-product. We don't just put this on for the cameras (you couldn't), but it is great that the cameras have captured some of it.