Due to the global pandemic, I was apprehensive about going to secondary school after having a 6-month summer holiday and I was unsure of what the restrictions would be, questioning if school was actually going to start in September. It has been reassuring here at Bournemouth School the one-way system, the face coverings the year group bubble all keeps us safe with school life as normal as it can be in 2020. I enjoy having my homework on Microsoft Teams as this is a really easy way of managing and completing it opposed to the traditional way of handing books in. It makes it more time efficient and if there are any questions we can ask through teams for teachers or students to answer. I've met lots of new friends from different areas and enjoy the freedom of getting to and from school. Science is particularly interesting and it's great to do experiments and use the laboratories.

From the moment I first walked into Bournemouth School, well before applying for the position of headmaster, I knew that this was the school for me! It reminded me so much of my own grammar school - from the house system to the parquet floor in the main hall, from the thriving extra-curricular programme to the purposeful atmosphere. The mantra of "hard work, discipline, smart appearance and respect", echoes the traditional values that had been instilled in me as a boy and continues to provide a focus for our school improvement. We have not sought to be trendy, have resisted the temptation to jump on educational bandwagons, and have not manipulated examination statistics to rise up the league tables; we have simply focussed upon the basics and the needs of our students. I have come to realise that Bournemouth School is a very special school, with not only its examination results, but also its ethos and traditional values setting it apart from other schools. It is a privilege to serve as headmaster, and a joy to work with the young people entrusted to us.

The great thing about teaching languages at Bournemouth School is that students challenge and like to delve into the intricacies of the language as well as the culture giving them a comprehensive insight of life in another country. It is very rewarding to watch students develop their analytical skills and their awareness of current thinking and developments, showing their knowledge and understanding of the language. Being a native Spanish speaker allows me to tap into first hand resources and experiences adding further colour to bring the language alive. The dedication to language teaching is at the very core of our outstanding MFL department and I am very fortunate to be a member of it. As language teachers we ensure our students learn that with a language they will be able to talk to people from other countries and cultures, making it easier to travel and discover the world whatever career path they may have chosen. Who can resist that?

Joining Bournemouth School in Year 12 was an exciting step in my school career. I felt welcomed from the very beginning and it was easy to settle in quickly. Even though I was a new student, the school provided plenty of opportunities to get involved and I have greatly enjoyed participating in house activities and the school netball team. In class, the lessons are engaging and the teachers have always challenged me to perform at my best. I enjoy the determined and competitive learning environment that the school provides, and appreciate the encouragement and support from my peer group and staff. I feel proud to be able to serve the School Community as a Deputy School Captain.

Our boys have flourished at Bournemouth School. As parents, we really appreciate the relationship they have had with teachers who challenge and support them to achieve their best. In the sixth form especially, the teachers really help the boys to develop ideas and discuss and debate. Being part of the Bournemouth School community doesn't just mean getting good grades and the boys get plenty of opportunities to take part in events for their house. We love the way that they can take on responsibilities and their ideas and suggestions are put into practice, especially as they move into the sixth form. It really helps to prepare them for university and adult life as people who will make a real difference to society.

I can genuinely say I would not be who I am today without Bournemouth School - the values of hard work, discipline, smart appearance, and respect are invaluable morals which are taught to you from day one, not just by the Sixth Form, teachers and prefect team, but the entire school. Our community fosters these values and a multitude of others, driving an environment where everyone can flourish within academic and extracurricular activities, while creating lasting friendships. Students have opportunities to showcase their skills in sport, music, and other events including chess and language competitions; there truly is something for everyone. The House championship is an aspect of the school I am particularly proud of, promoting friendly competition, allowing students to cultivate friendships, and creating a sense of community. Bournemouth School has provided me opportunities to develop into the person I am today, progressing my ambitions both within and outside school, and allowing me to get involved and make a difference; an opportunity given from day one to new Year Sevens. Within Bournemouth School, everyone is heard and recognised, creating a positive and welcoming community which I am proud to represent.

My journey here at Bournemouth School has been one of great enlightenment not only from an intellectual aspect but also personally. Being at a school with such a broad range of activities, has helped me progress in many areas, from discipline to creativity. The ambitions and achievements of past students inspired me to try new things and develop my character. I am so grateful to have been chosen to become Moore House Captain this year and I hope that I am able to set a good example to future students. Even after seven years, I wake up electrified with the thought of going to school. I will always look back on my time here with endearment and hope that I remain in touch with the school and fellow Bournemouthians.

As a governing body, we believe that Bournemouth School exists to give opportunity to all based on ability, proving a Grammar School education that is both academically stretching and broad enough to include students other interests from sport to music to art. Our role as governors is to set the vision for the school, hold the head teacher accountable for the school's performance and keep the school financially viable. There is an excellent partnership between the governors and senior leadership team, and our priority is to provide the opportunity for students to focus on making the best of their time at Bournemouth School.