Revision 49353: AITCHISON COLLEGE AND THE YEAR OF BEING FULLY OCCUPIED

Dated: August 12, 2019 AITCHISON COLLEGE AND THE YEAR OF BEING FULLY OCCUPIED Our boys are embarking on another year of school and I am confident that our teaching and learning will provide the right mix of traditional and innovative thinking that all modern boys need to make sense of their world, and themselves. Delivering the set curriculum is relatively straight-forward. However, the development of critical thinking and a certain style of ‘classroom’ to get the most enjoyment and relevance from lessons require genuine skill and commitment. Indeed, not so much ‘lessons’ but ‘engagement and opportunities.’ This is the attitude and approach that teachers will be adopting. I am delighted with the opportunities we presented in the long break: international travel for languages, northern trekking, robotics, entrepreneurship, sports, general academics and many other beneficial activities. Those who partook will have benefited a great deal, because boys become the sum of their experiences! Let them be great experiences! This leads me to emphasize the remarkable range of activities on offer throughout at Aitchison. If your son is not engaging in sport and other group activities in Term 1 then he is not only in breach of school rules, he is missing out on developing his potential. Shahid Mahmood Aslam pointing out the landscape to our boys on their trekking from Nalter Valley to Ishkoman Valley, June 26th to July 6th. Glorious Pakistan. Aitchison is focused on producing leaders –and every boy can be one. First, leading himself and then, second, by taking on challenges and service to others. This generates self-respect earned by participation, and an appreciation that positive growth is closely allied to the quality of what one attempts. Both day and boarding boys have many adults here only too willing to support and guide them, as well as two qualified school counselors should specialized advice be needed. And we have outstanding career counselors eager to help ‘plot a pathway’ or simply discuss possible careers. We support our boys but also know that by encouraging self-discipline, insisting on high standards and personal integrity that success is never far off. Complacency is not an option. The year begins by making sure that your son’s school dress is correct, his books and equipment ready, and that his appearance reflects his appreciation of the school and what it stands for and is trying to achieve. Heads of School and prefects will check all boys on their entry to school. Attendance must be a minimum of 90% with approved leave. A reminder that the use of mobile phones is banned at school and they will be confiscated. This year, a certain percentage of internal grades will be made up from a boy’s record of attendance and participation. Along with all teaching staff, we wish our senior boys the very best in their Cambridge results. We anticipate one of our finest years. Of course, grades do not make a person. It is the determination to succeed that will always count most. Warm wishes, Michael Thomson M.A., Dip. Ed., M.A.C.E Principal

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