A busy programme for Visitation Day

Even the intermittent showers on Visitation Day didn’t dampen spirits as over 1,200 parents, governors, staff and students were able to enjoy a busy programme to celebrate the last school year.

Following the morning chapel service everyone assembled in the Sports Hall for the prize giving where the Chairman of Governors, Mr Trevor Barton (OA), focused on the foundations of an Aldenham education and the aspirations for the future – Spirit, Ethos, Identity. The Headmaster Mr James Fowler spoke about the harmonious diversity within the School which attracts its students and staff from 52 countries around the world. He drew on quotes from two Shakespearian plays Henry IV Part I (first performed in the year of our foundation: 1597) and Henry IV Part II, which focus on the progression from youth to adulthood. He went on to highlight the six Aldenham Attributes: Aspiration; Cooperation; Courage; Curiosity; Independence; Respect – all of which are valuable not only for our pupils but also for our parents. The Guest of Honour Mr Miles Jenner, Master of the Worshipful Company of Brewers, spoke about the value of a good education and how no knowledge is ever wasted. He finished by reciting the words from Desiderata.

Everyone came together for picnic lunches on Top Field, and to enjoy the afternoon activities in between short bursts of showers, where the 1stXI cricketers were narrowly beaten by an OA side. Live music, various drama sketches from winning entries at the recent Watford Festival, a Photography Exhibition, a Psychology Display and an exceptional Art Exhibition, followed by Afternoon Tea on Shilling Green, rounded off a hectic day.