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Headmaster’s Assembly – Monday 2nd June

(Below is a transcript of HM’s Assembly to mark on the first day back after the Trinity half term break)

As you know, I often use assembly to talk about things happening around the world. Sometimes these are serious topics. Sometimes they are uplifting. We’ve looked at elections, climate change, and sports stories. Today I want to focus on something a little more wholesome from the United States.

There are plenty of things happening in the US that are not particularly wholesome at the moment. But this story caught my eye because it is simple, positive, and relevant to all of you sitting here.

Last week, the US National Spelling Bee took place. The winner was a 13-year-old boy named Faizan Zaki. The word he spelled correctly to win?

éclaircissement.

It’s French. It means “clarification” or “an explanation that clears things up.” A suitably poetic word to end on.

What is the Spelling Bee?

For those who haven’t seen it, the Scripps Spelling Bee is a big deal in America. It is broadcast on television. The competitors are mostly aged between 11 and 14, and they spend months, sometimes years, learning thousands of words. Not just easy ones, but words from Latin, Greek, medicine, science, the arts, and multiple languages. They don’t just memorise spellings. They study roots, patterns, word origins, and pronunciation.

It is not about memory alone. It is a test of discipline, calmness under pressure, and often sheer determination.

What if spelling is not your strength?

Let’s pause for a moment. It would be easy to think this story only matters to those who find spelling easy. But that is not the case.

Some of you sitting here might have dyslexia, or might simply find spelling difficult or frustrating. You might wonder what a spelling competition has to do with you.

If you are not dyslexic, imagine this. Every time you read a sentence, the letters seem to rearrange themselves. Every time you write, you know what you mean, but it feels like your pencil is on a different wavelength. People assume you are not trying, but you are trying really hard.

For some people, spelling is a genuine barrier. But that does not mean they are not clever, thoughtful, or hardworking. Many of the world’s most successful writers, scientists, and entrepreneurs are dyslexic. They got there not by pretending it was easy, but by finding other ways to learn and by working just as hard, sometimes harder, than those around them.

The Real Lesson

So what do we take from Faizan’s victory?

It is not just about cleverness. It is about daily effort. Ten minutes a day. Learning one more thing. Being willing to try something that feels difficult.

Success, whether in spelling, maths, rugby, cello, or friendship, is almost always the result of small steps, repeated again and again.

Linking It Back to Barney

You have heard me say this before, and you will keep hearing it, because it matters.

“Many small steps, in the right direction.”

That is our school motto. And it could not be more relevant than it is here.

Faizan did not become a national champion overnight. He got there through small steps, steady effort, and the courage to keep going. That is a lesson for all of us, whether spelling is your strong suit or not.

Final Thought

So as you head into this week, whatever subject or challenge you face, ask yourself:

What small step can I take today?

You might be surprised where it leads.

Hymn: The Lord of the Dance 

Celebration and thanks:

I want to take a few minutes this morning to speak to those of you in Years 7, 8 and 9 about your recent internal examinations.

First of all, a sincere well done. The way you approached the exam period was excellent. Your behaviour in the exam rooms was calm, respectful and focused, and your overall attitude was a credit to you. These things matter. They help create the right environment for everyone, and they show real maturity.

Internal exams like these are not about defining who you are. They are about learning how to prepare, how to manage pressure, and how to reflect on your progress. They are about building the habits that will help you in future challenges.

What really matters now is what happens next.

Over the next few days, you will start to receive feedback from your teachers. Please make the most of that opportunity. Look carefully at your corrections. Try to understand not just the right answer, but why it is right. Ask questions if you are unsure. This is where the real learning happens.

You will also be completing your post-exam reflections on Apollo. I encourage you to take this seriously and to be honest with yourself. Think about how you revised. What worked? What didn’t? What would you do differently next time?

And when I or one of your teachers asks you, “How did your exams go?”, I want to encourage you to start with what went well. What are you proud of? What surprised you in a good way? Most people naturally jump to what didn’t go so well – that’s human nature – but I’d like to hear the positive part first.

That doesn’t mean ignoring things that could be improved. We can always learn and grow. But developing a positive, balanced mindset about exams is important. It helps you build confidence and see progress, not just problems.

So thank you again for the way you’ve handled this exam period. Use what you’ve learned. Build on what you’ve done well. And approach the next steps with curiosity and confidence.

Maths

We have recently received the results of the recent UKMT Junior Maths Challenge.

This is a UK-wide competition for pupils in Year 7 & 8 who complete 25 challenging multiple-choice questions under examination conditions. There are usually around a quarter of a million pupils who take part!

This year has seen one of our best set of results in recent memory with 27 of the 67 who took part achieving award certificates including a bumper crop of 7 Gold awards! 

Please could the following be awarded their certificates in HM assembly on Monday: 

Year 8 Bronze

Year 7 Bronze

Year 8 Silver

Year 7 Silver

Year 8 Gold

Academic Commendation

The Global Importance of Asia – Their project was outstanding as it clearly evidenced a range of reasons as to why Asia is such a diverse and globally influential continent. They distinguished between diversity and importance and gave a wide range of reasons. 

• Zak W
• Jack B
• McKenzie B

CCF

Before half term, a group of our cadets took part in a live-fire exercise at Warcop Camp, honing their skills with the Cadet GP Rifle across a range of firing positions. Cadet Harry D was the top scorer with 20 hits, closely followed by Cadet Roman P. In a final shoot for the top six, Corporal Libby R achieved a perfect score of 11 out of 11 – an outstanding accomplishment. It was a day that showcased focus, control and maturity from all involved. Well done to every cadet, and thank you to the staff who made the trip possible.

At the midpoint of term, 34 cadets deployed to the Catterick Training Area for Exercise ‘Battle of Barney’, a demanding fieldcraft weekend testing leadership, teamwork and tactical skill. Despite challenging weather, cadets carried out patrols, reconnaissance and a textbook ambush, culminating in a coordinated platoon-level assault on a fortified position.

Section commanders led with confidence and composure. Special credit goes to Lance Corporals Rasmus E, Charlie J, William T, Callum S, Charlie C and Daniel B for their exceptional leadership.

Congratulations also to six Year 9 cadets – Emily B, Harry D, Illia M, Charlie S, Donovan T and Harrison W – who successfully completed their Bronze DofE Expedition during the weekend.

The Pennock Cup is awarded to the cadet who demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication and performance throughout the exercise. I am delighted to present it to Lance Corporal Callum S. Very well done.

Sport

North Easterns Track and Field

• Sasha P (Year 9) achieved personal bests in both the 800m (2:25) and the 1500m (4:58), earning a bronze medal in the 1500m, in what was described as the race of the day—featuring the world number four and a new course record. A huge congratulations to Sasha for breaking the 5-minute barrier for the first time!
• Matty O (Year 10) brought home gold in the 1500m with an impressive time of 4:52.
• Charlotte O secured silver in the 3000m, and Savannah T ran exceptionally well in both the 800m (2:29) and the 400m.

On the boys’ side:

• Donovan T earned a bronze in the 3000m, and
• Monty B delivered an exceptional performance, picking up two silver medals—one in the 75m hurdles and the other in the high jump.

A superb effort all round—well done to each of you.

Cricket

We also had some memorable cricketing performances:

• At U15 level, Ralph H and Ella T both achieved the exceptional feat of taking five wickets, including a hat-trick. They will each be awarded a printed ball in today’s assembly—an honour well earned.

*both to receive a printed ball in assembly

With the bat:

• Oliver G (year 10) scored an impressive 85 runs against Durham.
• Oscar D (year 9) continues his outstanding form with 72 runs, making him the only pupil to score over 65 runs three times this season.
• Rory M (year 9) also added to our successes with a strong 58-run performance.

*all to receive a printed batt. -Ollie G will receive an unprinted batt and is aware of this.

Rugby

On the rugby field, we are proud to announce several county-level selections:

• Casey W and Charlie S represented County Durham U17s, while

Jake G and Noah G played for Yorkshire U17s in the same fixture.

• Additionally, Zak P continues to impress, playing for Yorkshire DPP at U15 level.

Congratulations to all our athletes

Musical Interlude

The 2nd movement from the Trumpet Concerto by Haydn played by Tom S. This is piece has a wonderfully lyrical melody (tune) and was one of Tom’s pieces for his recent Grade 6 examination.

Let us pray.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for the gift of learning and the opportunities we have each day.

Help us to be patient when things are difficult,

to show kindness to others,

and to take small, steady steps towards becoming the best versions of ourselves.

Give us courage when we feel unsure,

and remind us that everyone learns in different ways,

but we all have something valuable to offer.

May we walk forward this week with purpose, with compassion, and with quiet determination.

Amen.