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Headmaster’s Assembly – Monday 9th June

(Below is a transcript of HM’s Assembly)

“The Most Beautiful Word?”

Good morning, everyone.

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump announced a major shift in American trade policy. On Monday, he doubled tariffs on imported steel and aluminium calling the move “a beautiful thing”. This follows a statement earlier this year in which he listed what he believed were the five most beautiful words in the English language. They were:

“God. Religion. Love. Beautiful. And tariff.”

Now it is not often you hear tariff placed alongside love and God. I am not sure many of us would rush to agree unless you happen to be a student of economics. But the remark as strange as it might sound reveals something important. It tells us how Trump sees the world a place where strength is shown by protecting your own, by taxing others, by fighting rather than cooperating.

And before we go any further a quick note on language. I have just read out a quotation not a quote. These two words are often confused. A quotation is the actual words someone has said or written.  Quote is the act of quoting someone or referring to those words. So, when we say we are using a quotation we mean the words themselves. A small difference but one that will make Mrs Campbell disproportionately happy.

So what actually is a tariff?

A tariff is a tax placed on goods coming into a country. Imagine you are the United States, and you import steel from abroad. If you put a 50 percent tariff on it that steel becomes more expensive. The idea is that people will then buy more American made steel instead protecting American businesses and workers. At least that is the theory.

But in reality, tariffs do more than just shift who buys what. They also raise prices. They can make everyday goods like cars electronics or building materials more expensive for ordinary people. And they often lead to retaliation other countries impose their own tariffs in response and suddenly a trade disagreement turns into a trade war.

This past week for example Canada and Mexico both hinted at countermeasures following Trump’s new tariffs. That might mean more economic tension between countries that are meant to be allies.

So why should you care?

Because this is about more than economics. It is about how we respond to challenge. How we deal with others. Whether we choose to protect ourselves by pushing people away or whether we can find a better way, one that involves an understanding relationship and long-term thinking.

At Barney we talk often about community, character and ambition. And those are not just words on a wall or a website. They are a reminder that we can choose to operate differently.

Of course we need challenge in school, in life, in politics. But challenge without compassion is just aggression. And strength without understanding is often just fear in disguise.

So here is my invitation to you this week:

When you are in a disagreement in class, in sport, in your house;

When you feel like pushing someone away because they are not seeing things your way;

When you are tempted to tax, block or shut down metaphorically speaking

Ask yourself:

Am I building a wall or a bridge?

Am I trying to win or trying to grow?

Tariffs may serve a purpose in global economics. But in a school community in your friendships, your learning, your leadership the most beautiful words are still the old ones: kindness, courage, love and understanding.

Hymn: 14 all who would valiant be

Celebration and thanks:

Charity Committee – Service Time

On behalf of the Cricket Club – can I say a huge thank you to the School for sending the pupils up to paint our fence – what a transformation they have made.

Hopefully they have a sense of giving something to the local community – can you please pass on my thanks to them for doing so. They have saved those of us who volunteer for the club a whole piece of work!

Sport

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.

Annabelle T (Year 10), who delivered an outstanding performance in the 100 Ball Cup just before half term scored 60 runs not out against St Peter’s — a brilliant display of skill and determination!

*To receive a printed batt.

Rugby

Congratulations to Alice B, who has successfully been selected to take part in the Under-18 Girls Player Development Group assessments for the 2025–2026 season.

Musical Interlude

Musical Interlude – I could have danced all night from ‘My Fair Lady’ by Lerner and Loewe, performed by Martha S.

Let us pray.

Loving God,

We thank you for the gift of this school community,

for the chance to learn, to grow, and to reflect together.

As we think about the choices that shape our world: in politics, in business, and in our daily lives;

help us to see beyond self-interest and pride.

Teach us to lead with wisdom, to speak with compassion,

and to seek understanding where there is disagreement.

Give us the courage to challenge when we must,

but also the grace to listen, to forgive, and to build bridges rather than walls.

May we be people of integrity,

ready to serve others,

and willing to choose what is right, even when it is not easy.

Amen.