I firstly want to thank the many parents who have sent in messages of support and gratitude to the School during this extraordinary time. My colleagues and I are finding these most sustaining. I appreciate that a great number of parents also now find themselves very much on the frontline with respect to the boys’ work and I thank you for the help, in its many guises, that you are inevitably providing them with.

My thanks also go to the boys, for digging deep in these difficult circumstances and adapting to different ways of working. The work you are doing now will contribute very directly to your future success. This applies to the classwork being set by your teachers and the many enrichment opportunities available to you for extension or for fun. I especially appreciate your openness in the bespoke tutorial process; it is helpful for you to share the challenges you are presently facing as the School develops its own methods of support. I would encourage all boys to engage fully in this process, so that our pastoral team can best support you as individuals in the way we would when we are physically in School. Further details about online bespoke tutorials from Deputy Head (Pastoral) David Ryan are featured in this edition of QE Update.

Continued commitment is essential as we still do not know for how long the present situation will last. Abundant speculation has been taking place in the media regarding the re-opening of schools, yet, at the point of writing, there has been no change in Government policy. As soon as this changes, rest assured that we will be looking to implement the new arrangements as swiftly and efficiently as possible, whilst following all relevant guidelines to protect everyone’s health.

Until this happens, we will continue to maintain our full focus on making the maximum impact on our pupils through remote learning. We retain our highest aspirations for all the boys and are striving to do all we can to support them both academically and in terms of their personal wellbeing. To achieve this, senior colleagues and I have been drawing upon a huge range of research and advice as we think carefully about what can be best applied to the particular context of our School. It is our clear aim that we continue to enhance the eQE experience as long as the situation lasts, recognising that, whilst we all become more familiar at navigating some aspects of life under lockdown, many may find it an increasingly difficult period. To aid this ongoing planning we are collaborating with schools across the state and independent sectors, whilst benefiting from the experiences of schools internationally that entered lockdown long before the UK did. The item from our Deputy Head (Academic), Anne Macdonald, sets out just a few ways in which remote learning is being developed.

There is much work going on across all departments to review and enhance the offer and we also hear from Sarah Westcott and Emily Parry on how remote learning is being developed in the context of Science and Geography in particular. The Music department is working similarly hard on expanding performance music opportunities and they invite us all to join together each Friday to listen to online Lunchtime Concerts through YouTube Premieres. In time, we hope these will include contributions from our new virtual orchestra and virtual choir, who are rehearsing and recording in their respective homes.

This edition of QE Update also contains important guidance for our current Year 11 about the work being done to help them bridge the gap to Sixth Form study, together with more news of how Lower School boys have been spending their time profitably in this period. I have been very impressed to hear of boys learning new skills, investigating new topics, and giving their time in service to others from home or by volunteering in their communities.

I hope you find these various items useful as we press on with providing the best possible educational experience during lockdown. I would encourage all boys to remember the Six Ss for a successful Summer Term as well as a seventh, which has long been the advice given to those about to join QE, and that is to get ‘stuck in’ to all that there is on offer, as fully as you can.

With my very best wishes to all families,

Mr Neil Enright
Headmaster