Principal’s Update

The Autumn Term is always a busy one for both students and staff, and it was great to end things on a high with the annual College Production of Black-Eyed Susan in the Drama Studio, and the Music Department’s Christmas Concert, which show-cased the amazing breath of talent within our college community.

6.1 students are now fully into the swing of college life. In November they received their first Progress Review reports where students, and their parents/carers, had the opportunity to evaluate progress, identify support, and set targets. This is an invaluable part of their Esher journey and helps us make sure they are getting off to a strong start.

In the spring term, we begin our Higher Education Events to tell students about the UCAS application process and what support the College offers. Higher Education Evening on Thursday 14 March is an in-college event for 6.1 parents/carer to hear from Anna Young, Director of Progression Guidance. Subsequently, on Thursday 21 March, Higher Education Day sees over 70 institutions offering guidance on courses and post-Esher options to students and their parents.

After the February half term, 6.2 students will be taking Formal Exams to help them prepare for their final exams and assessments in May and June. Gaining experience of both examinations and the process is vital for our students to help ensure that they fulfil their potential. Their final Progress Review 6 reports will be available on the parent portal from Wednesday 22 March and will reflect the grade students achieved in their 6.2 Formal Exams.

I would also like to say how much I enjoyed meeting many of our Year 11 applicants and their parents/carers at our Welcome to Esher evenings in November. These events are designed to prepare students for their admissions journey to Esher, and how to make the most of their course interviews, which take place up until April. I urge students to make the most of the FAQ videos that our heads of departments have made to help them get a better understanding of the proposed subjects they wish to take, and to explore others that they may be undecided about. These FAQ videos are also accessible through your online applicants’ account.

Finally, in the spirit of supporting good causes at Christmas, and thanks to a cross-college effort – 6.1 tutor groups donated 50 festive food hampers to the East Elmbridge Food Bank, while our 6.2 Tutor chocolate donations helped boost a successful Student Union Winter Fair raising money for Shelter. The College, through the SU summer fair and other fund-raising activities, was able to support 10 AIDS orphans through our registered charity ECAT, to help with school and examination fees at the Dope school in rural Zimbabwe.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas.

Dan Hards
Principal