Headteacher’s Report: Andy H delivers his 2020-21 end-of-term appraisal

We watched with tremendous pride from afar as Herr Farke’s class represented us with the intelligence, creativity and courage which has become their trademark. Another successful year means we will once again be facing our Oxbridge-level counterparts next term, but we will do so full of confidence and steadfast in our resolve to keep improving to even greater heights than we have yet reached.

Krul, T. [A] – While comfortably the best at what he does, Krul has not had to work particularly hard this year. However, despite this, he has managed to produce some of the best results in school history. Reliable and a great leader, Krul makes the entire class better, and will add credibility to our attempts to live with the Oxbridge elite next term.

Nyland, O. [-] – Nyland has yet to make a contribution since his late arrival in class, and we wait to see what his future holds.

McGovern, M. [B-] – McGovern is one of those boys that has been quietly hanging around at the back of the class for years and you often forget he’s there. However, when he has been called upon he always tries his hardest, with mostly reasonable results. Herr Farke has chosen to hold him back in class for yet another two years, much to general surprise but he remains a popular figure with the younger boys, and has a settling influence.

Barden, D. [B+] – Nobody expected young Barden to attend class at all this year, but he thrived when given an opportunity. An impressive level of maturity, he was accepted by the older boys as one of the class without question, a clear sign that he had earned his spurs.

Aarons, M. [A-] – Last time the class was tested at this level, Aarons was an unknown quantity who impressed with his ability to adapt and thrive. This time, everyone was well aware of his abilities and the expectation level was much higher. Aarons did not disappoint. Like Krul, Aarons is very much the best around at what he does and he proved it time and again without ever seeming to have to work too hard to do so. A Rolls Royce of a student.

Byram, S. [-] – Matron’s favourite, the poor lad is losing years of his education to his ill health. We all hope he has more luck in future. It is clear that the class cannot rely on Bryan’s presence however.

Mumba, B. [A-] – The class needed someone who could produce in the particular areas of work that Aarons thrives in, and with Byram incapacitated, Herr Farke and Bursar Webber found a young man of very limited experience who had been on an exchange trip to a tiny village school and who was doing different work entirely, and somehow saw the potential in him. Mumba has been hugely impressive in his limited opportunities and gives us a view of how part of the class may look in the future.

Quintilla, X. [B] – A lovely young man, Quintilla is a victim of poor luck in terms of timing as his opportunity to succeed presented itself just as he was unavailable. An impressive body of work when available, his delivery was often top drawer and he never let the class down.

Giannoulis, D. [A-] – It isn’t easy to join a class mid-way through the year and fit in seamlessly, yet Giannoulis has managed to do so with aplomb. Week on week he has looked more accomplished and his results continue to improve.

Sorensen, J. [A] – Sorensen was waiting patiently for an opportunity to show what he could do in class, but that opportunity came at exceptionally short notice in a subject that was entirely alien to him. Whilst a lesser student would have made excuses, Sorensen made the absolute best of the situation, and could not have impressed us more. Committed, neat, and intricate work, he is another that has provided an impressive glimpse of the future.

Gibson, B. [A] – Gibson’s general ability was well known in educational circles prior to him joining the class. However, he has also added a balance and a style to the class that has promoted progression in a way that was generally unforeseen. Mature, cultured, Gibson’s leadership has proved to be key in improving one of the class’s biggest areas of weakness.

Hanley, G. [A+] – Our Head Boy has led by example. Whilst we knew his qualities as a strong, dominant and consistent leader and performer, Hanley has shown technical qualities that were never really there previously. Herr Farke has clearly brought the very best out of his chief lieutenant and he will return to the next level a more accomplished student than he was last time.

Zimmermann, C. [B-] – Opportunities have been cut short for Zimmermann with some poorly timed trips to Matron’s sick bay. We are well aware of his many qualities, but it does feel like he’s slipping down the pecking order in class and it’s a long time since his presence was really felt. We can always count on him, even if he isn’t the first student Herr Farke calls on in class any more.

Omobamidele, A. [A] – Like Barden, nobody expected Omobamidele to even make it to class this year, let alone to play as important a role as he has. A calm, unruffled manner that belies his age and inexperience, Omobamidele has barely put a foot wrong since taking his step up. It remains to be seen whether Herr Farke keeps him in class next year or sends him on an exchange trip to continue his education at what may be a more appropriate level.

Tettey, A. [B+] – Our little boy is all grown up! There used to be times at the end of the school year that I couldn’t wait for Tettey to graduate and move on, but such has been his development over his long career at the school, that now we’re here, I’m devastated to see him leave. The heart and soul of the school, he epitomises the underdog spirit that we’ll need to tap into next term.

Skipp, O. [A+] – Everything we could have hoped for and so much more. When he first arrived, we were expecting him to do a similar job to Tettey in class, but it became clear that he had a much more varied skill set. His skills developed over the course of the year, and along with McLean he was able to move between subjects fluidly as Herr Farke’s teaching was absorbed and put into practice with great effect.

McLean, K. [A+] – Whilst other members of the class may garner more attention, the consistently high level of McLean’s contributions set him apart from many of his classmates. He had plenty to prove after last year, but he has not only achieved the standards expected, he has actually improved as a student. McLean is more capable and more ready for a step up now.

Rupp, L. [B] – Rupp has done very well in brief flashes this year, but as with many of his classmates, his presence in sick bay has derailed his ability to contribute as much as he would like. It will be interesting to see what will happen with Rupp next term as Herr Farke will undoubtedly look to improve the class and whether Rupp can keep up, or be available enough, will be the question.

Vrancic, M. [B+] – Another one of our boys has graduated and is leaving the school. His contributions this year have been key, particularly in starting the run of momentum that ultimately led to the success of the class. A wonderful talent, he has been the X-Factor in the class that has provided the answer to the most complex problems when they’ve been needed most, on so many occasions. He will be sorely missed.

Stiepermann, M. [B-] – Opportunities have been limited due to being one of those through Matron’s revolving sick bay door. We have still seen flashes of Stiepermann’s strength, rapport with his classmates, and humour but all too brief unfortunately. Another for whom the summer will be pivotal in deciding his future and it’s difficult to predict whether he will be with us again for next term.

Dowell, K. [A] – A slow starter, once Dowell had finally found his way out of sick bay and into the class room, he showed exactly why Herr Farke was so keen to bring him to the school. Particularly impressive when working with Buendia, Dowell’s subtle creative work was instrumental in achieving the success of the class at the end of the year. A bright future beckons.

Buendia, E. [A+] – One of the finest years of work that I’ve seen from the finest student to come through our school in my nearly 40 years of working here. The most creative and inventive individual we have had the pleasure of observing at close quarters, he has produced almost unprecedented results with a swashbuckling flourish. For my money, Buendia is one of the finest students in the world right now. That he is at our school is a source of immense pride.

Cantwell, T. [A] – My criticism of Cantwell previously has always been that he lacks consistency in his work. However, this year he has really developed his ability to influence more regularly, and we are seeing pleasing results time after time. Has always had great talent, but now that this is being channeled in the right areas Cantwell is becoming the outstanding student he always threatened to become.

Hernandez, O. [B-] – It is only now I come to review the year, I realise how many of our boys spent considerable amounts of time unavailable for. Hernandez was one of very, very few who ended last year with any positive momentum and there was expectation that he may become a key member of the class this term. However, he ended up becoming a fixture in sickbay and never really recovered his place in class. His direct nature and strong work ethic may still make him a valuable asset in class next year.

Placheta, P. [B-] – A young man who is yet to reach his potential. He provided some key contributions at the start of the year but he remains a work in progress. Some fantastic individual qualities, Placheta has yet to combine flashes of his abilities into an all-round successful test performance. Still plenty to prove, he may not be ready for a step up just yet.

Martin, J. [B] – Technically one of the cleverest students here, he has a youthful naivety which detracts from his ability to produce the results he is more than capable of. There have been some key contributions along the way, and we can see just how good this young man can be. He just needs to keep working and using the examples of those around him to take the next step that he should have no problems reaching if he listens and learns.

Idah, A. [B+] – Another player, another year disrupted by Matron’s ministrations. Has achieved good results when called upon, but has far from made himself indispensable and it will be interesting to see what role Herr Farke has planned for him next year.

Hugill, J. [B+] – Not the year he would have expected when he joined the class, but he has made key contributions when required. A popular and vocal member of the class, he provides something different, a lot of personality, and a bit of strength and leadership in a key area.

Pukki, T. [A] – Another outstanding year, Pukki has a brain that those with far greater physical talents would kill for. Whilst far from perfect he has proved his quality time and again. If he can stay healthy and remain in class for the full year he may outperform his last outing at that level next year.

Herr Farke [A+] – To achieve success once is impressive. To raise a phoenix from the flames of last years horrendous final results is incredible. A motivational triumph that cannot be underestimated. The class are also in a far better position to succeed than ever before, and so many students have improved greatly in the last year as well.