School Captain Welcome
On behalf of all the students at Reading School, I am glad to welcome you into our fantastic community. Reading School would not have become the amazing institution it is today without its incredible students, and it is the students, as well as the whole community, that will shape the future of the school too. Our legacy is one that dates back 900 years and take pride that you will continue to build it during your time at Reading School and the future beyond.
Congratulations for your success on the eleven plus, a brilliant achievement that you should certainly be proud of and one that I hope is a steppingstone to an even more successful school career. At Reading School you will find that your teachers go above and beyond, not only to help you achieve outstanding results but more importantly to give you the freedom to explore your subjects with a genuine curiosity and passion for learning. This drive to learn, more than exam results, is what underpins the excellence of Reading School and of our students, and is the path to true academic success.
I can remember six years ago, when I was in your position, I felt excited to be coming to Reading School but also quite nervous about leaving primary school and the uncertainties of what secondary school life would involve. From having more schoolwork to greater responsibility, you will need to make several changes to adapt to life at Reading School. However, you will have the support of all our wonderful teachers and students, and recognise that you are in the same boat as everyone else. I have no doubts that you will feel right at home within no time.
Initially, your lessons will all be in your form group, which is determined by your House: County, East, Laud, School or West. As you progress through the school, your classes will change with your individual subject choices, but your form group will remain the same. Your House will be a key part of your identity at Reading School, from the tie you wear to the colour of your sports kit, and will offer you the opportunities to participate in House competitions, to connect with students in other year groups and to strengthen bonds within your House.
One of the greatest aspects of Reading School is the vast array of extra-curricular activities on offer, including sports, music, chess, speed cubing and coding amongst many others. You will also benefit from our character development programme in Floreat lessons, promoting teamwork, communication and leadership skills, and you will have lessons called electives where you can choose various activities to take part in, which could include canoeing, robotics or cooking. In a couple of years, you will also have the opportunity to become a prefect and give back to the school, or join our Future Stories programme to serve the wider community.
I hope you enjoy your time at Reading School as much as I have and that you can look back with pride on not only your GCSE and A-Level achievements but rather each of your years as you grow at this school. I cannot encourage you enough to throw yourself into as many activities as possible, always keeping an open mind and trying new things. I wish you the best for your first year, and for all your endeavours at Reading School.
Kind regards,
James Titmas
School Captain