Bedford School is probably unusual as a Senior Public School in that (in addition to a weekly Chapel service) the Head Master holds two full school assemblies in the Great Hall each week. Each Monday there is a talk from the Head Master and then a talk from another member of the community (often a staff member, but sometimes a current pupil or old boy or indeed visitor) on Friday.
The aim of these assembly talks is to get boys to think, but the talks also encourage groundedness and a sense of gratitude for what they have. Topics are regularly values-based (not only our four core values of integrity, responsibility, endeavour and curiosity; but also kindness, empathy and the ‘old-fashioned’ values of duty and respect). However, speakers also draw on current affairs, ethical issues, our sense of shared history and (as part of our wider UK educational duty) ‘fundamental British values’. We hope these assemblies convey an idea of Head Master’s own values and interests, whilst also providing something of a record of weekly affairs in the school and the wider world.
Head Master’s Assembly: Battle for the Attention Economy
“At Netflix, we are competing for our customers’ time, so our competitors include Snapchat,...
Head Master’s Assembly: The Friendship of Books
So, welcome back to the regular assembly slots. I am sorry we are not...
Head Master’s Assembly: Perseverance
Good morning boys and welcome back. I hope you have all had a good...
Head Master’s Assembly: Football is Back
Five years ago, I retold a story related by one of my favourite authors...
Head Master’s Assembly: Libelli
I found my favourite old teaching quote book the other day. It is a...
Head Master’s Assembly: What Next?
I was wondering this weekend about whether we could have an assembly that didn’t...
Head Master’s Assembly: And the winner is . . .
Rivalries amongst friends have always been a source of fun, of mock competitiveness and...
Head Master’s Assembly: In Defence of Zeno
I can pinpoint the single lecture at university which, to my great shame with...
Head Master’s Assembly Talk: Situational Awareness
Good afternoon, boys. At the end of this, I will give a few notices...
