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 Talk: Remembrance 2019
As you know, each year I follow the excellent initiative of my predecessor and...
Head Master’s Assembly Talk: South Africa’s Win
South Africa’s victory over England in the rugby World Cup Final on Saturday represented...
Head Master’s Assembly Talk: Palmyra
In late April 2015, I had as my desktop photo on my computer in...
Head Master’s Assembly Talk: Balance
Until last weekend, and therefore for 50 years of my life, I have always...
Head Master’s Assembly Talk: Awards
According to Wikipedia, only 12 English schools have ever taught a future Nobel laureate....
Head Master’s Assembly Talk: Trying Hard Enough
Good morning boys and welcome back. I hope you have all had a very...
Head Master’s Assembly Talk: The Importance of Rest
Welcome back to you all. I don’t know about you, but whenever I get...
Head Master’s Assembly Talk: Curiosity
In 578AD, John Moschos, and his pupil Sophronios the Sophist, set off from a...
Head Master’s Assembly Talk: Kindness
In the week before half term, you may remember that I spoke about Freedom...
