Togetherness is what makes our school special

At the end of our recent inspection by ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate), the Reporting Inspector asked if he and his colleague could join our Friday Celebration Assembly. After spending such an enjoyable time with our children and staff, it seemed they were reluctant to leave! During that assembly, we celebrated a whole range of achievements, from a child who had learned to ride a bike after being told that this was something they would never be able to do to a group of siblings, spanning from our Year 1 year group to Year 9 at another setting, gaining a plethora of trophies at a local music festival. The stage was covered in trophies, badges and certificates, highlighting all the variety of activities our children enjoy inside and outside of school - and that is a weekly occurrence, not something that was arranged for an inspector to witness! What was also very special about that assembly was that it was one of the first we had had together as a whole school since March 2020. The last time we had a whole school assembly, our Year 6 children (allowed the privilege of sitting on benches at the back - some traditions never change!) were in Year 3, accompanying their Reception buddies and our Year 3 children were those Reception class buddies! The first whole school assembly we had enjoyed earlier that week was an emotional experience for everyone involved - we were all properly together again. That togetherness is something that makes our school special. Our Year 6 Early Years Assistants dedicate their break times to visiting Nursery and Pre-School to entertain and help educate our youngest little ones. Our House Captains work hard to support all members of their house in house competitions, encouraging teamwork and sportsmanship. We have a Year 6 Learning Support Ambassador who shares the benefits of his experience and wisdom with younger children. It has been a privilege to watch the oldest children playing games and dancing with the youngest children during playtimes and after-school activities now that they are able to mix again. What is also special is when children nominate each other for Copthill Learner certificates to be awarded during those celebration assemblies. Recently, Year 6 girls recognised a Year 4 pupil as a team player; that Year 4 pupil had only been part of our Copthill community for a week - what a way to welcome her. Copthill exudes a sense of family - in some cases, quite literally! Emily Teesdale will be a huge miss as she leaves her role as a teaching assistant to begin working with the Metropolitan Police. Jessica Teesdale accompanied the Year 5 Saxon Sports Tour to broaden her experience as she completes her teaching qualification and looks to embark on a teaching career. But the sense of belonging to a Copthill family extends beyond the Teesdale family itself and a Copthill pupil’s primary school years. I receive a huge number of requests from former Copthillians wanting to return to carry out work experience placements and we always endeavour to welcome everyone back. The number of parents who were once Copthill children themselves is also ever-increasing. The challenges of the last two years have perhaps highlighted the importance of togetherness and family. I am incredibly grateful that I have been able to spend those last two years as the headteacher of Copthill School with an incredibly supportive team of children, parents and colleagues. Despite everything, there have always been opportunities to celebrate and I’m honoured that the visiting inspectors recognised that too.