“Remembrance and reflection how allied. What thin partitions divide sense from thought.”
– Alexander Pope
In some ways the Remembrance season that falls at this time of year can be a tricky time for communities like ours where there are many nationalities.
Whilst we follow a broadly British style of commemoration; poppies, Binyon’s “To the Fallen” and The Last Post, our aim is to commemorate all who have fallen in the defence of freedom, whatever their national origin. We are also keen to reflect upon the innocent casualties of war and its impact on our fragile environment. We don’t obligate our pupils to attend a commemoration, but it is always impressive and indeed reassuring to see that so many choose to join together at breaktime to remember. No one could miss Max and Emma’s moving playing which bracketed our silence. Not a celebration of conflict, rather a commemoration of the impact of war. As always, a period of silence is an important element of this ceremony; our rushed world affords little time to think without interruption.
On Tuesday, members of our community joined with the Royal British Legion and contributed to their Act of Remembrance. Our Head Girl and Head Boy read a poem reflecting on the impact of loss and we were treated to another reading by Sir Michael Morpurgo, one of his own stories. Commemorations such as this and the stories that they contain allow us to reflect on periods of tragedy, and for children can provide a means of explaining what is frankly unimaginable to many young people.
Another speaker outlined the three main reasons for conflict: fear, honour and self-interest, and I was struck that this dangerous trio cause conflict in many places, even schools. Many young people fear isolation from friends, being the butt of jokes or not succeeding; this leads them to make poor decisions. Honour can be misplaced and becomes pride, a slight, perceived or otherwise can quickly escalate, particularly online and become a major problem. Self-interest can corrode friendships, lead to a lack of academic integrity and end up in relationships being fractured. Whilst this may not have the impact of a major national conflict, the effects on an individual can be devastating.
It should perhaps come as no surprise that alongside this important week of commemoration and reflection we are also marking Anti-Bullying week. There are clear parallels although the odd socks are a less obvious element of customary Remembrance commemorations. Conflicts can be avoided through appreciation and discussion. In an age of instant communications, there can be a rush to judgement before wisdom has been applied. Rash or ill-considered statements do little to promote harmony. Our community allows young people to study alongside others who may come from nations with whom there are long standing conflicts and tensions. We can only hope that our young people make wiser choices when it is their turn to lead and be led.
Nicholas Hammond
Headmaster
