Every now and again I have to spend a day or two out of school attending conferences and meetings of our representative organisations. Whilst the BSP is an independent, stand-alone institution, it is part of a web of professional educational institutions. Currently the school is in membership of three organisations – HMC, IAPS and COBIS. Traditionally HMC has focused on Senior Schools, IAPS on Junior and COBIS on international, so between the three our all-through school is covered.
It is a fair question to ask what membership of these organisations does for the school. It’s a variation on the Monty Python question of what did the Romans do for us? The answer is that these groups provide a range of support services for the school without which we would not be able to do what we do. COBIS for example provides a vital link with UK safeguarding services and, in doing so, allows us to put pupil welfare at the heart of all that we do. HMC is an increasingly research-driven support organisation and, as well as lobbying the UK government on behalf of schools in the UK and internationally, they take a lead on qualification reform and other issues such as university access. IAPS does the same job but focuses on new developments in the primary and early years curriculum. As a school which receives no government funding, it is important that we have access to the most interesting thought and research as well as support on more prosaic matters. As a community of schools under one umbrella, we have a voice that would not be heard as individuals.
Back in the mists of deep time, when I was a student, I read an article about the importance of the relationships that exist in societies. Whilst many of the articles I read in journals haven’t stayed with me, this one has. Entitled “The Strength of Weak Ties”, it outlined the importance to the survival of societies of not only the members of the community who are strongly bound to it through kinship, but also those with whom contact is more sporadic. These ties are vital for survival as not all information required for flourishing communities can be held in the smaller group. Our weak ties as a school are to be found in these professional organisations. There is both knowledge and expertise in these externals that may not be present in an individual school. Today I’ll be at an HMC meeting, and I’ll be listening to current thoughts on the use of AI from a variety of sources – not possible as an individual school.
Networks, both social and professional, are vital for success and human development. Our Year 13s have their last day of formal schooling today. They are looking at the world beyond the school gate and they leave with a ready-made alumni network spread across the globe which can provide information and support. If ever there was an example of the importance of these loose ties, this may well be it.
Good luck to our Year 13 who embark on their A levels today. With a little more preparation, you will gain the grades required for future success. You have been a great, service-minded group and we wish you well as you prepare to lead in your communities.
