What a fantastic start to the week!  On Monday afternoon pupils joined in with thousands (if not millions) across the country to watch England’s opening World Cup match against Iran.  The volume in the school hall was deafening and excitement palpable.  But why take time away from education and learning to watch a football match you may ask?  Well, firstly events like this, during school hours do not happen often.  We also recognise that many pupils will struggle to concentrate in class knowing this match is taking place (my son being an example – who was not able to watch the match at his school).  More importantly, it is an opportunity for us to come together as a school community and as a country.  Whether your child views themselves as English or from elsewhere, England is the country in which we all live hence this unites us together.  It was wonderful seeing pupils celebrate together too – those who perhaps normally have little to do with each other.  Also, we recognise the difficulties of obtaining tickets to professional football matches due to cost and availability hence we hope we created a little bit of the atmosphere one might experience at Wembley, the London Stadium, Emirates or even my team’s ground – Craven Cottage here at William Ford.  There are also important lessons to observe and learn such as showing respect for your opponents, especially during their national anthem, playing together as a team and putting the needs of team before one’s own.      

Mr. Huntingford