My thanks to all students, parents and staff for the contributions you have made to ensuring another very smooth start to the year for The Sultan’s School. 2006-07 promises to be better than ever. A record enrolment of just over 1,100 sees the school approaching capacity. New courses in Civics, Computer Science, Geography and IGCSE Physical Education broadens the range of opportunities open to students even further. Splendid new Art, Drama and Music facilities recognise the excellent start which the Performing and Fine Arts courses have made at IGCSE level with every candidate passing at C grade or better. Examination results have been highly commendable at all levels and 2007 beckons with the school’s first IB Diploma examinations.

All good schools have a ‘buzz’ about them. This year I detect even more focus among the students. They are beginning to appreciate the simple truth that ‘the more you put into something, the more you will gain back in return’. We want The Sultan’s School to remain an enjoyable experience for all, but true enjoyment has to be coupled with fulfilment of potential. The staff have loads of enthusiasm and experience waiting to be tapped. Students at all ages are urged to ‘get the best out of your teachers’ by combining with them in a joint sense of commitment towards a shared end-of-year goal of student success.

Good schools also welcome and exploit fully the contribution which can be made by parents. Over the last year, more opportunities to be involved in various ways have been created. The Parent Grade Representatives’ system was introduced recently with great success. This is a structure which can offer a great deal to the educational process. I thank those already involved and urge others to consider offering a little of their time. Soon the second issue of the biennial Parents’ Survey (last issued in November 2004) will be coming your way. This will allow us to measure our progress over the past two years in terms of parental perceptions. It is feedback which is of great value to the school and I urge you to participate by returning the survey when it is issued eventually.

I look forward to working with you all again in the year ahead and to being able to reflect in June 2007 on another splendid year for The Sultan’s School.

John Birchall
Principal