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Each September, ºìÐÓÊÓƵ celebrates Founders’ Day. Timed to fall close to our founding Headmaster's birthday, 29th September, our tribute to the Bull family exemplifies the continuation into the present day of the high standards of education that they established and an opportunity to reflect upon the foundation of our unique school. It is a day to embrace the School's past whist celebrating the present and looking forward to the future.

Following a Founders' Day Assembly led by Mr Floyd, pupils explored the history of the School through a series of fun activities, researching families who occupied Pendell Court in the past before following clues on a photographic treasure hunt set by our Head of History, Mr Wileman. Children were lead on a historical trail of discovery, inviting them to discover more about parts of the School they pass, probably unnoticed, on a daily basis: the 1840s crest on the stain glass window in the Library, the late 19th century dovecote and weathervane finial, the plaque commemorating Old Hawthornians that fought and died in the Second World War, and the prayer bell, perhaps from when Pendell Court was occupied by an order of nuns, the Wantage Sisters.

Children celebrated being part of the present ºìÐÓÊÓƵ community, each drawing a portrait of Pendell Court, which were kinitted together in all their glory into an interactive mosaic.

In learning about the legacy of the School, it is appropriate for the pupils to also recognise their responsibility as members of a global community and how to best serve children less fortunate than themselves. This year the tennis courts were transformed into an African Street Market, with children working in their cross-year House families to sell the content of their suitcase to raise money for World Vision. Amidst fierce bartering and negotiations, children are reminded that what is old and boring for one child may be new and exciting for someone else. We were delighted to see sales of donated games, stationary and sports equipment raise over £720 for World Vision. Congratulations go to all the Year 8 House Captains and Upper School House Family leaders for their organisation and preparation, as well as the House staff and Heads of Houses: Mrs Sevket, Miss Boswell, Miss Dyos and Mr Skottowe for helping to co-ordinate the children and the collections of donations.

A picnic lunch, provided by our families, allowed a further £280 in saved catering costs to be donated to World Vision, bringing the total to a fantastic £1,000.