Category: Uncategorised
Dr Gabriele Finaldi, Director of the National Gallery, on ‘What’s in a Painting?’
On the final day of the first half of term, we welcomed as our speaker at Senior House Assembly Dr Gabriele Finaldi, Director of the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square for the past ten years. Dr Finaldi’s talk focussed on three paintings on view in the National Gallery: Luiz Meléndez’ Still Life with Oranges and…
Notes from the Head – 11 October
Mighty oaks from little acorns grow I often say to the boys that schools, if truly rooted in education, are places where everyone learns; this includes teachers and, perhaps especially, the Headmaster! Looking back at my time as a history teacher, my interaction with pupils in lessons enabled perspectives and an understanding of the past that was fresh and invigorating. I became a…
Professor Biggar on the British Empire
On Friday, the school welcomed Professor Nigel Biggar, Regius Professor Emeritus of Moral Theology at the University of Oxford. Professor Biggar has published extensively during the course of a long and distinguished career. Most recently, he has written on the moral questions posed by the British Empire and it was on this subject that he…
Notes from the Head – 4 October
St Benedict, writing his Rule, fifteen centuries ago urged his monks always to practise balance between two contrary things and to remain attentive to what is essential. For most of us lay people this translates to a balance between work and play (or recreation), sensory satisfaction and silence, socialising and solitude. Too much of anything…
George Mallory: a British Hero
At Senior House Assembly on Friday 27th September, Academic-in-Residence Richard McMillan gave a talk on George Mallory and the first attempt to ascend Everest, which occurred 100 years ago. Mallory’s love of climbing manifested itself from an early age and it was not long before he was making regular visits to the Alps. He soon…
Notes from the Head – 13 September
Quid est Veritas In my assembly address to the senior house last week I took as my inspiration one of the most profound questions ever posed: what is truth? Pontius Pilate’s query to the Christ is as relevant today as it was in the first century, perhaps even more so. I think it interesting that Pilate never…
The History of Athletics – In Conversation with Mark Ryan
At our Senior House Assembly on Friday 13th September, we welcomed Mark Ryan. Mark is a distinguished writer on the history of athletics. In 2012, to coincide with the London Olympics, he brought out a biography of the British sprinter and Olympic gold medallist Harold Abrahams. He brought out a revised version of this book…
Talk on Sigmund Freud
Wednesday morning saw a visit by Stefan from the Freud Museum to talk to pupils in Years 5, 6, 7 and 8 on the life and ideas of Sigmund Freud, who is one of Hampstead’s most famous residents. Freud came to live in the UK at the very end of his life, having had to…
The Headmaster’s Back to School Assembly
Assembly address – Friday 6 September 2024 One of the most thought-provoking questions ever asked comes from the Gospel of St John when Pontius Pilate, interrogating Jesus just before sentencing him to death, asks What is truth? . I am not sure that Pilate really knew what he was asking although his instincts probably told…
Music Talks…
Jazz pianist, teacher and university lecturer Sam Leak discusses perfect pitch, absolute pitch and melody triggers: whether these can be taught or are just natural gifts, and different approaches to teaching aural awareness to students. Sam Leak is one of our piano peripatetic teachers, has recently been featured on the MTA (music teachers association) podcast….
