Rector’s eNews 25: 12 August 2026

It takes considerable discipline to do nothing. I imagine that is a counterintuitive suggestion in the week prior to the trial examinations beginning for our A Block boys. There may be some teachers and parents who consider some boys to be masters of that particular discipline! I will come back to the trial exams in a moment, but the discipline to do nothing is more a self-reflection as I approach the end of my first month at Michaelhouse.

My priority has been to observe, to listen and to understand. It is a good discipline albeit frustrating at times. I get home in the evening feeling like I have not achieved anything, but of course, paying attention and listening and thinking are all worthwhile things – essential even – but we are so programmed to measure our worth in measurable outcomes that it is inevitable that I will experience moments of restlessness as I have little output to show for this first month. It is a good lesson for all of us – and especially for our boys – that there is a lot that is valuable and worthwhile that is not measurable.

In assembly I addressed the school, and the A Block boys in particular, ahead of the trial exams which begin next week. I encouraged the boys to focus on the process rather than the outcome. In this instance, the grade they achieve in trials will give them a good indication of where they are at in their preparations for the final exams and it will give them feedback on how their processes are working. I reminded them that there are three main reasons for writing this series of exams:

1. To build up revision stamina and to fine tune revision techniques. Revising effectively requires stamina in terms of effort and focus. Soon these boys will be on study leave for their final exams, but making the most of that time is not a given. Knowing how to use the time productively and having the stamina to do so become critical.
2. To experience the pressure of the exam hall. Writing exams in an exam venue with strict parameters and time constraints ramps up the stress and anxiety around exams. Getting used to that environment makes it easier next term. Time management is a crucial element of exam success, so mastering that in Trials gives confident for the real thing next term.
3. To receive and act on feedback from teachers. Although time between the end of the Trial Exams and the final exams is not great, there is still time to make some significant adjustments in terms of understanding and subject knowledge, as well as in matters of exam technique and structure. When the boys receive their papers back from their teachers, they have a choice as to how they respond.

I very much hope the boys embrace this opportunity to learn about how to improve their learning, and as I said to them, I hope they get what their efforts deserve!

On Monday, we celebrated the women of our community and Mrs Claire Hornby spoke to the boys in assembly and we held a wonderful tea in the Centenary Centre for the women of the school who were serenaded by the Chamber Choir.

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