Page 7 - OM Newsletter 2024-2025

SDear Old Malvernians and Ellerslie Old Girls,
tarting the academic year celebrating the success of the previous year’s leavers is always a great way to set the tone for the
younger years as they complete their university applications, take on leadership roles and set their sights on becoming this year’s role models. As the leavers attained places at all of the UK’s top ten universities as well as elite universities in Europe and the US there was much to live up to.
Academic research and modern ways of working have underlined that many people, and particularly pupils, prefer and work better in shared and collaborative environments rather than in study bedrooms. Therefore, it was great to see last year's refurbishments of the Memorial Library, the Gaunt Centre and the Grub providing a range of varied and beautifully designed centres of intellectual inspiration put to good use from the very start of the year. Importantly, in a period of political and economic headwinds, the key driver of success has been that these important capital projects have been funded almost entirely by the funds raised and donated through the Malvernian Society team.
On a similar theme, those of you who have recently visited the College will have noted the revamped reception area within Main Building includes a new visitor's room in what was the old prefects’ room, with a wall celebrating Malvern's 'Giants of Old'. The next big project is the Music Department including St Ed's - we look forward to another transformation of a much-loved heritage building into a centre of creative inspiration.
Following a huge amount of thought and work to retain the value of in-house dining, a new house-in- hub dining model was launched during the year. The Estates’ work to refurbish the hubs to host each of the Houses, and some intensive pilots in February, ensured that the plan for improvements in food quality and variety and for the reduction in food waste and cost were supported by a smooth and well laid out dining plan for the pupils.
Headmaster
A formal ISI Inspection was successfully completed in the Spring term, with the inspectors particularly highlighting our commitment to excellence, our culture of care and support, and the way we instil resilience, kindness and independence in our pupils. For more information, the full report is available is on our website.
Malvern has always offered a holistic education through its wide variety of subjects, activities and House competitions. We have been determined to further shape and create opportunities that intentionally develop the skillsets and personal characteristics that help Malvernians find success, achieve fulfilment and make a positive difference in the world. This year's 'Race the Sun' took the previous 'Lost' on another step and challenged our Remove pupils to race the sun from the east coast of England back to the Worcestershire Beacon between sunrise and sunset, challenging them to do this raising money all the way (rather than by spending it), using their initiative and garnering the support of strangers to achieve their goals. We look forward to seeing what the team do to the Lower Sixth's 'Hunted' next year given that so many Houses evaded capture through comprehensive planning, intelligent outwitting of the hunters and sniffer dogs, and some considerable teamwork from their Housemates.
It has been another very successful year in developing role models of the future. One of our existing role models has been Robin Black (8.71- 76) who stands down after 10 very successful years as Chair of Council - we thank him for all that he has done for the College and we look forward to Jonathan Penrice (5.77-82) taking the reins as we head into the new school year.
Best wishes,
Keith Metcalfe
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