Weekly eNews
Dr Ray Swann
Deputy Headmaster, Head of the Crowther CentreThis week I had a number of conversations with people in our community about the power of belonging, particularly after the sad passing of BGS Life Governor, George Thomson. What occurred to me is that belonging is both a shared experience/knowing but also an act. And in the acting part, we model to our boys how to create the conditions they need.
As sometimes happens with the magic of technology, this old David Wagoner poem came to me again, alongside a research paper on the importance of green spaces.
The art AND the science. I share the poem with you here:
Lost
Stand still. The trees ahead and bushes beside you
Are not lost. Wherever you are is called Here,
And you must treat it as a powerful stranger,
Must ask permission to know it and be known.
The forest breathes. Listen. It answers,
I have made this place around you.
If you leave it, you may come back again, saying Here.
No two trees are the same to Raven.
No two branches are the same to Wren.
If what a tree or a bush does is lost on you,
You are surely lost. Stand still. The forest knows
Where you are. You must let it find you.
— David Wagoner
(1999)
Please reach out if you have any particular topics you would like us to explore in our weekly Crowther eNews.
Dr Ray Swann
Deputy Headmaster
Head of the Crowther Centre
Year 7 and 8 Book Club
At the end of Term 1, BGS hosted our Firbank/BGS Book Club, bringing together 50 Year 7 and 8 students from both BGS and Firbank to discuss Fuzzy Mud by Louis Sachar.
The novel sparked engaging conversations about ethical dilemmas in science, environmental consequences, and the challenges of making moral choices under pressure. Beyond analysing the story, the event highlighted the importance of connection, as students came together to share perspectives, challenge ideas, and form their own opinions.
The Book Clubs are a valuable way to support students to engage in discussion, think critically, and express their viewpoints whilst strengthening their love for literature.
Winter Sport Workshop
A reminder for any parents that were not able to attend our workshop on Wednesday 30 April, you can find the links to the Concussion Position paper along with other helpful resources here: Concussion – Crowther Centre
Kristen Molloy
Associate Head of the Crowther Centre, Literacy and Engagement