Author Archives: headdixie

This academic year is the first in which I have delegated the responsibility for conducting prospective parental tours in the Senior School to our upper Sixth. Invariably our guests comment on their maturity, articulacy, independence of mind and the extent to which they are proud of their school. Visitors always comment how struck they areContinue reading “Freedom”

Senior School Staff at the Dixie recognise that young people and adults alike face significant challenges to their mental health. The pressures resulting from examinations, puberty and the changes associated with secondary education are substantial and are further compounded by the presence of social media. Young people today face particular challenges online – to conformContinue reading “Mental Health at the Dixie Grammar School”

The conditions necessary for young people to thrive in school have been the subject of a great number of studies. Dixie school life has been carefully constructed to reflect many of these – initially through the sound educational instincts of previous Heads and Governors, now backed up by a wealth of research. The summaries ofContinue reading “What are the positive and negative effects on pupils’ achievement and personal development?”

Strong parental involvement in school life and a vibrant PTA are undoubtedly signs of a healthy school. The Dixie’s Parent Teacher Association is responsible for organising many fantastic events that have become real fixed favourites in the Dixie calendar. From the Spring Bounce, Christmas fairs, spooky discos to summer balls they help provide memorable eventsContinue reading “The Parent Teacher Association”

The checks and balances which a wider team provides are vital for every organisation’s health. There are eleven Governors at the Dixie, each with their own specialisms, each with their own particular inputs in school life. Among them are educationalists, accountants, doctors, school inspectors and those with an interest in marketing or who run theirContinue reading “The Benefit of Governance versus Proprietorial Schools”