The island’s private schools, King William’s College and The Buchan, have published their blueprint for the future.
A strategy document outlines the results of a re-evaluation of the schools’ core values, aims and priorities and establishes a five-year development plan.
The schools say the development marks a new stage in capital investment in faculty and pupil facilities, and includes plans to further modernise and enhance offerings in performance and visual arts, sports and academia.
Proposals for the construction of premier indoor sports facilities for use by both College and Buchan students, an IT upgrade, refurbishment of the sixth form centre, landscaping and groundwork and upgraded teaching facilities are included, while an increased emphasis has been placed upon further diversifying the school’s extracurricular offerings.
In order to support, oversee and guide this programme, Ellen Epstein has been appointed to the position of development director and the board of governors has established a development committee , which will work in with the Barrovian Foundation.
Martin Humphreys, principal, said: ‘We are committed to providing a first-class independent education on the island, for those who live here and for those who travel here from all over the world. We offer choice, individuality, breadth and an outstanding preparation for the next step on the educational journey.
‘We focus on the individual and our small class sizes mean that we can stretch the strong and support those who need that little extra focus. This strategy is about matching excellent teaching with excellent facilities and about raising funds for bursaries to allow wider access. Our key capital project is to invest in new indoor sports facilities. We have planning permission for a new sports hall and pool and I am looking forward to working with the Development Committee to raise the funds we need.’
Sammy Leahy, governor and chairman of the development committee, said: ‘This strategy document marks the launch of our new communication initiative.
‘We will re-energise our development programme by creating an on-going culture of giving by alumni, parents, former parents and friends.
‘We now have the vision, priorities and structures to achieve our aims. Success will depend on the support of the whole school community and I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with parents, alumni and all stakeholders to realise these exciting plans.’
Nigel Wood, chairman of governors. said: ‘This is a first for us. We may have 180 years of history, but this is the first time we have published our long-term strategy and invited support and comment.
‘The school has also enjoyed and had the benefit of immense philanthropy over the years from individuals, Trusts and many organisations. We are deeply grateful to them for their support and one of the things we wish to do is to get better at recognising and celebrating generosity. We feel that there is a passionate and unique “heartbeat” that runs through this delightful school. We now want to build upon our core values, to take the school even further towards our academic, sporting and artistic goals. Our vision is ambitious but realistic.’