Last Saturday, I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to watch Hull City play Portsmouth.  I wouldn’t class myself as a diehard Hull City fan by any stretch of the imagination and so I did not feel the tension as much as most of the other 2000+ fans occupying the away stand at Fratton Park.  Perhaps for that reason, I really enjoyed the game, and the whole day. 

I travelled with my son, who is becoming more and more fanatical for Hull City as he gradually loses interest in Manchester City (a development I am pleased about), and my father in law, who is a Fulham FC fan.  Both know much more about football than I do. 

As it turned out, the result was a draw which meant that Hull City stay in the Championship and it was also nice to see so many of our students, and their families, that had made the trek down to the south coast, some leaving at 3.30am. 

 Staying with sport, we have a long track record of producing talented rugby league players at Hessle High School with several currently playing professionally in Super League.  On Wednesday, four of our boys were in action with their respective scholarship teams showing that the production line of talent continues. 

Harrison Turner and James Tann played for the Hull FC Scholarship team while Riley Dunn and Harry Moore represented Hull KR.  Hull FC were the winners by 32-16, with James Tann also getting on the score sheet.  Well done to those boys for the hard work and dedication that has got them this far in their careers and best wishes for a successful future. 

At a younger age, our Year 10 team were in action on Thursday afternoon playing Cottingham in a cup game.  They ran out comfortable winners by 24-0, with Will Jordan catching the eye as Man of the Match for a terrific defensive performance.  Well done to those boys, and to coach Mr Compton, and good luck in the next round against Wolfreton School. And then, on Thursday evening, I switched to the BBC to see the VE Day Celebration concert from London and found ex-Hessle student Calum Scott closing the show with his version of ‘White Cliffs of Dover’.   

Calum has achieved global success over the past ten years since appearing on Britain’s Got Talent.  Recently, we were contacted by Radio 2 producers who were hoping to find one of his ex-music teachers still working at the school so that they could arrange a visit and reunion.  Sadly, those staff moved on a long time ago and so this wasn’t possible.  I did ask if he could come anyway and perform for our students but that wasn’t on the agenda sadly.   

In Lucy Beaumont (comedian), Michael Jibson (actor), and Calum, we have three ex-students all achieving success at the very top of their chosen professions which, along with our professional rugby league players and footballers, shows that the opportunities are there for those that are prepared to dedicate themselves to any talent they may have. 

For most of our students, their chosen careers may not be so visible or public, but these are helpful examples of the potential reward for hard work and effort. 

I wrote to all parents this week with the news that we will continue with a single lunch next school year but without the need to split a year group.  This was necessary for the past few years as we sought to increase capacity in our dining room and in our social areas.  I fully appreciate that – for some students in Year 9 – this has meant that they cannot share lunch and break with their friends and am pleased that we no longer have this constraint. 

For once, we have a ‘normal’ two-day weekend ahead of us but I can see that the weather forecast is for a warm and sunny few days.  I hope you enjoy the sunshine and thank you all again for your support. 

Mr Groak

Head Teacher