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12th December
My congratulations: In the final Headmaster’s Assembly, I congratulated George and Robert on their promotion to Senior Prefect, and Christopher, Joe and Sam on their promotion to prefectship. Arts Honours were awarded to Struan for his portrayal of Mr Bumble in Oliver!, to Ruaridh for his performance as Bill Sykes, as well as co-writing the Lower Sixth play, and to Angus for painting the set of Oliver!, a huge job and one which produced very impressive results. New Awards in Design were granted to Harry, winner of the Junior Student of the Term Award, and to Rickie on winning the Senior Student of the Term Award. Congratulations went to the 1st XV on its victory in the Cup match; the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th XVs, B3s and E1s on their wins against Stewart’s Melville; and the F1s on their draw in the same fixture. The Fives Senior Team had a good win against Sedbergh. Finally, this part of the sporting season has ended with the 1st XV achieving a narrow win against Methodist College, Belfast, one of the leading rugby-playing schools in N My highlights: I have two this week. First of all, three Christmas Dinners were served by our tremendous catering and domestic staff on Monday! All helped on the day, and the pupils and staff commented so favourably on the quality of the food, the service and the sense of bonhomie. We are indebted to our catering and domestic staff, who play as important a role as all the other teams of staff in the School. I particularly enjoyed hearing the rock bands, namely the Mystic Floorboards and Velvet Onion, and the staff rock band, who entertained us at the Dinners. By popular request, all three played encores!
Secondly, the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols was such an uplifting experience for all of us gathered in the Memorial Hall and our thanksare due to the Choir who led us in our worship. Finally, I wish you all a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
5th December
 My highlights: Sometimes, it is so difficult in an action-packed week to reduce the number of my highlights to but a few. However, pride of place must go to Oliver! I counted that at least 92 young people from St George’s and Merchiston were involved in this production. It was tremendous entertainment, so professional, so slick, and what I enjoyed so much was seeing girls and boys working collaboratively on the stage. In all this teamwork and leadership, I think that the pupils who worked backstage, those who took care of the sound and lighting and those who painted the set deserve as much praise as the outstanding actors and actresses on the stage. My second highlight is a strange one: we have boys away over the next 10 days being interviewed for some of the leading UK universities. This is a good thing, for our boys will be pitting themselves against the very best in the UK. We wish our pupils to be the very best they can be and we wish them to help others to be the best they can be. My third highlight is to do with teaching and learning: last week, we were very fortunate to welcome Mr Matthew MacIver (Chief Executive/Registrar of the General Teaching Council for Scotland) to the School and he watched lessons taught by two of our young, developing teachers; it was tremendous to hear him say that he had enjoyed observing both classes and sitting with them immensely (he is pictured above with me). My final highlight was the Choral Evensong for Advent on Sunday evening. What I like about teams (and the Chaplaincy Team is one of these) is that different approaches are brought to the Merchiston way of life. So, this Service was a Choral Evensong, led by Mr Anderson and the Chapel Choir. And so, we embark upon week 14, which is even busier! I reminded the School in this morning’s Headmaster’s Assembly that tiredness is purely psychological!
27th November
My highlights: First, I am delighted that debating is playing an ever stronger role in our co-curricular programme. Secondly, Nicola Morgan, Chair of the Society of Authors in Scotland, recently visited Merchiston for a book launch, and she wrote the following after her visit: “It’s the audience that makes an event – their clear enthusiasm, interest and respect shone through their faces and it’s one of the things that makes Merchiston a very rewarding place to be. You have a very decent bunch of boys.” Thirdly, the Choral and Instrumental Concert on Friday saw a real depth and breadth of music-making; the cycle of the academic year is so rapid and it is important to remember that we only started the new year on Sunday 2 September and yet the pupils and staff produced a tremendously varied programme in a comparatively short period of time. This will not have occurred without the huge energy invested in the pupils by the Merchiston Music staff, and indeed the peripatetic staff, urging the boys to attend lessons on time and then cajoling them to practise! Without a shadow of a doubt, this evening could not have taken place without the commitment of the pupils to this important co-curricular aspect of the Merchiston way of life. It gives me great joy to hear and see young boys and young men performing such beautiful music – it is an activity that is often neglected as boys grow up, in the face of other, more ‘core’ activities. Finally, I am amazed at the incredible variety of achievement going on within the School on a weekly basis. I believe that sometimes we may be spreading ourselves too thinly as we give as many opportunities as possible to the whole student body (as well as the staff!), yet at the same time we remain committed to achieving the very best for the boys and the staff. I am very ambitious for them all – I wish them to be the best they can be in all aspects of their lives and then to help others to aspire to this. Naturally, I hope that our whole website gives you a feel for the Merchiston way of life. 20th NovemberMy thoughts: In this week's Headmaster's Assembly I spoke to the School about the importance of respect for each other and for the pupils of all schools, both within and without the School. Sometimes, I think that competition between pupils from different schools can become intense in all sorts of areas and this can be detrimental. However, the Chaplain reminded us of some wise words in the Gospel of St Matthew, Chapter 5, about “turning the other cheek”.
My congratulations: This week I congratulated on the platform Tom, Nicholas, Horace and Rupert who were in the Merchiston “Top of the Bench” Chemistry Team, which won both its heat and then the final of the East of Scotland Competition. They now progress to the British final, to be held in London in February. I was delighted to say that, clearly, these young men had learned far better and to a far greater depth than me that “Chemistry is life”! I was also very pleased to congratulate so many sporting teams on their achievements: the 7XV and U10 XV; the Senior, Colts and Junior Fives Teams; the Senior Squash Team; and the Junior Hockey Team. Moreover, it is excellent that debating is well and truly on the agenda, and whilst Tommy and Stuart lost in the ESU Mace Competition against St Mary's Music School , Forrester and Mary Erskine, they put up a good performance. This week our juniors are involved in a Junior Mace Debating Competition against St Mary's Music School , Currie High, Craigmount and Lasswade. My highlights: I am delighted that last week our Upper Sixth biologists attended a cancer research workshop with St Margaret's at the Western General Hospital . This was one of our Enlightened Curriculum events, but it also illustrates the way in which our boys work collaboratively with girls. I was so struck by Alexander's report on the workshop. He joined Merchiston this term from Germany, and I asked the School how many of us would have been able to deliver a talk in German at his Gymnasium. I am also pleased that our biologists are attending a DNA workshop this week! The Upper Sixth Parents' Meeting included a presentation on the UCAS procedure; these meetings are, clearly, so important and again I was delighted to see the collaboration between the boys, their parents and the staff. My third highlight was the first session last week of Food Technology for Upper Sixth Formers. A special lesson was held for as many of them as possible in the Dining Hall and kitchens, and Charlie, our marvellous head chef, taught the boys how to prepare three chicken dishes! I understand that they learned a huge amount and enjoyed sampling the fruit of their labours. But seriously, it is our intention that pupils should leave the School, able to cook 10 meals… 13th November
My congratulations: Jake received a Commendation for Achievement in Headmaster’s Assembly. He fronts a band that has performed at a number of local venues, and it has won through to the final round of the Liquid Disco Academy National Youth Band Competition, beating over 100 Scottish bands to reach the final 12. A guitarist and singer, over the years Jake has dedicated much time to practising and rehearsing, either by himself or with his band, and has developed into a talented musician. Photo to follow…. My highlights: I have three this week. First, the life of the mind must remain of paramount importance to a Merchiston pupil, as indeed must academic rigour and vigour within our education of all-rounders. The Nicola Morgan book launch on Saturday was welcomed by our Second and Third Formers. Ms Morgan is an Edinburgh writer and the books are “The Highwayman’s Curse” and “Know Your Brain”. I am delighted that she enjoyed her visit to the School and was impressed with the quality of the questions she was asked. My second highlight is sport: I travelled to Glenalmond on Saturday afternoon with our rugby teams and I thought the school looked in very good heart. As I walked round the pitches, I was staggered by the Merchiston boys’ quality of play – their quick passing game, offloading in the tackle, real ball handling skills, rigorous defence and tremendous athleticism. The fixtures were played by both schools in a fair yet competitive fashion, and I was particularly pleased to see the Merchiston wide game being played. My final highlight was the Whole School Service of Remembrance and Dedication on Sunday morning. There were no spare places in the Memorial Hall – this building at the heart of the School. Dr Judith McClure gave an excellent address, we enjoyed hearing the Chapel Choir singing an anthem, and the Service of Reconciliation included the lighting of candles. Afterwards, Barbara and I hosted a drinks reception for Pringle parents in the 6A Club. And so, on to week 10!
6th November
• "the wonder of being greeted at a school by a piper - so stylish"
30th October
My congratulations: In Headmaster’s Assembly, we congratulated Grant, Richard, Alex and Stuart on gaining their Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award; and Christopher and Myles on their Bronze Award. Members of the 1st and 2nd XVs, the B1s, B2s and C2s were congratulated on their wins against Edinburgh Academy on Saturday. Moreover, I was pleased to receive a very kind letter of thanks to the School from St Catherine’s Convent, for our donation of Harvest Festival gifts to their homeless project. My highlights: I have three this week. First, Barbara and I particularly enjoyed the Sixth Form Gathering. These ‘gatherings’ appear to be entering Merchiston folklore and I understand that Merchistonians use the word to describe meeting each other and girl friends around many university towns and cities! In reflecting on their school careers to date, many Sixth Formers have commented on the inspiration provided by staff and prefects alike, both in and out of the classroom, and the quality of the pastoral care. Very few were critical of their prefects. It reminded me again that the influence of excellent role models – staff and prefects – should never be underestimated. Secondly, the Chalmers Parents’ Dinner took place on Friday. One of Merchiston’s ‘cornerstones’ is the relationship between the School and the home of each pupil. The atmosphere at the function was dynamic and it was good to be there! Finally, though I say so myself, I really enjoyed our Information Morning! It was good to watch senior pupils showing prospective parents round the School, but I was also delighted to see so much really interesting and diverse teaching and learning: teacher-led, collaborative, group work in a circle; learning moles in Chemistry through the use of a symbol; one-to-one work, and I even came across two pupils teaching a lesson! Essentially, these highlights brought home to me yet again the nub of life at Merchiston and what we all believe in. 22nd OctoberMy thoughts: I very much hope that all the boys have returned for the second half of term refreshed! I tend to divide the academic year into 6ths, and we have just completed our first one. The Autumn Term is a particularly important teaching and learning time. Keats’s poem Autumn is so topical at this time of the year! Essentially, the poem is about a journey and thus it is important for members of the School to bear in mind the question, “And what next?” This does not mean that one should be neurotic or over-anxious about one’s academic progress, but each young person should be asking himself, “How important are my studies and academic rigour in my life amidst my commitment to the broader education I receive at Merchiston?” In other words, the life of the mind is vital. My congratulations: In Headmaster’s Assembly, the 1st and 2nd XVs were congratulated on their emphatic wins at Llandovery College at the beginning of Half Term. This fixture seemed to me to illustrate again how sport can bring people together. The recent Rugby World Cup is another example of this and how tremendous it has been to see the teams perceived as ‘underdogs’ doing so well! England and Scotland both did themselves proud, and long may this continue. My highlights: I have four this week. Our CCF Biennial Review went extremely well: the presentation of the Guard of Honour was good, and the Pipe Band sounded and looked impressive. The Brigadier enjoyed speaking to some of our senior cadets and I was also pleased to be able to spend time with him in my study. The CCF is a valued part of School life, one in which young people can learn aspects of leadership. My second and third highlights are the preparations for our major drama production, Oliver!, and for the Choral Society’s Concert next term. When we watch the final results I have no doubt that we will applaud volubly, smile and wonder at the achievements. However, I think it is important to highlight the hard work behind the scenes by the pupils and the staff in weekly rehearsals, working on each piece of the ‘jigsaw’, which leads to success. My final highlight is an illustration of what I call the ‘magic roundabout’ of relationships at Merchiston, namely those between the boys and the staff in and out of the classroom, and the School and the home of each young man. Accordingly, I was delighted to hear that the Pringle Parents’ Dinner was such a success. And so, onwards and upwards as we embark upon the second 6th of the academic year!9th October
My congratulations: At this week’s Headmaster’s Assembly we congratulated Alex, Sam, Luke, Andrew and Russell on being awarded their Major Games Ties (three starts for the 1st XV), and we thanked the musicians who participated in the excellent Solo Instrumental Concert on Friday. My second highlight was the scene at Merchiston on Saturday. A massive rugby fixture against Sedbergh, involving 13 sides, home and away, saw every single pitch at Merchiston in use. These were tremendously competitive matches, played in the right spirit, and it was akin to a festival of rugby. In particular, the 1st XV match saw some outstanding rugby, and we were very pleased with the victories of our 3rd XV, the B2s and the F1s. The Dining Hall afterwards was packed with Merchiston and Sedbergh parents and players enjoying the post match tea and this somehow said it all. As I walked back to my study I could not help noticing too the camaraderie between the two teams of staff in our Common Room!
2nd OctoberMy thoughts: Week 4 has epitomised the whole Merchiston way of life: academic work, co-curricular activities, pastoral care, many links with girls’ schools, and last, but not least, a prospective parent running a charity ball in the School on Saturday evening in aid of CLIC Sargent, which cares for children and young people with cancer and their families. This function raised approximately £20,000.
My congratulations: At Headmaster’s Assembly yesterday, it was a delight to hear about the Geography field trip to Arran. We congratulated this year’s members of the Millennium ‘3’ Project group (Leo, Anthony, Matthew, Laurence, Ross, Cameron, Jack and Tim) who helped to renovate Batibalavu Primary School in Fiji in the summer (photo left), and they received Commendations of Achievement in recognition of their efforts.
25th SeptemberMy thoughts: As we embark upon week 4 of the Autumn Term, it may seem strange to you that we have just had a whole-school leave-out weekend. To my mind, the pupils and staff have returned rejuvenated by the time out. My congratulations: I congratulated two members of the Pipe Band, Bruce and Matthew, on being awarded their Arts Honours. Piping and drumming continue to flourish at Merchiston and give so many young people the opportunity to enjoy beat and rhythm!
My last highlight has been the build-up of good momentum over the start of the new academic year. This has been seen in the classroom, drama, music, sport and simply day-to-day life. We cannot underestimate how much of a ‘people business’ the whole Merchiston operation is and this momentum depends so much on how we relate to one another, staff and pupils. It also depends on a basic understanding of morality - knowing the difference between right and wrong, and being practical about it! I concluded my short address by reminding the School of an important question, “Am I living my life in two boxes – saying one thing and doing another?” 18th SeptemberMy thoughts: It is wonderful to see that members of the new Chapel Choir, Choral Society and Close Harmony Group have been selected and rehearsals are in full swing (if you will forgive the pun!) Enlightened Curriculum events are underway and the School is discovering the rhythm of the new academic year.
My highlights: This term, Barbara and I have the pleasure of hosting House ‘Gatherings’. I originally asked Dr Mortimer, the Head of English, to find a word that epitomised what we wished to do on such occasions. Essentially it is a bringing together of the boys, the prefects and the staff involved in each House over a drink and a good meal. Of course, the feeding of the five thousand was a remarkable ‘gathering’ on a different scale! I am delighted that the Tennis Academy players from Merchiston and St George’s have got off to a flying start and many of these boys and girls contributed to Scotland winning the ‘Four Nations’ this weekend. Moreover, the rugby festival against Ampleforth at Tynedale Rugby Football Club, Corbridge, Northumberland, on Saturday was blessed with good weather; while we won the top four matches, we proceeded to lose the other seven – a good day was had by all! My final highlight was attending the Merchistonian Golf Club Dinner at Elie, Fife, on Saturday evening. The day is always a tremendous event, full of bonhomie, and Merchistonians of all ages reconnect on the golf course and then over dinner. The Merchistonian Club always invites two pupils and a member of staff to join the players, and this year Jamie, Ross and the Chaplain enjoyed themselves thoroughly. However, don’t ask them for their scores – all three are very good golfers! 11th September
My congratulations: This week I congratulated Grant on winning the Scottish Regional Final (U16 category) of the Young Engineer for Britain Award 2007, and James and Mark who reached the Scottish Regional Final. These young men continue Merchiston's fine tradition in Engineering. Rong Bing, Benny and Horace (photo right) performed so well in the Junior Maths Challenge that they were invited to sit another paper for fun - the Junior Mathematical Olympiad. All three were awarded Certificates of
4th September
Finally, I congratulated Malcolm on his selection to represent Scotland in athletics in the UK School Games in Coventry at the end of August. My highlights: There is so much joy and excitement at the beginning of this new term and we look forwards. Everybody who was at Merchiston last year is now in a different Form and House. Every September is new; we have to learn again and make progress in the classroom; we begin our coaching on the games fields and courts; we begin earnest rehearsals in music and drama; we begin new friendships. In other words, there is a newness, a never-the-sameness to the beginning of an academic year.
Finally, my ‘thoughts for the year’ for the pupils:
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My thoughts: The last 10 tens days of term have been so fulfilling! I have much enjoyed reading each pupil’s report; the Pringle Christmas Concert was a joy; and Guy, James, Stewart and Graham participated in the St George’s/Merchiston production of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. Friday afternoon saw a tremendous match of rugby football against Dundee High School in the quarter-final of the Scottish Schools Cup and I was delighted that the afternoon was very well supported by the Merchiston community. The slick turnover of ball and pack play led to Merchiston seizing its only opportunity in the 2nd half to secure a place in the semi-final. It was extremely impressive to see Dundee High School’s graciousness and sportsmanship in a very close defeat. And then it was phenomenal that on Saturday 16 sides played rugby against Stewart’s Melville. On another note, so to speak, I very much enjoyed the Colinton & Merchiston Choir Concert the following evening. Finally, all the boys were well looked after in their Houses with special events towards the end of the term
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orthern Ireland. This morning, the 2nd XV squad departed on tour to Belfast. 
My thoughts: We are in an incredibly busy, yet fulfilling, last 8 days of term. Teaching and learning continue and there is a huge amount of cultural activity, with plays and Carol Services, let alone sport. Amidst all this, I was reminded last week that how we, as members of the School, carry ourselves is always of paramount importance. This morning, I took the opportunity to remind the boys that how we support each other, both within and without the School, must be sportsmanlike, dignified and gracious. It is true to say that I felt a little uneasy with parts of the boys’ support of our Scottish Schools Cup XV in their match against Edinburgh Academy last Thursday. How we are seen by others is important and I am pleased that Richard Charman, the Director of Sport, has spent time with the Fifth Form, and the Lower and Upper Sixth, expressing how we expect pupils to support each other. In this regard, I believe in singing! I believe it is important for our health, so this morning we enjoyed practising the School song, and, in anticipation of Merchiston celebrating its 175th Anniversary next year, we practised singing “Happy Birthday Merchie!”
My congratulations: This morning, I congratulated Andrew on being awarded Arts Honours (Drama) for co-directing Oliver! and for co-writing and directing the Lower Sixth play last year. Bruce and Tommy were awarded Major Games Ties for rugby. In Mathematics, this year almost 40 members of the Lower and Upper Sixth took part in the UK Senior Mathematical Challenge, Merchiston’s biggest ever entry. There were 20 prizewinners, of whom 4 gained a Bronze Award and 9 a Silver. This morning, we congratulated the 7 Gold Award winners: Haoyang, Cheng, Takuya, Jipeng, Tommy, Nguyen and Bo (photo left). Bo also took the prize for coming top in the School. Congratulations also went to the 1st XV on 
its games against Edinburgh Academy and Watson’s; in different ways, these performances showed verve and skill. I also congratulated the 2nd, 4th and 5th XVs, as well as the B3s, D2s, D3s and F2s on their results against Watson’s, and the 6 th XV on its win against Fettes. Moreover, the D2s and F1s won against Ardvreck (I enjoyed visiting Ardvreck myself to watch our boys playing and to say farewell to the Headmaster, Mr Paddy Watson (pictured here), who is moving to Foremarke Hall, Repton) the U9s had a good win against Belhaven. Finally, the fives team enjoyed victories against the Merchistonians and Fettes. 
My thoughts: In this morning’s Headmaster’s Assembly, I spoke again about a subject which has been in the news recently, namely the education of boys. I returned to Sue Palmer’s article in the Sunday Times Ecosse section, which I mentioned in last week’s blog, and I quoted the following: “Our young men will need physical control, emotional resilience and social competence to meet the challenges ahead.” Barbara and I, Barry McCorkell, Kirstine Hogg and Gayle Cordiner were fortunate to be in London last week in a beautiful setting overlooking London Bridge, meeting many Merchistonians at our 
My congratulations: This morning, I congratulated Alex, Oliver, Fergus and Marc on winning a Gold Medal in the 4x50m Senior Relay in the Edinburgh Schools Swimming Finals at the Commonwealth Pool. Merchiston last won this event in 2003 and the School is most grateful to Shelagh Legget (a present parent) and to Ian Wright for their help with the team (photo left). Ian is now in the GB coaching team, which is a huge achievement and Merchiston is very fortunate to be able to make use of his services. Turning to the world of motorbike racing, Matthew has been competing for a long time now at a high level in this sport and he was congratulated on his recent success in winning the Scottish National 125cc Motorbike Championships! Finally, I congratulated Euan on his selection to the Scottish team for the World Schools Ski Championships in Alpe d’Huez, France, in March.
Today, it is pouring with rain in Edinburgh! I smiled to myself when I saw a young pupil riding his scooter up the drive to an examination. A recent article in the Sunday Times Ecosse section was entitled “Boys need to be boys and that's vital for all our sakes”. Please 
My thoughts: My theme for this week is ‘how others see us’. Last week, we had a two-day inspection by the Care Commission. The two officers were extremely complimentary and parents will receive the formal feedback in due course. We also had two days of voluntary Place2Be training in emotional intelligence and literacy for 16 members of staff, as part of our involvement with this charity. This week, we have welcomed Professor Lingard and Dr Benjamin from the University of Edinburgh in the context of Merchiston’s participation in the Scottish Independent Schools Project, which is a small-scale research project examining the experiences of pupils, staff, parents and former pupils in independent schools in Scotland. This is funded by the Schools and Social Capital Network for the Scottish Applied Educational Research Scheme. 
Barbara and I very much enjoyed our brief visit to Mowden Hall Prep School in Northumberland to meet the new Headmaster and his wife, Ben and Sarah Beardmore-Gray – another opportunity to find out how others see us. A photo of current Merchiston boys who came to us from Mowden is shown here. Finally, Elizabeth Smith MSP (photo above, with James Dixon and Robin Macpherson) was the guest speaker at yesterday’s Headmaster’s Assembly and she spoke about how we should challenge ourselves. So, as you can see, amidst the exams for the First to Third Forms, and numerous Enlightened Curriculum, sporting and cultural events, we are busy! 
My thoughts: Last week, as well as our normal teaching and learning, we enjoyed so much sport. It was tremendous seeing games players from Ardvreck, Craigclowan, St Mary's Melrose and Pringle Merchiston Juniors sitting down together to a match tea after the fixtures last Wednesday. This was, in many ways, the icing on the cake (excuse the pun!) of the afternoon. The real education continues after the match. We had 16 teams playing on Saturday against Belhaven, Strathallan, Jordanhill and Riley House, Strathallan, as well as a football match against Loretto – ‘boys will be boys and boys can be boys'! 
My congratulations: Last week at Merchiston we hosted a joint staff function with St George's at which Keir Bloomer spoke. We also hosted the above Scottish HMC Conference held jointly with the Girls' Schools Association, and we held a Retirement Dinner for the former Chairman of the Board of Governors, Mr Charles Abram. These events involved many boys helping me to entertain our guests. It was a joy to read out to the School some of the many compliments I subsequently received. Here are a few examples: 
My highlights: Two of my four highlights this week are academic. First, Mr Paul Nicholls hosted the 15th annual Merchiston Prestige Physics Lecture (photo left), which is such an important event in the School calendar. This year, about 65 pupils from Currie High School, George Watson's, St George's and St Margaret's came to hear Dr Chris Hooley of the School of Physics and Astronomy at St Andrews University speak on 'More is Different'. Secondly, the A2 geographers enjoyed an excellent 
Finally, my fourth highlight on Tuesday morning was the leader of the Chaplaincy Team, Mr Nick Blair, welcoming Dr and Mrs Pettigrew, Anna and Rachel to Headmaster’s Assembly – Rachel’s birth was celebrated with a blessing. I started this entry in my blog with a comment on how we have reflected on our performance this week, but we have also celebrated and it has been very pleasing to see all aspects of School life in action. 
My thoughts: As I look at last week’s bulletin, I consider our Enlightened Curriculum or one could say Enrichment Curriculum so fascinating. Who would not wish to be a member of Set 2A Mandarin attending the 
My highlights: I have three for last week. First of all, our annual Science and Technology Days for Primary and Prep Schools were a great success. What is so gratifying about these Days is that our younger pupils act as guides, our Lower Sixth Formers act as teachers (yes, real teachers!) and our teachers act as mentors. We continue to believe that they are worthwhile as they present Science and Technology in an exciting way to children outwith the School, as well as playing an important part in Merchiston’s overall education. 
My third highlight was the 
My highlights: I have three highlights from this week: first, it has been tremendous to see Merchiston’s connection with our charity partner, The Place2Be, nudging forwards. Sixteen Sixth Formers took part in a one-day training session in mentoring and counselling (photo left), conducted by 
My highlights: This week, we had the privilege of welcoming a 
My congratulations: Sport was the highlight at this morning’s Headmaster’s Assembly. Jamie, Stewart and Jonny (left) were congratulated on representing Scotland in the recent Four Nations Tennis Tournament in Belfast. Scotland won the event and all three boys played well. We also congratulated Medal winners at the School Swimming Championships at the end of last term: in the Senior category, Gold and Bronze Medals went to Oliver and Duart respectively; in Chalmers East, Fergus, Oliver and Myles won Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals respectively; and in Chalmers West, Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals went to Keith, Peter and Douglas respectively (photo below). Congratulations to our U11 rugby side on winning all three games in our successful Prep Schools Rugby 
Festival – and thanks to the Second Formers who helped with guiding, touch judging, car parking and programme distribution. Well done also to the U15 tennis team who, despite their defeat to the High School of Glasgow in the final of the Scottish Under 15 Tournament, performed to a very high standard. In rugby, congratulations to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th XVs on their victories against Ampleforth at the weekend. 
My thoughts: We have had a wonderful first week of term and it has been a joy seeing all the new pupils settling into Merchiston. It has been a full week of lessons, activities, sport and House activities! At the same time, we have been working hard on putting into practice this year's theme of Manners Makyth Man, and thinking about the pieces of the jigsaw that build up a bigger and better picture in terms of our expectations of each other. 
Participation, and Horace received a Silver Medal and the fascinating book on the maths of everyday life, Why Do Buses Come In Threes? Only 40 Medals were awarded throughout the UK. Continuing the academic theme, Tom and Kelvin (below) were congratulated on making the 'Top Ten' in this summer's Edexcel GCSE Chinese examination out of 726 entries. On the sporting front, I congratulated Fraser on recording a time of 4:17.6 minutes in the 1500m at an Athletics Clubs' Meeting at Grangemouth last week - this if the fastest any Merchiston boy, of any age, has run in this event. Finally, we applauded Chris and Angus (above) who played cricket for the Scotland U13 Team on their tour to Denmark in the holiday. 
My highlights: The first was watching our Upper Sixth working collaboratively and co-educationally with girls from Kilgraston, St George's and St Margaret's in a leadership seminar run by some of the senior staff on Friday night. My second was the first Whole School Sunday Chapel Service of the academic year with its theme of "Here I am. Send Him!!!", which gave us the opportunity to reflect on the term ahead. Finally, the games pitches were filled on Saturday by the fixtures against Stewart's Melville, all in glorious sunshine. As I have walked around the School and bumped into new pupils, I have been intrigued to hear their answers to the question, "What have you enjoyed about your first week at Merchiston?" The answer has often been, "There's so much sport, Sir, but, of course, we also love the lessons!" It is good to know that 'boys will be boys' and 'boys can be boys'! 
My thoughts: We have already held our beginning of term Service and indeed the first Headmaster’s Assembly. The Chaplain began by speaking about the passing away of Dr David Stranock on 7 July and gave a fitting tribute. David would have smiled as we sang Jerusalem, one of the hymns he requested for his Memorial Service. He was a Yorkshire man and he liked the thought of the Scots and Irish among us singing this English anthem! We returned to School with first class academic results, numerous projects having been completed in so many parts of the School during the holiday (and the building of the Sixth Form House has at last begun!), and a record number of pupils – we start the new academic year with 438, and we have welcomed 97 new boys and their families to the Merchiston community. 
My congratulations: Many young men have been congratulated publicly over these first two mornings: the Scholars who performed so well in their GCSEs or AS examinations; and the new Gibson Award holders. (This Award is granted to a non-Scholar in the new Lower and Upper Sixth, in recognition of his outstanding performance in either his GCSEs or his AS modules. Moreover, the Fourth Form and Sixth Form All-Rounders have been congratulated (picture left). The new Fourth Form Scholars are pictured above. 
It was wonderful to welcome two old boys to the School at this morning’s Assembly, namely Andy and Patrick, who left us in July 2006. Andy is aiming to make it in the rock music world and you may be interested in downloading his single, which has been released this week, entitled Feel Me. Any parents or Merchistonians who do so will contribute to his chances of becoming known! I understand it is already being played on Scottish radio stations.
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