The heartbeat of the College is its pupils, and Marlborough already feels a richer and more vibrant place with the arrival of our new Shell, bringing with them all the fizz and buzz that College life is renowned for. Despite the ‘warm’ welcome of a torrential downpour on their first day, spirits were undampened, and the energy shown from our Shell were a sign of good things to come.
Their skills and teamwork were put to the test during our action-packed Induction Day programme. In the morning rotations, their detective skills were set in motion with a College-wide treasure hunt adventure, as well as being talked through the process of setting up access to those all-important emails and prep tasks (which I know they were all grateful for!). This was followed by a plethora of teambuilding activities, from perilously crossing the ‘lava’ river to even herding ‘sheep’ into pens. The camaraderie and the unity on display were inspiring, and the day fittingly concluded with a well-earned feast and relaxing garden games.
Week two continued at pace, with the Shell already representing the College in external sporting fixtures and learning quickly to gel as a team and support one another. It was an absolute pleasure to see them all involved in our first major whole year group event – our beloved Steeplechase! Special mentions must go to Hattie B (9.07 minutes – a new College record) and Percy R (8.28 minutes – record-equalling) for outstanding efforts in the Girls and Boys race respectively, and also to Mill Mead and Turner, the overall House team competition winners.
This week in PSHEE, the Shell have been exploring digital safety and wellbeing, alongside study skills rooted in our Marlborough Mindset – particularly the importance of curiosity and being a lifelong learner.
Between the ebb and flow of the bustling life here at Marlborough, we will soon seize the opportunity to stop and connect with the centrepiece of our campus – the majestic Marlborough Mound. In a ceremony of welcome to the College, Ad Montem (to the Hill!), the Shell will ascend around the gently inclining half-mile spiral path for the traditional photo.
Looking ahead, Sunday 12th October brings a (very much “type-2 fun”) day of outdoor team-building, offering another opportunity to connect across Houses and strengthen friendships. If that wasn’t enough, after half-term, the Shell will embark on a broad and balanced carousel of extra-curricular activities: from Tai Chi Qigong, fencing and coding, to creative writing and debating, all designed to enable our pupils to ignite new interests, seize new opportunities, develop new skills and provide them with memories and mastery to draw upon forever. There really is something for everyone!
In every interaction so far – whether in lessons, fixtures, Houses, or tutor time – I have been impressed by the Shell’s ambition and determination to give their best.
I wish them a restorative and well-deserved exeat.
Will Gibbs
Head of Year, Shell
