Chronicle January 2021

15 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Life in Sing's Dr Jonathan Burbidge, Sing’s HM

Sophie Bell I joined St Edward’s in September in the Lower Sixth and I must admit that I was a little nervous when I was told that I would be joining Sing’s, which was getting ready to welcome Sixth Form girls after 20 years of being an all-boys’ House. I had mixed emotions all round as I didn’t know what to expect. I had come from an all-girls’ school and whilst I was excited about the prospect of moving to co-ed, it did feel daunting to be one of a small group of Lower Sixth girls moving in to the second co-ed House at Teddies alongside Cooper Lodge. But I can honestly say that from the moment Dr Burbidge put me in touch with the other girls, and we arrived and met up on our first day, I have never looked back! I really enjoy being on Field Side and I’m looking forward to the summer when we can spend more time outside. The distance between House and School creates a lovely atmosphere away from the main school site, so we can relax when back at House, and it feels separate from my studies. I am really enjoying the social aspect of House life at Teddies. Even during lockdown, Sing’s was still so much fun and so friendly. The other girls and I never had much of an interest in football, but we can all now give the boys a run for their money at FIFA! A big part of life at Teddies are the House events, most recently the People’s Chase and House Hockey. It is super fun to come together to support the whole House at different events. The common room is an important part of life in Sing’s, where everyone is able to hang out and spend time together, whether it be watching a movie, the rugby or football. I look forward to coming back to House on a Sunday night to see my friends before School starts again on Monday morning. I have made some great friends, both boys and girls. I’ve had an amazing experience so far and Dr Burbidge has organised some great events. Halloween was a very entertaining day. We played traditional Halloween games like apple bobbing and finding a sweet hidden in flour, and the House was decorated spookily. We carved pumpkins, and it was really fun to participate and come together as a House. I can’t recommend boarding enough and despite lockdown, I have had a great time. There is always someone to help with prep and support me or around just to have a chat; thank you Sing’s for welcoming girls!

Over 20 years since the last Sixth Form girls left Sing’s, we became co-ed once more in September with the arrival of Sixth Form boarding and day girls. The addition of boarding girls is a new chapter in the House’s co-ed history, and I could not be more thrilled with the warmth with which this forward step has been met. From the current boys, who have welcomed the new pupils faultlessly, to the new girls who have all been so positive in their approach to school life, each pupil has played their part in helping the House to navigate the change successfully. The addition of girls has cemented my belief that it is entirely productive and appropriate for boys and girls to work together. The House feels more homely than ever, and the girls, as well as the boys, have played their part in this. As a Housemaster, it is a wonderful thing to look back on a term filled with changes and challenges and feel only pride at the way in which your House community has responded. Indeed, Sing’s pupils, staff, and parents have all been instrumental in ensuring the House has maintained its foundations of warmth and kindness, now with renewed positivity and a progressive outlook.

Jonathan with wife Lizzy and their son William

Mashia Jaafari While Sing’s has always been a very welcoming and inclusive place, it was understandable that the prospect of Sixth Form girls joining was initially unknown territory for all of us. However, any hesitations faded as

the girls instantly became an integral part of the House. It was astonishing to see how easily they settled in and how quickly we became one community. The arrival of the girls also had a noticeable impact on the culture within Sing’s; there is a greater sense of acceptance and camaraderie, reinforcing the non- judgemental nature of the House. The diversity and collection of different personalities has always been a factor that has made Sing’s both an enjoyable and interesting place to live. Introducing girls into the House allowed this diversity to be amplified further and all of the different characters play a role in making the House special.

Josh Davies, Meara James, Sophie Bell and Zayn Tate in Sing's