This year, more than any other, I have been so struck by the overwhelming sense of the natural world bursting with fresh colour. As wonderful day has followed wonderful day, the whole country seems consumed by loveliness and lushness and our pupils seem to have been at their best, entering into everything they have been doing with huge commitment and energy. I very much hope that they will take time to notice the extraordinary natural display going on around them.

Indeed, I am delighted that an “Out and about” club has been introduced in Pre-Prep. Going out and about seems be something thoroughly to be recommended. To notice what is round and about is one of the most important skills one can nurture. It is the antidote to Satnav culture. I remember vividly one day when I was having my hair cut, the hairdresser asked me where I was going on holiday. I mentioned a name which clearly rang no bells. I then asked her where she was going. “I’ve just been!” was the response. “Where did you go?” “I don’t know,” she said – I just followed the satnav.” Oxford has so very much to offer and I am determined that our pupils should be aware of the gems around them and learn the habit of looking and noticing. If the habit is engrained early enough, life will be a constant stream of excitement and engagement.

I also note that some of the Pre-Prep visited the tree which has very sadly fallen over in the meadow. It was always one of my favourite trees, a vast collection of parallel trunks which looked like a pillar in a gothic cathedral. I notice that they attempted to use their “super strength” to push it back upright – I’m so sorry that they didn’t succeed – but nonetheless one must believe in the power of communal activity.

Communal activity was on the agenda at Wells, in Somerset, where I attended the Choir Schools Association conference. One of the most interesting talks we had mentioned a study which had been done about the effect of singing. Choristers were asked to provide some saliva delivered before they started to sing. This was checked for levels of Cortisol, the stress hormone, and for levels of Oxytocin, a hormone which lends us a sense of deep contentment. The choristers then sang for twenty minutes and, at that point, more samples were taken. The results, apparently, were striking. Levels of Oxytocin rose hugely following the singing while those of cortisol dropped significantly. There was also an increased sense of comradeship created during the course of the singing. Interestingly the more time someone had been part of a choir the more dramatic the results were. Clearly singing has hugely positive effect on mood and mental wellbeing. I am certain that choral singing in particular and indeed most communal activities, have an immensely beneficial effect and I am certain that one of the most important routes to mental health is communal activity.

Form 7s have clearly had a splendid trip to Downside and Bath. As with many Geography fieldwork, the boys had to approach members of the public as part of a survey. I am thrilled that they were complimented for their politeness. Politeness is desirable anywhere, of course, but in Bath, the most elegant of our cities, I am certain it was particularly appreciated!

Have a lovely bank holiday and see you on Tuesday.