From Grand Oaks to Grandparents
There are school trips… and then there are experiences that quietly stay with you – the kind that shift a child’s sense of curiosity and connection to the world around them.
This week, a group of our pupils enjoyed such an experience as they explored the timeless beauty and purpose of Windsor Great Park. From ancient oaks to manicured meadows, it is a place where history breathes and learning lingers.
Among my highlights was meeting Polly, a magnificent Jersey cow whose story left an unexpected mark on us all. Polly is no ordinary cow – her lineage dates back to 1861, when her ancestors were gifted by Queen Victoria from Osborne House to Windsor. Today, Polly calmly grazes the same parkland and produces 35 litres of milk a day for The Royal Household – a living thread between past and present.
What struck our pupils most wasn’t just Polly’s royal connections, but the sense of quiet purpose she represents. To most, she might appear unremarkable. But to those who took the time to listen, ask questions, and notice – she became something much more.
Because that’s what a Bishopsgate education strives to do: to open our children’s eyes to the richness of the world around them. Education, after all, is not confined to books or classrooms. It’s in the asking, the noticing, the wondering. It’s in the farmer who shares stories of land management. It’s in the realisation that the milk in the fridge could have a royal connection. It’s in seeing the unseen.
The visit sparked conversations about sustainability, stewardship, and duty – themes that echo deeply through our Bishopsgate values, with harmony at its core. We are proud to be situated so close to such a remarkable place, and even prouder of our pupils, who engaged so thoughtfully and curiously with what they saw and heard.
And closer to home, this morning brought its own share of joy and reflection as we welcomed close to 350 of our children’s grandparents for Grandparents’ Tea. It is always magical to see our classrooms and corridors filled with stories from another time – to witness the pride in our pupils’ eyes as they show their grandparents where they learn and play each day.
There’s something uniquely special about watching generations come together like that. In a world that has moved so quickly this last week, these moments of stillness – a shared smile, a slice of cake, a memory passed on – remind us of the lasting value of family, of heritage, and of being part of something bigger than ourselves.
As we look ahead to the weekend, we are very much looking forward to hosting the Bishopsgate U13 7-a-side football tournament tomorrow morning — always a brilliant display of teamwork, sportsmanship, and school spirit. Rain or shine, we remain optimistic — and ready!
Mr Peter Thacker
Headmaster