Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still

Life is all about growth, and in Granville, we see it every day. Whether it’s personal, academic, or natural in our beautiful Granville Garden, growth shapes our experiences and strengthens our community. This term has been a testament to the progress our students make – not just in their studies but in their independence, resilience, and relationships with one another.

One of the most evident areas of growth has been in responsibility. Many of our students have shown leadership in the house, whether through mentoring younger boarders, assisting with school events, or stepping up to ensure communal spaces are respected and maintained. It has been delightful to see a number of ambitious Y12 students put themselves forward as candidates for Head of House, and it was also a pleasure seeing Ethan and Evan using the Duke of Edinburgh practice expedition to develop their resilience and resourcefulness.

Academically, growth has been apparent through the increasing dedication to their studies for those in exam years. From late-night revision sessions to peer tutoring, the commitment to excellence has been commendable. It is encouraging to see students not only striving for personal success but also supporting one another in their learning. This collective effort is a testament to the culture of encouragement and ambition that defines Granville, and we wish the Y11s and Y13s the best of luck as they prepare for their exams.

Personal growth has also been a key theme this term. Living in an international boarding community presents unique challenges – balancing freedom with responsibility, learning independence, adapting to different cultures. Many of our students have demonstrated maturity in handling these challenges, forming deeper friendships and becoming more self-aware in the process. We particularly enjoyed going Karting recently – shout-outs to top drivers Sky (overall champion), Ibaad, Ajit and Mr Hughes!

As we move forward, it is important to recognise that growth is a continuous journey. The progress we have seen so far is just the beginning, and we encourage every Granvillian to keep pushing themselves, supporting each other, and embracing the opportunities that come their way. We take inspiration from the beautiful flora that surrounds Granville, made possible by the nurturing and dedication of our two wonderful matrons, Ms Linda and Mr Rabi. They had the following to say:

Ms Linda: ‘the garden helps keep us peaceful, and makes us happy whenever we walk into the house.’’

Mr Rabi: ‘the plants make everything fresh and bring the house to life.’

We are very grateful to them both for their work every day to make Granville beautiful both inside and out.