Which are the memories that we are most likely to retain with clarity from our schooldays?
Several studies have asked this question and have overwhelmingly found that the school
memories that stay with us vividly are more likely to be ‘social’ than ‘academic’, however well
taught we may have been. Memories are created by what we do rather than what we think.
Research has found that we particularly retain memories of moments: which contain visual
imagery; which actively build relationships with others; which require concentration in the
moment; and, most crucially, which pack an emotional punch.

Our end-of-half-term House Music and Drama extravaganza undoubtedly hit all those
requirements, and I have no doubt that the huge number of students involved will long
remember it. It was truly moving to see some of our Upper VI students’ reactions to the
realisation that it was their last HMAD, and to see just how much the experience meant to
them.

The theme of the day was modes of transport, and cars, boats, planes and bikes provided
wonderful vehicles, in some cases quite literally, for the student-created narratives. Sixth
Formers, particularly our Drama Captain and House Captains, provided inspirational
leadership, and it was lovely to see the youngest students working with, and looking up to,
them.

The sheer talent, verve and fun on display were epic. Students acted, danced, performed
incredible gymnastics, sang and played superb music, conducted, choreographed, worked
on the lighting, photography and backstage, and much more. The Abbey in-jokes, including
at my own expense, were hilarious and very clever.

Kensington were deserved winners on the day. But HMAD is one of those special occasions
in which everyone involved is a winner. Relationships are fostered, genuine leadership
created, laughter and magic happen, and lifelong memories are laid down.

Students who returned from half term school trips, including to New York and Italy, will also
have made memories to last them a lifetime. And some of our students have been creating
impressive individual memories over the break, too, whether in visiting prospective US
universities or in Eleanor (Upper IV)’s case, excelling in the Imperial Society of Teachers of
Dancing DFR National Finals. It goes without saying that Eleanor played a starring role in
her house’s HMAD performance too!

Another of our students, Kashwi (Lower V) used half term to embark on a determined and
courageous expedition to Everest Base Camp to raise money for the NSPCC. I am sure that
she has lots of photographs of the expedition but that the very best photographs will be the
memories captured in her heart and mind.

We will celebrate all of them and the many other recent student successes as we return for
the next half term. We will know, too, that it will be filled with new memory-making moments,
from sports pitches to concerts and carols, and even including a Jane Austen 250 th birthday
party at which we will celebrate Reading’s links to the author. I cannot think of better advice
for our students than to grab every opportunity, enjoy themselves and create their own
memories.

Dr Sarah Tullis, Head