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When I wrote in last year's "Bursar's Notes" about QVS moving with the times, and showing willingness to change, I had no idea that the rate of advance would be so dramatic. There has been considerable progress across a wide front, including the provision of much-needed ICT support in both teaching and support areas,
substantial work on the playing fields to improve the drainage, road traffic calming measures to improve road safety, and a major equipment refit in the kitchens. Queen Victoria School is not simply moving with the times, but showing that it can push ahead and actively promote change in order to meet its mission even more effectively and efficiently.
The above progress is helping to strengthen the School's reputation, as for the third year running eligible applications reached record levels. It is comforting to know that the word is being spread in such a positive way but it is concerning that so many eligible candidates are being disappointed.
Last year a team of specialist MOD Estates advisors were tasked to conduct an extensive review of future options, referred to as the 'Establishment Development Plan', and this was completed in January 2003. As the Headmaster stated, if accepted and funded in full, most of the unsightly, temporary and time expired buildings currently offending the eye and the budget would be demolished, and improvements would include a new teaching block, re-styled dining facilities and a new boarding house for an additional 60 pupils.
Turning to a separate, but equally promising building proposal, the School will celebrate its centenary year in 2008 and the Board of Commissioners have decided to launch a fundraising appeal for the provision of a new Hall/Auditorium, possibly incorporating the Music Department. The idea is to provide the School with a large, multi-purpose assembly and performance area, and the fact that the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, already a regular visitor to the School, has expressed considerable interest in the proposals has opened up all sorts of possibilities including plans
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for closer ties in the future. Clearly, the potential in this initiative is considerable.
The task of uplifting the existing fabric to meet today's more immediate requirements is another major focus. Preliminary works on the first floor (Haig House) dormitory areas is already underway, with the bulk of the work to be completed during the summer break. The remainder of Haig House is scheduled to be complete, together with some areas on the Ground Floor, in 2004 by which time the bedroom accommodation throughout the School will be of a very high standard.
Last year, our visitors for lets included our regulars - Scottish Schools Orchestra Trust and Salvation Army - and some new faces, the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, Sport Outreach Scotland and the National Guides Choir. It was a successful programme, and an important contribution to the Income Generation Target we are set each year.
In addition, considerable time, effort, planning and expense are involved in upgrading and maintaining accommodation throughout the School and our small maintenance team do a tremendous job to help the process. A boarding school is home for many for a large part of the year, so please treat QVS with care and consideration not only for your own benefit and comfort, but also in the interests of others and a measure of pride in our surroundings.
In these, and in many other ways, our Support Staff continue with the wide variety of tasks involved in running both a School and a small Government Agency. Most of the work is unseen and unsung, but it all ensures that funds are raised, bills are paid, people are fed, orders are processed, transport is provided, training is arranged, and all the other tasks essential to our everyday routine are carried out as quickly and as efficiently as possible. My thanks to them for their efforts and support in what has been yet another very busy year.
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