Principal's Blog

QR code
  • 2022-23
Chris Greenhalgh

The Principal laments the use of QR code menus in restaurants,  and considers the implications for education posed by generative AI programmes such as ChatGPT.

  • ChatGPT
  • Innovation
  • Learning
King Charles, the Cromwells, and the Need for Magic
  • 2022-23
Chris Greenhalgh

The Principal marks the coronation of King Charles III, reflecting on his own memories of the former Prince and what the institution of monarchy might mean in a modern context.

  • School Values
Children’s Games, Puzzles, and Learning through Play
  • 2022-23
Chris Greenhalgh

The Principal considers how playing games is a fundamental human instinct, explores why so many games involve overcoming an obstacle, and why learning through play is a key part of education.

  • Games
  • Learning
I Remember, a Goose’s Neck, and the Usefulness of Lists
  • 2022-23
Chris Greenhalgh

The Principal considers the phenomenon of lists, ranging from personal and professional to-do lists to literary and historical lists, finding them helpful, often beautiful, and a useful aide-memoire for students.    

  • Literature
artwork of sun moon stars
  • 2022-23
Chris Greenhalgh

The Principal considers what it means to encounter a reality other than our own, how education can help to transform one’s outlook, and how we might extend that opportunity to those less privileged than ourselves.

  • Bursary Fund
  • Education
  • School Values
The 12 Ways to Happiness
  • 2022-23
Chris Greenhalgh

Please see here the text of a speech delivered last night by the Principal at the British Chamber of Commerce for Italy Christmas Dinner, outlining twelve ways to happiness.

  • School Values
14 Paragraphs to Entertain and Enlighten You
  • 2022-23
Chris Greenhalgh

The Principal chooses 14 of his favourite paragraphs – a mixture of writings that sparkle with intelligence, warmth and wit.

  • Education
  • School Values
The Wunderkammer, Categories, and Learning by Distraction
  • 2022-23
Chris Greenhalgh

The Principal investigates the tradition of the Cabinet of Curiosities, finding in it a new model of learning that fits with the accidental delights of twenty-first century technology.

  • Culture
  • Education
Power Cuts, Motorbikes, and Casting a Shadow
  • 2022-23
Chris Greenhalgh

The Principal considers the part played by shadows in ancient and modern culture, and explores how, growing up, children cast a lengthening shadow upon the world.     

  • Art
  • Literature
Ideas Thinking Politics
  • 2022-23
Chris Greenhalgh

In advance of the elections, the Principal considers the political landscape and the need for students to understand the subtleties of ideology and the values behind power.  

  • History
  • Thinking
Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II
  • 2022-23
Chris Greenhalgh

Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II

We are deeply saddened at the BSM to learn of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II.

She was an icon for our age. Her death represents the end of an era. It is unlikely we will see someone of her stature gracing the world stage again.

May she rest in peace.

  • Culture
  • School Values
Ice Cream, Wonder Woman, and Favourite Flavours
  • 2022-23
Chris Greenhalgh

The Principal looks at the phenomenon of ice cream, explores its history and traditions, its association with Italy, and how no childhood is complete without it.

  • Culture
Five Books, Two Films, and One Long Summer
  • 2021-22
Chris Greenhalgh

In his last blog of this academic year, the Principal recommends 5 books and 2 films that might divert you during the summer holidays.

  • Films