The Importance of Community at Rossall

Sep 6

I have always been a little suspicious of schools that promote the idea that they produce a certain ‘sort’ of person. The libertarian in me bristles at the prescriptive notion that uniformity of character is something that is remotely desirable. We live in an age when institutions or collectives of any description tend to be viewed with a certain amount of disdain. A century or more ago, daily life was dominated by philanthropic institutions and do-gooding organisations that promised spiritual nourishment, educational advancement, leisure opportunities and social connection. Working men’s clubs, nonconformist chapels, trade unions, choral societies, and sports clubs proliferated and prospered after the arrival of the Industrial Revolution. There was something quintessentially paternalistic, although arguably a little patronising, about the Victorian vision of civic utopia. The worker’s time was to be carefully managed and filled with purposeful activity. Self-improvement was the order of the day though this was undoubtedly underpinned by the fear that the devil makes work for idle hands!

Post-war Britain was accompanied by a growing disenchantment with institutional life. Groups like the Rotarians, the Women’s Institute and Boys’ Brigade have struggled to evolve and adapt to life in the twenty-first century and have, more often than not, been associated with a rather conservative sense of tradition. People do not like their time to be organised by others and so church pews lie empty and social clubs have entered a period of sharp decline. High streets are deserted, post offices are disappearing and village pubs, once the beating heart and soul of the community, have either closed or become bland and soulless gastropubs.

It is interesting to note that the new government appears to be demonstrating quite strong paternalistic tendencies though I doubt this will be accompanied by an authentic renaissance of sustained interest in institutions and collectives.

Globalisation has not always served to bring people together. People no longer need to physically interact with one another to feel connected. One can shop online, attend lessons online, play games online and even form romantic relationships without ever meeting in person. Extended families have become disconnected and, quite often, people barely know their neighbours. For all of its advances, modern life can often lend itself to insularity and social detachment. Life is too often conducted in front of a screen and the distinction between virtual and real often becomes blurred. There is a world of difference between being connected and feeling a sense of belonging and I would suggest that much disappointment comes from confusing the two.

Artificial intelligence, robotics and advances in biomedical science are fantastically exciting and our lives are greatly enriched by technology; the democratisation of knowledge is but one benefit of the modern era. However, the fragmentation or atomisation of society can lead to an unhealthy preoccupation with one’s own needs and wishes. The digital echo chamber, with its pernicious algorithms, can amplify one’s own prejudices and serve to obscure the perspective of those with alternative or novel views. We tend to seek affirmation as opposed to challenge. The recent riots in the UK were, in part, fueled by the dissemination of misinformation on social media platforms such as X and Snapchat and even mainstream media channels repeated incendiary falsehoods.

I do not consider myself to be a traditionalist though I might be a little bit in denial. Certainly, I do not like to be ‘organised’ or told what to do - though the irony of my position is not lost on me. I am not someone who yearns for the camaraderie of the golf club and I prefer my downtime to be unstructured. I like spontaneous fun and the chaos of unplanned social events. However, the older I get, the more I am convinced that there is immense value in being part of something that is bigger than ourselves. There is something of real value in having a sense of belonging and being a member of a community that has stood the test of time.

To be a Rossallian is to be part of a historic community that was founded over a hundred and eighty years ago. It is to be part of a community that has made a significant contribution to the development of modern Britain. Our amazing alumni include scientists, explorers, composers, physicians, international sports stars and politicians. From the presidency of Peru to the foundation of the Alliance Party in Northern Ireland, Rossallians have played their part. From the hustle and bustle of downtown Hong Kong to the wilds of northern Ontario, Rossallians have forged lives filled with creativity and adventure. Visit any major city on the face of the planet and the chances are that you will run into a Rossallian or at least meet someone who knows someone associated with Rossall. We are a global community and to be a Rossallian is to be part of a community that extends well beyond the Fylde Coast.

Being a Rossallian means that you belong to a community based on shared experiences and shared values. It means that the warm embrace of friendship will remain a constant throughout your life. The camaraderie and support that Rossallians offer one another endures through the ages for Rossall is much more than a physical place rooted in space or time. Rossall exists in the abstract, as a set of values that has the power to bring people together in cities as far apart as Houston, Hanoi and Hannover.

Being a Rossallian provides a sense of belonging which is neither prescriptive nor uniform. Individuality and diversity are celebrated within our community but so too is the importance of service to others and a belief in the true value of feeling that you belong. This sense of belonging has nothing to do with elitism, entitlement or nepotism but it has everything to do with kindness, compassion and friendship. A sense of collective belonging does not transcend familial connections but it serves to enrich our lives and remind us of our responsibilities to those around us. We are a community that embraces humility but helps young people to develop in confidence. We are a community that rejects cynicism and challenges apathy. We encourage each other to live with optimism and hope. High personal aspirations are complemented by a desire to contribute positively to the world around us and manifest our responsibility to do good things with our lives.

Though the School has evolved over time, there is a consistent thread of kindness, friendship and service to others that binds us together across the ages. It is my hope that all those joining Rossall (including new parents, staff and children) will come to feel the true worth of that which I have tried, rather inelegantly, to express in a few short words.