On Monday, we were delighted to welcome OW Archie Dunnett. During Archie’s time at the Junior School, he was a member of our very first Kung Fu club!
During Monday’s assembly, Archie shared his childhood love of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and his journey from creating his own comic character, Astro Archie, as a schoolboy to becoming a published author of children’s picture books – his most recent book is Chasing Squirrels.
Alongside becoming a published author, Archie has worked across sales, education, sport, coaching, but always kept his love for martial arts. He is now the owner of a successful martial arts business, Bamboo Studios. Teaching children, adults, schools and businesses showed Archie how much martial arts can offer than physical fitness alone: confidence, discipline, resilience; a reason to show up. Archie has also recently become one of the leaders of our after-school Kung Fu club.
Archie spoke passionately about the importance of taking responsibility for yourself, being organised, persevering when things become difficult and working hard to achieve your goals. His message linked perfectly to our school motto, Altiora Peto – I seek higher things – reminding the boys that success is often built through small, consistent steps taken over time. It was a powerful illustration of how independence can help turn an interest or ambition into a reality.
Thank you to Archie for sharing his story and inspiring the boys with such a positive message. We are delighted that his journey has now come full circle, from being a pupil and member of our very first Kung Fu club to returning as one of our Kung Fu leaders. We look forward to seeing the boys continue to enjoy their martial arts journey with Archie and discovering where their own interests and ambitions might take them.
