Planet Mad

Last night was the leavers' BBQ: all our upper sixth came back to eat burgers and relive some of their funniest school moments. We laughed, and laughed, and laughed. For most of them, the great unknown excitement of university lies ahead - the evening is always a time for reminiscing about their years at school, for settling old scores, for closure. It was good.

Today is the last day of summer term,which always follows the same pattern: lessons until 12.10pm; assembly; lunch; packing; leavers' chapel service; House Supper; leavers' party and fireworks; collapse.

Many of these stages involve food and/or drink; some are quite stressful, whilst others are far more laid back. Before this evening's schmoozing and boozing comes the stress and confusion of going home. We will have to wander the House, checking that packing is being done and signing off rooms when they are completed. Inevitably there will be girls who have not started the arduous task of putting their belongings into trunks and suitcases. There is no doubt that there will be battles over the queue for the hoover and bitter recriminations during the hunt for black bin bags.

This evening, though, will be delightful. The food will be good, there will be wine and port, the cheeses will be smelly, and the talk will be about both the past and future. If the rain holds off, we will stand on the paddock, resplendent in black tie and swishy dresses, waiting for the whizzes and flashes of the fireworks. Rain may force us indoors to the school's main hall, but the atmosphere will be the same: excitement at what lies ahead, tinged with a hint of sadness for what has been. It'll be great.

Tomorrow I leave for D of E expedition at 10.30am, staggering under the weight of my rucksack (which is as yet not packed) and wincing through my hangover. Happy days.