Thought For The Day – Friday 12th December 2025
Ethos
The word “Ethos” in Greek means custom. The word ethos was originally used by the Greek philosopher Aristotle to refer to someone’s character. Today, ethos also applies to the ethics, good actions, and spirit of a community.
“The Black and Gold Spirit”, the Ethos of T.B.S.H.S. transcends place and time. It will always be with us. And we must never forget those who built, shaped, and nurtured it. “Standing on the shoulders to giants”, to quote Sir Isaac Newton.
On 14th December 2025, on Sunday, we remember Mr. Ian Wickens, five years after Mr. Wickens’ passing from this life.
Mr. Wickens served the school for an historic and incredible 48 years. Mr. Wickens was integral to the formation of the Ethos we enjoy today.
Mr. Wickens was a unique and legendary person. To use a sporting analogy, he could, and did, play in any position in the team and could, and did, take on every leadership role in and at the club.
All brilliantly, wearing his greatness lightly, with humility, and quiet and good-humoured resilience and wise judgement.
In his time, Mr. Wickens served as: a member of staff; a fine, polymathic teacher; Head of Year; educational visits leader; Examinations Officer; Site Manager; Director of Finance and Resources, playing a key role in the creation of “Jobbers Wood”; Senior Leader and Manager, who thoughtfully and kindly cared for the whole community. Mr. Wickens continued to serve the T.B.S.H.S. in retirement, as an examinations invigilator.
Mr. Ian Wickens also played a key role too in the establishment, and development, of our church services. His closing words, reminding students, and staff, to be considerate of the public on their way home became legendary.
Mr. Wickens embodied standards and care.
Mr. Wickens was a supporter of West Ham United, from the era of Moore (who wiped his hands before shaking Queen Elizabeth II’s hand after the 1966 World Cup victory), of Peters, of Hurst. Respect. The “school of science”. They won the World Cup.
In his perfect tribute four years ago, Mr. Reeve wrote Mr. Wickens was: “Absolutely Black and Gold, a warm, generous man who had clearly contributed so much to TBSHS over such a long time; we owe him a huge debt of gratitude”.
We also always remember Mr. Wickens’ son, David Wickens, who passed away a few years before his dad.
David Wickens was a truly outstanding student and person. David was Head Boy and Senior Student, graduating from Cambridge University. David Wickens also played a vital role in establishing The Bishop’s Stortford High School. David, and his friends, led the School with their passion for learning and life, their integrity, and their scholarship. Their good-humoured conversations filled the corridors. The rising tide David, and his friends generated, lifted all the boats on the “black and gold sea”.
In the history of T.B.S.H.S., good and great “student leaders” have so often made a massive difference, linking coaches to players. And still do.
Ian Wickens and David Wickens loved The Bishop’s Stortford High School. And The Bishop’s Stortford High School loved Ian and David Wickens.
This will always be the case. We keep The Wickens Family in our thoughts and prayers always. We were blessed, and we will always be blessed, that they led The Bishop’s Stortford High School with such inspirational, outstanding, and unique distinction.
