An homage to The British School in Voorschoten
This article was written for, and published, in the Voorschotense Krant
This October, Voorschoten’s much-loved museum will host a fascinating new exhibition that delves into the rich history of The British School in the Netherlands’ Voorschoten campus. While the museum will open to the public on Wednesday 16 October, the exhibition itself will kick off on Saturday 19 October, in grand style! The Mayor of Voorschoten, Nadine Stemerdink, will officially open the exhibition at a ceremony sure to set the tone for what will be an unforgettable event.
The seeds of this exhibition were planted last year when the museum hosted a collaborative display featuring contributions from seven different schools in Voorschoten. The British School in the Netherlands was the only international institution invited to participate, and it was a resounding success. Following that triumph, the museum’s curators approached Mr. Weston, BSN’s very own archivist, with a bold proposal: how about taking over the entire museum for an exhibition dedicated to BSN Senior School Voorschoten and its contributions to the community?
One year later, that idea has blossomed into a full-scale exhibition, a celebration of the entire town of Voorschoten and what the BSN contributes to it. A key highlight will be a series of videos narrated by Mr Weston himself, recounting the history of SSV and showing the evolution of the school through time.
The exhibition will feature an array of fascinating artefacts and media chronicling SSV’s vibrant history. Visitors will be treated to a ‘photographic timeline’ of the school, from its earliest days, royal visits, grand openings, and, of course, the students who made the school come to life.
You will be able to explore a range of ‘3D realia objects’, including the very pen Queen Beatrix used to sign the guestbook during her visit. The exhibition will cover the school’s history from the foundation stone of the school, laid in 1977, to future graduating classes. Expect to see display cases brimming with memorable artefacts, mannequins dressed in the new school uniform, a vintage 1990s BSN rugby kit and even Mr Weston’s own graduation gown (in the early days, graduate teachers wore their gowns. Nowadays, only the Principal and Headteachers wear their gowns on very formal occasions such as royal visits).
The excitement does not end there. On 6 November, the museum will host a ‘gezellige avond’ – an evening of camaraderie and fundraising for the museum. This promises to be another cannot-miss event, as Mr. Weston himself will give a talk on the school’s history, accompanied by a Sixth Form student and an alumna from the school, who will share their personal experiences. There will be live musical entertainment to cap off the evening, making it an evening to remember.
Keep an eye out for posters around Voorschoten and within the school, advertising this unique celebration of local history. It is the perfect opportunity for everyone—students, teachers, parents, and locals alike—to connect with SSV’s past and visualise its future. The exhibition not only highlights the school’s impact on the community but also celebrates the town itself. We cannot wait to see you there for what promises to be an unforgettable exhibition!
Juliette Vanaverbeke
My name is Juliette, and I’m a Year 12 Student at Senior School Voorschoten. I’ve been part of BSN for many years and am excited to write an article for the Voorschotense Krant, specifically about the school’s evolution over time. I have also been part of PUBLISHED for a while now and thoroughly enjoy writing articles.
