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Head's Blog

March 2023

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  • CONFIDENCE – A PRICELESS PERSONAL VALUE

    Published 16/03/23, by Juniper Education

    16th March 2023

    “The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever to be able to do it.” J. M. Barrie 

    Confidence is an essential foundation from which children will navigate through life’s challenges, build healthy relationships, express their views and find their place in the world.  

    A confident child might be willing to take risks and try new things. They might speak up in class or in social situations, sharing their ideas and opinions with others. They might also be more willing to ask questions and seek help when they need it, knowing that they have the ability to learn and grow. Vinehall understands that teachers and parents should praise their children’s efforts and not just their achievements. Children who feel appreciated for their hard work are more likely to develop confidence. 

    A confident child might also be comfortable with making mistakes and failures. They understand that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process, and that they can learn from their failures and improve for the future. Vinehall understands that teachers and parents should encourage their children to take risks and try new things. Even if they fail, they will learn valuable lessons that will help them succeed in the future. 

    A confident child might also have a positive attitude and outlook on life. They might be more resilient in the face of challenges or setbacks, and they might be able to bounce back quickly from difficult situations. Vinehall understands that teachers and parents should be positive role models for their children. They should demonstrate confidence in their own abilities and show their children how to handle challenges and setbacks. 

    Vinehall invests considerable time and energy in fostering confidence in their children by providing them with a supportive and nurturing environment, encouraging them to take risks, and being positive role models. Through this focused approach, children can develop the confidence they need to succeed and thrive. 

    “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” J.K. Rowling

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  • KEEPING OUR BALANCE – FINDING THE RIGHT EDUCATIONAL RECIPE

    Published 01/03/23, by Juniper Education

    23rd January 2023

    As we head into a new year and many of us take time to reflect on how to gain a greater balance in our lives, it is a good time to consider how well-positioned small prep schools are to provide the balanced education our children need.

    All good schools teach a wide spectrum of subjects, promote a broad range of knowledge and skills and allow children to discover areas of interest.  However, it is only the very best schools that can achieve a successful balance.

    As Sam Sutton-Reid, Head of Curriculum Managers at Pearson, wrote: The ‘balanced’ bit is about combining the skills and knowledge, the technical with the non-technical, the academic with the creative and the stretch with the accessible.

    There is little argument that a broad and balanced education is best, but the pressures around regular testing and assessment continue to hamper many schools from creating the freedom in their curriculum to achieve a balance. A skills-based curriculum which can focus on supporting the learning dispositions of each individual child must be celebrated.  After all, once the knowledge learned has been forgotten, what is left? It is all about the skills and the confidence and courage instilled in our pupils to know when and how to use these skills effectively.

    For school leaders this is where a child’s personal development is all important.  It is the bespoke attention we can give to each individual child across a wide range of skills which builds resilience and an openness to learning. Every child can be celebrated as they become creative and critical thinkers able to flourish and excel as modern global citizens.

    Joff Powis – Head of Vinehall School

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March 2023

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