‘Being known’ is a tremendously important factor in a good school experience. We spend  on average 11,000 hours in school during our education, and I think it is important that we are known by those around us during that time – I mean really, truly known: recognised for our character, our talents, our hopes and ambitions, our preferred ways of learning, the things that make us nervous and the things about which we feel bold and proud. Getting to know someone takes time. There is too much rushing about in education, too much pressure to get ready for the next step. We expect school leavers to know what they want to be before they know who they are. 

I think at HSW we know our students well, and this helps us to give them the greatest chance of success by tailoring our teaching for them. This will be especially true for our Sixth Form, where we will continue to build strong, trusting relationships with each student, whilst giving them the space they need to grow into adulthood. Being ambitious for a student does not have to mean hurrying them. I am looking forward very much to September and I know our Year 12 students will be the best role models. 

We were delighted to host the Chatsworth Ideas Final 2023 at Oberon yesterday. Students from junior schools across the Chatsworth family came together to celebrate their innovation and entrepreneurship with the help of 8Billion Ideas, an organisation we are working with to develop life skills and teamwork. It was a glorious event and I am grateful to everyone who helped to make it a memorable, unhurried experience for the children. 

Have a great weekend everyone. 

Yours,