Happy New Year! It feels appropriate to say that, even though it feels a little old already as it’s already the 9th of January. The pupils have had a great first week back; they’ve settled very quickly back into routines and have dealt very well with the weather this week. The Spring term is a key time to develop good habits and routines, especially for Year Eleven as public exams draw ever closer. Although the Spring term is the second of three, in terms of school days it’s more like the middle point of the academic years as the Spring and Summer terms are shorter than Autumn, especially for Year Eleven.
On Wednesday I spoke to the Senior School about New Year’s Resolutions and that while the new year is as good a time as any to start something new, they shouldn’t feel pressured into setting themselves unachievable targets. I reminded them of my assembly from the start of term in September, when I asked of them to make small changes week to week to increase their chances and reduce their risks. Smaller and more precise targets or resolutions tend to be easier to stick to and achieve; this could be ensuring any homework is completed by 8pm on Saturdays, offering to do one chore at home (before they are asked!) every month, or reading one short article each week that relates to their GCSE study. For me, I’ve set a lock screen image on my phone that asks: Do you actually need to use your phone right now? It’s certainly helped me cut down screen time and increased my physical activity and my reading time as I tend to opt for a book or a walk as a replacement. We don’t need to make radical changes, just aim to be a little better; and if it all goes wrong – well, you can start again tomorrow, no need to wait until next week!
Ever Onward and Upward
Ms Purdy