At the beginning of a new school year, and as all our children move up to the next year group or phase of their educational journey, we often try to anticipate what might be different by this time next year. There are, of course, some obvious things to consider. Your child might be leaving Little Rooks to join Reception and be taking their first steps within Rookwood School. They may be transitioning from the Prep to the Senior School, or your child may finish the year with a full complement of GCSE qualifications and be learning beyond the boundaries of Rookwood.
Really, though, when I spoke to pupils in assembly on the first day back after our summer break, I wanted all of us to consider the question: what will be different because I was here?
We tend to measure a period of time by what we achieve. For pupils, that might be examination results, sporting success, a performance, learning something new or reaching a personal goal. For adults, the measures may be different, but we can at times be too focused on outcomes, targets and the next thing that needs to be accomplished.
Some of the most important differences we can make, however, are much harder to measure. Research increasingly emphasises the importance of belonging and positive relationships in schools. The Education Endowment Foundation highlights the importance of pupils feeling seen, understood and safe, while wider research connects a strong sense of belonging with children’s social, emotional and academic development. There is also growing evidence that the social and emotional skills we develop as children, including our ability to build relationships, work with others and respond to setbacks, are associated with positive outcomes not only at school but well into adult life.
Making a difference does not therefore require an extraordinary act. For all of us, it might mean noticing someone sitting alone and choosing to sit beside them, encouraging a friend who is struggling, helping a younger child or having the courage to contribute rather than standing on the sidelines. In my assembly, I shared the words commonly associated with Stephen Grellet, a 19th century missionary:
“Any good, therefore, that I can do, or any kindness that I can show, let me do it now.”
None of us will have this particular moment in time again. So, alongside our ambitions to be the very best versions of ourselves in the classroom, on the sports pitches, in the theatre or, indeed, in any other aspect of our lives, I ask that, if we have an opportunity to make a positive difference to somebody else, however small that difference might seem, and it can be done there and then, we make sure that we see that action through.
I hope that when we reach this point next year, we will be able to measure our success not only by what we have achieved, but also by the difference we have made to those around us.
