“The harder I practice, the luckier I get”
As well as the continued focus on the Saint Felix School Values and Leaner Profile in everything that we do, I have placed a real emphasis on the importance and significance of effort this academic year. Effort not only in academic work, but also across the co-curricular pursuits and pastoral life of the students.
In assembly on Monday, I talked about why this word matters so much and how it can lead to improved outcomes and greater success not only in the short-term but also in the years ahead. Effort grades will be embedded into our reporting and grading system this academic year to signify the central role that they will play in raising standards; you will receive further details on this in due course from Mrs Harlock (Assistant Head – Academic). In my view, sustained and increased effort will inevitably lead to unlocking potential which will in turn become a lifelong skill and talent. Effort trumps talent as it helps you to grow, to use what you have learnt and become resilient. In his wonderful book (Bounce) related to this very topic, Matthew Syed talks about the fact that talent is largely a myth, and it is practice (or effort) that is the true way to success. He goes on to comment that success is often as a results of a small series of steps and incremental improvements rather than a single moment of inspiration. How true that is, and it will be our goal this year to ensure that every student maximises their effort to ensure the best possible outcomes in every field of their educational journey.
This theme has been developed in mentoring this week with the students beginning to set their goals for the term and the year. This is a vital part in the process of ensuring that those positive outcomes can be met. Combined with developing good and consistent habits, staying positive by surrounding yourself with similar minded people and being patient as success does not arrive overnight, there are a number of clear pathways that will enable increased effort to be sustained over a longer period of time. The mentoring sessions this year are deliberately designed to guide, advise, and steer the students as they try to attain their goals, and the early signs have been very positive indeed with a smooth and purposeful start to the term with the students already showing a commitment to these ideals. No one is absolutely sure who the infamous quote that provides the headline this week should be attributed to; it does though come from the world of Golf and makes the point so brilliantly! As did our excellent student leaders, Archie L, Isla W and Holly R-W who spoke about personal examples where they had put in effort that went above and beyond resulting in great success. They were all compelling and hopefully gave the students a clear idea of how this approach could have such an impact for them. They also went on to talk about what they are hoping to achieve this year; with a focus on revamping and reinvigorating the Student Council, providing greater social opportunities, and introducing new social media initiatives for the older age groups to lead on, it is an exciting year that lies ahead.
As is always the case at the start of a new academic year, there is the chance to re-emphasise to the student body what is important to the Saint Felix community to ensure both success and happy students. The Values and Learner Profile continue to provide the foundation stones for all that we do, and they form the basis of all pastoral and academic conversations. They are fundamental to who we are and also underpin all of the policies that guide our thinking and actions. I placed a real emphasis on being respectful, punctual, smart (in every way) and collectively creating a positive learning environment always mindful of the need of others so that every individual can flourish and thrive. It was also an opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of adhering to the mobile phone policy (please find attached) to ensure safety and focus whilst also highlighting the fact that any serious breaches (sexual relationships, drugs, alcohol, and bullying) of the behaviour and discipline policy could have very serious consequences. On a slightly lighter and more positive note, I have been absolutely delighted by the way in which the students have returned to school; they are approaching their studies and activities with the kind of growth mindset that we would all want to see and that should be applauded.
And finally, it was such a pleasure to welcome back so many recent leavers for the inaugural Old Felicians vs S.F.S.F.C. 1st XI match; an absolute thriller with goals a plenty where on this occasion, the OFs claimed a much-deserved victory. With an OF Netball match in the planning and the Golf fixture returning in the summer, it is wonderful to see how sport can act as a mechanism for continuity and connection. Our Under 13s also had their first Football fixture of the season earlier this week and showed great promise for the season ahead with their 5-2 loss against Ipswich High School.
Wishing you all an enjoyable weekend as the first full week of school draws to a close; the students have all been incredibly busy and fully deserve a weekend break.
Yours sincerely,
Matthew Oakman
Head