THE HEADTEACHER'S BLOG - THE BURFORDIAN, ISSUE 16 2023 -2024

This is the Headteacher's Blog which was first featured in issue 16 of The Burfordian, published on Tuesday 23rd July 2024.

Time flies when you are busy and, my word, we are busy. If you take time to look at The Burfordian over the last year you will see quite how many wonderful things go on in this beautiful corner of England. It is my honour to be the Head of a school that offers so much to the students in our care, and it continues to be a privilege to work alongside the team who help provide the opportunities on offer. I pass on my thanks to the incredible group of people who have delivered the “Best of Education” to the young people of Burford School in 2023-2024.

In my final assemblies of the year, I celebrated with the students some of the highlights of the year that has gone. I also laid down a challenge to the students to “Rewire your Brain this Summer”. It is not as scary as it sounds. I refer to the simple fact that in engaging in certain activities particular beneficial neural pathways can be reinforced or indeed be created. This is particularly important in being ready for the coming year. I made three recommendations, supported by science.

Firstly, practice gratitude. It is possible to become better at it. It is not something that is “natural”. It is possible to get better at pretty much anything by practice. That includes gratitude. It contributes to a calmer state of mind and as mentioned helps with networks in the brain improving potential for future gratitude.

Secondly, learn something new. I suggested juggling but it could be a musical instrument. It does not matter what it is, in learning something new the potential for future learning is increased and capacity for personal growth is enhanced. The greater the diversity of knowledge or skill learned, the greater the capacity for learning something else. Further it provides a sense of achievement and fulfillment. Of course, in a school I would say this, but the constant learning process contributes to better well-being and mental health. Without constancy of learning many neural pathways for learning will atrophy and with them many of the frameworks for positive mental health.

Thirdly, do something active. This should speak for itself, but I will stress again there is more to exercise than physiology, there are huge benefits to mental health. I did suggest getting behind the Cancer Research campaign this Summer as it is such a simple idea 100 squats a day in August. Again, students may choose to do something else. It is up to them. However, I believe wholeheartedly that exercise is non-negotiable at whatever level is appropriate to the individual.

Finally, I cannot finish the year without celebrating the brilliant students and families that continue to support the school. As we are here for you, you are here for us; we are grateful to you for working together in our mission of Respect Participate Reach.