From the Head of Cocurricular

This phrase is often used to inspire determination and persistence in people aspiring to achieve their goals in all areas of life. In recent times, I have been reflecting on the nature of our conversations following any such scheduled commitment and whether these affirm such an attitude or, subconsciously, work against it. I often hear or are part of conversations where the question “How was the training?” or “What happened at rehearsal?” results in the respondent adopting a passive approach to their involvement. For example, statements similar to “first we had to do this” or “this happened to me” or “I saw this occur” all reflect a passive reception of the session by the respondent. In the case of a student, this demonstrates an attitude of passive involvement in a session that is in the hands of someone else.

Whilst we cannot escape the fact that many features of practice or performance contexts lie outside of our control, there are many significant factors that are within our control. Using our questions and conversations in such a way that they guide the young person toward recognising this will help platitudes such as this quote become lived realities.

I encourage our community to shape the car ride and the dinner conversations toward “what did you contribute” or “how did you respond” so that our young people are consistently prompted toward considering what it is that they did put in. In doing so, we are supporting them to contribute their skills, abilities, words and behaviours toward their own growth and a positive culture for the others with whom they participate. We help them to realise what it is that they can ‘put in’, in order to achieve the positive outcome

Jess Morrish
Head of Co-curricular