From the Head of Junior School

Over the past two weeks, the Junior School has provided a plethora of focused curriculum learning, punctuated with special guest presenters, whole-school assemblies, and liturgies on the importance of friendship. No parent would deny the importance of healthy friendships for children at school, but you might otherwise ask what all the fuss is about.

More than friendship, this theme covers all matters relating to the development of emotional intelligence (EQ) in our children. Ever since schools and educational organisations have begun integrating emotional intelligence into their programs from the late 1990s, it has become increasingly clear that these skills are one of the foundations for high-performing students and classrooms. Emotional intelligence is emerging as a critical factor for sustaining high achievement, behaviour, satisfaction, adaptability, peer relationships, health, and stress management.

According to Goleman’s best-selling book Emotional Intelligence, emotions are essential to successful human interaction. Factors such as self-awareness, self-discipline, and empathy determine personal and professional success. This is because emotions and thinking always interact to create our awareness and decision-making. Emotional intelligence, then, is the capacity to blend thinking and feeling to make optimal decisions.

It may be assumed that some people are just more confident and get along better with others. Research shows us that emotional intelligence can be developed through learnable skills that include identifying and changing emotions, motivating yourself, and empathising with other people. People can learn the EQ skills to build more successful relationships.

Social and emotional development is central to children’s success in school. By incorporating EQ learning into existing programs, we promote our children’s achievement in the present and secure their success for the future.

Nic Boys
Head of Junior School