Students as a force for good

Neil Ringrose and John Knight reflect on the difference BSB students make

As we look back over 50 years, the values on which the school was founded are as important today as they ever were. We have kept key elements from the school’s beginning, such as the use of first names for all and not having a school uniform. However, where we really see the heart of BSB is in the less tangible aspects of relationships built on respect and care for each other, as well as the manifestation of these values in our Guiding Statements. All members of our community know that we are all confident, caring, courageous, curious, resilient and respectful to all. In both the Primary and Secondary Schools this can be seen in the welcome that is given to new students and families. This year we had a record number of new students and families join in September and immediately they were made to feel a part of the amazing community that is BSB. In the Secondary School we quickly saw students involved in sports clubs, the orchestra, the school production of Hairspray as well as being welcomed into the day to day life of the school by buddies. In Primary School all children were welcomed, made friends quickly and knew for certain, through the actions and words of others, that they are cared for.

Care of others permeates the school and it is fostered by the thousands of interactions that happen on a daily between adults and children and children to children. We also make it an explicit priority through, for example in the primary school, the random acts of kindness initiative, the force for good club and peer mentors, to name but a few. In the Secondary School there are numerous charity fund raisers, a buddy system and the very active Amnesty group. The CAS (creativity, Action and Service) curriculum for Years 12 and 13 engenders some very powerful and moving examples of care and ethical engagement with the world around us. Examples range from supporting refugees, working in residential care facilities through to organising the annual Play Unified swim gala in partnership with Special Olympics, Belgium.

Our students are remarkable and we encourage the development of leadership at all levels. For many students stepping up to lead requires courage and so it is wonderful to see students’ growth in confidence and their development of really important skills in life through such activities. Leadership happens every day by the way students interact with one another as role

models and helping one another. For example, anyone who has had the pleasure of experiencing a Primary Year Group production cannot fail to be struck by how the students support and lead one another – no one student takes center stage but they encourage others and always step in to lend a helping nudge if a peer stumbles. That takes a lot of courage.

Alongside the implicit leadership there are formal positions of leadership that students can apply for. Students put themselves forward, for example, for the roles of Digital Ambassadors, School Council representatives, Subject Captains, House Captains and of course Student Presidents. Not only is there a rigorous selection process but students then work really hard to carry out their role in order to make a positive difference to BSB – and they do! For example, They lead whole school assemblies, act as ambassadors, prepare presentations for Governors on issues that matter to students and make an input into the curriculum.

As if this wasn’t enough students also mobilise other students and staff to make a difference to the world within and beyond BSB. Such activity is often related to social justice and human rights issues – we are proud to have a longstanding Amnesty group and a commitment to environmental sustainability. The latter is driven by our active GIN (Global Initiatives Group). These groups engage with staff to create campaigns, change school practice or contribute to international debate. One very powerful example is the campaign the GIN Group is running to reduce single use plastic at BSB. They met with the Principal, the Director of Finance and our school caterers, Sodexo and these students are determinedly changing our practice. Their work has not only changed BSB practice but has changed what the catering company do with their other clients beyond BSB.

Students here are active and always making the most of the fabulous learning opportunities both in and out of the classroom. Students are agents of change and work tirelessly to embody our values:

While the school has seen dramatic changes in the buildings and technology available for students to use in their learning, the heart of the school is as important and strong as ever. BSB is a wonderful place to be; each day made special by the wonderful students with whom we have the pleasure of living and learning together and inspiring success..