Headlines - 26 April 2024

HEADLINES 26th April 2024

By James Saunders

Over the last two weeks, I have had the pleasure of supporting the C10s with their mock exams. I have been really impressed with their conduct, maturity and focus as they have entered their exams each day. Teachers will be using the data from these exams to inform their planning for the remainder of the Summer term and into September. They only have one year left until the real thing.

The mocks are a good opportunity for a dry run through what will happen in a year’s time. To maintain the integrity of GCSE exams the exam boards have very strict measures on how exams should be administered and what is and is not allowed in the exam hall. The C10 mocks are a great opportunity to experience these measures. Unfortunately, a few learners have not met these measures during the mocks through carelessness. The final exams do not allow any leeway if mistakes are made and the consequences can be severe. It is important to remember that phones are not permitted in the exam hall - even if they are switched off and accidentally left in your pocket. No pieces of paper with any writing on them should be brought into the exam hall - even if they are nothing to do with the exam (a conduct card is a good example of this). Watches should also be removed too. Parents can help by reminding their child on the day of an exam, thank you for your support with this.

Once the C11s leave us we will be using the mock data to organise additional support for C10s. C9s will then have a similar experience at the end of the term so that teachers can timetable them into curriculum pathways for September.

Wellbeing and mental health in schools is a hot topic right now. Supporting children to cope with a rapidly evolving world and the pressures of flux and change is a key part of education. Teachers too are not immune to these pressures and changes; they need just as much care and support to enable them to come to work and perform. One area that often gets overlooked is parents. As a parent myself I often experience my most heightented anxieties through worrying about my own children - they often make being a Headteacher seem pretty

straightforward. I find that the pressures my children face, if left unchecked, can begin to cause me worry too. I am sure that I am not alone in this. It is this worry that then impacts my children more - creating more anxiety in them and a perpetual loop of “worriness”.

Being able to maintain a healthy wellbeing is also good for our children. Children are great sensors - we must be mindful of this. It is very easy to project our own anxieties onto them which in turn can have an impact on our and their own wellbeing. Stressed children create stressed parents which in turn creates more stressed children. We are at a time of year when many young people, their teachers and their parents begin to feel anxiety. We need to all appreciate this and work together to support each other. It is really important that we are all mindful of how the little things can add to anxiety.

Not all anxiety is bad though. I don’t think there are many of us that don’t feel it the morning of a job interview or before something that has great meaning or is of high importance to us personally. I recall the anxiety I had when speaking at my fathers funeral. I am pleased to say that I got through it and that anxiety I felt helped me to cope with a stressful and emotionally draining situation and actually ended up getting me through it.

Our learners can often feel this at Honywood. Especially around exams, tests or assessments.

To support learners as we enter the exam season I would like to remind you that breakfast is available in the morning. I know that when I have skipped breakfast I don’t ever perform as well as I could. We hope that by ensuring our learners have had a good breakfast they will be at their optimum for their exams.

I wish you all a great weekend.

James Saunders

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF LONGER, LIGHTER DAYS

Now that the clocks have sprung forward and we get to enjoy longer, lighter days, it’s worth looking into all the positive benefits this additional sunlight has on our health and well-being.

The extended daylight which accompanies the warmer months is welcomed following a long spell of cold and often dull days. The role that exposure to sunlight has on mood and other aspects of our health is quite impressive. So why is daylight so good for us?

Boosts vitamin D

Your body produces vitamin D naturally when it‘s directly exposed to sunlight, meaning the more hours of daylight afforded to us by the time of year, the more opportunity we have to get outdoors and take advantage. Never forget the importance of sunscreen though as without it you’ll be doing more harm than good regardless of your skin tone or propensity to burn! Vitamin D is great for your mood, your energy and your bones. It helps to reduce your risk of developing certain illnesses, as well as helping decrease your likelihood of coming down with colds and the flu.

Improves sleep

Getting enough high-quality sleep is crucial to our well-being. Lighter mornings during spring and summer months enable us to get out of the house earlier and take in the morning sunlight before going about our day as normal, and this is key to maintaining a consistent sleep pattern.

Increases serotonin levels

Sunlight triggers the release of hormones in your brain. Exposure to sunlight is thought to increase the brain’s release of a hormone called serotonin. Serotonin is associated with boosting mood and helping us feel calm and focused. Without enough sun exposure, your serotonin levels can dip. Low levels of serotonin are associated with a higher risk of low mood and fatigue.

Go outside

If you’ve been toying with the idea of taking up a new hobby or embarking on a new fitness regime, why not take advantage of the longer days and take it outside?

Outdoor activities – from running clubs, park fun, walking groups, outdoor sports clubs are firmly on the rise and means there’s no better time than now to get involved. Join up with your friends and make the most of the lighter evenings and long weekend days.

C8 District Football

Honywood v Hedingham

Score 3-3 Half time 0-3

Team: Harry Irwin, Archie Hopkins, Daniel Spragg, Riley Preston, Stan Pyne, Sonny Jacobs, Liam Makamure, Patrick Devine, Daniel Howard, Luc Sykes (Capt ) Matthew Slater, Lucas Tanfield, Stanley Moxham and Henry Beazley.

Honywood kicked off facing a strong physical team and the first half was one sided with the visitors dominating possession and deservedly taking a 3 goal lead. In the second half Honywood started playing the better football and this resulted in chances being created for strikers Matthew Slater, Luc Sykes and Stanley Moxham. It was Moxham who burst through the Hedingham defence, which resulted in him being fouled in the area and a penalty being awarded. Riley Preston scored from the spot with a strong shot in the top corner of the net. It was the same minutes later but this time it was Luc Sykes who was fouled and a free kick was awarded. Riley Preston again scored giving the goalkeeper no chance to save. It was Stanley Moxham who scored the third goal and nearly won the game when he again beat the visitors’ defence only to see his shot narrowly missing the target. A great comeback – well done to all the players.

Mr Walters

Congratulations Harry Irwin (C8)

Harry has recently been selected for the 2024 Essex Golf Union Development Centre, he had a trial day recently and from this was offered a place for the forthcoming year.

Harry did really well as there were a large number of children participating in the trials, and he will now be part of the development squad which will include coaching, training games and other activities at County level.