Headlines_26Jun26 by Honywood School

HEADLINES

By Mrs Bansropun

LEADERSHIP ON THE PITCH AND IN THE CORRIDORS: SHAPING OUR FUTURE LEADERS

As the world turns its attention to the World Cup, we are constantly reminded of what makes a great captain. We look at the pitch and see leadership in action: individuals who motivate their team, hold their composure under immense pressure, and steer their squad toward a shared goal. But if the tournament teaches us anything, it’s that these world-class captains didn’t discover their leadership qualities overnight. Their journeys started years ago, on grassroots muddy pitches, in local clubs, and in school environments just like ours.

Leadership does not begin when you are given an armband or a title; it starts at a young age and manifests in many different forms, both inside and outside the school gates.

Last week, myself, Mrs Frogley and Miss Sadler had the absolute privilege of interviewing our learners for the prestigious roles of Lead Learners (Cohort 10) and Deputy Lead Learners (our rising Cohort 9 leaders who will work closely alongside them). The calibre of the candidates was exceptional, and the interviews served as a fantastic reminder of the rich potential within our school community - what a joy the two days were to be a part of!

What stood out most during the selection process was how our successful learners draw their strength, confidence, and leadership skills from a vast array of extra-curricular passions. Leadership isn’t just about public speaking or academic success; it is forged through dedication, teamwork, and community involvement outside of school hours.

We interviewed learners who have developed their resilience and precision through sports like gymnastics and swimming. We met individuals who

understand the true meaning of civic duty, teamwork, and outdoor survival through their commitment to the Cubs, Guides, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. We listened to candidates who have mastered communication, empathy, and the courage to stand in front of an audience through the performing arts.

Every single one of these activities acts as a training ground for life. They teach our young people how to collaborate, how to overcome failure, and how to support their peers—the exact qualities we look for in our Lead and Deputy Lead Learners.

Just like the players stepping up on the world stage this month, our newly appointed Lead Learners are showing that they are ready to guide, inspire, and make a positive impact on our school community. We are incredibly proud of all the learners who put themselves forward for these roles (it’s no easy feat putting yourself out there!), and we look forward to watching our new leadership team pave the way for an incredible year ahead - keep an eye out for them doing fantastic things!

Congratulations go to our new Lead learners: Callum Bones, Sophie Collard, Freya Hutchinson and Thomas Ross.

… And to your new Deputy Lead Learners: Ameerah Abass, Charlotte Brown, Zachary Lote, Mohammed Malek, Rhiannon Williams and Greta Zanatta!

Mrs Bansropun

A big well done to the learners who competed for Honywood in the district athletics at Tabor on Wednesday 17th June. Everyone's effort and behaviour (on a very hot day) was excellent and it was a pleasure to take you there.

Congratulations to the Cohort 7 girls team who came third overall and a special mention to Jessica Jones (100m) and Florence Mead (Shot Putt) who won their A string events and have qualified to represent North West Essex in the county championships next week. And to Estelle Scherer C11 who won her 800m finishing her last event as a Honywood learner a champion!

Mrs Jones and the PE Team

Estelle Scherer - On Saturday 20th June, Estelle from C11 represented Essex in the Girls U16 Victoria Dodds Trophy final against Surrey. It was an incredibly tense game, with Essex dominating the first half in the lead with 2-0. They let the game slide slightly and Surrey caught up and the game at the final whilst was 3-3. They moved on to penalties and Essex won the match 6-4!

Well done Estelle and thank you to the staff who went along to cheer her on!

SAT RECRUITMENT

CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Water Safety

With the current heatwave, more young people are likely to be heading to water to cool off—and this brings a sharp increase in risk of drowning and water related incidents.

The best place to swim is somewhere supervised such as a swimming pool or lifeguarded beach. Even if the weather is good, you need to look out for rip currents if you’re swimming in the sea A rip current can quickly pull you away from shore and it doesn’t need to pull you very far, it just needs to pull you out of your depth for a problem to arise. Make sure someone from your group is on shore to keep and eye on those in the water and call for help if necessary.

While the air temperature is very warm, open water temperatures are still cold, so cold water shock remains a very real risk as it can cause uncontrollable gasping, increased heart rate and panic. Always enter the water slowly to acclimatise. NEVER swim alone!