HEADLINES
By James SaundersGUIDED CHOICES
We will soon be introducing our C8 learners to the guided choices process. This is where they choose the subjects they would like to take at GCSE. Below is a timeline of key dates to look out for in this process.
Guided Choices 2023 Timeline
• Tuesday 7th February - Guided Choices Assembly for C8 learners
• Friday 24th February - Guided Choices Digital Booklet shared with Families
• Week of 27th February - Subject specific VIdeos shared with learners in Learning Session 5
• Wednesday 8th March - Guided Choices evening for families
• Friday 24th March 9am - Deadline for Guided Choices forms
We should never underestimate how daunting it can appear to be for our C8s and their parents. It is easy to think that, for our learners, the rest of their lives rests on the decisions they will be making over the next few weeks but in reality we all know there will be a whole host of decisions that they have yet to make that will hold more significance in their lives. I think it is important to remain grounded in this so that we do not create additional pressure or anxiety for our learners.
The process is called ‘Guided’ Choices to reflect the fact that we are guiding them through it. Our curriculum is designed to be broad and balanced. The structure of the choices they can make dictates that, to some extent. Most combinations that our learners will select will meet this criteria, however, I feel it is still worth bearing in mind that we want them to make the right choices for themselves; choices that they own. I often use the following venn diagram to guide
learners:
To achieve success, learners need to think about a combination of what they aspire to do in the future as well as what might help them in the future, combined with what they are good at and what they enjoy. If too much emphasis is placed on one at the expense of another then they will not be as motivated to be successful. The classic mistake is to choose a subject based solely on the teacher.
In any career there will be things you enjoy and things you must endure. Once our learners, at any level, start to understand this it is a lot easier to support them to achieve their goals. We don’t always like every aspect of our jobs (I certainly find some aspects more challenging than others) yet we understand the need for them. We don’t get to pick and choose everything we do at work. This is no different to the broad and balanced curriculum we offer our learners. Whilst we are proud to offer a curriculum that contains choice we need to recognise that there are still things we must do that may not necessarily have been chosen.
We often hear statistics about the uncertainty of the job market in the future; how there are jobs that don’t yet exist. This is why it is important for learners to recognise that the curriculum choices they make or have to take are designed to support them as they churn their way through the unknown landscape of the future.
At Honywood we aim for learners to leave us happy and successful; to go on and leave fulfilling lives. I would like to share the Japanese concept of IKIGAI - the reason for being. I think this is a great way to support conversations about choice and aspiration for all children.
a welcome focus and the push they needed as they enter the final stages of the GCSEs. We will be asking families for feedback and will be looking at emulating this approach with other cohorts in the future.
BRILLIANT CLUB UPDATE
I had the privilege of accompanying our C9 and C10 learners to the Brilliant Club Launch at the Queens’ College in Cambridge on Wednesday. At the event they learnt about the prestigious scholars programme that they will be completing. After a trouble free drive in the minibus and a short introduction to the programme the learners were introduced to Dr Kash who told them about his academic journey and PhD in Philosophy. They then learnt about study techniques and the university system, including the application process and how assignments are graded - they were particularly surprised that you only need 70 marks to achieve a first.
Dr Kash commented on how great our learners are. They were incredibly articulate and asked thoughtful questions. The next step will be to begin their tutorials in school. I look forward to sharing the outcomes of this programme later in the year.
What I love about this is that it helps to identify purpose in life. I think working in a school offers IKIGAI and most days (even in current times) I think I have found it. I hope you have too.
Have a safe weekend
James SaundersPARENTS EVENING UPDATE
Yesterday we piloted a more traditional parent’s evening to complement the learning review process. This was in response to feedback from parents as well as the lack of face to face contact that the pandemic brought. We filled the hall with exam desks and arranged our teachers in alphabetical order and then parents and C11s flocked in. There was a real sense of energy in the hall as our teachers engaged with families and learners. I have spoken to many C11s and teachers today about the evening and they have all provided positive feedback. Teachers enjoyed being able to share their love and enthusiasm for their subject and the C11 learners all felt that it provided
30 January - 3 February
Thurs 2nd February
6th & 7th February
Dates for the Diary
C11Mock MFL Speaking Exams
C10 Computer Science Museum trip
C11 Learning Group Photos
Thurs 9th February Dance Show
13th - 17th February
Fri 24th February
Half Term
C11 Whole Cohort photo
