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By James Saunders

GUIDED CHOICES

We have hit that time of year when our C8 learners begin to work through the guided choices process. This is where they choose the subjects they would like to take at GCSE.

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.

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 I think I have found it. I hope you have too.

We look forward to welcoming families into school on Wednesday for our guided choices information evening. Ahead of the evening we have developed a section of our website to support the process.

Further information can be found here: https:// www.honywoodschool.com/c8-c9-guided-choices

Have a lovely weekend

THANKS

James Saunders

To the following learners for supporting the Safeguarding Audit on Thursday 13th February.

Lexi Jones, Connor Wood, Emily Bloomfield, Liam Fitzpatrick, Ali Frid, Jack Baker, Oscar Disbrey, Freddie Estall, Jack Hill, William Lebaga, Leo Wade, Kelly Chenery, Emily Fox, Caitlin Hall, Clemence Kemball, Matilda Moxham, Francesca Nottage, Jemima Stowers and Avaline Zanatta.

Dates for the Diary

Tues

ON THE SLOPES

Where every day is a snow day!

Honywood

Honywood Ski 2025

The stunning Dachstein West Region in Salzburg played host to the Honywood Ski group for a week of exhilarating skiing and lively après-ski. Despite a lengthy 21-hour journey, the 44 eager students and 7 dedicated staff arrived at the welcoming VitalHotel Gasou, ready for adventure. The days were packed with four and a half hours embracing all that the Austrian slopes had to offer, with the weather treating throughout the week.

Evenings were filled with fun, from bowling and games nights to a thrilling match and a captivating ski show. All the staff express their gratitude learners, whose positive attitudes and respect earned praise involved, ensuring a memorable and rewarding experience. looking forward to visiting again in 2026.

Mr D Scott