Highclare School
2018
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
SPRING ISSUE
Welcome to the Spring edition of the Headmaster’s Termly Newsletter A warm welcome to this term’s newsletter. As you can see in this edition, packed full with ‘deeds not words’, it has been another brilliant term for Highclare School. But rather than looking back over this superb range of activity and enrichment, I thought I would look ahead to some very important events coming up during the forthcoming summer term. It’s that time of year again when the process of academic assessment – especially that related to public examinations (GCSE and A Level) – takes centre stage. There is a lot riding on the outcome of these assessments which, not surprisingly, often trigger enquiries by parents about how they can best help at home. The candidates themselves respond impressively well to the advice, tasks and guidance* provided by subject teachers (much of which is published in the relevant sections of Highclare Virtual, our VLE) and also the cultural ambition embodied in our Take Charge initiative, so my focus in this piece is on what parents can do to more effectively support, at home, the achievement of successful outcomes. I don’t claim to be expert in this field but I do prefer to rely on those suggestions proven by research evidence rather than by anecdotal opinion. It is also important to point out that there is no definite, one-size fits all type of solution that can be picked ‘off the shelf’. What must happen is that each candidate finds his / her own way by adopting a series of actions most likely to lead to success for that particular person. So, in the spirit of embracing parental enthusiasm to work with us at home, I set out my personal five-point plan, which I believe will help parents to make a positive difference:
1 First of all, adopt a non-intrusive and supportive presence by finding ways to be helpful and not taking over the process or nagging. 2 Before your son/daughter gets anywhere near any revision, try to make sure he / she eats breakfast. It is proven that skipping this key meal has a large and detrimental impact on attention levels and the ability to recall information – which, obviously, is counter to the aim of the exercise. 3 Create an environment at home, in a quiet corner of the house (not closedoff in a bedroom) that is comfortable and free of distraction. For the avoidance of doubt this means that the mobile phone / tablet etc should be put away out of sight (and, therefore, out of mind) and music should not be playing. This latter point may be controversial but it is proven that information recall is better when done without music. The presence of music in this process has a negative impact. Even though some candidates can cope with music better than others, the impact is always negative. 4 Encourage a revision strategy that starts well before the examination itself, because we know that the act of committing something to memory takes a long term. This time should allow the spreading out of tasks – spacing – that allows the process of forgetting and then re-committing the material to memory, which is a process that is proven to be dynamite in terms of effectiveness. Revision is also most effective when it is based on a proactive process such as answering questions, self-testing and, even, teaching someone else. 5 Help them to build, into their daily schedule, sufficient time for leisure activity such as exercise, a breath of fresh air or catching up with friends and, most importantly, make sure they get plenty of good quality sleep. Preparing for assessments is a very demanding process for which batteries must be recharged. I hope this helps. Please do not hesitate to contact me or anyone at School if you would like to discuss anything further. The very best of luck to all Highclare pupils in their forthcoming assessments. Both Sarah and I wish you a restful and peaceful Easter break. Best wishes Dr R Luker - Headmaster *See
also a very helpful guide for parents on GCSE revision published on Highclare Virtual by Mrs Healey, Deputy Head of Senior School
2018 National ISA Swimming Finals On Sunday 21st January 6 eager Highclare pupils travelled to the London Aquatics Centre, home of the 2012 Olympic swimming pool to compete in the 2018 National Swimming Finals. Through outstanding individual performances and exciting races all pupils returned with medals, amassing 5 gold, 4 Silver and 2 bronze between them. Swimmers from U3 & U5 were also part of the triumphant Midlands Senior team, pipping second place by just 3 points! A special mention to Alexandra Bartley, Harriet Gordon & Adin Kamingira our U5th pupils who through hard work, dedication & discipline have now qualified for the national finals every year of their school career. Congratulations to our Junior and Senior Swimmers who competed. You represented the school and yourself exceptionally with exemplary behaviour and attitude. We are very proud of your achievements.