As a society, we are obsessed with the notion of talent. We see someone do something that we can’t and we immediately think of it as being innate; but what if this thinking is wrong? Mr Stephen Fogarty, Director of Health Studies, discusses the idea that purposeful practice is more important than talent.
Inspired by the Dalai Lama, Head of Griffith House Ms Jan O'Sullivan asks, ‘How do we grow a good person?’ Living a happy life depends on the nature of the society in which we live. We are social animals and a good person can only be ‘grown’ in a family or community of people who demonstrate genuine affection.
In an arguably extrovert-centred world, there is a need to foster different types of engagement and participation to individually cater for every girl. Mrs Emma Lowry, Head of England House, contends that what constitutes ‘engagement’ differs for everyone, particularly for students who are introverted.
Seeing the lights come up on the opening night of the Senior Production, The Chosen, will be incredibly exciting. Drama teacher and Head of Lilley House Mrs Sybil Edwards tells why — after two years of dreaming, workshopping, scripting and shaping — this will be a School event not to be missed.
Just as we struggle to make meaning of text without gaps between words, we struggle to make meaning of learning without the gaps in our day in which to ponder. Ms N Smith, Dean of Studies and Planning, encourages us all to find the space to draw breath in order to find meaning.
Manners — politeness, etiquette and charity — are the basis of our society; they are what give us our humanity. Mrs V Ross, Head of Woolcock House, discusses how changes in the way we communicate have put values such as respect and consideration for others under pressure.
Schools need to train students to be innovative, self-managing and change-ready to contend with the complexities and challenges of the future. Mr B Thomas, Co-Director of Technology Studies, discusses ways in which cross-disciplinary information and communication technology endeavours encourage creativity and enterprise.
Disciplines make the academic world go around. Faculties teach them and grades are conferred in them. Mr S Woods, Director of English, discusses the concept of transdisciplinarity, encouraging students to look beyond and between the long-standing boundaries between academic disciplines.
Why is it that some students can spend a lot of time studying without being productive? Dr S Stephens, Director of Science, looks at how the visualisation of abstract concepts can lead students to a deeper understanding of scientific phenomena and result in improved performance on assessment.
Dean of Students Mrs A Ingram explores developing and promoting resilience in young people. Nurturing and strengthening the individual protective factors of our students and ensuring they experience a range of positive environmental factors gives them a greater chance of bouncing back when they are faced with future challenges.