The beginning of our new term started with a wellbeing session for our Upper Sixth students on increasing motivation and avoiding procrastination. Research suggests that if students have a level of awareness of what is happening in their brain, it can help them to identify their own personal triggers that lead to procrastination. You might find this Tedtalk interesting: Tim Urban: Inside the mind of a master procrastinator | TED – YouTube

This week’s Lower Sixth lessons focused on thinking about their vision for the future. Research suggests that students who do not know why they are doing A levels are usually the first to show decreased levels of effort when the going gets tough. It is important to have a clear goal of what they want to achieve, making the goal actionable and being prepared for obstacles. They watched an inspiring Tedtalk by psychologist Angela Duckworth who has studied the concept of grit (perseverance and passion for long term goals). Her research found that grit is a better predictor of success than intelligence or talent. Here is the link to her TedTalk: Grit: the power of passion and perseverance | Angela Lee Duckworth – YouTube

Some of our Third Form students had their first practical session of Wellbeing this week. They finished their yoga session with a two-minute progressive muscle relaxation exercise. In our busy lives, taking even a few minutes for ourselves can be very beneficial for our wellbeing.

Our next TIDE (Team for Inclusion, Diversity and Equality) will take place next Wednesday. I look forward to meeting with the team and clarifying our goals for the year. I am grateful to Old Suttonian James Vernon (2012 H), who is working closely with us to drive the TIDE initiative forward.

We also have a parent wellbeing session scheduled on Saturday 21st January. The session will consist of two parts, the first part of the session will offer some evidence-based wellbeing strategies that we hope will be useful for taking proactive steps to improve your own wellbeing and support those around you. The second part of the session will be delivered by our Safeguarding Lead, Ms Austen, who will be providing some advice about how to navigate conversations with your children about Andrew Tate and how we are addressing this with students. Information about how to sign up for this event will be with you shortly.