Focus on Education November 2021 No.5

I was most impressed by the mature and articulate way in which a number of our Year 7 students answered my questions about their experience so far at HGS. We hadn’t rehearsed, yet they spoke with very natural enthusiasm and clarity. I was equally impressed by the way our Senior Prefects read their poems and prayers at our Remembrance Assembly. They displayed great dignity and poise.

When discussing communication with my Enrichment group they had plenty to say about the importance of both verbal and non-verbal communication in all their interactions, and about how they need to vary message, delivery and response according to their audience. They related this to the performances of our political leaders at home and abroad when we were navigating the broad issue of leadership.

Communication is key to all we do as leaders in the wider sense – whether we are Prefects, House Captains, leaders of a political party or captains of industry. We need to be clear, concise and empathetic in our communication. Sometimes we need to argue our case and perhaps sometimes we need to listen more than we talk. The key is we need to fully understand the power of words as well as deeds. Words can be uplifting, they can be inspirational, they can be pernicious and they can provide solace. They should be used carefully at all times.

All our children are different, and some are naturally more reserved than others. That is fine as our job is to know them as individuals, to help them grow in self-belief, and to develop their skills of oracy and communication, so important for their future lives.

Stay well and safe.

Be kind to yourself and others.

Best wishes,

Dr Bird