Focus on Education September 2021 No. 3
I imagine you were as struck as I was by the down-to-earth charm of 18-year-old Emma Raducanu. She was as incredulous as the rest of us over her spectacular and unprecedented rise to fame in the US Open, and equally remarkable was her natural poise in front of the camera. She comes across as a thoroughly nice person and I very much hope that she will not have her head turned by her sudden riches and all the media attention. She has the very real potential to be a fantastic role model for hundreds if not thousands of young tennis players not just here in the UK but globally. A real leader and example to others.
There can be a fine line between natural self-confidence and arrogance, and I am pleased to say that at HGS our students are often commended for the former. This perhaps stems partly from the healthy challenges which we set down on their path, and partly from our encouragement to get involved in activities outside the classroom, to try out new things and to learn from the experience. Some will still waver in their self-esteem and at times need to be convinced of their abilities and their potential. Some also need to be reminded of their many personal qualities and to understand that an element of self-doubt is actually quite normal and helps us to become stronger as human beings. And those who appear outwardly the most sure of themselves will undoubtedly have their own insecurities too.
Leadership in a school takes many forms. It can be the moment that a Year 9 student offers a helping hand to a Year 8 student who has fallen in the playground. It can be the time when a team Captain encourages his or her players to dig deep and score the winning goal against an equally matched opposition. It can be using one’s initiative and looking to invite outside speakers to the school. It can be deciding to go the other direction on a Duke of Edinburgh expedition as the rain beats against you and other members of the team have becoming exhausted.
Within the community, everyone has an opportunity to lead at various times. One of the greatest strengths of HGS is the variety of activities that we offer in addition to those related to the subjects studied. Our teachers, working with their Heads of Department, will plan a variety of trips and activities that are designed to augment student’s learning. Students may find themselves being inspired by the Ski Trip team up a mountain, on the Football pitch, at Whitemoor Lakes or in Paris or Berlin (when we can travel abroad once more).
In all these situations, students will often be required to lead, as well as required to follow. And it is the job of teachers here to guide them in how to lead effectively, with compassion, and with respect. Leadership is not shouting to get the person in front of you to do what you want. Leadership is not being arrogant and abusing a position of authority or preferment of prestige.
No. Leadership is about caring for those around you, and making decisions in their best interest, sometimes having to do so knowing it won’t always be popular, but always communicating with those who you support. Over the course of a student’s career at school, we will encourage them to lead, and guide, we will support and coach them.
The culmination of their time at HGS may see them take on leadership roles in their house or year. It may see them as sports captains for example Cricket or Football. Schools will each year appoint leaders of the entire community. At HGS, these are called Senior Prefects. We will expect our Senior Prefects to lead with compassion, kindness and respect. We will expect them to have to speak truths in an uncomfortable circumstance. We will expect them to hold up the rules and expectations of our school. But ultimately, we want them to be here for their fellow students.
It is absolutely right that we should encourage our children to be proud of their achievements, yet never to be boastful. Indeed, humility is one of the finest qualities we could hope for in them and one to respect and admire in others, wherever they appear in any hierarchy.
“Well rounded individuals, confident but not arrogant, such a good reflection on the school.”
This is feedback we have regularly received in the past about our students. I will finish where I started and that is talking about Emma Raducanu. She has all the hallmarks of a great leader and is someone to look up to following her win in New York. The individuals who leave us are our finest ambassadors: a great credit to the school and also to their parents.
Stay well and safe.
Be kind to yourself and others.
Best wishes,
Dr Bird
