21st July 2023
HEADLINES
By James Saunders
CHILDREN ARE 20% OF THE POPULATION BUT 100% OF OUR FUTURE’. As we enter another summer break and end another academic year, I am reminded of Tony Blair’s powerful statement from 2017: “Children are 20% of the population but 100% of our future.” These words have resonated with me of late and inspired me to reflect on the pivotal role all schools play in shaping our society and the responsibility we all share in preparing our learners for the challenges of the modern world. Undoubtedly, our society faces numerous complexities and challenges, ranging from global political shifts to issues with social media and much more. We each hold our own opinions on matters like austerity, Brexit, Just Oil protests and other pressing topics, but one thing remains clear – the future, and the solutions it will hold, lies firmly in the hands of the next generation: our learners. Protest may well raise the profile of topics but we need a generation that will provide solutions - those solutions will come through building successful learners with the right character and moral imperatives. In education, we often hear about “British Values,” encompassing democracy, law, liberty, respect, and tolerance. While these values form a crucial foundation for a cohesive society, for me, they boil down to two fundamental aspects: altruistic care and respect for one another, regardless of our differences. As we instil these values in our learners, we are contributing to the shaping of our future society. The impact of our interactions with our Honywood learners cannot be understated. Every positive influence, every nurturing moment, and every lesson on respect and kindness will ripple through time, silently shaping the world we live in for the better. Our learners will become the caregivers, the protectors, the lawmakers, the innovators, and the leaders of tomorrow.
But let us remember that this responsibility should not fall solely on one group of people. The old proverb holds true – it takes a village to raise a child. I am immensely grateful to parents, carers, teachers, and the entire community for their unwavering support. Together, we form that village, guiding and nurturing our young minds, empowering them to become model citizens of the future. As we approach the summer holiday, I urge all of you to continue playing an active role in developing the values of our young people. After all, they will be our future caretakers. In preparation for September, we will be continuing to focus on creating an inclusive environment where everyone is free to learn and be successful - free from distraction or disruption. Our values of Trust, Respect, Equity and Excellence as well as our traditional approach to maintaining high standards of behaviour continue to be key drivers in creating our wonderful learning climate. I wholeheartedly appreciate your ongoing cooperation and collaboration in raising the children of Honywood to be the wonderful, happy and successful members of the society they are destined to become. Wishing you all a wonderful and rejuvenating summer break, filled with moments of joy, growth, and reflection and looking forward to welcoming each one of you back to Honywood in September. James Saunders