3rd May 2024
HEADLINES
By James Saunders
‘GENIUS IS ONE PERCENT INSPIRATION AND NINETY-NINE PERCENT PERSPIRATION’. It has been an amazing week of talent; a real reminder of the payoffs and rewards on offer when you commit yourself and work really hard. It is also an example of what young people can really achieve when they throw themselves fully into something. Our C9 and C10 Brilliant Club learners have received their results and an invitation to a graduation event at Selwyn College, Cambridge. They will have an opportunity to tour the college, view the ancient buildings and traditions that date back centuries and eat in the Harry Potteresque dining hall. The day will culminate in them receiving their graduation certificates. Everyone did a fantastic job and six of them received a 1st - a fantastic achievement. The graduation day is a recognition of the additional work these learners have completed over the last few months. This work has been on top of their regular studies and commitments and has required discipline and dedication to complete. I have learnt a great deal about the impact of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystems around the world. This week has also been our production week. I hope that you had a chance to see our learners perform in Little Shop of Horrors. Little Shop has always been a favourite of mine; I can only describe it as imaginative and bonkers. The performance was fantastic and didn’t disappoint. But I knew that coming in because our learners always deliver on creativity. What was not seen on the night, a bit like the Brilliant Club, was the hard work that led up to the performance. I know that many learners have been giving up their evenings and weekends to prepare. Staff have been doing the same. I am sure that some families have had to support hours of
rehearsals. It is again another example of dedication, discipline, commitment and sheer hard work above and beyond the school day. This type of work ethic is what breeds success. It is easy for us to focus on talent and think that we can’t measure up. If we just look at the end product we miss out all of the hard work that goes into creating that. If we think that it is only about talent we will never achieve. There is a much quoted phrase that ‘genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration’. Perspiration comes as a result of hard work, of not giving up. The talent then follows. I wish you all a great weekend
James Saunders
HONYWOOD SCHOOL’S “LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS” Honywood School’s rendition of “Little Shop of Horrors” proved to be an unforgettable theatrical experience, showcasing an impressive display of talent, creativity, and dedication from both the cast and crew. The audience were transported into the quirky and mysterious world of Skid Row. The set design was a standout feature, seamlessly blending urban grit with a touch of whimsy, effectively setting the stage for the unfolding drama. The cast delivered stellar performances across the board, bringing the beloved characters to life with gusto and authenticity. Seymour, performed by Nathan Humphreys, portrayed with endearing awkwardness and charm, captured the audience’s