4th July 2025
HEADLINES
By James Saunders
OVERCOMING PERSONAL CHALLENGES We always approach sports day with great anticipation and a touch of trepidation - well at least for the weather. Whilst the summer weather can be unpredictable, based on the current temp we were less worried. Thankfully today was great. Sports day takes a lot of organising behind the scenes as well as on the day. People often ask me if being a Headteacher is tough. I can honestly say that when you experience things such as Sports Day, when you get to see how talented our young people are; when you get to share in their challenges, talents, failures and success, it is the best job in the world. I hope that our learners have enjoyed competing for their Houses today in relays; netball; rounders; football; and a range of skill base challenges. As we wrap up the week we are preparing to say farewell to our C7 learners who will be attending Caythorpe for their residential and C10 who are either travelling to Paris or Berlin, or completing work experience. That leaves just C8 and C9 in school for the week to complete an in school programme of enrichment. The week certainly looks jam packed with lots of enriching experiences that I hope will bring our learners together and create experiences that they will remember beyond Honywood. I am lucky enough to be going to Caythorpe with C7 and can’t wait to get stuck into the activities. I am pleased to see Laser Tag is still on offer. No matter which activity or experience our learners are involved in, either in school or far away, each one will support them to think, reflect and overcome personal challenges. Overcoming life’s challenges is an important part of building character. Our approach to building cultural and social capital in all our learners is designed to do this. These character building challenges come in many forms - such as leaving home, communicating in another language or embracing the challenges of adulthood. I am sure that these experiences will help to build resilience to face
the everyday challenges that school and life often presents. Challenges like: balancing workload; revising for exams; taking exams; making friends; talking to a class; leading peers and supporting friends. Keep an eye on Facebook to follow the many exploits of the week - it’s going to be a busy one. With luck I will still be intact at the end of the week and can return to the final week as Headteacher. In the meantime, should there be any school matters that you need assistance with, Mr Munro will be on hand in school. In light of most staff and learners being out of the building next week we will not issue the Headlines at the end of the week. Therefore, there will be one final Headlines on Friday 18th July. I wish you all a lovely weekend.
James Saunders
LEARNER LEADERSHIP We recently launched the recruitment process to C10 for our next Learner Leadership Team. After facing the difficult task of evaluating their applications and shortlisting them for interview the candidates spent face to face with an interview panel of Mr Caygill, Mr Briggs and Mrs Bansropun. This impressive team of learners went through a gruelling interview process that would rival most teacher interviews. They all rose to the challenge and did an exceptional job. They spoke with clarity, confidence and conviction - a real credit. The standard again this year is exceptional and I would like to congratulate the successful C10s. I am looking forward to seeing how our school will benefit from their work over the following year. Congratulations to Sophie Balneaves (10 VSp/CKh) Frances Rassell (10 PBi) Callum Rider (10 VSp/CKh) Matilda Moxham (10ASa/TPa)