Message from the Assistant Head of Secondary

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't – you're right."   - Henry Ford

Belief is a powerful force. As educators, we see daily how a student’s confidence - whether strong or fragile - shapes their learning journey. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or on stage, students thrive when they believe in their ability to succeed. As a Drama teacher, I often see this in action - students stepping outside their comfort zones, taking risks, and growing in confidence. But this idea extends far beyond Drama; it is fundamental to education as a whole.

Before joining the international school community, I had the privilege of working with at-risk students in the UK. Many of these students faced personal challenges that made traditional learning difficult. Yet, when given a platform to express themselves and the confidence to try - even when they feared failing - they discovered resilience.

As a Drama teacher, I have seen students who once hesitated to speak find the courage to stand tall, express themselves, and trust in their own voices. I’ve watched them overcome their fears, take risks, and grow in confidence - not just on stage, but in life. The key to their growth was simple: they felt heard, supported, and believed in. This belief extends beyond Drama - it’s something Vicky Juett and I are passionate about as we continue to develop student voice across our school.

Building Student Voice: The Power of Being Heard

True confidence begins when students feel they have a voice - that their ideas, concerns, and contributions matter. This term, we are strengthening student voice by giving students the opportunity to shape key areas of school life, including:

• Curriculum Development – Students will be able to provide feedback on subject content, interdisciplinary connections, and ways to make learning more engaging and relevant.
• Behaviour and Relationship Development – Through discussions, student-led initiatives, and feedback channels, we want to ensure students have a say in fostering a positive, respectful school culture.
• Teaching and Learning Strategies – Students will be encouraged to reflect on what helps them learn best and contribute ideas that can shape classroom experiences across all subjects.

Vicky Juett and I have been working to develop a culture where student voice is not just encouraged but embedded in school life. Whether through leadership opportunities, student forums, or classroom discussions, we want every student to feel empowered to express themselves. We will start to see this come to life in Term 3 so watch this space!

The Importance of Trying, Even When You Fail

One of the biggest barriers to success is fear of failure. But mistakes are not failures; they are steppingstones to improvement. Whether it's forgetting a line in a performance, struggling with a complex maths problem, or learning to navigate friendships, students need to believe that effort matters.

A growth mindset - one that embraces challenges and setbacks - builds character and perseverance. As educators and parents, our role is to model belief in our students, even when they doubt themselves. A quiet word of encouragement, a reminder of past successes, or simply showing up consistently for them reinforces the message that they are capable.

Because when students believe in themselves, they achieve more than they ever imagined.

Best regards,

Stephanie Watson
Assistant Head of Secondary

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