As the new Olympic year begins, we will all no doubt seek inspiration from those athletes who attempt to go higher, faster and stronger. At Leighton Park, the Quaker approach to competition is to test oneself, and to meet challenges. Sport is very important to us here, and we are blessed with extremely talented athletes who have won county and international accolades, but also with the majority who enjoy fresh air, activity, teamwork and the sheer fun of playing a game. Sport is for all at Leighton Park - and that is how we believe it should be. I was watching the Under 15 B football team training in games today. They tried hard, and listened to some excellent coaching. They were striving to improve. These boys were realistic. They are the B team. However, they are also keen to be the best that they can, and were giving their all. Smiling, glowing faces left the pitch at the end of the session.
I then spoke with the Head of Games as we walked back down to school. He is seeking to prioritise as he plans for sport's place in our new curriculum, to begin for the Year 7 intake of September, 2012. We are seeking a curriculum which is exciting for our students, and which encourages our staff to collaborate creatively, sharing and developing ideas, and thinking outside the box. It is an exciting time, and also a precarious one. Teachers are being forced to consider new ways of learning and teaching, and what I am impressed with is the positive way in which they are rising to the challenge, reflecting on the purpose of education, and the role of the teacher. The staff here are committed to providing rigour in an environment which is fun and supportive. They are keen to learn from one another, and to be the change they want to see in our school.
The academic curriculum depends on specific knowledge, but also on the art of drawing knowledge together from different subject areas, using it, applying it, developing it, and testing it. This requires confidence, resilience and positive attitude. Sport, Drama, Music, Art, and other creative and active subjects develop all these qualities. Learning to swim gives you confidence in water which can be translated elsewhere. Taking the stage and singing in a show require dedication, resilience and reserves of courage in order to create a memorable performance. Making marks on a canvas and building them into a picture is not only creative, but requires concentration, dedication and the ability to completely engage with one's work. These areas are not "extra-curricular". They wholly support the academic curriculum and life of the school. They help our young people to acquire and develop precisely those skills which will serve them well as they learn and prepare for examinations. I look forward to seeing what the teachers produce as they build the fine detail within our curriculum. At the heart of our vision are the Quaker values. We want our children to Live Adventurously and to let their lives speak. Any adventure requires planning, and equipment, skill and training, and most importantly a desire to go beyond the horizon. School and education are not simply a preparation for life. They are an important part of the journey of life itself. My vision is that Leighton Park students will enjoy their lives beyond school because they have acquired the right knowledge and skills to be adaptable to the many changes they will face; will have enjoyed experiences from which to draw, alongside teachers who have allowed them sufficient freedom to develop their independence; and will have been well cared for, which will lead them to be bold and adventurous, but with a compassion and respect for their fellows which will ensure that they use their gifts wisely and well.