Miss Handford's Reflections
A new year naturally brings an opportunity for new beginnings, fresh starts and new year's resolutions. This links perfectly with our theme of the week, ‘ambition’. In assembly on Wednesday, we explored what ambition means for us as a school community – our shared ambition to unlock the potential of all, be it in the classroom, on the sports pitch or on the stage. Our staff INSET echoed this message, focusing on how we, as educators, strive to be the best we can be so that we can help every student achieve their best. But ambition is not just a staff responsibility. I challenged students to consider how they will use their own ambition to set meaningful goals and take steps toward realising their potential. We reflected on how our ASPIRE values can guide this:
- Achievement – What will you do in class to reach your potential? Will you hand in homework on time or attempt extension tasks?
- Support for All – How will you help those around you and contribute to our community? Could you welcome new students or help new staff settle in?
- Purposeful Citizenship – How will you make a positive impact beyond school? Perhaps through sport, volunteering, or fundraising?
- Individuality – How will you pursue your own hopes and dreams? Will you choose your own path rather than follow the crowd?
- Respect, Reliability and Resilience – How will you show these qualities in your daily actions?
- Enquiring and Creative Minds – Will you ask more questions, explore new ideas, or choose new books to broaden your thinking?
We ended assembly by reflecting on a poem by Catherine Pulsifer, which encourages us all to think about our ambitions, embrace the fresh start a new year offers, set purposeful goals, and move forward with courage and determination. It was a fitting reminder that the year ahead is full of possibility and that with ambition, each of us can make 2026 a year of real achievement. A New Year’s Start A New Year’s Start The clock strikes twelve, the year is new, A chance to dream, a goal to pursue. Let courage guide each step you take, For every effort, a future you make. Set your sights on what can be, A life of purpose, a path set free. Though challenges rise, don't lose your way, Keep moving forward, day by day. With faith and hope, the journey unfolds, Embrace each moment, cherish your goals. The New Year shines, your dreams in view, The best is waiting - go make it true!