Mr Mossman's Reflections
Last Saturday I took my purple belt in American Kickboxing. Full disclosure, I am not very good... but I passed. Firstly, it might seem surprising that teachers have such a life outside. It might also seem strange that I would put my aging, creaking body through this – a question I asked myself when I woke up very sore on Sunday. But here in fact lies the reason. I may not be very good, and quite old, but I keep trying. For me this is the measure of real strength – our value for this week. Strength comes in various forms: it could be raw physical power; it could be in intellect or talent; and most importantly it can be in character and resilience in the face of challenge.
Education often asks us to step outside of our comfort zone. For pupils it may persevering with a subject that is difficult, engaging with the problem and trying again when things go wrong. The students who are often the most successful are those who are willing to redo an exercise or essay, taking on board the improvements suggested by their teacher. Such resilience is, of course, a key feature of our ASPIRE values and regular grading.
Teachers too need to show strength – and that does not mean stern, old school strictness. For teachers, it might be the confidence to let pupils take the lead in their learning or maybe trying an activity that is a bit more creative and different from their normal approach. In essence, it means teachers need to keep learning. I was lucky to see this in action this week, when our teachers met to discuss research projects that they are individually developing. The ideas were impressive, original, and absolutely to the benefit of our Kent College pupils.
Strength without doubt also comes from our Kent College community. So many of our parents engage in the academic success of their child, working closely with us to optimise success. I am sure that quite a few of our Year 11 parents could sit GCSEs alongside their children this summer. Pupils will also, of course, find support and strength in their teachers and friends. This was so evident last week in the manner in which we welcomed our 30 visitors from Hong Kong. Our confident pupils could not have made them feel more welcomed and involved.
To conclude, strength should be looked at from multiple angles. It can be found in how hard a fifty-plus man can hit a punch bag, but it is most valuable in the small moments, the moments when tiny improvements are made and friendships and shared purpose are created.