Reflections from Miss Handford

For our return to school this week, our theme is collaboration. What an important subject to consider, and a vital skill to learn, particularly collaboration within our school community, but also in the global community as purposeful global citizens. Building positive relationships, recognising our individual strengths and working together towards a common goal are qualities that will help our students thrive, not only during their time at school, but throughout their lives. Drawing on our ASPIRE values and our focus on purposeful citizenship, we encourage every member of our community to reflect on the difference they can make when they work alongside others for the benefit of the wider world.
 

In my assembly this week, we focused on what it means to be a global citizen, with a particular emphasis on contributing our own strengths and skills and collaborating with others to leave a positive mark. We explored the idea that each of us has unique talents and attributes, from problem-solving and creativity to kindness, leadership and active listening, and that these strengths become even more powerful when combined with those of others.
 

We also reflected on the importance of looking beyond ourselves and recognising our place within an interconnected world. True global citizenship is about understanding that our actions, words and decisions have an impact locally and globally. Inspired by the principle of ‘doing all the good you can’, we considered how purposeful collaboration can help us address challenges and contribute to our communities. We particularly focused on how we could identify the world’s most pressing problems by using evidence-based research to explore which issues were great in scale, neglected but solveable, all principles espoused by the Effective Altruism movement. Using academic research, this movement concludes that global health and development, existential risk and catastrophic preparedness are all areas for us to use our skills together to make a positive impact.
 

Many of you will know that my time at Kent College is coming to an end. While I do not yet know what my next chapter will hold, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to pause, rest and reflect on my future. Whether I remain in education, or take a completely different path, the message I shared with students this week is one that I will carry with me. I will continue to strive to be a purposeful global citizen, seeking opportunities to make a positive difference and to contribute my skills for the benefit of others. Our ASPIRE values that are so central to life at Kent College will remain at the heart of whatever comes next. Ultimately, collaboration, service and a commitment to doing good are not simply ideas for our students to embrace, but they are values that I hope will continue to guide me throughout the next stage of my own journey.