Head of Junior School
Confidence
We define it as "believing in my ability to succeed in various situations, whether it is learning a new skill or gaining experience. Being willing to share my opinions and consider the opinions of others."
We talk a great deal about having a go, about trying hard, about learning from our mistakes. But how often do we consider the important role confidence plays in learning, success and relationships. I have often heard parents say 'I was no good at Mathematics, neither is my child." I am not convinced that ones inability to grasp a concept or skill is genetic.
Mahatma Gandhi said, "Man often becomes what he believes himself to be. If I keep on saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end by really becoming incapable of doing it. On the contrary, if I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning."
Acquiring a new skill or understanding a new challenging concept is more dependent on confidence than it is on aptitude. We work to instil in the boys the belief that they can learn. Developing this belief is essential, as much of what we will expose the boys to will be new and will be challenging.
So why is the development of confidence so important at the Junior School age? Surely a 7 year old has time to learn these skills. Going hand in hand with confidence is resilience. Confidence does not guarantee the quick acquisition of a new skill or understanding. One needs to have the confidence and belief in their ability to learn and master a skill or concept and the resilience to keep trying until they have.
We work in partnership with parents to develop the confidence of our boys. Repetition of basic skills assures them that they can learn new skills. The application of these skills assists them in acquiring new understandings. The communication of these understandings allows them to talk, debate and argue what they know and believe. Our goal is to offer a learning journey where skills and talents are nurtured and confidence is developed.
I see in our boys a self-knowledge that they can learn and a willingness to try, as they know they will be supported both at home and at school. This confidence translates into success academically, in the arts and in sport. I am always greatly impressed with the positive attitude of our boys towards all they are presented with. I look forward to following their development as they apply this confidence to their future endeavours.
Mr John Stewart
Head of Junior School
