SENIOR SCHOOL
Catalyst : reflections
Our newest members of the Senior School take time to reflect
Finding time to stop , step back and take a good look at our experiences and the decisions we have made can often be difficult . Whilst we may value the exercise , busy schedules can see space for reflection easily consumed or at least demoted to a lower ranking on our list of priorities despite our best intentions . It ’ s a pity because reflection provides space to consider the before and now of our busy lives , allowing us to hone in on the differences and to identify what ’ s working and what ’ s not working . Importantly , it also gives us a chance to celebrate the growth and improvements we have made . As parents we know reflection is important because one of the first things we often ask our kids as they jump in the car in the pickup zone or come through the door at the end of a school day is “ How was your day ?” or “ What did you do in school today ?”
As teachers we also know that reflection is a powerful learning tool and we regularly look to use strategies that encourage our students to review their thoughts , ideas and performances in our teaching . Encouraging class discussion helps students to share their ideas and brings about consideration for different points of view in a context of their own . Asking a student to evaluate a piece of work they have created before submitting it to the teacher for feedback often sees them find space for improvement . Missing this important step can also mean we miss opportunities for well-deserved recognition and praise , even if it ’ s self-awarded .
Recently , I asked a number of our Year 7 students about their transition to the Senior School ; I was interested to hear their thoughts prior to starting Year 7 as well as listen to them describe their mindset now . It ’ s always an enjoyable conversation and I often learn a lot more about the students as I listen to their stories of past and present . For me , it serves as a valid and authentic feedback exercise that informs my own reflections around our transition program . It tells me what has worked and what we might be able to do better to ensure our students feel safe , happy and are enjoying the early stages of their Senior Schooling – because it ’ s happy kids that learn best .
Pleasingly , their stories have been overwhelmingly positive and a testament to their openness to change , a positive mindset and resilience . As their comments to me regularly endorse , we are grateful for the efforts of our staff in making sure our newest members of the Senior School quickly feel a sense of belonging and are eager to take on new opportunities . Fortunately , some have also been prepared to share their reflections more widely .
Mr Graham Lawson Head of Catalyst
Lloyd ( 7St )
Senior School has been an incredible experience for me , as I ’ m sure it has been for everyone else in Year 7 . We ’ ve all been blessed with wonderful opportunities and fantastic teachers to help guide us in our first year of Senior School . As a student from the Preparatory School , I feel it ’ s been a great transition and think I have matured quite a bit through this experience . I also think starting Year 7 has helped me to expand my friendship group . While in primary school , I was in a class with the same students quite often , only switching every year . The only opportunity to really meet other students was during recess or lunch . However , in the Senior School , because you have many more different classes you ’ re able to meet more people , especially those who didn ’ t go to our Preparatory School . I also think I have become more responsible for things like my belongings , my learning and punctuality .
At the end of my primary schooling I was excited , but also a little stressed . As my graduation from the Preparatory School drew closer , so did the reality of stepping up into High School ! Along with this , I was quite nervous about the workload and the unfamiliar people I would encounter . However , none of this ended up being a real worry for me . The teachers and students around me in Stirling House helped me to find my way and the workload is manageable if you find a few strategies to help you do your work efficiently and effectively .
Overall , Senior School has been incredible and nothing could be better for me at the moment .
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