“Kites rise highest against the wind – not with it.”
Winston Churchill
I don’t remember when I was made aware of a particular group of people who are described as “When Is”. I am even less sure of when I became one. To clarify, a “When I” is a person who has a tendency to preface statements with “When I was…”. When I was a teacher in Scotland, when I was studying archaeology, and so on. You get the picture.
So, “When I” was at the British Ambassador’s residence this week listening to two titans of British athletics, Sebastian (Lord) Coe and Paula Radcliffe (MBE), I was struck by how similar their personal philosophies born from their experiences were to our school values. Experiences which saw them overcome disappointments and setbacks as well as famous victories. All the more interesting as neither have had the benefit of a BSP education.
Paula Radcliffe was an exceptional marathon runner who held the world record for 16 years. Remembered for her determination, resilience and her commitment to running clean, she has proved inspirational to many. Sebastian Coe won gold in 1980 while engaged in a ‘duel’ with fellow Briton Steve Ovett for middle distance glory. He later went on to have a political career and by all accounts was more than a proficient judo fighter.
At the fireside chat, Paula Radcliffe asked Lord Coe what he had learned while organising the London 2012 Olympic Games. The first lesson was about kindness to self and others. As he put it, there will be both good and bad days. Invest in the good days and the bad days will pass more easily. The second piece of advice was to back yourself, he cited a conversation he’d had with a representative of another organising committee who had opened his eyes to all that London had to offer the Games, and why it would be a great Olympic city. Thirdly and finally, he reminded us to keep things simple. He talked about his father (who was also his coach) who, after his loss to Ovett in the 1980 Olympic Games, had told him that as he approached the 1500m final he should remember two things, namely, to run as fast as he could and remember to turn left. He also told us that he was more proud of the Olympic legacy of regeneration than he was of winning gold.
As we edge towards the end of the school year I believe that many of our young people have developed and grown as people. In the coming weeks as we enjoy a wide variety of different end of term activities we will remind ourselves of the virtues of kindness, excellence, belief and simplicity. Sports Days, Design Week, the Fête de la Musique, special projects and service activities will provide the opportunities to live these values and teach valuable lessons. If we are able to ensure that all of our pupils have an understanding of these important ideas then they will be prepared to meet the challenges that the future holds. They will be, as our school motto proclaims, both strong in mind and body.
Nicholas Hammond
Headmaster
