“Power is changing hands, from dying hierarchies to living networks.”
Marilyn Ferguson
There is a long running discussion in educational circles about the acquisition of knowledge being a superior aim to the development of skills. There is, of course an alternative view and those less partisan among us can recognise it isn’t either or it is both. This week I have not been at school, I have been attending a Heads’ conference. It was very useful with a good deal of discussion of excellent wellbeing initiatives and similarly vital curriculum matters, a great opportunity to develop new ideas which may, or may not, sit well with us here at BSP. AI remains a significant discussion point with certain speakers claiming (with varying degrees of certainty) that it will revolutionise education or will only change it. All agreed that it will have an impact and that we need a sector wide approach to its use. Adolescent mental health was another key theme, it is an issue that provides pause for significant thought. Many spoke of the need to reduce high stakes testing.
Alongside lectures and workshops the conference organisers have made time for networking. Once upon a time this was simply called chatting to people over coffee, but it seems that we have moved on from this outdated way of finding information. I have always valued this annual conference as a means of checking that we are in step with the rest of the sector, it has been a great place to sound out other heads in slightly different contexts about ideas and is a means of gaining a greater understanding through an appreciation of another’s experience. These coffee-supported conversations have in the past been very useful indeed, and I’m sure that will be the case again. Networking or coffee, it all amounts to the same thing. It is a way of learning more.
Last week we enjoyed a splendid 70th anniversary and welcome event. My thanks to all who were involved in making the day such a special one. Among our number were alumni from the school who have over the last few years been helped to develop their own network by us. This has been appreciated and it was great to see former pupils and hear their stories of life at the BSP. This network has been, in part, made richer, using a variety of networking apps most notably LinkedIn. We look forward to harnessing the wisdom and knowledge of these Old Parisians by linking them with current students regarding plans for the future. Indeed, I’d be so bold as to say that one of the most valuable benefits of a BSP education is the ready-made network that comes with it. Even if the period of study is short, life long friends will be made from countries around the globe and wherever the future takes you, it is likely that our ever more international community will be present in a new country or unfamiliar city. Our network based on shared values is one of our strengths.
When looking at our former pupils who left the school forty years ago it was striking to see how strong their bonds were. As our pupils progress through the year, we will be encouraging them to build their network, contribute to the community and build ties that will be valuable in later life.
Nicholas Hammond
Headmaster
