In my last article, I was anticipating the advent of the summer holidays and also musing on how I would be anticipating the beginning of the new school year. Sure enough, as the school year now begins, I am excited to be back at work full-time and hopefully, I am mirroring the excitement the majority of students feel as they anticipate a new academic year.
The start of the new school year is so glorious because, to an extent, it is a tabula rasa, a fresh start for all, a chance, perhaps, to make new friends if you are student or, new colleagues as a teacher. It is an opportunity for the whole school community to acquire new skills, aspire to reach new targets and make resolutions to be the best version of themselves that they can be. In many ways, this time of the year can be the happiest; the sense of optimism cannot be replicated during the rest of the year, as examination pressures loom and teachers become increasingly pressing in their demands to students for homework and they, in turn, become more time-pressured.
Nevertheless, despite my roseate view, I know that, for those of you who are parents with children starting new schools, particularly going into Year 7, this can be a very stressful time for all, as your child may feel overwhelmed by a new academic environment and new routines. However, by and large, this will pass and your child’s form teacher or Head of Year can be a great asset during this period; they will have the experience and the techniques to help your child navigate their way during this transition period.
So, at this time of year, as new shoes are broken in, pristine pencil cases are proudly displayed and fresh ideas are freely discussed and disseminated, positivity is key for all school attendees. As the polymath George Eliot once wrote: “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” Or, as the bard of Frodsham so memorably sang: “Let’s make a new start/The future is ours to find.”