Thoughts from the Study
Broomfield Leadership Award
Last week, we proudly launched the Dukes Young Leaders Award in Year 6, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to instilling further leadership qualities within the Broomfield curriculum. This initiative will be rolled out across Years 1-6 from September 2024, building on the success of our Little Leaders Award in the Early Years that we launched earlier this year through our Famly App. The award will focus on the three pillars of leadership, adventure, and service, aiming to better both our local community and the world. Children will take part in a whole range of exciting activities in school, many of which are already part of the curriculum, as well as taking on challenges out of school.
Self-leadership is at the heart of this new initiative. As Aristotle said, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” This new award is designed to help children discover their passions and understand their capabilities as leaders. By encouraging children to independently explore new interests and challenge themselves, we aim to further build their confidence and self-esteem. This, in turn, equips them with the resilience needed to navigate life’s challenges, combating the rise of mental ill-health among young people, something we need to prioritise at prep school age.
Our Leadership Award emphasises the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone. It has never been more crucial to equip children with the skills to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world. By providing a platform for our children to try new things and learn what makes them unique, we hope to inspire a generation of resilient and innovative leaders.
The challenge and the journey are as important as the destination. A tangible example from my own experiences is when I took a group of 15-year-olds, some of whom were selected to take part and fully funded, to Everest Base Camp – an expedition I have led twice. Although the destination was a motivating endpoint, the greatest lessons were learnt along the journey, at the crossroads when decisions needed to be made directly by the children, and barriers overcome. Those who completed the 19-day trek, despite initially lacking the motivation to perform well in their exams due to low self-esteem, returned transformed. They were confident and ready to tackle the challenges ahead, and we were able to demonstrate this impact on academic attainment by comparing performance before the expedition with a much better performance after.
The DYLA programme aims to celebrate the emerging leadership qualities in every child in their own unique way. Whether through wellbeing, community service, communication, adventure, or independence, each child will have the opportunity to develop essential tools for navigating life’s complexities. The programme aims to empower children to thrive in any environment and make a positive impact.
One unique aspect of our Young Leaders Award is our analogue approach to tracking progress. While we have tested various online platforms, we believe in the value of children spending more time away from screens. There is, of course, a balance here. Broomfield children already leave school tech-savvy, confident and capable users of AI, with a working knowledge of industry-standard programming languages as well as CAD and other creative software. However, it is obvious to me that the addition of digital platforms is not always the most beneficial approach. This is why each child will receive a physical DYLA passport, which will be stamped with an official school stamp upon completion of each element of the programme. This hands-on approach not only adds a tangible sense of achievement but also encourages children to engage more deeply with their experiences and reflect on them in discussion with the class teacher or other school staff before the stamp firmly signs an activity off.
While our current Year 6 cohort work through their passport of activities this term, I am already looking forward to September, when more children will begin their own leadership journeys. The Dukes Young Leaders Award is a testament to our commitment to nurturing well-rounded, resilient, and compassionate leaders and is poised to make a lasting positive impact.
All the best for the weekend.
Mr Anstey
Happy New Year from all of us at Broomfield!
On Monday we kicked off the spring term with the Dukes Education Conference at Wembley. We are delighted to share that our Headmaster, Adam Anstey, and the school were honoured with the Wellbeing Initiative Award in recognition of the effective efforts to promote wellbeing among both children and staff.
This award is a true testament to what is one of the cornerstones of our philosophy and work at Broomfield.
With the theme “The Heart of Education” the conference provided a fantastic opportunity for professional development. Thought-provoking discussions explored the impact of AI, the future of education, and the critical importance of character development in shaping the young leaders of tomorrow.
Happy New Year from all of us at Broomfield!
On Monday we kicked off the spring term with the Dukes Education Conference at Wembley. We are delighted to share that our Headmaster, Adam Anstey, and the school were honoured with the Wellbeing Initiative Award in recognition of the effective efforts to promote wellbeing among both children and staff.
This award is a true testament to what is one of the cornerstones of our philosophy and work at Broomfield.
With the theme “The Heart of Education” the conference provided a fantastic opportunity for professional development. Thought-provoking discussions explored the impact of AI, the future of education, and the critical importance of character development in shaping the young leaders of tomorrow. ...
We are excited to welcome all our families back to school for another great term at Broomfield! 🌟
We are excited to welcome all our families back to school for another great term at Broomfield! 🌟 ...
At the end of the term, we reflect on many events, trips, and achievements. From the early days of settling into routines in Early Years to the progress made across all year groups, it’s been a wonderfully busy term.
Wishing all families a restful break! 🎄🌟
At the end of the term, we reflect on many events, trips, and achievements. From the early days of settling into routines in Early Years to the progress made across all year groups, it’s been a wonderfully busy term.
Wishing all families a restful break! 🎄🌟 ...
This week, on Wednesday, we welcomed M&M Theatrical Productions for a fun and engaging pantomime performance. The actors performed brilliantly, captivating both children and staff alike. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to immerse themselves in live theatre and enjoy a well-deserved treat in the last week of term.
This week, on Wednesday, we welcomed M&M Theatrical Productions for a fun and engaging pantomime performance. The actors performed brilliantly, captivating both children and staff alike. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to immerse themselves in live theatre and enjoy a well-deserved treat in the last week of term. ...
On Tuesday last week, children from Years 2 - 6 gathered at St. Anne’s Church to kick off the festive season with our annual Christmas Carol Service. Each year group contributed beautifully, and we felt immense pride listening to their lovely singing and instrument playing. An extra ‘well done’ to Year 6 who read the nine lessons brilliantly, telling us the story of the birth of Jesus. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this wonderful occasion.
On Tuesday last week, children from Years 2 - 6 gathered at St. Anne’s Church to kick off the festive season with our annual Christmas Carol Service. Each year group contributed beautifully, and we felt immense pride listening to their lovely singing and instrument playing. An extra ‘well done’ to Year 6 who read the nine lessons brilliantly, telling us the story of the birth of Jesus. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this wonderful occasion. ...
A huge thank you to parents who supported the PTA in organising the Broomfield Christmas Market this year. There were beautiful gifts, delicious market food and a lovely community rendition of ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’. Thank you to Halletts Estate Agents for sponsoring the event.
A huge thank you to parents who supported the PTA in organising the Broomfield Christmas Market this year. There were beautiful gifts, delicious market food and a lovely community rendition of ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’. Thank you to Halletts Estate Agents for sponsoring the event. ...
This morning, the Junior School children impressed us with fabulous Nativity and Christmas performances. Kindergarten brought a unique twist with their charming roles as ladybirds, caterpillars, and even bees. 🐝 Each performance was a triumph!
This morning, the Junior School children impressed us with fabulous Nativity and Christmas performances. Kindergarten brought a unique twist with their charming roles as ladybirds, caterpillars, and even bees. 🐝 Each performance was a triumph! ...
We are excited to share that we won 1st prize for 3D group work (Key Stage 2) with our stunning mosaic at the ISA National Art Competition! Every child in school contributed to this art project. A huge congratulations also to Evelyn, whose tiger painting was highly commended. @isaartsuk
We are excited to share that we won 1st prize for 3D group work (Key Stage 2) with our stunning mosaic at the ISA National Art Competition! Every child in school contributed to this art project. A huge congratulations also to Evelyn, whose tiger painting was highly commended. @isaartsuk ...
Children are spending plenty of time exploring and enjoying the new garden. A favourite activity has been transforming fallen leaves into beautiful, creative decorations 🍂🍁.
Children are spending plenty of time exploring and enjoying the new garden. A favourite activity has been transforming fallen leaves into beautiful, creative decorations 🍂🍁. ...
Roasting marshmallows over the fire – what a fantastic way for Year 2 to end a busy week at school!
Roasting marshmallows over the fire – what a fantastic way for Year 2 to end a busy week at school! ...
Thanks to all Broomfield families for your generous donations to our local food bank. We also continued our tradition of our harvest boxes, which were delivered by our Year 6 children, staff and parent volunteers to the elderly in our local area. It was a heartwarming event, reminding us of the value of kindness and generosity during this season of harvest.
Thanks to all Broomfield families for your generous donations to our local food bank. We also continued our tradition of our harvest boxes, which were delivered by our Year 6 children, staff and parent volunteers to the elderly in our local area. It was a heartwarming event, reminding us of the value of kindness and generosity during this season of harvest. ...
Well done to Year 3 for creating these wonderful harvest cards which were given to the elderly in our community. The children worked on their water colour technique and collage skills. Fantastic work!
Well done to Year 3 for creating these wonderful harvest cards which were given to the elderly in our community. The children worked on their water colour technique and collage skills. Fantastic work! ...