Thoughts from the Study
I strongly believe that the key to learning is actively seeking feedback. Ultimately, whether you fail or succeed, there is always something positive to take away. That golden nugget of a suggestion, an idea from a passionate colleague, a supportive parent, a community-focused neighbour, or of course from the mighty pupil voice, all deserve time and attention. All ideas are to be respected and understood. At a very early age, we learn to find that balance between agreement and understanding, which more often than not, comes by active listening and finding common ground. The building of relationships and mutual respect is therefore pertinent and a key skill that we instil in the children at Broomfield.
Learning to disagree and accept different points of view can be difficult. In school, it is often the playground that presents opportunities for children to harness their diplomacy and self-leadership. I was on the bottom patch earlier this week and stepped foot on the pitch during break time with Year 3 football. Firstly, I am sure I used to be much better at football and secondly, I was rather impressed that when one boy accidentally fouled another, those who were playing were able to very sensibly discuss what had happened, hear from all sides, and then make a combined, agreed decision on whether to award a penalty or not. I am not sure why a foul in the very far end of the pitch constitutes a penalty on the other side, but prep school football has a flexible and evolving set of rules.
In my twenty years of working in education, I can think of numerous Education Secretaries who have rolled out policies and ideologies that I have completely disagreed with. I can, however, fully respect the purpose and aim of all who have had the privilege of holding this role (however briefly!), with the purpose being to improve the quality of education within the UK. If we take a moment to step back and consider the bigger picture and the long-termism, the decision-making involved has at some stage allowed the UK to rise up the global PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) rankings, to 11th in maths and 13th for both reading and science. If Broomfield were a country, I am confident that given our own school academic averages are significantly above the national averages, we would be world-leading with our data.
Finland, once considered a world leader in education, has seen a significant decline in the academic performance of 15-year-olds in science, reading, and maths, with a 23-point drop in mathematical literacy since 2018. I was listening to an audiobook about this very point on the train to work earlier in the week, and although the data shows a drop, with other countries overtaking Finland in the rankings, part of the performance deficit has been attributed to the fact that other countries have adapted their own educational policies based on what worked so well in Finland. This, to me, is a case in point, recognising the value in listening to others, reflecting on what works well before adapting our own stance or mindset so we can all benefit from a positive way forward.
A further example of this came from my daughter’s nursery this week. Indigo was playing in the sandpit with her toddler friends, holding the coveted blue plastic spade. Now, this spade is quite possibly the spade of all spades, the one tool that allows a toddler to build the greatest of sandcastles… or so I imagine. One of her peers, who wanted the spade of destiny, reached out to take the spade for themselves. Being a toddler, I am sure Indigo boldly refused, and in retaliation, the other toddler bit her on her arm.
In that moment, the nursery staff stepped in, gently guiding both children to express their feelings and understand each other’s perspective. They encouraged Indigo and her friend to listen to one another, to share the spade, and to recognise that sometimes we must compromise to play harmoniously. This simple yet profound interaction mirrors the larger lesson we all must all continue to learn: the importance of listening, understanding, and finding common ground.
Just as in the playground or nursery, in our adult lives and professional environments, it is through these small acts of empathy and negotiation that we build stronger, more respectful communities. Whether on the football pitch, in the classroom, or within the broader educational landscape, the ability to listen and appreciate different viewpoints is what ultimately drives progress and harmony. It is a lesson that begins in childhood but remains essential throughout our lives.
Wishing you all a fantastic half term.
Mr Anstey, Headmaster
From exciting activities to wonderful moments with friends, we are having such a fun week at Broomfield!
From exciting activities to wonderful moments with friends, we are having such a fun week at Broomfield! ...
We proudly joined our fellow Dukes schools in raising the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals flag, standing united in the global #TogetherForTheSDGs movement. We are committed to embedding sustainability into every aspect of school life, shaping a greener future for our children and community. Special thanks to Dukes Sustainability Manager, Sally Cornelius for visiting us last week to discuss our sustainability strategy and goals for the upcoming academic year.
We proudly joined our fellow Dukes schools in raising the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals flag, standing united in the global #TogetherForTheSDGs movement. We are committed to embedding sustainability into every aspect of school life, shaping a greener future for our children and community. Special thanks to Dukes Sustainability Manager, Sally Cornelius for visiting us last week to discuss our sustainability strategy and goals for the upcoming academic year. ...
Last week Thursday, Year 4 enjoyed a fun trip to Wimbledon Watersports. The sun was shining and everyone had a great day on the water, learning to sail and playing games in the kayaks. Despite the cold water, a number of children even jumped into the lake at the end of the day!
Last week Thursday, Year 4 enjoyed a fun trip to Wimbledon Watersports. The sun was shining and everyone had a great day on the water, learning to sail and playing games in the kayaks. Despite the cold water, a number of children even jumped into the lake at the end of the day! ...
Excited to share that we opened the gate to our new outdoor garden this week! 🌿🌸
Excited to share that we opened the gate to our new outdoor garden this week! 🌿🌸 ...
The rain couldn’t dampen our spirits this morning as we celebrated the first day back at Broomfield. The children were thrilled to explore their new classrooms and reconnect with friends. We’re looking forward to a fantastic year together!
The rain couldn’t dampen our spirits this morning as we celebrated the first day back at Broomfield. The children were thrilled to explore their new classrooms and reconnect with friends. We’re looking forward to a fantastic year together! ...
We cannot wait to welcome everyone back to school this morning! A brand new outdoor space awaits the children designed for relaxation, socialising, and connecting with nature. With plenty of greenery, it’s the perfect spot to unwind.
We cannot wait to welcome everyone back to school this morning! A brand new outdoor space awaits the children designed for relaxation, socialising, and connecting with nature. With plenty of greenery, it’s the perfect spot to unwind. ...
And the winners have been announced! Well done to all children who participated in our Eco Trail over the last few weeks. The children explored nature, learnt about sustainability, and developed a deeper appreciation for the environment. We are incredibly proud of our eco-conscious pupils! 🌿🌍 #ecotrail #sustainability #koalaecotrail
And the winners have been announced! Well done to all children who participated in our Eco Trail over the last few weeks. The children explored nature, learnt about sustainability, and developed a deeper appreciation for the environment. We are incredibly proud of our eco-conscious pupils! 🌿🌍 #ecotrail #sustainability #koalaecotrail ...
What a year we have had! Year 6 children are celebrating their amazing journey at Broomfield House School. Awards were received, tears were shed, and hugs were shared with family and friends at today’s Award Ceremony. We are proud of every child for contributing to school life with such enthusiasm and kindness over the years.
After the awards presentation, we had the honour of welcoming Chris Sheasby, a true rugby legend, who delivered an inspiring speech about the importance of friendship. With a stellar academic background from Radley College and the University of Cambridge, Chris excelled both academically and athletically. His distinguished rugby career saw him play No. 8 for top clubs like Wasps, Harlequins, and London Irish. A standout moment was starting in the 2002 Powergen Cup Final at Twickenham, leading London Irish to victory over Northampton Saints. On the international stage, Chris earned seven caps for England, making a memorable debut with a try against Italy.
Thanks to Chris Sheasby for taking the time to visit us and thanks to all families who celebrated with us today! It was a really special event for the children.
#awardceremony #year6awards #prepschoolaward #guestspeaker #chrissheasby #inspirationalspeech #prepschoollife
What a year we have had! Year 6 children are celebrating their amazing journey at Broomfield House School. Awards were received, tears were shed, and hugs were shared with family and friends at today’s Award Ceremony. We are proud of every child for contributing to school life with such enthusiasm and kindness over the years.
After the awards presentation, we had the honour of welcoming Chris Sheasby, a true rugby legend, who delivered an inspiring speech about the importance of friendship. With a stellar academic background from Radley College and the University of Cambridge, Chris excelled both academically and athletically. His distinguished rugby career saw him play No. 8 for top clubs like Wasps, Harlequins, and London Irish. A standout moment was starting in the 2002 Powergen Cup Final at Twickenham, leading London Irish to victory over Northampton Saints. On the international stage, Chris earned seven caps for England, making a memorable debut with a try against Italy.
Thanks to Chris Sheasby for taking the time to visit us and thanks to all families who celebrated with us today! It was a really special event for the children.
#awardceremony #year6awards #prepschoolaward #guestspeaker #chrissheasby #inspirationalspeech #prepschoollife ...
We had so much fun today! Children gathered in the playground for our annual Den Day. The challenge was to design and construct dens using a variety of materials, and our children rose to the occasion with great team spirit. Despite rather windy weather conditions, the children collaboratively built impressive structures. Well done all!
We had so much fun today! Children gathered in the playground for our annual Den Day. The challenge was to design and construct dens using a variety of materials, and our children rose to the occasion with great team spirit. Despite rather windy weather conditions, the children collaboratively built impressive structures. Well done all! ...
Meet our Headmaster for the day! Felix arrived at school dressed impeccably for his important role. He participated in key meetings, discussed budgets with the finance team, and even had the opportunity to meet Dukes Education UK CEO, Tim Fish. What a day!
Meet our Headmaster for the day! Felix arrived at school dressed impeccably for his important role. He participated in key meetings, discussed budgets with the finance team, and even had the opportunity to meet Dukes Education UK CEO, Tim Fish. What a day! ...
🌿🌎 We are thrilled to launch our new Eco Trail to mark World Environment Day. Join us for a fun and educational adventure through Kew, where you will discover amazing places that help the environment.
🌟 Special Bonus 🐨 Children can win their very own Koala soft toy!
Bring your family, enjoy the walk, and start important conversations about how we can all contribute to a greener future. Let’s make a positive impact together!
📅 Date: Maps will be available to pick up from our local partners @cafetorellikew, Halletts Estate Agents Kew Village and Broomfield House School from Friday 14th June 24.
📍 Location: Kew Village
We can’t wait! 🌿👣
#worldenvironmentday #ecotrail #prepschoolsustainability #kewwalk #koalaecotrail #greenfuture
🌿🌎 We are thrilled to launch our new Eco Trail to mark World Environment Day. Join us for a fun and educational adventure through Kew, where you will discover amazing places that help the environment.
🌟 Special Bonus 🐨 Children can win their very own Koala soft toy!
Bring your family, enjoy the walk, and start important conversations about how we can all contribute to a greener future. Let’s make a positive impact together!
📅 Date: Maps will be available to pick up from our local partners @cafetorellikew, Halletts Estate Agents Kew Village and Broomfield House School from Friday 14th June 24.
📍 Location: Kew Village
We can’t wait! 🌿👣
#worldenvironmentday #ecotrail #prepschoolsustainability #kewwalk #koalaecotrail #greenfuture ...
Art Highlight 🎨 The children in Year 3 learnt about aboriginal art and the origin of natural pigments this term.
Art Highlight 🎨 The children in Year 3 learnt about aboriginal art and the origin of natural pigments this term. ...