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
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! ...