Thoughts from the Study
Balance
It has been wonderful to welcome the children back this week after the Easter break. I think I have one of the best jobs in the world and although I spend a great deal of time around the school during the holiday periods, it is never the same without the positive energy and superb character that the children bring – it is great to have them all back.
For some time, I have used the Hintsa model as a tool for self-reflection. This model is encapsulated in what is referred to as the ‘Circle of Better Life’. The outer circle comprises six elements that form the foundation of health and wellbeing: physical activity, nutrition, sleep and recovery, biomechanics, mental energy, and general health. The prevailing notion is that if these areas are all in balance, then you have a firm grasp of your own holistic wellbeing.
The concept of balance, of course, is nothing new. The ancient Greeks believed that our health and emotions were influenced by four bodily fluids, referred to as the four humours. While modern science has thankfully moved beyond this theory, the underlying message about the importance of balance in our lives still resonates today. It is balance that is key to wellbeing, with success in all walks of life being a by-product of placing greater emphasis on wellbeing above anything else.
It is essential that we teach this concept in prep schools, as it helps children learn the value of maintaining equilibrium in everything from their academic work to their social interactions, setting a strong foundation for a well-rounded character. Similarly, for us as adults, achieving balance in diet, work-life dynamics, and mental health, although not always easy, is crucial for holistic well-being.
In the world of long-distance running, the concept of ‘tapering’, reducing the volume and intensity of training before a big race, is well known and essential. This period of less rigorous exercise allows an athlete’s body to recover from the accumulated stress of training over time and to store energy for the main event. Similarly, at Broomfield, we structure our termly cycles to mirror this athletic rationale. We introduced a ‘revision week’, designed as a precursor to an ‘assessment week’, which is then followed by a ‘recovery week’, where children are encouraged to recharge, reflecting on their learning experiences and achievements. This cycle supports children in achieving their personal best across the entire curriculum without succumbing to fatigue or an overwhelming sense of pressure.
All schools must consider the importance of cognitive recovery, which is key to sustainable learning. I am often exasperated when I hear of the methods some schools use, thinking these will get the best from the children. After intense periods of cognitive exertion, children need time to recover. This recovery is not merely a break from learning new content but an essential phase where learning is consolidated, and mental resilience is built. During these times, children learn to process and retain information effectively, fostering a healthier, more productive approach to their own learning.
The danger of burnout is as real for children as it is for us all when a working environment does not consider both pace and expectations. Continuous pressure can lead to mental exhaustion, reducing overall productivity and enthusiasm for learning. It’s crucial, therefore, to embed periods within the school calendar for children to ‘just be’. These moments away from a structured academic agenda allow children to explore their passions, relax, and socialise, which are all vital for well-rounded development and personal growth. This downtime is not wasted time; rather, it’s a vital component to ensure that wellbeing is prioritised. We are all looking forward to our Arts Week next week, for example, a time when the timetable is much more flexible to give the whole school time to breathe and enjoy a whole school creative project.
The Swedish concept of Lagom, translating to ‘not too much, not too little, the right amount’, offers a valuable perspective on achieving balance. We can all learn from this methodology, both at home and in school, and when considering the pressures that we may sometimes, inadvertently put onto our own children. At Broomfield, we work to create an environment that promotes moderation and sustainability, encouraging the children to strive for excellence but not at the expense of their wellbeing.
In the pursuit of academic excellence, it is imperative that we do not lose sight of the holistic development of our children. By incorporating principles such as tapering in sports, the philosophy of Lagom, and the importance of cognitive recovery, we offer a nurturing environment that prepares children not just for tests, but for the challenges of life where balance is key.
We are acutely aware of how to get this balance right at Broomfield. We will never be a ‘hot-house’ school and will always aim to balance personalised academic goals with sufficient recovery that ensures our children grow into resilient, capable, and confident individuals.
A final anecdote I am often reminded of is how life has an interesting way of naturally finding balance. I am often amazed, for example, by how much pure, uncontrolled energy my toddler has. She happily runs everywhere, only stopping to let me catch up briefly before going again, a perfect example of youthful vigour balanced by necessary rest. We make a good team; she brings the energy and I compensate for us both by catching my breathe.
Wishing you all the best for a balanced weekend.
Mr Anstey
On Thursday 25th April, one of our Year 4 children had the honour of giving a reading at the Cenotaph in London. Anzac Day marks the Gallipoli landings in 1915, as well as commemorating all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in military operations.
On Thursday 25th April, one of our Year 4 children had the honour of giving a reading at the Cenotaph in London. Anzac Day marks the Gallipoli landings in 1915, as well as commemorating all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in military operations. ...
Warmer weather is finally on its way! This week the children enjoyed outdoor play in the sunshine ☀️
Warmer weather is finally on its way! This week the children enjoyed outdoor play in the sunshine ☀️ ...
We are excited to invite local families to our new stay and play sessions. Our lovely Early Years team will prepare a range of indoor and outdoor activities including arts and crafts, mud kitchen, sand play and a reading corner. The sessions are for children aged 18 months - 3 years old. There is no charge for these sessions but spaces are limited. All welcome! Please book a place via the link in our Instagram bio or send an email to admissions@broomfieldhouse.com. We look forward to welcoming you for a fun session at Broomfield House School! #stayandplay #toddlerstayandplay #earlyyearseducation #nurseryrichmond #nurserysurrey #stayandplaysurrey
We are excited to invite local families to our new stay and play sessions. Our lovely Early Years team will prepare a range of indoor and outdoor activities including arts and crafts, mud kitchen, sand play and a reading corner. The sessions are for children aged 18 months - 3 years old. There is no charge for these sessions but spaces are limited. All welcome! Please book a place via the link in our Instagram bio or send an email to admissions@broomfieldhouse.com. We look forward to welcoming you for a fun session at Broomfield House School! #stayandplay #toddlerstayandplay #earlyyearseducation #nurseryrichmond #nurserysurrey #stayandplaysurrey ...
We offer parents transparency and open advice throughout the 11+ process which uses a deep understanding of every child, along with a highly effective data system that allows us to give personalised recommendations to each family.
We are particularly proud that our children have been awarded an amazing total of 14 scholarships to senior schools this year. Well done Year 6!
We offer parents transparency and open advice throughout the 11+ process which uses a deep understanding of every child, along with a highly effective data system that allows us to give personalised recommendations to each family.
We are particularly proud that our children have been awarded an amazing total of 14 scholarships to senior schools this year. Well done Year 6! ...
It’s art week at Broomfield House School! Every child contributed to a mosaic with one clay element. We are excited to see the finished mosaic on display soon 🙌
It’s art week at Broomfield House School! Every child contributed to a mosaic with one clay element. We are excited to see the finished mosaic on display soon 🙌 ...
This year, once again, we are delighted to be celebrating a fabulous array of results, with a plethora of senior school offers and an impressive number of scholarships. Our absolute priority is to find the right school for each child, ensuring that they continue to thrive in their senior school destination in an environment most suited to their individual profile.
Mr Anstey, Headmaster writes: “This year’s 11+ results are among the strongest I have witnessed during my tenure at the school. It is a testament to the hard work of our children and staff, with every child having a choice of prestigious schools to attend. Some families opted to bypass the 11+ process entirely, taking advantage of the exclusive offer of a priority entrance place at a Dukes senior school. This priority slot into a Dukes Education Group senior school underscores our commitment: once you are part of our family, we are dedicated to taking care of you, supporting each child’s preferred educational pathway, whether through the 11+ or otherwise. I believe this to be a unique model, offering the all-through model while also fiercely remaining a full preparatory school supporting applications to the whole range of excellent schools in London.”
This year, once again, we are delighted to be celebrating a fabulous array of results, with a plethora of senior school offers and an impressive number of scholarships. Our absolute priority is to find the right school for each child, ensuring that they continue to thrive in their senior school destination in an environment most suited to their individual profile.
Mr Anstey, Headmaster writes: “This year’s 11+ results are among the strongest I have witnessed during my tenure at the school. It is a testament to the hard work of our children and staff, with every child having a choice of prestigious schools to attend. Some families opted to bypass the 11+ process entirely, taking advantage of the exclusive offer of a priority entrance place at a Dukes senior school. This priority slot into a Dukes Education Group senior school underscores our commitment: once you are part of our family, we are dedicated to taking care of you, supporting each child’s preferred educational pathway, whether through the 11+ or otherwise. I believe this to be a unique model, offering the all-through model while also fiercely remaining a full preparatory school supporting applications to the whole range of excellent schools in London.” ...
We had an amazing first week back at Broomfield!
We had an amazing first week back at Broomfield! ...
Today we celebrate National Early Years Teacher Day by acknowledging the invaluable contributions of our early years team.
#nationalearlyyearsteacherday2024 #dukeseducation #prepeducation #prepschoolsurrey #prepschoollife
Today we celebrate National Early Years Teacher Day by acknowledging the invaluable contributions of our early years team.
#nationalearlyyearsteacherday2024 #dukeseducation #prepeducation #prepschoolsurrey #prepschoollife ...
Celebrating our recent sports accomplishments! 🙌 Well done to our pupils for securing 3rd place in both the Dukes Netball and Football tournaments!
#prepschoolsports #dukestournament #dukeseducation #prepschoollife
Celebrating our recent sports accomplishments! 🙌 Well done to our pupils for securing 3rd place in both the Dukes Netball and Football tournaments!
#prepschoolsports #dukestournament #dukeseducation #prepschoollife ...
Did you know that we plant one tree for every new pupil who joins us? We deeply care about the environment and the future of the planet for our children. Our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint is of utmost importance to us!
#prepschoolinlondon #sustainability #treesforlife #plantingtrees #environmentalawareness♻️
Did you know that we plant one tree for every new pupil who joins us? We deeply care about the environment and the future of the planet for our children. Our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint is of utmost importance to us!
#prepschoolinlondon #sustainability #treesforlife #plantingtrees #environmentalawareness♻️ ...
Splish, splash, so much fun! Year 6 are having a great time in Spain this week. The children loved their kayaking excursion and boat trip along the Spanish coastline. 🛥️
Splish, splash, so much fun! Year 6 are having a great time in Spain this week. The children loved their kayaking excursion and boat trip along the Spanish coastline. 🛥️ ...
This week, our `Incredible Eggs` delivery has brought pure joy and wonder to our school community! 🌟 We are thrilled to announce the hatching of Pom Pom, Quacky Chan, Cutie, George, and Daisy—our five adorable ducklings! 🦆💕
It`s been a remarkable few days for the children as they embrace the responsibilities of caring for these charming ducklings.
#incredibleeggs #learningthroughexperience #ducklingadventures
#prepschoollife
This week, our `Incredible Eggs` delivery has brought pure joy and wonder to our school community! 🌟 We are thrilled to announce the hatching of Pom Pom, Quacky Chan, Cutie, George, and Daisy—our five adorable ducklings! 🦆💕
It`s been a remarkable few days for the children as they embrace the responsibilities of caring for these charming ducklings.
#incredibleeggs #learningthroughexperience #ducklingadventures
#prepschoollife ...