The role of assessment in the world of education has always been a controversial one. I was very fortunate, I worked hard and I gained good A-Level results. However, for too long now, some young people have intrinsically linked their sense of self worth with their academic performance. Academic grades are of course important and I am so glad that everybody in this school tries their best to achieve the best grades possible. However, we have all met people with an outstanding academic profile but nothing else. It is absolutely essential that our students make the most of all of the opportunities to grow, network and generate stories as they go through their time here at school. Good academic results will open up doors in the future but it is the softer skills that will get our young people through those doors and into the careers they want. Confidence, leadership skills, great communication and interpersonal skills are going to be more important than ever in the post pandemic future. 

It is this balance of stretch and challenge, in a grounded and friendly atmosphere, that is proving to be very popular with parents of Year 5. I have toured many families round the school and in each classroom there are hardworking, well behaved young people, in front of outstanding teachers doing their best to provide a world beating education. 

Well done everyone, you have worked hard throughout this exam week and you deserve a break this weekend. Make the most of the lifted restrictions where you can and keep building up the bank of stories. Life is not just about grades, it is also about stories; storymaking is what makes life more interesting. 

Have a good weekend.