The Diamond Summer Ball was an amazing success (thank you PTA) last weekend and a number of Sixth Form students helped to serve drinks (the 18+ year olds of course), serve at tables and help tidy up at the end. The students were so impressed with the sense of community at the event, commenting on the positive, party atmosphere which has been off our agendas for the past couple of years. Our students were commended for their maturity and willingness to work hard and happily by those present - I am even prouder of them!

Mrs Burdett represented the Sixth Form at the Alexander Devine’s Children’s Hospice 15th Birthday Celebration last weekend. The occasion was marked with poignant speeches and stories of families that have benefited so much from the support and care provided during their darkest times. It reminded me of the desperate need for our Sixth Form community to continue fundraising for them as they rely so heavily on donations; thank you to those who have kindly contributed to our ‘Birthday Collection’. 

Tom H, in his second year studying Film Production at Portsmouth University was always at the front of the queue when it came to ‘making a difference’ during his time in the Sixth Form. In fact, having travelled on the Claires Court inaugural trip to Brufut in The Gambia during 2019, he was so moved by the need he saw there that he has continued to sponsor one of the school children ever since. You might have caught him on ‘Money for Nothing’ on Wednesday at 2.15pm on BBC1 where the maths geoboards (used to calculate area) he and his mum were dumping at the tip were transformed into colourful, kitsch jewellery display boards. The ‘cash from trash’ totalled £210 and Tom pledged his half to ensure his sponsorship continues.

 

We are all feeling the pinch with astronomical fuel prices and high inflation, so it is even more important for us to make a difference wherever and whenever we can.

Another colleague who helped make a difference this week, Ms Ackland-Snow, shared a poem (see below) with me which I read and analysed anecdotally in assembly. The thrust related to dreaming big, making clear plans, setting measurable goals and believing that the goals can be realised. After all, success is an attitude. As students continue to complete their UCAS application forms and work on their personal statements, I trust they are using this approach.

Enjoy the weekend.

‘Success’ 

Barbara Smallwood and Steve Kilborn

Whatever your mind can conceive and believe, it will achieve.

Dream great dreams and make them come true. Do it now. You are unique.

In all the history of the world, there was never anyone else exactly like you, and in all the infinity to come, there will never be another you.

Never affirm self limitations. What you believe yourself to be, you are.

To accomplish great things, you must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.

If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost—put foundations under them. Yes you can. Believing is magic. You can always better your best. You don’t know what you can do until you try. Nothing will come of nothing. If you don’t go out on a limb, you’re never going to get the fruit. There is no failure except in no longer trying. Hazy goals produce hazy results.

Clearly define your goals. Write them down, make a plan for achieving them, set a deadline, visualise the results and go after them. Just don’t look back unless you want to go that way. Defeat may test you; it need not stop you. If at first you don’t succeed, try another way.

For every obstacle, there is a solution. Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. The greatest mistake is giving up. Wishing will not bring success, but planning, persistence and a burning desire will.

There is a gold mine within you from which you can extract all the necessary ingredients. Success is an attitude. Get yours right. It is astonishing how short a time it takes for very wonderful things to happen, now show us the colour of your rainbow.