A lesson in confidence

When parents of prospective pupils come to see me, they often ask how the school instils such confidence in its pupils. This question often arises from the tour of the school conducted by current pupils who have successfully displayed a friendly personable maturity without tipping over into an unattractive arrogance.  Indeed, only this week I have been commended on a tour taken by some prospective parents – Emily and Oliver, huge thanks to you!  Of course, it’s not just prospective parents who meet our pupils.  Throughout the year our pupils will meet all sorts of visitors to school: alumni, dignitaries, VIPs and other children.  I am always impressed with the courtesy, good nature and assurance that characterises the LCS pupil and it starts young  - our Longdon pupils are often commended for their interactions with our visitors, too.

So where exactly does this confident assurance come from?  The question itself is an interesting one as there are no ‘confidence’ lessons on the curriculum.  However, the importance of confidence cannot be underestimated and is pivotal as we move through life. Indeed, I genuinely believe that confidence is borne of being comfortable in your own skin, being your own true self, having integrity and taking hold of every opportunity that LCS has to offer.

In addition, senior pupils, house and form captains may be tasked with supervising younger pupils or have formal roles as leaders within Houses or as part of the Charity Committee, Anti-Bullying Committee, Changemakers Group or School Council.  Such responsibilities instil their own levels of confidence.

Co-curricular activities are similarly beneficial. The activities often put pupils of different ages together and more relaxed relationships with members of staff in these different settings also enable students to develop their communication skills and the belief that their viewpoints are important and will genuinely be considered. Being part of a music or drama ensemble, or school sports team all add currency to the confidence bank of a child.

Of course, confidence is also developed in the classroom. In the vast majority of lessons, the atmosphere nurtures pupils in both giving and listening to opinions. Tolerance of each other’s views is very much encouraged and this gives pupils the confidence to articulate their thoughts. Regular involvement in assemblies, presenting to their peers in class, chapel and cathedral also help to ensure that the pupils become more comfortable in speaking to sizeable audiences. Indeed, many pupils who start by being rather scared of public speaking, thrive through doing English Speaking Board and LAMDA examinations.  All of these opportunities alongside wider performance opportunities in Music, Drama, Dance and Sports, all of them build confidence and self-worth.

School provides endless opportunities for pupils to try new things and sometimes to fail in a supportive environment. The realisation that failure is a normal part of learning and part of life robs failure of its confidence-sapping power and allows pupils to learn how to pick themselves up and move on without losing their self-belief. This allows them to develop a growth mindset which can only lead to future success and resilience.  It is a real delight to see our pupils grow and increase in confidence as they progress though the school!
 
Inservi Deo et laetare!