Staying true: Nurturing identity and aspiration

"To thine own self be true"
William Shakespeare

One of the most important lessons we can offer young people is the encouragement to be true to themselves. The quotation above is from Hamlet and the whole speech offers all sorts of salient advice from Polonius to his son – it’s worth a look! As we clearly acknowledge here, each child is a unique combination of talents, passions, and character. Education should be a journey of discovery, helping them to discern their strengths and to aim high, regardless of their starting point.

Research in developmental psychology shows that children who feel supported in their authentic identity report higher levels of resilience and wellbeing. Dr Angela Duckworth’s work on “grit” highlights that long-term success depends not only on intelligence, but also on passion and perseverance. When children are given the space to explore who they are, they develop this inner drive. Also, to recognise that failure is part of the journey to success – they may not win every match, but they’ll learn lots in any event.

It is vital that we, as parents and educators, communicate that every path to excellence is valid - whether in science, art, sport, or service. Sir Ken Robinson once observed, “The role of education is to help young people discover their unique talents and passions.” That discovery can only happen when children are encouraged to be themselves and are comfortable in their own skin.

Our goal is to nurture individuals who not only achieve academically, but who also live meaningful and fulfilled lives that acknowledge the needs of others as well as their own. Being an LCS pupil means becoming the best authentic version of yourself through the myriad of opportunities, values and experiences life in this Cathedral school provides.

Inservi Deo et laetare