Mrs La Farge's blog - Developing Resilience through Challenge, Making Progress Visible to All and Promoting Wellbeing

It is lovely to see the rhythm of the school term settling down with children arriving at school so confidently, working so diligently in class, with many staying happily for clubs and care and the older pupils involved in some competitive sporting events already. It is a busy week for everyone!

As we announced last year, our School Progress Plan for this academic year is based around three areas - Developing Resilience through Challenge, Making Progress Visible to All and Promoting Wellbeing. I am pleased to say we are already moving forward in these areas. So far this term, we have hosted two excellent information evenings for parents, explaining our vision for PE and sport and also the rationale for our use of Google and Chrome books. Our staff training at the beginning of term was centered around Challenge for All and many of the ideas discussed are already in place across the school.

We are also aware of how important it is to develop resilience and perseverance in the children, to enable them to reach their potential and not to be put off by challenges in whatever guise they meet them. These qualities can’t be taught in a single lesson, but Gateway pupils are given so many opportunities to develop these skills in the classroom, in their PE and sports curriculum, their creative arts lessons and in our extensive extra-curricular programme. The phrase “I can’t do it yet” is encouraged. The phrase “I can’t do it” is not accepted! The children are encouraged and supported to step out of their comfort zone and relish new challenges - a skill that will stand them in good stead as they grow up - enabling them to develop into confident individuals who will be successful in their chosen walk of life.