A note from our Principal

With the first half term all but finished, it is apparent yet again that time can pass by very quickly during the academic year. I’m always proud of all or our students, but those I admire the most at this stage of the year are those who joined us for the first time in September, from a vast range of other schools. Brampton is unlike many other schools and college life can take a bit of getting used to. Yet get use to it they do and students new to Brampton quickly adapt to our system of tutorials, regular testing and a timetable that puts the onus on them to make the most of their time and their opportunities.

Many Brampton students are in their final year of study before university. It is a hugely significant and important year for them. For us we see students year-in, year-out navigate this challenging period supported by our dedicated and experienced staff, but for those experiencing it for the first time, it can be a daunting experience. This month Lindsay (Vice Principal) and I were interviewed for the parent and teacher student wellbeing platform ‘SchoolTV.’ Lindsay shared her experience of safeguarding whereas I was asked questions related to successfully navigating the ‘final year’ before university. One question was about what to do when students fixate on or worry about their end result. My advice went something like this:

Students can fixate on the end result – usually this is a letter printed on a page – A*, A, B or whatever. But once students have decided what end result they are aiming for there is really nothing more they can do about it. Instead I would ask parents to encourage students to focus on the process involved in achieving this outcome. Help them build a study timetable and a good routine, and to set small achievable goals and targets. I often talk to students about what I call OPP – Outcome, Performance and Process. Essentially if you get the process right, you will start to achieve the performance you need in order to get the outcome you are striving towards.

Especially at a time when university applications are being sent off and processed, end grades can become all-consuming. My advice is to think about them as little as possible while focusing on the process. What can you do today, this week, this month to make progress toward your goals? There is so much support at Brampton to assist with this, and I find it uplifting to see students working each day with their teachers, tutors and other staff to help them achieve their final goals.

John