Thought For The Day – Friday 23rd May 2025
Sprint In A Marathon
The photograph above was taken this morning.
Yesterday, we paid tribute to the Support Staff at T.B.S.H.S.
It is now a year since Mrs. Dawn Curtis retired as a wonderful Science Technician at T.B.S.H.S. after thirty-four years of service to the School.
Equally, we pay great tribute today to Mrs. Crocker for her characteristically brilliant work at T.B.S.H.S., in the crucible, and heartbeat, of the School that is the “Admissions, Attendance and Educational Visits Office.” This was somewhere so many of you and us have visited, whether it be at London Road or Beaumont Avenue. An office which checks on all of you, and us, each and every day. Mrs. Crocker has always been so good humoured, kind, positive and supportive. Mrs. Crocker also has taken T.B.S.H.S.’ Netball teams. In her very significant nine years working at the School, and in her massive support as a parent of a former student of the School, Mrs. Crocker has epitomized the values of the School. Her last day at T.B.S.H.S., helping others once again, will be on the 6th June 2025. We also greatly thank Mrs. Kitching and Mrs. Williams for all their equally outstanding work they also do in this nucleus-like office.
Without true unsung heroes “behind the scenes” there are no managers, coaches, players, team, club, school or community.
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Within the marathon that is the/this/any academic year, this half-term has very much been a sprint. Both a marathon and a sprint.
It has been a shorter half-term, but no less busy. In fact, it has been far more busy because it has been shorter. Even today, thanks to staff and students, the “Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award” takes place of a large number of Year 9 students.
We pay tribute to Year 11 who have had multiple G.C.S.E. examinations this week.
As has now become customary nationally, there are a large number of examinations on a daily basis before half-term. In recent times, some students, after their final examination, have calculated how many hours of assessment they have personally had. It is a very substantial figure for students in Year 11 and Year 13 today. They all show great resilience in this endeavour.
Year 13 examinations too are now far, far more prevalent before half-term than they were a few years ago. Well done to Year 13 also on their very positive beginning. Less subjects mean even greater depth, of course, both in reading, research and responding through writing.
There are no examinations during half-term at least. A time to re-charge, rest, reflect, read and revise, after an appropriate intermission.
To a certain extent, such demands, and positive opportunities, are the reason internal examinations and assessments are structured the way they are at T.B.S.H.S. and why each day matters. Far better to spread out the study, the work and the life “little by little”, “one step at a time”, rather than allow significant build-up. This is a healthy and holistic approach.
This is why an excellent Year 10 Parents’ Evening was very important last night and why Year 12 and Year 8 examinations are equally important after half-term.
Well done to Year 7 this week. Proportionately, and relatively, they have demonstrated resilience, just like Year 11 and Year 13. “The Academy” is tomorrow’s, and today’s, “First Team”.
In all the above, the joy of learning must be the real driving force. If we love what we do, and are passionate about it, the results, and outcomes, sort themselves out. Or, at very least, we can reflect on giving our very best, which is all that matters. Process is performance. We take pride over our work, like the current TBSHS’ Art Exhibition inspires us to do once again.
Unsung heroes of the examinations process, and life, are carers, families, homes and parents. “The real team behind the team behind the team behind the team”.
Ultimately, doing our best, being the very best version of ourselves, staying healthy and looking after others, and ourselves, always comes first.
Values transcend everything.
Have a good half-term.
Do not always look down on your ‘phone. Look around, look (out) for, look within and look above.
Stay safe.
