It’s All About Character

After a hectic but enjoyable first term, I wanted to write a short introduction about myself and the Pastoral team, but also include some observations and priorities for the futures of our boys.

One thing is clear, Newington is a busy place. Dr Andrew Hirst wrote at the end of last year that it is a “place on the move” – a busy college where boys are challenged both in and out of the classroom and where character development is central to what we do. An intensive co-curricular offering and a rich choice of Service Learning, leadership opportunities, and a strong House culture provides every boy with the opportunity to belong and connect with both their peers and the teaching staff.

During Term 1 I spoke at assemblies about ‘character’. I reinforced the difference between ‘image’ and ‘integrity’. The former relates to appearance and the latter focusing on substance which runs deeper than simply obeying school rules.

I have visited many, many co-curricular sports and activities and enjoyed the huge ‘esprit de corps’ that many boys’ schools enjoy. Of note was the hugely relational side of these activities where boys are known and known well.

Indeed this is the essence of good pastoral care. To be known for one’s character and personality, one’s strengths and shortfalls, allows deep growth. To observe a familiarity between peers and between boys and staff allows for genuine growth and realistic expectations. Some schools struggle to find a balance between the glory of the institution and the real purpose of co-curricular engagement.

Our boys must remain central to what we do. We must continue to use a language that goes beyond the sport or activity in order to promote good character. The sporting priorities of hard work, resilience, teamwork and excellence are transferrable to all walks of life and directly relate to the academic pillars of the school. Not all boys can play in ‘A’ or 1^st teams so compulsory engagement in sport and activities must be within the context of character growth where meaning and purpose are frequently explained to the boys.

Many coaches praise individuals for their efforts, their improvement, their commitment and their ability to bounce back from a defeat or a tough lesson. For boys to give to something bigger than themselves creates that wonderful context for good character growth.

Some of our future priorities include reviews of Pastoral programmes such as Leadership and the introduction of some positive psychology initiatives for 2014. I am delighted to be at Newington and I am ably supported by Ms Filomena Moretti and Ms Elizabeth Forgan in the office, and by an extensive Pastoral team including Mr Jeff Snare, Head of Middle School, the Heads of House and Years, the Counsellor, the Careers Director and the Mentors. I am excited about working with them and you for the good of the boys, especially for their good ‘character’.

Mr Robert Meakin
Deputy Head of Stanmore – Head of Pastoral