From the Head of Senior School

Last week, the Year 7 House Tutors conducted Parent-Teacher Interviews. These conversations centred around how the Year 7 students have transitioned into Senior School life, discussing topics such as student organisation, workload management, friendships and pastoral care. It was a busy evening and provided an ideal opportunity for families, particularly those who are new to Girton, to ask questions and feel reassured about how their child is settling in.

To assist students with their study skills, time management, organisation and overall wellbeing, I also wanted to remind parents about the Senior School’s access to a valuable resource called the Study Skills Handbook. This website (which can be accessed through the Student Services page in Astra) provides a range of practical tips and modules for students to complete. With the right skills, every student has the ability to succeed, and this site is a fantastic resource to help your child pinpoint how they can learn as efficiently and effectively as possible.

The power of reflection

By now, most students will have sat or submitted their first assessment in many of their subjects. Assessments remain pivotal milestones in a student’s learning experience as they journey through the academic year. From quizzes and exams to projects and presentations, they provide valuable opportunities for students to demonstrate their understanding, apply their knowledge and showcase their skills. However, what happens after the assessment task is equally important as the assessment itself.

Reflection – the process of looking back on one’s experiences, actions and outcomes – is a fundamental aspect of learning that holds immense value for our students. Rather than simply receiving a grade or feedback, it is important for students to leverage each assessment as a stepping stone for growth and improvement. Helping your child foster a habit of reflecting after they complete an assessment has a number of benefits:

Learning from mistakes: Reflection allows students to analyse their performance objectively and identify areas where they excelled and areas where they fell short. Students can pinpoint misconceptions, gaps in understanding or ineffective study strategies by analysing their mistakes. This awareness empowers them to make necessary adjustments and avoid repeating the same errors in the future.
Goal setting and progress monitoring: Through reflection, students can set realistic goals for their academic progress and track their performance over time. By comparing their current achievements with their desired outcomes, students can develop action plans to bridge the gap between where they are and where they aspire to be. This process cultivates a sense of accountability and self-directed learning, essential skills for lifelong success. Students are encouraged to record their goals in their school diaries.
Building metacognitive skills: Reflection fosters metacognition – the ability to think about one’s own thinking. When students reflect on their learning process, they delve deeper into how they approach tasks, solve problems and retain information. This metacognitive awareness enables them to become more strategic and adaptive learners, capable of employing effective learning strategies tailored to their individual needs.
Enhancing self-efficacy: By reflecting on their accomplishments and progress, students develop a sense of self-efficacy – the belief in their ability to succeed. Celebrating their achievements, no matter how small, builds their confidence and motivation to tackle future challenges. Moreover, acknowledging the effort and perseverance required for improvement instils a growth mindset, where setbacks are viewed as opportunities for learning.

Educators and parents play a crucial role in nurturing reflective practices among our students. Encouraging them to take ownership of their learning journey and providing guidance on effective reflection techniques are essential to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.

Ms Dawn Davis

Head of Senior School