Being Courageous in Learning and in Life
At OPAC, we believe that courage is a cornerstone of personal growth and success. Courage is not only about facing our fears; it is also about persisting in the face of challenges, managing distractions, taking risks, trying new things and remaining open to new learning. According to Guy Claxton, the Building Learning Power Approach emphasises the importance of developing students' learning dispositions, including courage. Claxton suggests that courage involves the willingness to take risks, embrace uncertainty and persist despite difficulties. By fostering these dispositions, we help students become resilient and adaptable learners. Here’s how we are fostering these dispositions in our students and how you can support this journey at home.
Persistence is the ability to keep going even when things get tough. In our classrooms, we encourage students to tackle difficult tasks and celebrate their efforts, not just their successes. We teach them that mistakes are a part of learning and that perseverance leads to improvement.
At Home: Encourage your child to stick with challenging tasks. Praise their effort and resilience rather than just the outcome. Share stories of times when you had to persist to achieve a goal.
In a world full of distractions, learning to focus is crucial. We help students develop strategies to manage distractions, such as setting goals, breaking tasks into smaller steps and taking breaks when needed.
At Home: Create a quiet, dedicated space for homework and study. Help your child set specific goals and break tasks into manageable parts. Encourage regular breaks to keep their mind fresh.
Taking risks and trying new things are essential for growth. We provide a safe environment where students feel comfortable stepping out of their comfort zones, whether it's trying a new activity, speaking up in class, or tackling a difficult subject.
At Home: Encourage your child to try new activities and hobbies. Celebrate their willingness to take risks, even if they don't succeed at first. Share your own experiences of trying new things and what you learned from them.
Being open to new learning means being curious and willing to explore new ideas. We foster a love of learning by exposing students to a variety of subjects and encouraging them to ask questions and seek answers.
At Home: Cultivate curiosity by exploring new topics together. Visit museums, read books and watch educational programs. Encourage your child to ask questions and find answers together.
A Great Start for Prep and Kindergarten
Starting school is a big milestone for our youngest learners, and we have been amazed by the courage and resilience shown by our Kindergarten and Prep students as they settle into this new adventure. For many students, school is the first place they learn how to navigate friendships beyond their immediate family. Sharing, taking turns and using kind words are just a few of the social skills being developed each day. It has been heartwarming to see the students show courage by reaching out to one another, whether by offering a helping hand, inviting a friend to play or simply sharing a smile.
Establishing routines helps children feel secure and understand what to expect throughout the school day. From morning greetings to lining up, unpacking bags and participating in group activities, our students are learning the rhythms of school life. Classroom expectations are introduced in a supportive way, encouraging children to listen, follow instructions and contribute positively to their learning environment.
We are so proud of the enthusiasm, bravery and determination our Kindergarten and Prep students are demonstrating. With each new day, they grow in confidence, curiosity and friendships, setting a strong foundation for their learning journey ahead!
“My teacher is the best at reading stories and used a funny voice when we read Pig the Pug.” – Amelia N (Prep Red)
“The best part of kindergarten is making new friends!” – Harvey K (KB)
“I love colouring in and when we get to sing songs and do the actions at the same time.” – Dakota S (KG)
“Craft is my favourite thing. I made a Humpty Dumpty, and my teacher put it up in the room.” – Dimitri K (KR)
God bless,
Mrs Kathryn Watkins
Deputy Head of Junior School – Teaching and Learning
