Spotlight: January 2024 edition

As the time comes for us to hand out this academic year’s progress report cards, I find myself reflecting on the journey our students – and their families – have been on over the past few months. The anticipation that accompanies progress report cards is understandable; we all recognise the value of academic achievement and its role in shaping future pathways. The pursuit of educational excellence is undeniably important, but I invite you to join me in taking a holistic view of the upcoming report cards.

These assessments are not definitive markers of your child’s ability or achievement, but rather milestones along the educational journey we are taking together. They give us an insight into the academic progress, life skills and emotional growth your child has experienced throughout the year. This broad perspective is crucial as it allows us to appreciate the different dimensions of your child’s development.

I see these reports as a starter for dialogue – a means of connecting home, school and student. They set the stage for meaningful conversations about your child’s academic and personal journey, allowing us to celebrate their successes and identify areas where we can offer additional support.

It is important to remember that these reports are just one piece of the puzzle. They are complemented by daily learning experiences in the classroom, insightful feedback from teachers and your child’s personal reflections, all of which paint a fuller picture of their progress.

When you sit down to discuss the progress report card, I encourage you to approach the conversation with openness and positivity. Whatever the outcome – be it entirely positive, mixed or challenging – these discussions are invaluable. They reinforce your important role in your child’s educational experience and emphasise the collaborative nature of learning.

Ebru Güver

Head of School