Interview with Artist Pieter Pander

Nord Anglia Education, the leading international schools organisation, has published the final report from its two-year Metacognition Research Project, one of the most comprehensive studies of metacognition in schools to date, in partnership with the Lynch School of Education and Human Development at Boston College.

In the world of performance—be it theater, music, dance, or public speaking—there's one quality that can elevate an act from ordinary to extraordinary: zest. This vibrant energy, characterised by enthusiasm and passion, is what captivates audiences and leaves a lasting impression. Let’s explore how embracing zest can transform your performance and inspire both you and your audience.

We are proud to share an exciting snapshot of early university offers received by our Year 13 students. This stage of the application journey reflects months of careful planning, academic commitment and personal growth. From preparing for subject-specific entrance assessments and interviews to refining personal statements, portfolios and academic profiles, our students have approached this demanding process with maturity, resilience and purpose.

Recently, the school received excellent news as our Year 11 early entry IGCSE Mathematics students received their results from the November examination session. The outcomes were absolutely outstanding, with every student achieving a Grade 8 or Grade 9, and the majority securing the highest possible grade. These results reflect both the students’ commitment and the high level of support provided by their teacher.

In our fast-paced world, the concept of balance has never been more critical. Whether in personal development, training routines, or family life, finding the equilibrium between effort (yang) and relaxation (yin) can lead to a more fulfilling and productive existence. Let's explore the importance of balancing training with downtime and family time, backed by research that underscores this essential principle.

I recently had a great conversation with a colleague after a sports education lesson with our Year 11 student athletes. During our debrief, she shared her experience of feeling the energy and presence of a player she "just happened" to watch during a netball competition in Suzhou, China. When a player from a different team stepped onto the court to take the center position, she sensed something extraordinary. As soon as the referee blew the whistle and the ball left the player’s hands, she instantly recognized that this athlete had the X Factor!

Thank you to all our parents who completed the recent survey. As always, your feedback is vital in the decisions we make moving forward, and to receive so many fantastic comments shows just how engaged we are as an international community.

Understanding the distinction between victory and winning is crucial for personal and athletic development. Although often used interchangeably, there is a subtle difference.

Let’s recognise and celebrate our uniqueness! While high performance can lead to significant achievements in sports, academics, or professional environments, it often brings challenges such as pressure, stress, work-life balance, and the fear of failure. However, today’s blog is all about you—your uniqueness. You are unique!

When selecting a keyword that embodies peak performance for this blog, "Trust" was my initial choice. However, I have recently reflected on a concept that resonates deeply with me: transition. This term refers to how we shift from one state of mind to another—whether from positive to negative, focused to distracted, or calm to anxious. The ability to navigate these emotional transitions is crucial for maximising peak performance.