Living our Strengths Daily

The highlights have been innumerable. In Sixth Form, students have focused on understanding how they could reach their SMART goals by using their strengths. For example, a student whose strength is teamwork may focus on creating study groups in order to better prepare for their final exams, since working together will help them achieve their academic goals. Another student high in humour would do well to ensure they have connections with their friends and time to express their humour in their study plans. We have found when students are able to work to their individual strengths, they are more successful in achieving their goals.

Walking around Secondary, you may notice classroom doors covered in artwork depicting students’ nationalities, houses and top five character strengths. We hope that through these daily reminders of who we are as individuals and as a form - and the strengths we each have - will enable students to see how they are unique and valued as a person and within a class.

Our focus on VIA Strengths has crossed over into various subjects. Some teachers have even grouped their table groups by strengths, ensuring there is a real mix on each table. This demonstrates that when we can be our strongest, most authentic self, working together and using each other’s strengths, great things can be achieved.

Our week-long Women’s Day celebration saw students identifying strengths in well-known women, as well as in those who have been influential in their lives. We read lovely messages about the strengths they see in their mothers, aunts and grandmothers who have played such an important role in students’ childhoods. It is amazing how strong and powerful it can be to focus on what strengths the people around us have.

We are continually striving towards a community that is strength-spotting every day! Which strengths did you see today? Did you tell the person?