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At the New English School, supporting others is something we aim to instil in all our pupils, from the youngest, right through to Year 13. Recognising the needs of others and learning how to respond is critical to the development of social skills and is at the core of many of our NES values. The ability to support others is a key life skill that all children must learn and one which we hope to teach them. Sometimes, being supportive is simply a case of being able to listen or lend a hand, other times it is about appreciating our differences and respecting them. Equally, it is key to recognise that the skill of supporting others lies in our own ability to support ourselves: to care for ourselves and to then show compassion. 

"Recognising the needs of others and learning how to respond is critical to the development of social skills and is at the core of our NES values"

Support is not a solo journey but one where we work as a collective, in order to do that we must be able to care for the individual. Each child at NES is encouraged to prosper and excel in whatever medium they enjoy. Learning to support one another is not only beneficial to the receiver but it is equally a learning journey for those who are able to be a part of the process. Our students learn not to discriminate and to keep an open mind as they enter new and challenging stages of their lives. In the Primary Department there is so much growth - we are sure you have seen your children shoot up during these years but, in addition to physical growth, this is a time for learning - for personal growth. In this period, we teach our pupils how to appreciate a new and dynamic world in which we each support each other in our times of need. Life, especially school life, is not a linear process and the transitions our primary students go through are immense. Our Year 6 pupils face the challenge of secondary school, our Year 3 pupils are daunted by the prospect of larger tables and chairs. Meanwhile, the Year 4 and 5 students have to combat being caught between being the youngest and the oldest in the Junior Department. Is there a manual for growing up? No, but if we support each other, then together we have all we need to succeed.
 

Authors:

Megan Turnbull & Eleanor Hardy 

Year 6 & Year 4 Class Teachers