Let’s look for the goodness that is there – in abundance

As we are starting to prepare ourselves for the exam season in full at secondary school, we are also starting to prepare ourselves to say ‘goodbye’ to Year 11. It is a time of mixed emotions, when we reflect on each individual ‘child’ in the year group, the people they have become, shaped by who they are, where they live and in some part by their experience of school.

We reflect on how thoroughly good these young people are, yet so often they get a ‘bad press’: characterised by those hanging around smoking, swearing, on the surface grouped so intimidatingly.

We wonder if it is even harder for young people from Gosport, not able to shake off the stereotypes compounded by a lack of confidence and potential lack of pride in their town and, as we have seen in the past, a lack of pride in their schooling.

How easy it is to reach for these stereotypical images and associations without challenge. Perhaps not, though. Cut to our school this week, a school that has been through periods of struggle.

Cut to teams of staff in non-uniform, on the gate greeting happy students in non-uniform, proud to give their £1 donation to ‘Rugby against Cancer’ and to tell you why it is a charity the school wants to support.

Cut to teams of staff and students volunteering to be sponged (or for £5 a full bucket of icy water on the head) at each break and after school for two days to support the fundraising effort. And the swarms taking on the ‘walk;’ lap after lap

of the school field, in support of the team who are ‘Trekking to Twickers’ – the 60-mile monumental fundraising activity for ‘Rugby against Cancer.’ Students and staff across the school stepping out to show their support; in spirit, in sort and with fundraising.

Perhaps even more poignant: cut to groups of students engaged in walking lap after lap of the school field, who start between them to collect litter.

One student picking up a couple of pieces, another following, then a group, then the team, then the entire year group.

There wasn’t a word said, just an action of one that led to the positive actions of many.

There were no adults suggesting it as an idea, or mooting a reward for this action; ‘just’ a group of young people who care deeply about their school and the environment, and who are driven to do something good and positive.

One still might say it is not all young people who show this generosity of spirit and kindness – but on that day and throughout this week, at our school, it is many.

And perhaps this is a good time to take a moment to think about them; the characteristics of most young people – thoughtful, empathetic, generous and kind.

As adults let’s challenge negative stereotypes and look for the goodness that is there – and there in abundance.