Thoughts from the Study
Broomfield Leadership Award
Last week, we proudly launched the Dukes Young Leaders Award in Year 6, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to instilling further leadership qualities within the Broomfield curriculum. This initiative will be rolled out across Years 1-6 from September 2024, building on the success of our Little Leaders Award in the Early Years that we launched earlier this year through our Famly App. The award will focus on the three pillars of leadership, adventure, and service, aiming to better both our local community and the world. Children will take part in a whole range of exciting activities in school, many of which are already part of the curriculum, as well as taking on challenges out of school.
Self-leadership is at the heart of this new initiative. As Aristotle said, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” This new award is designed to help children discover their passions and understand their capabilities as leaders. By encouraging children to independently explore new interests and challenge themselves, we aim to further build their confidence and self-esteem. This, in turn, equips them with the resilience needed to navigate life’s challenges, combating the rise of mental ill-health among young people, something we need to prioritise at prep school age.
Our Leadership Award emphasises the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone. It has never been more crucial to equip children with the skills to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world. By providing a platform for our children to try new things and learn what makes them unique, we hope to inspire a generation of resilient and innovative leaders.
The challenge and the journey are as important as the destination. A tangible example from my own experiences is when I took a group of 15-year-olds, some of whom were selected to take part and fully funded, to Everest Base Camp – an expedition I have led twice. Although the destination was a motivating endpoint, the greatest lessons were learnt along the journey, at the crossroads when decisions needed to be made directly by the children, and barriers overcome. Those who completed the 19-day trek, despite initially lacking the motivation to perform well in their exams due to low self-esteem, returned transformed. They were confident and ready to tackle the challenges ahead, and we were able to demonstrate this impact on academic attainment by comparing performance before the expedition with a much better performance after.
The DYLA programme aims to celebrate the emerging leadership qualities in every child in their own unique way. Whether through wellbeing, community service, communication, adventure, or independence, each child will have the opportunity to develop essential tools for navigating life’s complexities. The programme aims to empower children to thrive in any environment and make a positive impact.
One unique aspect of our Young Leaders Award is our analogue approach to tracking progress. While we have tested various online platforms, we believe in the value of children spending more time away from screens. There is, of course, a balance here. Broomfield children already leave school tech-savvy, confident and capable users of AI, with a working knowledge of industry-standard programming languages as well as CAD and other creative software. However, it is obvious to me that the addition of digital platforms is not always the most beneficial approach. This is why each child will receive a physical DYLA passport, which will be stamped with an official school stamp upon completion of each element of the programme. This hands-on approach not only adds a tangible sense of achievement but also encourages children to engage more deeply with their experiences and reflect on them in discussion with the class teacher or other school staff before the stamp firmly signs an activity off.
While our current Year 6 cohort work through their passport of activities this term, I am already looking forward to September, when more children will begin their own leadership journeys. The Dukes Young Leaders Award is a testament to our commitment to nurturing well-rounded, resilient, and compassionate leaders and is poised to make a lasting positive impact.
All the best for the weekend.
Mr Anstey
The rain couldn’t dampen our spirits this morning as we celebrated the first day back at Broomfield. The children were thrilled to explore their new classrooms and reconnect with friends. We’re looking forward to a fantastic year together!
The rain couldn’t dampen our spirits this morning as we celebrated the first day back at Broomfield. The children were thrilled to explore their new classrooms and reconnect with friends. We’re looking forward to a fantastic year together! ...
We cannot wait to welcome everyone back to school this morning! A brand new outdoor space awaits the children designed for relaxation, socialising, and connecting with nature. With plenty of greenery, it’s the perfect spot to unwind.
We cannot wait to welcome everyone back to school this morning! A brand new outdoor space awaits the children designed for relaxation, socialising, and connecting with nature. With plenty of greenery, it’s the perfect spot to unwind. ...
And the winners have been announced! Well done to all children who participated in our Eco Trail over the last few weeks. The children explored nature, learnt about sustainability, and developed a deeper appreciation for the environment. We are incredibly proud of our eco-conscious pupils! 🌿🌍 #ecotrail #sustainability #koalaecotrail
And the winners have been announced! Well done to all children who participated in our Eco Trail over the last few weeks. The children explored nature, learnt about sustainability, and developed a deeper appreciation for the environment. We are incredibly proud of our eco-conscious pupils! 🌿🌍 #ecotrail #sustainability #koalaecotrail ...
What a year we have had! Year 6 children are celebrating their amazing journey at Broomfield House School. Awards were received, tears were shed, and hugs were shared with family and friends at today’s Award Ceremony. We are proud of every child for contributing to school life with such enthusiasm and kindness over the years.
After the awards presentation, we had the honour of welcoming Chris Sheasby, a true rugby legend, who delivered an inspiring speech about the importance of friendship. With a stellar academic background from Radley College and the University of Cambridge, Chris excelled both academically and athletically. His distinguished rugby career saw him play No. 8 for top clubs like Wasps, Harlequins, and London Irish. A standout moment was starting in the 2002 Powergen Cup Final at Twickenham, leading London Irish to victory over Northampton Saints. On the international stage, Chris earned seven caps for England, making a memorable debut with a try against Italy.
Thanks to Chris Sheasby for taking the time to visit us and thanks to all families who celebrated with us today! It was a really special event for the children.
#awardceremony #year6awards #prepschoolaward #guestspeaker #chrissheasby #inspirationalspeech #prepschoollife
What a year we have had! Year 6 children are celebrating their amazing journey at Broomfield House School. Awards were received, tears were shed, and hugs were shared with family and friends at today’s Award Ceremony. We are proud of every child for contributing to school life with such enthusiasm and kindness over the years.
After the awards presentation, we had the honour of welcoming Chris Sheasby, a true rugby legend, who delivered an inspiring speech about the importance of friendship. With a stellar academic background from Radley College and the University of Cambridge, Chris excelled both academically and athletically. His distinguished rugby career saw him play No. 8 for top clubs like Wasps, Harlequins, and London Irish. A standout moment was starting in the 2002 Powergen Cup Final at Twickenham, leading London Irish to victory over Northampton Saints. On the international stage, Chris earned seven caps for England, making a memorable debut with a try against Italy.
Thanks to Chris Sheasby for taking the time to visit us and thanks to all families who celebrated with us today! It was a really special event for the children.
#awardceremony #year6awards #prepschoolaward #guestspeaker #chrissheasby #inspirationalspeech #prepschoollife ...
We had so much fun today! Children gathered in the playground for our annual Den Day. The challenge was to design and construct dens using a variety of materials, and our children rose to the occasion with great team spirit. Despite rather windy weather conditions, the children collaboratively built impressive structures. Well done all!
We had so much fun today! Children gathered in the playground for our annual Den Day. The challenge was to design and construct dens using a variety of materials, and our children rose to the occasion with great team spirit. Despite rather windy weather conditions, the children collaboratively built impressive structures. Well done all! ...
Meet our Headmaster for the day! Felix arrived at school dressed impeccably for his important role. He participated in key meetings, discussed budgets with the finance team, and even had the opportunity to meet Dukes Education UK CEO, Tim Fish. What a day!
Meet our Headmaster for the day! Felix arrived at school dressed impeccably for his important role. He participated in key meetings, discussed budgets with the finance team, and even had the opportunity to meet Dukes Education UK CEO, Tim Fish. What a day! ...
🌿🌎 We are thrilled to launch our new Eco Trail to mark World Environment Day. Join us for a fun and educational adventure through Kew, where you will discover amazing places that help the environment.
🌟 Special Bonus 🐨 Children can win their very own Koala soft toy!
Bring your family, enjoy the walk, and start important conversations about how we can all contribute to a greener future. Let’s make a positive impact together!
📅 Date: Maps will be available to pick up from our local partners @cafetorellikew, Halletts Estate Agents Kew Village and Broomfield House School from Friday 14th June 24.
📍 Location: Kew Village
We can’t wait! 🌿👣
#worldenvironmentday #ecotrail #prepschoolsustainability #kewwalk #koalaecotrail #greenfuture
🌿🌎 We are thrilled to launch our new Eco Trail to mark World Environment Day. Join us for a fun and educational adventure through Kew, where you will discover amazing places that help the environment.
🌟 Special Bonus 🐨 Children can win their very own Koala soft toy!
Bring your family, enjoy the walk, and start important conversations about how we can all contribute to a greener future. Let’s make a positive impact together!
📅 Date: Maps will be available to pick up from our local partners @cafetorellikew, Halletts Estate Agents Kew Village and Broomfield House School from Friday 14th June 24.
📍 Location: Kew Village
We can’t wait! 🌿👣
#worldenvironmentday #ecotrail #prepschoolsustainability #kewwalk #koalaecotrail #greenfuture ...
Art Highlight 🎨 The children in Year 3 learnt about aboriginal art and the origin of natural pigments this term.
Art Highlight 🎨 The children in Year 3 learnt about aboriginal art and the origin of natural pigments this term. ...
We have received the brilliant news that we we are now members of The Independent Association of Prep Schools (@iapsuk)! To reach IAPS membership status, schools must reach a very high standard, with strict criteria on teaching a broad curriculum, maintaining excellent standards of pastoral care and keeping staff members’ professional development training up to date. #prepschoollondon #iaps #iapsmembership #prepschoollife #prepschoolrichmond
We have received the brilliant news that we we are now members of The Independent Association of Prep Schools (@iapsuk)! To reach IAPS membership status, schools must reach a very high standard, with strict criteria on teaching a broad curriculum, maintaining excellent standards of pastoral care and keeping staff members’ professional development training up to date. #prepschoollondon #iaps #iapsmembership #prepschoollife #prepschoolrichmond ...
It’s been another busy week at Broomfield! Our annual Summer Serenade performances showcased the incredible musical talents of our pupils. Kindergarten children enjoyed the hands-on experiences at Holly Lodge, including log rolling, pond dipping, and exploring the life cycle of butterflies. Our Bikeability workshops equipped children with essential road safety awareness and cycling skills. Plus, we made the most of the beautiful weather, spending plenty of time outdoors. #prepschoolrichmond #prepschooloutdoorlearning #prepschoolsummerterm #prepschoollife
It’s been another busy week at Broomfield! Our annual Summer Serenade performances showcased the incredible musical talents of our pupils. Kindergarten children enjoyed the hands-on experiences at Holly Lodge, including log rolling, pond dipping, and exploring the life cycle of butterflies. Our Bikeability workshops equipped children with essential road safety awareness and cycling skills. Plus, we made the most of the beautiful weather, spending plenty of time outdoors. #prepschoolrichmond #prepschooloutdoorlearning #prepschoolsummerterm #prepschoollife ...
This week we enjoyed a fantastic showcase of musical talent at Broomfield. The Summer Serenade performances allowed our children to shine on stage after hours of practice and perseverance. The children have worked really hard all year and this week was a testament to their achievements.
This week we enjoyed a fantastic showcase of musical talent at Broomfield. The Summer Serenade performances allowed our children to shine on stage after hours of practice and perseverance. The children have worked really hard all year and this week was a testament to their achievements. ...
On Thursday 25th April, one of our Year 4 children had the honour of giving a reading at the Cenotaph in London. Anzac Day marks the Gallipoli landings in 1915, as well as commemorating all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in military operations.
On Thursday 25th April, one of our Year 4 children had the honour of giving a reading at the Cenotaph in London. Anzac Day marks the Gallipoli landings in 1915, as well as commemorating all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in military operations. ...