I often think about the significant role we play as leaders and always come back to the same conclusion: culture will eat strategy for breakfast!
As a Head, you may not be surprised to learn that I take a keen interest in culture and consider what I can do personally to shape it. I feel fortunate to lead a credible, proud, and values-driven team at Bromley High School, and I look forward to working with them every day. It’s important that we recognise culture is never accidental, and we regularly revisit our three core values – Curiosity, Compassion, and Courage – as a community.
Last week, we were privileged to host Patrick Hutchinson as a guest speaker in our Minerva Lecture Series. In his book ‘Everyone Versus Racism’, his story is told as though this wise man is sitting right opposite you. You can feel the warmth in his tone, but also an undertone of sadness. Throughout the book, Patrick remains hopeful and optimistic.
Our Senior School girls will be exploring what it means to be anti-racist, as opposed to simply ‘not racist’. There is a significant difference. It is important to discuss how we hold each other accountable and how we connect with our mission and values: Curiosity – thinking critically about what we say; Compassion – showing empathy; and Courage – speaking up and amplifying the right voices.
Angela Duckworth, in her book ‘Grit’, posits that courageous individuals are motivated by purpose. Patrick Hutchinson’s purpose revolves around hope and optimism. Hester Lacy explains that ‘mega successful’ leaders demonstrate a striking desire to persist, look forward, and grow. As I see the girls in our school treating each other with humanity and compassion, fostering a sense of belonging, and acting as allies, they embody that purpose and desire to make the world a better place. I believe we are a true reflection of the school we aspire to be.
I wish you all a very happy and restful half term. Mine will be spent enjoying some family time in Devon, along with some (very) cold water sea swimming, while also working on our 140 strategy and overseeing the initial breaking of ground as we begin our extensive estates investment.
Mrs Emily Codling, Headmistress