Blog
The Whole of You
The class of 2020 is unique.
Just a few weeks ago, alongside the closure of schools, colleges and universities across the country, came the announcement that our brilliant young people wouldn’t have the opportunity to undertake their final exams this summer; there’d be no chance to demonstrate their capabilities and hard-work in the same way as their peers before them.
As expected, there was a raft of emotions: relief, panic, frustration, uncertainty of the unknown; what would this mean for their futures?
Well, class of 2020, know this: Your GCSE and A-level grades do not define you; they’re not the whole of you; they’re only one part.
There is a bigger picture.
As individuals, you all have unique skills and talents. Many of these cannot be tested by a mainstream exam, and there will be other skills and talents you’re not even aware of yet. But nevertheless, they’re there, waiting to be discovered. Perhaps during this period of lockdown, they will emerge? Keep developing these; they’re an incredibly important part of you.
Think of all that diverse subject knowledge you’ve been developing and building upon throughout your years in education; you can continue with this by fostering lifelong learning.
Think of the life experiences you’ve had to date. They’ve shaped you as a person and led you to where you are today. In the future, you will look back on this time and understand that it taught you many things: the value of kindness and community spirit, the tenacity and resilience to keep going in difficult times.
Each one of you has unique qualities, values and characteristics that will underpin your future endeavours; learn from the challenges and failures you encounter and celebrate your successes. Embrace what makes you special, what makes you different, what makes you the person you are. Throughout your career, it will be more important than ever to recognise your strengths and celebrate what makes you special.
Your experiences are key. Whether this is paid employment or voluntary/charity work, offering to help a neighbour or just giving back to society in some small way, you must recognise and reflect on these experiences; they’re all important, and will help to support you in your future aspirations.
Remember, you so much are more than grades on a piece of paper; take control, recognise your brilliance and see where it takes you.
