As Year 9 embark on exam week, we have been reflecting on ideas of balance, particularly the concepts of ‘Yin and Yang’.  We explored how taking time to reflect and process (Yin) helps us recalibrate and ultimately improves our active focus and performance (Yang). With a long journey ahead towards their first public exams, it’s important to see these summer assessments as an opportunity to build good habits.

We talked about how to manage sensibly periods of challenge or stress with pragmatic informed action alongside enjoying the little things that bring us joy.

Alongside this approach, and somewhat in contrast, I also spoke to girls about the concept of OTTNO – on to the next one. This was a theory introduced to me by a sales director in the States where getting deals is everything. She spoke about how when a deal falls through or she faces rejection, for her, ‘it’s on to the next one (OTTNO)’ – a discipline of resilience and pushing through even when disappointment hits. Similarly, when an exam or test is over, we move on to the next task until we can properly reflect and learn from it. Nothing good comes from a year group directing an exam as they walk out of the room.

To end the week on a positive note before exams began, we organised a surprise ice lolly breakfast for the year group! It was great fun for the girls even if the May morning sun hadn’t quite warmed up yet. The tutors and I swiftly followed our Twisters with a cup of tea in the staff room, not nearly as hardy as teenagers!