Year 6 enjoyed a thought-provoking leadership workshop called ‘Raising my inner game’ on Monday 25 September, delivered by inspirational educational speaker, trainer and coach Emma Gleadhill.

With a reputation for delivering transformative learning in psychological wellbeing, emotional intelligence and healthy relationships, Ms Gleadhill gave systematic training on managing our inner game – what we are thinking, feeling, what our bodies are saying, and the quality of our self-talk. 

“While modern life tends to focus on the ‘outer game’ – skills, results, productivity and relationships – it is the balance of the two that brings true flourishing,” explains Ms Gleadhill. 

The morning covered setting the tone and intentions for Year 6 and preparing for Senior School, understanding stress contagion and calm contagion, taking ownership of one’s reactions, managing our nervous system for success, self-care, down-regulating from anxious states and opening receptivity to others. 

In the afternoon, pupils created their personal calming plan and discussed the stories they need to tell themselves. They also learnt about the power of showing up and taking the lead, likeability skills and the values of inclusion, equality, collaboration – and how to uphold them. Group presentation work involved rehearsing a whole school assembly on leadership and what we have learned.