As adults we are all terrified of something. For me, standing up front of the parents after the Year 6 performance of the Tempest was frightening because I could not see anything, the stage lights are blinding and you are unable to see your audience or interact with anyone. What if they respond really badly to me and I can’t get it right for the pupils I am thanking? A second fear is borne out of my own experiences of school cross country and the seeming pleasure that my teachers took in making us run in alien conditions and inappropriate clothing. In the last two weeks I have been able to see how, with the right teachers and encouragement, these defining moments can be uplifting and leave the pupils with something so positive and formative.

The recent Taunton Drama Festival saw a range of pupils from Year 3 to 8 stare down the lights and thrive as they put all their hard work to the test. Not only this, their performances were full of fun, verve and maturity: a lesson for their Head to absorb! Secondly, this weekend, whilst many of us were enjoying the exeat, a hardy group of Year 7s and 8s represented the School at the area cross country finals. On an airfield near Ilton on Saturday, a howling gale reduced the temperature to minus something and yet our runners smiled and ran with such pride and dedication. It helps when your teammates finish their race and instead of rushing home they stay and cheer each and every competitor home. It struck me that children only have our hang-ups when we impose them. Innately they have no fear because the only limits they have are learnt from us as teachers and parents. By letting them be the cheerleaders for one another they will step outside their comfort zones and achieve things we believe are frightening or impossible. Sometimes it is just best for us as adults to step back and let the children thrive.  

Ed Burnett
TPS Headmaster