Invicta Vlogs
This week, we launch our POP (Personal Opportunities Programme) session, whereby students and staff across the school, will engage in over 50 different clubs and societies.
This week, we launch our POP (Personal Opportunities Programme) session, whereby students and staff across the school, will engage in over 50 different clubs and societies on a Wednesday afternoon, during Lesson 5. The aim of POP is to essentially provide a broad curriculum that develops ‘character’ and enables students to develop skills and attributes for life in Modern Britain - from Amnesty International, Public Speaking, Cooking, Musical Theatre to Boxing to name but a few. We hope that we will provide an opportunity for our students to develop new skills and interests.
I read an article by Richard Branson last week, which referred to the need for schools to be places where curiosity is encouraged and developed; where children should learn through their passions and play; as well as having an excitement about what they are learning. Then, through the joy of learning, they will become determined to explore. I could not agree with this more – it is essential that students are encouraged to be inquisitive and enthusiastic to explore new things, in an environment where they can safely experiment. Our POP programme will undoubtedly provide lots of opportunity for students to ‘test’ themselves, but at the same time, enable them to develop new passions. I firmly believe that one of our fundamental roles is to help students to be both ‘interested’ and ‘interesting’ people. Taking part in the Triathlon, Creative Writing, Photography or the Certificate of Management will provide our students with something to talk about, as well as giving them a hobby outside of their academic studies. It will develop our character traits of resilient, interested, independent and responsible people. At the same time, I hope that they will have fun and that our Wednesday afternoon activity will break up the week, with an opportunity to get to know staff in a different light, along with extending friendships across the school.
Richard Branson referred to the need for curiosity and tenacity. I shall look forward to seeing these qualities over the course of this academic year and cannot wait for Wednesday’s launch of POP. It will certainly create a ‘buzz’ around the school I am sure!
