Every Day is an Adventure: Building on a Strong Start to the School Year

19th September 2025

It has been wonderful to see our school buzzing with energy again over the last couple of weeks. As students and staff settle into their new timetables and routines, we want to say thank you for helping to make the start of the new academic year so positive.

Now that we’re underway, it’s the perfect time to build on this great start by embedding the strong habits that will help your child thrive all year long.

The Power of a Predictable Routine for Teenagers, a predictable routine isn't boring; it’s a source of security. It reduces morning stress, frees up mental energy for learning, and helps them feel in control. A calm morning and a structured evening can make a world of difference.

Here are a few practical tips that can help:

• Prepare the Night Before: This is a game-changer. Before bed, encourage your child to pack their school bag and lay out their uniform. This simple five-minute job saves a huge amount of stress in the morning rush.

• Protect Their Sleep: Teenagers need 8-10 hours of sleep to be able to focus and learn effectively. A consistent bedtime, even on weekends, works wonders. Try to encourage phones to be charged downstairs overnight to avoid the temptation of late-night scrolling.

• Fuel Their Brain: We know mornings are busy, but a quick breakfast is vital. Even a piece of toast, a banana, or a yogurt can kick-start their metabolism and dramatically improve concentration in morning lessons.

• Check In: Instead of asking "How was school?", which often gets a one-word answer, try asking something more specific like, "What was the most interesting question you heard today?" or "Tell me something that made you laugh."

Why Every Day Really Does Count Think of learning like building with LEGO. Each lesson is a new brick. If a few bricks are missing from the bottom, the whole structure can become wobbly later on. This is especially true in subjects like maths, science, and languages, where new knowledge is built directly on what was taught the day before. Being in school every day ensures a solid foundation, with no missing bricks.

We know that for some children, even after a strong start, little wobbles can happen. If you notice your child is becoming reluctant to come to school, or if you have any concerns at all, please let us know. Your child’s Form Tutor or Head of Year is your first point of contact.

By working together, we can ensure every child continues to feel happy, supported, and ready to unlock their amazing potential this year.