Headmaster's Weekly Blog

Senior & Sixth (11-18)

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The best way to spot an idiot

Dear all

For our final assembly reading of the school year I referenced the speech I mentioned on Prize Day last Saturday, which was given by the Governor of Illinois to students who were graduating from Northwestern University in 2023. In giving a few words of wisdom to the young adults who were heading out into the world, he introduced this part of his address with the following words, which come from the US sitcom The Office:

‘Whenever I’m about to do something, I think, would an idiot do that, and if they would, I do not do that thing.’

'The entire efficacy of this incredibly useful piece of information hinges upon your ability to pick the right idiot. I wish there was a foolproof way to spot idiots, but counterintuitively, some idiots are very smart. They can dazzle you with words and misdirection. They can get promoted above you at work. They can even be elected President. If you want to be successful in this world, you have to develop your own idiot detection system. I’m going to share mine…

The best way to spot an idiot is to look for the person who is cruel. Let me explain. When we see someone who doesn’t look like us, or sound like us, or act like us, or love like us, or live like us—the first thought that crosses almost everyone’s brain is rooted in either fear or judgment, or both. That’s evolution. We survived as a species by being suspicious of things we aren’t familiar with.

In order to be kind, we have to shut down that animal instinct and force our brain to travel a different pathway. Empathy and compassion are evolved states of being. They require the mental capacity to step past our most primal urges. I’m here to tell you that when someone’s path through this world is marked with acts of cruelty, they have failed the first test of an advanced society. They never forced their animal brain to evolve past its first instinct. They never forged new mental pathways to overcome their instinctive fears. And so, their thinking and problem-solving will lack the imagination and creativity that the kindest people have in spades.

Over many years in politics and business, I have found one thing to be universally true - the kindest person in the room is often the smartest.’

As we reflected on what has been a very successful year in many respects, I asked everyone to consider whether, above all, they had been kind this year - because we could all do worse than remember Governor Pritzker’s last point - the kindest person in the room is often the smartest.

Have a great summer and we'll be back raring to go again in September.

Best wishes

Michael Bond

Friends of Brentwood School Ball

Dear Parent,

Tickets for the annual Friends of Brentwood School fundraising Ball on Saturday 12th October at Warley Park Golf Club, go on sale from Friday 14th June.

Tickets are £75 per person and include a 3-course meal, welcome drink, evening entertainment, music, games and a raffle. Welcome drinks and photographs from 6-7pm and Carriages at midnight.

Singles, pairs and group bookings are all very welcome! Please email [email protected] with your name and details of any others in your party. Tables seat a maximum of 10 people, plus x2 tables of 14.

Funds raised go directly back to the pupils; we are proud to have been able to build a sports shelter for the Prep children and provide furniture for the newly-opened Water Garden sanctuary at the Senior School in the last couple of years, as well as supplying participation medals for our cross country runners, producing year books and leaving events and so much more.

We are again seeking interesting experiences or product donations for the Ball auction and raffle. Please drop us an email on [email protected] if you are able to help.

We hope to see you there!

The Friends of Brentwood School

Religious Services

Service of Confirmation in Chapel

Dear Parents

I write to advertise my intention to hold a service of Confirmation in the School Chapel in the forthcoming academic year, 2024-25.

Confirmation in the Church of England marks a key moment in our Christian faith where we publicly declare and take ownership of the promises made at our baptism. If you would like your son or daughter to be confirmed in the Church of England or would like to find out more about this, then please do contact me directly via the email provided.

With every Blessing

Revd. Adrian McConnaughie, [email protected]

Chapel Services 2023-24

Throughout the year, there are regular Sunday Chapel Services which are open to all within the wider community of Brentwood School. Most of the services begin at 10am and are suitable for people of all ages.

The details of all our services for this academic year can be found in our Service Booklet which is attached. If you are planning to attend, I would appreciate a short email so that I can cater accordingly for those who come. I look forward to welcoming you to our Services.

Revd. Adrian McConnaughie

[email protected]

Muslim Prayer Space

Brentwood is an inclusive school with a Christian Foundation where students and staff of all faiths and none are nurtured. As part of our commitment to this aim, we have recently established a Muslim prayer space throughout the week for our students to pray and a space each Friday for prayers which are led by one of our members of staff. This has proved to be beneficial for a number of our students to date.

If you would like your son or daughter to have access to this space for prayer at lunchtime then please contact me directly by email and I will pass their details to the staff members who will oversee the day-to-day supervision of these spaces. If you have any queries about this prayer space then do not hesitate to be in touch.

With every blessing and good wish

Revd. Adrian McConnaughie

[email protected]

Ultimate Activity Camps

Dear parents

Ultimate Activity Camps are just around the corner this summer! Featuring over 40 thrilling sports, games, and creative activities for kids aged 4-14. With Ofsted registration and enthusiastic staff, it's the perfect opportunity for your children to learn new skills, make friends, and have a blast.

Dates:

Summer – Monday 15h July- Friday 23th August 2024 (Survival & Tech: Monday 29th July - Friday 16th August 2024)
Book by the day or week
Drop off 8:30 - 9:30
Collect 16:30 - 17:15
Move dates for FREE up until 14 days before

Keep an eye on their website for the latest offers and discounts for parents.

Refer A Friend – Get a Free Camp Day

Invite a friend to join your child at camp and earn a free day for every booking at Ultimate Activity Camps or Ultimate Survival. It is that easy! Learn more and claim your free day here.

Booking Information:

Book your dates at Ultimate Activity for any duration, from a single day to a full week. You can change your dates without charge up to 14 days before the camp starts, depending on availability. They accept all childcare vouchers for added convenience.

Tickets Now on Sale for Unique Training Experiences at Brentwood Prep School in August

Tickets are now on sale for two transformative training experiences: the Virtual Dementia Tour and the Autism Reality Experience, being held at Brentwood Preparatory School on Monday 12th August. These events will provide attendees with an unparalleled opportunity to gain a first-hand understanding of what it might be like to live with dementia or autism.

The Virtual Dementia Tour is a groundbreaking, scientifically and medically proven method designed to give individuals with healthy brains an experiential insight into the challenges faced by those living with dementia. This tour utilises patented sensory tools and instructions based on research, allowing participants to experience the physical and cognitive impairments that accompany dementia. This immersive experience aims to foster greater empathy and understanding among caregivers, family members, and the community.

In addition, the Autism Reality Experience offers an innovative, hands-on training session designed to simulate the sensory processing difficulties encountered by individuals on the autism spectrum. This immersive experience helps non-autistic people comprehend the sensory overload and communication barriers faced daily by those with autism. By stepping into the shoes of someone with autism, participants can develop a deeper empathy and practical strategies to support autistic individuals in their personal and professional lives.

Both training experiences are crucial for anyone looking to better understand and support individuals with dementia or autism. These sessions are ideal for healthcare professionals, educators, caregivers, and anyone interested in making a positive impact on the lives of those affected by these conditions.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to gain valuable insights and practical knowledge through the Virtual Dementia Tour and the Autism Reality Experience. Further information is available on the training2care website or tickets can be purchased directly:

Virtual Dementia Tour

Autism Reality Experience