A week of Brentwood Learner Attributes
This week has provided plenty of opportunity for pupils to develop two of our Brentwood Learner Attributes in particular: communication; and resilience.
Monday was the International Day of Sign Languages which celebrates linguistic diversity and the importance of communication being inclusive. There may be as many as 72 million deaf people in the world and sign language helps to build bridges and encourage a mutual understanding between people. It also helps us develop our empathy for the experiences of others. The pupils have enjoyed learning different phrases in British Sign Language and communicating in a quiet and observant way.
Our BSL teacher, Ms Treadway says:
My own passion for this beautiful language began when I worked with deaf pupils as an interpreter during their exams, which allowed them to sit with hearing pupils and feel included. Then more recently, during Covid, I had the opportunity (and plenty of time) to write a learning programme for pupils aged 5 to 11 years.
BSL was introduced into Brentwood Preparatory School as part of the Community strand in the ACES programme in Trinity 2022 and in 2023, BSL became a part of our Academic Enrichment Programme, taught in lessons to KS2 pupils. BSL has now been accessed by all pupils from Year 1 to Year 6.
Being taught BSL alphabet fingerspelling and the basic knowledge of common topics including Family and People, School life, Communication and Greeting signs means that our Prep pupils are ready to welcome any deaf visitors to our school to make them feel welcome and instantly at ease.”
On Thursday it was the European Day of Languages and pupils not only enjoyed trying out different languages but also a range of delicious cuisine from across Europe. With over 200 languages spoken across the continent, it is yet another reminder of how diverse and interesting the world can be and how our community can celebrate this richness. We asked the pupils to switch from thinking about communication as “speaking” and instead focus on it being “listening”. When we listen, or observe in the case of Sign Language, our understanding of other people and their point of view can change and the lens through which we engage with the world can also grow. Part of being a Brentwood School pupil is learning to be open-minded.
On Wednesday was our annual KS1 and KS2 House Cross Country with pupils out in the rain and sun, in their House colours cheering each other on. It was a brilliant morning and an example of our caring community with older children supporting the younger ones. It is always moving to see those at the back digging deep despite their heavy legs and as they see the rest of the year crossing the finishing line they are undeterred and find the strength for the final push. At this point, the cheering gets louder as the children recognise the challenge of mustering this resilience, of pulling on every ounce of energy to keep going. It is moments like these that go on to define who we are and become the tapestry of our identity. Whether it is genuine empathy for another and a desire to help them, or the realisation that we can push through a challenge. It was a proud morning for everyone involved and of course, we are thankful for the support of Brentwood parents, uncles, aunts and grandparents who can make the time to be a part of these moments.
For all involved in the House Cross Country, parents, pupils and staff, you have my heartfelt thanks. It was an excellent event and not even the rain could hold it back.
Have a lovely weekend.
Alice Goodfellow
