It is important to ensure that we provide the knowledge , skills , attitudes and values that will enable our boys to thrive and shape their world . I believe the tenets of a broad liberal education , allowing boys to explore , find things that they are good at , and then allowing them time to immerse themselves in such activity , will provide them with the ability to take control of their own lives , but also contribute positively within society .
Part of this process will be to ensure the learning of each boy is as individualised as possible , that each boy is provided with sufficient opportunities to find and develop those things he finds interesting and is good at , that achievements are celebrated and appropriately affirmed , and that he encounters , and interacts with , people from different backgrounds , cultures and societies .
Finally , which message or words of advice would you like to convey to our current students ?
You only get one shot at your educational journey . It is important you make the most of your opportunities . I encourage you to try something new , whether it be a new subject or an extracurricular activity , to give 100 per cent effort in all that you undertake , to take a risk , to avail yourself of an opportunity to experience another culture , to read as much as you can to ascertain the world view of others , to find humour in all that you do ( the world needs more of it ), and at some stage , each day , to take time to linger , whether it be sitting under a tree reading a book , listening to a piece of music , or while doing something else that brings you joy , and let the world wash over you for a brief moment .
CHAPLAIN
TRULY MINDFUL AND JOYOUS
REV DOUG CAMPBELL SCHOOL CHAPLAIN
KNOWING GOD ’ S LOVE AND BEING MINDFUL OF OTHERS IS TRULY LIBERATING
On receiving the theme for this edition of Great Scot – ‘ A joyous and mindful education ’ – I stopped a while and thought it over . While this particular Scotsman actually knows the meaning of ‘ joyous ’ and even at times has experienced it despite the regular failures of my football and rugby teams , I was a little unsure of the meaning of ‘ mindful ’. My dictionary initially offered the traditional definition of ‘ mindful ’ as being an adjective that means to be ‘ conscious or aware of something or someone ’. However , it also suggested a definition that has become perhaps the dominant one this century – ‘ focusing one ' s awareness on the present moment , especially as part of a therapeutic or meditative technique .’
Being mindful and the promotion and practice of mindfulness has entered every sphere of life from the personal to the corporate world . In a busy and multitasking age where everyday life may feel overwhelming , being mindful offers the individual a means by which to find inner peace and calm , and a way to regain focus in the midst of constant distraction .
It is unquestionable that people need and desire true rest and renewed focus , especially in our media age . Young people , faced with constant and daily messaging , are particularly vulnerable to electronic distraction and as a result experience the lack of rest and peace . This decline in mental health was exacerbated during lockdown when schooling was held online . Indeed , a recent report from the UK suggested that those students , who had engaged in school-led mindfulness programs to manage feelings and develop resilience , had benefited from the practice . While some students experienced a short-term improvement in perceived wellbeing , thanks to the course , sadly the majority of students had found the whole process boring . Interestingly , the report noted that those who had benefited most from the mindfulness were teachers who experienced a reduction in stress and the feeling of burnout . Like all new programs and techniques , the jury is out .
It is noticeable that the newer definition of ‘ mindful ’ is a subtle but real change from being aware of an external situation or the issues facing other
6 Great Scot Issue 166 – September 2022