Challenging boys on assumed attitudes

All of us need our frame of reference challenged. The attitudes and assumptions we take on because of our own experience AND what society tells us is the norm, form our frame of reference. For example, my assumption that Winchester is a friendly, welcoming place is based on my experience and what people say to me about it, however, I should not assume this is the same experience for others.

Know my name?

This week I have been trying to learn all the new boys' names. There are quite a few this year, and I never quite succeed inside the first seven days but I'm well along the way. I encourage the boys to do so too.

Optimistic bias part 2

Last week I talked about the benefits of optimistic bias. A lot of my words are based on the work of Tali Sharot, Professor of cognitive neuroscience in the department of Experimental Psychology at University College London. Her work has revealed these benefits, but also highlights problems.

Learned Helplessness vs Learned Optimism

Last week I spoke about resilience.  This week, Mr Cuyler has expanded further on this idea.

Manners

When my children were young my wife and I, when they were really annoying us, would say, 'They might be devils at home but at least they are angels at school.'  I don't think they were ever angels, but they knew their pleases and thank yous, always behaved and didn't speak out of turn.  And so do many children.