The Power of Independence: A Path to Lifelong Success – Message from the Headteacher 29.11.24

This week, the school was filled with excitement as we celebrated the ‘Switching on of the Lights’ event! The atmosphere buzzed with energy as the children and staff came together to enjoy lively singing, music, and even a fantastic trumpet performance by Fin! It was a perfect example of how our students are encouraged to take the lead, express themselves and contribute to the school community. Moments like these are not just about having fun — they’re about building confidence and independence. 

At BPS, we believe that helping children to become independent is key to their success, both in school and beyond.  Encouraging the children to take charge of their learning, to feel confident tackling challenges, and also bounce back from mistakes sets them up for a lifetime of learning and growth. It’s not just about doing well in school – it’s about building confidence, responsibility and emotional strength. 

Independence is more than just a skill – it’s a mindset that shapes how children approach challenges, make decisions and ultimately thrive in life. It all starts with a love of learning; a classroom environment where everyone is encouraged to explore their interests, ask questions and be curious, building their confidence by celebrating their effort, not just the result, and teaching them that mistakes are part of the process.  Our children know that making mistakes is how we learn! 

Problem-solving is another big part of becoming independent. When challenges are faced, we encourage the children to think through the problem themselves instead of just giving them the answer. This helps to develop resilience and confidence to handle obstacles on their own and prepares them for their next schools where this is a key skill they will need. 

Independence is not just about academic skills; emotional intelligence is just as important.  Learning to manage our emotions, understand others and handle different social situations builds emotional awareness and helps us make decisions with empathy and confidence, all of which are key to having independence in relationships and life.  

We pride ourselves in helping each and every child on their journey toward independence. By fostering these educational values, we are helping our young learners become empowered, self-sufficient individuals who will approach life with a strong sense of self and a passion for learning. 

This weekend, you could also encourage independence in your child by letting them take charge of a few small tasks – with a little guidance, if necessary!  Small tasks like setting the table, problem solving, or even packing a bag for a day out give them a sense of responsibility and accomplishment. Encouraging independence this weekend could lead to big moments of growth, all while creating some fun, memorable family moments!

Open Morning Thursday 27 February

Our next Open Morning on Thursday 27 February.  You can tour the school on a normal working day and Headteacher Jon Chesworth will share Banstead Prep’s ethos, and vision for the future.

Book a place online now