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First Impressions

Do you know how long after meeting you it is before someone makes up their mind about your character? It is, on average, between 7 to 30 seconds. That’s not long if you are trying to impress.

First, they notice your body language and the signals you are giving off. Then they will observe how engaging you are – it is not what you say so much as how you say it. Based on that, they then form an impression and make decisions about what you are like and how you will behave in the future. People like to consider themselves a good judge of character and do not like to be wrong so they then look for signals which reinforce their first impression, often ignoring evidence which is contrary.

We have been exploring the significance of body language and making a good first impression this week and it is important to the children as they embark on new relationships with teachers and fellow pupils or perhaps begin to visit senior schools with an eye to their futures.

We want Androvians to be honest and true to themselves. We also discourage anyone from judging a book by its cover. But the simple fact is, people do. So, our pupils need to know that if they want their personality and character to truly shine, they must help those who meet them to get beyond their first impression. They need to make others want to find out about them. That means making an effort in social situations – being engaged in the moment; being confident but not arrogant; and showing an interest in other people by asking and answering questions fully. After all, you never get a second chance to make a first impression!

Eastbourne College helped to host the Eastbourne Aquathlon on Sunday morning and I was delighted to see many current and former Androvians involved. On a glorious morning, the enthusiasm with which the children dived into the sea, swam furiously, and then gambolled along the seafront was a joy to behold. Well done to all.

There was less seawater involved on Wednesday afternoon when the Middles tackled the St Andrew’s Aquathlon Challenge as part of their games programme. After swimming in the school pool, they then raced to don their trainers for a run around the field perimeter before entering the pool once more. Again, a fantastic effort by all.

Yesterday Archie and George Shakespeare competed in the Independent Schools Golf Association Championships at Drayton Park in Abingdon, Oxfordshire. Results are not finalised at time of writing but on a tough, dry course, Archie scored a round of nett 70 while George was just two shots off with nett 72; both fantastic efforts which should prove to be highly competitive.

If you have not seen it yet you’ll soon receive the first edition of a new library newsletter which Mrs Garrett, our librarian, has compiled. It is a fantastic initiative which offers reading advice and book reviews for children of all ages. Reading is so important for the development of every pupil – please do check it out.

The Saturday morning programme started very well last week and we look forward to more of the same tomorrow. Have a good weekend everyone.