We all flourish at different times
I am delighted to say that thirty-one non-academic scholarships have been awarded by senior schools to pupils in Year 8. (Please note the academic scholarships take place next term). This is an impressive haul and testament to the talent and commitment of many children in that cohort in sport, music, art, drama and DT. As I so often say to the children, one does not need to have a ‘scholarship’ to be successful, nor by having one does it guarantee success, but it is important to acknowledge the achievement when it arrives.
And in connection with this last point, I feel I should mention the double-try scoring hero of the Scottish rugby team last Saturday in their unexpected defeat of England. It was very strange to have split loyalties as I watched the match. As a red rose supporter (despite my Welsh name), I always want England to do well but with Huw Jones, my nephew, lining up in blue I naturally wanted him to do well and found myself championing the Scottish guts, commitment and flair. Huw’s story is an interesting one and a great example to all children and parents who are in a hurry for success. Though always good, he was not the star of the school teams; his lack of size until the age of 17 was both a hindrance and a help – he did not get recognised by county or regional selectors and it forced him to work on his skills instead of relying on his size; he did not specialise in a sport too early – he simply played all sports for the sheer enjoyment. And when he did leave school and was faced with the choice between a rugby academy and a gap year abroad, he took the option which would fulfil his life in a more rounded way. The rest, as they say, is history. But it just goes to show that success is around the corner for anyone who shows application and honesty. (And gets a bit of luck from the bounce of the ball!) Further insight on this can be found here: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/sport/2017/03/praise-late-developer