Taking Risks to Grow – Welcome from the Head of the Preparatory School

Taking Risks to Grow

Welcome from Peter Allison, Head of the Preparatory School

Often risk taking can conjure negative connotations as people relate the concept to choosing dangerous behaviours. On the contrary, risk taking can be a healthy way for growing children to test boundaries, uncover hidden talents, build confidence and explore their independence. It’s an avenue through which children can learn more about themselves and enhance their physical, social and emotional development.

Within the life of the Prep School, we want our boys to feel the security of routine and structure. We also want them to experience the uncertainty and apprehension that can come through challenge that pushes beyond comfort levels and experiences of failure.

The new Outdoor Education Program adopted this year at the Prep School has been one deliberate strategy to promote appropriate risk-taking. It has challenged boys at all levels. Complementing the academic and pastoral program, the outdoor education curriculum has encouraged boys to develop resilience, collaboration, leadership, and initiative, and to provide them with an opportunity to explore their sense of self and others within the natural environment.

There have been other opportunities this semester to take risks. Standing up in front of your peers to present a recitation of a poem or speech is a demanding experience. Performing on stage in front of packed audiences for the Prep School Musical, The Amazing Adventures of Superstan takes courage. the final three terms of a boy’s career at the Prep School. The program itself, can be likened to a mini Duke of Edinburgh Award and embodies elements such as participation in a range of home management responsibilities, the cooking of a breakfast, lunch and dinner, community service initiatives, public speaking presentations, and the completion of a major project within an area of interest or challenge. Risk taking is encouraged, as the boys undertake new initiatives that are in the spirit of enterprise.

Some senior Prep students were fortunate to join a tour of rugby and football players who ventured to Japan over the Term 3 holiday period. Whilst the itinerary was a fast paced, fascinating collection of boy-friendly tourist experiences and sporting encounters, the trip took the tour group outside of their comfort zones negotiating transport, food, accommodation and language of another culture where English was not readily spoken. The 400 metre zipline adventure with scenic views of Mt Fuji and Suruga Bay as a backdrop was a particular highlight.

Encountering risk and learning to persevere with courage builds confidence and selfpride. It awakens possibilities. At King’s we believe it is an important preparation for a life of change and uncertainty.