Stuart Meade, Acting Head of School

Valuing the Experience

There is no doubt that we have reached a new paradigm in the world of independent school education. Increasing volatility in the world economy has many families looking more carefully at how and where they spend the dollars earmarked for their children’s education. I believe it is the responsibility of leaders and teachers at Cranbrook to make a compelling case so that students and their families want to be part of a vibrant, challenging and relevant school community.

To my mind, the idea of students feeling engaged with their ‘tribe’ refers to the more global but less measurable notion of culture. Why do our students embrace what is on offer? Peer pressure may have something to do with it, extrinsic reward may be a motivating factor, but these are not sustainable. There must be something else. The underlying culture where students want to belong, want to contribute, and want to achieve is stronger than just about anything else we hold up as compelling reasons to attend Cranbrook.

I like the phrase Valuing the Experience as the mindset required to get the most from time spent at a school like Cranbrook. What does Valuing the Experience look like; for our students it is the experience that your parents, grandparents, perhaps your extended family have given you to attend Cranbrook School. The Statement of Intent could read:

• I would get to school on time; no, before time and be organised and ready for the day. I would do this myself without prompting from my mum or teachers.
• I would only be away from school because I was too sick to get out of bed.
• I would beg my family to take their holidays in the holidays.
• I would seek opportunities both in and outside the classroom.
• I would explore the way/why we did things at the school because I value this school and I want it to be better for everyone.
• I would try hard, not just at times when things are easy, but all the time.
• I would show respect to those who have given me this opportunity and also to those who are integral to making it happen.

With a positive approach in all these areas I would become a more balanced person:

• More resilient because I pushed through the tough times.
• Better educated – with this, the world will be an exciting opportunity for me.
• Proud that I have helped the school be a better place for those who follow.
• Understanding the importance of trying hard, of finding a way and of measuring my success against my effort and not my result.
• I will have many friends for life.
• I would be proud to be a Cranbrookian

Easier written than done, no doubt; however, through each student’s commitment and enthusiasm combined with the guidance of dedicated teachers and love and support at home, it is eminently achievable.

I am enjoying the busyness of each and every week and to see so many in our community ‘value the experience’.

With good wishes

Stuart Meade
Acting Head of School