Principal's Weekly Update
Hello Uxbridge High School community, welcome to this week’s vlog!
This week, I will be discussing three key topics:
-
1. The careers event
-
2. Our value of respect
-
3. Themes from a recent TV programme
Careers Event – Inspiring Future Pathways
Today, we have hosted a fantastic careers event as part of our comprehensive careers programme. The main year groups involved were Year 9 and Year 10, and they had the opportunity to engage with a wide range of visitors, including:
-
Former students sharing their journeys
-
Representatives from law firms, universities, the NHS, the police, the Armed Forces, estate agencies and more.
-
The Fire Brigade, which even had to leave mid-session for a real-life emergency, making the experience even more engaging for students.
Additionally, Mr Heslin shared an inspiring talk based on his own school experiences, encouraging students to make the most of their education and future career opportunities.
When students arrive home, if you have a child in Year 9 or 10, please ask them to show you the careers booklet and discuss what they have learnt. This event aims to inspire students about their future and provide real-world insights into different career paths.
Respect – A Core Value
Whenever we run events at Uxbridge High School, we actively promote our core values. This week, respect has been a particular focus.
Ahead of today’s careers event, students were coached on professional communication skills, how to engage in conversations, make a strong first impression and show respect in all interactions. Good communication is essential in the workplace, and it always starts with mutual respect.
We also want to take a moment to acknowledge and support our Muslim community as Ramadan comes to an end. This week, we have held special assemblies to increase understanding and celebrate the cultural significance of Ramadan. By fostering cultural awareness and mutual respect, we strengthen our school community.
To those celebrating Eid this weekend and early next week, we wish you a wonderful time with your loved ones! Similarly, as we approach Easter and the spring break, we encourage all members of our community, regardless of faith, to cherish time with family and friends.
Lessons from a Recent TV Programme
A recent Netflix series about adolescence has sparked a lot of discussion, touching on themes that align with some of our ongoing priorities, particularly student safety and respect.
One key topic the show highlights is the impact of social media and negative influences on young people. This is an important reminder for parents and carers to have open conversations with students about the content they are consuming. Social media can be a powerful tool, but it also carries risks, including exposure to toxic influences.
One issue raised in the programme is toxic masculinity. As the principal of a mixed school, I want to emphasise that we encourage healthy masculinity, where boys and young men feel comfortable expressing emotions, showing vulnerability, and being their authentic selves.
A powerful example of this was actor Ashley Walters, who openly showed emotion after watching the final episode. This is the kind of role model we want our young people to look up to, one that promotes emotional intelligence and positive values.
As parents, please regularly check in on your child’s social media interactions and encourage them to engage with positive role models, both male and female. We want to ensure that all of our students grow into confident, kind, and respectful individuals who uphold social and moral values.
Final Thoughts
By the time you watch this video, Year 9 students will have attended their parents’ evening, which we hope has further complemented the careers event.
As always, thank you for your continued support. Have a lovely weekend, and I’ll see you the same time, same place next week!
Best wishes,
Louisa Seymour
Principal, Uxbridge High School