As we began the new year there was a flurry of conversations between staff and children about setting goals that challenge one to develop the key skills for success and to live a happy and fulfilled life. The school's three priority of developing articulate learners, going the extra mile in sport and embedding the values of community, keep us focused on key areas for development. Progress against the benchmarks is admirably supported by all staff and the children who are adept at meeting the success criteria for their own next step targets. The children know how to respond to feedback for improvement and are proactive with their recommendations, through the School Council Development Groups, in support of the development of the school. This empowering culture starts in early years where the curriculum is underpinned by a deep respect for each individual child. The children have the freedom to choose their learning activity, move in and out of the indoor and outdoor classroom and work at their own pace. Pupils throughout the school learn to take ownership of their progress and by Year Six they build the key competences and life skills to be successful at senior school and. more specifically, the future workplace. By promoting a career development culture, linked to our Core Values and Growth Mindset, we aim for our pupils in Year Seven/Eight to foster the understanding, skills and experience they will need for their careers. An aspect of that preparation is enabling pupils to know themselves, their strengths, weaknesses and their interests which will support their readiness for the world of work. Of particular benefit is hearing about how people in the community chose their career, and the skills and/or qualifications required to be successful in that field of work. We are always delighted when parents offer to contribute to our careers programme and I extend an invitation to parents to get in touch if they would like to host a Q&A with Years Six-Eight, share their work experience and their journey to the workplace.