Communication is more important than we know because it is not just for us, and it is not just for now...

If you are kind enough to find time every now and again to read my blogs, you will know that we have implemented a ‘Split-Screen’ approach to curriculum at ESA. You can read about this in an earlier blog (CLICK HERE) if you want all the details… for now, I will just say that the split-screen approach means that we try to stay aware of more than just the exams. Of course the exams and the subject knowledge being examined matter immensely BUT they are not the most important thing… there is another game playing on the screen at the same time and this game is about the qualities of character that we develop and the skills of reflection, resilience and resourcefulness that we deepen and strengthen as we learn. At ESA we use a 7C curriculum to help us focus on this other screen so that as students learn new skills and subjects content, they also engage with how they are developing as communicators and collaborators and craftspeople; how they are growing in confidence, commitment, creativity and curiosity.

It is my intention to try and write a blog entry on each of the 7Cs as we cover them in different ways across the academic year. We have already encouraged students to start the new year with an unquenchable curiosity.

Next, we plan to encourage and challenge student to communicate. Not to just speak, but to powerfully and deliberately communicate, bot for themselves and for each other. Both as individuals and as a community. At ESA, we talk a lot about ‘code switching’ - by this we mean our ability to move between different types of communication - the informal and the formal; the implicit and the explicit; the intended and the unintended - all communication is meaningful. Over the last few weeks, we have had student elections and established our systems for formal, institutional communication. This is a crucial part of how we all communicate in a way that is recorded and can be used to bring about change. Over the last 3 years, students have asked for an outdoor play and sports facility and more places to eat lunch and hang out safely in our grounds. This led to a bid to the council for money to build our new sports pitch and to build some perimeter fencing allowing us to establish 2 new garden areas. This year we have refurbished picnic benches in these areas to give students peaceful garden areas and a place to play sports.

Last year, students requested more rehearsal spaces and raised concerns that some areas of the college were too crowded and loud. This is still a bit of a problem, but not for too much longer. I am pleased to announce that our new top floor will come on line in November 2021 - providing 4 new specialist classrooms, an extension to our library and 3 new rehearsal and recording spaces.

These are just 2 examples of major projects that have been made possible (in part) by the communication of our student body in a formal way. Our student Voice forum met with me and governors and communicated articulately and professionally and this played a vital part in the bids which were successful in winning the funding for these projects. Some of the students who played that role have since left the school and it is the new students benefitting from their confident communication on behalf of ESA learners. Our communication is not only for us and it is not only for now… we communicate for our shared future.

Thank you to those past students… we look forward to showing you around our new and improved campus when you visit us as alumni later this year.