Wyvern House New beginnings at Wyvern House It has been a very positive start to the year at Wyvern. The excitement of boys ‘At the heart of our using our new and upgraded facilities has been a particular highlight. The new philosophy is the Year 6 Centre has, for the first time, brought Year 6 students together in an belief that every area that enables students to work child brings with closely together across all four classes. The centre also reflects some of the them a deep traits of the Year 7 Tupou Centre, which curiosity which will assist the transition process into the Senior School next year. drives their interest Our new music rooms and upgraded hall to understand their have also been a much-needed world and their improvement. All music activities, from ensembles to music classes, individual place within it.’ lessons to large choirs, now take place in our purpose-built Music Centre. The new STEM room has also been fully Mr Ian Holden. Photo: Daryl Charles used and it has been heartening to see boys making the most of new science Our inaugural Director of Newington’s ELC, draw out other rich cognitive, linguistic opportunities with Ms Bosch, our STEM Mrs Kelly Nickless, and her high-calibre and physical skills to a deeper level.” Specialist teacher. and passionate staff have created an We anticipate many boys who attend the After a number of years of planning, outstanding learning environment and ELC will move into the Kindergarten at Newington also opened its Early are forming caring and nurturing Wyvern House, so it is very reassuring Learning Centre in January 2018. relationships with each child. She said: our students are receiving such high- Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach “Our vision is to see the unique quality early childhood provision. As part to early childhood education, the ELC disposition for each child and lay the of transition into the more formal caters for three- and four-year-old boys foundations for learning within a social Kindergarten curriculum, a thorough and girls. At the heart of our philosophy context. We have begun by focussing on “Prepare for School” program will take is the belief that every child brings with values including respect, listening, place in the second half of the year. them a deep curiosity which drives their holding sustained shared conversations, interest to understand their world and resourcefulness and considering the Mr Ian Holden their place within it. needs of others. It is only then we can Head of Wyvern House Learning to be a leader The first week of any school year can be a applying themselves as “men of service”. surfaced consistently, as the boys built a daunting experience, especially when you Each young man will experiencea role of vision of how they would like to lead the have the responsibility of becoming a role responsibility during the year, adding to school. Their ongoing commitment to model for 300 boys who look up to you. their numerous hours of service learning. character development includes regular This was the challenge Year 6 faced as Becoming self-aware students with an “hope and gratitude” journals and they marched boldly into their new state- adaptable young mindset is a great developing a long-termattitude of gratitude. of-the-art building. With this in mind, a platform upon which to build their legacy. American-Israeli teacher and Positive “regular” week of classes would simply ‘Boys focused on Psychology writer Tal Ben-Shahar wrote not suffice. Building the skills that would the words that guided our Year 6 men: serve the boys during this exciting year becoming men of “The proper role of ‘goals’ is to liberate started from day one. substance’ us, so that we can enjoy the here and During this Leadership Week, the boys now.” Tal Ben-Shahar. focused on becoming men of substance, Character development will also play a Having a clear understanding of our long- buoyed by resilience. They spend significant role in our year. The boys term objective in Year 6 allows us to enjoy valuable time exploring these ideas, and unpacked the values they respect and and focus more intently on our present- the behaviours they hope to exhibit. the people who exhibit them. We day activities. It is clear our young leaders These honest goals and lofty standards discussed “Who was at our table?” and appreciate the responsibility they enjoy will provide the foundation for our final who would stand up for us, as well as and the legacy they can shape. year at Wyvern House. who would stand up to us. Mr David King Part of the focus for Year 6 will be on The ideals of mutual respect and empathy Teacher 36| NEWS AUTUMN 2018| OPPORTUNITY