There is much talk at the moment of the pressures on young people and we have all seen the shocking statistics of thenumbers with mental health issues. Young children as well as teenagers, boys as
well as girls feature in those findings. Of course, there are so many factors
involved in the stresses: the cyber world, the endless competition – first for
university places and then in the job market.

Schools should address those areas over which
they can exercise influence. It’s the time of year when ten year olds go
through tests and interviews to gain entrance to their secondary schools. Some
girls I speak to on our exam day are sitting for as many as six to eight
schools, and there are so many hoops to jump through.

Their approach varies.
There are some who seem to relish the challenge; some are cheerfully or
resignedly realistic about their prospects. Some appear to me distinctly world
weary, openly dejected by the competitive nature of it all.

Tutors – help or hindrance?

Parents often ask me about whether they
should get a tutor for their daughter. The question is asked by parents whose
daughters are at prep schools as well as state schools. Of course, there is a
place for tutoring but, in common with many heads, I do not advise cramming for
11+ tests. I try to reassure parents that at Queenswood we are not looking for
the finished model pupil at the age of 10. We interview all the girls who apply
and we place great emphasis on this process.

Girls’ Education: Seizing Opportunities

We know that girls will have had
very different experiences from each other at their various schools and at
home. We are looking for girls who will cope with the pace of learning at Queenswood,
of course, and most of all for those who will enjoy the whole experience. If
a girl is keen to learn, wants to try hard and loves seizing opportunities and new
challenges, she will do brilliantly at Queenswood.

Easing the pressure

The pressure that some children feel at
this time of year is something that parents, and those who work in education,
should try hard to resist. The approach taken at the 11+ stage sets the scene
for the rest of a child’s education and at Queenswood we are resolutely not a
hothouse. The girls achieve wonderfully well with a sane and grounded approach.

Pauline Edgar, Principal