New Chapter…
Heralding a new chapter in Westholme’s 100-year-old history, the school’s recently appointed Principal, Paul Taylor, addressed parents and pupils in an inspirational, headline speech at King George’s Hall
Just over a week into his tenure as new Principal of Westholme, Mr Paul Taylor attended the school’s annual prizegiving to deliver an inspirational speech that defined work ethics, robust support and strong leadership being at the heart of the school.
Mr Taylor, who brings his world-class experience to Westholme, following his time as head of Kings’ School Al Barsha in Dubai, said that while academic success was hugely important, there was so much more to a Westholme education than ‘raw results’: “We exist to promote a love of learning for the sake of learning and value the process, not just results,” he said.
“We will never be complacent about the quality of our teaching and learning. We are here to help our students to open doors to university study, apprenticeships and the world of work.”
He congratulated the leavers on their success, attributing it to the great partnerships between pupils, teachers and parents along with a fine work ethic: “Every grade of every child matters to me,” said Mr Taylor, whose daughter has just embarked on life as a pupil in Westholme’s INSPIRED Sixth Form.
“We have a deal with our own daughter – work as hard as you can and we will celebrate whatever results you get. I have the same deal with every student sitting here tonight.”
Westholme’s ‘added value’ ethos was a main theme running through Mr Taylor’s speech, which outlined and praised the school’s extensive co-curricular programme that promotes determination and confidence: “Students learn how, for example, to lose with the determination to improve, win with grace and communicate with confidence. In other words, develop what we as adults know are the skills really needed in life.”
He said the Westholme teaching ethos developed pupils’ strengths and built on their weaknesses, encouraging all to follow their passions: “Our expectation is that our pupils work as hard as they can to open up opportunities in whatever direction they want to follow.”
He said that the ‘wellbeing’ of Westholme’s 21st century pupils was key to their success: “We know that happy children are more likely to learn and succeed than unhappy ones. Our happiness underpins our ability to make decisions and shape the world.”
He added that pupils now face a world that is far more challenging – a world where technological changes are moving swiftly in terms of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and demographic movement where young people are more likely to work in different countries and cultures.
“What can we do to make our pupils stand out from the competition?” he asked. “What this means for Westholme is that we need to make sure our students have the knowledge, skills and personalities to compete and thrive in this dynamic global environment.”
Nearing the end of his speech, which was greeted with enthusiastic applause, he reverted his attention back to the leavers, who are embarking on life outside Westholme: “Keep life in perspective,” he said. “I am sure that a Westholme education has put you in the best place possible to live your best life. Work hard, be kind, be useful and go well.”
Westholme School
Wilmar Lodge, Meins Road
Pleasington BB2 6QU
01254 506070
