Guiding Choices and Growing Character
As we move through a busy and exciting point in the term, there is much happening across the school, from important decisions about future pathways to meaningful classroom discussions and upcoming performances. Below are a few highlights and reminders for our community.
Subject Selection
Our students are currently in the midst of finalising their subject selections for next year, a process that is both exciting and, at times, a little daunting. For many, this is one of the first opportunities to make decisions that begin to shape their future pathways, and we are encouraging them to approach this with both curiosity and careful thought.
With the rapid advancement of technologies like artificial intelligence, it’s fair to say that the job market they will enter is likely to look quite different from today. Roles such as AI ethics specialists, data analysts, cybersecurity experts, renewable energy engineers, digital marketers, and creative technologists are already emerging, and many future careers have not yet been imagined. This uncertainty can feel challenging, but it is also full of opportunity.
Because of this, our focus is not solely on preparing students for specific jobs, but on equipping them with the habits of mind that will allow them to thrive in any context. Skills such as critical thinking, creativity, adaptability, communication, collaboration, and ethical reasoning will be essential. Equally important is fostering a willingness to take risks, learn from failure, and remain curious throughout life.
We encourage students to choose subjects that genuinely interest them, while also providing a level of challenge that promotes growth.
These choices should reflect both their strengths and their aspirations, helping them build a strong foundation for whatever path they may take in the years ahead.
Milgram’s Experiment and the Slippery Slope
I recently had the opportunity to share the famous Milgram experiment with our Year 7 students – do ask them about it, as it certainly sparked some lively and thoughtful discussion. The experiment explores how ordinary individuals can be influenced by authority to act in ways that conflict with their personal values.
What struck many of the students was just how easily people can find themselves on a “slippery slope,” where small decisions gradually lead to larger ethical compromises. It was a powerful reminder that our choices are not made in isolation, and that context, pressure, and influence can shape behaviour in significant ways.
This led us to reflect on the importance of self-awareness and the ability to pause and question what is being asked of us. We spoke about the need for courage, not just in big moments, but in the smaller, everyday decisions where integrity matters just as much.
Developing a strong moral compass, alongside the confidence to think independently, is vital if we are to avoid simply following the crowd.
These are the qualities we hope to nurture in all our students, so they feel equipped to act with integrity, even when it is uncomfortable or when others may choose a different path.
Blazers
A small but important reminder: please ensure your child’s name is clearly marked in their blazer. From time to time, unlabelled blazers make their way to lost property, which makes it tricky to return them to their rightful owner. A quick check at home can save a lot of guesswork later!
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
We’re just one month away from our much-anticipated production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, coming to the OPAC stage from 18–20 June.
Rehearsals are in full swing, and it promises to be a magical evening of adventure, courage, and wonder. Our students and staff have been working incredibly hard behind the scenes, and it’s been fantastic to see the energy and talent coming together.
Tickets are already selling quickly, so we encourage you to secure your seats soon—we would love to see you there supporting our talented performers!
God bless,
Mr Steve Owen
Deputy Principal – Head of Senior School