June 10th 2016
When I show prospective parents around the school, they often comment on the excellent manners and discipline of the Moulsford boys, coupled with the relaxed atmosphere of the school. Manners, courtesy and discipline are key life skills that we aim to embed in the boys at an early stage. Good habits formed at a young age can become second nature as boys progress through the prep school years – these ingrained habits then become invaluable to them in later life. Making eye contact, a firm handshake, opening a door for adults, standing up when an adult enters a room (in a school situation), engaging in conversation all help foster an overall respect for both each other and the community we share - as well as creating a very good impression.
Perhaps the most powerful way of instilling these values is by the use of role models. The older boys in the school are acutely aware of the influence they have on those in the lower year groups, and the responsibility that such influence brings. Only yesterday I was reminding the Year 8 boys how the younger children will take their lead from them - whether this be as members of the choir, orchestra, sports teams, but particularly in relation to manners, courtesy and discipline and the overall atmosphere of the school.
With 330 boys at Moulsford, it is very important to have a clear set of boundaries in terms of discipline, and our experience is that the boys respond extremely well to this. Inevitably, boys will push the boundaries, and on occasion get things wrong – one expects this (to a certain degree!). What is important is that issues are clearly talked through and boys understand how they can learn from their experiences.
I consistently hear positive third party comments about the behaviour of Moulsford boys – these come from prospective parents, senior schools, or from members of the public when the boys are out on school trips. Thank you to parents for setting standards at home and backing up these shared values.
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