January 14th 2022
Learning through the experiences of others
The High Performance Lunchtimes resumed on Tuesday for boys in Years 6-8. This voluntary selection of talks occurs each week and is focused on the boys learning through the life experiences of others. This week's talk was presented by disabled adventurer Darren Edwards. Darren's life changed when he became paralysed after a climbing accident. He took the boys through his journey and discussed the character traits he had to draw on and display to move forward with his life.
Darren gave many positive messages to the boys. He believed that it was only when he failed that he was able to make progress but also identified that progress only comes through reflection. His non-negotiable qualities that he would like to see in others were as follows:
Resilience and the ability to bounce forward rather than back
Adapt and overcome mindset
Unrelenting pursuit of excellence
Humour and humility
Authenticity
His advice to his teenage self centered around the concept of positive attitude - or should that be positive action? He talked about how many of us have feelings which lead to actions, which then leads to our identity. Darren's advice was that the boys should focus on their identity and the person they want to be first, which will then lead to actions and then to feelings and how you feel about yourself. This powerful message concluded the talk and left the boys inspired for their afternoon!
The talk next week will be from former Gloucester Rugby Player and current Radley College Head of Rugby, Nick Wood. Nick will be speaking in person to the boys about transitioning from one career to another and then coaching some U10/U11 rugby afterwards.
