A very warm welcome back to all our boys and families!  

There was a real sense of warmth and enthusiasm as the boys returned to school, bounding through our red door, with big smiles and an eagerness to start learning. One reception boy settling in today was having such a wonderful time that he didn’t want to leave at the end of the day! A sure sign that the school is buzzing with happy learners once again.  

The awe and wonder of the first day of school 

Of course, a very special welcome to our new Wetherby joiners. Drawing upon my fine art background, I think Picasso captured it perfectly when he said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” As Picasso reminds us, every child has an innate ability to invent, and it is our role as educators to keep that sense of creativity, curiosity, and excitement alive as they begin their school journey. This is precisely the raw ability that we as a school, especially for boys, are very conscious of harnessing from day one to shape into life-long learners. 

For our young boys, the first day of school is a sensory and emotional adventure. He might clutch his Wetherby bag tightly as he pushes through our super-sized red doors, wide-eyed with curiosity at the bright room and bustling activity. Each smile from Mrs Altman, Mrs Hankins, or any of our teachers as he enters, each new word he hears, and each game he plays with a classmate is a building block in his developing brain. While he may feel a twinge of nervousness as he tries to find his name up high upon a row of coat pegs, the sense of discovery and possibility outweighs his fears, setting the stage for a lifelong journey of learning. 

This emotional complexity is tied to the psychological concept of "awe and wonder," which is driven by surges of dopamine in the brain. It rewards curiosity and motivates engagement, encouraging the child to explore and adapt. It is the key ingredient to building confidence which we know from experience unlocks a child’s potential. Positive early experiences, such as making a new friend or receiving praise from a teacher, strengthen neural pathways associated with self-esteem and resilience. Routines such as lining up, taking turns, and following instructions, help develop his attention, impulse control, and flexible thinking. These executive functioning skills, governed by the prefrontal cortex, are essential for lifelong learning and social interaction. 

Unique considerations for boys

While all children experience significant brain growth during the early years, boys may face unique challenges and opportunities in the school environment. Research suggests that boys are often more responsive to active, hands-on learning experiences that engage their motor cortex. Activities that involve physical movement and exploration can help boys integrate their sensory and motor skills, fostering both cognitive and emotional development.  

Here are just a few examples of how we do this:  

• Dough Disco – strengthening fine motor skills which building focus and rhythm. 

• Immersive Topic Days – from Dinosaur Day to Superhero Day, boys step into their learning, dress up and experience topics through play. 

• Forest School – encouraging risk-taking, resilience, and problem-solving in nature. 

• Speaking & Listening Activities – opportunities to share information about their families and experiences, building communication skills and confidence. 

• International Day – celebrating cultures through music, dance, food, and language. 

• Art Lessons & Cross-Curricular Creativity – integrating art into other subjects to deepen understanding and encourage self-expression. 

• Yoga Sessions – supporting emotional regulation, balance and body awareness. 

• Pantomime & Trips – from the Christmas Panto to visiting St Paul’s Cathedral and the Paddington Experience, we provide cultural and awe-inspiring moments beyond the classroom. 

• Parent Visits – hearing directly from dentists, professionals, and family members about their jobs to connect learning to the real world. 

• Farm Visits – hands-on encounters with animals and the natural environment. 

Boys may also be more sensitive to the social and physical demands of the classroom. This is also precisely why the small class sizes and individualised attention at Wetherby School Kensington create an ideal environment for early development. Supportive adults who engage with children through conversation, encouragement, and gentle challenges help "wire" the brain for curiosity and resilience. The University of East Anglia highlights that frequent, high-quality interactions with adults can even lead to measurable changes in brain structure in areas related to language processing. These interactions are particularly impactful during the early years, when the brain is most malleable.  

Special moments at Wetherby Kensington 

We see the value of these moments every day. Whether it’s a teacher walking alongside a boy as his bus buddy and sharing a chat, sitting together on the journey to Bousfield, or enjoying a quiet conversation while looking through summer family books, these interactions help each child feel valued and heard. We’ve seen nervous Year 1 boys ease their worries by popping down to Reception to say hello first, and others light up as they share holiday experiences, sometimes even emailing staff about skiing trips or adventures abroad. Lunchtimes, school trip picnics, and those magical moments like seeing their faces when they met Father Christmas all provide opportunities for meaningful connection. These everyday experiences build the trust and security that make children confident learners. It’s no surprise that families who return to our school for younger siblings often say it is this sense of trust - between staff, parents, and children - that makes the school feel so special. 

Family routines and parental support 

Given the above, much of the advice that has been written for parents about how to support their child now makes sense when seen through the lens of their visceral experiences: 

• Establish positive routines at home - Create consistent morning, evening, and sleep routines helps boys feel secure and reduces anxiety about new environments. 

• Encourage independence – Teach self-help skills such as dressing and managing belongings. These skills boost self-esteem and facilitate smoother transitions.  

• Read daily and discuss school - Daily shared reading and open conversations about what to expect at school enhance language skills and reduce apprehension. 

• Model optimism and resilience - Parents’ attitudes toward challenges significantly influence children’s emotional responses.  

• Engage with the school community - Meet teachers, arrange playdates and participate in school activities  

• Foster a Growth Mindset - Praise effort and perseverance rather than innate ability. Research confirms that a growth mindset leads to better academic and life outcomes. 

It takes a village 

But far from being prescriptive, we know that each child is unique and so is their set of circumstances. If you take nothing else, remember that you are all part of a very special community here, one that supports, guides, listens. Whilst no school is perfect, the words of one alumnus said it best: ‘What really makes Wetherby Kensington special is the friendships we build here. I know that the boys I am friends with today will be my friends for life. We support each other, we challenge each other, and we have so much fun together. This school isn’t just about lessons and exams, it’s about growing into confident, kind and hardworking people.’  

I know that as a team, we can’t wait to uncover the inner workings of your little Picassos.  

Ms Victoria Playford 

Head of Wetherby School Kensington