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Headmaster’s Assembly – Mental Health Awareness Week

(Below are photos from, and a transcript of, HM’s Assembly on Monday 12th May, 2025)

Good morning, everyone.

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and when we hear the words mental health we often think immediately of the more negative or harmful end of the scale, of things like anxiety, depression and struggle. And it is important that we talk about those things openly and honestly.

But mental health is not just about problems; it is also about being healthy, being in good mental shape. And like physical health, that does not happen by accident. It takes self-awareness, it takes balance, and it often takes work.

I have seen both sides of this, not just through working closely with young people for over 20 years, but also through my own family. My mother lived with life changing depression and anxiety for many years. That experience taught me how powerful and overwhelming poor mental health can be, but it also showed me how important it is to be proactive about looking after our minds.

Being mentally healthy does not mean you are always happy or stress free. Life has natural ups and downs, a rhythm to the week, a rhythm to the year. There are moments of calm and moments of challenge. And the key question is: how do you find the balance that helps you perform at your best and feel good about life?

Looking back, I realise that I found some of that balance without even knowing it when I was at school and later at university. I had hockey and drama, and those activities gave me something to focus on beyond just my academic work. They forced me to use my time well and work in short, concentrated bursts. That structure actually helped me achieve more and feel more balanced.

Now, ironically, I have to work even harder to find that balance. Work can be all consuming, and I am sure many of you feel that with school life too.

I once worked with an elite performance coach who spoke not about perfect balance, but about harmony, the idea that life is rarely perfectly balanced, but you can find a rhythm that works for you.

It is also about what is called flow time, when you are completely absorbed in something, working hard and making real progress. But there is a warning there too. Too much time waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect “flow” to start something leads to procrastination, and that holds you back. Balance is about self-awareness, knowing what you need, when you need it, and when to push yourself or doing things that you don’t really want to do or start.

And sometimes it is about having the courage to speak to someone. I want you to hear this clearly. You always have someone to speak to at Barney.

Whether it is a friend, a teacher, a tutor, there are at least 12 people you could turn to. And I see it as a sign of strength, not weakness, to talk to someone.

When my dad died ten years ago, I spoke to a grief specialist. I still speak regularly to a coach who has helped me through challenges that even the best of friends or the closest of family would not quite have known how to help with. That is not weakness, it is wisdom.

And one last thought. In a school community, looking after each other’s mental health sometimes comes down to simple acts of kindness, not just niceness.

Being nice is smiling and saying hello. Being kind is quietly telling someone they have got food stuck in their teeth before they walk into a big presentation. Or as some of you have done with me, it is having the courage to let me know that I have got someone’s name wrong before it becomes awkward.

So, this week, think about where you find your balance. Think about who you could talk to if you needed help. And perhaps most importantly, be the person someone else could turn to if they needed a little kindness.

Hymn:

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Celebration and thanks:

27 of our Peer Support students within the Sixth Form have recently completed and passed a 12-week First Aid Provision Award in First Aid for Youth Mental Health course. This regulated qualification has equipped them with essential knowledge and practical skills to support fellow students who may be experiencing mental health challenges. Over the course, they have learned how to recognise common mental health conditions, provide initial support and guide peers towards professional help when needed.

[make the point about professionals vs happy amateurs]

The training also focused on reducing stigma and promoting a culture of positive mental well-being throughout the school. These students are now well-prepared to apply their skills in everyday situations, offering support, understanding and a listening ear to their peers as part of our school’s ongoing commitment to student welfare.

I will read the following names, and we would like to give you a round of applause. After assembly would you please stay in chapel and we will hand out your certificates and also have a quick photo.

Madie A

Alice B

Amelie B

Livia C

Zara D

Ben D

Emily E

Saffron F

Lucy G

Lucy H

Poppy H

Anna H

Charlotte H

Georgia H

Lucia H

Ciara J

Maddie L

Anne M

Becky M

Hattie R

Ellie S

Kallisa S

Savannah T

Louisa T

Emily T

Sophie V

Leon W

CCF

And on a CCF note, we have another cadet who has now achieved a Cadet Vocational College led BTEC Level 2 qualification in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community, Please could Colour Sergeant Joe G come forward to collect his certificate.

Sport

Rowing

At the start of this term Florence W (year 9) and her double partner Lucy qualified straight to the A final in time trials. Finishing in a fantastic second place🥈overall in the Junior Inter Regional Regatta WJ14 x2 representing the Northern Region.

Cricket

Max M — a talented student and cricketer — has been invited to join the prestigious Darren Lehmann Cricket Academy in Australia!

This remarkable achievement is a testament to Max’s commitment, skill, and passion for the game. His dedication both on and off the pitch has been outstanding, and we couldn’t be prouder. The Darren Lehmann Cricket Academy is renowned for providing elite training to rising cricket stars, making this invitation a major milestone in Max’s sporting journey. We look forward to watching him grow and succeed as he takes on this incredible opportunity.

It was wonderful to see Year 10, Anya G stepping up to umpire the U12 cricket match against RGS on Saturday—an impressive display of leadership, confidence, and dedication to the school community.

Congratulations to Emily H (Year 10) for her exceptional performance in the 100-ball game last Tuesday, where she scored an impressive 60 runs. This achievement makes Emily the first female athlete in the school’s history to surpass 50 runs. Additionally, Oscar D (Year 9) showed remarkable determination and composure in his match against Austin Friars last week, scoring an impressive 65 runs. He built on this success with another outstanding performance on Saturday, scoring 90 runs against RGS, further showcasing his consistency and skill at the crease.

Rugby

Jake G and Noah G have been chosen to join the U17 Yorkshire County team.

Additionally, the following players have been selected for the Durham County U17 squad, who played their first match against Cumbria yesterday: Charlie S, Angus S, Casey W, Oscar R, Ben C, and Josaia B.

Economics

I’m pleased to share that Sophie V has received a Highly Commended award from Economics Update’s Essay Competition. Her essay looked at how the Labour Government responded to UK economic challenges in the first few parts of their term.

Musical Interlude

Matthew J (Y7) performing ‘The Tree’s Capriccio’ on the organ.

Tiny Noticeable Things projects (TNTs):

Golf target practice on the Barney Alps – just above the 1^st XV pitch.

The first of a series of little uplifts around the site that will be of direct benefit to you.

Max and Matilda will be speak to the student council about ideas that you have about TNTs for around the school, and Mr Midcalf and Mrs Dolby will be speaking to you about a TNT specifically for Marwood and Bowes.  

Thank you to those who are supporting Mental Health Awareness week, and particular thanks to Mrs Isaac and Mr Chaloner who have put together the programme with the help of other staff.

Let us pray.

Loving God,

We thank you for the gift of this day and for the community that surrounds us.

In a world that can often feel busy and overwhelming, help us to find balance and peace.

Give us the self-awareness to know when we need rest, the courage to ask for help when we are struggling,

And the kindness to notice when others need our support.

Bless our minds and our hearts,

That we may grow in strength, resilience and compassion.

And help us always to be a friend to those in need.

Amen.