In this week’s Headmaster’s Assembly, pupils were encouraged to think about belonging, knowing oneself and supporting others in the community. The address was followed by a celebration of outstanding individual and team successes across cricket, golf, cheerleading, music, and drama.
Headmaster, David Cresswell:
I don’t want you to fit in; I want you to belong.
That feeling that you are in the right place. That you are known. Accepted. That, amongst all these other people, there is a place for you.
But I think belonging starts somewhere perhaps slightly unexpected – and Mr Lavery touched on this.
It starts with knowing yourself.
Because it’s difficult to feel that you truly belong if you’re constantly trying to work out who everybody else wants you to be.
Self-awareness is knowing what matters to you, what you’re good at, what you find difficult, and the sort of person you want to become.
People have been thinking about this for centuries. So, given that our House Music theme is Disney, I thought we’d conduct a highly scientific experiment.
I’ll give you a quotation. Hands on your head for Shakespeare, hands on your shoulders for Disney. No hedging.
“To thine own self be true.”
Shakespeare or Disney?
Shakespeare. Hamlet.
More than 400 years ago, Shakespeare was saying something we still struggle with: know who you are. Be true to yourself.
Next one:
“Remember who you are.”
Shakespeare or Disney?
Disney. The Lion King.
Different century. Slightly more singing. Quite a lot more lions.
But essentially the same message.
One more:
“We know what we are, but know not what we may be.”
Shakespeare or Disney?
Shakespeare. Hamlet again.
And I love that idea, because self-awareness doesn’t mean saying, “Well, this is me. I’m never going to change.”
It means knowing who you are now, while recognising who you might become.
Which brings us to Moana.
Moana is pulled between who other people expect her to be and the voice inside telling her there is something more.
Eventually she realises that knowing who she is doesn’t mean rejecting where she came from. Her family, her island and her history are part of her. They give her somewhere to belong.
But belonging doesn’t mean standing still. It can give you the confidence to explore.
And, of course, no discussion of Moana would be complete without one of Disney’s deepest and most intellectually complex characters…
Hei Hei.
Hei Hei has absolutely no idea who he is, where he is, what he’s doing or, at various points, whether rocks are food. (Charles)
So perhaps self-awareness is a spectrum.
But underneath Disney’s magic, talking animals, demigods, extremely unintelligent chickens and suspiciously catchy songs are some very human questions:
Who am I? Where do I belong? And how do I connect with other people?
Those questions are linked.
ecause the better we understand ourselves, the easier it becomes to understand others.
If I recognise that I sometimes get things wrong, I’m more likely to forgive someone else when they do.
If I know what it feels like to be left out, perhaps I’ll notice the person standing on their own.
And that’s when belonging becomes bigger than something we simply receive.
It becomes something we can give.
Every one of us can make somebody else feel that they belong. And usually, it’s incredibly ordinary.
Moving along so someone can sit beside you. Remembering someone’s name. Asking if someone is okay – and actually waiting for the answer. Not laughing when somebody gets something wrong. Saying hello.
Small actions that say:
I see you. You matter. There is room for you here.
Because belonging isn’t just about finding the right group of people and hoping they accept us.
We all have some responsibility for creating it.
Celebration and thanks
Cricket
We begin with some excellent cricketing success from our pupils representing Barnard Castle Cricket Club.
The U17s won the North Yorkshire and South Durham Junior League West, reaching the Pallister Cup Finals Day, where they beat Norton in the semi-final before narrowly losing to a strong Marton side.
They also enjoyed a superb run in the Junior Hundred, beating Darlington, Richmond, Norton and Rockliffe Park on their way to another closely fought final against Marton.
Joe.R, Oliver.G, Rory.M, Leo.R, and Matthew.T all made significant contributions throughout the season. All five have played above their age group and progressed to senior cricket with Barnard Castle Second XI, while Joe has also made appearances for the First XI in the Premier League.
A fantastic season – congratulations to all five.
Golf
There has been plenty to celebrate on the golf course too.
Joe.R qualified for a national event at Woodhall Spa, the home of England Golf, where he finished an impressive 11th overall. Toby.R won the U15 Order of Merit on the ACED Golf Tour, following ten events across the spring and summer. His success has earned him a place at the Champion of Champions competition in Ireland next summer.
Congratulations also to Charlie.S, Harry.D, Archie.R, Freddie.H, Olivia.H, Toby.R and Joe.R, who all represented Barnard Castle Golf Club in the Durham County Junior League.
Cheerleading
A special mention goes to Florence.S, who has achieved outstanding success in cheerleading.
Florence has been named Cheerleader of the Year by her academy and selected for its Coaching Scheme, giving her the opportunity to help develop younger athletes. Even more excitingly, she has been selected to represent her team in the United States next April, competing at both the All Star World Cheerleading Championships and The World Summit.
UNESCO Youth Ambassador
Congratulations also to Kate.M, who has been invited to become a UNESCO Youth Ambassador for Durham – a fantastic opportunity and achievement.
Music
And finally, some musical success. Matthew.B has successfully auditioned for the role of Bruce Bogtrotter in Richmond Operatic Society’s upcoming production of Matilda, taking place during October half term. Matthew certainly made an impression at his audition – he wowed the panel and even managed to make two of the judges cry! Congratulations, Matthew. And a reminder that all Music ensembles take place this week. A full list can be found in the Music School and on the Music at Barney Team.
Drama
A quick reminder that the first rehearsal for High School Musical is tonight at 3.25pm in Music School.
We already have more than 45 pupils signed up, but there’s still room for more from Years 9–13 – and we’d especially love more boys to join the cast.
Rehearsals will work around sport, so don’t feel you have to choose. In fact, that’s rather the point of High School Musical: don’t pigeonhole yourself. Be brave, try something different and, in the words of the show, don’t stick to the status quo.
If you’re interested, message Mr Edwards or speak to him after assembly.
Musical Interlude
Tess.W – “Una donna a quindici anni” from the opera “Cose Fan Tutte” by Mozart.
A little context before we hear this piece: it comes from Mozart’s comic opera Così fan tutte. It’s sung by Despina, a confident and rather mischievous maid, who gives some very cheeky advice about love and relationships. It’s playful, witty and full of character – very typical of Mozart at his comic best.
Prayer
Dear God,
Help us to know ourselves,
to recognise our strengths, accept our imperfections,
and have the courage to be who we are.
Help us to notice those around us –
especially those who may feel unseen, uncertain or alone.
May our words and actions help others to know
that they are valued, that they matter,
and that there is a place for them here.
Give us the kindness to include,
the confidence to be ourselves,
and the generosity to help others belong.
Amen.
