The Essence of a Pittwater House Education
As the term progresses, I am learning more and more about what it is that sets out school apart, not just from other local schools but also schools I have worked at in the past.
The recent start of mid-year HSC exams finds me reflecting on how fast the term has gone. We bounce from assessment to assessment in the busy rhythm of the school term, it is easy to lose focus on the longer game of a Pittwater House education. The pursuit of academic achievement is a large part of the broader puzzle but there is another significant element that is not always as visible or as tangible as academic results.
If we only taught our students how to pass exams, we would be doing them a disservice. To thrive in the real world, they need a compass, a sense of character that will both guide and protect them when things get difficult. When I look at the earliest advertisements for our school from some 65 years ago I see the words “character training” prominently displayed. Of course, character isn’t something you can simply read about in a textbook; it’s a muscle that has to be exercised.
We provide several “vehicles” at the school specifically designed to get students out of their comfort zones and into the arena of experiential opportunity and character growth.
Consider cadets and its approach to the development of leadership, discipline and grit. Sport provides an opportunity to work together with others with common goals for performance, winning and losing with grace and dignity. Our camps bring students together tearing them apart from digital distractions and building fortitude in the elements, kind or cruel.
At the heart of character development is the idea of belonging. Being a part of Pittwater House means being part of something much larger than oneself. This connection brings a set of shared responsibilities.
When a student puts on our uniform, they aren’t just representing themselves; they are stewards of our collective reputation. They learn that their actions, how they support a teammate after a mistake or how they mentor a younger peer can have a positive ripple effect across our entire community.
With these elements combined, I think I am coming to appreciate the essence or perhaps better terminology in these times-the secret sauce of a Pittwater House educational experience.
Semper Diligens.