I spoke in Senior School assembly today about something I am genuinely looking forward to, the Winter Olympics, which began this week. I suspect many of you are too. There is something about the Olympics that draws us in: the dedication behind the scenes, the drama of competition, and the sheer commitment it takes to perform at that level.
Rather than focusing on medals and podiums, the assembly explored one of the most memorable Olympic stories of all, Eddie the Eagle. Eddie Edwards represented Great Britain in ski jumping at the 1988 Winter Olympics with very little funding, limited training opportunities, and no expectation of success. He finished last, yet became a national hero because of his courage, perseverance, and willingness to try.
We watched the trailer for Eddie the Eagle movie, a wonderful, uplifting film and a great family watch, and used it as a way of reflecting on how success is often defined. As young people grow older, it can feel increasingly risky to attempt things they might not immediately excel at. Eddie’s story reminds us that growth rarely comes from playing it safe, but from stepping beyond comfort zones and being prepared to be imperfect.
As the Winter Olympics unfold over the coming weeks, there will be extraordinary moments of sporting excellence to admire. Alongside these, we hope pupils take away a quieter but equally important message: resilience, courage, and the willingness to keep going matter just as much as winning. If you are looking for a feel-good family film to watch, Eddie the Eagle is a firm favourite and a wonderful starting point for conversations about perseverance and resilience.

To read all of this week’s Senior High Notes, please click here.