This week in assembly, I spoke to our Senior School students about the idea that being yourself is your superpower. We began by thinking about superheroes, those confident, capable characters who seem to have it all figured out. Yet behind every superhero is an ordinary person who only truly discovers their strength when they stop pretending to be someone else and embrace who they really are. We also explored how our body language can influence how we feel. I introduced the students to the “superhero stance”, feet apart, shoulders back, hands on hips, chin up, the classic pose of strength and confidence. Research led by social psychologist Amy Cuddy at Harvard University has shown that holding this posture for just two minutes can reduce stress hormones and increase feelings of confidence and positivity. It is a simple physical reminder that how we stand can affect how we feel. Watching the whole hall take on their superhero poses was a wonderful moment, a light-hearted but powerful way to show that confidence often starts from within. As I said to our students, you do not need to wear a cape to have a superpower. Your real power lies in who you are, your kindness, curiosity, and courage to be authentically you.

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