Courage

Adam Peaty, regarded as one of the greatest breaststroke swimmers of all time, showed us that courage isn’t just about physical bravery. Having taken time away from swimming, the two-time gold medal winner returned to the Olympic pool to claim silver.  Afterwards, he was open about the emotional toll of swimming at elite level and the impact it has had on his mental health. His vulnerability in front of the world is a powerful reminder that real courage is about being true to ourselves, even when it's difficult.

At Warwick, we encourage our pupils to be brave, not only in the classroom or on the sports field, but in how they express themselves and support one another. Courage doesn’t mean always winning — it means being honest about who you are and how you feel.

Creativity

The skateboarding team at this year’s Olympics beautifully embodied the Warwick School value of creativity, with a 35-year age gap between 16-year-olds Sky Brown and Lola Tambling, and 51-year-old Andy Macdonald. Their participation shows that creativity is not bound by age — it’s about innovation, adaptability, and a willingness to bring fresh approaches to any challenge. Whether you are just beginning your journey or have been on it for years, it’s your unique way of thinking and problem-solving that truly counts.

In our community, we celebrate creativity not only in art, drama or music but in how we approach every task. Each pupil has the potential to contribute fresh ideas, no matter their personality or interests. Their ability to think creatively will shape the future, and their ideas matter irrespective of their age.

Curiosity

American gymnast Simone Biles withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics due to mental health challenges, brought on by the immense pressure of being Team USA's biggest star. Her decision to step back and her subsequent comeback in Paris are not only a testament to her strength but to her curiosity. With four Olympic gold medals already, Biles had nothing left to prove. It would have been easy for her to walk away, but instead, she chose to explore her own limits and deepen her understanding of herself. This willingness to question, reflect, and grow allowed her to return stronger than ever, winning multiple medals and becoming the most decorated US female gymnast in history. Her journey reminds us of the profound value of self-discovery and of having the curiosity to ask, “What more can I learn about myself?”

Here at Warwick, curiosity is key to growth. We encourage pupils to ask the tough questions — not only about the world around them but also about themselves. True curiosity means being open-minded enough to explore your strengths and identify what you need to thrive. By nurturing this mindset, students not only excel in their studies but also in understanding who they are and what they are capable of achieving.

Perseverance

Keely Hodgkinson’s journey in the women’s 800m is a perfect example of perseverance. Having won silver at the Tokyo Olympics as well as the 2022 and 2023 world championships and the 2022 Commonwealth games. She finally won her first global championship gold medal in Paris. Her success shows that while setbacks can be frustrating, they are often stepping stones to something greater.

Perseverance is a core value at Warwick School. It’s not about the times you fall but about how often you get back up and what you learn from the stumble. Whether in examinations, on the sports field, or when confronting personal challenges: the harder you work, the closer you get to your goals.

Humility

I’m sure many of you have seen the viral photo of Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles on the Olympic podium bowing to Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade after she won gold on the gymnastics floor. Instead of being upset about their own performances, they celebrated Andrade’s victory and her historic achievement. It was a powerful display of humility and grace.

At Warwick, humility means celebrating others’ successes as much as our own. It’s easy to focus on personal victories, but true character is shown when we recognise the achievements of others and seek to learn from them.

Responsibility

Alex Yee, the British triathlete, was struggling. New Zealand’s Hayden Wilde looked set to triumph after opening a fifteen second lead on the run.  With 5 km to go Yee was going through a bad patch toiling in the 30-degree heat.  When the bell for the last lap rang out Yee was still 14 seconds behind his rival. Then he heard four words from a familiar voice in the crowd. “Anything can happen, mate,” shouted Alistair Brownlee, the London 2012 and Rio 2016 triathlon champion, and Yee’s training partner. Those words triggered Yee to dig deep into his reserves, absorb the energy of a raucous crowd and start an extraordinary fightback. Over a blistering final kilometre, something remarkable happened. Yee began a surge so sudden that it caught Wilde and the TV directors unaware. With 400 metres to go, he rushed past his rival before stretching away to take gold.

This remarkable Olympic moment is a great example of how small, positive actions can have a profound impact.

Each of us has the responsibility to support those around us. Whether it’s a kind word or a helping hand, we have the power to lift others. At Warwick, we are responsible for creating a community which gives everyone the chance to succeed.

Introducing Mr. Miller: Assistant Head, Character and Community

Warwick School’s purpose is to inspire and nurture every pupil to thrive in the world, both now and in the future. The world is changing rapidly and preparing young people to thrive in the future requires far more than equipping them with a particular lexicon of knowledge or a specific set of skills. An education that prepares students to lead successful careers and live happy fulfilled lives in 2050 is about far more than simply that delivered through the confines of GCSE and A level syllabus. An education that inspires and nurtures them to thrive in the future is a holistic education, central to which is the development of character. Our aim is to ensure that pupils leave with a well-rounded set of character traits, a set of values which will equip them for life beyond Warwick School.  These values are developed through the opportunities open to them here at Warwick and through encouraging them to reflect on what their involvement has taught them. 

Mr. Miller, our new Assistant Head of Character and Community. will play a key role in helping the pupils to live our values. He is the first member of staff to hold this post, and his remit will be to ensure that the values of courage, creativity, curiosity, perseverance, humility, and responsibility are embedded in all that we do and thereby prepare the students to thrive both now and in the future.

I know you will all join me in welcoming Mr Miller and looking forward to a year where we continue to embody the true spirit of the Olympics here at Warwick School.