Building Resilience and Health Through Co-Curricular

This week’s Whole School Assembly celebrated the power of co-curricular life at Truro School. Pupils and students were treated to music from Silver Sax and our Sixth Form jazz band. There was also a spirited scene from The Importance of Being Ernest, the most recent pupil-driven initiative that has been developed from co-curricular learning.

Mrs Jobling reminded us that our co-curricular programme, whether music, sport, drama, or outdoor education, are far more that just ‘extras’. They are vital to a well-rounded education and play a key role in supporting personal development and mental well-being.

When you participate in sport – from football and netball to athletics or swimming — you are building not only your fitness but also your stamina for life’s challenges.

One of our own Truro School alumni, Sir Ben Ainslie, the four-time Olympic gold medallist in sailing, put it simply:

“Resilience isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you build through hard work, setbacks, and by pushing yourself.” Every training session, every match, every moment you step up

You are not here at Truro School just to pass exams. You are here to build the whole of who you are. When you join a club, you join a team — and when you join a team, you build your future network of friends and mentors.

As many of you head into study leave for your GCSEs and A-Levels, remember: Do not stop your co-curricular activities.

It is tempting to think that dropping sport or music will give you more time to revise.

But research is clear: physical activity, creativity, and time outdoors actually improve memory, concentration, and emotional resilience during exams.

Sir Ben Ainslie again reminds us:

“Balance isn’t something you find — it’s something you create every day.”

Keeping balance between study and healthy activity will support your best performance.

The Whole School Assembly ended with a spirited excerpt from the outstanding play, ‘The Importance of Being Ernest’ performed by Arlo, Jacob and Sam and directed by Celia and a closing prayer from Miss Mitchell.

Congratulations to our Values Award winners this week and to our Head’s Commendations: each of these pupils has reflected the values that we hold as a school displaying creativity, courage, confidence, curiosity and compassion.

Head’s Commendations awarded to:

Yilin C, Tom N, Julia P, Tom P, Tom WO and Isaac S

Values Award Winners:

1st Year	Blake M	For his compassion towards the musicians during the start of term service and wanting to express his gratitude for the chorister performance.
2nd Year	Jamie L	For excellent communication and leadership skills during a recent year group activity.
3rd Year	Isaac B	For his positive contributions to the school community. Isaac performed well in Grimm’s Tales, the junior play, and sings in the barber shop group. Through his work with the eco committee, he is encouraging us all to adopt more environmentally friendly practices.
4th Year	Jack B	For his courage in a recent football match to keep persevering whilst the team were really struggling.
5th Year	Lowenna W H	For excellent communication and leadership skills during a recent year group activity.
Lower Sixth	Tom R	For helping our 5th Year German students with their preparation for their GCSE speaking exams.
Upper Sixth	Charlie D	Charlie has made a sustained contribution to the Co-Curricular life of the school by running the Dungeons and Dragons Wednesday Afternoon Activities for younger students. He has led these sessions with confidence.