Written by Shaun McCabe: Director of The Arts at Clifton College
The annual Clifton and Durban Girls’ College musical collaboration is a delightful celebration of the talents of our youngsters and a testimony to the amount of time and effort that they and their respective music tutors spend working together. It also got me to thinking about the role the arts play in the life of boys.
Emotional intelligence (EQ) has gained a favourable space alongside IQ as findings continue to reveal connections to overall well-being and positive developmental outcomes. The EQ dialogue can now be found at all stages in the lifespan as theories and resources have emerged to “download” emotional competence. And it starts early.
EQ education can be a worthy endeavour, especially given that the core of EQ is self and other awareness. The challenge becomes evident when we consider the diverse expression of the emotional life of individuals. While we all have emotions and feelings, they can feel and present differently. Importantly, because of their underlying meaning, emotions and motivation are personal and unique.
A young man’s journey in life needs structure, guideposts and moments of reflection and inspiration. At Clifton, key events and milestones intentionally contribute to the building of young men of significance.
Rooted in this journey are the relationships and partnerships with family, teachers, coaches, peers and mentors. This passage to manhood celebrates passion, courage, humility, engagement, care and integrity. Our young men leave Clifton with a sense of self, service and purpose.
On Saturday we celebrated the matric class of 2020 as they completed their formal school days by ringing the bell at Founders’ House and signing out as pupils of Clifton. It was a memorable and emotional morning for the boys, their friends and their parents as they bade farewells and sang the school war cry along with the Grade 8 and 11 boys. This rite of passage is one of many that we celebrate at Clifton as we journey with our boys to manhood.
Best wishes for your finals, gents! Prodesse Quam Conspici.
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