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The moment I felt my hamstring pull, I knew I had pushed myself too far. The Sydney Olympics represented years of preparation and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to achieve my goals. In just one training session, my dreams were shattered. Little did I know, this marked the beginning of my long journey back to fitness, ultimately leading to my Olympic gold four years later in Athens.

As an elite athlete, I was meticulous about nutrition, recovery, and maintaining the right balance to achieve peak energy levels during competitions. I discovered that my energy was influenced not only by my diet but also by the people I surrounded myself with. Positive energy from like-minded individuals amplified our collective drive.

There’s no crystal ball for decision-making. At various points in life—whether you’re a student choosing courses, a professional considering a career move, or facing a personal crossroads—difficult choices arise. This was my reality as I approached the end of my athletic career, forcing me to confront the inevitable.

Over 20 years of competing against the best in athletics, I was always striving to improve. In just over 10 seconds, I needed to explode into action, be aggressive yet in control, and push myself to my limits while remaining completely relaxed. There’s no time to think; everything must happen at a subconscious level, executed with supreme control and confidence. So, how do we express and build true confidence?

As a junior athlete beginning my journey in athletics, I was part of a group of young British athletes with the potential to transition from under-20 junior ranks to senior competition. As a young sprinter, I faced a particularly challenging progression through age groups. The U23 category was in its infancy, lacking established competition. Many athletes, including myself, attempted to leap directly from junior to senior categories.

As a professional athlete, I was fortunate to have access to exceptional coaches who mentored and challenged me to reach my full potential. The gold medal we won at the 2004 Olympics is a testament to the collective effort of many individuals who supported me through difficult times and encouraged me to push my limits.

Explore the exceptional artwork on display!

With a busy schedule consisting of deadlines, class work, homework, IAs, EEs, CAS, ECAs and exam preparation we often do not have chance to reflect on our feelings and stressors. Our body is very good at sending signals, but we are also equally good at ignoring these signals.

The presentation on ‘Getting Exam Ready’ on Tuesday 7 March was aimed to provide both practical information about the upcoming IGCSE exams, study leave and how parents can support their children in their first set of external examinations. If you were unable to join the event we have shared the information covered by email.

I still vividly remember the week leading up to my first day at Tufts University – “butterflies in the stomach” would be underselling the sensation. As a grizzled adult, I am tempted to look back now dismissively: there was no apparent reason to be so apprehensive. But as a university guidance counsellor and parent, I find dismissing these feelings not so easy – their roots are grounded in a reality worth investigating.

It is with great pleasure that we introduce the Higher Education Guidance team at BISS. The team consists of Jessie Lee, an expert in applications to the top universities in Korea. Ms. Lee has been with BISS for 5 years, and during this time, has cultivated strong relationships with Korean members of our cohort. Her role as CAS Coordinator enables her to get to know our students intimately and challenge them to take risks that expand their horizons and push them out of their comfort zones.

Thank you to those parents who attended the ‘Succeeding at Key Stage 3’ event this week; there was a very strong turnout. It was a pleasure to present information which we hope is of help to you as parents/guardians and your children, to support their academic success, and be happy and healthy learners at BISS.

Reading is key to unlocking the academic curriculum and is of fundamental importance when considering a child’s future achievement, wellbeing and successes in life. Current research by the Institute of Education highlights the benefits of reading books and newspapers, and visiting the library as having a significant impact on a child’s progress with reading.

As a global group of schools, there are many integral differences between each and every Nord Anglia school, which could be cultural, the curriculum, interaction with the local community, assessments used etc. However, all Nord Anglia schools globally follow the key philosophy of ‘Be Ambitious’.

Secondary students at BISS were treated to a literal taste of Diwali (the Festival of Lights) this week. There were student-led stalls with traditional snacks and drinks, and henna design, all with the backdrop of some amazing harmonium (similar to an accordion) performers. And in the spirit of the festival, we had a bright and colourful non-uniform day as well as some candle and rangoli making at lunchtimes in the week.

The Junior MUN conference hosted by NAIS Hong Kong kicked off to a great start at 8.15 am on Saturday 29 October. Fifteen young and enthusiastic delegates and two committee chairs trooped into our campus ready to discuss the set topics and formulate possible solutions to the following issues in their respective committees.

In Years 1-6 the White Rose scheme is used for teaching Maths. This scheme provides a clear structure and contains excellent and comprehensive resources. At BISS Puxi, we have adapted and developed the scheme to ensure a high level of teaching and learning in Maths.