The power of silence

Silence is a rare commodity in modern life. Not the dramatic kind of silence - just the gentle, everyday quiet that allows a thought to take shape. Most of us move at impressive speed: from work or school commitments to social activities, chores and a never-ending stream of notifications. We are capable, committed and constantly in motion. But in all that movement, one thing is often missing: silence. 

And silence, ironically, is one of the most powerful tools we have. In a school setting, this matters particularly for our students whose days are full of activities as well as constant cognitive and emotional demands. 

We tend to think of silence as empty – a gap, a pause, a moment where nothing happens. But in learning, that is precisely where the important things happen. During silence, the brain processes, connects, files away and makes sense of everything it has taken in. Silence is where understanding settles. Without it, students are left with fragmented knowledge: lots of information but not enough space to absorb or integrate it. 

Silence also improves concentration. A quiet moment before starting an essay or revision task can shift students from frantic multitasking into focused thinking. The change is often subtle but noticeable, particularly when students are tackling complex thinking and extended writing tasks. Occasionally, I walk into the Sixth Form common room, expecting the usual low hum of conversation, only to find every student working in complete silence, heads down and fully absorbed. It is always striking and a reminder that silence, far from being empty, is often a sign that real thinking is taking place. 

Beyond academics, silence is vital for emotional clarity. In Sixth Form, for instance, decisions pile up rapidly - university choices, coursework deadlines, friendship dynamics, future ambitions. When life is loud, everything feels urgent. But silence gives students space to notice what they actually think and feel rather than just reacting to the noise around them. One Year 13 recently asked to sit in my office - not for advice, reassurance or a solution but simply for five minutes of quiet to think. When she left, she had not been given answers; she had found her own. That moment was a reminder that silence does not always need to be filled. We are often quick to rush in with words, advice, reassurance or conversation when sometimes quiet is exactly what is needed.  

Building moments of silence into our day and valuing quiet as part of learning and wellbeing may be one of the most valuable gifts we give ourselves and each other. As we move into the Christmas break, this feels particularly relevant. The holidays can be joyful but also busy and noisy. A short walk without headphones, a calm car journey or phone-free moments in the day are all small pockets of silence that can reset the mind in surprisingly powerful ways. 

Written by Ms Cheyns, Assistant Head (Head of Sixth Form)