Bristol Bears’ Noah Heward Inspires Year 7 with a Powerful Message of Resilience 

At the end of the first half of term, we were delighted to welcome Noah Heward from Bristol Bears to speak to our Year 7 pupils. A talented back-three player, Noah began playing rugby at the age of five and progressed through the Worcester Warriors academy before joining Bristol Bears in 2022. Since then, he has continued to establish himself in the professional game, earning recognition for his pace, determination, and commitment.

Noah spoke candidly about resilience and how he has developed this throughout his career, particularly when recovering from several significant injuries. Drawing on his own experiences, he explained how he has built a personal ‘toolkit’ for resilience, emphasising the importance of perseverance, maintaining good mental health, and reaching out for support during difficult times.

His honest and engaging reflections gave the boys valuable insights into how resilience can be developed, not only in elite sport but also in everyday life. The session encouraged pupils to consider how they can respond positively to challenges, learn from setbacks, and continue striving towards their goals.

At QEH, visiting speakers enrich our pupils’ educational experience, offering valuable insights into different careers, personal journeys, and the challenges people overcome along the way. By sharing their experiences, speakers inspire our boys to pursue their passions and develop the confidence, resilience, and practical strategies to navigate both school life and the wider world.

It was a tremendous session and another example of how our strong partnership with Bristol Bears supports the wellbeing and personal development of our pupils beyond the rugby pitch. Earlier this year, we also welcomed Bristol Bears’ Forwards Coach, Mark Irish, who worked with our forwards on the technical aspects of scrummaging, providing another valuable opportunity to learn from professionals within the game.