Monday 27th August 2012

Life has no problems. There are just conditions and situations. Some situations are challenging to us physically and mentally, and some spiritually. Most situations are a positive encounter with the world, with others and with oneself. They make us feel alive and energised, and we grow because of them. To lead safe and comfortable lives can often be stifling and inhibiting, causing lethargy and inertia.

George reminded me of a truth today as he read a poem to me called ‘Risk’ I will share it with you this week, as I do believe it encompasses what I hope our children will grasp and exhibit in their lives far more than I have. The fear of failure is such a powerful concept, and it is driving education at the moment. If you doubt that, you ask any 14 – 20 year old, and especially those who are stressing after their grades at AS, A2 and GCSE recently. But failure itself is such an odd concept, and it is one that literally turns children and adults alike away from the self-development we crave for each other. My own subject – maths – is like that at classroom level often with its high-risk, low-ambiguity reputation. It’s either right or wrong, meaning either success or failure. I can’t stand that, can you? No child should ever feel a failure because of any system that we build…they should be given constant encouragement to try and try and try, with a smile upon their face and understand that to get something ‘wrong’ is simply a rehearsal to getting it right…which is success. And I hope I’ve always valued the children I’ve taught, and shown them that I appreciate and celebrate efforts even more than achievements.

I’ve had a great weekend, really. Lots of DIY again (Nicola and I are nesting…) and lots of last-minute special time spent with each other and the children before I go back to school full-time tomorrow (I admit to switching off emails and phones so that I haven’t even thought much about school)

Kylie, Simon, Libby and Connor came to visit today, which was fabulous. I really appreciated the effort they made (travelling for over four hours to get here, and likewise back home) Kylie is my God-Daughter and I love her very much. Simon is such a lovely, gentle guy, and the two children are just a joy. It was great to spend some quality time with them, and I miss them now already.

I’m taking Eric into school tomorrow so that he can do some more of his maths and English homework, and then on to Highgate Harriers to – hopefully – join the Young Athletes Club. He has got the bug after the Olympics, and I really want to encourage him to follow his ambitions. He’s a good runner (as are George and Evangeline) and he enjoys the thrill of a race.

I must go, I suppose. I don’t think I said enough about Nan the other day. She was a huge influence on us all. She was a positive and energetic lady, who never complained, always had time for you and always made you feel special. Wouldn’t the world be a wonderful place if everyone had a Nan like that? We were/are so blessed to have her in our lives.

Bless you all. Night, and God bless.

David

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