Mike Piercy, education consultant and former Head of The New Beacon,
reflects on the end of the school year
The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there.’ LP Hartley, The Go-Between. What a captivating, beguiling opening to a book.
Considerably more clichéd are the words of William Blake, ‘Hindsight is a wonderful thing…’ though his ensuing words are quoted less often: ‘…but foresight is better.’ I would suggest hindsight informs foresight rather than unimaginatively using hindsight to beat yourself about the head. Reflect critically, yes, but also constructively, with honesty, the past enabling the future.
We have reached the end of the academic year. All change. Many thousands of children and young people are moving on. The youngest are leaving behind much-loved class teachers (that hopefully, generally, being the case). Year 6 children leave their primaries; Year 8s leave their preps – a rite of passage. They all face being minnows of their new seas in September, seemingly eons away from July.
Sixteen and eighteen year-olds have slaved over the hot stoves of revision and exams. They now await results day. I was talking recently to someone who achieved a first class degree in architecture, the culmination of five hard years of study. She and her contemporaries now face the world of work. She is ready for it and to leave student life. For all, July brings emotion and sentiment for the past year. At every phase of education there will be many who have outgrown that particular stage of life. As a Head I would sometimes have to tame a few recalcitrant Year 8s who felt they had outgrown the school. I would remind them of all the school had given them – not least the confidence which prepares them for whatever comes next. It is right and proper for pupils and students to feel they have outgrown their environment; it means the teachers and lecturers have done their job.
So now the summer holidays beckon. Eighteen-year-olds embark on summer jobs or gap years; prepare for university or start on the career path. The much longed-for independence will surely bring many challenges. Pupils of all ages will have left some security, some familiarity, teachers, classes or schools. The educational world is full of ups and downs. July brings the promise of a hiatus, a rest, along with high emotion as people move on.
Children, pupils and students might on occasion pause over the summer to reflect on what has passed over the last year: what could or should I have done differently? As September approaches end of year reports should be read and re-read, critically and with honesty, as the new year approaches (‘…but Mr. Bloggs didn’t like me!’ may contain a glimmer of truth; however, reflect honestly on the part you may have played in that scenario). For the youngest: read, read and read some more; play number games in the car.
I wish everyone a lovely summer break. Especially teachers. If you haven’t experienced it you will not know how exhausting teaching can be, for inherent in good teaching is ‘giving’ – emotional generosity. Those who have now completed national exams I wish you every success on results day (though there is little you can now do). As to the youngest children: be helpful at home; be kind to your siblings – and parents.
Mike’s book, ‘Careering’ – a journey through his life, which also offers advice to parents – will be published by Troubador on 28 August and can be pre-ordered. mikepiercy@hotmail.com
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