There aren’t many of us around the Weald – Everton supporters, that is. A colleague, fellow supporter, many years ago, challenged me to get the word into a weekly bulletin. ‘If you were ever to need advice…’ I wrote. He noticed; no one else commented.
As a third generation Evertonian I would utilise my allegiance in pupil assemblies. I refer frequently to the distinction between failure and disappointment: the former terminal; the latter better contextualized. Far too many nervy premiership seasons ended with the fear of relegation despite the potential of players and the team. Disappointment is something that has to be rationalised, to be weathered. There’s always hope.
This season ended with Everton leaving Goodison Park, their home ground since 1892, moving to a smart new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. For loyal Evertonians it is an emotional – yet exciting – time. Similarly, thousands of children and young people will soon be saying a fond farewell to their schools, colleges, universities and teachers. Many will have been in the same school for perhaps seven years or more (hoping they never have to spend longer in an institution).
The Leavers’ Hoodies will swelter in the summer sunshine. White uniform shirts are adorned with rainbow sharpie signatures and emojis. There will be tears and cheers, relief and regret, for what has been left behind. The summer weeks bring time to reflect on past experiences, what has been learnt, what went well and what might have gone better while, for some, national exam results are anxiously awaited. So, what might the reflections be over the summer months? Hopefully gratitude will play something of a part; for opportunities, for people, for those teachers where there might have been a special chemistry. A little, honest navel-gazing might conclude there were opportunities missed, failing to seize the moment – whether through lack of time, motivation or zeal.

Then there is the need to look forward – not too soon, though; respite first, allowing time and the sub-conscious do their work. There will be anticipation, nervousness – about new teachers, new schools, new friendships. Comfort comes with the recognition it is the same for everyone. The brash and seemingly brave will have the same feelings. In a lecture given by Benjamin Zander, the conductor and guru, he claimed the first person to put up a hand is the last person who should provide an answer. One of the audience immediately lent weight to his hypothesis. There’s nothing wrong with enthusiasm (‘Pick me, pick me!’) but measure and thought generally give rise to a more considered response.
A good school will provide an ‘open’ ethos from the outset, one in which the asking of questions is enabled and encouraged. Young people (boys especially) are not always good at asking for help. Some might feel it is a sign of weakness. Yet, it is quite the opposite; it is a sign of confidence, an acceptance of human fallibility. It is a positive trait to take into a new, unfamiliar environment – as is the rationalisation of disappointment, leading to learning and growth.
Questions will be asked of Everton, too, when the new football season opens in their glamorous new stadium. I hope they respond with both resolve and confidence

Mike’s book, Careering, is available now with troubador.co.uk.
You can contact Mike at mikepiercy@hotmail.com
with your education-related queries.