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In the night, the light shines brightest
2nd December 2022
As we shift from November to December, it is abundantly clear that our children, and definitely our staff, are often arriving to school in the dark and walking home in the gloom of early evening. The uniqueness of the British latitude, coupled with Greenwich meantime results in greater hours of darkness as we approach the shortest day of the year. Despite this celestial reality, as I visit schools, I am struck by the unrelenting light and positivity we are providing our children, families and communities.
There is nothing stronger than the hope that passionate education provides. It has a transforming effect on the individual. At a time when we could perceive an ever-constant band of pressures, to walk our classrooms and witness our young people performing, debating and exploring knowledge is wonderful. Yes, we are approaching the glitter and carols season. This festival of schools' lights and cheer does much to shine through the realities of the longest term, mock examinations, colds and sniffles, and children's fatigue.
We need these lights and rituals to keep ourselves going. However, it is not the seasonal goodwill I wish to extol here, but the inner light of the education profession. To work in schools is a special thing. It is a privilege. It is a chance to make a difference. Making a difference is not easy. It is not twee or heart-warming. It is not all 'get into teaching' government advertisements. It requires soul, dedication and graft. It is this I witness as I am lucky enough to tour our schools. Classroom after classroom, front reception, library, exam office, SEND centre, science prep room... all the nooks and crannies that make our schools the special places they are I find staff doing wonderful things. Wonderful things like, putting children first when exhausted. Supporting colleagues when you are feeling behind yourself. Most of all, making time for young people again, again and again. Helping put shoes on for PE once more. Going over exam questions again after school. Conducting mock university interviews. Ringing home to praise a young person for trying their best. These are the unglamourous, true heart of education professionals. I see this everywhere I go.
In my privileged position, I sometimes feel colleagues are too close to identify this light. This difference. As we enter the final weeks of this term, let me assure you - it is shining brightly. It is making a difference you cannot see. Shine brightly.'
Jack Mayhew, CEO, Learning Partners
As we shift from November to December, it is abundantly clear that our children, and definitely our staff, are often arriving to school in the dark and walking home in the gloom of early evening. The uniqueness of the British latitude, coupled with Greenwich meantime results in greater hours of darkness as we approach the shortest day of the year. Despite this celestial reality, as I visit schools, I am struck by the unrelenting light and positivity we are providing our children, families and communities.
There is nothing stronger than the hope that passionate education provides. It has a transforming effect on the individual. At a time when we could perceive an ever-constant band of pressures, to walk our classrooms and witness our young people performing, debating and exploring knowledge is wonderful. Yes, we are approaching the glitter and carols season. This festival of schools' lights and cheer does much to shine through the realities of the longest term, mock examinations, colds and sniffles, and children's fatigue.
We need these lights and rituals to keep ourselves going. However, it is not the seasonal goodwill I wish to extol here, but the inner light of the education profession. To work in schools is a special thing. It is a privilege. It is a chance to make a difference. Making a difference is not easy. It is not twee or heart-warming. It is not all 'get into teaching' government advertisements. It requires soul, dedication and graft. It is this I witness as I am lucky enough to tour our schools. Classroom after classroom, front reception, library, exam office, SEND centre, science prep room... all the nooks and crannies that make our schools the special places they are I find staff doing wonderful things. Wonderful things like, putting children first when exhausted. Supporting colleagues when you are feeling behind yourself. Most of all, making time for young people again, again and again. Helping put shoes on for PE once more. Going over exam questions again after school. Conducting mock university interviews. Ringing home to praise a young person for trying their best. These are the unglamourous, true heart of education professionals. I see this everywhere I go.
In my privileged position, I sometimes feel colleagues are too close to identify this light. This difference. As we enter the final weeks of this term, let me assure you - it is shining brightly. It is making a difference you cannot see. Shine brightly.'
Jack Mayhew, CEO, Learning Partners
