Education Matters

Many years ago I played a German soldier in a school play.

I had one line: ‘I am called, Hans, this is Fritz and this is Sven.’

Whilst I would like to think that I was chosen because of my Oscar-worthy acting ability and Hollywood good looks, in reality, I imagine it was because at the time I had a mop of golden hair that looked well, German.

The point is, that was nearly 35 years ago but I can still remember it to this day such was the confidence boost it gave me and with the circumstance of my hair colour aside, my teacher chose ME, to go on stage and show off briefly to my mum, dad and friends and that to an 11-year-old child is a big deal.

Productions, plays and shows are a wonderful opportunity for schools to offer children outlets to succeed beyond academics. 

As outstanding schools will demonstrate, examinations are important because they are our bread and butter but, equally so, are the many other opportunities that they have to apply the holistic broader curriculum and give their children opportunities to shine, no matter how briefly.

It’s not just the school plays either. If you look back over the school year you will find all sorts of events that routinely take place and provide the same opportunities such as sports days, spelling bee competitions, annual day celebrations, class assemblies, school fairs, inter-school competitions and after school clubs. 

None of these regular events should be taken lightly, in fact schools should be celebrated much more for the efforts that go into this often forgotten but equally important part of the annual school cycle, so important are they.

Some of the proudest moments of my life have also been watching my children perform in many varied ways over the years and just like I was delighted that my mum and dad took the time to watch me pretend to be German, I know my children were equally happy to see me there as they performed in sports events, school plays, assemblies and concerts over the years. 

Knowing what goes into making these events take place, however, has always inspired me to give thanks to the staff members responsible, understanding as I do, how much that can mean. 

A tremendous amount of work goes into creating events like these and whilst I know first-hand that sometimes the extra effort can feel like it is unrecognised, it is always worthwhile.

Whilst we might just want to go home and go to sleep once the events are over, the effort that you have put in is often responsible for some of the lifelong memories that the children you know for the shortest of time hold with them as they grow into adults and look back on their school days. No matter how unrewarded we might feel, that’s the truth … and it’s not a bad legacy, is it?