On the subject of a non-macho language for education, I am reminded of a classics teacher named Brian Moore. He would tell stories or engage us in discussions that wandered far from the set text. At one point a pragmatic pupil asked: “Sir, is this on the syllabus?” He paused and smiled gently.
“Never be afraid to pluck the wayside flowers, Alex,” he said.
That comment changed my perspective entirely. I hope that a similar sentiment is borne in mind by those who undertake the 14-19 review.
Education should be a challenging, but diverse journey on which it is possible to explore the byways.
Alex McGrath Head of history Cheltenham College Gloucestershire
