The school report of Theo Paphitis, Version 16.4
When I was having a spring clean of my garage recently, I discovered a box of old school papers and a few school reports that I hadn’t seen for about forty-five years. What I found and read made me think of the old saying that the pen is mightier than the sword, and how choosing our language when talking to others is such an important thing. A brilliant teacher can change your life forever, but one who writes you off prematurely can have one hell of an impact too.
In January 1976 my report card, with my name spelt wrong, was a pretty standard report card - a bit of a mixed bag, such as encouraging me not to take my foot off the accelerator. However, the comments by the Head of House in the summary was the back-handed kicker that became its focus for me: “A splendid person with fine qualities but unfortunately there are no examinations in this field.” How to inspire the school leaver! Luckily, I was ambitious and keen to find my niche so put this to the back of my mind and was chomping at the bit to get out into the world of work and earn money, having grown up with very little. But, what a thing to say to a young person with the world at their feet. I’m not a trained teacher, but to write off someone’s likelihood of success due to lack of academic nouse seemed a bit harsh, even back then.
I had forgotten about this life-damning line, obviously pushed it to the back of my mind, and it was a bitter-sweet rediscovery. A sign of the times? Perhaps, but a reminder to us all that it’s sometimes pure luck as to who marks your score card at school. Teachers are so important in our lives and a great one can give you the confidence you need and it’s a shame that mine in this case was so short sighted in the opportunities she saw out there for me.
We shouldn’t write off those who are not academic and are clearly bringing something very different to the table. Words can be a powerful tool for good or for bad in widening peoples’ horizons or crushing their butterflies, and we need to be mindful of that. It’s also a reminder to look after and nurture those brilliant teachers who see through academic performance and the potential in any area, whatever that may be.
I recently met a fantastic young teacher, Talia, as part of a BBC Learning short film series on teachers and talked to her about the pressures she was working under and the effect that had on her. We must support our brilliant teachers and ensure that those who can change a life through encouragement and recognising students’ strengths is so important to us all, and the reverse is a very dangerous place to be.
If there had been an exam in being a ‘splendid person with fine qualities’, just think...I could have made it!
Theo Paphitis, Version 59.8
Aeronautical Consultant & Engineer | Innovator | CEO AirDrate
3 年This was me also Theo. At my Career’s Interview, after being asked what I would like to do as career, the careers teachers laughed at me when I said I wanted to become aeronautical engineer, specialising in Avionic systems. At that, I stood up and walked out the room. I left school without qualifying for college or university and having to commence work as a yts alarm installation engineer. In 1989, I had saved money and retaught myself maths and English, enough to get accepted to go to university, where I qualified as a licenced aircraft engineer in 1992. Today I consult to one of the largest business jet operators in the world and leading safety organisation and hold 3 patents that are near to commercialisation. I spotted my Son was experiencing similar. I got him tested and confirmed his difficulty as dyslexia. Funnily enough, during those tests, I discovered am also dyslexic. My son was caught in time and now in a fantastic gramma school where there are some amazing teachers that have found ways of learning that work for him. My son is now 6form head boy there, is doing fantastic academically and looking to start a degree next year. I hope I get to meet that teacher again one day!
Growing organisational resilience by improving engagement and retention across teams, with a specialism in Neurodiversity.
4 年I think that you are highlighting an area of education that is a huge challenge to teachers today. Teachers simply are not getting to teach in a way that fulfils the needs of pupils (especially ones with dyslexia) and they themselves are not getting what they need to thrive in terms of their own development. Thus the teaching profession is all about meeting metrics and the pastoral element is unfortunately being prioritised less when in reality, if this was a high priority we may actually see pupils push through their challenges and believe in their potential earlier in life before they become successful millionaires :-)
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5 年The 'sticks and stones' rhyme is wrong, isn't it?! Words can so infuriate you that you will do your damnedest to prove someone like your Head of House wrong.?
Private Practice at rachel.kilburn counseling
5 年This is inspirational and touches so many of us.
Managing residential developments, refurbishments and remedial works
5 年Theo, I massively respect what you’ve achieved. I would be honoured if you’d consider my advice and services for any building surveying matters you may have now or in the future.?