The Final Leg of the Race

As I was driving home (after a really good day) last night, I listened to "Ballad of a Thin Man" by Bobby Dylan, and I began to reflect on events at our College.  A series of lines kept coming back to me:

"You've been with the professors

And they've all liked your looks

With great lawyers you have

Discussed lepers and crooks

You've been through all of

F.Scott Fitzgerald's books

You're very well read

It's well known

Because something is happening here (at Wyke)

But you don't know what it is

Do you, Mister Jones?"

What made the day so special yesterday were the beautiful conversations that I had with so many of you, hearing about the successes of the practical examinations, witnessing some excellent learning during my walks and teaching my AS group in the afternoon.

There is so much to celebrate here at our College and it makes me so proud.  Your achievements are astonishing and very well deserved.  To be fourth nationally for value-added out of all of the Sixth Form Colleges in the country is incredible.  It is not the statistics (which are important) but the atmosphere, culture, the way you all speak to each other, the way in which you welcome guests and fellow students who are different, is 'beautiful'.  Long may that continue. 

Another of Bobby D’s songs, "It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry", comes to mind:

"Don't the moon look good, mamma,

Shinin’ through the trees?……

Don't the sun look good

Goin' down the sea?"

Work really hard, enjoy the break and above all, come back energised, and prepared for the 'final leg of the race'.  Have no regrets about wishing that you had done more.

Have a brilliant Easter.