As the days
get longer and the ‘dust’ has settled from the mock examinations in December, I
hope that there is clarity about the goals that we are all striving for. Success means many things but I would like
all of us to feel that we have done as much as we can. The worst thing to feel whenever we have
striven for something is “If only I had done more”. This is the case in all walks of life: our
academic achievements; our work career; our relationships with peers, colleagues,
siblings, children and partners. Very
little is achieved without effort and sacrifice. Throughout, it is critical that we retain our
values, our dignity and professionalism.
In order to achieve our Vision,
“Inspire and support all students to
achieve exceptional success”,
it is necessary
that we work as a team for the “greater good” of our College. Rousseau talked
about this in “The Social Contract”, when he wrote about when things are going
well:
“… all the springs of the state
are vigorous and simple and its rules clear and luminous; there are no
embroilments or conflicts of interests; the common good is everywhere clearly
apparent, and only good sense is needed to perceive it….
A state so governed needs very
few laws; and, as it becomes necessary to issue new ones, the necessity is
universally seen."
I love the
quotation from J.F. Kennedy when he talked about personal interests versus
those of the greater good,
"My fellow Americans, ask
not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your
country."
During this week, there are more
events and visits than at any time during the academic year, listed as follows:
·
The Film Studies students are in Berlin for the
Film Festival;
·
The Media Studies students are in New York;
·
Religious Studies students are in Manchester;
·
Science students are at the Hull York Medical
School;
·
Students studying English Language will be in
London on Friday;
·
The PE/ski trip to Italy leaves on Friday;
·
Students on the flyers’ programme will be at an
HE+ event at St Mary’s College on Friday;
·
Creative Writing/English students will be travelling
to Whitby on Sunday.
All of the above comes after a week
of our first cross-College production of the year, “Sweet Charity”, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The level of commitment, work and talent was
very evident - many thanks to all those involved.
On the Tuesday and Wednesday after
half-term, our Flyers will be in London visiting some of the prestigious
universities in the capital. Our Spanish
students will be visiting Seville and also taking part in a half-day language
school. On 7th March, we have
the visit to Washington by the Politics students and just before Easter, we
will have our annual expedition to South Africa. This week we have our last two Consultation
Evenings. I hope that you are able to
attend and that the discussions with the staff are very useful. The aim is to ensure that you are absolutely
clear about what you need to do to improve.
On Monday lunchtime, I was
privileged to be able to watch the staff versus students’ netball game. It was brilliant to see so many taking part
and the hordes of enthusiastic supporters.
It doesn't matter who won but it was certainly very competitive and
close. I was particularly pleased to see
two members of our Senior Team so involved.
Unfortunately, I missed the concert to raise money for the Peru
expedition at lunchtime yesterday but I believe it was also very well
attended. I hope that it managed to
raise the much-needed funds for the students that are taking part.
We are all a little nervous about
the "staff event” at lunchtime on Friday.
It is all getting quite competitive.
I believe that Chris, Meg, Brenda et al have been busy rehearsing late
into the night and have spent £000s on preparing the relevant props/costumes in
order to ‘shine'. Alas, Mark Rothery and
the Senior Team have struggled to find the time and have had to contend with
rehearsing by text and e-mail.
Anyway, as always, I find it really
nerve wracking but enjoy it after the event, much like the bucket challenge and
Gangnam. We shall see, but I hope that
as many of you as possible can attend, be supportive and raise lots of money
for the building work at the orphanage in South Africa. Remember, the secret is to work hard, play
hard, have fun, and take control of your life.
A verse from Neil Young/Bob Dylan comes to mind from "Forever
Young":
"May your hands always be busy,
May your feet always be swift,
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of change shift.
May your heart always be joyful,
May your song always be sung,
May you stay for ever young.”
So what uplifting stories have been
particularly poignant for me?
·
My beloved Leeds winning last night and
gradually pulling away from the relegation zone.
·
Seeing the wonderful, effervescent, adventurous
folk in their endeavours at the Banff Film Festival in Birmingham last weekend.
·
The news that the "super-rich" and
their accomplices at the Inland Revenue are being pursued for tax avoidance.
·
That over 75 MPs from all parties have signed
the petition on "Drop the Learning Tax on Sixth Form Colleges".
·
That the London School of Economics has opened a
global centre for women in war zones.
Have a really good and productive
half-term.
Jay
