Engrossing! And I’m so glad I’m finally reading this incredible book of yours, after knowing about it for so long and never making the time… I’m struck by the differences between these stories and my experiences. Firstly, 1982 was far more forgiving of students playing with suicide clubs. These days it would be therapy for the kid, an inbox of complaints to the principal, and probably disciplinary action for the teacher?
But also this is a primary school, and it’s hard to imagine teenagers with this openness and vibrancy. I’m sure it’s in there somewhere but we’ve well and truly suppressed it by the time they get to high school. It’s miserable how miserable teenagers are, when you compare them to the curious and irrepressible younger learners… I wish I could bring this to my students. I wish I knew how.
It’s also a really special school, I think. So much space for individual paths and exploration. It just seems magical.
But anyway, I came here mainly to say thank you for recording the audio, which I am really enjoying.
Yes, the suicide club. I have to confess that reading this in 2024 is a very different experience from writing it in 1987, or listening to Anna talk about a few years before that. Society has shifted, attitudes and awareness and sensitivities are different.
Is the difference around openness and vibrancy the difference between primary and secondary, or between 1987 and 2024? Probably, as you say, the former. But it was also a special school and a special time ... or it was for me as a teacher.
I'm glad you've put the fear of god into me about the recordings. I'd stopped recording the audio for 'School Portrait' while I concentrated on other things, but now I'm determined to keep ahead of you and will record Chapter 3 tomorrow. Keep the pressure on C PC!
And did you see that I've now added the Preface, which I should have added ages ago.
What a delight to read! So thankful you kept a diary of your life in the classroom at the AME School. A special school indeed. (I was fortunate to work there for a year in 1994.) What acute observations of Anna’s interactions; and what calm steady gentle responses you gave her, Steve.
It seems to me that individual success and personal growth rely on the interconnection of so many variables… such as lively (choice-based) learning activities; collaboration between patient creative teachers (or guides or educators whatever you want to call us); and time, space, joy and humour. For me, ‘’Anna’ is a poignant portrait of a learning journey (from a ‘fly on the wall’ perspective).
Thanks Steve, I look forward to exploring more chapters and connecting with others in this mythopoetic classroom.
Thanks Pauline. Yes, a special school and wonderful student! I'll post the next chapter (another student portrait) as soon as we've got a handful of subscribers to this section of the site. If you've got AME contacts you think might be interested in reading (or listening) to this, could you send me an email or text with some contact details?
I'm in a bit of a bind, though, with finding the time to do the audio version of Chapter 2. Am editing the audio for Harriet's next chapter at the moment. I could post the text of Chapter 2 if you like, but it might be a while before I get to the audio ... unless readers simply demand it! :-)
Engrossing! And I’m so glad I’m finally reading this incredible book of yours, after knowing about it for so long and never making the time… I’m struck by the differences between these stories and my experiences. Firstly, 1982 was far more forgiving of students playing with suicide clubs. These days it would be therapy for the kid, an inbox of complaints to the principal, and probably disciplinary action for the teacher?
But also this is a primary school, and it’s hard to imagine teenagers with this openness and vibrancy. I’m sure it’s in there somewhere but we’ve well and truly suppressed it by the time they get to high school. It’s miserable how miserable teenagers are, when you compare them to the curious and irrepressible younger learners… I wish I could bring this to my students. I wish I knew how.
It’s also a really special school, I think. So much space for individual paths and exploration. It just seems magical.
But anyway, I came here mainly to say thank you for recording the audio, which I am really enjoying.
Yes, the suicide club. I have to confess that reading this in 2024 is a very different experience from writing it in 1987, or listening to Anna talk about a few years before that. Society has shifted, attitudes and awareness and sensitivities are different.
Is the difference around openness and vibrancy the difference between primary and secondary, or between 1987 and 2024? Probably, as you say, the former. But it was also a special school and a special time ... or it was for me as a teacher.
I'm glad you've put the fear of god into me about the recordings. I'd stopped recording the audio for 'School Portrait' while I concentrated on other things, but now I'm determined to keep ahead of you and will record Chapter 3 tomorrow. Keep the pressure on C PC!
And did you see that I've now added the Preface, which I should have added ages ago.
Unfortunately, I feel a little like I imagine Anna to be when she wants something: no more subscribers, Steve! Pauline and I want more NOW! ;-)
Karen
What a delight to read! So thankful you kept a diary of your life in the classroom at the AME School. A special school indeed. (I was fortunate to work there for a year in 1994.) What acute observations of Anna’s interactions; and what calm steady gentle responses you gave her, Steve.
It seems to me that individual success and personal growth rely on the interconnection of so many variables… such as lively (choice-based) learning activities; collaboration between patient creative teachers (or guides or educators whatever you want to call us); and time, space, joy and humour. For me, ‘’Anna’ is a poignant portrait of a learning journey (from a ‘fly on the wall’ perspective).
Thanks Steve, I look forward to exploring more chapters and connecting with others in this mythopoetic classroom.
Thanks Pauline. Yes, a special school and wonderful student! I'll post the next chapter (another student portrait) as soon as we've got a handful of subscribers to this section of the site. If you've got AME contacts you think might be interested in reading (or listening) to this, could you send me an email or text with some contact details?
:-) Hi Pauline and Karen,
Glad you're enjoying it!
I'm in a bit of a bind, though, with finding the time to do the audio version of Chapter 2. Am editing the audio for Harriet's next chapter at the moment. I could post the text of Chapter 2 if you like, but it might be a while before I get to the audio ... unless readers simply demand it! :-)