FROM THE NEWS DESSC | ARTICLE
OPENING DOORS that would otherwise remain firmly shut. About embracing change.
Stephen Green | Assistant Headteacher DESC
W
hen leaving my office, many students will often ask ‘Shall, I close the door?’ Quite often I will answer ‘No, you can leave it open’. With this being my final message at DESC, it strikes me that after nine years of advising, guiding, nurturing, coaxing, pushing and the occasional stern word, that in all that time the door has always been open to you all. You’ve never had to struggle to open it. You’ve never had to go searching for a key. You’ve never had to physically force the thing down. The end of the year is usually characterised by examinations, but as I write this during these strange times, I am reminded that education must never be confused with examination. Our College should never be measured in A or A* grades or the 7 to 9. Our education should be about drawing the best out of individuals; about the provision of opportunity; the setting of challenges to seize those opportunities; opening those doors
As I embark upon my next adventure, I do so proudly, knowing that I am embracing change. I leave with my own challenge to the students (and staff) who I leave behind. You are talented, fortunate, privileged young people. Determine now to make a difference. I promise you that in opening doors for others, both now and in the future when you will be the leaders in our society, you will discover the true meaning of privilege. The past eighteen months have had both ‘ups and downs’ and sometimes, no matter how hard you knock, the door won’t open. That’s life. Sometimes the door seems so strong, so secure, so firmly locked that there seems to be no point in trying to open it. Sometimes it’s slammed so forcefully in your face that you hardly dare try the handle again. As a teacher and a father, I believe implicitly that we must seek to give young people the confidence to face such failures. I urge you now, have a go. Fear of failure is the greatest impediment to opportunity that I know.
you never settle for it. Open the door. Embrace change. Make no mistake; this College is a special community. I am conscious of the support and goodwill that comes from so many of our extended family both in and beyond the College, and I am grateful beyond expression. My nine years at DESC have been wonderful. You have been the reason that I’ve loved coming to work every morning - the reason that I will always feel proud and privileged to have been a teacher at this outstanding College. I have no doubt that the College will continue to take advantage of the open door ahead of it. DESC belongs to everyone. It is your College. It will always embrace change and as such will continue to provide opportunity and nurture the independent, confident and resilient learners who respond to challenge and aspire to reach their potential.
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I am reminded constantly of this and of the special individuals who grasp this concept with both hands and renewed vigour in the face of adversity. Looking to individual students there are many who have achieved so much. However, there are some among us who feel safer with the door firmly closed. Safe in their own little world, who take no risks, run no dangers. No matter how confined, no matter how restricted, a narrow world is preferable to the wide-open spaces beyond the bars. It’s a safe, sad world and I hope that
My nine years at DESC have been wonderful ... I will always feel proud and privileged to have been a teacher at this outstanding College.
FROM THE NEWS DESSC
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