Gary's views

TEACHERS

This week is a nervous time for many households who will find out whether they have been allocated their first choice of school for their child. I can remember it well first time around and am about to go through it all again, one step removed, with the grandchildren. Most years I also do my best to help a number of constituents battle the system and try and get their loved one into their chosen place of learning.

For busy, committed parents few things are more important than seeing your children settled into a good school. It can set them up for life. It is a weight off your mind. No wonder that being in the catchment area of a top-ranking school can add thousands of pounds to the value of a house.

We are fortunate in this area to have excellent schools at both primary and secondary level. I have not yet visited a school in Plympton, Plymstock or Ivybridge that I would not have been happy to send a child of mine. This cannot be said of every part of Plymouth. Many of our schools are truly outstanding.

What makes a school successful? Leadership from the top is crucial, setting the culture of a nurturing, aspirational but disciplined environment. Then, the ability and commitment of teachers makes all the difference. I do not think we say a huge “thank you” enough to the dedicated teachers we have in this part of the world. When I was preparing for university we used to have an expression: those that can, do – those that can’t, teach. This is utter rubbish and always was. I can still remember the teachers who made an impact on my life: John Lello, Mr Bacon, Miss Prior, Jim Shapter, Terry Townsend. Where would I be without their input, I wonder?

Inspirational teachers are worth their weight in gold. This has become even more true as traditional family structures have broken down over recent decades. With the rise of working mums, kids are spending more time at school and the impact of the school environment that much the greater. For some, responsible and encouraging male teachers are the nearest thing to a positive male role model in their lives.

Teachers have to deal with ever more unruly pupils, top-down initiatives and complex rules. If the next generation turn out OK, which I think it will, we owe today’s teachers a huge debt of gratitude.