Over Hill and Dale by Gervase Phinn

Author:Gervase Phinn
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780141956831
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Published: 2009-08-11T04:00:00+00:00

Mr Fenton listened to my preliminary report in silence. I concluded by saying that whilst I had observed some outstanding lessons from Miss Darlington and Miss Mullane, there were significant weaknesses in the teaching of Mr Armstrong. As for Mr Swan, I was of the strongest opinion that he should return to retirement as soon as possible. I referred to the Headteacher’s earlier comments about building up the pupils’ self-esteem and self-confidence, the need for challenge, pace and strong teacher support and encouragement. ‘These pupils are not empty vessels to be filled up with a few arid facts about collective nouns. They deserve better,’ I said. ‘Now it’s my turn to sound pompous. I don’t mean to be but, like you, I do feel strongly about pupils who think they are failures.’

‘That’s quite all right, Mr Phinn,’ the Headteacher replied. ‘I, too, enjoy listening to someone else holding forth about education. And you are correct, of course. The purpose of education is to change an empty mind into an open one. Mr Armstrong has been with us for a long time and it’s very difficult to get a leopard to change its spots. He has attended course after course but with little apparent benefit. His lessons are still exceptionally tedious, I have to admit. He is a well-meaning man and hard working and the boys do have a certain affection for him, but I think the time has come for me to have a stronger word with him about his methods. The other teacher concerned, as you are aware, is covering Mrs Simkins’ maternity leave. We had an excellent teacher lined up but she secured a full-time post and pulled out at the last minute. I’m afraid I just could not get anyone else at such short notice. I have to agree, however, the pupils do deserve better. I shall most certainly act on your advice and do everything I can to find a different teacher to fill in before Mrs Simkins returns.’

I nodded, pleased that Mr Fenton was prepared to deal with the problem quickly.

‘As for Miss Mullane and Miss Darlington,’ he continued, ‘your assessment of them comes as no surprise either, and I am delighted that you found their teaching so refreshing. When I was a lad, we plodded through the text in maximum, pleasure-destroying detail. That was the reason, I suppose, that I never took to Shakespeare, not, that is, until I came across Jan Darlington. She brings the words to life, as you quite rightly observe. You know, Mr Phinn, you should pay us another visit for the performance next week. Performing Romeo and Juliet in an all boys, secondary modern school is quite a challenge, I can tell you.’

‘I would very much enjoy that, Mr Fenton.’

‘Sadly, Miss Mullane will not be with us much longer. She’s joining the English Department at West Challerton High School next term as second in charge. I shall be very sorry to see her leave.’

‘I will send a full written report, Mr Fenton,’ I said, making ready to go.

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