The Musings Of An Opinionated Sod [Help Me Grow!]

Academic. Teacher. Author. Speaker. Sir Ken was many things, but most of all he was a brilliant human.

I had the great pleasure to share a flight with him many years ago. He was everything you hoped. For a start he was exactly as he appeared in speeches and interviews.

Charming. Sharp. Funny. Inclusive. Committed to his beliefs.

We talked about Bono [and how his opinion changed very positively towards him once he met him] through to Elvis [both our wives are huge fans] and he even gave me his email to stay in touch.

Sir Ken was the best of many things. His ideas and beliefs benefited so many and will continue to. But most of all, he was someone who believed if you identify, nurture and celebrate an individual abilities and skills … everyone ends up being in a better place professionally, socially and emotionally than if we leave them to the mono-approach, archaic school system that has been designed to crush individual creativity in favour of education through repetition.

With the way the government are treating kids – and teachers – through this COVID crisis … and the doubling down on old habits, processes and systems, regardless how flawed and one-size-fits-all they may be … it’s safe to say we have never needed Sir Ken more.

Alas we can’t have him any more.