On Cloud Gazing

Every once in awhile it's important to take ones eyes off phones and tablets in order to appreciate what's above.

(Clouds over Epping Forest outside London, UK)

On Proofreading

If you are going to place a sign somewhere that it may be viewed by thousands of students preparing for leadership roles, make sure it is proofread first.

(A sign near Epping Forest outside London, UK)

On Non-Qualified Teachers

Individuals without teaching degrees often care and engage students more than qualified teachers.

(Fahim Alam speaking to my Year 9 class last month)

On Trying

"If you're going to try, go all the way. Otherwise, don't even start. This could mean losing girlfriends, wives, relatives and maybe even your mind. It could mean not eating for three or four days. It could mean freezing on a park bench. It could mean jail. It could mean derision. It could mean mockery- isolation. Isolation is the gift. All the others are a test of your endurance, of how much you really want to do it. And you'll do it, despite rejection and the worst odds. And it will be better than anything else you can imagine. If you're going to try, go all the way. There is no other feeling like that. You will be alone with the gods, and the nights will flame with fire. You will ride straight to perfect laughter. It's the only good fight there is."

-Charles Bukowski

(Student-made fire on a Year 7 camping trip near Epping Forest)

On Dietary Supplements

Being unregulated means that supplement companies can essentially get away with fabricating ingredients and results, while denying side effects. 

On Creative Arts

Despite dwindling funds in the arts, imagination and creativity (among young students) never cease to surpass expectations.

(Fourth Plinth award-winning piece from Newham)

On Gender Stereotypes

Many socially and economically prosperous countries still feel the need to perpetuate gender stereotypes through human consumption.

(Gender-oriented Kinder eggs in London, England)