Minerva Learning Trust
16th January 2017

New habits kicking in

Anonymous Teacher

New Habits Kicking In

Well, I've been worrying about this student (we'll call him Pupil X) for a while: he's a bright, capable lad but he hasn't been working as hard as he could, and his recent marks in an important assessment were well below par.

When I gave feedback to the class, I told them that they were very welcome to come and chat with me about their marks in more detail, but that if they preferred they could email me. I often say this to my classes, but no-one has ever taken me up on the offer!

So last night, at about 10pm, I checked my emails one last time and there's an email from Pupil X. He told me he realises he needs to up his game, and put forward a couple of excellent suggestions as to how he is going to do this.

I can't tell you all how much this has made my day/my week! It's an act of real courage to put your hand up (albeit figuratively) and say "I'm not doing what I should. I'd like to do better". 

We've already met up and had a good chat, and have discussed how we're going to tackle his underachievement together. I'm sure he will be able to do this, but the maturity and honesty he has displayed in his response so far makes me feel very certain that not only will he be successful in my subject area, but in many other aspects of his life too.