Principal's Blog

For his 75^th blog, the Principal considers the idea of light, its associations in religion, science, and the arts, and sees in education a potential for intellectual and personal enlightenment.

The Principal outlines the basic theories of how children learn, identifying one model in particular, and illustrating it through an Oscar-winning movie. 

The Principal looks at the enduring symbols of childhood, how they represent a darker fear of not wanting to grow up, and considers how schools must both protect children as well as prepare them for the adult world beyond.

The Principal explores the notion of authenticity, how this affects our understanding of nature, culture, and emotion, and how it shapes our relation to the world.

 The Principal looks at the relationship of Julius Caesar and Marc Antony, with their lover Cleopatra, and considers how cultural assumptions can affect our judgements – something students need to be aware of in today’s world.  

The Principal explores the idea of asymmetry, how it reflects complexity, adds beauty, and can prove useful in contemplating our relation to the world.

This week the Principal looks at the impact of digital devices and shares the results of a survey on the impact of mobile phone use, revealing the influence of parents in this regard. 

The Principal explores the temptations of invisibility in modern life, but argues that – more than ever – this is a time when people need to stand up and be seen. 

In the context of the U.S. Presidential election, the Principal tells the story of a former President’s relation to fake news, and wonders how such representations matter.

The Principal explores the therapeutic value and cultural meaning of music and gardens, finding in them a healthful tonic for the times.  

In a personal reflection on the last year, the Principal addresses directly the current situation.

The Principal explores the concept of immortality, reveals how the jellyfish got there first, and considers how our students might live a full life.

The Principal explores the idea of the corridor in modern culture, how it can be an emblem of freedom as well as fear, and focuses on the BSM corridors at the present time.

The Principal explores whether we are in an exceptional historical moment, and sees reasons for hope as well as concern about the future.