As timid but proud parents we went to our first Open Evening for our son at the Comprehensive School.

 

What a shock. It was not the cosy Primary School chat with a teacher who knew him for all his strengths and weaknesses and answered our questions warmly in the classroom.

 

We entered the school hall where all the teachers were spread around the edges with the parents, working to a prearranged timetable, milling around the room.

 

“Ah, welcome,” the music teacher greeted us.

“Brendan,” we announced.

“It’s a wonderful class. We’ve linked the music to Shakespeare. She’s doing very well”