I've avoided mentioning the name Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Education, in my blog to date because the prospect is so depressing. However, in a week of teacher strikes and spurred on by a column in the Times newspaper today written by Ed Smith, I can't resist challenging one of Mr Gove's apparent opinions, that the key to getting great teachers is the recruitment of the most qualified of graduates. It's the sort of linear, sloppy thinking which too many government ministers, of all parties, seem to indulge in. Becoming a great teacher is far more complex than getting a good degree. Great teachers like children, are fun, believe in their students and love seeing them grow. These qualities are not measured by degree classifications, neither are they easily quantified but they are the key characteristics of great teachers.
Now before anyone condemns me as a soft liberal educationalist, beware, I'm as tough as old boots when it comes to getting the best exam results. I have no doubt that schools can and must do better. The world our children will grow up in will be tougher and more competitive than anything my generation have experienced. All students need to be much better equipped for this world. But like great teachers they will need to be sensitive team players, focused by the needs of others and above all wake each morning believing that today they will make a difference.
Last week my son got married. As a father of three grown up children, I find that weddings are just wonderful. They are an opportunity for a real family get-together. Sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, grandmas and granddads, grandchildren, the new in-laws, as well as a bunch of complete strangers, revel in each others company swapping stories about the young couple and eating and drinking too much.
It was a three day extravaganza. Accommodation at the Rose and Crown, ceremony in the council chamber of Islington Town Hall and the reception at the Drapers arms, it was a wedding to remember. A perfect reflection of Andy and Fleur's exuberant life style, sense of fun and rare intelligence.
As a father, I have now experienced the joy of two of my children marrying their perfect partners. Just one more to go, and on August 18th next year Innes and Louise have created another opportunity for a right royal get-together.
Roll on another great wedding. And in the meantime, there's Harry's christening this weekend. Aren't families just brilliant.