Teaching children the real meaning of Holy Week is life-changing because it points them to something greater than themselves. It introduces them to the reality of God, not as a distant concept, but as a loving Father who acted decisively for humanity.

The deeper question is whether we have forgotten that behaviour, like reading or mathematics, must be taught intentionally. Because if patience, respect, responsibility and self-control are among the most important qualities a person can develop, then they cannot be left to chance.

So, should we teach boys and girls differently? This is the question worth sitting with.

Perhaps the deeper issue is not whether age or exams should determine placement, but how much weight we place on early performance at all.

The first recorded nativity scene was created in 1223 by St Francis of Assisi. He wanted ordinary people, many of whom could not read, to understand and connect with the story of Jesus’ birth.

Reflecting on the recent children's wellbeing and school bill, originated in the House of Commons, Session 2024-26.

Why do certain teachers stay in our memories for decades, while others fade as quickly as the final bell?

Teaching, at its best, is an act of faith...it’s seeing potential before it’s visible. And maybe that’s why I find education so beautiful. It’s not limited to classrooms or textbooks. It happens in conversations, in moments of kindness, in trial and error.

The truth is, schools and families are both raising the same children - just in different settings. When they work together, children thrive. But when they drift apart, it creates confusion, mistrust and mixed messages for both the children and family unit. Unfortunately, that divide between home and school seems to have grown wider over the years.