Resources
Over the years I have collected stories, poems, films and ideas that have helped me think, teach and start conversations. Some have found their way into speeches and training sessions; others have simply stayed with me.
Here is a selection to browse. The words and ideas belong to their credited authors; gathering them here is an invitation to explore, reflect and discuss.
Kurt Hahn and learning through experience
Speeches, ideas and further reading from an educator whose thinking has shaped much of my own.
- Kurt Hahn – An Efficacious Educator
Michael Knoll’s account of Hahn’s educational work.
- Kurt Hahn – a bibliography
A guide to primary texts and further reading.
- The Seven Laws of Salem
The principles behind Hahn’s approach to education.
- Six Declines and Four Antidotes
Hahn’s diagnosis of the challenges facing young people.
- Education and Peace
Hahn’s 1936 reflections on education and society.
- Athenian School founding address
An address delivered in California in 1965.
- Wise words from Kurt Hahn
A selection of thoughts on learning, character and service.
Leadership and working with people
Stories and observations to prompt a conversation about how we lead and work together.
- Leadership lessons
A short film drawing lessons from geese.
- On leadership
Collected observations on leading by example.
- Too much agreement?
The Vasa story and the dangers of unchallenged decisions.
- The Giraffe & The Elephant
A story about inclusion and the environments we create.
- The weight of a glass of water
A familiar story about the weight of worries.
Young people and education
Pieces about opportunity, creativity and what young people can achieve when someone believes in them.
- Babar Ali – the world’s youngest headteacher
An account of a young teacher’s initiative in India.
- The Little Boy
Helen Buckley’s poem about creativity and learning.
- A world worthy of its children
Words attributed to Pablo Casals on children’s potential.
Stories, poems and words worth keeping
A personal collection, gathered over the years. Some are familiar; others may be new to you.
- All I really need to know…
Robert Fulghum’s reflections on lessons learned early in life.
- Can you handle me?
Ulrich Schaffer on listening and understanding.
- Day Dream
A poem by A. S. J. Tessimond.
- Every day a new account
A reflection on how we spend our time.
- I will greet this day
A reflection on meeting the world with love.
- If
Rudyard Kipling’s poem.
- On risk…
A reflection on the risks involved in living fully.
- Song of bird
The story of an eagle raised among chickens.
- The Bridge Builder
A poem about making the way easier for those who follow.
- The frightening conclusion
A reflection on the effect of our own behaviour.
- The Station
Robert J. Hastings on enjoying the journey.
- The victor
A poem about belief and perseverance.
- This above all…
Words from Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
- Twelve rules for raising delinquent children
A historical, deliberately provocative parenting text.
- Wise words from Baden-Powell
Historical quotations from the founder of Scouting.
- Inspirational quotations
A collection of words I have found encouraging.
Films and presentations
A small selection of films I have used to start discussions and encourage a different perspective.
- Shift Happens
A film reflecting on a changing world.
- Where the hell is Matt?
A film about travel, connection and shared humanity.