The Piano

The Piano, an animated short by Aidan Gibbons is a film that speaks on many levels, and incredibly, all without voice. It begins, very simply, with a man playing a piano and during the course of the film we learn a little about his life, his thoughts, his sense of separation and his hope. Overall, a very touching experience.

I have seen this in three versions - two different soundtracks and a completely silent version. It so happens to be the film that is a focus of study with my class of 10 year-olds. Click here for the version used in schools, whilst just below, I present the original version featuring 'Comptine D'une Autre Ete' by Yann Tiersen.

Ode to Serco

Schools, computers and student reporting, ha? A little ditty, I wrote and sent by email to a colleague. I mentioned SERCO, the supposed wonderful school management/student reporting system. All, in good humour, I hope, but summarises how educators under pressure are made to feel now and then.

Ode to Serco

SERCO's sometimes complex, sometimes it's all wrong.

Sometimes it’s just erratic, though I'm often told "Hold On!"

A little error nagged us, so Dave and I one night -

Stayed back a little longer, and we thought that fixed it right -

But the bug came back, the very next day

We thought there was no danger

The bug came back; was here to stay

And came back even stranger

5B and A were fixed, I thought

And 5C in its place

But when I looked at SERCO,

It laughed right back at my face.

"You thought you fixed me, didn't you?"

"You thought you'd make me tame?"

"You thought I'd just run out of tricks"

"But I've a better game."

"Try this - I have some random names"

"Try this, I have a class."

"That doesn't match to what you thought."

"I love a little laugh."

So, when I look to Numeracy, and see a list of names,

That's not to be, supposed to be, it's like a losing game.

So here I am, Dear Mr Jones, back to the square called one.

And whilst I hope, you liked this rhyme, reports are just not fun.

I’m hoping that you’ll tame this beast, that’s making life a pain

And next time when I write you Sir, my will is once again

Restored to where it ought to be, you know just what I mean

It’s hard to smile, be on good show, when deep inside you scream.

Life's A Journey

We traverse through this life we are living as a gift from Allah. It is a journey for each of us - a unique and very personal journey; one that touches upon the paths our lives travel. No two paths are the same and each one of us is living a personal experience with our life. 

This year has had me and those that I love and care for shuttling back and forth between East and West, moving between time and cultural zones in order to bridge gaps, leaving a trail of experience behind us. Last week I was in Yorkshire, this week I am in Abu Dhabi.

I have sensed change for some time now, and whilst I have often thought it wiser to allow myself time to explore my innermost thoughts within the safe sphere of myself, invariably there comes a time when we begin to outwardly express our apprehensions and hopes. 

I know that in this journey of life, we press on. Much more I will not say now, except to return to that very first post that I made here in which I considered life to be a journey and myself to be a traveller on that journey. With every step may I be guided by Allah. Ameen. That is my deepest desire.

"To finish the moment, to find the journey's end in every step of the road, to live the greatest number of good hours is wisdom." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Talking Through The Door

The words inspire, and as such, Rumi, gets the occasional mention here. This verse, I dedicate to someone who has taken the time to call me a friend. I am humbled, so may I be so honourable as to live up to that ideal. 

Talking Through The Door

You said, Who's at the door?
I said, Your slave.

You said, What do you want?
To see you and bow.

We talked through the door. I claimed
a great love and that I had given up
what the world gives to be in that love.

You said, Such claims require a witness.
I said, This longing, these tears.

You said, Discredited witnesses.
I said, Surely not.

You said, Who did you come with?
This majestic imagination you gave me,

Why did you come?
The musk of your wine was in the air.

What is your intention?
Friendship.

Talking Through the Door Part 1

Talking Through the Door Part 2

One Laptop Per Child - Why?

Continued from previous posting ... Why give a laptop to a child who may have no electricity or even running water?

In Part 2 of the video produced by the One Laptop Per Child Foundation, this is a fundamental question is explored. Provides some very valuable food for thought.

One Laptop Per Child - Mission

There are many arguments and counter arguments in regards to the effectiveness of the One Laptop Per Child Foundation, but put like this, there is a sense of purpose for project itself. This is the first of a two parter - the second video which will follow in the next posting defines the "laptop" project as a "education" project.