This article was written by Damian and published in this week's Herald editions and Petersfield Post:
"One of the best things about my job is visiting schools; I love talking to children about democracy and our Parliament. I’ve been privileged to visit dozens of schools in East Hampshire as well as over a hundred nationwide while I was education secretary.
With some I have a regular 'annual fixture' - like at Bordon Juniors where I talk with Year 5 pupils and the children send me letters about how they would like to make the area better. And many local schools make it up to Westminster each year to the Education Centre we now have at Parliament; it is always good to join them for a Q&A after they've completed the tour.
Visiting schools has been something I’ve really missed over the past year. So it was doubly good to be at Selborne Primary School last week. I was most impressed at the array of questions thrown at me – and the brilliant outdoor singing, despite the deluge of our extraordinary June weather.
This past year has been incredibly difficult for everyone. The closure of schools meant most pupils would not have in-person teaching for months, relying on virtual sessions and all of the challenges that that involved in terms of equipment, space and parental support.
As I said in the Commons recently, the academic learning is only one part of this story. The loss of much sport and exercise, extra-curricular activities, and the character-forming and general development of human interaction are just as significant.
In Parliament I called for a whole-of-society response – everyone has a part to play. But in particular we all rely on schools, teachers and staff, so much. I think that as a result of the pandemic we all have a sharpened awareness of the vocation and skill of the teacher.
Yesterday was National Thank a Teacher Day and that has never been more apt. Books, and these days technology, play an important part in education, but the role of the teacher is unique - to know the whole child, how to motivate, engage and inspire.
Run by The Teaching Awards Trust, this annual event shines a spotlight on the teaching profession and the positive impact that they have, not only in schools but also beyond the school gate.
Yesterday was also the day that the Silver Winners of the Pearson National Teaching Awards was announced, and I was delighted to join staff at Rowledge Primary School to celebrate the nomination of their deputy head – Mr Yates – for the digital Innovator Award.
I have often said that the most important part of school is the person standing at the front of the classroom, and that remains as true today as it ever was. We can all look back and remember a particular teacher – someone who inspired us with their subject, someone who showed real interest or kindness when it mattered most, someone who encouraged us to use our imagination, to dream, to believe we could achieve whatever goal we set ourselves.
These experiences in our most formative years are incredibly powerful. They may be the reason why you had the courage to pursue a particular career, aspire to reach a top university, take up music, sport or drama, or simply to feel more confident in the classroom, and in life.
Children often bring their home life to school with them, and the ability of a teacher to recognise when someone needs a little more support is invaluable – it is moments like this that can stay with someone for many years to come.
Thank you to every single teacher, head teacher and support staff member across all our local schools, for the amazing work you continue to do through exceptionally difficult times."
