Last night Lilytodd and I returned to (the new shiny version of) the  school we used to teach in to watch the first school play for years, directed by the amazing Carrie O’Hara.

I have to be honest and say that as I sped down the M2 I was kind of wishing I could have a quiet night at home to catch up on marking, but 4 hours later on the return journey I was really glad I’d gone.  

The production itself was brilliant; great cast, a couple of true stars, fab staging, and really focused, professional performances from everyone.  My wee sister watching in the second row changed from wannabe emo to typical screaming teenager as she supported her friend who was Joseph.  She bopped happily home in the car and was pretty representative of a very impressed audience.

I didn’t really recognise the cast though; while in the Academy I taught older pupils who are now (scarily) at uni or graduates, some are now teachers themselves.  So for Lily and I the night was all about seeing what ‘Carrie’ has poured her heart and soul into for the last few months.  

7 years ago we were beginning teachers.  In so many ways we didn’t have a clue what we were doing, but we managed to help each other survive and learned together from older, wiser women.  Lily and I realised last night that back then the young, trendy members of our department, teachers we looked up to, who seemed to have it all sorted, were the same age we are now!  

Lily and I have moved on from the Academy- she’s in a biggish (grammar!) school and I’m in a small school on the edge of the sea with sheep in the field next door.  Yet I felt last night that it’s Carrie who’s moved on the most from our stumbling beginnings 7 years ago.  (She’s head of Drama you know!)  I am truly in awe of her – I wouldn’t even know where to begin putting together a 10 minute production let alone a full-scale musical, and all on top of a full timetable of GCSE and A level classes.

Last night also gave me the chance to chat briefly with old friends, my lovely ex-HOD and assorted former colleagues (including the redoubtable P who asked me, as only she can ‘Now what church are you going to up there?’) and see the swanky new building in all its glory.

I don’t want to go back; I’m happy teaching where I am, but it was great to be reminded of where I started in this whole teaching thing, and to see how the school is moving on, changing and growing.  I’m in awe of Carrie, but Mrs W remains my teaching hero – not perfect but very warm, wise and witty – she was so proud of Carrie and the pupils last night.  

Education is all about teaching pupils, helping them develop so they don’t need us anymore, and I love seeing my pupils shine – but last night made me hope that someday, I’ll get to see younger teachers I’ve helped shine too.