“Protecting free speech is not only a matter of principle; it is also pragmatic.”
Amal Clooney
Freedom of expression is a value that is a core element of British education, but as we all know there are limits to this particular right. Everyone knows that you can’t go into a fire and shout “theatre”, or something like that. Recent events on US university campuses have brought this topic back to media discussion. Difficult topics for discussion should not necessarily be avoided, but in our own highly diverse community, perhaps the most important virtue to be exercised is thoughtfulness. I hope that we manage to do this.On Monday I gave an assembly to the Senior School in which I outlined the lessons that I learned living in a very remote part of the Scottish Highlands. Rather like living on a small island with a small population you learned to tread carefully very quickly. Conversations, I found, took time to develop, you didn’t simply dive in with ideas that others might well feel challenging, you took your time, worked out how you were going to put your point across in a way that would be listened to, rather than simply irritating others. Conversations took a little more time to develop, opinions could be changed over time, but it was a case of slow conversation. Speed is a priority these days, so taking time to develop ideas is probably a lost art. Shame.
As a walk around school I’m always pleased to see ideas being exchanged, cultures being shared and views developing. One of the greatest and most powerful elements of the education that we offer is the opportunity to learn from others about their differing ideas and experiences. This year we have sixty five nationalities on campus and hundreds of differing ideas. It can’t be a bad thing.
Learning how to disagree agreeably is a valuable skill to carry forward and may well be important in later in life. A sound base of knowledge and and ability to persuade gently will be of extraordinary importance beyond the school gate.
One group of our students have demonstrated their ability to persuade is our Year 6 Debate team who have just achieved a magnificent triumph in the recent British School debating competition. I was privileged to hear about their performance yesterday and learned a good deal more about whether Disney is a harmful influence and other topics suitable for debate. Through their clear thinking, careful persuasion and splendid eloquence the competition was won. Congratulations to them. Rational debate is alive and well here in Croissy. They are an example to us all to consider before speaking and to choose our words with care and consideration, even when there isn’t a set of rules covering the conversation.
To all who are joining us on the Festival of Discovery School trip we will be seeing what happens when the discussion breaks down, there are lessons all around to remind us when we forget that careful discussion gives way to the rhetoric of division the world is a worse place.
Have a good weekend.
Nicholas Hammond
Headmaster
