A leading girl's school is holding a festival to teach pupils how to learn from failure and come out stronger. The Sunday Times. 05.02.12.

Heather Hanbury, the head mistress - who give up an eight year career as a management consultant after becoming fed up - said children should take risks, learn from mistakes and confront the word "failure" head-on.

My message to girls is that it is better to lead a life replete with disappointment than one where you constantly wonder 'if only'.

There is nothing to learn and nothing to teach.

Christian Boltanski.

"A 2002 study from the UK found that the average 8 year old was better able to identify Pokemon characters than native species in the community where they lived. Pikachu, Metapod, and Wigglytuff were names more familiar to them than otter, beetle, and oak tree."

Via A Canadian Friend and School Teacher.

I heard an excellent speaker this morning responding to the growing trend that sees parents pushing young folk to excel in school. By all accounts there are organisations in the world that provide language development for babies between the age of 6 months to 1 year. Parents are sold on the idea that by doing more, and sooner, the greater chance their child has of getting ahead.

The speakers response was terrific. In summary she stated:

• There is new evidence to suggest that children are hitting a wall at a very young age – ‘burn out’ by the age of 20.
• Passing tests and impressing university bodies will eventually come to an end. Once the child grows up they are unlikely to receive praise and credit for their achievements. The real world does not work like that and the individual can become unmotivated and demoralised as a result.
• What is wrong with being average?

Interesting points worth capturing, I thought. I am only sorry I did not catch the speakers name. Apologies.