December 2010

The know zone

  • Hopes and fears
    Be wary of creating ‘legitimate expectations’ in parents and others, warns Richard Bird, as failure to meet them could lead to unintended consequences. More
  • Time to clock off?
    The interim Hutton Report published in October outlined the likely changes in store for public sector pensions. As we await the final report, ASCL is continuing to make the case to ministers that deep cuts to pensions could lead to an exodus of schools leaders. More
  • Getting into hot water
    How is a school defined as ‘poor’ in financial terms? Sam Ellis looks for some facts and figures beyond the budget sheets. More
  • Lead vocals
    Quotes from Norman Vincent Peale, Alan Alda, and Guillaume Apollinaire More
  • An enduring spirit
    A decade ago, ASCL member Sean Crosby – a recently appointed deputy head and active sportsman – had an accident on his mountain bike which was followed by two devastating strokes. With the help of his wife Maria, he talks about coping with his disability and preparing for a 250-mile charity bike ride in India. More
  • SPACE TO LEARN
    With more than a quarter of engineers citing outer space as a reason behind their career choice, a new space programme aims to entice more youngsters into science and technology. More
  • Adding value
    As we all face up to the harsh reality of reduced spending and investment, it is inevitable that stress levels in the workplace rise. At times like these, the role of the employer in supporting wellbeing becomes even more important. More
  • The perfect blend?
    Is the traditional model of school governance out-of-date? Should schools have more say over who sits on the board and for how long? Is it still necessary for parents and the LA to be represented? And should governors be selected for their expertise, rather than elected to the post? School leaders share their views… More
  • Leaders' surgery
    The antidote to common leadership conundrums More
  • Increased pressure
    It could have been worse... but the spending review will still have far-reaching consequences for the funding of schools and colleges once the dust settles, says Brian Lightman. More
  • A head for heights?
    When looking to appoint a new headteacher, governors should throw the recruitment agency advice in the bin. Instead, says David Nicholson, think big and bold. Think Titan. More
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A decade ago, ASCL member Sean Crosby – a recently appointed deputy head and active sportsman – had an accident on his mountain bike which was followed by two devastating strokes. With the help of his wife Maria, he talks about coping with his disability and preparing for a 250-mile charity bike ride in India.

An enduring spirit

What prompted you to undertake the India trip?

It is exactly ten years since I had my stroke and I have made an amazing recovery. I was in a wheelchair for two years not able to talk and I was told I would never walk again. My right-hand side is still not working and I realise this is probably the best I can get my body. If I don’t do the trip now, I never will. I also want to help Regain, a charity that helps people like me, rugby players and so on who have had serious sports injuries.

How did you get ‘back in the saddle’?

Maria was determined to get me on a bike again and we bought a tricycle but it was not adapted very well so I didn’t use it much. ASCL sorted out another for me through the Benevolent Fund and that was really the start of me believing I could do it again. It is adapted specially and it is also very light compared to the first one. My friends have also helped me adapt it further; I now have a special drinking bottle with a long tube reaching up to my mouth.

How hard will it be?

I’m a bit apprehensive as I have to cycle 50 miles a day for five days. I’ll be on a tricycle and, as the stroke means I lean to the left, I have fallen once or twice. The right side of my body is strapped to the bike as I still can’t feel my right hand and have no movement in it. My right leg is also in a splint and I have little feeling in it. It’s ten days in all with the travelling so it’s pretty intensive. Maria won’t be coming; she teaches full-time as well as caring for me and our t wo children so she has enough to do but she has already raised £500 for Regain from a sponsored triathlon.

Do you keep in touch with the world of education?

Maria and I discuss a lot of things and she orders the TES so it is interesting to look at it and see what is happening. I am trying to volunteer to be a helper in a local primary but I now also have dysphasia (impaired communication) and find reading and writing difficult.

Will you be a ‘pushy parent’ when your children go to secondary school, given your training as a teacher?

I don’t think I will be that pushy! I want them both to be happy and enjoy life. Life is too short, I have realised that. Although I think Maria wants them both to be Olympic champion runners.


Pro.file

Do you know someone with an unusual story, interesting background or exceptional achievement to share? If you’d like to nominate an ASCL member or yourself to appear in a future profile, email leader@ascl.org.uk

Sean Crosby

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