What Do You Wish Was Taught At School?

The emotions I saw on A-level Results Day sparked some ideas. Some weren't bothered by the outcome of a years work, some were happy, some felt hard done by. All of which are understandable. Sometimes exam results have a tendency to remind us that even if we work our asses off, in terms of letters on a piece of paper at the end of Summer, it won't always be what you expect.

So it got me thinking, what if schools taught some stuff I actually really want to know, not just how to break down formulae and find 'x'.

In an ideal world, these are the four subjects that would have got me that little bit further:

1. Money
What credit cards are available, mortgages, renting, the difference between a savings and current account, what happens when you're overdrawn, what tax you have to pay and why. Ok, it sounds pretty dull but let's be honest, I'm damn scared about all this stuff and I haven't got a clue where to start. If someone had given me the heads up when I was still at school, and told me the best ways to save and earn, I would have paid attention.

2. Social Skills
I don't just mean with peers and those in the workplace here. Worldwide travel is now more accessible than ever and it's common to see those on their gap year jetting of to Asia or inter-railing around Europe. Learning how to greet someone, their traditions and customs would surely only help generations connect with a wider audience and become more aware.

3. House and Home
Before anyone gets on their high horse, I'm not talking about women having a meal ready for the working man when he walks through the door. This more along the lines of practical jobs; things like bleeding a radiator, changing a lightbulb without electrocuting yourself across the room, gas and water maintenance... you know, those skills you aren't born with.

4. Politics
I've just hit the age that allows me to vote, this is pretty terrifying and that's mostly because I have no idea how the system works. The country would benefit a whole lot if students were taught about voting, political parties/policies and elections. More people would feel able to vote with confidence and it would hopefully diminish the amount of people living in a country they don't understand.

 

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Them

She came home later than usual that afternoon. The look on her face screamed "I was just a few marks off passing!" He guessed she'd been hiding in the library all afternoon... he was probably right, she had a habit of doing that.

"So what if you didn't pass?!" His voice sounded softer than she expected, she wandered to the bedroom without a word.

He plonked himself at the kitchen table. Frustrated and a little uneasy with her dismissal. Stillness swept the house and after ten minutes he couldn't bare it. A letter. That was the best way to get through to her.

I hope you know I don't care that you didn't pass. You're going to cry about this exam, I know you are - hell, I might too! I'll be yours at two in the morning and two in the afternoon and I'll kiss you until you smile again.

And I'll still bring you cheese on toast every Thursday afternoon. We can watch that shitty film you love, and yes I'll pretend I'm interested despite already knowing the ending.

Let's see if you're still mad after that.

He folded the note, slipped it under the bedroom door and listened attentively for the sound of the floorboards creaking.

Familiar sound heard, he popped two slices of bread in the toaster and raided the fridge for the cheese.

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Expectations vs. Results

Recently, I've come to realise (and it's been mentioned by many) that I function on anxious energy.

So when the time came for me to take my Driving Theory Test, you can only imagine the terror that struck me.

Being of this anxious nature, my expectation was that I wouldn't pass - this worry was then thrust upon many people I care for (I apologise profusely). Predominantly, for me, the fear is what it means to fail.

What does it mean to fail?

I'm still largely unsure, and that's not because I've never failed at anything - believe me, I have - it's more because I'm not sure it means anything.

Take, for example, that 'diet' everyone's been meaning to start and stick to. Let's turn the idea around; that stranger you passed on the street, they don't give a damn what and how much you've eaten today. And neither does that guy who served you coffee.

Perhaps, failing [at that 'diet'] is just fine. So what you ate that cake? The world hasn't ended, and you are still very much alive.

I have learnt that:

• The results often exceed expectations.
• Failing doesn't make you a failure.
• Theory tests aren't so bad.
• You'll get there when the time is right - self hate isn't okay at any size.

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Coffee Rituals

Being an avid tea drinker myself (never English Breakfast might I add) I never quite understood the act of 'wake up, get a coffee and go' I'd seen so many people perform.

This was all true up until a few months ago. As I began working at Hoxton North Coffee, Espresso & Brew Bar I didn't fully understand the widely celebrated human habit of a coffee in the morning, or one in the afternoon to keep you going. 

Further in, my curiosity for coffee and individual habits grew and grew. Observing customers' orders and personal rituals allowed me to understand the little fix one can obtain from coffee and a cheeky cake or pastry.

And now, around two or so months in, after attaining some knowledge and making cups of coffee I'm beginning to understand why it is one of the most popular drinks in the world. I've even enjoyed the odd cup myself!

Today, yesterday, the day before (even on the days when I'm not working) I have learnt things I'm proud of and recognise as influential. Not only that, but I also sense how fortunate I am to work in a place that interests me immeasurably whilst allowing me to keep my passion for learning ablaze.

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