Tuesday 4th September 2023

I never thought I would be writing this post letting you know that Misa managed to secure himself a place at a selective Grammar school in Alcester to study A-level History, Business Studies, Geography and Psychology.

On Thursday 24th August, when UK students learned their results, we waited patiently till 14.29 for an e-mail, which unfortunately told us “no, sorry”.

I replied quickly, explaining his grades in more detail as the British School in Colombo provided us with the breakdown of all the components, and some of them were so close to the higher grade. That seemed to work and at at 16.07, an email came to inform us that instead of Economics that was over-subscribed, he could study History, and please let them know if we are to accept.  We did so immediately, and with gratitude.

I was facilitating a workshop for 5 internationally educated midwives while this was all going on, Steve was working but supporting me with writing the emails in clear and diplomatic manner, and Misa was on his way to Tesco to work a late shift. 

I had a little cry of joy and relief in a corridor on my own, Misa took it as “OK”. Daddy shrieked with excitement and pride, and Emi was happy for him too. In the evening, we all went to pick him up from work and drove to see grandma to tell her the good news – she said: “Jolly good!” and gave him the biggest hug!

He is following in the footsteps of his forebears by studying at grammar school: his daddy Steve, grandad Philip, and great grandad Charles.

Steve and I drove Misa to his first day as grammar school student, proudly, and very happy knowing that he has this opportunity to study at a terrific school, with great teachers, emphasis on ethics and developing well-rounded adults as well as achieving academic success, and endless opportunities. Wearing his tailor-made suit that was his request when we asked what gift he would like to take back from Colombo, and one of Daddy’s silk ties with a Windsor’s knot, he felt proud too, but anxious, apprehensive and nervous as well – I call it a roller-coaster of emotions.   Misa and village friend Daniel lift share with parents from either family, and it was a joy to start this arrangement on Day One and feel the pride that’s palpable in the above photo.

We are wishing him a productive and fun two academic years.  We hope they will prepare him for the big world and his future whatever that is going to be – Geography because he is concerned for climate change, Business Studies because he understands that everything revolves around business and financial sense whether we wish it too or not, and Psychology because as he explained to us one Sunday lunchtime in Sri Lanka, managing climate change is going to be the biggest change management project the world has ever seen.  History because he loves this subject, it helps develop the brain for retaining and linking facts, and if he keeps it and is successful across the board, he will stand out with four A- levels rather than three.  A smart young man.

Rennie