maybe.....

i was always rubbish at academic stuff. Most days I am still haunted by the humiliations and punishments heaped on me by teachers.

struggled with everything 11 plus, o levels, a levels, teacher training cert., open university degree.

but it was a struggle. i don't think ever anyone accused me of being clever.

i always felt like i was in a game intended for someone else. someone cleverer than me.

we need the clever kids to be doctors and lawyers. but the system plays rough with the rest of us.