The View From My Study – March 7 2025

As it was World Book Day yesterday, let me recommend a book to you: The Penguin Lessons by Tom Michell. I first read this about eight years ago but last weekend I saw a trailer for a movie of the book, starring Steve Coogan, released to cinemas in April. I shall definitely be buying a ticket.

The book is an amusing memoir about the author’s experience rescuing and befriending a penguin while working as a young teacher in Argentina at a time (late 1970s) when relations with England were frosting. It is primarily a heart-warming story about friendship, responsibility and the bond between humans and animals but there are also some indirect lessons about equity, our theme of the week, that we can take from it.

Equity is about ensuring that everyone has what they need to thrive, rather than treating everyone the same. The penguin (who Michell names Juan Salvador), having suffered from an oil spill, needs extra care just as in society some individuals or groups need additional support to reach an equitable outcome.

The students at the boarding school in Argentina are from different backgrounds and there are some great moments in the book where individuals learn to appreciate each other’s context and this leads them to flourish in all sorts of ways. Empathy and compassion is so important and Juan Salvador the penguin is often at the heart of this.

The book subtly touches on environmental issues, like the pollution that harmed Juan Salvador, but also shows that the actions of individuals can make a difference when it comes to fairness and equity. Whether it’s helping a struggling student, rescuing an animal in need or simply providing a listening ear, small acts of kindness contribute to a more equitable world. Do read (or watch) The Penguin Lessons; it will be worth it.

The World Book Day celebrations at BG yesterday were wonderful. To see the whole school come together for the parade in the morning was a highlight and there was a great deal of productivity through the day. Thank you to parents for helping to coordinate costumes (I know it can be stressful) and well done to my colleagues, especially Mr Lindop, Mrs Lane and the English Department, for organising a special day.