Here you are, on a long, long flight back to reality after a spellbinding six weeks reconnecting with the past; revisiting family and favourite spots; discovering new, exciting relationships; full of warm and smiling memories. The journey is going to be long, hard, lonely, dark. Could it be any harder? Well, it could when you discover that the person sitting in the seat beside you, trapping you against the window, turns out to be a very large, sweaty, smelly, loudly snoring foreigner who does not speak your language and who does not respect your space or person. Not even intermittent engagement on WhatsApp with a friendly, caring person below (courtesy of a roaming phone) could possibly make up for the nightmare ahead.
WhatsApp would not change anything but What’s Up conceivably could. Oh, to hear those special words, “I’m pleased to inform you that you have been upgraded!” Upgraded! We are moving you up! Interestingly, the very idea of ‘Upgraded’ is the title of a recent popular rom-com film, in which the beautiful yet down-trodden assistant at an art gallery (to all intents and purposes similar to the traveller mentioned above) is suddenly and surprisingly upgraded from economy to first-class (with all its attendant luxuries and privileges) on a flight from New York to London. As a result, all sorts of adventures and opportunities arise – yet in reality it happens to so few.
It is likely that few of us have ever experienced such a wonderful surprise! What makes it no doubt even more special would be the fact that it is not because we have earned it (we could only afford economy, after all) or deserved it. It will most likely come out of the blue. In the above-mentioned film, it would appear that the airline assistant took pity on the young lady for the way she was treated by her colleagues. Check the internet and we will find, though, many suggestions as to how we can be ‘luckier’ – being nice helps, it seems; dressing smart improves the chances; joining a ‘loyalty’ scheme offers more chance. Perhaps then we make our own ‘luck’. We have a chance to be upgraded.
Economy is cheaper, crowded, cramped, loud, with less attention from the over-subscribed stewards – minimal treats, also. ‘Business’ may be slightly more personalised, a little more space. ‘First Class’ though is spacious with great personal attention being afforded and specific needs being met quickly and calmly. Oh, for that upgrade from Economy Class to Business Class and even to First Class on an airplane! It is a similar thing in education where those pupils placed in classes that are usually described as ‘lower’ (not a helpful definition) would long for an upgrade – oh for an upgrade from the ‘bottom’ set (Economy) to the second set (Business) to the ‘top’ set (First Class).
The same often applies for the children in the different sets in education (but, let it be noted, not always – some teachers are true professionals and apply themselves with equal diligence to whoever they teach). All too often, those in the fuller ‘economy’ class receive little personal attention while teachers are rushed off their feet and simply go about their job. Those in the middle (‘Business) set tend to receive a bit more attention while the top set (the ‘First Class’, the ‘high-fliers’ – forgive the pun) are always greeted with delight and motivation by their teachers. Yes, we would all want an upgrade. Things would be very different with an upgrade on this long, hard, dark journey.
However, perhaps what is more important is not so much for children to look to do whatever is possible for them so that they can achieve an upgrade (be it through pity, loyalty or a smart attitude) but rather it is for those of us responsible for education to give Education itself an upgrade, to move education up from Economy (scrimping away with little budget in crowded, cramped conditions), not just to Business Class (where education is seen as a business – it is not a business, however, but a service) but to First Class, with an emphasis on a more spacious personal approach.
Why can we not give all our pupils a First-Class experience in education? Why can we not offer an upgraded education? It is a long journey. However, it is not a matter of whether children have done anything to deserve it; it is a matter for us to improve the education we offer so that each child can soar in safety and serenity. No sweat – just great memories! Fasten your seatbelt in readiness.
