Headteacher's Blog - The Burfordian, Issue 7 2023-2024

This is the Headteacher's Blog which was first featured in issue 7 of The Burfordian, published on Wednesday 20 December 2023.

The Paddington films are amongst my favourites. They are a source of light-hearted escapism, full of wit and warmth. As a child, I did read the stories and watched the TV programmes, however, I cannot say I remember them in detail, and my memories of Paddington have been overtaken by the more recent interpretation by Ben Whishaw in the Paul King films.  

Strictly speaking, neither of the Paddington films are Christmas stories. Yet they capture the spirit wonderfully. When doing some research before writing this piece it is clear I am not on my own in my love of the movies about a Peruvian bear and the messages within. Some people even make references to the Bible in their interpretations. I am not equipped or in a position to make such connections. There are nonetheless important themes that are valuable to pass on to all. Particularly concerning our values of ‘Respect, Participate and Reach’. I will pick out the most pertinent traits that Paddington demonstrates in a list. I will then pick out one interaction shown in the second film which I think best summarises the reason we should learn from Paddington.  

Paddington always raises his hat to acknowledge others and is unerringly kind to all, seeing the very best in everyone.  

Paddington is always polite and graceful in saying please and thank you.  

Paddington does not interrupt others when they are speaking.  

Paddington apologises when he is in the wrong, particularly when he upsets someone else, making sure to make up with a good deed if he can.  

Paddington writes to relatives and friends, particularly to say thank you.  

Paddington is diligent and enthusiastic in equal measure. It really takes a great deal for him not to be optimistic about what is possible.  

There are many interactions in Paddington 2 that I believe demonstrate how we might reflect on what matters at Christmas. Not least the relationship Paddington builds with Knuckles McGinty (played by Brendan Gleeson), who we assume to be a seasoned hard man. I will however pick out one here that is perhaps more subtle but shows what can happen if people take time to look out for and see the best in others.  

Colonel Lancaster is a relatively minor character in the film. When we first meet him, we are led to assume he is a somewhat curmudgeonly individual who might be unkind, even downright grumpy. We do not really find out his full back story but the pensive stares when sat in his armchair suggest that he has experienced loss. There is a melancholy to his demeanour, portrayed brilliantly by the actor Ben Miller.  

Despite the Colonel’s behaviour of pushing people away, Paddington sees past any sadness and grumpiness and, when given the opportunity to be kind, seizes his chance. Paddington’s generosity comes in the form of doing a good deed. Very simply, Paddington cleans Colonel Lancaster’s windows. This is despite an implied lack of desire of the owner to have them cleaned. In a short, but quite wonderful scene, we literally see light pass across the Colonel as he sits in his armchair - a result of Paddington’s work in cleaning the grime off the windows. A small smile crosses the Colonel’s face, he stands up and moves across the room to the now clean windows, and as if he had not looked out for several years, he notices for the first time the outside world and the joy within it. He then proceeds to engage with a newspaper salesperson, Miss Kitts, literally outside his door, who again we are to assume has worked there for a significant period. Later in the film, it is obvious that Colonel Lancaster has built a strong bond with Miss Kitts.  

This scene shows the importance of reaching out to people, even if they may seem to want to push away support. Though it is very possible to overstate meaning from such a light film as Paddington I feel the message is an important one. Take time out for people to be kind and they will pass on the good news to others such that they can see the light. Listen to each other's story and it becomes easier to understand, support and find joy.  

So even if you have seen them, I recommend finding a way to see the Paddington films over the Christmas break. It does not matter how old you are, these films bring joy to all. If you only have time for one, Paddington 2 would be my choice, but they are both equally wonderful.  

And finally, on behalf of the team at Burford School, I wish you the very best for Christmas.