“I can and I Am”

Cranleigh was delighted to be able to welcome James Shone this week to speak to fourth form pupils and parents about his…

Cranleigh was delighted to be able to welcome James Shone this week to speak to fourth form pupils and parents about his life story and hisPHOTO BY PAUL GILLIS/paulgillisphoto.com message of ‘I can and I am’.  This lecture forms a key part of the Mental and Emotional Health strand of the PSHE programme for lower school pupils.

Following a sixteen year career in several boarding schools, and being a housemaster for twelve of those years, James was appointed as headmaster to Monkton Prep School in 2012. During his medical assessment for this post a brain tumour was discovered. Over the coming months James underwent two massive operations, spending 11 weeks in hospital; the operations saved his life but took most of his sight. Further to this, James had to relinquish his dream job, undergo radiotherapy and then set off into a new future without employment or buoyant health.

James encouraged us to “Look Up, Look Out and to Look Forward” when confronted with life’s challenges and to view setbacks as a springboard to success. His openness and honesty about the challenges he faces, whilst maintaining a positive outlook, were inspirational and it has helped to introduce the Growth Mindset course to the Fourth form.

For more information about James and to follow his blog see; http://www.icanandiam.com/

Sam Cooke
Head of PSHE

Back to all news

Related News

Lower Sixth Chemists examine the science of making Gin
15 May 2025 Chemistry
Lower Sixth Chemists examine the science of making Gin
Summer Concert 2025
14 May 2025 Events
Summer Concert 2025
Lower Sixth Students Explore the Balance Between Efficiency and Fairness in Economics Talk
14 May 2025 Academic
Lower Sixth Students Explore the Balance Between Efficiency and Fairness in Economics Talk
Steer Champion School Logo Awarded to Cranleigh School in Surrey
Education Choices Award Finalist 2024
Steer Champion School Logo Awarded to Cranleigh School in Surrey