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 his
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
