Early start

Although I set my alarm for 4 am, when I awoke at 3 I thought I may as well set off on the long journey to Exeter (see yesterday's blip).

Although the sat nav gives at arrival time of 7.30 I fully expected to add an hour and a half to that time for breaks and the limited speed of the minibus.

I was accurate and duly arrived at 9 am, which gave me the opportunity to see the presentations to the students who'd been put through their paces.

I was so proud of and pleased for one of our students, who was awarded the prize for being the hardest working person of the week.

In my eyes these awards are better than being "Top Dog".

It says even if you aren't the very best, if you give the very best you've got then you'll be rewarded.

When he came to us he was on a different course and I could see very quickly he wasn't settling as we would hope.

Thankfully we were able to get him on his current course and he has blossomed into a confident, articulate young man.

The long day was worth it for this alone.

Have a great weekend.