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The School: The ups and downs of one year in the classroom
One teacher. One school. One year.
Brendan James Murray has been a high school teacher for more than ten years. In that time he has seen hundreds of kids move through the same hallways and classrooms - boisterous, angry, shy, big-hearted, awkward - all of them on the journey to adulthood.
In The School, he paints an astonishingly vivid portrait of a single school year, perfectly capturing the highs and lows of being a teenager, as well as the fire, passion and occasional heartbreak of being their teacher. Hilarious, heartfelt and true, it is a timeless story of a teacher and his classes, a must-read for any parent, and a tribute to the art of teaching.ck
Brendan James Murray has been a high school teacher for more than ten years. In that time he has seen hundreds of kids move through the same hallways and classrooms - boisterous, angry, shy, big-hearted, awkward - all of them on the journey to adulthood.
In The School, he paints an astonishingly vivid portrait of a single school year, perfectly capturing the highs and lows of being a teenager, as well as the fire, passion and occasional heartbreak of being their teacher. Hilarious, heartfelt and true, it is a timeless story of a teacher and his classes, a must-read for any parent, and a tribute to the art of teaching.ck
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Published May 25, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
June 8, 2021
As a teacher, I don't like to read much about the profession I'm in. Reading is for enjoyment; it should not feel like work. Brendan Murray's The School is the first time I've dipped my toes into reading non-fiction about my own world, and, yeah, I'm definitely the target audience for this book - I loved it! (Murray being a fellow English teacher and adorer of Peter Carey might have helped a bit too...).
The novel is follows Murray as he outlines the lives of a number of his students through a typical year at the The School. The name is kept deliberately nondescript on purpose - one, to de-identify his own place of work, but also to stand in place of any school. These stories could, and do, happen in every school. By combining stories from his career thus far into a single theoretical year, he shows the reader the trials and triumphs faced by teachers as they put in the work of educating young people in a high school setting.
In terms of my own values and approach to teaching, Murray gets it - his views as an educator always has his students at the centre of what he does. His empathy and passion for what he does is crystal clear, and this is where the bulk of this book comes from. It is less about Murray himself, and more about the ways in which his students have inspired him, dismayed him, made him laugh, made him struggle to sleep at night. He does not let himself get crushed by the myriad of issues plaguing modern education (though he is not faint hearted in his critiques of many structural problems) or let the at times harsh realities of the lives of many young people get him down. This is because he knows at the core of everything he does are his students. Just like Murray, I've known a Claire, a Tessa, a Mya, a Wambui, a Kelvin - I could fill my own book with stories of the way they have deeply impacted my life and changed my point of view.
Just as he models his own approach on (and feels in the shadow of) an inspiring teacher of his own, Murray's book makes me realise and remember why I teach in the first place. I want my connection with my students to come first. I want them to learn, but more importantly, I want them to have enjoyable lives, to be good people.
As I sit down to do some marking (or avoid it my reading books and writing reviews), I will remember the message of The School. Murray sums it up best when he writes:
'And how do I convey what these young people mean to me? How do I explain that, years later, those past students appear in my mind at unexpected times, and I find myself wondering not what they are doing, not where they are, but simply if they are happy? ... all I can do is never take this job for granted. For me, it's the best there is.'
The novel is follows Murray as he outlines the lives of a number of his students through a typical year at the The School. The name is kept deliberately nondescript on purpose - one, to de-identify his own place of work, but also to stand in place of any school. These stories could, and do, happen in every school. By combining stories from his career thus far into a single theoretical year, he shows the reader the trials and triumphs faced by teachers as they put in the work of educating young people in a high school setting.
In terms of my own values and approach to teaching, Murray gets it - his views as an educator always has his students at the centre of what he does. His empathy and passion for what he does is crystal clear, and this is where the bulk of this book comes from. It is less about Murray himself, and more about the ways in which his students have inspired him, dismayed him, made him laugh, made him struggle to sleep at night. He does not let himself get crushed by the myriad of issues plaguing modern education (though he is not faint hearted in his critiques of many structural problems) or let the at times harsh realities of the lives of many young people get him down. This is because he knows at the core of everything he does are his students. Just like Murray, I've known a Claire, a Tessa, a Mya, a Wambui, a Kelvin - I could fill my own book with stories of the way they have deeply impacted my life and changed my point of view.
Just as he models his own approach on (and feels in the shadow of) an inspiring teacher of his own, Murray's book makes me realise and remember why I teach in the first place. I want my connection with my students to come first. I want them to learn, but more importantly, I want them to have enjoyable lives, to be good people.
As I sit down to do some marking (or avoid it my reading books and writing reviews), I will remember the message of The School. Murray sums it up best when he writes:
'And how do I convey what these young people mean to me? How do I explain that, years later, those past students appear in my mind at unexpected times, and I find myself wondering not what they are doing, not where they are, but simply if they are happy? ... all I can do is never take this job for granted. For me, it's the best there is.'
September 11, 2022
https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
Brendan James Murray has been a high school teacher for over a decade. In The School he combines students and events from his vast teaching career into one year at a Government high school situated on the Victorian coast.
Murray includes moments from his own life as a student filled with self doubt and bullying as the story moves from present day to his own days at school. His obvious affection for his students shines through as he talks about a myriad of students that come and go through his teaching life and the ones that made a lasting impression.
I didn't agree with all of Murray's thoughts on the education system but I must admit I was nodding along to many of his words.
Highly recommended reading for all teachers and parents of teenagers. Adolescence is a hard road and for some teens their teachers are the only positive role models they have. It was encouraging to read about a teacher who is so passionate about his role, not only as a teacher but also as a mentor to these children.
The School is an insightful and, at times, heart-wrenching account of life in a secondary school.
*I received my copy from the publisher
Brendan James Murray has been a high school teacher for over a decade. In The School he combines students and events from his vast teaching career into one year at a Government high school situated on the Victorian coast.
Murray includes moments from his own life as a student filled with self doubt and bullying as the story moves from present day to his own days at school. His obvious affection for his students shines through as he talks about a myriad of students that come and go through his teaching life and the ones that made a lasting impression.
I didn't agree with all of Murray's thoughts on the education system but I must admit I was nodding along to many of his words.
Highly recommended reading for all teachers and parents of teenagers. Adolescence is a hard road and for some teens their teachers are the only positive role models they have. It was encouraging to read about a teacher who is so passionate about his role, not only as a teacher but also as a mentor to these children.
The School is an insightful and, at times, heart-wrenching account of life in a secondary school.
*I received my copy from the publisher
June 6, 2021
‘So much student learning lies somewhere beyond the documented curriculum, floating outside and around it, often uncontained by the walls of the classroom.’
The teacher in me was eager to read this fellow educationalist's view of working in the classroom - and a classroom none other than in my home town! The School chronicles a year in his classroom, in a public school located in a somewhat disadvantaged beachside suburb. This book is very much a dedication to some extraordinary students Brendan has taught over his career.
‘You will find these pages cluttered with souls jostling for your attention. That is the reality of teaching.’
All up it is clearly a well written book with Brendan capturing the many aspects of working at the ‘coal face’ of the classroom. It is a real and accurate portrayal of the many confronting aspects of teaching in today’s world. It is more than just a straight twelve month tale in one classroom - Brendan revisits his own time at school, takes us to a child escaping their village in Africa, to an adolescent cancer ward.
‘It was a juggling act, as teaching always is. Grace needed one-to-one support, but the rest of the students in the class were just as deserving of my time. I would not let any of them become invisible. I would not let them drift into the land of ghosts.’
There is not a shadow of a doubt that Brenda is a caring person and an exceptional teacher. Who else but such a human being as this would walk side by side with the many injustices and inequalities that confront so many in our world. Personally, I find that school is often a student’s ‘safe place’ where they know once they walk through that gate, they are in an environment that cares and provides support. Brendan expertly captures the very much holistic nature of educating today’s young. From a Kenyan refugee, to cancer sufferer, determined sportsman to those suffering from the anxiety of their final year exams - Breandan considerately covers it all.
‘The current problem, then, is not the data fixation itself, but the prioritisation of quantitative over qualitative data.’
I applaud Brendan highlighting certain controversial aspects of today’s education system - students who ‘just’ miss out on funding and denied support; and its evolution into a bungling bureaucratic system obsessed with data and scores that fails to often see the individual sitting in each and every classroom. The teacher has so many boxes to tick, forms to complete and methods to trial that more often than not, many are slipping through the cracks.
‘Our work gave her a protective standard of literacy, but it was not the standard she deserved or what her parents’ tax dollars should have provided. Wherever she is now, I can only apologise on behalf of a system that let her down.’
Congratulations Brendan on giving such a heartfelt voice to the seemingly many faceless, some of whom become lost in our system. To truthfully portray the absorbing nature of our job when one cares about those under our tutelage and only wants what's best for them - to see them stand confidently in today’s world.
‘So what do I fear? I fear the heart going out of the teaching...’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
The teacher in me was eager to read this fellow educationalist's view of working in the classroom - and a classroom none other than in my home town! The School chronicles a year in his classroom, in a public school located in a somewhat disadvantaged beachside suburb. This book is very much a dedication to some extraordinary students Brendan has taught over his career.
‘You will find these pages cluttered with souls jostling for your attention. That is the reality of teaching.’
All up it is clearly a well written book with Brendan capturing the many aspects of working at the ‘coal face’ of the classroom. It is a real and accurate portrayal of the many confronting aspects of teaching in today’s world. It is more than just a straight twelve month tale in one classroom - Brendan revisits his own time at school, takes us to a child escaping their village in Africa, to an adolescent cancer ward.
‘It was a juggling act, as teaching always is. Grace needed one-to-one support, but the rest of the students in the class were just as deserving of my time. I would not let any of them become invisible. I would not let them drift into the land of ghosts.’
There is not a shadow of a doubt that Brenda is a caring person and an exceptional teacher. Who else but such a human being as this would walk side by side with the many injustices and inequalities that confront so many in our world. Personally, I find that school is often a student’s ‘safe place’ where they know once they walk through that gate, they are in an environment that cares and provides support. Brendan expertly captures the very much holistic nature of educating today’s young. From a Kenyan refugee, to cancer sufferer, determined sportsman to those suffering from the anxiety of their final year exams - Breandan considerately covers it all.
‘The current problem, then, is not the data fixation itself, but the prioritisation of quantitative over qualitative data.’
I applaud Brendan highlighting certain controversial aspects of today’s education system - students who ‘just’ miss out on funding and denied support; and its evolution into a bungling bureaucratic system obsessed with data and scores that fails to often see the individual sitting in each and every classroom. The teacher has so many boxes to tick, forms to complete and methods to trial that more often than not, many are slipping through the cracks.
‘Our work gave her a protective standard of literacy, but it was not the standard she deserved or what her parents’ tax dollars should have provided. Wherever she is now, I can only apologise on behalf of a system that let her down.’
Congratulations Brendan on giving such a heartfelt voice to the seemingly many faceless, some of whom become lost in our system. To truthfully portray the absorbing nature of our job when one cares about those under our tutelage and only wants what's best for them - to see them stand confidently in today’s world.
‘So what do I fear? I fear the heart going out of the teaching...’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
July 6, 2021
As a teacher, and also past student of Seadale (the school referenced within the novel), I absolutely devoured this book. Murray writes with compassion and care towards his students, two qualities indicative of a truly inspiring teacher. As a fellow Literature teacher I really enjoyed the references to his Literature students and the interweaving of Peter Carey’s short stories into the narrative.
Our interactions with students have lasting impressions and this is explored effectively throughout the narrative.
I highly recommend this for any teachers out there! Particularly fellow English and Lit teachers! Even more importantly, the general public would do well to read this and understand the mental and emotional load associated with teaching.
Our interactions with students have lasting impressions and this is explored effectively throughout the narrative.
I highly recommend this for any teachers out there! Particularly fellow English and Lit teachers! Even more importantly, the general public would do well to read this and understand the mental and emotional load associated with teaching.
July 30, 2021
The joy of this book was the steady, clear narrative voice.
Public education in a rural, working-class memoir could very easily have sunk into a woeful and bitter diatribe.
Pleasingly, author Brendan James Murray has constructed a multi-strand narrative memoir - not all told in a linear approach.
It’s the students’ backgrounds and stories that stole my heart.
Carefully crafted, delivered with humility and clarity. This is an author to follow.
Public education in a rural, working-class memoir could very easily have sunk into a woeful and bitter diatribe.
Pleasingly, author Brendan James Murray has constructed a multi-strand narrative memoir - not all told in a linear approach.
It’s the students’ backgrounds and stories that stole my heart.
Carefully crafted, delivered with humility and clarity. This is an author to follow.
April 28, 2022
‘School feels like the whole world when you’re in it.’
Reading this book took me back almost fifty years, to my own experience of what is now called Year 12. The pressure (mostly self-imposed) was inexorable, the stakes were high, and most of the teachers were terrific. But this was in Tasmania, at a time when the high school retention rate was low and very few of us ventured beyond Year 10. Those of us who stayed to complete Year 12 were focussed on university. Some of our teachers were very recent graduates and only a handful of years older than we were.
See, I have already digressed. A bit. This book is about teaching and learning, about the challenges and experiences of teaching, about navigating learning and life. Mr Murray writes of a single school year, of the journey through four terms. He focusses on the journey of some of his students, as well as reflecting on his own experiences as student and teacher.
In parallel with Mr Murray’s year of teaching I was remembering my own six years of secondary education: the first four years at a public high school, the last two years at (what was then called) Launceston Matriculation College. I remembered the teachers who inspired me, including the one who made maths exciting, sadly followed by those who killed my interest entirely. I remember teachers who made economics, English and history fascinating. Their enthusiasm, knowledge and interest encouraged many of us to want to learn more. By contrast, those who recited facts and figures without context quickly extinguished enthusiasm.
The best teachers combine enthusiasm and knowledge and encourage their students to think and question. Mr Murray reminds me of some of the teachers I had all those years ago. A terrific read
And, yes, while I do enjoy (most of) Peter Carey’s work, I prefer to read Richard Flanagan and Steven Carroll.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Reading this book took me back almost fifty years, to my own experience of what is now called Year 12. The pressure (mostly self-imposed) was inexorable, the stakes were high, and most of the teachers were terrific. But this was in Tasmania, at a time when the high school retention rate was low and very few of us ventured beyond Year 10. Those of us who stayed to complete Year 12 were focussed on university. Some of our teachers were very recent graduates and only a handful of years older than we were.
See, I have already digressed. A bit. This book is about teaching and learning, about the challenges and experiences of teaching, about navigating learning and life. Mr Murray writes of a single school year, of the journey through four terms. He focusses on the journey of some of his students, as well as reflecting on his own experiences as student and teacher.
In parallel with Mr Murray’s year of teaching I was remembering my own six years of secondary education: the first four years at a public high school, the last two years at (what was then called) Launceston Matriculation College. I remembered the teachers who inspired me, including the one who made maths exciting, sadly followed by those who killed my interest entirely. I remember teachers who made economics, English and history fascinating. Their enthusiasm, knowledge and interest encouraged many of us to want to learn more. By contrast, those who recited facts and figures without context quickly extinguished enthusiasm.
The best teachers combine enthusiasm and knowledge and encourage their students to think and question. Mr Murray reminds me of some of the teachers I had all those years ago. A terrific read
And, yes, while I do enjoy (most of) Peter Carey’s work, I prefer to read Richard Flanagan and Steven Carroll.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
July 18, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We all remember that teacher. Now let that teacher remember you.
The School follows a year in the classroom and beyond. Murray works hard to show his students as the people they are. His students aren't manifestations of his ideas on teaching or his ability to execute them but instead are given their own lives and stories.
We learn about the isolation of bullying through the lens of a lonely Lewis Carrol fan. About the blueprint of rage from a sanguine but searching son. The bravery to ask a question from a teenager who shouldn't have had to. And the courage to admit that your wrong from the type of boy we're all probably wrong about.
While Murray has spent the last decade helping the writers of tomorrow he himself has become a writer of today. Whether it's the salted air of the beachside town of Seadale or the richly complex tapestry of his classroom and the students in it Murray's prose effortlessly sweeps you through a story of education, class, learning, and the bonds we make along the way.
Murray doesn't shy away from the social factors at play in The School. He navigates discussions on class, the education system, governing bodies such as VCAA, and mental health. These difficult conversations are handled with respect and fairness. Whilst poignant and revealing for many, for students who have been through this Murray's words will feel eerily familiar.
Ultimately, what Murray is really trying to tell us, as his vivacious student reminds him is that "people matter most". And whilst debates about education will surely continue, as will students come and go, we can do our best to make sure we don't forget that.
We all remember that teacher. Now let that teacher remember you.
The School follows a year in the classroom and beyond. Murray works hard to show his students as the people they are. His students aren't manifestations of his ideas on teaching or his ability to execute them but instead are given their own lives and stories.
We learn about the isolation of bullying through the lens of a lonely Lewis Carrol fan. About the blueprint of rage from a sanguine but searching son. The bravery to ask a question from a teenager who shouldn't have had to. And the courage to admit that your wrong from the type of boy we're all probably wrong about.
While Murray has spent the last decade helping the writers of tomorrow he himself has become a writer of today. Whether it's the salted air of the beachside town of Seadale or the richly complex tapestry of his classroom and the students in it Murray's prose effortlessly sweeps you through a story of education, class, learning, and the bonds we make along the way.
Murray doesn't shy away from the social factors at play in The School. He navigates discussions on class, the education system, governing bodies such as VCAA, and mental health. These difficult conversations are handled with respect and fairness. Whilst poignant and revealing for many, for students who have been through this Murray's words will feel eerily familiar.
Ultimately, what Murray is really trying to tell us, as his vivacious student reminds him is that "people matter most". And whilst debates about education will surely continue, as will students come and go, we can do our best to make sure we don't forget that.
July 4, 2021
If I could implore anyone to read a book about Australian education, this is this one. Framed through incredible stories of the lives of some students, this book explains why it is so vitally important to get education right and what it actually means to be a teacher.
May 6, 2021
I found this book a pleasant and satisfying read. It follows a teacher, Mr Murray, at a public high school through 1 year of teaching. The book flits between the multiple year levels that Mr Murray teaches over the year. While reading I was taken straight back to my own yr12 literature experience, the ATAR and VCE struggles that he describes so universal to all students. I honestly struggled to put this down, as I was so eager to find out the different conclusions to all the students mentioned.
Really enjoyed this read, would definitely recommend it to anymore who enjoys heartfelt and wholesome stories, particularly anyone whose been through the Australian school system.
Really enjoyed this read, would definitely recommend it to anymore who enjoys heartfelt and wholesome stories, particularly anyone whose been through the Australian school system.
June 15, 2021
The School is brilliant
I read this book in a couple of sittings. Brendan Murray takes the reader into the windswept corridors of The School with all the joys and hardships of a year of teaching. From the point of view of an English and Lit teacher, he gives his students a love of story while at the same time, telling their stories. A work of great compassion, humanity, and understanding.
I read this book in a couple of sittings. Brendan Murray takes the reader into the windswept corridors of The School with all the joys and hardships of a year of teaching. From the point of view of an English and Lit teacher, he gives his students a love of story while at the same time, telling their stories. A work of great compassion, humanity, and understanding.
July 11, 2023
A most remarkable book comprising several events over 12 years into one school year.
“Childhood passes with flashbulb suddenness”
Excerpt From
The School
Brendan James Murray
This material may be protected by copyright.
“Childhood passes with flashbulb suddenness”
Excerpt From
The School
Brendan James Murray
This material may be protected by copyright.
March 15, 2023
Wow!! Its early in the year but I’m calling it - this will probably be my best read of the year. I am so glad I came across this book by chance and was drawn to its storyline. A book about “The School” which could easily be any school across Australia or the world, and its students that make up the soul of the story alongside the teachers and staff.
The School is a story narrated by author Brendan Murray who writes from his experience as a teacher, about some of the students across his teaching experience - written to fit into 1 school year. A book that showcases student resilience, courage, kindness, hope, rebellion, and so much more. Through the stories of Charlie, Kelvin, Tessa, Claire, Wambui, Connor, Teagan & Jada, Grace and many others, Murray will draw you in and take you into their world. A world that speaks about fear of becoming like their failed parent, or battles with illness, bullying, mental health challenges, a violent past, and a myriad of other issues that children (and in many cases their support system) go through.
This book should be a must read for educators and parents and probably the bureaucrats that drive policies linked to Education - right from funding to testing and scoring. There is an ATAR and NAPLAN equivalent in every country that has its flaws and by listening to our students and teachers we must each strive to do better.
This book reminded me of my many teachers - the ones who inspired, taught and also the ones who reminded me that in life you get a mixed bag of good & bad (even when it comes to teachers). It reminded me of the many friends that helped carry me through those formative years, enjoying learning and creating moments for a lifetime. Thank you to each of you.
And thank you B Murray and the many students and teachers that have helped put this book out there. I will definitely need to check out Peter Carey next.
The School is a story narrated by author Brendan Murray who writes from his experience as a teacher, about some of the students across his teaching experience - written to fit into 1 school year. A book that showcases student resilience, courage, kindness, hope, rebellion, and so much more. Through the stories of Charlie, Kelvin, Tessa, Claire, Wambui, Connor, Teagan & Jada, Grace and many others, Murray will draw you in and take you into their world. A world that speaks about fear of becoming like their failed parent, or battles with illness, bullying, mental health challenges, a violent past, and a myriad of other issues that children (and in many cases their support system) go through.
This book should be a must read for educators and parents and probably the bureaucrats that drive policies linked to Education - right from funding to testing and scoring. There is an ATAR and NAPLAN equivalent in every country that has its flaws and by listening to our students and teachers we must each strive to do better.
This book reminded me of my many teachers - the ones who inspired, taught and also the ones who reminded me that in life you get a mixed bag of good & bad (even when it comes to teachers). It reminded me of the many friends that helped carry me through those formative years, enjoying learning and creating moments for a lifetime. Thank you to each of you.
And thank you B Murray and the many students and teachers that have helped put this book out there. I will definitely need to check out Peter Carey next.
July 3, 2021
It was hard to read this book, at times I struggled to pick it up despite the ease of the narrative and writing. I’m not sure it was anything to do with the book, maybe it just felt like work. As a VCE teacher it felt pretty close to home. I have however, read many reviews that suggest this should be passed on to everyone’s “friend who is a teacher” and I’m not sure I agree. I don’t really need to read about the flaws in VCAA and the absurdity of marking hundreds of VCE exams. Instead for me it felt targeted (and should be) to the general public as an honest depiction of teaching. I think I would have rated it slightly lower but the final chapters got me. They really captured the end of year anxiety of being a year 12 teacher, the “letting go” of another cohort each year, and how that shapes you. I will say… please never bribe young girls to not wear make up ever again… that was, weird, but thankfully acknowledged as such (kind of) later on.
July 11, 2021
What an absolutely unbelievable telling of a school year, from one of, if not the most passionate teacher I have not yet met.
As a second-year English teacher myself, I found myself resonating with so much of 'The School'. There were so many uncanny similarities of students that I have and am currently teaching, I share many of Murray's thoughts on the state education system, and I even empathised with some of his students, thinking about my own experiences in high school.
For everything that I resonated with, though, I finished the book with a desire for resolution. Not a resolution of Murray's students and experiences, but my own. Although I have already been feeling similar emotions since I first seriously considered becoming a teacher, 'The School' helped me see how much potential impact we actually have on our students, and has driven me even more to do so much more, and even better.
Thank you, Brendan, for writing such an encapsulating, motivating recount of a year at Seadale - from a fellow English teacher at Beachview!
As a second-year English teacher myself, I found myself resonating with so much of 'The School'. There were so many uncanny similarities of students that I have and am currently teaching, I share many of Murray's thoughts on the state education system, and I even empathised with some of his students, thinking about my own experiences in high school.
For everything that I resonated with, though, I finished the book with a desire for resolution. Not a resolution of Murray's students and experiences, but my own. Although I have already been feeling similar emotions since I first seriously considered becoming a teacher, 'The School' helped me see how much potential impact we actually have on our students, and has driven me even more to do so much more, and even better.
Thank you, Brendan, for writing such an encapsulating, motivating recount of a year at Seadale - from a fellow English teacher at Beachview!
March 24, 2022
I would recommend this to the good teachers I know, the overworked ones, the disenchanted ones and the ones who are just going through the motions and need recharging. The heartfelt connection with kids that just need more resonates on every page. Those who are sometimes written off as “difficult” but if you look beyond the attitude, there’s always a human story of need. We all carry those “ghosts” of students past. Funny, political, moving but also a cautionary tale for those teachers who allow the line to blur too far between their professional and personal lives at the expense of their own mental health and peace of mind.
June 4, 2021
Simply an amazing book. I devoured it all in a single day. The stories are highly personal and the writing so evocative it made me tear up many times.
The author is so passionate about his work, and this is evident on every page. It made me reflect on my own school experience. I wish there were more teachers like him out there.
The author is so passionate about his work, and this is evident on every page. It made me reflect on my own school experience. I wish there were more teachers like him out there.
August 8, 2021
A great insight into what being a teacher is like. Focused on a few students and how their teacher was involved in their lives. I did feel like a lot of the stories were embellished given the teacher wasn’t actually in the African village with Wambui or at the hospital with Kelvin so they felt like they weren’t his stories to tell.
April 7, 2022
I read Term 1 quite cynically, a constant “you could have written this” chant in my ear. Term 2 I started to warm to Murray because he articulates so clearly the problems with VCAA that I wish were more widely acknowledged.
By Term 3, I was attached to the students he’d introduced and wanted to know how they fared, and then Term 4 was just allll of the nostalgia for the days where I wasn’t stuck with a part time junior English load and had my year 12 classes to prepare for exams and ultimately farewell.
I’ll be recommending this book to my non-teacher friends, though, because I think there is far more in here for someone less familiar with the daily workings of a school, or for someone who likes to talk about the amount of holidays teachers get.
I took a star off because I effing hate Peter Carey’s short stories and there’s far too many adoring references to them. Blergh. Typical Literature wank. Luckily for Murray he didn’t mention “the canon” once, or else I would have put this book down and walked away without looking back.
By Term 3, I was attached to the students he’d introduced and wanted to know how they fared, and then Term 4 was just allll of the nostalgia for the days where I wasn’t stuck with a part time junior English load and had my year 12 classes to prepare for exams and ultimately farewell.
I’ll be recommending this book to my non-teacher friends, though, because I think there is far more in here for someone less familiar with the daily workings of a school, or for someone who likes to talk about the amount of holidays teachers get.
I took a star off because I effing hate Peter Carey’s short stories and there’s far too many adoring references to them. Blergh. Typical Literature wank. Luckily for Murray he didn’t mention “the canon” once, or else I would have put this book down and walked away without looking back.
March 22, 2023
A terrific book for those of us who are teachers- moving, reflective, helpful. It reminds us of why we do what we do.
June 11, 2023
The ups and downs of one year in the classroom.
As a high school teacher I could really relate. This book is filled with stories of courage, resilience and empathy but also some sadness as we meet the students from Seadale High. Murray has amalgamated many years of teaching and his experiences with students into one year in the classroom.
As a high school teacher I could really relate. This book is filled with stories of courage, resilience and empathy but also some sadness as we meet the students from Seadale High. Murray has amalgamated many years of teaching and his experiences with students into one year in the classroom.
June 28, 2021
I LOVED every page of this book. I asked my library to buy it so I could somewhat prepare myself for my first teaching prac later this year but beyond providing indirect advice, this book also just warmed my heart. I really enjoyed following the storylines of the individual students in Murray’s classes and found it very insightful to gain access to his views on situations and how he would deal with them. I hope I can be as good a teacher one day as he seems to be 🙌🏼
November 21, 2021
I've not set foot inside a classroom in a professional capacity for about 12 years. Less than 10 pages into this and I was reminded how much I loved teaching and how absolutely heartbreaking it could be. Brendan James Murray is the teacher every child deserves but sadly very rarely gets - and that's not because the majority of teachers don't care, they do. However, they work in a system that does not support them or acknowledge their professional knowledge and skills. To tell you the truth, I wonder how Mr Murray is not completely burnt out and hope that whatever he does to keep going, he keeps doing it - our kids need him.
In this book Mr Murray examines not only the paths some of his students are travelling, but his own journey from high school student to teacher in the same school. He takes the reader into the lives of a refugee who saw unspeakable horrors in their home country, a teenage cancer patient, a neglected child, a child plagued with depression and anxiety and a bully and their victim. At all points he is respectful and compassionate. He casts a critical eye over the system he works in, acknowledging it's failures and pointing out what could be done better by everyone.
It's a book I will be recommending it to everyone, but especially my teacher friends. To them I say this book will make you feel seen, heard and less alone.
In this book Mr Murray examines not only the paths some of his students are travelling, but his own journey from high school student to teacher in the same school. He takes the reader into the lives of a refugee who saw unspeakable horrors in their home country, a teenage cancer patient, a neglected child, a child plagued with depression and anxiety and a bully and their victim. At all points he is respectful and compassionate. He casts a critical eye over the system he works in, acknowledging it's failures and pointing out what could be done better by everyone.
It's a book I will be recommending it to everyone, but especially my teacher friends. To them I say this book will make you feel seen, heard and less alone.
December 14, 2021
I’m sure he’s a great teacher. No doubt. But the writing wasn’t good enough to hold my attention.
July 29, 2025
love love love love love!! oh mr murray, how incredible you are! what a terrific read! so long has it been since i’ve devoured a book the way i subsumed into this! with the context of my own life and learning under you, i almost feel (in my classic arrogance) this was an echo of the past you sent to the future for me. very, very few pieces of media have inspired fundamental shifts in me - in my philosophy of life, my approach to life, my dreams of life - but i’ll have to add this to the list. what an incredible read!
mr murray, thank you. i will never be able to voice how much you have done for me, no matter how hard or how often i try. i mean that in earnest. any literary luck i have in the future stands as a tribute to you, and all those other spectacular teachers glowing in schools across the world. after all, it’s they who make the world dance.
mr murray, thank you. i will never be able to voice how much you have done for me, no matter how hard or how often i try. i mean that in earnest. any literary luck i have in the future stands as a tribute to you, and all those other spectacular teachers glowing in schools across the world. after all, it’s they who make the world dance.
June 13, 2021
Not my usual kind of book. As a secondary teacher in Australia, this struck a chord. Recognised the same struggles, joys and reasons why we do what we do. With many of the student stories, I immediately pictured several similar students I have taught over the years. Good timing- to be reminded of the many moments in teaching that inspire and move - when I have been starting to struggle with the 'system'.
February 16, 2022
As a teacher, I have never read a book like this. I was inspired by Brendan's passion and felt I was having my own thoughts reflected back to me when he wrote about the challenges and frustrations of the system. I loved this book. I loved that it was about the students. I loved that it celebrated them without glossing over the darkness of bullying, the challenges and the limits of schools and teachers.
February 25, 2022
Impossible to fault this book. A masterpiece, a must read for educators and those critical of the ATAR ranking (who isn’t?). This book has reaffirmed my hatred of private schooling and lack of government funding for public school kids who need it, but mostly I feel grateful for teachers like Murray.
June 22, 2021
This is a wonderful book. By page 4 I was totally hooked. I laughed out loud and had a tear on occasion. I had the pleasure of working with Brendan Murray and already knew what an extraordinary teacher he is. He has now been proven to be a wonderful author. Look forward to the next best seller.
July 22, 2021
Six months out from finishing my teaching degree, and this book has made me want to graduate SO BAD. Relatable for teachers, and enlightening for non teachers.
October 2, 2021
A great insight into the world of public school teaching and the dedication of good teachers.
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