Dan Parkes, Chief Executive Officer, The Mercian Trust
Abracadabra. It's a word that has been whispered by magicians, uttered by children playing make-believe, and exclaimed by illusionists for centuries. With its unique rhythm and mysterious charm, the word abracadabra has transcended cultural boundaries, becoming synonymous with magic and wonder throughout the world and through generations.
But what has abracadabra got to do with leading schools and trusts 40 years on? Let’s start by looking back into history.
Origins
The word abracadabra holds a rather fascinating etymology. Tracing its roots back to the third century AD, abracadabra is believed to have originated from the ancient Aramaic language spoken in Mesopotamia where the phrase ‘avra kedabra’ was used, which translates to ‘I create as I speak’. Remarkably similar is the Hebrew phrase ‘abreg ad hābreg’, which means ‘I will create as I speak’. These origins suggest a link between the word and the concept of creating things, perhaps the wonder of creating things through language.
As leaders, we must recognise that every time we speak, we create. Our words and intonation are powerful; they create something in our colleagues, our students, and everyone else we speak to each day. What we say matters. How we say things matters.
The power of words to inspire
From ancient proverbs to modern-day slogans, history has shown us that words can shape futures, inspire movements, and transform lives. When delivered with meaning and purpose, our words possess an unparalleled capacity to convey emotion, share knowledge and ignite profound change. When crafted skilfully and accompanied with a commitment to action, our words have the potential to break down barriers, bridge divides and inspire others to strive for greatness.
Our trust is grounded in multiple priority education investment areas in the West Midlands, meaning the communities we serve are often described as disadvantaged. We are a diverse family of schools, but we all speak of our shared cause of social mobility and social justice. Our common purpose is to increase opportunities and improve outcomes for students, particularly disadvantaged students - those with SEND and those more likely to face discrimination. With each word we speak (or write, or record, or present) we have the potential to shape community opinion, challenge injustice, and advocate for a more inclusive and equitable society.
Cultural significance and importance today
Abracadabra’s association with illusion and the supernatural has solidified its place in popular culture, yet as language evolves, so does its use. Today, it is likely to be found in popular media, literature, and even everyday conversations in our schools as a playful expression.
Occasionally it is the words of our students (or former students) that enable us to experience abracadabra. Recently, I received a message from a former student whom I had taught in a local sixth form college more than 20 years ago. I remember her clearly, in part because she was the first girl with an Asperger’s Syndrome diagnosis that I had taught. She wrote:
"I was one of your students in 2001. I had behavioural difficulties, executive dysfunction and, on reflection, no real aptitude for music. I was ‘playing pop star’ and you decided early on I should be offered support, and additional staff were brought in to support and mentor me.
I was masking, but fooling no one. You still gave me a chance. And I thought you should know,
I graduated last week with a PhD in Sociology. There is no response required to this message, I just wanted to say thank you for being part of my story.”
These words created within me a moment from which I will draw strength and inspiration long into the future.
As leaders, particularly with responsibility for schools, children and young people, the power of our words lies in their ability to evoke emotions, challenge perspectives, and shape our collective consciousness now and in the future.
I am often encouraged, by conversations with school and trust leaders who recognise the responsibility we have, to lead with integrity, passion and commitment. But we must all recognise the immense responsibility that comes with wielding the power of abracadabra. By doing so, our words and intonation can create a world where understanding, compassion, and positive change thrive. So, let’s harness the magic of abracadabra in our schools and trusts; let’s do so on a journey of empowerment, connection, and growth – one conversation, lesson, assembly, meeting, and word at a time.
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