“The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds, unlike our bodies, can continue growing as we continue to live.” - Mortimer Adler

What does it mean to be a lifelong learner? This is a question I return to again and again; reflecting on the many ways learning happens both in and beyond the classroom. Every time I return to the same conclusion: the vital importance of curiosity.

As teachers, when young people come to school fizzling with sparks of curiosity, it is our responsibility to fan those sparks into blazing fires. But it’s not just about the young people we teach. It is our responsibility to ourselves. We need to fan the flames of our own curiosity too. Furthermore, we need to keep those fires burning constantly.

At Lomond School, I am fortunate to work in an environment where lifelong learning is one of our most valued guiding principles. In recent years, my colleagues have qualified in cognitive behaviour therapy, completed Masters degrees in education, senior leadership and management qualifications, to name but a few. When professional learning is made visible and valued in the workplace, it is enriching and motivating not just for the staff involved, but for pupils and their families.

When Lomond School became the first school in Scotland to deliver the International Baccalaureate Careers and Diploma programmes and the Higher National Certificate in Business simultaneously, it opened up opportunities for staff to share expertise outside of our subject "pigeon holes". My previous experience as a project manager has helped teach the communications module on the HNC Business and it’s exciting to see our young people recognising and applying their knowledge and skills across different subjects - particularly in programmes such as the extended essay and reflective project.

It can be daunting to push yourself outside of your comfort zone but, as we get older, learning new things is vitally important to maintain resilience and a strong sense of self-efficacy.

When I transitioned from a career in academia to project management and then re-trained as a secondary school teacher at the age of 36, I had no idea how much of a disaster my first teaching placement would be. However, as Samuel Beckett wrote, "ever try, ever fail - no matter. Try again, fail again, fail better." Often, learning is just that: failing better. It was painful at the time, but had I not experienced failure then I would not be teaching today.

Learning anything is possible with self-discipline, effort and a positive mindset.

A heroine of mine is the American triathlete, Madonna Buder. She spent most of her working life as a Roman Catholic nun, but one day, in her fifties, decided to get her running shoes on and hit the track. Today, in her nineties, she is regarded as one of the greatest triathletes in the world. Triathlons may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but why not pick up that musical instrument, or a new language? It is never too late.

Dr Michelle Cotter-MacDonald is an English teacher at Lomond School, Helensburgh