When Peter became Principal of City Lit, he was dismayed to find that he was unable to communicate with the large number of deaf students and staff he came into daily contact with.  Despite a heavy workload, he decided the remedy the matter by attending a sign language course.  He took an introductory course, but felt that he needed more so signed up for the full Level 1.  He attended every class, even if he was unable to be there for the whole time and passed the Level 1 certificate.
He has provided an excellent role model for other staff, and for other Principals as well, and deaf staff are pleased as he is the first Principal to make the effort to learn to communicate with them.  He says “I am passionate about the value of adult learning.  I find courses stimulating and mind broadening, as well as giving me first hand experience of what it is like to be a student at City Lit.  I am under no illusions that my level of expertise is still very basic, but I am now much more confident in communicating with deaf staff and students.”  He also now appreciates some of the obstacles that deaf people face in learning which has only increased his admiration for them.
Peter Davies, aged 57 was nominated by: Melinda Napier, City Lit Institute