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SAMUEL JOHNSON STUDIES IN LICHFIELD
He may not have written the first English dictionary, but Samuel Johnson does study in the birthplace of his famous literary namesake.
The 17-year-old thinks it is “quite cool” to share his name with Lichfield’s best-known writer.
And he thinks the 18th Century lexicographer would have been especially proud of his achievements in English, because he has overcome more difficulties than most.
Samuel has spent the last three years studying at Maple Hayes School in Lichfield, which specialises in teaching children with dyslexia.
He claims to have made massive strides forward in reading and writing, compared to his time in mainstream education.
He passed five GCSEs in the summer – including an A* and an A grade - but more importantly he gained much more self confidence.
Samuel, of Sutton Coldfield, said: “A couple of people have picked up on the name, which is quite cool.
“I think Samuel Johnson would have been impressed by how well I have done since attending Maple Hayes School, because I was doing much better in English.”
Samuel’s mother Penny Johnson said: “The smaller class sizes meant more time with teachers for Sam, and the methods used at Maple Hayes made a huge difference.
“His confidence was at an all time low when he went there, but with all the children having the same difficulties he started to enjoy English classes.”
Dr Daryl Brown, Headteacher at Maple Hayes School, said: “Samuel was a quiet young man who worked hard to improve his reading and writing skills.
“His famous namesake would have been really proud of the effort Samuel put in to improve his English, given the difficulties he had before he came to Maple Hayes.”
Samuel spent three happy years at Maple Hayes School and now studies art and design at Lichfield College.
For more information please contact Clive Reeves on 01543 501111 or email clive@wardlovett.com