For those of us who have ever attended school, which I am guessing is all of us, September marked the start of a new academic year. It was a time of freshness: a new class, perhaps some new items of uniform or games kit, maybe a new pencil case or school bag. As well as actual newness, there was a figurative sharpening of pencils too, as we started the new school year (hopefully!) with renewed vigour and the best of intentions and aspirations.