Portsmouth College praised in ‘Too Fast To Think’ book

There’s a pleasant surprise awaiting avid Portsmouth readers in the pages of CEO and author Chris Lewis’ newest best-selling book, Too Fast To Think, in the form of praise for Portsmouth College and its principal, Steve Frampton.

While penning his book, Chris visited Portsmouth College to see how they were preparing students for the next stage in their lives, and examples of the college’s ideas and innovations were featured in the novel.

Chris met up with Principal Steve Frampton during the writing process to discuss methods of staying creative despite the modern-day pressures faced by the education sector, and how Steve takes a different approach to learning, using the experience and skills he gleaned in business.

Steve, and Portsmouth North MP Penny Mordaunt, were among the guests invited to the launch of Too Fast To Think in London.

In the book, Chris introduced Portsmouth College as having a ‘very progressive, dynamic, and flexible culture’, and began his piece on Steve with: ‘led by a Big Friendly Giant with a brilliant team of likeminded people — all with a deep level of trust’.

Chris continued by explaining how Steve and his team had introduced significant new innovations, including a radical, two-lessons-per-day timetable, and the ‘Curious and Creative Learning’ project which sees every student receive an iPad mini for use in class and at home.

Chris introduced the College at the book’s launch event as “the UK college where education can be different, noticeable for its warmth, spontaneity, and democracy.”

Steve himself said: “I was thrilled to be invited and privileged to attend such an exclusive event. The novel and launch was great publicity for the college, but also for Portsmouth itself.

“Chris and the guests were the highest profile people we have mixed with, and I want to thank Penny for the continuous support she gives to the College and its students, and Chris for coming to visit me and the team in the spring.

“The college and I are proud to have the hard work recognised at such a high level. It was fantastic to see so many people interested in our college and I was shocked to be one of the only three people Chris mentioned at the event.”

Penny said: “I’m very proud of Portsmouth College. It’s rapidly growing, innovative and meets everything our city and students need.”