It`s a very ancient saying, but a true and honest thought and these words from The King and I came to mind the other day when I saw a report that a primary school in East Yorkshire has ditched the names Sir Walter Raleigh, Lord Nelson and Francis Drake for its school `houses` after complaints from a former pupil that using those names supported `institutionalised racism.`

Instead, the school `houses`will now bear the names of modern day activists - Malala Yousafzal, Marcus Rashford, US poet Amanda Gorman (no, neither have I) and of course this quartet would not be complete without adding Greta Thunberg, who should really be back  in school herself.

The head teacher of the school, one Lee Hill, explained that the ex-pupil had `educated` him about those former house names  - who apparently all have links to slavery, oppression and racism - but despite the significant roles and achievements of those historical figures, Mr. Hill said his pupils wouldn`t know who they were.

One anonymous parent suggested that `these historical figures need to be contextualised, not just forgotten about - will anyone even remember those chosen in the renaming in a few years?`   And another said that `People are going to roll their eyes and think, "Not this again."`

Now when I was at school - back in the days when at least in my experience school seemed to be a regime of fear, threats and intimidation - the `houses` in my secondary school were more classical in their nomenclature.  There was Athens House, Troy, Corinth and Sparta and somehow I found myself as House Captain of the Corinthians.  The role didn`t seem to attract too many onerous duties or responsibilities except a presumption that the business of the house would be conducted along Corinthian lines, especially on the cricket and football grounds.   How times have changed.

But back to East Yorkshire and a reminder that we`re dealing with a primary school here, not some left leaning woke-driven bastion of higher education and, maybe as a primary school, they should consider the merits of Fireman Sam, Cuthbert, Dibble and Grubb and their chums - if only in an attempt to retain the precious gift of childhood?

Anyway, the words of Oscar Hammerstein and Deborah Kerr and the truth they tell may well be right.....but I suggest it all depends on the lesson being taught.