Context Precedes Approach

Let's pause for a moment and think about something fundamental.
We have manual, automatic, and semi-automatic vehicles.
We have home cooks and professional chefs.
We have public schools and private schools.
We have summer and winter, teachers and students.

Each of these pairs exists because the world is filled with context. Context defines the situation, the environment, and the need — and from that, it dictates the most effective approach. Trying to use a one-size-fits-all method across every circumstance is not just ineffective; it can be dangerous in the long term because it ignores the very thing that gives actions meaning: context.

Education is no different.
Every subject — Mathematics, Science, English, History, Geography, Economics, and so on — exists within its own distinct context. And just as a chef would never use the same technique to prepare a steak and bake a soufflé, a student should never approach every subject with the same mindset or method.

Take Mathematics, for instance. Maths is a discipline of patterns, precision, and logical reasoning. Success in it depends on following the rules, understanding relationships, and practising calculations until they become second nature. A student learning algebra might compare it to learning a musical instrument — repetition builds rhythm and familiarity.

Science, on the other hand, is about inquiry and discovery. It demands curiosity and the courage to experiment — to test, fail, and learn again. A student in a chemistry lab, observing a colour change during a reaction, knows not only a fact but the why behind it — an understanding rooted in evidence.

Then comes English. Unlike Mathematics or Science, English thrives on expression. It invites creativity, empathy, and interpretation. Writing an essay or analysing a poem isn't about following a fixed formula — it's about exploring meaning and connecting language to human experience. The student who loves reading novels or journaling often thrives here because the context values reflection and imagination.

History and Geography also ask for different mental tools. History requires the ability to recall facts, dates, and causes — to understand the sequence of human decisions and their impact. Geography, in turn, connects knowledge to place — the climate, terrain, and cultures that shape the world we live in. These subjects reward curiosity about people and patterns over time and space.

If you think back to your own school days, consider this:
What was your favourite subject?
Why did it resonate with you?

Perhaps you loved Mathematics because you enjoyed solving puzzles and uncovering patterns. Maybe you preferred English because you found joy in words, stories, and expression. Or perhaps History fascinated you because it revealed how the past continues to shape the present. Each of these preferences reflects not just your interest but your natural affinity for that subject's context.

Now, here's where things get especially important — understanding the difference between boredom, disinterest, and inability.

A bored student disengages because the lesson doesn't stimulate their mind; the approach fails to meet their needs.
An uninterested student recognises the subject's value but prefers something else.
An incapable student, however, lacks the necessary skills or foundations to move forward and needs targeted help.

Unfortunately, many students mistake boredom or disinterest for inability. A learner who finds Maths "too hard" might actually be bored by repetitive drills rather than incapable of understanding numbers. A student who dislikes Science may not struggle with logic but with how it's presented — perhaps they'd thrive in a more hands-on, experiment-based environment.

Recognising this distinction can change everything. Because once you understand the context of the subject, of your own strengths and weaknesses, of how you best learn, your education transforms. Learning stops feeling like a burden and becomes an adventure.

In real life, this is what separates effective learners from frustrated ones. The chef who understands flavour doesn't follow recipes mindlessly — they adapt to ingredients, culture, and purpose. The athlete adjusts strategy based on weather, opponents, and terrain. Likewise, a student who understands context tailors their approach, using curiosity, adaptability, and self-awareness as tools in their intellectual toolkit.

Ultimately, context precedes approach. When you know what you're dealing with — when you understand the "why" behind the "what" — learning becomes meaningful, practical, and deeply personal. Education, then, isn't about mastering every subject in the same way. It's about knowing which approach fits the context best and using that knowledge to turn learning into growth.