"It is not because things are difficult
that we do not dare; 

it is because we do not dare
that they are difficult."

Seneca

Eight Big Ideas!

I read this interesting article 'Eight Big Ideas Behind the Constructionist Learning Lab' by Dr. Seymour Papert over the weekend.

Character is not a fancy coat we put on for show, it’s who we really are!

“Ordinary people, even weak people, can do extraordinary things through temporary courage generated by a situation.

Let me know if you've mislaid your copy!

"The force of the waves

 is in their perseverence."

Gila Guri

I wonder sometimes why so many people are so pessimistic, so negative and so miserable and just see difficulties and obstacles preventing them from being successful.

"Only one principle will give you courage,

that is the principle that no evil last forever

nor indeed for very long."

Epicurus

Remember, never lie about anything important!

We must work with positive people whenever we can; pick out the optimists and those who love life and love learning and join their teams. We must, wherever possible, avoid people who are cynical and depressing to be with. And we must never be defensive about our mistakes and failures… because the only people who don’t make mistakes are those who do nothing, say nothing and are nothing. 

"Happiness is not a state to arrive at, 

but a manner of travelling."

Samuel Johnson

Parklands Primary School!

I received this wonderful e-mail from my colleague Cath Hindmarch who is headteacher at Parklands Primary School in Leeds.

Never Give Up!

Spending time with colleagues going through tough times recently I was looking for some ideas when I came upon this great piece of advice about why we should press on and not be distracted from our great adventures. 

Collaborative, Co-operative Leadership!

"If you have time, you can be infinitely collaborative, but if you have to fix things in a significant way and you're in a hurry, you've got to be more directive."
We all need to recognise that we need to work together and share what works as we all strive for excellence in governance, leadership and teaching and learning. I have never yet visited the perfect school but I have seen extraordinary practice and provision in soany places. If only we can raise the bar and make this outstanding practice common place we can build a world class learning landscape where every school is a great school.
Chris

Here to Learn!

Remember that this is above all a collaborative, co-operative endeavour. We must all be in touch with what is going on in classrooms, staffrooms and schools… we must listen more, get out and about and see what is happening so that we can learn from our extraordinary, unique and powerful learning places.

Change your Thinking and Change the World!

We need to rethink and re-imagine how we develop character, grit, determination and passion for learning.

Six Rules!

It seems to me that there are six things we can do to help us on our journey from OK to good to extraordinary. We must:
Clearly identify what needs to be done?
Plan it and do it!
Take responsibility!
Communicate, communicate, communicate!
Search for opportunities not problems!
Talk 'we' not 'I'!
Chris