GENIUS, TALENT AND POTENTIAL!

"If I were absolutely certain about all things, I would spend my life in anxious misery,

fearful of losing my way. But since everything and anything are always possible, 

the miraculous is always nearby and wonders shall never, ever cease."

Robert Fulghum

People constantly tell me what they can't do but as Robert Fulgham reminds us 'everything and anything are always possible'! So we have to make our colleagues understand that they have enormous potential; that they can do anything if they work at it and believe, and that the miracles and the magic are commonplace. 

DO SOMETHING: MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Watching the horrendous coverage of the aftermath of the cyclone that struck the Phillipines, it is easy to think that there isn't anything we can do that will help or make a difference. However, whenever things seem impossible I read this story...

                            

BUILDING BRILLIANT: TEN TIPS!

After five years in Wolverhampton, North Yorkshire and York and nearly ten years in Leeds it has become easier to understand the keys to success, how to deliver outstanding outcomes and how to build brilliant teams. I have also learned what leaders need to know to release the magic...

THE HECKMAN EQUATION!

At the heart of the Cutlers' "Made in Sheffield" approach is a recognition that to be successful young people need skills, character and knowledge and that we need to develop a curriculum entitlement that develops all three.

LEADERSHIP REALLY MATTERS!

It's interesting that Tony Blair spoke recently about the leadership deficit we face in so many crucial aspects from politics to banking and from the NHS to education. And Sir Michael Wilshaw has been stressing the importance of great leadership driving great teaching and learning.

RESILIENCE, GRIT AND DETERMINATION!

I am constantly looking for the keys to success and how we can apply them to the education and learning landscape to ensure that all our children and young people achieve their goals and reach their potential.

SHEFFIELD SPRINGS ACADEMY

Mike Garnock-Jones and I visited Sheffield Springs Academy again this morning to see Russell Heritage, the principal, and some of his senior colleagues to discuss how the academy could get involved in the 'Made in Sheffield' programme

'MADE IN SHEFFIELD'

I was in Sheffield again today working with colleagues who are managing the Cutlers 'Made in Sheffield' programme which now involves six different strands and twelve secondary schools. We are now working in advanced manufacturing and engineering, the Sheffield Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, the glass industry, the retail sector, computer science and the Children's Hospital.

FIND A WAY!

Working with another group of wonderful colleagues yesterday at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford reaffirmed my belief in people; their energy, passion, enthusiasm and commitment.

WHAT WORKS!

Whatever anyone says the performance of our primary and secondary schools has improved significantly over the last few years. 

THE CHERWELL PARTNERSHIP OF SCHOOLS!

I spent the morning with the Cherwell Partnership of Schools in Oxford, at their 'Innovation for Learning' conference. These schools have worked together to create a learning community whose focus has been on 'Making Learning Irresistible'.

CONNECT, COLLABORATE AND CHALLENGE!

Everyone I talk to about the challenges we face recognises that to achieve world-class outcomes we need a new and different approach to education and learning. This isn't going to be easy in Michael& Michael's world! But always remember that...

BUILDING THE FUTURE TOGETHER!

In order to stimulate new thinking and create the impetus for more radical change, headteachers need to move from focusing overwhelmingly on their own particular school or community, to working more closely together.