WHAT MATTERS?

“Because knowledge is available on every internet-connected device, what you know matters far less than what you can do with what you know. The capacity to innovate — the ability to solve problems creatively or bring new possibilities to life — and skills like critical thinking, communication and collaboration are far more important than academic knowledge."
Professor Tony Wagner (Expert In Residence at Harvard University’s new Innovation Lab)

YOUNG PEOPLE WILL CHANGE THE WORLD!

Tony Wagner has captured some really important messages in his book “Creating Innovators: The Making of Young People Who Will Change the World”. I read this brilliant piece by Thomas L. Friedman again which I first saw in the New York Times. I have highlighted and underlined some sections which confirm the importance of the work we are doing with the Cutlers' "Made in Sheffield" approach which is about to be launched into its next exciting phase.

AND ANOTHER KEY IS... RESPONSIBILITY!

I always think it's interesting that so many people think that well-being is first and foremost a health issue to be dealt with by health professionals! Having spent so much of my time lately in hospitals it is clear that we all need to take responsibility for our own well being. Reading the research it is clear that there are five things we can all do to enhance our own well-being... so take responsibility and connect with these five ways to improve your well-being.

AND ANOTHER KEY IS... TEAMWORK!

"Team work is the ability to work together with others towards a common vision. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results."

AND ANOTHER KEY IS... RESILIENCE!

I have been struggling with family illness and the challenges elderly care brings to us all and Martin Seligman, Carol Dweck and Alison Duckworth all stress that resilience is a key aspect of successfully managing the challenges life throws at us.

THE CUTLERS' 'MADE IN SHEFFIELD' ARTS, CULTURE AND SPORTS PARTNERS MEET!

Yesterday, I met with the colleagues from the partners and schools who are bringing the Arts, Culture and Sports sectors alive for some impressive young people at Firth Park Academy, Stocksbridge High School and Westfield School.

THE TEAM MEET UP AGAIN!

I was in Leeds again yesterday and it was really great to have Christmas lunch at Browns with some old friends and colleagues who, after five years, I still miss.

AND THE KEY IS... LEADERSHIP!

Research clearly shows that leadership matters...

FEEDBACK MATTERS!

The Sutton Trust research sees effective feedback as the single most important part of any organisational improvement toolkit.

CREATING THE MAGIC AND SPARKLE!

It's Sunday and the end of term is rushing at us now, and with four weeks still  to go, Christmas is being  celebrated everywhere... every high street and every shop has become full of magic and sparkle! 

BUILDING BRILLIANT LEARNING PLACES!

People constantly tell me how hard it is to create brilliant learning places but it's appears to be really easy when it comes to Christmas. What need to...

Be GREAT learners… by constantly questioning and asking why.

Be GREAT performers… by being confident and energetic.

Be GREAT storytellers… by bringing strategies and policies alive.

Accept responsibility… for decisions and outcomes and focus on what really matters!

AND above all be passionate about what you do.

THESE ARE THE KEY SKILLS YOUNG PEOPLE NEED TO THRIVE AND SUCCEED!

These are the key skills businesses and educators have identified as the keys to success and should be at the heart of the offer we make our young people.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE NHS!

What is wrong with the NHS?