RELEASING THE MAGIC: Hartsholme Academy!

I have been asking colleagues to share their stories of success and shout about those brilliant learning places where colleagues are 'releasing the magic'. I was therefore delighted to receive this e-mail from Sara Pearson who is a curriculum leader at Hartsholme Academy in Lincoln. Hartsholme Academy was  graded ‘outstanding’ by OFSTED in 2011, having ‘taken up the pursuit of excellence!’ The ethos of the school is built around three words; Respect, Empowerment and Belief and they have just moved into a new 4.5 million pound state-of–the-art school building.

"Dear Chris Edwards

I have been following you on twitter now for the past few months and am really delighted to see someone as passionate about education as we are here at Hartsholme Academy. I saw recently that you asked for people to email you regarding your “releasing the magic” blog looking at exciting ventures happening in schools and I thought I would take the time to email you regarding the school I work in as we are a futures thinking school that “releases the magic” on a weekly basis. I will begin by giving you some information regarding the school.

Miracles and Magic are Commonplace!

"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. 

Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things!

I was in Leeds again last week and met some old friends and colleagues who talked passionately about Education Leeds and the incredible culture we created within the organisation. A unique and special culture which won awards and recognition locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

A unique and special culture based on high expectations, self-esteem, efficacy, trust, openness and honesty. A unique and special culture based on a relentless and uncompromising search for excellence.

Cutlers 'Made in Sheffield' Initiative!

I had another great day today at Bradfield School in North Sheffield with the four schools who are working together on the Cutlers 'Made in Sheffield' Initiative!

How to Make a Real Difference!

Gregg Thompson, president of Bluepoint Leadership Development, has identified seven things that will make a real difference in your school, your team, or your organisation. Do all seven, and you will release real magic!

Faith, Family and Friends!

We should all remember that when it comes down to what really matters... it's faith, family and friends that make life worth living!

Anyone for Coffee!

This great story reminds us all about the things that really matter...

Happy Sunday!

Always remember that 

"one day is worth a thousand tomorrows."

Don't let it get you down!

ITS A WONDERFUL WORLD: 

Don't let it get you down! 

Stay true to your beliefs! 

Stay true to your friends! 

Stay true to the things that matter!

Coaching Matters!

Whether we like it or not children, young people, colleagues and friends live up to, or down to, our expectations of them...

STEMNET!

We all need to create opportunities where young people are inspired by mathematics, science, technology and engineering and provided with opportunities to work more closely with industry and the world of work. STEMNET does brilliant work in this area and receives funding from the Department for Business, Innovation, and Skills (BIS), the Department for Education and The Gatsby Charitable Foundation.

Impossible is nothing!

"Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing." John Maxwell

Attitude is more important that facts!

It strange but true that those who believe they can, can and those who believe they can’t, can’t...