Lessons I've Learned!

It's true what they say! You often don't realise what you've got until it's gone and by then of course it's too late! 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.

READ THIS PISA REPORT!

AND DON'T FORGET: The Arts Matter!

There are so many of us who passionately believe that every child matters, and that those who are the hardest to reach and the hardest to teach matter more. Increasingly experience tells us that for young people generally, and for those harder to reach young people, the arts matter...

OFSTED 'Making a mark: art, craft and design 2008-2011'

An Ofsted report launched today looking at art, craft and design education in schools and colleges has found that after getting off to a confident early start, pupils’ progress slowed during primary school and was no better than satisfactory at the start of secondary school.

READ THIS BOOK: 'Brain Rules'!

"Most of us have no idea what’s really going on inside our heads. Yet brain scientists have uncovered details every business leader, parent, and teacher should know—like the need for physical activity to get your brain working its best."

SUCCESS comes in CANS not CAN'TS!

Over the last twenty years I have seen so many extraordinary places and learned so much about success and achievement. It seems to me that successful organisations, successful schools and successful teams, all have the following characteristics...

The York Rainbow!

This incredible rainbow was sitting over the end of Coney Street in York this evening.

There were actually two rainbows there but sadly I couldn't find the pot of gold!

Brilliant Learning Places!

It was wonderful to hear about Hartsholme Academy from Sara and the interest in the story reminds us all that we must continue to tell and share our stories; success stories, learning stories, stories about developing understanding, stories about real people and real places. And perhaps strangely these are not the stories of a group of superheroes but the actions of thousands of ordinary people whose combined passion, energy and hard work day in and day out has made that difference. I expect your stories are very similar...

Have a Wonderful Sunday!

ALWAYS REMEMBER: 

The only things that really matter are faith, family and friends.

"Why is it so easy to acquire the solutions of past problems

and so difficult to solve current ones?" 

Marshall McLuhan

"Hold hands and stick together!"

Everyone should have this pinned up at work and at home to remind them about the things that really matter and the importance of teamwork!

"Twelve outstanding secondary schools"

I have visited some great secondary schools in Sheffield this year. Schools like Bradfield, Firth Park, Stocksbridge and Yewlands, who I am working with on the Cutlers "Made in Sheffield' Initiative. And I know that there are loads of great schools in Leeds. Schools like Carr Manor, Cockburn, Roundhay, John Smeaton, Morley High and David Young to name just six.

The official launch of the Cutlers 'Made in Sheffield' Initiative!

I attended the official launch of the Cutlers 'Made in Sheffield' Initiative at the Cutlers Hall this morning!