THIS CHRISTMAS, EAT CHOCOLATE!

Chocolate is made from the seeds of the tropical cacao tree. The Greek term means literally "food of the gods". Cacao beans were used by the Aztecs to prepare a hot, frothy drink with stimulant and restorative properties. Chocolate itself was reserved for warriors, nobility and priests because the Aztecs valued its ability to confer wisdom and vitality.

GREAT SCHOOLS FOR EVERYONE!

I have been arguing for ever that we must create great schools at the heart of every community so that everyone can have what people have told me is simply a dream; great outcomes for every child and young person...

... but, I really believe that it is possible to create GREAT SCHOOLS FOR EVERYONE!

NOT SOME SCHOOLS, EVERY SCHOOL A GREAT SCHOOL!

The challenge we face is to ensure that every school in every community strives and struggles to become a great school; not just the Free Schools, not just the Academies, but every school must become a great school delivering brilliant outcomes, learning from what works, wherever it is, and being uncompromising in the relentless pursuit of excellence! 

PASSIONATE LEADERSHIP!

We need to develop passionate learning leadership throughout the system starting from the premise that everyone is a learner, including students, teachers, headteachers, the school as a community, the wider educational system and the community the school serves.

PASSION MATTERS!

Education is a passionate enterprise built on the interaction between human beings: teachers, students and parents.

HOW TO LIVE LONG AND PROSPER: BE PERSISTENT, DETERMINED AND WORK HARD!

As another Christmas comes, and another year has flown by, it's important to remember that research suggests that we can change and become happier and healthier just by taking small steps which can change our lives for the better. So remember, in your New Year resolutions, that we need to be persistent, disciplined and work hard for as long as we possibly can. We need to stay connected with friends and colleagues. And we need to volunteer and give to others whenever and whatever we can.

CENTRE FOR SCIENCE EDUCATION AT SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY!

I visited Sheffield again yesterday to meet Denise Eaton, Project Manager at the Centre for Science Education. The Centre supports an incredible range of activities including primary and secondary professional development programmes and we were discussing how Denise and her colleagues can support the Cutlers' "Made in Sheffield" Ambassadors Programme.

BRILLIANT ICE SCULPTURES!

Amazing display of ice sculptures in the City of York today!

HAPPY SUNDAY!

To see a world in a grain of sand and heaven in a wild flower.

Hold infinity in the palms of your hand and eternity in an hour. 

William Blake

WHAT WORKS AND IMPORTANTLY WHAT DOESN'T!

This is important stuff since we spend so much time doing things that have little impact on learning and student outcomes. We need to be constantly reviewing what we do and asking ourselves questions about what works!

THERE ARE NO SUPER-HEROES!

In a world where OFSTED strikes fear into the hearts of headteachers and teachers it is important to remember that the current short-term, quick fix interventionist approach led by super-heroes might have it's appeal but it doesn't work.

The Children's University

I have just got back from the fifth national Children's University's annual conference at Shrigley Hall Hotel in Cheshire.

The Children's University!

I am going to the national Children's University's fifth annual conference at Shrigley Hall Hotel in Cheshire.