UNLEASHING GREATNESS!

"The evidence considered by the Commission suggests a more intensive drive to develop professional connections, collaborative activity and learning – both within and across schools – will generate fundamental change across the school system."

ACADEMIES COMMISSION REPORT: UNLEASHING GREATNESS!

NEEC 2013 IS COMING TO SHEFFIELD!

Will you be there?

William Booth Primary School

In Nottingham again this afternoon talking to HMI at William Booth Primary School about the schools' journey out of Special Measures. Our friends from OFSTED are carrying out a best practice review of local authorities support for schools presumably to look at what is needed to fill the increasingly barren middle tier. 

THINGS THAT MATTER MOST!

People constantly tell me that things are impossible but the more I visit outstanding places and meet incredible colleagues and young people the more I realise that anything is possible. These are the things I have learned...

"Twenty years from now you'll be more disappointed by 

the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do." 

Mark Twain

WE ARE THE SPECIAL ONES!

"People who value money, power, fame and good looks are less likely to be happy than people who value compassion, cooperation and a willingness to make the world a better place. That astounded me -- but it somehow made sense. People who express their love -- who rejoice in the health and happiness of others -- are more likely to feel loved and happy themselves." 

Ed Diener

It's true that excellence doesn't just happen. Command and control and performance related pay won't help because they simply create mediocre outcomes. We must coach, nurture and encourage colleagues to be their brilliant best and achieve outstanding things by helping them find their passions and the things they love.

OH WELL! IT HAD TO FINISH SOMETIME!

The Christmas and New Year celebrations are over and the decorations have been taken down and stored away for another year. Homes are quiet and no-one has any money left! Personally, I'll miss the magic and sparkle, the laughter, fun and games... 

As we all gear up for work and the stresses and hassle of another difficult year, I hope 2013 brings you and those you love peace and happiness, fun and laughter and everything you deserve. Remember, that when it comes down to it, the only things that really matter are faith, family and friends. 

Chris

THE POWER OF TEAM!

Everywhere, colleagues are facing relentless pressure, higher and higher expectations, along with the increased and increasing demands to do things more efficiently and more effectively...

THINK POSITIVE!

"Watch your thoughts, they become words.

Watch your words, they become actions.

Watch your actions, they become habits.

Watch your habits, they become your character.

Watch your character, it becomes your destiny."

Everyone gets down after Christmas so here are some things you can try to help overcome the negative thoughts as we gear up for another great year...

THE KEY TO SUCCESS IS CULTURE!

The culture of an organisation is so important. How do you move on from saying the words to actually making the cultural change?

CULTURE MATTERS!

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." W. B. Yeats

If you read the McKinsey Report, analyse the PISA data and listen to people like Ken Robinson it is increasingly obvious that, while recognising what has been achieved over the last ten to fifteen years, we are still not doing enough to ignite and inspire our colleagues and our children to become brilliant learners.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Another New Year...

I hope that everyone who reads my new blog has a happy, healthy, safe and successful 2013 and that it brings you and those you love and care about, peace, fulfillment and all the things you really, really want. Most importantly love what you are doing and simply be happy! And always remember that when it comes down to it the only things that really matter are faith, family and friends. It is certainly going to be an interesting year!
Chris