HOWEVER TOUGH IT GETS, NEVER QUIT!

I know things have been tough year for many colleagues and friends as yet another school year grinds to a halt; new challenges, new pressures, greater expectations and lots of hard work ahead. So, if you don't know this poem it is worth a read as we all try to stay positive and manage the challenges life throws at us.

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!

At the end of yet another academic year it is important to reflect on the fact that we are challenged all the time to do better, and to do it faster and more efficiently and more effectively... challenged to do what many people would say was the impossible....

THE PATHWAY TO SUCCESS!

PHILOSOPHY FOR CHILDREN

The Education Endowment Foundation has just completed an evaluation of Philosophy for Children (P4C). This is an approach to teaching in which students participate in group dialogues focused on philosophical issues. Dialogues are prompted by a stimulus (for example, a story or a video) and are based around a concept such as ‘truth’, ‘fairness’ or ‘bullying’. The aim of P4C is to help children become more willing and able to ask questions, construct arguments, and engage in reasoned discussion.

IMPORTANT STUFF: READ THE 'LONDON AMBITIONS' REPORT!

"When it comes to recruiting young people, most London employers – particularly smaller businesses – value experience above all other criteria.  But too few young people are gaining adequate experience of work while still at school, college or university. This is contributing to fewer employers recruiting young people and finding that many of those are not adequately prepared for the world of work. We also have to confront the reality that careers support for young people is not working as well as it could."

OUTWOOD CITY ACADEMY!

I visited Outwood City Academy this afternoon to discuss their possible involvement in the Cutlers' "Made in Sheffield' programme.

CUTLERS 'MADE IN SHEFFIELD' SCHOOLS/COLLEGES BREAKFAST MEETING

I was in Sheffield yesterday for a breakfast meeting with headteachers, principals and colleagues from the schools and colleges involved in the Cutlers' Made in Sheffield scheme. We are meeting twice a year to review the progress we are making and to look at how we can continue to develop the work we have been doing. The Cutlers’ ‘Made in Sheffield’ programme delivers high quality training and enrichment activities, which over two years help young people develop the skills, behaviours and character traits required for success at work and in life after school. The framework aims to develop and recognise in students those personal attributes essential for employability and life.

THE CUTLERS 'MADE IN SHEFFIELD' EMPLOYERS BREAKFAST MEETING

I was in Sheffield today for a breakfast meeting with employers and colleagues from the various sectors involved in the Cutlers' Made in Sheffield scheme. We are meeting twice a year to review the progress we are making and to look at how we can continue to develop the work we have been doing. 

THE 80-20 RULE!

How do we create great schools for every child, every young person and every community? Personally, I passionately believe that the answers lie in developing collaborative and creative learning organisations built on beautiful systems, deep research, intelligent accountability and the importance of discipline and character. 

THIS SUNDAY EAT CHOCOLATE!

I have been talking about the benefits of eating chocolate for a long time and some people simply wouldn't believe that is makes you cleverer and asked me where is the research evidence.

OFSTED WAS NEVER THE ANSWER!

I suppose I have been a critical, reflective learner all my life. All the best colleagues I know, reflect on the quality of their work. They do this as professionals who are responsible for the quality of their work and for the achievements and the personal and social development of the young people they teach, and as members of a team, which is responsible for the overall quality of educational provision.

LEADERSHIP MATTERS!

John Hattie suggests that we should develop a collaborative and cooperative approach to school improvement where we share, network and learn together. 

WE MUST COLLABORATE AND THINK TEAM!

Research clearly shows that the leadership of schools can have a hugely positive impact on the educational outcomes of young people... but success is all about collaborative approaches and thinking team!