AND REMEMBER TO...

GOING TO GREAT!

"Almost every country has undertaken some school system reform during the past two decades, but very few have succeeded in improving their systems from poor to fair to good to great to excellent." 

Mona Mourshed, Chinezi Chijioke and Michael Barber

RSA: EVERYONE STARTS WITH AN 'A'!

The RSA has produced a report which everyone, who cares about getting the best results for all young people, should read. The report "Everone Starts with an 'A'" looks at applying behavioural insights to narrow the achievement gap in education.

A SAD, SAD DAY

What can you say when dedicated, talented and committed colleague is killed by one of her students in her own classroom.

 Only that she will never be forgotten!

WHATEVER YOU DO, BE POSITIVE!

We all want success in our lives; even if some of us think it will come through winning the lottery or finding our way onto the X-Factor!

PRIMARY SCHOOL PLACES AND THE MYTH OF SCHOOL CHOICE!

I was on Radio Leeds this morning talking about the allocation of primary school places. They highlighted the problems faced by a family in Wakefield who have been allocated their third choice of school place nearly two miles away when there is a primary school under half a mile away. Parents and carers in Wakefield are lucky since over 92% of them get their first preference and in Leeds 85% get their first preference. This a  a fantastic achievement if you consider the fact that there are 419 extra children this year in Leeds wanting a school place... that is the equivalent of needing 14 additional one form entry primary schools!

AND FINALLY THIS SUNDAY!

AND ALSO REMEMBER...

REMEMBER THIS SUNDAY!

REMEMBER THE THINGS THAT MATTER!

In a world filled with negativity and criticism, we must continue to work together and put the things that matter first. We must work together to ensure that not only our school is a successful, thriving, learning community but every school has the support, encouragement and the toolkit to become a brilliant school and every child has the teaching, coaching and opportunity to become a brilliant learner!

WE NEED GREAT SCHOOLS IN EVERY COMMUNITY!

Another round of school allocations where parents and carers are unhappy with the school they have been given for their child, reminds us that we need develop a coherent systemic approach to help every school become a great school. And importantly, we need to develop learning leadership. beautiful systems and intelligent accountability!

CRAZY CELEBRITY CULTURE!

Reading through the papers, and watching the news this morning, I am appalled to be reminded that we live in a culture of celebrity. A culture where people with little or no expertise and experience are the role models for our children, and pontificate on things they know little or nothing at all about.

AND REMEMBER...