school

●Lesson Observation: ‘Catch Them Out’ or ‘Catch Them Being Good’?

Mike September 28, 2021September 28, 2021leadership, lesson observation, school 1 Comment

In my work with schools, I increasingly see lesson observation used for accountability purposes in a way that leave teachers feeling as if the observer intent is to ‘catch them out’ as opposed to ‘catch them being good.’ Whilst sharing the focus of the lesson observation is routine, far less often do I see lesson observation being used as a mechanism through which to develop teaching. If the observation focus is both shared and explored with teachers ahead of the … Continue reading “●Lesson Observation: ‘Catch Them Out’ or ‘Catch Them Being Good’?”

●Can’t see beyond Covid and the curriculum?

Mike September 6, 2021September 6, 2021expectations of formal leadership practice, Headteachers, headteachers' standards, leadership standards, school, self-evaluation Leave a comment

Whilst politicians and others desperately try to convince everyone that schools are back to normal, the reality is very different. They are back to the new normal. One headteacher I know had planned a day of activities designed to lead to the creation of a school vision in which all staff felt fully engaged, only to be hit with a Covid ‘local decision-making framework’, the ‘hierarchy of controls’ and ‘updated operational guidance’ – resulting in the fact that she could … Continue reading “●Can’t see beyond Covid and the curriculum?”

●Education, Vaccination, Vaccination.

Mike January 19, 2021February 1, 2021blog, Covid 19, school, vaccination Leave a comment

Those of us that remember 2007 may recall the slogan that Tony Blair used as he stated his priorities: Education, Education, Education. My suggestion for current leaders is that they amend this to Education, Vaccination, Vaccination. As I recently watched David Attenborough’s Perfect Planet, I found myself marvelling at the extraordinary beauty and power of nature. Amongst the many things that struck me was the action of a colony of ants, as the rising flood waters threatened impeding doom for … Continue reading “●Education, Vaccination, Vaccination.”

● Playing school is no game at all

Mike December 3, 2020December 13, 2020blog, school Leave a comment

I am not sure that a cloud as dark and as menacing as the COVID-19 pandemic can have a silver lining. Nevertheless, there have been several rays of light in these dark times. The NHS has been appreciated more; air pollution has improved, and many have used newfound IT skills to keep in touch via virtual meetings. In addition, it seems to me that there is a growing awareness of what schools do. Having been forced to home school for … Continue reading “● Playing school is no game at all”

●Getting The Right Support

admin November 26, 2020December 13, 2020blog, school Leave a comment

Getting The Right Support Those with a problem with alcohol would be advised to go to Alcoholic Anonymous for support. Organisations that support those that have a gambling addiction or those helping those that face bankruptcy would be inappropriate sources of support for an alcoholic. Schools and those working within them need support from time to time. Some need a great deal of support that is sustained over an extended period. Others need a short intervention to help lift them … Continue reading “●Getting The Right Support”