The trouble with schools is that we’re still closed and I’m just not comfortable with that. There’s enough talk about all that’s going on just now and I’ve tried to keep out of it, but I do like to get my thoughts down and unlike Twitter etc, a blog is a quieter way to do … Continue reading Does our online learning reach everyone?
Giving Yr11 and 13 a sense of purpose
The trouble with schools is that we’re all still closed. I wanted to write so much more in my last post, but I was falling into the trap I described in that post. It is important we pace ourselves. However maybe I should have sprinted last week as I’m probably too late in writing this … Continue reading Giving Yr11 and 13 a sense of purpose
Pace ourselves
The trouble with schools is, we’re all closed! Should we be closed? What is the best way to engage learners at the moment? What’s happening with GCSEs and A Levels? When will we reopen? What will the long-term impact be on learners? What will the impact be on our own work ethic? How will we … Continue reading Pace ourselves
Do you trust your gut feelings?
The trouble with schools is that they encourage leaders to look at the research first and not their own gut instinct, before they do anything. This is where I get accused of being a bit of a Philistine (can I use that term?), and perhaps I’m becoming old and jaded, but this is how I … Continue reading Do you trust your gut feelings?
A 21st Century Imperative 4 (Part 2)
Introduction The trouble with schools is we try to replicate things 'by the book' and it's not always for the best. While writing this mini-series of imperatives for schools in the 21st century, I've steered clear of giving actual examples and stuck to basic principles and rationale. I believe that practice should come from a … Continue reading A 21st Century Imperative 4 (Part 2)
A 21st Century Imperative 4: A deep understanding of pedagogy is what gives teaching its ‘professional’ status
The trouble with schools is that they continue to encourage teachers to think they have the monopoly on information. This statement, originally coined by Bob Pearlman (www.bobpearlman.org ) inspired me to think differently about our curriculum offer and the nature of our profession. I’ve described in earlier blogs how the exciting developments in education, happening … Continue reading A 21st Century Imperative 4: A deep understanding of pedagogy is what gives teaching its ‘professional’ status
A 21st Century Imperative 3: As educators, it is our responsibility to address the developmental needs of the whole child
The trouble with schools is that they just don’t let up for a minute. Apologies for the delay in writing, this is the first time I’ve risen to the surface in almost 4 months. Anyway, onwards with the third part in a six-part series of 21st Century imperatives . . . The trouble with schools … Continue reading A 21st Century Imperative 3: As educators, it is our responsibility to address the developmental needs of the whole child
A 21st Century Imperative: 2. Accept who and what young people are.
The trouble with schools is that as educators, we all too often forget to accept that we are working with young people. They are still developing, physically, mentally and emotionally. Apologies, I’ve been caught up in all the furore surrounding the launch of the new draft Curriculum for Wales and as a result, lost my … Continue reading A 21st Century Imperative: 2. Accept who and what young people are.
Mastery of What?
The trouble with schools is that they find it hard to come out of their comfort zones. A valid point was raised by Professor Chris Taylor of Cardiff University, concerning my last blog regarding the new Welsh curriculum. He commented that if there were any critique of it, it would more likely focus upon what … Continue reading Mastery of What?
The New Curriculum For Wales: A worthwhile vision
The trouble with schools in England is that they don't have a curriculum fit for the 21st Century similar to the one Wales may have. I had planned to write about my second 21st Century Imperative for Schools next, but I thought it pertinent to discuss the new draft curriculum for Wales, scheduled for 2022 … Continue reading The New Curriculum For Wales: A worthwhile vision
