An imposter's guide to effective schools
The trouble with schools is that they are not given the space, time, or (dare I say) the permission to deliver a curriculum that really is in the best interests of young people either collectively, or as individuals. I want to begin a series of blogs on curriculum content, which will explore areas I believe … Continue reading What do our children need to flourish? Part 1 – Putting the curriculum into context
The trouble with schools is we jump on to the next big thing and end out churning out the same old thing. I'm increasingly sounding old, I realise that, but I'm sort of settling into it, now that I realise I don't have to panic every time the latest terminology or model for education comes … Continue reading Blended Learning Part 1
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)
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.
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 trouble with schools is that we don’t all feel we belong there. Our one-year-old, new school building is designed to last for 40 years or more. With that in mind and providing we don’t all destroy the world in the meantime, is there really going to be a need for schools as we know … Continue reading A 21st-Century Imperative: 1. Create a Sense of Belonging
The trouble with schools are the barriers they face when implementing radical change. In my last blog I kicked off on yet another unapologetic rant; this time about the need for schools to radically change if they are to meet the needs of learners in the 21st Century. If we don’t, I went on to … Continue reading A 21st Century Imperative: Intro Cont. – Barriers
The trouble with schools is that we want to change, but we don’t want to change. Yes I know it’s a tautology, but that’s how it appears to me. This particular blog and many more to follow (apologies in advance), arises from years of frustration with our education system and more recently frustration at myself. … Continue reading A 21st Century Imperative for Schools – Introduction
The Trouble With Schools 