Think of a time when you really felt you belonged in a place. Not when you were merely tolerated, but really included. Like you were seen, noticed and valued. There is a Shona word that encapsulates this feeling – sawubona. It literally translates to ‘I see you’. Seen in all dimensions – seen for the…
Read MoreSystems and Culture: The Real Foundation of Classroom Behaviour
When it comes to classroom behaviour, individual teacher skill matters. Some teachers are naturally better at managing classrooms than others. But there is a problem which lies in this approach. It’s simply not a sustainable model for excellence in behaviour across an entire school. Classroom behaviour is one of the most important aspects of school…
Read MoreDo Smartphones Really Need to Be Banned in Schools?
Schools across the world are fast implementing mobile phone restrictions, from outright bans to curbing usage to certain areas or times of the day, all in an effort to encourage students to be more sociable or to prevent cyber bullying or to ensure that lessons can proceed without the unwanted disruptions that mobile phones can…
Read MoreWhy we need to Teach Young People about the Dangers of Pornography
I was recently asked to be a participant in a panel discussion on the topic of masculinity and extremist ideas amongst young people. Each panel participant was called on to share their views on unhealthy gender roles, misogyny and harmful social media content and how these issues are occurring in schools. Preparing for the discussion,…
Read MoreA national crisis with GCSE resits?
What is causing the dire rates of success of GCSE resit? Since 2015, students who do not attain the UK government basic standard of Level 4 in maths and English have to resit these subjects. But stats show that there’s an alarming 79% and 83% failure rate (English and Maths respectively). Jilly Duffy, Head of…
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