Doubled Up | RSS Feed

Self Evaluation Forms: who do they help?

Libby Reid — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:01:02 +0000

Following our incredibly long governors meeting last week, I have set about looking through the SEF. Ideally, I should have done this beforehand, but I'd only had time for a skim through it. It was rather evident that most (all non-teaching, probably) governors had not spent a great deal of time reading it. So, when there was discussion of which governors would be available to meet any Ofsted inspectors when they come later in the year, I offered to go through the SEF and summarise the key points for all governors.

Keeping it positive!

Libby Reid — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:04:17 +0000

Last week, someone told me that children hear at least ten negatives to one positive. "Rubbish," I thought. Then I thought about some of the people I hear dealing with their children in the supermarket or in other public places and I thought "Ok, maybe some, but not my kids." I know something about the power of language and I try to be as positive as I can when talking to and about my children (I did the same when I was teaching). I also know that I don't get it right all the time. But I thought that it wouldn't hurt to double my efforts.

How was it for you? Children in Need Day, that is.

Libby Reid — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 12:46:03 +0000

Like many schools across the land, ours had a non-uniform day to raise funds for Children in Need. Actually, I think that the Year 2s chose a local children's charity to give the money they raised to. In the initial letter that came out to parents, it was to be dressing up as either famous sports stars or famous pop stars.

Coasting schools

Libby Reid — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:13:07 +0000

Too many schools are coasting according to Ed Balls, and they will be added to those in the National Challenge that are not getting good enough results. Luckily, it seems that this time they will not be named and shamed, so that demotivating aspect appears to have been removed. But secondary schools that have been labelled 'satisfactory' and whose results lie in the middle of the average national results for GCSE grades A*-C are those that will be targeted. They will get support in improving standards and financial support as well.

Inspiring Young Minds

Libby Reid — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:23:25 +0000

I have just read about Fielder's latest Deep Learning Day, and it is great to see how one topic can be used across the curriculum to make a subject more impactful and inspiring. Especially to read this the morning after Milly (my daughter in Year 2) came home to tell me that she has been learning about the Great Fire of London. It is unusual for her to tell me anything about school, so I was cautious when I responded not to expect too much info.

Oh, the difference a Chair can make!

Libby Reid — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:14:29 +0000

We had a full governing body meeting yesterday. It was a bit of a marathon - there were immense amounts to discuss. However, it was really well handled by the new Chair of Governors, and it was the first meeting I have been to in which everyone contributed without going off on ridiculous tangents. It was really refreshing.

Response to Anthony Seldon article

Libby Reid — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 21:04:30 +0000

I really enjoyed Anthony Seldon's article on this website about well-being classes at Wellington College. I was lucky enough to be at the Happiness Conference that he chaired last month, and found him then to be inspirational. My immediate thought was "Wow, I wish my Head teacher had been like that when I was at school." The state grammar school I attended was focussed on results, results, results.

What do governors need to know to be outstanding?

Libby Reid — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:42:00 +0000

It is great that teachingexpertise is focussing on the positive this month. I wonder – can I possibly do it? Can I stay positive for one whole month? We’ll see.

How do you make sure that governors get training?

Libby Reid — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:31:01 +0000

Just a quickie today, it being half term and me having three children (two of whom have colds) to cope with. Don't know how primary school teachers cope with 30!

We have received a list of governor details and I have noticed that, this time, there is a new column at the end after the phone numbers etc. This column lists training attended. I was shocked at the number of cells in this column that are completely blank - some governors have done no training whatsoever, not even the introductory training. And some of these governors are on their second or third term of service.

How children view intelligence can help or hinder their progress.

Libby Reid — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:29:41 +0000