Apply for £10,000 to help your school's project

Libby Reid — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:01:42 +0100

The governors magazine that we get each term has lots of interesting information and links to projects, campaigns and opportunities to bid for funding. I do have an issue with the fact that some things come rather late and sometimes the deadline for giving your opinion on an important matter is tight (I have known it to have already passed by the time I get the magazine). However, that aside, there is always something interesting to read.

Parental involvement in transition to secondary school

Libby Reid — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:05:48 +0100

I was really interested to read Fielder's observations on parents and the transition to secondary school. Whilst I very much respect Fielder's opinions on a variety of subjects, I have to disagree with him on this one.

Losing a TA to new horizons

The Fielder — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:09:08 +0100

I go to work with mixed feelings this week. Emma, one of the most inspiring teaching assistants I have had the pleasure of working with, has decided that she wants to return to Australia.

She has decided to take 6 months more travelling and then go home. Despite the fact I will miss her skills within my team, I cannot do anything but agree with her decision. What an opportunity, at the age of 22, to go and explore. I am probably jealous. I am jealous!

Transition into Year 7

The Fielder — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 09:46:51 +0100

It is always a difficult transition from the primary setting into secondary school. Not only for the student, but often for parents and carers as well.

Many are used to ‘popping into school’ to see staff at primary school, and struggle with the notion that making an appointment is necessary in a busy secondary school.

Settling into secondary school is tough, for all concerned, but we are well used to this transition, and deal with anxious parents and carers as swiftly as possible.

Film Clubs. Passion for the film industry, or electronic babysitter?

Libby Reid — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:01:35 +0100

I’ve been reading a bit about FILMCLUB.

I came across it today when browsing the latest Governors magazine, under a heading; Free Flicks for Schools. Having looked at the website, it seems that FILMCLUB is just that. It is a huge on-line DVD library, offering a massive variety of films from around the world. Great. I love films, my kids love films and best of all, they love coming to the cinema with me and their dad – you know, those things most people call parents.

8 days a week!

Mrs OC — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 22:29:35 +0100

Monday – staff meeting apologising for why the class-lists were late at the beginning of term and why the Year 7 set changes still haven’t taken place (I’m blaming SIMs and sticking to that story).

The new curriculum – governors briefing

The Fielder — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:42:29 +0100

After a long Monday (why do they seem so much longer than the other days of the week?) I attended a governors’ briefing on the new curriculum arrangements for 2008 and beyond.

As a staff governor I thought I knew most of what was going to be presented by two of the deputies – oh how wrong I was!

The aims of the new curriculum are admirable. It strives to create:

• Successful learners
• Confident individuals
• Responsible citizens

Risk Assessment - skating on thin ice?

Mrs OC — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 17:36:05 +0100

What are your pupils allowed to do at break and/or lunch time?

Jerry Springer and acts of worship!

Mrs OC — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:57:31 +0100

I know I must be doing something right when an assembly on the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard gets a round of applause!

Why is my daughter slipping in Year 2 maths?

Libby Reid — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 19:39:42 +0100

I am coming at things solely from the point of view of a parent today. Milly has just started Year 2 and the year group is now set for maths. I have established today that she is in the third set of four and it has come as quite a shock to me. She has said to me in the past that she is no good at numeracy and (though I was sad that she had this perception of herself at such an early stage) I thought it was just her worrying because she is a bit of a perfectionist.