Ebac humanities: a saviour or a curse?

scameron — Thu, 19 May 2011 16:02:32 +0100

At a glance
The Ebac has arrived and includes its own selection of subjects under the heading of humanities. Suzanne O’Connell analyses:

Radical change for schools

scameron — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 15:04:24 +0100

In a white paper published late last November, the government set out proposals for radical changes to the education system, some of which are already being debated as part of the 2011 Education Bill. In this article I examine the proposals and their significance for headteachers.

Raising higher education tuition fees: a serious mistake in the making

scameron — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 10:43:47 +0000

I should have been a carpenter, not a headteacher. I would of course have been awful at the job, unable to use a chisel or saw without doing myself a serious injury. However, that is what my family history had prepared me for. My grandfather was a ship's carpenter, working on the light ships for Trinity House. Unlike me, he was a master craftsman, able to work minor miracles with his carvings in wood.

Improving attendance

scameron — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 10:34:36 +0000

Earlier this year Ofsted paid us a visit. Out of a possible 30-plus graded areas, we were delighted that we were only given three ‘satisfactory' scores. One of those was for attendance... and that's not our fault, is it?

The Equality Act 2010: how will it affect recruitment?

scameron — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 13:05:35 +0000

The Equality Act 2010 came into force on 1 October 2010, replacing a large number of discrimination statutes and statutory instruments dating back to 1975. For the most part, the Equality Act consolidates the law, but there are some changes to the law that employers need to be aware of.

What are the changes?

Leading schools forward in times of financial uncertainty

scameron — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 12:47:57 +0000

One of the common reasons good teaching staff give for not wanting to enter the world of school leadership is that politics gets in the way of leading a school's development. Politics have certainly had a part to play over recent months since the general election. I don't know about you, but I have now abandoned my car CD collection for the drive into school in order to catch the daily news bulletins on the latest coalition education plans, government cuts and economic reorganisation.

What the spending review means for schools

scameron — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 10:28:45 +0000

A little under a year ago Primary Headship reported on the education cuts planned by Ed Balls and the Department for Children, Schools and Families as it was then known. In case you have forgotten the details, here is a recap: Balls claimed he could cut £2bn off the £42.8bn education budget.

Social media - the risks and safety, a guide for schools part 1

scameron — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 17:17:40 +0000

With the proliferation of ‘next generation' Smartphones, portable tablet computers and gaming devices, it would seem that social media is here to stay. Indeed, every day seems to bring news of the latest celebrity ‘tweeting' controversy or viral video.

This two-part article will examine the phenomenon of social media, identifying the key legal issues for schools, pupils and parents.

Developing outstanding leaders for challenging schools

scameron — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 17:09:42 +0000

In January 2006, Lord Adonis, then under-secretary of state at the Department for Children, Schools and Families, invited representatives from the National College, the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust and the children's charity Absolute Return for Kids to visit New York to examine a new charity - aptly called New Leaders for New Schools - set up to find and accelerate suitable candidates for headship.

Student interviewers: a distinctive and important voice

scameron — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 16:58:33 +0000

Student interviewers have received a lot of bad press. Earlier this year, a number of national newspapers featured lurid stories about student panels asking a candidate to sing their favourite song, while rejecting another applicant because ‘he looked like Humpty Dumpty'. Amid a chorus of ‘this never happened in my day', many dismissed such interview panels as the latest piece of evidence supporting the long-term decline of educational standards in the UK.

Exploring pupil voice in primary schools

scameron — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 16:23:48 +0000

On 25 March an article appeared in The Independent newspaper under the headline ‘Pupil power: the children who chose their own head'. The article concerned the involvement of primary age pupils in the interview process leading to the appointment of a new headteacher at their school. This practice, which is becoming increasingly common, highlights the growing involvement of pupils in strategic developments within their school.

Racial tension and bullying: the duty to aid integration

scameron — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 17:14:44 +0100

We have previously discussed the supervision of pupils indoors and outdoors on school premises (issues 97 - Feb 2010, 102 - July/Aug 2010).

Can education overcome disadvantage?

scameron — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 17:01:55 +0100

Since the invention of Ofsted in 1992, governments have claimed that poverty has no impact on learning and should not be offered as an ‘excuse' by coasting, failing or otherwise unsatisfactory schools. These governments and their agencies argue that inadequate teaching is responsible for low achievement levels and believe the answer lies in adopting officially recommended effectiveness recipes.

The challenge of free schools

scameron — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 16:28:15 +0100

Most of us had not heard of the term ‘free school' before the general election in May this year. Four months on and it is an accepted part of educational terminology. Just what is all the fuss about and what difference will it make to our existing school system?

An exciting era ahead

scameron — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 13:02:51 +0100

As a high-performing specialist school since its inception, with three separate specialisms (arts, science and sports) judged ‘outstanding' by Ofsted, and as a national leader of education (and the school a national support school), I am thrilled that my school, Oldfield in Bath, is being recognised and rewarded with the opportunity to be fast-tracked to academy status.

Technological age: using ICT to transform T&L

scameron — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 10:49:11 +0100

It is sometimes surprising to think how far ICT use in schools has come in just the last decade. This month’s Case in Point takes a look at some of the key ICT development issues (here).

Coalition government education policy

scameron — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 10:18:57 +0100

I have to admit I am not sure that I understand where education will be going with our new vibrant and enthusiastic coalition government in the driving seat.

New academies 1: how to become one, and should you?

scameron — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 10:11:24 +0100

The Academies Bill 2010, which was announced in the Queen’s speech on 25 May 2010 will put into law the new government’s promise to enable more schools to achieve academy status and to give them more freedoms and flexibility.

This article, the first of two, will look at what the Bill contains, how to apply to convert to a new academy, and issues to consider when deciding whether or not to apply.

Making evaluation more manageable

scameron — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:12:09 +0100

One of the keys to writing a strong self-evaluation form is to have data or evidence to justify your judgements. For many sections of the SEF a school leader will draw upon a range of externally validated data, yet at the heart of any school is the quality of teaching, which falls within the section judging the effectiveness of provision.

Creativity and the primary curriculum

scameron — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:00:12 +0100

‘The touchstone of an excellent curriculum is that it instils in children a love of learning for its own sake. This means that primary children must not only learn what to study, they must also learn how to study.' (The Primary Curriculum Review Executive Summary, p8)

Revised Working Together guidance and your school (2)

scameron — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:22:15 +0100

This is part 2 of our feature on the revised Working Together guidance. This guidance sets out how individuals and organisations should work together to safeguard young people. The revised version, published in March, has significant implications for the role schools play in child protection and combatting bullying.

New team at the Department for Education

scameron — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:19:02 +0100

The Tory MP Nick Gibb has taken over the job he previously shadowed to become Minister of State for Schools.

Encouraging parental engagement

scameron — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 11:03:31 +0100

About the local area

Making multi-agency working easier

scameron — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:59:29 +0100

Common Assessment Framework (CAF) training for lead professionals is currently driving multi-agency training for staff in schools. The ‘cause for concern' threshold of intervention involves bringing agencies together to form a team around the child. However, other training and resources are available for front line support staff to be better able to work with pupils where there is a cause for worry and the need for low-key, day-to-day preventative work.

Primary Assembly: Wonder Woman!

scameron — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 12:52:05 +0100

Resources

Introduction
This term has been full of interesting sporting events: the Football World Cup just finished, as did Wimbledon tennis; it’s the start of the cricket season; and our own sports day is coming up.

Secondary Assembly: Where do we make the cuts?

scameron — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:26:29 +0100

Engagement

[The following are delivered loudly, as news headlines]

Reader 1: ‘Coalition Government proposes massive spending cuts to bring down the debt’

Reader 2: ‘Police chief claims terrorist threat will rise if budgets are cut’

Reader 1: ‘Don’t hit the elderly, the vulnerable or the disadvantaged, pleads social services head’

Reader 2: ‘Protect the Olympics from cash drain’

Secondary Assembly: Really, truly, sorry?

scameron — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 10:28:41 +0100

Resources: A Leader and two Readers.

Engagement

England are out of the World Cup and that has left a lot of people feeling sorry. Some fans, who had spent a lot of money - wanted someone to say sorry to them – and striker Wayne Rooney did just that. He didn’t like being booed after the Algeria game and said so to the TV cameras. But later on he did issue an apology: ‘I said things in the heat of the moment out of frustration at our performance and the result... I apologise for any offence caused by my actions.’ (1)

Primary Assembly: Man and horse

scameron — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 12:24:29 +0100

Introduction for teachers

The Man versus Horse Marathon was inaugurated in 1980 as the result of a pub bet on whether a runner on foot could beat a horse in a long race. The answer seems obvious, but distance and terrain mean that over the years there have been some close finishes, and the runner won in 2004. The very existence of the race speaks of the close relationship between humans and horses that has existed for millennia.

Secondary Assembly: Only human

scameron — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 10:55:29 +0100

Resources: Four readers and a leader

You may also like to show any images which are likely to be around of those appearing downcast who have not managed to rise to the expectations others have had of them. By the time this assembly is delivered it’s likely that such images will exist of eg World Cup and other sporting ‘failures’ etc.

Engagement

[Two teachers sitting in a staffroom]

Secondary Assembly: Being a supporter

clong — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:53:48 +0100

Resources

Secondary Assembly: Meanwhile…

scameron — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 10:40:22 +0100

Resources

4 readers, a leader and a narrator

Engagement

A pupil is walking around the school trying to engage other pupils in important conversation…..

[NB Any of the opening lines can be amended to reflect any locally important news events or world events which have just taken centre stage]

Primary Assembly: Scary moments

scameron — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 16:35:58 +0100

A couple of weeks ago a boy got locked in the toilets at an outdoor centre, and the coach back to school left without him.

The story of the boy left behind locked in a toilet has obvious lessons about school procedures, but for children the assembly deals with the fears that all children have of being locked in places, separated from other people, or left behind. It reassures them that they are not alone in such fears, that it’s quite normal and that there are things they can do to help themselves.

Interviewing staff and making sure they're suitable

scameron — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:27:45 +0100

An interview is a vital part of the recruitment process and must be conducted face-to-face even where there is only one candidate for the role you have on offer. Nothing can replace the opportunity to meet someone to explore their motivations, interests and knowledge. A bad decision made at this point can mean a huge amount of time spent later managing someone who at best just doesn’t fit and at worst is a threat to your children.

Interviewing is the second stage of recruitment:

Secondary Assembly: Chariots of Danger

scameron — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:52:55 +0100

Resources

A Leader
A Reader, who plays the part of Gaius Appuleius Diocles, a champion charioteer. He should wear a red T-shirt
A clip-art picture of chariot racing may be useful

Engagement

The A-Z of school life – Momentum, Not important/important, Opportunities, People and Questions

scameron — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:10:30 +0100

We are entering the season of mixed emotions. Those who will be leaving the profession, perhaps looking forward to retirement or new challenges. Others reading this will be preparing for the next big step. Perhaps a leadership promotion which will mean new hats to wear and skills to learn. For all, there will be a sense of anticipation about the future. Like Christmas, the answer to a smooth transition from one stage to the next lies in preparation. If you are moving on and up the leadership scale, the A–Z of school life helps you in that preparation.

Primary Assembly: It might seem a small thing to you, but to me…

scameron — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 10:53:53 +0100

Rio Ferdinand’s knee injury is a personal disaster for him and a disappointment for England fans. When world famous concert pianist Murray Perahia cut his thumb, it turned out to be as big a disaster for him as that knee injury is for Rio.

The assembly uses both stories together to highlight the way that personal disappointment can come unexpectedly, making great demands on our emotional resources.

Are you up-to-date with the latest developments in safeguarding?

scameron — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 10:38:49 +0100

What do the two consultations cover?
Actually, they are all linked to safeguarding and recruitment, but cover distinct areas.

Getting the right pastoral mix

scameron — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 15:55:21 +0100

Each decision about pastoral organisation will have a profound impact on the ethos and culture of a school, however, many tend to go for the traditional model of horizontal grouping because that has always been in place and staff are comfortable with it. The question remains, is this the best approach, especially as we are increasingly moving to an examination and assessment system based on stage not age?

Secondary Assembly: For those who are left behind

scameron — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 10:45:08 +0100

Resources: 4 readers and a leader

[Presenters of this assembly should obviously be aware of the sensitive nature of some of the readers’ words, and their possible impact on those who are listening, and should therefore take this into account when delivering the assembly]

Engagement

Preparing your safeguarding procedures for Ofsted

scameron — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:49:02 +0100

There are two main causes of the anxiety caused by an impending Ofsted visit. Firstly the announcement that safeguarding is a ‘limiting’ judgement, which means that schools judged to be inadequate in this part of the inspection are also likely to be judged inadequate overall. Secondly, the number of stories surrounding schools’ experiences of early safeguarding inspections.

Primary Assembly: No stereotypes here!

scameron — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 11:08:20 +0100

Resources

Wider Family Learning – how to apply for funding

scameron — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 17:16:34 +0100

Local councils will have contacted schools at the beginning of May, since the deadline for applications is usually mid June. This e-bulletin edition of Extended Services Update looks at how to complete a typical application form. Despite the length of some WFL application forms, a section can often be completed with just one or two points, so schools shouldn’t feel daunted by the process. Some exemplar answer prompts and suggestions are provided below.

A sample Wider Family Learning application form

The A-Z of school life – Inclusion, Jigsaws, Knowing your school and Leadership

scameron — Fri, 28 May 2010 10:59:16 +0100

It’s been an interesting few weeks – stranded staff from the volcanic ash, key stage 2 tests boycott and, of course, a new secretary of state for education. All three have an element of the unknown and can cause uncertainty. Will we or won’t we be stranded if we go abroad? What, if any, will be the implications for our school if we participate in the SATs boycott? And the new secretary of state? Plans for new ways of working have been laid out. Now we wait for the next stages and what these will mean in practice.

Is your school fulfilling its disability duties?

scameron — Thu, 27 May 2010 16:13:05 +0100

What are schools’ existing disability duties?

read more

Secondary Assembly: A rainbow people

scameron — Thu, 27 May 2010 15:43:51 +0100

Engagement
Which colour of the rainbow will you be supporting in the World Cup?
Will it be red, the colour of the cross on the England team’s flag? Or perhaps you think the red of Spain will end up as champions through the goal power of David Villa and Fernando Torres?
Will it be the orange of the Netherlands, always top performers at international level? Van Persie is back to full fitness and raring to go after a long lay-off.
read more

Primary Assembly: The Queen’s Speech

scameron — Thu, 27 May 2010 13:55:23 +0100

Resources
read more

Secondary Assembly: ‘Not Angles, but angels’

scameron — Tue, 25 May 2010 14:31:38 +0100

It concludes with the tale of Pope Gregory’s punning comment about the slave boys from Britain, as recorded by Bede. Pupils are encouraged to consider ways in which the insights revealed in these puns may be applied to our own times. The theme coincides with the commemoration day of the Venerable Bede and St Augustine of Canterbury (May 26th and 27th). (1)
Resources
A leader and a reader.
A copy or PowerPoint slide of Thomas Abel’s rebus.
Engagement
read more

Coping with an Ofsted category

scameron — Mon, 24 May 2010 13:34:27 +0100

Imagine taking over a school three weeks before it is placed in special measures. This is what happened to me when our middle school was inspected in January 2007. The school had previously been in special measures in 2003 and removed in 2005, however it was clear that lessons had not been learned. It is now just over a year since the school was removed from category (for the second time) and it is continuing to make good progress. In reflecting on the immediate past it is worth analysing what made a difference and what key learning points remain.
read more

The A-Z of school life – Fit for the Future, Getting to Grips and Health

scameron — Thu, 20 May 2010 09:39:02 +0100

The A-Z of school life is about making your school a great place for children to learn. No botox or surgery required, just a common sense, methodical approach based on the questions, ‘why do we do it this way? Is there another, better way we could do things? What’s stopping us from trying?’ Just as we need to look after ourselves, schools need ongoing maintenance. It’s your job as leader to know which parts could do with improving and doing something about it. That’s why the A-Z is important.
read more

Headteacher

Your guide to managing an employment tribunal claim

Ebac humanities: a saviour or a curse?

Radical change for schools

Raising higher education tuition fees: a serious mistake in the making

Improving attendance

The Equality Act 2010: how will it affect recruitment?

Leading schools forward in times of financial uncertainty

What the spending review means for schools

Social media - the risks and safety, a guide for schools part 1

Developing outstanding leaders for challenging schools

Student interviewers: a distinctive and important voice

Exploring pupil voice in primary schools

Racial tension and bullying: the duty to aid integration

Can education overcome disadvantage?

The challenge of free schools

An exciting era ahead

Technological age: using ICT to transform T&L

Coalition government education policy

New academies 1: how to become one, and should you?

Making evaluation more manageable

Creativity and the primary curriculum

Revised Working Together guidance and your school (2)

New team at the Department for Education

Encouraging parental engagement

Making multi-agency working easier

Primary Assembly: Wonder Woman!

Secondary Assembly: Where do we make the cuts?

Secondary Assembly: Really, truly, sorry?

Primary Assembly: Man and horse

Secondary Assembly: Only human

Secondary Assembly: Being a supporter

Secondary Assembly: Meanwhile…

Primary Assembly: Scary moments

Interviewing staff and making sure they're suitable

Secondary Assembly: Chariots of Danger

The A-Z of school life – Momentum, Not important/important, Opportunities, People and Questions

Primary Assembly: It might seem a small thing to you, but to me…

Are you up-to-date with the latest developments in safeguarding?

Getting the right pastoral mix

Secondary Assembly: For those who are left behind

Preparing your safeguarding procedures for Ofsted

Primary Assembly: No stereotypes here!

Wider Family Learning – how to apply for funding

The A-Z of school life – Inclusion, Jigsaws, Knowing your school and Leadership

Is your school fulfilling its disability duties?

Secondary Assembly: A rainbow people

Primary Assembly: The Queen’s Speech

Secondary Assembly: ‘Not Angles, but angels’

Coping with an Ofsted category

The A-Z of school life – Fit for the Future, Getting to Grips and Health