In this assembly, Joe Walker considers the extent to which we are all masters of our own destiny, as we begin another decade. The assembly challenges listeners to consider not how the next year might turn out, but how they might shape 2010
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This week’s copy, by Katie Michelon, examines key proposals of the new Children, Schools and Families Bill including new rules on accountability for schools, parental responsibility, curriculum, National Challenge schools, school report cards and home school guarantees
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Our second e-bulletin concentrates on the induction of new support staff and aims to provide schools with a starting point for developing a school-based induction programme
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This assembly uses the popularity of advent calendars to consider what our values should be as we prepare for the season of goodwill
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In the third of our e-bulletins about staffing, we look at how senior leaders should tackle the sometimes difficult, but important issue of underperformance of staff
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This primary assembly centres around presents, helping children think about the purpose of present-buying, and their own feelings about both giving and receiving
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Successive Ofsted regimes have made changes to the inspection framework. This e-bulletin looks at the latest one, which came into use in September 2009, and suggests some issues for you to consider
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Schools can do their best for each child only if families and carers are involved in children’s learning. Jane Golightly considers the reasons why some schools are great at involving families, while others struggle
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The recent Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) decision by the High Court in the case X Endowed Primary School v Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (2009) could impact significantly on schools. Westley Laird reviews the case and discusses how this decision could affect your school
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In this assembly, Brian Radcliffe invites students to consider the rise in incidents of violence between teenagers, even in apparently safe relationships
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This assembly looks at the history of the Red Arrows, Kirsty’s historic achievement, and, briefly, the changing role of women in the military
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Joe Walker explores the idea of being prepared to speak out against injustice – even when it could have negative consequences for you
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Welcome to the first edition of our new e-bulletin, School Financial Management, written by School Business Manager Lindsey Lester. This issue will be looking at the new staffing agreement of ‘rarely cover’
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Jane Golightly asks, how well do you know your school, are you a visible leader, and advises on how to rectify both
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This assembly marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of ‘The Origin of Species’ by Charles Darwin on November 24th 1859. It tells the story of a book which has greatly influenced the development of science and provides opportunity for further discussion
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The General Teaching Council for England (GTCE) has recently introduced a new Code of Practice which came into force in October. Nearly 10 years since it was first established, Katie Michelon examines the GTCE’s role and how it carries out its regulatory function
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This is the first edition of fortnightly e-bulletin, Secondary Headship. Published alongside our print newsletter of the same name, will provide you with topical information and advice to support your work as a senior leader in a secondary school
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This assembly looks at what happens when somebody cheats, with reference to a recent football match
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This is the first issue of Optimus Education's new fortnightly e-bulletin, Curriculum Management Update
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In this assembly Brian Radcliffe invites students to consider the 20th anniversary of the demolition of the Berlin Wall that began in November 1989
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Jane Golightly discusses how to make sure that your educational establishment makes a difference in your pupils lives
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This primary assembly discusses the gold medalist sprinter Usain Bolt and his recent adoption of a cheetah, and explores the idea of celebrities using their fame for good causes
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Admissions appeals based on admission decisions seem to be a constant thorn in the side of schools and admissions authorities. A recent High Court decision focusing on when a school is ‘full’ will remind appeal panels of the evidence they need to consider. How could the case impact on your school?
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This SEAL assembly for primary school children examines the feeling of loss when a loved on dies, and the idea of having keepsakes to remind us of them
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In this assembly Brian Radcliffe invites students to consider how and why we give awards. Students are encouraged to consider what awards they might give within their school
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The primary assembly takes a lighthearted look at the tradition of Halloween, with a reference to the Halloween scene in ‘Meet me in St Louis’, and also explains the meaning of All Saints Day
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Jane Golightly gives advice on how to keep your priorities in sight when using data to focus on your school improvement
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This secondary SEAL assembly looks at the personal qualities of determination and perseverance
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What are the legal considerations to the topic of pupil voice within education? Mark Blois discusses
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This assembly discusses at the stories of companionship and friendship between presidents, presidential families and their dogs
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This primary assembly tells the story of Rama and Sita, and gives information on the festival of Diwali
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Former headteacher Jane Golightly discusses how to be a successful leader by detailing what she thinks are important school leadership skills - including being resilient and flexible
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In this assembly Brian Radcliffe invites students to consider recent news stories about anti-social behaviour and the consequences
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Dai Durbridge considers the current position of the Independent Safeguarding Authority and the effect the new powers will have on teachers and schools
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This assembly looks at genealogy, with a focus on the Chinese philosopher Confucius and his family tree
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Encourage your students to make somebody smile today with this secondary SEAL assembly
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A primary assembly about swimming
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When carrying out your school's monitoring and evaluation (M&E) policy, is it vital that you follow up and act upon your findings in order to make the process effective, says Jane Golightly
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This secondary assembly looks at advertising and the powers it has over the public, particulary in terms of alcoholic drinks advertised through sports branding
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Dai Durbridge considers the current management of allegations against staff and some possible changes on the horizon, with reference to the ISA and enhanced CRB checks
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This assembly looks at the inventions and technological advances that have changed our world, as well as inviting children to suggest what inventions they can predict that might change the future
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In this assembly, Brian Radcliffe invites students to consider why some people who believe they have a a cause to promote are tempted into terrorist activity
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This assembly explores responsibility and road safety, in the context of children walking to school
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Jane Golightly, author of Primary Leadership Focus, welcomes those in primary school leadership to a new school year and gives 'back to basics' advice on school policy
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This assembly explores our views about the relationship, or possible conflicts between, justice and compassion. It responds to the issues raised by the release of the Lockerbie bomber by the Scottish Government
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The Audit Commission’s report Valuable Lessons questions whether taxpayers are getting value for money from the education system. The Commission has also issued guidance on how schools can improve economy and efficiency while still optimising outcomes for children. Gill O’Donnell looks at the recommendations
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This assembly looks at the feelings of children and teachers as they start the new school year
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