You sure you want this job?

As we approach the 1st anniversary of our Aspiring Heads weblog, a salutary reminder of what we're letting ourselves in for!

Google Fight : Ted Wragg VS Chris Woodhead

A little festive fun.

Try a google fight: pit two opposing subjects (animate or inanimate) against each other and let them fight it out as to who has the most references on google! Total nonsense, of course!

Try these for a start...

This first one's not for the squeamish
Ted Wragg v. Chris Woodhead

This one got me worried
Tony Blair v. David Cameron

And then...
Ruth Kelly v. Andrew Adonis

EducationGuardian.co.uk | Schools special reports | Top 50 independent schools found guilty of price-fixing to push up fees

Well, the judgement is in!

Worth having a read, if you've only been following this story intermittently. The BBC, also have a report as well as a further article on refunds of fees. This article puts the ISC's view in this way:

The body, which represents 1,000 public schools, said there was evidence that sharing information kept fees down rather than inflating them.

Its general secretary, Jonathan Shephard, said: "Schools have no motive to raise more money than they need.

"Any money raised from fees has to be spent on the children and the schools so any extra money might be spent on better food or another brick for the gym."

From our point of view I feel that this is yet another aspect of our "image" that we will have challenged in years to come. Best to prepare your defence now!

BBC NEWS | Education | Education champion Ted Wragg dies

Sad news. An inspirng educator who made you feel proud to be a part of our profession. No matter which sector you teach in Ted Wragg makes you want to do the best that you can for the children in your care. He was a true champion of both children and those comitted to teaching them.

EducationGuardian.co.uk | News crumb | Mixed-ability classes just as effective, study finds

EducationGuardian.co.uk | News crumb | Mixed-ability classes just as effective, study finds

EducationGuardian.co.uk | TEFL | Organic learning

I know its all about TEFL, but it is very stimulating when placed in the context of what could be in our English classrooms.
EducationGuardian.co.uk | TEFL | Organic learning

EducationGuardian.co.uk | Schools special reports | It's different for boys

EducationGuardian.co.uk | Schools special reports | It's different for boys

Self-esteem is the key, I believe, to unlocking achievement in boys.

AskPhilosophers

Finally! literally the answer to everything!

EducationGuardian.co.uk | Schools | Parents in charge of schools will opt for social selection

EducationGuardian.co.uk | Schools | Parents in charge of schools will opt for social selection

Simon Jenkins' article points to the potential pitfalls in the government's White Paper. Perhaps, after all, Independent Schools ned not fear any form of competition.

EducationGuardian.co.uk | Schools special reports | Private firms poised to run state schools after reform

The Wolves are at the door!

The ink is not even dry on the White Paper. Already they are lining up to put the government's plans in motion.

EducationGuardian.co.uk | Schools special reports | Lib Dems get discipline ideas from Harry Potter

In an irregular feature on this weblog entitled "I told you so!" I offer for your perusal the above article click on the title to go to the article).

Ed Davey, Lib Dem spokesman on education says:

"Smaller class sizes, a more engaging curriculum and better pastoral care were also vital to improving behaviour."

So we are doing something right!

Revealed: the preps trailing state rivals - Sunday Times - Times Online

In case you haven't seen this, here is a link to the Sunday Times "piece" on Independent Schools' KS2 SATs results. IAPS schools have had the KS2 results "uncovered" from the past 3 years through the freedom of information act.

So what do you think? Should we be ranked on academic performance? Would this be of benefit to prospective parents? Do you agree with Jonathon Brough?

The league is headed by City of London school for girls, where fees are £10,584 a year. Jonathan Brough, head of its preparatory department, was proud of his school’s performance. “We are not a hothouse. I wouldn’t sacrifice the happiness of the children to get that position,” he said. “We are giving a well-rounded education and we don’t teach to test.”

What does this mean for the future of the National Curriculum in Independent Schools? Are we to be hauled up in the Sunday Times each year to be compared to our colleagues in the maintained sector? Doesn't that miss the point of what an Independent school is, regardless of the curriculum you apply or tests you take?

As John Morris says in the article: “Our members do not regard these tests as an objective measure of the value of schools or an appropriate measure of the achievement of children. League tables based on such figures are facile.”

What do you think?

Wet combing best to rid head lice

Thought I might kick the new school year off with something that I'm sure you all must have read while on you hols! As you know this weblog contians information crucial for all aspiring heads regardless of infestation...

BBC NEWS | Health | Wet combing best to rid head lice

Today-in-History PAGE of SCOPE SYSTEMS.

A rather nifty little site for those of us who like a bit of trivia:

Today-in-History: July 5th

Obviously apart from the British feeling rather disappointed with last night's performance
- a rather arrogant and misguided leadership, they'd spent piles of cash on the best prepared team ever to leave these shores to do battle against a buch of colonials (no, not the Lions!). You'd be surprised at waht you might find...

Crumbs! It must be the end of term!

Parents 'ruining school sports day'

Well I'll be...

Parents 'ruining school sports day'

Who'd have thought it? Typical independent school mentality! Tut! Tut! We ought to be ashamed!

Clive Astler, Editor of Country Life: "Nowadays, some parents have a highly
competitive attitude to life and are neurotic about their children succeeding at
everything they attempt. It is spoiling the whole thing."

Based on this statement I would like to ask you all the following question:

Would we have won the battle of Waterloo if they'd banned the parents' race from the playing fields of Eton in 1805?

Answers on the usual postage stamp, please...

Steiner schools 'could help all'

How long will it take for the world to catch up?

On the semi-recurrent theme of "Independent Means Independent" I heard an item on the radio, of which this is the BBC News article:

BBC NEWS UK Education Steiner schools 'could help all'

It is heartening to realise, even with the constraints of our schools as a business enterprise, that our colleagues within the diverse world of Independent schools can continue to work for positive change, influencing mainstream views of education.

Good on you Rudolf!

Skype - The whole world can talk for free.

Skype

As a committed 21st century online technology lover I have to stay true to the altruistic philosophy of weblogging and share some amazing technologies. You may have been reading about some of these, in particular Skype. This is a way of making "phone" calls to computers or even to "traditional" phone lines or mobiles. Just read the site & I'm certain that you'd be intrigued enough to give it a try. I'm going to play around with it - so if any one would like to experiment also, just drop a comment on the blog & let me know.

The other "killer application" to emerge is the phenomenon of Podcasting. If you are not aware, this is a method of listening to a wide range of "radio" programmes. Except its not radio, its a way of downloading mp3 (digital audio) files on to your computer and/or iPod - hence the term. What this means is that you can listen to any podcasting broadcaster anytime you want. Yes, this means never having to listen to Terry Wogan in the morning again! No, you can listen to him any time, day or night! Although I don't actually think Tel & the BBC are quite there with podcasting yet, although they are not far off! Why is this worth mentioning. Well, imagine being able to broadcast school news to your community, the children running there own radio station with bulletins about activities, sports, late braking news (cricket club cancelled, etc.), even performances by the school choir! Try this link to Willowcast as an example. Its a 4th & 5th Grade podcast from the US. I personally think it is very, very cool. Getting our pupils to speak to the world? Amazing! It is vey new but seems to have taken off at one heck of a rate. As with skype, if anyone wants to experiment just drop me a line.

Here are some links worth a visit:

Educational Podcast Directory

Podcasting Software

Lessons in good manners

As we all know, we're at least 20 years behind the Americans...

BBC NEWS | World | Americas | Lessons in good manners

What Is He Up To Now?

Hmmm...

A weekly trawl through the Headlines brings this up...

Woodhead Accused of Poaching Pupils For Private Schools

...How is this going to affect people's opinion of the Independent sector?

Then I read this:

He courted controversy two weeks ago when he suggested private schools should refuse to work with struggling state secondary schools. Partnerships between the two sectors were just "propping up a failed system which should be left to fail", he added.

Now, I recall the articles about these comments and I cannot help but think that this attitude is destroying any kind of opportunity for mutual understanding and sharing of knowledge between the two sectors.

Cognita Schools

Who's In Charge?

Just a little piece to think about...

BBC NEWS | Education | Parents' revolt at private school

We all know the realtionships that exist between Heads, parents & governing bodies. A dynamic "tension" that ought to have the best interests of the community at heart. But the question that, to me, arises from this piece is: who knows what's best for the school? Because one can cite cases where the parents would not be so ready to support a Head if they were not happy with the school.

Answers on a postage stamp please...(and if you are a governor feel free to support your head!)

Current vacancies

From the Education Guardian this week...

I know we're aspiring to headship...but just a chance to reflect on your current role!

Current vacancies

Which of these applies to you!?

EducationGuardian.co.uk | News crumb | Fall in private pupils as fees rise

Fall in private pupils as fees rise

Well, here is an item for us Aspiring Heads to make us sit up & take notice! The article outlines a fall in pupil numbers at independent schools. The drop is small (o.6%), follows 9 years growth and relates, in the main, to pupils originating from outside the EU. However, I feel the most salient point is this:

"The ISC said the overall dip was linked to a fall in children in the population at large, and pointed out that state schools saw a greater drop."

For future managers of an organisation that has to make both educational and business sense, this would seem to be our biggest challenge. Apart from needing to ensure value in our provision when we are having to continually ask parents to dig deeper, the demographic question is clear: where are the children going to come from?

You might want to check out some stats from National Statistics Online.

In fact, a quick check through the data suggests a fall from 14% to 11.9% over the next 20 years!

What do you feel as the way forward in the next 10 years? Have you any solutions?

Drop your comments via the link below.

A civilising subject

Just thinking...

Telegraph | Education | A civilising subject for teenagers

In reading around "Citizenship" (I don't particularly like the naming of this as a "subject") I have found lots of very positive examples of its value within the curriculum. This article from the Telegraph its just one of many and typifies how interested children are in finding answers to the questions they have about the world around them. It is also interesting to have a "true-blue Tory" writing so effusively about a liberal approach to education!

I believe that the Citizenship approach - I cannot, after studying Education for Sustainability for my Masters, bring myself to call Citizenship a subject, its more than that - when applied to schools, provides a great challenge for school leaders. However it is a challenge that, addressed in the right way, can only be a force for good.

Take this article for example:

It juxtaposes two concepts common in schools that are "doing" Citizenship: healthy eating and the condition of our fellow humans in other parts of the world. It is a wake-up call to read Tergat's article, particularly in light of the material well-being within our sector of education. And it reinforces just what a responsibility, I feel, school leaders have to ensure that their communities are aware of their rights and responsibilities. An effective programme of Citizenship Education across the curriculum and community would encourage pupils, staff and parents to make decisions in their lives based on an elightened and thoughtful regard for themselves and others.

As Tergat says:
"Over 100 million children do not attend school and 300 million are chronically hungry. With a collective commitment to school feeding, the international community could help to reduce these numbers quickly. Doesn't every child deserve the chance to achieve his or her dreams?"

I believe our children deserve the same opportunity to achieve their dreams. However we also have the responsibility to educate them to be aware of what they can do to be active and effective participants in their world as they grow up. It is, therefore, a school management issue. How are we to educate for future responsibility? My Year 6 classes or my 1W RE form are not simply the 6- or 11-year-olds in front of me now. They are the voting 20-somethings or parents with purchasing power in 10 or 20 years time. So these future-adults must be able to participate in an environment which instills core values of kindness, care, humility and self-confidence. Surely school management issues and not merely to be stuffed away as a subject within the curriculum?

As I said...just thinking! I wake up too early on Saturday mornings!

Further Thoughts on Leadership Qualification

As a member of NAHT I get the mailing package that contains various things to read and of course there is very little time to do that effectively. However, I caught sight of NAHT's online learning website. After a quick flick through its pages it became clear that it is a very comprehensive set of materials which stimulate thought and facilitate Continuing Professional Development. For all staff.

This seems like a very innovative package. One that may solve some issues that schools have in generating interest in CPD amongst their staff. I'm discussing with my Head a review of our policy on CPD and this may be one thing to consider. We want to ensure that all our colleagues are encouraged to take part in some form of professional development. What form this encouragement takes is something on which I would welcome some input. What is your view of CPD?

The First Application

Well I've managed it. The first application is in & I imagine a few of us may be looking at the same position. So no giving away where it is! Anyway, the experience was only a little less nerve-wracking than I thought. Actually there always seems to be a long lead-in time for many of these positions so deadlines are fairly generous.

What tied me up in knots was the purpleness of my prose! One of my friends who looked over my letter reproached me for using to much "treacle". "You floury poof" were his exact words!!! Another, looking at the same letter, thought it seemed, with some tweaking, pretty strong! Both, by the way, are Heads...So what do I do? Stay up late pouring over the minutiae with my wife the night before the deadline is what! Gosh, I married a patient woman!

So what about you? What advice have you had as far as purple-shaded prose is concerned? Have you been advised to be concise & business-like? Or has it been suggested that you write in an authoratative manner, outling your experience & philosophy as if your life depended on it?!?

I know, that by the time I finished the application that night, each time I tried to re-read it the thing sounded less & less convincing! It just had to go into the post & from there into the lap of the gods (or rather governors!).

Let us know your dilemmas (post to "Dear Aunty IAPS"!)

Schooling beyond the curriculum

BBC NEWS | Education | Schooling beyond the curriculum

Food for thought.

An article here from the BBC News online concerning the recent issues of school trips and school dinners. For me this relates to what we are as Independent Schools. With the behavioural and financial stability (by and large!) that our establishments and their families possess do we not have a greater responsibility to address the implications of developing more "active and socially aware citizens"?

As leaders in our schools we are in a very strong position to stress to our colleagues and communities the importance of embedding the values and thinking skills esential for our children as they grow and leave us to enter our increasingly pluralist society. Is this not how a Preparatory School is defined?

If you have any comments just login & click on the comment link below.

Antarctic Explorers: Ernest Shackleton

Ernest Shackleton

I hope I'm not developing a weird obsession about Shackleton. Anyway, just to keep the theme going for a bit longer the link above is to a fairly extensive online bio of the man and his explorations.

Professional Development Reading List: Number 1

Shackleton's Way: Leadership Lessons from the Great Antarctic Explorer

Thought this might tickle you! Remember that this book was mentioned by Andy Duff? Well, in keeping with the spirit of this weblog I felt we all might welcome the chance to purchase the above tome. The links will take you to Amazon (where else?).

I must say that discussion at Tewkesbury piqued my interest and, not wishing to be a johnny-come-lately, I all also purchased a copy of "Edurance" by Alfred Lansing to fill in the gaps (or rather cavernous expanses!) in my personal knowledge of British Antarctic exploration in the early 20th century! You never know, it may come in useful during a lull in an interview.

Get Blogging!

Thanks to everyone who has joined in this weblog so far. Have a go at writing something, even if its to say hello & let us know how you're getting on.

Independent Schools Inspectorate

So. It was discussed at our weekend. Everyone knows one (or more, probably!). But is it the way forward in our professional development?

Becoming an ISI inspector seems to be, if not a step, then at least a landing on the stairway to headship! It would be of enormous interest if those of you that have been through the process could share your experiences on our weblog.

Does the process enrich your practice as an educator?
Does it alter or clarify your personal vision of school management?
Can it be worthwhile or is it better to spend your time & money on other ways of training for management?

Don't be shy, share!

Blogging and NPQH

I'm a complete blogging virgin, so this is my first posting. Thanks, Neil, for setting this up.
The feel of the thing is very similar to my on line NPQH work, where a huge amount of the course is done on the web. The whole ncsl site is packed with stuff and, as those on NPQH will I'm sure agree, most of it is excellent. (www.ncsl.org.uk). During the course one is expected to post a lot of information on the site and it's really helpful to know that you can post a question or a cry for help and know that it will be answered.
In my previous incarnation as a Head of IT, I used the satips email list a lot. If you haven't been to satips.com I suggest that you take a look. The more that use it, the better will get.
Let's hope that this blog will prove to be just as useful if not more so.

The Crest of a Wave

BBC NEWS | Education | Academics give lessons on blogs

This link reinforces the importance and potential of weblogs in education. Blogs are not the preserve of those who have too much to say. They are a way of getting our students to start talking!

Let us know what you think.

BETT Show 2005

A quick note live from the BETT show at London's Olympia. You see the wonderful thing about weblogging is that you can do it from any web browser anywhere!

The show is, as usual, a cornucopia of ICT solutions for schools for "toys" for every situation from managing dinner money to report writing! Its all far too bewildering an array of material!

Any way to give myself focus I have come to look specifically at Report Writing Software. When these pages finally become general knowledge amonst us I would be very interested to find out what format the rest of us use when writing reports. How many are electronic? How many handwritten?

At Berkhamsted we are slowly moving towards the typed report, hence the interest in software to help us. Has anyone got strong views (or any view, for that matter) about how they feel report writing should be carried out?

Neil

Aspiring Heads 2005

Welcome to the weblog for the 2005 Aspiring Heads Conference. After the conference it became very clear that a lot of us would like to keep in touch and the weblog would be an excellent way to do that.

If you are not familiar with weblogging and its potential then first have a look at this link. Posting to the weblog is just like using MS Word but you are using it in the browser & publishing live on the web!

If you have any other questions then just send me an email.

All the best & happy blogging!

Neil