Daily Archives: August 20, 2011

On the difference between schools that I've noticed since switching jobs:

- there's a difference between a sense of self entitlement and a sense of defiance even if the outward behaviours can look similar.

- that no matter where you are, taking the time to build a positive relationship with a child is the best way to make any form of progress. Come to think of that, taking the time to build a positive relationship with anyone is the best way to make any form of progress.

- that a huge difference in boundaries and accountability exists between home and school for many kids, regardless of whether they are well off or poor.

- that mobile phones are ubiquitous, regardless of socio-economic status.

- that everyone involved in education is extremely busy. There are no easy gigs in schools any more.

- at times, leadership can feel like spinning wheels in the mud.

- that kids don't just leave the rest of their life behind when they head into school but for some, it can be a welcome respite.

- that a change in schools can stretch out skills and knowledge in a way that cannot be done by staying put in the one site forever. This is an aspect that our new open-ended tenure system will not help with - one has to work hard to stay fresh in a long term familiar environment. On the flipside, you don't produce anything lasting or of worth if one is too quick to move on from one position to another.

- that all schools are and have a right to be proud of their own unique combination of culture and learning.