Dear Rob, Bravo. Belated but very warm congratulations on your appointment. This is wonderful news for you, your family and the school in Moldova. You are a fantastic head teacher and you have expanded the horizons of Wyedean and all of your pupils in a wonderful way. You will be sorely missed. As you know, … Continue reading Thoughts, reflections & hopes for This Heart Shaped Land
Leadership: Put away the ego if you want every child to thrive
The following essay, by Rob Ford, was commissioned by the TES and appeared in their February 22nd 2019 edition. It can be viewed online via the following link: https://www.tes.com/magazine/article/get-over-your-ego-if-you-want-all-pupils-thrive I was in demand. My headteacher had asked me to lead on the development of the IB Diploma at our forward-thinking state school, one of the … Continue reading Leadership: Put away the ego if you want every child to thrive
“If we know where we are from, we can know where we are going” – Why identity taught in schools is crucial in a global society
02 April 2019 The Prince of Wales suite at the British Council’s HQ in Spring Gardens, is one of my favourite rooms associated with my career. I have worked from that room for the British Council and presented so many times in there over nearly two decades as an educator. I stood in there again … Continue reading “If we know where we are from, we can know where we are going” – Why identity taught in schools is crucial in a global society
What is “typical” in any school?
13 March 2019 “Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts” Albert Einstein. “I wanted to thank you so much for taking the time to give me such a wonderful tour of Wyedean School. It really gave me a great idea of what it is like to attend your … Continue reading What is “typical” in any school?
Whatever happened to the self-improving school led system?
“…even the best teachers can be rendered ineffective in a dysfunctional school, or that a great principal can turn into a good teacher into an extraordinary educator. But even today, reformers rarely take the impact of the principals into account” Rahm Emanuel, Mayor of Chicago. “I dwell in possibility” Emily Dickinson, poet and writer. “It’s … Continue reading Whatever happened to the self-improving school led system?
Global Britain, Education & Europe for Young People.
Why Global Britain, Education & Europe will continue to connect Young People in the 2020s. The Freedom to travel, study, work, live and retire will remain an inalienable Human Right for the 21st Century. “One of the most powerful things…having an education in a different country opens your eyes, not only to the World and … Continue reading Global Britain, Education & Europe for Young People.
School Leadership for the 2020s, what should it look like?
“The greatest danger in times of turbulence; it is to act with yesterday’s logic” Peter Drucker“If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans” Woody AllenI recently had the pleasure of meeting and having dinner with a group of international school founders and IB school principals. The conversations were wide ranging especially around … Continue reading School Leadership for the 2020s, what should it look like?
Why our education system always rests on hope & optimism, even in the most challenging times
“Our ability to change a child’s life is beyond imagination” Sir Anthony Seldon. Why our education system always rests on Hope and Optimism even in the most challenging of times. “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence” Helen Keller In Manchester last week, the British Council … Continue reading Why our education system always rests on hope & optimism, even in the most challenging times
What does a ‘good school’ actually look like and mean in practice?
“There are schools that put mission before politics” David Barrs, Headteacher Anglo European School “The education system the World over is still teaching for the 20th century” Sir Anthony Seldon, Chancellor of the University of Buckingham The American educator from Colorado on the other end of the Skype conference call asked me a very simple … Continue reading What does a ‘good school’ actually look like and mean in practice?
Navigating a new academic year in a dysfunctional educational landscape through leadership
“That one is never ready for the next step in life’s journey, we learn what we need to know on the road itself” Quaker Faith & Practice 22-33, Elsie Boulding “The pupils from this school, will leave with a lifelong sense of hope, a feeling for community, a passion for social change” “Let your life … Continue reading Navigating a new academic year in a dysfunctional educational landscape through leadership
This Heart Shaped Land 