On the first day of Christmas

• On the first day of Christmas South Dartmoor said to me Ray would like some more coffee On the second day of Christmas South Dartmoor said to me Two ‘Operators’ and Ray would like some more coffee On the third day of Christmas South Dartmoor said to me Three mini buses Two ‘Operators’ and Ray would like some more coffee On the fourth day of Christmas South Dartmoor said to me Four pregnant ladies Three mini buses Two ‘Operators’ and Ray would like some more coffee On the fifth day of Christmas South Dartmoor said to me FIVE LEARNING HUBS Four pregnant ladies Three mini buses Two ‘Operators’ and Ray would like some more coffee
  
  
  On the sixth day of Christmas South Dartmoor said to me Six poorly students FIVE LEARNING HUBS Four pregnant ladies Three mini buses Two ‘Operators’ and Ray would like some more coffee
  
  
  
  On the seventh day of Christmas South Dartmoor said to me Seven absent teachers six poorly students FIVE LEARNING HUBS Four pregnant ladies Three mini buses Two ‘Operators’ and Ray would like some more coffee
  
  On the eighth day of Christmas South Dartmoor said to me Eight tutors tutoring Seven absent teachers Six poorly students FIVE LEARNING HUBS Four pregnant ladies three mini buses Two ‘Operators’ and Ray would like some more coffee
  
  On the ninth day of Christmas South Dartmoor said to me Nine seagulls squawking Eight tutors tutoring Seven absent teachers Six poorly students FIVE LEARNING HUBS Four pregnant ladies Three mini buses Two ‘Operators’ and Ray would like some more coffee On the tenth day of Christmas South Dartmoor said to me Ten cooks a cooking Nine seagulls squawking Eight tutors tutoring Seven absent teachers six poorly students FIVE LEARNING HUBS Four pregnant ladies Three mini buses Two ‘Operators’ and Ray would like some more coffee On the eleventh day of Christmas South Dartmoor said to me Eleven mugs gone missing
  Ten cooks a cooking Nine seagulls squawking Eight tutors tutoring Seven absent teachers
  Six poorly students FIVE LEARNING HUBS Four pregnant ladies Three mini buses
  Two ‘Operators’ and Ray would like some more coffee On the Twelfth day of Christmas South Dartmoor said to me Twelve cleaners cleaning
  Eleven mugs gone missing Ten cooks a cooking Nine seagulls squawking Eight tutors tutoring Seven absent teachers Six poorly students FIVE LEARNING HUBS Four pregnant ladies Three mini buses Two ‘Operators’ and Ray would like some more coffee
  
  By HKN / DIS Reception Ladies

South Dartmoor’s Got Talent

The South Dartmoor’s Got Talent contest is not only hotting up, it’s becoming dirty. Today in the staffroom members of one entry were actually seen trying to bribe one of the judges! Mrs Ingham-Hill has been warned. Fortunately, our upright, moral and virtuous Head of Religious Studies (and of the judging panel) was not for turning. He brushed off the blandishments of the thriller/killer harpies and dashed away clutching his garlic bulb. Now the big question: will they be disqualified? Mr Jenkins is an upright, law abiding and honourable man. What will his co-judge, Carol Murray say? Will she call for the entry to be de-thrillered? Perhaps it’s time for a quick purification ceremony on the top corridor? For they are dangerously close to Media Studies and ICT where much of this is coming from. At least they have new material for their Ethics A level course.

There’s been no cheating, so far as we can tell, in this year’s mock exams. The marks are just coming in but it’s beginning to look promising for this year group. There’s no reason why they should out-perform other years and yet they seem to be pushing hard with good attendance and great potential. Talented teachers are doing their best for them.

We’re trying to help them manage their time, especially those we’ve identified as under particular pressure, with a new Gradewatch scheme that will see a number reducing the subjects studied to concentrate on areas where catch-up is needed. There’s particular pressure on English, Maths and Science now and we want everyone to get their best grades in these vital subjects. So staff volunteers will be on hand next term to give individual help at set times in the week. We’ll be only too pleased to keep noses to the grindstone.

Performance Leaders are working flat out to interview students and make proposals. It’s complex but worthwhile- and we’re early enough in the academic year to make a difference. This is another Kate Garvey innovation so I know it will work. In her new role as lead practitioner for the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, she’s at the forefront of developments. While I cut edges, she is at the cutting edge. She’s soon to offer a Deep Learning Day at a venue near you. There will be more about that next term. And if you don’t yet know what a Deep Learning Day is, please don’t try to guess.

... to deep learning among students

At the end of the year we will be saying farewell to two of our deepest learners- rocks on which the school has been built. So this week we interviewed for new Assistant Principals to replace Andy Hamlyn and Heather Stimson. This talent contest took us two days. The judges, a Panel of Governors and senior staff, were dazzled by the quality of presentations, ideas and innovations from a large field of internal applicants. Nat Parnell will take on the new role of Director of Teaching and Learning; Joss Glossop the post of Director of Student Performance.

It’s been a week of talent identification. With great colleagues to work with throughout the school and at every level, teaching and non-teaching, and a strong year 11, it looks as if the new year will be bright. So forget Christmas. Beam it across the website; fill the electronic space; write the message in bold and large: South Dartmoor’s got talent.

Something Wicked

Something wicked is stalking the History corridors. Beware- this will make your blood tingle, your skin creep and your eyes pop. Scary, spooky- the vampires are at work! Though Halloween is long gone.

You see, they teach about the Black Death and also cover violent, gory and murderous events in History with tales of executions, killings and evil. It’s much more interesting than all that goody goody Florence Nightingale stuff. And because this has been going on for years (even the walls decorated with it), there’s now something in the very atmosphere there. Blood-curdling stories linger in the fabric of the floor.

So, just possibly, the History teaching at South Dartmoor is now so good that the ghosts of the past are returning to enjoy hearing their old exploits discussed and analysed. Imagine a discussion of Nazi Germany in which Hitler himself joins in. Or Richard III hovering in the shadows behind that Year 9 student, enjoying once again his murderous plotting. I told you this was scary. Craig Axford and his new team may have a lot to answer for.

The proof of all this is in the latest documentary evidence unearthed by archaeologists. It's a grainy old piece of film, lovingly restored with sparkling, super-enhanced images from Carly Stuart and her box of Media tricks. It features expert stage direction from a Jamie Bowring look- alike in school uniform (watch out James Hills), a Sam Morecombe twin enjoying a wild fling with an alternative universe’s Darren Sutton (we dare you to watch it), and Dan Smith or his ghost’s amazing scream. Can he really run so fast? Will he escape in time or have we lost a great colleague? Never mind- it was in a good cause- entertainment.

If you are of a nervous disposition, cover your eyes. This stuff would have a cinema rating for adults only- and then those over 60 at least. Even the fearless Mr Hamlyn (the real Headmaster or wot?) will quake when he sees the transformation of eight members of staff into living zombies.

Well I know everyone is exhausted so perhaps this is just a metaphor for the way they teach at this time of the year! I’m referring, of course, to Thriller Teaser 2. It has to be seen to be believed.

So approach the History rooms with care. Wild waving can become robotic raving before Katy Dable can say, ‘Morse bags to you too!’ And in case anyone thinks I’m joking, here’s my killer question. Just what happened to Mari-Anna Jones? Where is the body hidden? One History teacher whose enthusiasm went too far? Can John Sherlock live up to his name and solve that mystery? Did she go the way of James Newton, another History teacher who got carried away? What is that strange creaking sound from the radiators in Hu1? Perhaps the answer lies in the dark shadows of the Thriller video.

Meanwhile, if I were you, I wouldn’t walk down that History corridor alone (or with Louise Hogger) after dark. Unless you enjoy the sound of torture. Because no… those are not the cries of another class in detention. It’s rehearsals in progress for South Dartmoor’s got Talent. And if the Thriller Team doesn’t win, the judges should be afraid; very afraid.

When the Stardust Settles

This is a week when the whole world sings, or so it seems. StarChild, a musical of magic and transformation, has transported us to other worlds. Performances echo to Chris Williams’ enchanting melodies sung with passion and panache by soloists and chorus. And when they stop there is deafening applause from captivated audiences.

The master lyricist, Nick Stimson, has crafted a tale of travel into our very own imaginations. His characters grow and change with the adventure that takes them over. And so the truths about what makes us who we are and the messages of Christmas are revealed. If I could write like Nick, I’d feel my life’s work was done.

The piece won the Vivian Ellis Prize for the Most Outstanding Musical for Young People. It is a sadly neglected musical and deserves wider audiences. Although it’s complex and ambitious, it really has wide appeal and much wit. Imagine a mix of Harry Potter, Doctor Who, the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe and Wizard of Oz. Well, this is better- at least the way our students perform!
There is so much fun and so many memorable moments and lines. I like:

‘If I asked you for a snog
Would you turn into a frog?’

That gives you an idea of the charm of the piece.

There is much in this show that is unexpected. Its glacial world had me feeling chilled; the drab world of the Mother Hope’s machine was full of menace. But the remarkable finale magically completed the episode of story telling at its best.

I left Barbara Hersey on the first night frowning over seating plans. Where do you fit everyone when the show is so popular? How can we turn people away? We looked despairingly on the Gallery and in the wings. Where else? An extra row in the front might impede visibility. But alas- the Hall was built for a school of 500. These productions are on a scale undreamt of by the planners. The Tarleton Theatre will be my first project (promise) if I win the Lottery. Don’t hold your breath though- I’ve never bought a ticket.

Parents will, I’m sure, be relieved when it’s all over. They will also be so proud of what has been achieved. They can have their children back. Parents have been brilliant at collecting and at weekends and during half term bringing children into school. It’s quite a commitment. I don’t know how many hours of rehearsals there have been for it’s always the same time, just before midnight in the play. Clever ruse but do they think we haven’t noticed?

The staff will also be able to have their lives back. Many have contributed and I’m always really grateful to see the teams swinging into action: South Dartmoor at its best. The show has also been seen by large numbers of staff. What a great message that sends to the cast about relationships, care and interest.

The central staff quartet is formidable. Allan Sutton, the old Gandalf of lighting wizardry has more theatrical knowledge than you’ll find on Google. This piece allowed him to have great fun with lights and smoke. Oops…best not to mention the smoke machine, I’m told.

There has to be a good woman, of course, and Lin Blackman, the Producer, is superwoman. She is the magic inside this production, weaving her spells, bringing the dream to life.

The two towering giants – literally and metaphorically- of this and the last several productions are James Hills, Director, and Ralph Wickenden, Musical Director. Their standards are the gold in our Arts mark gold award. They are without doubt in the first rank of teachers of any generation. When the stardust settles it rests on them.

The Magic Spell is Cast

Value added has been my mission this week. No don’t stop reading or press exit. It does matter- I promise. Let me explain.
Year 11 are having their examination success interviews and I’ve taken on a caseload this year. All the information we need is provided. Each student’s very heart and soul is laid bare in data analysis. You name it and there is column predicting it. I’m sure that if we asked Pete Kensington, Data Wizard, to analyse them by star sign he could: “All Librans are on target for 10 A*s… while the Leos are borderline 5A* to Cs.”

We’re lucky there are no data protection issues around performance information or I’d have been locked up long ago. And, in case you’re wondering, we’re not sending out any data on CDs by post.

Many of the year group could do well and they are a pleasure to meet individually to discuss their grade projections. I’ve learned a lot about their plans and heard something of their dreams for the future. I hope I’ve been encouraging enough to make sure the nation will have good supply of teachers, doctors, lawyers, vets, electricians, carpenters, engineers and artists. I’ve asked several to let me have details when they qualify. You never know when you’ll need a good plumber, but I’m not sure I’ll ever need the midwife or the equine vet come to think of it. Sorry, ladies.

It’s a fascinating range and mix of talents from a delightful year group. Many are out-performing the baseline, indicator grades (stick with it please) the Wizard gave them in Year 9. If they can really do this in the summer, we will have great value added. The Government norm (don’t laugh or even ask why) is 1,000. Anything above is giving extra value. Anything below … well we don’t want to know but let’s just say it’s not healthy. We were at about 1010 last year. Yes that’s a respectable figure and no it’s not the four digit code to get you into the building.

But where South Dartmoor really scores on value added, no Government official has dared to tread. I’ve been overwhelmed by the sight and sound of nearly a hundred youngsters performing the musical, Starchild at the very limits of professionalism. A step further and we’d have to give them Equity cards and a salary. But professional theatre can’t match the inspirational edge of a volunteer cast with the joy of youth and the energy of teenagers. One hundred in the young company acting as one inter-dependent creature, an intelligence with many parts.

How can you count the extra that productions, sport and extra-curricular activities of all kinds give? Perhaps we can tot up the hundreds of hours given over by the cast and staff? Or perhaps we can count the hundreds “wow” responses this show is bound to get next week? Really it’s beyond measure- the sheer dazzling quality of what has been achieved, the spine-tingling impact and the knowledge that this will change the lives of those who take part.

So it’s hands off to the civil servants who try to use statistics to compare schools. What really matters to our children and their parents is not the number 1010 but the enriching experience of education at its best. On that stage the magic spell is cast and even the Data Wizard himself will gasp in amazement.

A Chip off the New Block

If I could wave a magic wand, I’d cast my spell on remaining parts of the school that need to be modernised. One wave and there would be a twelve classroom Science Block. On second thoughts, let’s make that sixteen. No more Science teachers wandering the site like dispossessed tribes, wheeling their shopping trolleys containing their books and equipment. Instead every Science teacher would be in their very own lab- and for the whole week. Is it really too much to ask?

I can still remember when we were arguing the case for a new Science Block in 1994. It looked for a time as if one storey of four labs was all were going to get. The telling argument that got us eight (with two storeys and a posh lift) was when we pointed out how expensive it would be to put on a roof and then have to take it off again at a later date to build an extension when numbers grew. Money was more limited in those days but we still won the argument.

For several years we have been pressing the case. There are just not enough labs and a formula exists to prove it. Every day children and their Science teachers are being short changed. The case is irrefutable. Science is one of the most important subjects we offer. Any spare room has to double up for Science classes- a nightmare for nomads.

The Woodland, for example, an appropriately named creature whose natural habitat is the Amazonian jungle with World challenge or the depths of Dartmoor, rarely has the chance to enjoy its prime territory- a Science lab. Moving faster than a passenger at Paddington station in the rush hour, you can see the Woodland’s jet propelled shopping trolley zooming from Place House to the Maths Block and on to another remote part of the school, lost in the dust.

Another wave of the wand and there’s a new, purpose-built and designed Art Block. Let’s chuck in a couple of new Music rooms too while we’re making wishes. In Art it’s a different problem but equally pressing. They have rooms but they are not fit for purpose. The miracle is that the Art and Photography staff produce results that are in the top league nationally by any measure, year after year. Think what they could do with good facilities and how they deserve them.

If you are a Science or Art teacher at South Dartmoor, it’s a choice between being homeless or living in a slum. What kind of a choice is that?

Of course we’re pleased with all the other investment in recent years. We have some great facilities. But until these two projects are completed, South Dartmoor will be unfinished- rather like those buildings you see in Greece or Cyprus that are half built because of property taxes.

So we’re going to invest about a quarter million pounds of our own money in the photography facilities. Work begins next summer. And it now looks as if there may even be some help with this.

It’s not the new block but it may just be a chip off it!

Under the Spotlight

It’s ipod white, slimmer, smaller and lighter than a text book and has all the power of the Internet. Solid state, no moving parts, the first has arrived in school and it’s only £169. All singing and dancing (yes it plays music and video as well as taking photos), it will transform the way our students learn. About the only thing it can’t do is the washing up. No, it’s not the new iphone, but the world’s newest lap top which, this week, we tested to destruction- but it didn’t break. Richard Penhale (ICT Systems Manager) has been hard wired to it. It’s more than a glass ball into which we can see the future- it is the future.

No more waiting to book ICT suites- in fact soon no more ICT suites all. This cool tool will become text and exercise book, pen and pencil, calculator and coursework file. Using the wireless system, every student will be able to access all the knowledge in the world. That’s the power and that will be the reality. Now what were you thinking you needed this Christmas?

Schools will be run more like universities. We will have large presentations by teacher experts, followed by smaller group seminars, and small sessions supported by non-teachers with more personalised, individual work by students.

And our high printing costs will also soon be a thing of the past. Staff now communicate either in person or by email. Documents are sent as attachments and we read them on screen. Whilst my in tray is now fairly empty, my email box is generally overflowing. If I’m in meetings in my Office, I can hear the quiet ping that taunts me with the information that yet another is waiting to be answered.

We’re thinking about giving all students a printer limit- beyond which they will be able to go by paying privately. It would be fair because we’d set the limit at what is realistically needed for coursework. Much of the work students do can be uploaded onto the VLE where teachers can gain easy access to assess it- another new world.

Meanwhile big brother technology is featured in a TV programme to be broadcast in January. The data system that we use to manage our behaviour information was under the spotlight. Susan Groves played a starring role with one of her favourite English groups who, I’m told, behaved superbly as always. Her lesson planning took time, but not as long as deciding what to wear for the TV cameras!

The Tor was filmed and some disgruntled teenagers who had been parked were invited to give their views. “I like it here,” boasted one , "because it’s warm and quiet." Wait until I see the programme and find out who it was. We can block book him in to the Tor for the rest of his days. And he can forget about having an ipod-style laptop in with him! Did I say like universities or like prisons?

Mountain Bike Trials

They say that fear is made more powerful by the imagination. Well as I lay down in the Sports Hall today (note all students the level of obedience and co-operation modelled for you), I had no idea what to expect.

The live cycling demo using high jumps, twists, climbs and descents had brought the audience to loud applause and cheers. And rightly so. Our guest riders were enormously skilled, displaying a rare talent that they nurture with at least 30 hours training a week. Don’t forget that, Year 11 when you’re planning your revision for the mock exams.

To the spooky music of Dr. Who they literally flew around the Sports Hall on their bikes, hardly ever appearing to pedal them. The highest level rig was a dazzling 2.5 metres and the skill in controlling the bike as well as the physical strength and precision of movement were amazing. Astonished, we watched, willing them to succeed, anxious about what could happen if the tyre slipped and they fell. They never put a wheel wrong.

Then it was my turn. ‘A quick jump over you,’ Steve Dinnie had said lightly a few weeks ago. In fact, I’d seen it on some video footage shown in assembly. No problem. It hadn’t been mentioned since and I thought the idea had been forgotten. They tricked me.

Now Andrei Burton, a 21 year old, is Britain’s top mountain bike trial champion, world Elite no 6 and number 2 ranked rider in Europe. He’s a total professional and an inspiration. His work on the bike shows the huge amount of power needed to pull it over obstacles, and the balance and control to secure and hold seemingly impossible positions.

But I wasn’t expecting Andrei and bike to jump from a great height and to land with his wheels on either side of me. He then did several spins and twists over me, with pinpoint precision. He was even able to offer words of reassurance and talk to me as he moved, apologising for catching the tip of a shoe. I was so impressed and absorbed by his confidence, I had no time to think about what could go wrong. And anyway, he was insured, wasn’t he?

So I now know that the only way to truly appreciate the level of skill is to watch it from below. I understand there may be a return visit for the half of the school that were not able to be there. I must invite others to enjoy the experience of a life time- like knives thrown at a spinning target, only more dangerous. So the big question…who will volunteer next time? Nice one for the Director of Sport? No need to worry- fear is all in the imagination and, of course, the cyclist is insured.

Big Brother Is Reading You

A French character in last year’s production caused endless security problems because of her name. You see Securus sends an automatic alert to the Assistant Head who acts as Big Brother to the school’s ICT and Network system. Whenever children or even members of staff use the Internet to search out potentially offensive material or use inappropriate language such as swear words, the system sends an automatic alert to Big Brother. The character in the play was called Fanny. But we never told the director about the alarms she regularly triggered.

The system is expensive but invaluable. It provides passive monitoring of the most effective kind. No one can claim they are being watched- unless they do something wrong, or at least capable of misinterpretation. A teacher, for example, researching a topic on racism for a History class might prompt the alert. Similarly, song lyrics down loaded for Music can be a trigger point.

Not that this is a problem- we prefer a sensitive system that we can ignore if we need to. The on screen alert reads: ‘ severe violations are pending.’ Our censor then logs into Securus and can read the exact date and time of the potential offence and the actual computer. It applies to lap tops and use both in school and at home. A click to view option allows him to see what the material is and make a decision about whether there is the need to follow it up.

If a child uses emails to be offensive, the system will pick it up. Two students have had their access rights withdrawn because of their hacking skills, even though they are taking ICT GCSE. Securus tracked them down. A couple of years ago we had a data leak but the system identified the computer immediately and we were able to find the culprit within hours and limit the damage caused.

It’s an effective deterrent and allows us to sleep easily, knowing that INTERNET violations can’t take place undetected. But it can give Big Brother some privileged inside information. Recently someone used inappropriate language in an email that told us of a secret she was about to break. Yes- she was pregnant and no- it wasn’t Fanny.

ALL DIETERS NOW

A new Government report claims that the next generation, today’s South Dartmoor students, may lead shorter lives than their parents. The cause: over-eating, being over-weight – obesity. Since this is bound to become the responsibility of schools (aren’t we to blame for all society’s ills?), I am expecting a new Government target to sort the problem.

In the School Performance Tables, published annually, next to the number of students gaining five A*-C passes at GCSE, we may soon see a column to judge the weight of students in each school. Why? Well the Government has always believed if it moves they should measure it. And this is certainly a measurable target. The higher the average weight of the year group, the lower the success rate of the school.

Nervous headteachers around the country will be waiting with fingers crossed in the summer to hear not just how many GCSEs their students have gained but how they score on the bathroom scales. I can hear the OFSTED inspector now asking for data on body mass ratios. Schools may be put into special measures because they fail the obesity target.

Staff this week have also had their own weigh-in sessions or at least this is what they’re being described as by one senior educationalist. All teachers, we are told, should come to share practice and exchange ideas on a regular basis, in the way that Weight Watchers support groups work. Well, we have introduced what we are calling Learning Hubs – on teaching not eating. The Hubs were a great success because of the lead from our teacher assistants and some excellent choreography from Rachael Hutchinson. Does she still teach Dance?

Meanwhile in Assembly this week, Phil Randall also took on a lead role, giving an Oscar winning performance, portraying a younger me driving through rural Africa in the 1970s. To be fair, this was pure improvisation and actually he didn’t look anything like me, but I am not going to mention flab in this paragraph.

But, there have been some naughty distractions. In order to persuade staff to offer evaluations on the Performance Management Scheme, Nat Parnell is providing chocolate bar rewards. Large bars of obesity-creating confectionary are now appearing in staff pigeon holes.

At the Governors’ session this week, healthy vegetables and dips kept us munching through the meeting. There was much discussion of new dining facilities to help us improve the quality of life for students

The new cycle initiatives, the extensive range of clubs and activities, Scoffers’ healthy food and the fact that no-one at South Dartmoor ever sits still, all suggest to me that we might do rather well in the Obesity League Table targets. I might even write to the Government to propose they introduce them soon. Bring it on.

The First Blog Standard Comprehensive?

The forensic team from the Science Department have this week been trying to solve a mystery. Someone has taken the ultra modern, beautifully designed school notepaper and performed an act of vandalism.

Instead of the neat, crisp lines and clutter free, 21st century image, a heap of logos has been scattered over the bottom of the page by some amateur graffiti artist. Even worse, The Sports College and Arts mark Gold logos have been defiled by the presence of new symbols.

Year 8 parents this week received letters printed on what looked like official South Dartmoor paper. But soon the phone lines were blocked with puzzled parents trying to find out what the new designs meant for their children’s education. Good question.

Creator of the original paper, graphics expert, Martin Burt- the man who has single handedly changed the meaning of the controversial term, intelligent design- will today join the Science Department to see if the culprit can be tracked down.

One theory is that this may be the first example of artificial intelligence at work. Richard Penhale, ICT Systems Manager believes this might really be a South Dartmoor first. Could it be the computer wot done it?

We are, of course, proud to be one of the very first Sports Colleges (only six in the country when we attended our first national conference in Loughborough eleven years ago). So that logo goes on.


Then there’s our training school, again one of the first and really making an impact. Arts mark gold is a third time winner- nine solid years of excellence. We haven’t even recognised our leading edge status (in the first selection again) or Trust- the first in Devon and only thirty on the scene so far.

So where do all the logos go? We tried adding them on to the paper a few years ago and there was no space left to write anything. We could still add some new ones gained recently. Each one represents significant achievement.

For example, why don’t we include SIMS Reference Site? Well, er … hands up if you know what it means. Or there’s the BECTA ICT Mark. Shall we test you on that one? Investor in Careers- that’s a bit too easy to guess. Investor in Work Related and Enterprise Learning? That one almost fills the blog, never mind the note paper. Then there’s Investor in People… Investor in ……….

Yes we want to celebrate achievement and a school that aspires must surely inspire its students. Even this blog, I’m told by my colleagues, is a first- so while we’re definitely not bog standard we may soon be blog standard. In all the best mystery stories, you have to wait to hear who done it. So answers on an email (postcards definitely not accepted) to Peter Kensington who may even, at this very minute be teaching a Year 11 class some forensic Science. Got him!

Anything Goes

My wife has a thing about food combinations. While I love to experiment (what’s wrong with curry-flavoured ice cream anyway?) she rejects any two flavours if she thinks they don’t go.

This week the topic of food in school has been exercising our minds. It’s not just that the seagull invasion has become an epidemic. Waste food scavenging from these air-born predators is actually reaching scary levels. We could soon see one of our little Year Sevens swept into the skies- not sure if we’ve ticked the box for this on the health and safety check list. We need to confine the eating to one or two areas, preferably indoors. But we scratched our heads in despair at the likely, and therefore impossible, cost of a new dining facility for our students. So back to the drawing board- and even that will cost me in architect’s fees! Scoffers can provide such great food. It’s a pity students have to eat on the hoof because of our limited dining facility. In Italy they sell: “walking ice creams”, a description of food sold to eat as you go. On this score almost all we sell is “walking food” and it’s converted into “flying food” as students throw down their litter. Anything that’s biodegradable is swept up just minutes after it’s dropped. The seagull outside my window a few minutes ago was tucking into a packet of bacon crisps and a tasty-looking chicken wrap. Do they go together?


We’ve had guests here from the Ministry of Education in Bangkok. It was great to be reminded of the tastes and sounds of Thailand. How do the Thais manage to be so cheerful always- ever smiling and accommodating? Perhaps the fantastic food and the time devoted to doing it justice helps. We have all been given beautiful badges which represent the 60 year reign of the much revered King of Thailand. Some staff wore the beautiful red silk shirts given as presents on their last visit to the country. Personally, I think Steve Dinnie could start a new fashion trend for the smart/casual man-about-town. A new silky soft image for him?

I remember the amazing food combinations out there and wonder, as we eat lunch together, what they make of our traditional bread and butter pudding. They all try it and are impressed. Julie Ingham-Hill confesses that she has never eaten it before! I think it’s the most delicious one I’ve ever tasted- but I did cheat and put some custard on the fruit salad. Don’t tell my wife.

Later, as I glance out of the window, I see another giant seagull fly past carrying something that looks suspiciously like Judith Morgan…….now who’s going to health and safety check that?

"Open Sesame"

Open Day this week: we run two sessions during the day so prospective parents can see us in action. Both the presentations were packed- but the morning was standing room only with parents even having to sit on the gallery steps as we were so short of space. Year 7s, who have been with us only 3 weeks, acted as guides, showing just how quickly they have settled in and how knowledgeable about the school they are. I overheard one boy speaking with great authority to a group of parents about the detention system. Had he experienced that already?

This year we used the Website as a live link to illustrate the presentations. It’s a rich source of information and we put a lot of time into keeping up-to-date. In theory anything you need to know should be featured- and more besides.

Phil, our technician, strolled in half asleep just before we started, hunting for leads, loading his computer and pressing buttons. “My computer’s just crashed,” he whispered reassuringly as I stood up to speak! My reply is unprintable.

But it worked. Once on line, we were able to click onto photos, bulletins, policies and systems. What a treasure trove. How did we function without it? In these re-cycling aware times, it’s great not to have to print any paper. No trees died as a result of Open Day this year. As for the Prospectus, if size mattered, it would be a disaster. In fact, if Martin Burt reduces it further, we’ll need to give away a free microscope with each one.

The Internet has changed our lives. A colleague tells me that 12 years ago, when he began teaching, he used his new head teacher’s Christian name and was firmly rebuked: ‘Mr’ was the correct form of address. Now, staff can send and receive emails at all times of the day and night. Sometimes an issue, that might have taken several meetings to resolve, has been sorted on the over-night email trail. From the formality of surnames to the immediacy of email speak- quite a shift in culture.

As for the prospective parents and likely new students, none of us can predict the changes in education that technology will bring by the time they reach Year 12. We won’t return to paper, that’s for sure. The Learning Gateway will be a big feature. What else could we possibly want the Internet to do? Our Website is, literally, all-singing, all-dancing. Ralph Wickenden and John Whitehead see to that. The treasure trove will grow.

"On the Internet, nobody knows you're a dog."

But we’ll always need technicians, and they’ll need sleep, so we’ll never eliminate the possibility of human error. Can someone just give Mr Widdeson a nudge?

How Many Senior Staff does it take to Change a Light Bulb?

It’s Thursday morning again (already). The Management Team are gathering at 8.20 for their caffeine fix in the Conference Room before our weekly scheduled meeting. We manage to cover three or four times as much, at this time, when we’re all fresh, as in end of school meetings.

As 9.00 draws near and the sounds of students outside can be heard, we hurry on through the business, aware that there is another important role for us outside the room. If we are all in here, who is outside looking after things….?

Today’s discussion is about that controversial topic, homework, or home learning as we call it, to use the latest educational jargon. We are a leading edge school, after all. Please don’t laugh- this one is too painful. Any OFSTED inspector will tell you that homework comes out as a negative on most homework consultations with parents. Why? Well some will say there is not enough set. Some will argue that there is far too much. If only we had a Goldilock’s response- ‘Not too hot and not too cold- just right.’ But this is a topic to raise rather than cool temperatures.

So the big question is: how to set a timetable that parents can follow, teachers can use and students will confess to. Sounds easy? Well think about this. There are over 30 different classes running each hour just in Key Stage 3. Each teacher has a different homework (oopps.. home learning) setting day and another day on which they will collect the work for marking or check it’s been done. Then there are the students. They will have yet another day, perhaps the weekend, when they get down to doing the tasks set. How do we record all this in a formal way that makes sense and allows us to be credible in doing what we say we will?

We’ve tried the ‘setting as required’ approach. It’s very sound educationally but a nightmare to check on and leaves so much to the student’s good organisation and will power. The forced night fixing (everyone will do Maths on Tuesday) is equally insane because the nights never match up to the slots and everyone ends up confused- especially the poor teachers.

Today we bat around the two approaches- laissez faire or lock-in. We’ve decided lock in is the only safe bet, when someone comes up with a genius of an idea- an individualised home learning (actually the jargon is personalised) timetable for each student! What’s more, it will even include action plans to reflect other pressures on students during the week- clubs and activities. We’ll state the night it’s set and required but they can chose, within these boundaries, when to do it and so create, with tutors, their personalised home learning timetables. There, I’ve got all the jargon in that last sentence!

A week later and grids for setting and deadlines are stuck firmly in Planners. Tutors are supporting the students as they write up their timetables. It’s surprising how many subjects are planned into Sundays.

So how many senior leaders did it take to change that particular light bulb? Well, about 30 but no one seems to change light bulbs these days- must be the new low energy types but that’s not a characteristic we’d recognise here.