daytime tv is rubbish. fact 8.3.13
Having sat for a second day at home with a face like a hamster, here's me trying to lose weight, I know now that work is the best place to be, no matter how difficult it can be sometimes or with the knowledge of work piling up, daytime TV is rubbish. This is why I am working instead. I'm a flicker, I cannot stand it when it becomes boring. After a morning treat of Sarah Beeney, it has descended into a durge of diggers, rubbish houses and cooking programmes with non celebrities clinging onto their moments of fame. I will state again, daytime TV is rubbish!!!!
Whilst I cannot comment in detail on everything that has happened in school over the last two days. I can say that yesterday was a brilliant day. How do I know? Simple! The power of technology. I had my twitter feed on all day and whilst I could only see out of one eye, the amount of tweets was amazing, it felt as though I was in school experiencing what the children were doing. I know what the school diary holds and this allows me to comment on the different events but not being in the school would usually mean you cannot see in those four walls. This is our whole purpose of using technology to promote the school. It is our way of breaking down the walls of our school and allowing all our followers access to our school and our experiences. To compare teaching today with the way which in I was taught is like comparing Man City with Aston Villa, they are worlds apart. In terms of Numeracy, I remember filling in page after page in my Beta Maths booklets and only disturbing the teacher when I had finished that page. I don't see that as teaching and I struggle to recall being taught (maybe it's my age) I expect my teachers to teach, to inspire and to educate. This is the only way that our profession will raise its status in this country.
So a great day yesterday and another underway today. The first of three class assemblies, with class 4W treating everyone to a mixture of song and dance and brilliant acting. Great to see the mini beasts being finished in Year 6. Class 10M have been visiting Ashend House Farm and we hope to see many photographs from their day, as yet we have had no uploads but I'm sure we will.
As we move towards another weekend, It is always time to reflect on the previous week and ask ourselves whether we have given our best in the last week. We look at what experiences we have given our children and how they have embraced what we have been teaching them. Could we have done things differently? Of course we can. We can always do things differently but would they have the same impact? Why not ask your children what they have learnt this week and what are their best memories. Be positive in asking them about what they have enjoyed this week, this could result in building a memories diary for a day, week, month and year. Whilst it won't always be positive, this is something to fall back on when times do get difficult as well as being a superb record of memories during their time at LGJS.
It is nearly time to publish this blog, but wanted to quickly say that both of my young uns got super reports at their Parents Evening, it was great to hear how they have progressed recently and that is down to the hardwork they have put in as well as the direction of their own school.
That's it, have fun and definitely back to work on Monday, I cannot stand it any longer!!!!!
Have a great weekend everyone.
PS. An additional slideshow from Class 10M's visit to the farm
Weekly Blog from class 4S
http://lgjs4d.blogspot.co.uk
Whilst I cannot comment in detail on everything that has happened in school over the last two days. I can say that yesterday was a brilliant day. How do I know? Simple! The power of technology. I had my twitter feed on all day and whilst I could only see out of one eye, the amount of tweets was amazing, it felt as though I was in school experiencing what the children were doing. I know what the school diary holds and this allows me to comment on the different events but not being in the school would usually mean you cannot see in those four walls. This is our whole purpose of using technology to promote the school. It is our way of breaking down the walls of our school and allowing all our followers access to our school and our experiences. To compare teaching today with the way which in I was taught is like comparing Man City with Aston Villa, they are worlds apart. In terms of Numeracy, I remember filling in page after page in my Beta Maths booklets and only disturbing the teacher when I had finished that page. I don't see that as teaching and I struggle to recall being taught (maybe it's my age) I expect my teachers to teach, to inspire and to educate. This is the only way that our profession will raise its status in this country.
So a great day yesterday and another underway today. The first of three class assemblies, with class 4W treating everyone to a mixture of song and dance and brilliant acting. Great to see the mini beasts being finished in Year 6. Class 10M have been visiting Ashend House Farm and we hope to see many photographs from their day, as yet we have had no uploads but I'm sure we will.
As we move towards another weekend, It is always time to reflect on the previous week and ask ourselves whether we have given our best in the last week. We look at what experiences we have given our children and how they have embraced what we have been teaching them. Could we have done things differently? Of course we can. We can always do things differently but would they have the same impact? Why not ask your children what they have learnt this week and what are their best memories. Be positive in asking them about what they have enjoyed this week, this could result in building a memories diary for a day, week, month and year. Whilst it won't always be positive, this is something to fall back on when times do get difficult as well as being a superb record of memories during their time at LGJS.
It is nearly time to publish this blog, but wanted to quickly say that both of my young uns got super reports at their Parents Evening, it was great to hear how they have progressed recently and that is down to the hardwork they have put in as well as the direction of their own school.
That's it, have fun and definitely back to work on Monday, I cannot stand it any longer!!!!!
Have a great weekend everyone.
PS. An additional slideshow from Class 10M's visit to the farm
Weekly Blog from class 4S
http://lgjs4d.blogspot.co.uk
Bowling Ball face, chewing on a Tennis ball 7.3.13
Unfortunately, there will be no blog this evening, even though writing this is a contradiction. The reason why I am not blogging is down to the fact that I have not been into work today as I woke up with a face like a bowling ball. It appears I have a tooth abcess which has meant that I have swollen up. Trying to smile looks odd(some would say that I never smile anyway) So, sorry painkillers etc need to kick in. I will do a double blog tomorrow as School went Twitter mad and I do not want you to miss out on the Photographs.
Right time for more tablets to stop me looking like Huxley Pig. Have fun!
Right time for more tablets to stop me looking like Huxley Pig. Have fun!
Get me an application form now 6.3.13
Can you please just stop! No, I mean it. I don't need any more wall suggestions. Thank you. Your suggestions really have made me feel ultra special. The nerd/geek impression that I am really giving off has been well and truly enhanced by you all. Thank you, but the wall in Kings Heath is far superior to The Great Wall of China.
Today has not been mundane, I made a point to ensure that it wasn't and it was topped off with a trip swimming with the children. I would like to thank the staff for encouraging the children to splash me with the bonus of 10 team points. You will be rewarded for your endeavors with your P45 in the morning. Such Fun! Actually it was great fun, it took me back to the days of teaching swimming at Northfield baths, such an experience. I am going to look at my diary and see if I can fit it in every week. I'm sure Miss Doyle will not be threatened in any way by my presence. Get me an application form now!
As we are now in the next stage of the curriculum topic, our teachers are now introducing different skills that build on from previous learning. It is having a huge impact on the learning of the children and speaking to the children this afternoon, they are loving what they are doing.
The magnificent seven were in magnificent form today in trying their hardest to confuzzle my brain. They succeeded. We are basically trying to work out multiplication questions of 2 digits by 1 digit. If we don't know our times tables we then have to provide them with strategies for how to work them out. I am a real stickler for logical ordering and this helped today but not with everyone. Sadly, I am at meetings for the next two mornings across the City so I cannot have them. It will give us all a chance to recharge our batteries and our mathematical strategies.
Loads of great things happening in school today, mess, mess and more mess. See the pictures below to see what has been happening, I love it.
Now you know I don't do this for comments but wow Mrs. Pitt, she leapt on the boring blog last night with a list of things that I could have spoken about,from the grape throwing anarchist to bribery. Sadly, this does not include the children and only includes herself. Yes she is a dead eye with a grape and yes she tried to bribe me, but I resisted. I had will power.
I would like to thank the parent that sent me the most humbling comment I have read, you really cheered me up last night, but I didn't think my simple words would have such an impact. Thank you!
I am having to keep the blog fairly short tonight as I have Parents Evening for both of my children. It is always fun to go and listen to other teachers. Do they know I'm a HT, sadly yes because little geek has told them all. An example of this is when I walked into an Inspire Workshop and all the children turned around and shouted 'here is the HT!' I felt so sorry for the teacher.
Anyway a much better day today, no favourite walls this evening as it only leads to ridicule. End it now please! Or I will have to return to boring blogs.
Quick quiz question. How long is The Great Wall of China?
Today has not been mundane, I made a point to ensure that it wasn't and it was topped off with a trip swimming with the children. I would like to thank the staff for encouraging the children to splash me with the bonus of 10 team points. You will be rewarded for your endeavors with your P45 in the morning. Such Fun! Actually it was great fun, it took me back to the days of teaching swimming at Northfield baths, such an experience. I am going to look at my diary and see if I can fit it in every week. I'm sure Miss Doyle will not be threatened in any way by my presence. Get me an application form now!
As we are now in the next stage of the curriculum topic, our teachers are now introducing different skills that build on from previous learning. It is having a huge impact on the learning of the children and speaking to the children this afternoon, they are loving what they are doing.
The magnificent seven were in magnificent form today in trying their hardest to confuzzle my brain. They succeeded. We are basically trying to work out multiplication questions of 2 digits by 1 digit. If we don't know our times tables we then have to provide them with strategies for how to work them out. I am a real stickler for logical ordering and this helped today but not with everyone. Sadly, I am at meetings for the next two mornings across the City so I cannot have them. It will give us all a chance to recharge our batteries and our mathematical strategies.
Loads of great things happening in school today, mess, mess and more mess. See the pictures below to see what has been happening, I love it.
Now you know I don't do this for comments but wow Mrs. Pitt, she leapt on the boring blog last night with a list of things that I could have spoken about,from the grape throwing anarchist to bribery. Sadly, this does not include the children and only includes herself. Yes she is a dead eye with a grape and yes she tried to bribe me, but I resisted. I had will power.
I would like to thank the parent that sent me the most humbling comment I have read, you really cheered me up last night, but I didn't think my simple words would have such an impact. Thank you!
I am having to keep the blog fairly short tonight as I have Parents Evening for both of my children. It is always fun to go and listen to other teachers. Do they know I'm a HT, sadly yes because little geek has told them all. An example of this is when I walked into an Inspire Workshop and all the children turned around and shouted 'here is the HT!' I felt so sorry for the teacher.
Anyway a much better day today, no favourite walls this evening as it only leads to ridicule. End it now please! Or I will have to return to boring blogs.
Quick quiz question. How long is The Great Wall of China?
Words of wisdom 5.3.13
Today I have none. I have not moved. Today was mundane, yes things happened, but I am sure you all can recognise one of those days whereby in your workplace that you have jobs to do and you just have to get on with it. That day, was this day. It was a day for doing. It was a day for managing not leading. It was a mundane day.
Wow, I'm really depressing myself with this durge, but sadly it wasn't fun. I suppose we all have those types of days and sitting at home reflecting on the day that has just happened, as I do, I won't reflect or analyse too long. Move on, get a grip and look forward to a wonderful Wednesday.
The best thing about today was the arrival of the magnificent 7, however,that wasn't the most successful session in the world, we seem to have hit a stumbling block. However, there is nothing that we cannot be overcome, so I will look at what we did this evening and look at how i can do it differently so that we remove the stumbling blocks and then we can move on. I suppose teaching is a reflection of what life is like. We often face problems and they are not solved straight away, so you sit back look at how you can doit differently and then try another route. The end result being a grin when you have managed.
I would like to use the blog to say well done to the girls football team last night, a tense match that finished 3 all and finally won by LGJS on penalties 3-1. I believe that the school were trying to close up around the match, glad we stuck by our team spirit. Very proud of you all.
I love the complexity of schools most of the time....... Wow I am scraping the barrel here and will save it for another time. Just to say that a very short blog. Well done to Tom on his appearance at the Villa last night, even I was jumping around at home pointing him out. Such a shame that his team lost to mine. Actually no it isn't. The Villa fans had gone back into their shells today after giving it very large for a few days.
I have just returned from picking my eldest up from Brownies (yes the taxi run has started at an early age) and I have reread the blog. I only have one word to say, sorry. It isn't fun or funny and certainly isn't lively, so if you have got to this point already, well done you have stick ability, or you need to take a deep breath and talk to real people. My day can be summed up by the fact little geek has found me very amusing whilst queuing in traffic in the middle of Kings Heath, I've turned to her and I genuinely said 'I love that wall.' Some days I think thoughts and they shouldn't come out. I genuinely do like the wall, it has been well built but now I am being ridiculed for the randomness of my comment. I certainly don't know where she gets it from.
So because this blog is about LGJS and not my treacle world of existence, I suppose I should mention it more.......
Well not tonight. I'm just dragging this out longer than it should be.
The answer to last nights quiz question was..... Lots.
One last point, seeing as though we have many northern readers, and that we are an inclusive school, I have been investigating getting this blog translated so that they can understand it. I will try and do a version where the vowels are stretched and their sounds are flattened. I was going to do a version so that Mrs. P could understand, but it just would come out as noise.
That's it, I will try and make it more jolly tomorrow, when for part of the day I will be a Teaching Assistant going swimming. Any tips will greatly be appreciated.
Such fun my digital friends, I'm off to looks at walls. If anyone would like to suggest one the please leave me a comment
Wow, I'm really depressing myself with this durge, but sadly it wasn't fun. I suppose we all have those types of days and sitting at home reflecting on the day that has just happened, as I do, I won't reflect or analyse too long. Move on, get a grip and look forward to a wonderful Wednesday.
The best thing about today was the arrival of the magnificent 7, however,that wasn't the most successful session in the world, we seem to have hit a stumbling block. However, there is nothing that we cannot be overcome, so I will look at what we did this evening and look at how i can do it differently so that we remove the stumbling blocks and then we can move on. I suppose teaching is a reflection of what life is like. We often face problems and they are not solved straight away, so you sit back look at how you can doit differently and then try another route. The end result being a grin when you have managed.
I would like to use the blog to say well done to the girls football team last night, a tense match that finished 3 all and finally won by LGJS on penalties 3-1. I believe that the school were trying to close up around the match, glad we stuck by our team spirit. Very proud of you all.
I love the complexity of schools most of the time....... Wow I am scraping the barrel here and will save it for another time. Just to say that a very short blog. Well done to Tom on his appearance at the Villa last night, even I was jumping around at home pointing him out. Such a shame that his team lost to mine. Actually no it isn't. The Villa fans had gone back into their shells today after giving it very large for a few days.
I have just returned from picking my eldest up from Brownies (yes the taxi run has started at an early age) and I have reread the blog. I only have one word to say, sorry. It isn't fun or funny and certainly isn't lively, so if you have got to this point already, well done you have stick ability, or you need to take a deep breath and talk to real people. My day can be summed up by the fact little geek has found me very amusing whilst queuing in traffic in the middle of Kings Heath, I've turned to her and I genuinely said 'I love that wall.' Some days I think thoughts and they shouldn't come out. I genuinely do like the wall, it has been well built but now I am being ridiculed for the randomness of my comment. I certainly don't know where she gets it from.
So because this blog is about LGJS and not my treacle world of existence, I suppose I should mention it more.......
Well not tonight. I'm just dragging this out longer than it should be.
The answer to last nights quiz question was..... Lots.
One last point, seeing as though we have many northern readers, and that we are an inclusive school, I have been investigating getting this blog translated so that they can understand it. I will try and do a version where the vowels are stretched and their sounds are flattened. I was going to do a version so that Mrs. P could understand, but it just would come out as noise.
That's it, I will try and make it more jolly tomorrow, when for part of the day I will be a Teaching Assistant going swimming. Any tips will greatly be appreciated.
Such fun my digital friends, I'm off to looks at walls. If anyone would like to suggest one the please leave me a comment
Learning from children 4.3.13
You're one Dynamite Gal!
Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.
(Oh the places you'll go by Dr. Seuss)
Welcome back, I hope you all had a fine weekend. I seem to have a spring in my step this morning and the only thing I can attribute it to is the weather. I'm a sunshine person and need the sun, I think it brings the best out of everyone as the warmth radiates through everything that we do. After battling with youngest on that trickiest of subjects before school, getting dressed, it felt good to breathe the fresh air and feel the warmth of the sun. So another week starts and soon it will be gone. I don't wish my time away, but time really does creep up on you and in a flash it will be the end of another week.
I just love the picture at the top of the blog today and the excerpt from the Dr. Seuss book 'Oh the places you'll go.' I was lucky to be able to go and see the film Wreck it Ralph during the last half term holiday, now usually I moan about going to the Cinema, but I loved it. Disney really do great films, yes they always have a message. (Spoiler alert) In this film, Ralph, who wrecks things really doesn't want to be a bad guy anymore, he wants a medal, so he seeks other video games where he may get a reward. He comes across Vanellope who wants to be a racer, but has been classed as a glitch. Enough, the message from the film is that whilst Ralph considers himself to be a bad guy, the bond he creates with Vanellope and the help and support he gives her shows that internally he can be good. He sums it all up by saying
Turns out I don't need a medal to tell me I'm a good guy. Because if that little kid likes me... How bad can I be...?
Whilst Vanellope says:
Ralph's my man......my main man.
That seeking of approval is key to the way in which we all inherently work, and it is the aspiration to succeed that drives us forward. I included the Dr. Seuss excerpt because I found myself reading it to my youngest yesterday and it was quite an inspirational text, upon further research it seem that it is given to graduates on their graduation day. Finding your own direction in life is difficult, being guided and supported helps but in the end, it all culminates in the desire to succeed in life. It is our job as educators to help direct and support children so that they want to succeed and feel that they can climb any metaphorical mountain, meaning that success is in their own hands. The hardest thing to ever explain to pupils is that the effort that you put in now will be rewarded in the future. A difficult concept to understand, but we all will make mistakes in our own lives and this will be part of the direction we take in life.
A quick response to the hottest curry in the world. There is conflicting reports but one is apparently called the widower. Here is a link to it, funnily enough it features a Dr. Rothwell. It may not be the definitive answer to the question as it is a very competitive area.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4726533/doctor-tackles-worlds-hottest-curry.html
I know it is in The Sun!!!!
Ok, enough rambling about curries, it is making me hungry. Back to the real world. Lyndon Green Junior School. A frantic morning, started with the return of the Magnificent 6. It was great to have them back and after a quick discussion with Tom about how he was going to be a mascot for the Villa vs. Man. City game live on Sky tonight, it was back down to multiplication and finding ways to increase their understanding. An interesting session, I am now slightly greyer than I was before. How is it that when you have 300 and 10 and you are asked to add them together you get 130, I know because of place value but that is something that we have worked on and worked on. Therefore, using a movie fx app on my ipad it came time to reduce the number to the magnificent 5. We had a really good giggle about maths today and especially what happens if you make daft answers. They now all want to be blown up with a meteorite. Time for seriousness and no it's not acceptable to get answers wrong just so you can be blown up.
Following Numeracy it was time for a catch up with Mrs. P. If you remember she is a lady of leisure on a Friday, not a care in the world and then Mondays she waltzes back in to pick us all up with tales of luxurious pampering and scottish colloquialisms. Such fun. In truth it is always good to talk pedagogy with her as we bounce ideas off each other, she usually agrees with me though!!!! (Such trouble)
The rest of my day was spent on paperwork and answering emails. Not very glamorous I know. Whilst I was doing this, the rest of the school was very focussed on their learning, the start of Forest School again after the break and the sound of brains working hard on new texts and new mathematical ideas. Not many pictures from school today so a brief slideshow underneath. It is full of challenges for the children in 10M, pictures from Forest School and difficult Numeracy.
One thing I want to mention is that at our school we really do try and support local charities as well as national ones. I am sure you all recall our Harvest Festival food was given to a charity in Solihull called Helping Hands, they then distribute the goods out to those in need. We have decided to team up with them again to collect food on a regular basis so that we make a longer term commitment to them rather than just once a year. It is my pleasure to say a huge well done to Bethany and Ben for co-ordinating the whole thing, from making phonecalls to delivering the assembly. These actions make us all in school very proud.
In quick OAP news i received a phone call from them on Friday, they did complain about how they had taken time out from watching reruns of Jeremy Kyle to make the call. I am so lucky aren't I?
Quick quiz question tonight. How many nanometers are in a metre?
Time to go, have fun everyone and keep your fingers crossed for City vs Villa. I will.
Quick plug for this blog from Class 4D
http://lgjs4d.blogspot.co.uk
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.
(Oh the places you'll go by Dr. Seuss)
Welcome back, I hope you all had a fine weekend. I seem to have a spring in my step this morning and the only thing I can attribute it to is the weather. I'm a sunshine person and need the sun, I think it brings the best out of everyone as the warmth radiates through everything that we do. After battling with youngest on that trickiest of subjects before school, getting dressed, it felt good to breathe the fresh air and feel the warmth of the sun. So another week starts and soon it will be gone. I don't wish my time away, but time really does creep up on you and in a flash it will be the end of another week.
I just love the picture at the top of the blog today and the excerpt from the Dr. Seuss book 'Oh the places you'll go.' I was lucky to be able to go and see the film Wreck it Ralph during the last half term holiday, now usually I moan about going to the Cinema, but I loved it. Disney really do great films, yes they always have a message. (Spoiler alert) In this film, Ralph, who wrecks things really doesn't want to be a bad guy anymore, he wants a medal, so he seeks other video games where he may get a reward. He comes across Vanellope who wants to be a racer, but has been classed as a glitch. Enough, the message from the film is that whilst Ralph considers himself to be a bad guy, the bond he creates with Vanellope and the help and support he gives her shows that internally he can be good. He sums it all up by saying
Turns out I don't need a medal to tell me I'm a good guy. Because if that little kid likes me... How bad can I be...?
Whilst Vanellope says:
Ralph's my man......my main man.
That seeking of approval is key to the way in which we all inherently work, and it is the aspiration to succeed that drives us forward. I included the Dr. Seuss excerpt because I found myself reading it to my youngest yesterday and it was quite an inspirational text, upon further research it seem that it is given to graduates on their graduation day. Finding your own direction in life is difficult, being guided and supported helps but in the end, it all culminates in the desire to succeed in life. It is our job as educators to help direct and support children so that they want to succeed and feel that they can climb any metaphorical mountain, meaning that success is in their own hands. The hardest thing to ever explain to pupils is that the effort that you put in now will be rewarded in the future. A difficult concept to understand, but we all will make mistakes in our own lives and this will be part of the direction we take in life.
A quick response to the hottest curry in the world. There is conflicting reports but one is apparently called the widower. Here is a link to it, funnily enough it features a Dr. Rothwell. It may not be the definitive answer to the question as it is a very competitive area.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4726533/doctor-tackles-worlds-hottest-curry.html
I know it is in The Sun!!!!
Ok, enough rambling about curries, it is making me hungry. Back to the real world. Lyndon Green Junior School. A frantic morning, started with the return of the Magnificent 6. It was great to have them back and after a quick discussion with Tom about how he was going to be a mascot for the Villa vs. Man. City game live on Sky tonight, it was back down to multiplication and finding ways to increase their understanding. An interesting session, I am now slightly greyer than I was before. How is it that when you have 300 and 10 and you are asked to add them together you get 130, I know because of place value but that is something that we have worked on and worked on. Therefore, using a movie fx app on my ipad it came time to reduce the number to the magnificent 5. We had a really good giggle about maths today and especially what happens if you make daft answers. They now all want to be blown up with a meteorite. Time for seriousness and no it's not acceptable to get answers wrong just so you can be blown up.
Following Numeracy it was time for a catch up with Mrs. P. If you remember she is a lady of leisure on a Friday, not a care in the world and then Mondays she waltzes back in to pick us all up with tales of luxurious pampering and scottish colloquialisms. Such fun. In truth it is always good to talk pedagogy with her as we bounce ideas off each other, she usually agrees with me though!!!! (Such trouble)
The rest of my day was spent on paperwork and answering emails. Not very glamorous I know. Whilst I was doing this, the rest of the school was very focussed on their learning, the start of Forest School again after the break and the sound of brains working hard on new texts and new mathematical ideas. Not many pictures from school today so a brief slideshow underneath. It is full of challenges for the children in 10M, pictures from Forest School and difficult Numeracy.
One thing I want to mention is that at our school we really do try and support local charities as well as national ones. I am sure you all recall our Harvest Festival food was given to a charity in Solihull called Helping Hands, they then distribute the goods out to those in need. We have decided to team up with them again to collect food on a regular basis so that we make a longer term commitment to them rather than just once a year. It is my pleasure to say a huge well done to Bethany and Ben for co-ordinating the whole thing, from making phonecalls to delivering the assembly. These actions make us all in school very proud.
In quick OAP news i received a phone call from them on Friday, they did complain about how they had taken time out from watching reruns of Jeremy Kyle to make the call. I am so lucky aren't I?
Quick quiz question tonight. How many nanometers are in a metre?
Time to go, have fun everyone and keep your fingers crossed for City vs Villa. I will.
Quick plug for this blog from Class 4D
http://lgjs4d.blogspot.co.uk
Dressing up, fluttering and the solar system 1.3.13
Achievement Certificate recipients 1.3.13
Infamy, Infamy, they've all got it in for me!
Kenneth Williams as Caesar
You have my sympathy!!!! Homework!!!
After dashing home from school yesterday, cancelling swimming lessons and my best Professor Brian Cox brain in gear, I had a plan in mind of how we were going to get this gold award for little geek. I picked her up from Forest School Club, armed and ready to blitz this homework in an hour. She was in a great mood, the club had gone brilliantly and she was eager. We had a planning meeting in the front room, where I outlined my vision for the homework. I know it is her homework and not mine but when it is lastminute.com, it is all hands on deck. Ok the vision came to fruition, we had ping pong balls acting as the moon orbiting the newly painted earth. All of these were balanced on wire twisted together and placed precariously into polystyrene. It looked magnificent. All she had to do was to write a short paragraph about the model, which for Ellie is easy. Why my angst? Weeeeeelllllll, I leave the front room to go into the kitchen and upon my return the vision that I see in front of me leaves me bewildered. There is said daughter with the model on her head and her brother bashing the different planets as if playing a xylophone. I am sure you can imagine that this was not a happy dad. After counting to nearly 1,000,000, yes it took that long, I calmed down. From this moment on, homework will never be left to the last minute, especially 3d sculptures of the solar system. So, when I ask for parental views on homework and try to find out if it is a battle, it is only me reaching out for similar like minded people. Perhaps we could set up a support group!
Another week draws to a close, what a week!!! We have done everything this week that we possibly could. The children have been hither and thither (love these words) exploring, engaging and now they are digging up our garden. Every class has been actively engaged (like they should be) in inspirational lessons and activities to help launch all their topics. Today, I have been inundated with children(how dare they, my own children are presented to me in my parlour every evening for inspection reasons) bringing me fabulous work to show. I have seen volcanoes and other natural wonders as well as brilliant independent writing from Class 10M. Aasha, the most polite child in our school came to my brighten up my day with a story all about Zog. All in all it has been brilliant day from the moment I walked into school to this moment of writing my blog. Friday always starts well because it is the Achievement Certificates assembly, today was packed with parents and families coming to support their children. It makes them feel really special knowing that someone is there for them. The role models from our school today can be seen on one of the gallery pictures below. All the children were incredibly worthy of their certificates and I am very proud to be able to hand them out to brilliant representatives.
What's with the funny costumes? It is Egyptian day for Year 4 today and this has involved the best costumes we have seen ever! They really have raised the bar today. I am so impressed with everyones efforts. The children got to meet Howard Carter, looking good for 138, plus they took part in an Archaeological dig in the grounds of our school. It is amazing what you can find buried in the school grounds. The children then had to place them in time or chronological order. It has been a brilliant day and again another memory created for the children of LGJS.
Besides all these major curriculum activities we are doing those things that don't always get mentioned, such as mentoring pupils, school council activities (more on Monday) preparing for residentials as well as sourcing and informing about new ones. The school day is choc a block as it is with teaching, but then coming together to meet to ensure diaries, curriculum plans , progress meetings, IEP reviews etc fills the whole day. This isn't a moan, it is really to say that what you see in a school, really only ever is the surface, yes our main purpose is to educate but most schools offer so much more these days and it is those bits and pieces no one sees. It is not just what you see, a lot more goes on behind the scenes.(eg. scrolling through CCTV footage)
Friday evening is always the huge sigh moment, as soon as the children leave, we feel an eery silence descend across the school, yes it is replaced by the sounds of hoovers and staff talking and laughing, sharing experiences, trying their hardest to get more money for their curriculum areas or class, but it really isn't a school until 8:50 on Monday when the masses come through the doors again expecting to be inspired. It really is just a building, an impressive building but just bricks and mortar. A Friday evening for me really is collapse onto the sofa night and not speak too much. It is the evening where you try to wind down as quickly as possible, Saturday becomes total shutdown day and Sunday is the day where I start to work ready for Monday. That is it in a nutshell.
It seems that gremlins took over my computer yesterday because I was certain I set a quiz question and then a comment came in later that I had not. It seems completing it on the iPad and then refreshing it on my laptop didn't do the trick. Ah well, I can use the same question again.
What is the name of the hottest curry in the world?
In OAP news, still haven't spoke to them, however I feel that the Scottish drums will being used this evening and they may have clubbed together to find 50 pence for the payphone on their residential home corridor. They usually use it to sit and listen to the speaking clock. They seem to have this fixation with time. I don't think they have been out this week but I know they both go to classes to try and keep them agile, Zumba was mentioned to me a while ago but they thought it would be too strenuous for their needs. I will give you an update after the phone call this evening. I do think they just spin a wheel and ring the child that it lands on.
Talking of that, I might have to spin the take away wheel this evening, I know my body is a temple but tonight I may have to worship at the feet of a Chicken Sagwala or maybe cheese on toast, proper melting moments. Sorry that was a mundane piece of info I said I would never do.
Have fun everyone, keep safe. Shall we do it again on Monday?
Kenneth Williams as Caesar
You have my sympathy!!!! Homework!!!
After dashing home from school yesterday, cancelling swimming lessons and my best Professor Brian Cox brain in gear, I had a plan in mind of how we were going to get this gold award for little geek. I picked her up from Forest School Club, armed and ready to blitz this homework in an hour. She was in a great mood, the club had gone brilliantly and she was eager. We had a planning meeting in the front room, where I outlined my vision for the homework. I know it is her homework and not mine but when it is lastminute.com, it is all hands on deck. Ok the vision came to fruition, we had ping pong balls acting as the moon orbiting the newly painted earth. All of these were balanced on wire twisted together and placed precariously into polystyrene. It looked magnificent. All she had to do was to write a short paragraph about the model, which for Ellie is easy. Why my angst? Weeeeeelllllll, I leave the front room to go into the kitchen and upon my return the vision that I see in front of me leaves me bewildered. There is said daughter with the model on her head and her brother bashing the different planets as if playing a xylophone. I am sure you can imagine that this was not a happy dad. After counting to nearly 1,000,000, yes it took that long, I calmed down. From this moment on, homework will never be left to the last minute, especially 3d sculptures of the solar system. So, when I ask for parental views on homework and try to find out if it is a battle, it is only me reaching out for similar like minded people. Perhaps we could set up a support group!
Another week draws to a close, what a week!!! We have done everything this week that we possibly could. The children have been hither and thither (love these words) exploring, engaging and now they are digging up our garden. Every class has been actively engaged (like they should be) in inspirational lessons and activities to help launch all their topics. Today, I have been inundated with children(how dare they, my own children are presented to me in my parlour every evening for inspection reasons) bringing me fabulous work to show. I have seen volcanoes and other natural wonders as well as brilliant independent writing from Class 10M. Aasha, the most polite child in our school came to my brighten up my day with a story all about Zog. All in all it has been brilliant day from the moment I walked into school to this moment of writing my blog. Friday always starts well because it is the Achievement Certificates assembly, today was packed with parents and families coming to support their children. It makes them feel really special knowing that someone is there for them. The role models from our school today can be seen on one of the gallery pictures below. All the children were incredibly worthy of their certificates and I am very proud to be able to hand them out to brilliant representatives.
What's with the funny costumes? It is Egyptian day for Year 4 today and this has involved the best costumes we have seen ever! They really have raised the bar today. I am so impressed with everyones efforts. The children got to meet Howard Carter, looking good for 138, plus they took part in an Archaeological dig in the grounds of our school. It is amazing what you can find buried in the school grounds. The children then had to place them in time or chronological order. It has been a brilliant day and again another memory created for the children of LGJS.
Besides all these major curriculum activities we are doing those things that don't always get mentioned, such as mentoring pupils, school council activities (more on Monday) preparing for residentials as well as sourcing and informing about new ones. The school day is choc a block as it is with teaching, but then coming together to meet to ensure diaries, curriculum plans , progress meetings, IEP reviews etc fills the whole day. This isn't a moan, it is really to say that what you see in a school, really only ever is the surface, yes our main purpose is to educate but most schools offer so much more these days and it is those bits and pieces no one sees. It is not just what you see, a lot more goes on behind the scenes.(eg. scrolling through CCTV footage)
Friday evening is always the huge sigh moment, as soon as the children leave, we feel an eery silence descend across the school, yes it is replaced by the sounds of hoovers and staff talking and laughing, sharing experiences, trying their hardest to get more money for their curriculum areas or class, but it really isn't a school until 8:50 on Monday when the masses come through the doors again expecting to be inspired. It really is just a building, an impressive building but just bricks and mortar. A Friday evening for me really is collapse onto the sofa night and not speak too much. It is the evening where you try to wind down as quickly as possible, Saturday becomes total shutdown day and Sunday is the day where I start to work ready for Monday. That is it in a nutshell.
It seems that gremlins took over my computer yesterday because I was certain I set a quiz question and then a comment came in later that I had not. It seems completing it on the iPad and then refreshing it on my laptop didn't do the trick. Ah well, I can use the same question again.
What is the name of the hottest curry in the world?
In OAP news, still haven't spoke to them, however I feel that the Scottish drums will being used this evening and they may have clubbed together to find 50 pence for the payphone on their residential home corridor. They usually use it to sit and listen to the speaking clock. They seem to have this fixation with time. I don't think they have been out this week but I know they both go to classes to try and keep them agile, Zumba was mentioned to me a while ago but they thought it would be too strenuous for their needs. I will give you an update after the phone call this evening. I do think they just spin a wheel and ring the child that it lands on.
Talking of that, I might have to spin the take away wheel this evening, I know my body is a temple but tonight I may have to worship at the feet of a Chicken Sagwala or maybe cheese on toast, proper melting moments. Sorry that was a mundane piece of info I said I would never do.
Have fun everyone, keep safe. Shall we do it again on Monday?
Why oh Why oh, spells yoyo 28.2.13
Ok, hands up who understands what the word pulchritudinous means? Or, in fact who can pronounce it? Today has been one of those days that was not pulchritudinous, it was a day for dealing with the rough end of the job of being HT. To sum it up, it leaves you frustrated when events arise that are unexplainable. However, donning my best Poirot hat and the use of our CCTV I have solved the mystery to my puzzle and will put solutions in place to prevent this from happening again. Oh such fun. The most frustrating element to all of this, is that it has taken half a day of my time reviewing CCTV footage when that time should be spent on Learning and Teaching. But as we all know, the job description of a HT is a fluid monster, it is never stable and it has to be adaptable to meet the needs of any situation that arises. Enough of that. It has been dealt with. Bet you are all wondering what it is that I am on about. No worries, move on.
No major visits today apart from Classes 5E and 5B visiting the local allotments. I spoke to Max from Year 5 about the trip and he said 'it was really, really great.' That is really, really not just really, so it must have been good. He said that the reason for it being so good was because he could see the different conditions needed for growing things and he also came away with free seeds. A freebie always makes a trip worthwhile. Class 5E get to visit tomorrow. We are really pleased that this local trip has happened because we used to visit these allotments before and then we were stopped from visiting. (I think there was a change in management) It prompted us to build our own allotments in school, but it is always great to be able to visit such a well run and existing allotment scheme.
The final visit from Year 3 to Sheldon Country park took place today and it was nice to see everyone return safely and back into the warmth of school.
Having been distracted by my issue this morning I have found it difficult to get around the classes to see what is going on. Work from the morning has to be completed and this afternoon was spent looking forward to next week, completing the diary to ensure that everyone knows what they are doing. All the other classes are busy hard at work. It looks like the app being used most frequently today is popplet, it allows the children to connect their thoughts and their learning into a logical map. Impressive stuff. However, the most fascinating app that I found today was touch surgery, it is free on the iPad and not for the squeamish. It is currently being used to train surgeons without their being any life threatening situations.
Sadly, a very short blog this evening as I seem to be busy building a mini solar system with little geek. We have kind of left it a little bit late, it is due in tomorrow, but we find that we Rothwell's work incredibly well under pressure. Or we will have to this evening. Perhaps words maybe exchanged with said little one about the shortness of notice and I fully believe in trying to reach your potential in terms of a Gold Award but a full scale solar system the night before????? I will don my best Professor Brian Cox head and set to work. Maybe we will tweet our efforts later.
We are nearly at the end of our week, or as Mrs. P puts it, today is her Friday, why does she doe it with a smile on her face? Friday as you know is my digital day. Once assembly is over it is down to work to produce newsletters etc. I must say that I am looking forward to next week and the return of the magnificent 7. I haven't had them this week because they have been involved in their engage week. I soooooo look forward to their return and getting some teaching done. I wonder if they remember everything that I have taught them so far? They better have!
Answer to last nights quiz question. The coloured smoke that is released from the Vatican chimney when a new Pope has been elected is White. How did you do?
A quick note on an article I posted the other day. I see the bbc website is running a huge report on children's sleeping habits and it includes information from Scandinavia. The most intriguing is the Dutch hutch, a similar box to what you would keep your pet rabbit in, children were placed in it outside for their midday nap.
That's it I'm through for today, no pontificating today, no back slapping or judging but a quick blog
No major visits today apart from Classes 5E and 5B visiting the local allotments. I spoke to Max from Year 5 about the trip and he said 'it was really, really great.' That is really, really not just really, so it must have been good. He said that the reason for it being so good was because he could see the different conditions needed for growing things and he also came away with free seeds. A freebie always makes a trip worthwhile. Class 5E get to visit tomorrow. We are really pleased that this local trip has happened because we used to visit these allotments before and then we were stopped from visiting. (I think there was a change in management) It prompted us to build our own allotments in school, but it is always great to be able to visit such a well run and existing allotment scheme.
The final visit from Year 3 to Sheldon Country park took place today and it was nice to see everyone return safely and back into the warmth of school.
Having been distracted by my issue this morning I have found it difficult to get around the classes to see what is going on. Work from the morning has to be completed and this afternoon was spent looking forward to next week, completing the diary to ensure that everyone knows what they are doing. All the other classes are busy hard at work. It looks like the app being used most frequently today is popplet, it allows the children to connect their thoughts and their learning into a logical map. Impressive stuff. However, the most fascinating app that I found today was touch surgery, it is free on the iPad and not for the squeamish. It is currently being used to train surgeons without their being any life threatening situations.
Sadly, a very short blog this evening as I seem to be busy building a mini solar system with little geek. We have kind of left it a little bit late, it is due in tomorrow, but we find that we Rothwell's work incredibly well under pressure. Or we will have to this evening. Perhaps words maybe exchanged with said little one about the shortness of notice and I fully believe in trying to reach your potential in terms of a Gold Award but a full scale solar system the night before????? I will don my best Professor Brian Cox head and set to work. Maybe we will tweet our efforts later.
We are nearly at the end of our week, or as Mrs. P puts it, today is her Friday, why does she doe it with a smile on her face? Friday as you know is my digital day. Once assembly is over it is down to work to produce newsletters etc. I must say that I am looking forward to next week and the return of the magnificent 7. I haven't had them this week because they have been involved in their engage week. I soooooo look forward to their return and getting some teaching done. I wonder if they remember everything that I have taught them so far? They better have!
Answer to last nights quiz question. The coloured smoke that is released from the Vatican chimney when a new Pope has been elected is White. How did you do?
A quick note on an article I posted the other day. I see the bbc website is running a huge report on children's sleeping habits and it includes information from Scandinavia. The most intriguing is the Dutch hutch, a similar box to what you would keep your pet rabbit in, children were placed in it outside for their midday nap.
That's it I'm through for today, no pontificating today, no back slapping or judging but a quick blog
the art of zen, symbiosis, sausages and flowers 27.2.13
Persevere or give up?
Another brilliant day in school with a huge variety of things happening. I think today has to go down as having the most photographs attached to this blog! Some brilliant pictures. I am writing the beginning of this blog whilst in the staff meeting...No I'm not being rude, picture this.... A child in the classroom spends their time looking out of the window whilst the teacher is talking. At the front of the classroom is a furious teacher, infuriated because they have spent all their time explaining what is going to happen and out of the corner of their eye they see a child not listening. At that moment they puff their chest out and with a grin on their face utter the immortal words 'sooooo............tell me what the last word I said was!' At this point they can usually retell word for word what the teacher has just said. I am one of those! So sorry Mr. Crees time is of the essence this evening, I listened to everything that you said, I followed all the different 'root' creators......
So what happened today, some amazing stuff. Visits, visitors and inspiring work. You will have seen many different images from our Year 6 today because they have spent the day with two notable poets from Birmingham. Having listened to a number of the boys before the session, they were dreading a full day on poetry, they saw no point to it and in their mind they had already wrote today off. The day was brilliant, the feedback was brilliant and the same group of boys were amazed how poetry could be so much fun. It was only made so by the expertise of our visitors Matt Windle and the Birmingham Poet Laureate, Stephen Morrison-Burke. A huge thanks to you both for creating memories for our Year 6. It is a day they will not forget for a long while.
Another trip out for Year 5. It was the turn of Class 5B to visit Ryton Gardens as part of their new topic. They had a fabulous day, the weather was much improved today and it will give them invaluable information as they start on their journey looking into Allotments.
Year 4 have continued to investigate Pharaohs and Ancient Egypt. I really like how they have used technology to record their knowledge. I have mentioned linoit.com before. It is a virtual post-it board where everyone can contribute using their own tablet or laptop using a virtual post-it note. Quite advanced stuff for Year 4 children, but if they are ready then I say let them have a go.
Class 3C were the final class to visit Sheldon Country Park as part of their engage week. All in all a considerably busy day for the staff and pupils of LGJS.
I'm finishing this blog a couple of hours later after spending time at the outlaws with the faaaaamily. My youngest is going to sleep and this gives me time to read or type this blog. It is also a time for me to reflect and at this point I am drawn back to the staff meeting tonight where we finished the evening looking at blogging. During this time we looked at other blogs of educationalists and at this point I feel inadequate. My blog doesn't include top tips or words such a zen and symbiosis, nor does it proclaim to be the answer to the perils of governments and the devaluing of society. Ok, I must stop because I am boring myself. What I blog for is to give my perspective of our school and my views, yes I do a bit of thinking through it, but it's my counseling, talking to myself at least I am sure of a civil answer. So I will continue, if people find blogging a waste of time, this takes me 45 minutes a night, then why are you reading it? I am not worried about anyone leaving comments, I'm not the kind of person that needs to be carried through the streets on people's shoulders being proclaimed at. I don't need a pat on the back, we are all needy but I a lot less than others. So thanks for reading if you are, I'm not the secret teacher blogger nor do I say the world is full of flowers and sausages. I'm me and I represent my school, I don't need to have a banner that screams out 'GO HUG A TEACHER' because I let the work that we do speak for itself.
On that note it is time to go, my youngest has just dropped to sleep, so it's time to come alive and learn to have a life outside of the job. I won't forget you my digital friends, I shall return tomorrow.
Many incorrect answers about when apple started trading. Many religious links between Adam and Eve. However, the correct answer was September 2008, and the only person to get that correct was Mrs. Brown, she has now become a fully fledged member of the geek collective.
A quick question for this evening. What color smoke is released from the Vatican when a new Pope is elected? I always think our chimney at school looks like this and sadly comment on it to myself everyday when I drive in. It amuses me. Bet you have a look tomorrow .
So what happened today, some amazing stuff. Visits, visitors and inspiring work. You will have seen many different images from our Year 6 today because they have spent the day with two notable poets from Birmingham. Having listened to a number of the boys before the session, they were dreading a full day on poetry, they saw no point to it and in their mind they had already wrote today off. The day was brilliant, the feedback was brilliant and the same group of boys were amazed how poetry could be so much fun. It was only made so by the expertise of our visitors Matt Windle and the Birmingham Poet Laureate, Stephen Morrison-Burke. A huge thanks to you both for creating memories for our Year 6. It is a day they will not forget for a long while.
Another trip out for Year 5. It was the turn of Class 5B to visit Ryton Gardens as part of their new topic. They had a fabulous day, the weather was much improved today and it will give them invaluable information as they start on their journey looking into Allotments.
Year 4 have continued to investigate Pharaohs and Ancient Egypt. I really like how they have used technology to record their knowledge. I have mentioned linoit.com before. It is a virtual post-it board where everyone can contribute using their own tablet or laptop using a virtual post-it note. Quite advanced stuff for Year 4 children, but if they are ready then I say let them have a go.
Class 3C were the final class to visit Sheldon Country Park as part of their engage week. All in all a considerably busy day for the staff and pupils of LGJS.
I'm finishing this blog a couple of hours later after spending time at the outlaws with the faaaaamily. My youngest is going to sleep and this gives me time to read or type this blog. It is also a time for me to reflect and at this point I am drawn back to the staff meeting tonight where we finished the evening looking at blogging. During this time we looked at other blogs of educationalists and at this point I feel inadequate. My blog doesn't include top tips or words such a zen and symbiosis, nor does it proclaim to be the answer to the perils of governments and the devaluing of society. Ok, I must stop because I am boring myself. What I blog for is to give my perspective of our school and my views, yes I do a bit of thinking through it, but it's my counseling, talking to myself at least I am sure of a civil answer. So I will continue, if people find blogging a waste of time, this takes me 45 minutes a night, then why are you reading it? I am not worried about anyone leaving comments, I'm not the kind of person that needs to be carried through the streets on people's shoulders being proclaimed at. I don't need a pat on the back, we are all needy but I a lot less than others. So thanks for reading if you are, I'm not the secret teacher blogger nor do I say the world is full of flowers and sausages. I'm me and I represent my school, I don't need to have a banner that screams out 'GO HUG A TEACHER' because I let the work that we do speak for itself.
On that note it is time to go, my youngest has just dropped to sleep, so it's time to come alive and learn to have a life outside of the job. I won't forget you my digital friends, I shall return tomorrow.
Many incorrect answers about when apple started trading. Many religious links between Adam and Eve. However, the correct answer was September 2008, and the only person to get that correct was Mrs. Brown, she has now become a fully fledged member of the geek collective.
A quick question for this evening. What color smoke is released from the Vatican when a new Pope is elected? I always think our chimney at school looks like this and sadly comment on it to myself everyday when I drive in. It amuses me. Bet you have a look tomorrow .
is change so challenging? 26.2.13
When you are through changing, you are through
Bruce Barton
A leader is a dealer in hope.
Napoleon Bonaparte
Superb day in school today, there was no one in! Literally the school felt empty. It has a eery silence when large groups of children are not in especially our older children. The reason why, they are all out on trips galore engaging in their new topics. The whole of Year 6 were out visiting the Butterfly farm in Stratford upon Avon today as part of their Beast Creator topic. There are some fabulous photographs of the children with the Butterflies as well as some very brave teachers overcoming their own fears. Mrs. Guest is well known in our school for her fear of creepy crawlies. I'm not sure whether she has totally got over her fear but it is a great start. I do love how one of the children appreciates her efforts with a large grin.
We had a class from Year 5 out visiting Ryton Organic gardens. Class 5E were out as part of their allotments project, whilst back at school the children of Year 5 were happily working away in the cold in our own school allotments. We know that this is a topic that their Year leader Miss Mabb will thoroughly enjoy and having put through an order for over £160 worth of plants, the school will definitely benefit when our own orchard starts bearing fruit. I love to see the children outside no matter what the weather is armed with spades, wheelbarrows etc. The cold doesn't have any effect on them and they know that they are getting alot out of it as well as the benefits for the school.
Last but not least was class 3E, they were visiting Sheldon country park as part of their new topic. In total that is 150 children out and about and with a school that has a total of 370, you can see why it was so quiet. The rest of the school were well underway with their new topics. How can I tell? The joyous sounds of Tightfits 'In the Jungle' could be heard resonating from 10M (their topic is mini zoo, anything for a boogie/singsong) The visitation of Egyptians from Year 4 telling Mrs P and I all about what they had being exploring was brilliant to listen to.
All in all a really exciting day of learning at LGJS. Thankyou everyone.
So why the quotes? You are aware that today was a big day where the leadership team of our school was gathering to discuss setting in Numeracy and setting in general. In any organisation change is viewed as something to be frightened of. I have experienced this right through my teaching career and I suppose that is why so many teachers never change schools. Lyndon Green is my fourth school and the longest I have ever stayed anywhere is at my previous school Hillstone, where I managed five years as a Deputy. I cannot understand how someone can stay in one place all the time, the challenge and the thrill of new experiences is what drives me forward. I usually get the moving twitch after four years and seeing as though I have been atbLGJS for four years I need to watch out.... Actually my work here is not done and will not be done until we have transformed this school into an outstanding school. Not in the OFSTED terminology, what's more important is how we feel about , I have many views about OFSTED but they are my own and not those of the school I am representing. (Ask me and I will tell you). So back to change, is it something to fear? Or is it something to embrace? I think change is fun, but as a leader I have to accept that nt everyone feels that way, as leaders we have to ensure that any change is dealt with in a way that it is understood by all and that the members of the organisation understand the need. Never change for changing sake it has to be purposeful. I say to my staff, if it has no purpose, why do it? The conversation about setting has started, simply that, we won't rush into anything without careful consideration or without the whole team behind it. However, in any organisation you will find those that won't get on board the bus and will want to try and block change. What do you do with them? I used to say run them over, but as a leader you have to reflect as to what you can do to support and nurture them through the process. If this fails..... Run them over. (I jest)
Enough rambling Mr. R. Onto the answer to the question from yesterday before OAP news. The answer to the question was that children start school in Finland at the age of 7. Did you also know that in Finland maternity leave is 3 years? It is felt that this creates a real family unit. I couldn't agree more.
Question for the day. As I am typing this on an iPad, we will have a geek related question. In what year did Apple start trading?
OAP news. I received a comment on my blog last night, whereby my senile parents admitted that however were they supposed to remember all of our names, there are 7 of us as we'll as trying to make out how wonderful they were for taking me to have stitches out of my knee. Pah. I also received news from my older brother, Jan from Bacups husband, who called me a thug for throwing a stone at his head, especially since it ruined his prized aranile jumper. Tosh! He did love that jumper though, he wore it everywhere, still does today but it isn't the same. Lets just say he's chunked up a bit.
Bruce Barton
A leader is a dealer in hope.
Napoleon Bonaparte
Superb day in school today, there was no one in! Literally the school felt empty. It has a eery silence when large groups of children are not in especially our older children. The reason why, they are all out on trips galore engaging in their new topics. The whole of Year 6 were out visiting the Butterfly farm in Stratford upon Avon today as part of their Beast Creator topic. There are some fabulous photographs of the children with the Butterflies as well as some very brave teachers overcoming their own fears. Mrs. Guest is well known in our school for her fear of creepy crawlies. I'm not sure whether she has totally got over her fear but it is a great start. I do love how one of the children appreciates her efforts with a large grin.
We had a class from Year 5 out visiting Ryton Organic gardens. Class 5E were out as part of their allotments project, whilst back at school the children of Year 5 were happily working away in the cold in our own school allotments. We know that this is a topic that their Year leader Miss Mabb will thoroughly enjoy and having put through an order for over £160 worth of plants, the school will definitely benefit when our own orchard starts bearing fruit. I love to see the children outside no matter what the weather is armed with spades, wheelbarrows etc. The cold doesn't have any effect on them and they know that they are getting alot out of it as well as the benefits for the school.
Last but not least was class 3E, they were visiting Sheldon country park as part of their new topic. In total that is 150 children out and about and with a school that has a total of 370, you can see why it was so quiet. The rest of the school were well underway with their new topics. How can I tell? The joyous sounds of Tightfits 'In the Jungle' could be heard resonating from 10M (their topic is mini zoo, anything for a boogie/singsong) The visitation of Egyptians from Year 4 telling Mrs P and I all about what they had being exploring was brilliant to listen to.
All in all a really exciting day of learning at LGJS. Thankyou everyone.
So why the quotes? You are aware that today was a big day where the leadership team of our school was gathering to discuss setting in Numeracy and setting in general. In any organisation change is viewed as something to be frightened of. I have experienced this right through my teaching career and I suppose that is why so many teachers never change schools. Lyndon Green is my fourth school and the longest I have ever stayed anywhere is at my previous school Hillstone, where I managed five years as a Deputy. I cannot understand how someone can stay in one place all the time, the challenge and the thrill of new experiences is what drives me forward. I usually get the moving twitch after four years and seeing as though I have been atbLGJS for four years I need to watch out.... Actually my work here is not done and will not be done until we have transformed this school into an outstanding school. Not in the OFSTED terminology, what's more important is how we feel about , I have many views about OFSTED but they are my own and not those of the school I am representing. (Ask me and I will tell you). So back to change, is it something to fear? Or is it something to embrace? I think change is fun, but as a leader I have to accept that nt everyone feels that way, as leaders we have to ensure that any change is dealt with in a way that it is understood by all and that the members of the organisation understand the need. Never change for changing sake it has to be purposeful. I say to my staff, if it has no purpose, why do it? The conversation about setting has started, simply that, we won't rush into anything without careful consideration or without the whole team behind it. However, in any organisation you will find those that won't get on board the bus and will want to try and block change. What do you do with them? I used to say run them over, but as a leader you have to reflect as to what you can do to support and nurture them through the process. If this fails..... Run them over. (I jest)
Enough rambling Mr. R. Onto the answer to the question from yesterday before OAP news. The answer to the question was that children start school in Finland at the age of 7. Did you also know that in Finland maternity leave is 3 years? It is felt that this creates a real family unit. I couldn't agree more.
Question for the day. As I am typing this on an iPad, we will have a geek related question. In what year did Apple start trading?
OAP news. I received a comment on my blog last night, whereby my senile parents admitted that however were they supposed to remember all of our names, there are 7 of us as we'll as trying to make out how wonderful they were for taking me to have stitches out of my knee. Pah. I also received news from my older brother, Jan from Bacups husband, who called me a thug for throwing a stone at his head, especially since it ruined his prized aranile jumper. Tosh! He did love that jumper though, he wore it everywhere, still does today but it isn't the same. Lets just say he's chunked up a bit.