3 great journeys for the school year ahead

Innovate My School

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Image credit: Aureus School. Image credit: Aureus School.

Want to know how to make the most of this school year? In the new Innovate My School Guide, three prominent educators share their tips for success...

Patrick Hayes - Get Bett



“Admittedly to a first-timer, the Bett Show (24th - 27th January 2018) can seem a lot to take in – so some advance planning is useful. Look at the floor plan to locate edtech companies you already know and use, who will give you a warm welcome and show you what exciting new plans they have for the year. But also allow yourself time to wander through the stands and see what grabs your attention. Also, keep a close eye on Twitter – a blizzard of big new announcements about new edtech products or partnerships are made at the show.


“The Bett Futures area is always a buzzing hive of activity. Full of new ideas, usually developed by teachers themselves, this is where you see the next generation of edtech products and services activity being forged. Also, the discussions and presentations are always stimulating, giving you lots of ideas for the classroom.”


Hannah Wilson - Aureus School’s first year



“Our first task as a team in our new staff induction week was to go through a values-scoping journey. We did the inner work and bonded on a deeper level by articulating and aligning our values. We began to co-design a values-based education, and reflected on values-led leadership. We want our values to be in our DNA and to be tangible in our school – lived, not laminated.


“We have made subtle changes to the school day, including moving our student wellbeing time to the start of the day. Conventional pastoral time at the beginning of the day has become administrative, and never reaches the hardest-to-reach students whom we most need to see. Therefore, we have moved our tutoring time to the end of the day so that we can more effectively support our students.”


Dave Strudwick - A creative curriculum



“This year the school will continue to exercise its curriculum freedoms to make a horse of a different colour. We do not aim to deliver a static model, but one which changes with our community over time. Why shouldn’t you choose a course that, whilst it won’t count for us as a school in an accountability measure, would be great for your future? My experience of working with excluded youngsters meant that I knew the significance of relationships in all learning.


“Whilst our practices are changing the principles and values that are driving our development stay firm. We are making our school and actively creating community as a part of the process. You are welcome to visit Plymouth School of Creative Arts to see how we work, and we look forward to hearing your story.”


Have a read of the Innovate My School Guide 2017/18 at www.innovatemyschool.com/guides. Let us know what you think via [email protected].

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