The RSA Pinball Kids Initiative. There has been a lot of discussion in recent weeks about exclusions from schools with a string of newspaper articles exploring the theme: The news of rising fixed-term and permanent exclusions is covered by The Guardian here. https://www.theguardian.com/education/2018/jul/19/sharp-rise-in-pupil-exclusions-from-english-state-schools This report describes some responses – the ‘Wild West system of exclusion … Continue reading
In my last post I tried to illustrate the chasm that separates our most advantaged from our most disadvantaged students; students in the same community, side by side in the classroom, yet living worlds apart. Every day brings reminders of that chasm in one form or another. The question is – what can we … Continue reading
In the 18 months that I’ve been working at Highbury Grove, I’ve learned a great deal about the complexity of the community that my school serves. As the acting Designated Child Protection Officer for the last few weeks, I’ve learned even more. The scale on the axis of advantage and disadvantage is extraordinary with consequences for … Continue reading
“If they don’t like it, they can go somewhere else. Parents have a choice.” I’ve read about Headteachers who say this. I’ve even used a similar phrase for dramatic effect with my students – if you want to belong to this community to have to follow our rules; if you don’t you’ll have to go somewhere … Continue reading
I’ve just read Nancy Gedge’s excellent, powerful blog ‘Battle Weary’ about her son’s experience of school and the challenges of parenting a child with Down’s Syndrome. It encapsulates a range of issues around inclusion and the extent to which schools truly embrace the concept. Since arriving at Highbury Grove, inclusion is something I’ve thought … Continue reading
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