September 2023


The case for more music!

Music as a core subject, music and reconciliation and how music inspires

Switching to a digital school brochure, holisitic learning support and starting an edtech audit
Editorial

Editorial

Music has such power to inspire and support all of us - but does it have the place in our schools that it deserves?

Music to the core

Music to the core

Martin Barraclough encourages us to embrace the power of music and place it at the centre of a modern curriculum.

Music & reconciliation

Music & reconciliation

Having a mutual love of music, Dr. Winston Wuttunee and Jordan Laidlaw share ideas about reconciliation in Canada.

Power of music

Power of music

Anna Azarova reflects on how music has supported students from BIS Ukraine during a very challneging year.

Outstanding Schools

Outstanding Schools

Register here for the OS Middle East conference, October 4th and 5th 2023 at the Conrad Dubai Hotel.

School Readers

School Readers

Jennifer Bray, longstanding member of the Board of COBIS talks to Sal Flint about her 4 favourite books.

Lead from the middle!

Lead from the middle!

To achieve ambitious goals, Michael Iannini argues that schools need to empower more staff to ‘lead from the middle’.

Digital publications

Digital publications

A revolution in producing school brochures is happening. According to Andy Homden: going fully digital is vital.

Partnered learning

Partnered learning

Kai Vacher in Muscat looks at a hybrid education programme for a partner school in Salalah, 1,000 km away.

Audio production

Audio production

ITM is published in collaboration with Jason Lasky and Honey to Your Ears, specialists in audio production.

Holsitic support

Holsitic support

Everyone is a learning support teacher! That's the best way to meet a new range of post-covid needs, says Krystle Flack,

Digital strategy

Digital strategy

A simple audit of EdTech resources is the starting point for planning a cost-effective digital strategy, says Al Kingsley.

Schools and music

Editorial, September 2023

I cannot begin to imagine a school without music. Any school, whatever the age range. Music is as important to 18 year olds as it is to 3 year olds, not to mention all the adults in the school community.

The sound of a choir in rehearsal, of a class enjoying a music lesson, of a band practice, of a pianist and director putting performers through their paces as they all prepare for the latest production, are among the most evocative sounds associated with a school.

It’s true, in general you’ll find a lot of music going on in most international schools.

And yet, do we value music education as we should? It is rarely seen at the centre of the curriculum and although it is regarded as a major component of an extra-curricular programme, music during the school day has become a diminishing experience for many children as they grow older.

Few secondary schools would expect many of their students to choose a university course that would include the study of music.

Luxury?

The idea of music as a ‘luxury subject’ for a handful of extremely talented older students who have somehow managed to fit in a course of instrumental tuition on top of their other studies surely does not serve the majority of our students well. The International Baccalaureate has of course done a great deal to keep the Arts as an essential part of a well-balanced curriculum for children of all ages and this should be applauded. International Educators might also take note of the powerful new preuniversity courses emerging from the UK offered by the University of the Arts, London (UAL).

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But surely, all children deserve – and need – more access to a music education than they have now. This is no nostalgic aspiration harking back to a pre-national curriculum ‘golden age’ of music in schools. It is an urgent and modern need. Music affects people in powerful ways. In times when we are increasingly concerned about student and staff wellbeing, music has the power to uplift and inspire. If we are concerned about physical health, it has the ability to get people moving, and, as has been increasingly shown (think of recent TV favourites like The Choir or The Piano) to have a unique ability to bring people together in a wide range of social experiences – in choirs, in bands, in church and simply as individuals enjoying a day out who encounter a street performer and find themselves as part of an impromptu audience on a station concourse. You can see the smiles.

A good musical education enriches the lives not only of music specialists who go onto to become professioanl performers but also of the rest of us who become their audience. The more we experience music, the more we can be transported by the emotion of a musical moment or transfixed by a performer’s skill, because we have ‘had a go’ at playing an instrument, however badly and have come to appreciate just how wonderful their performance is.

More, please!

This month ITM takes a special look at music. The authors of three articles in our first edition of 2023 – 24 highlight its special qualities and in effect invite us to re-evaluate music as one of the most important 21st Century subject areas. The connection between music and resilience is powerfully demonstrated by Anna Azarova when she looks back over 2022 – 23 as experienced by the British International School of Ukraine, while Martin Barraclough, Director of Music at Cranleigh School Abu Dhabi examines the importance of music for developing wider academic skills. Finally, Jordan Laidlow and Dr. Winston Wuttenee tell the compelling story of how music is playing a critical role in facilitating social and cultural reconciliation in Canadian schools..

Music. It’s powerful stuff. Let’s get as much of it into our schools as we can!

 

Andy Homden is the CEO of Consilium Education, publishers of International Teacher Magazine.

 

 

 

FEATURE IMAGE: https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/FangXiaNuo?mediatype=photography

 

 

July and August 2023

Using visible thinking to develop metacognition, equity and belonging in schools, keeping school data secure and Professor Deborah Eyre shares her three favourite books with Sal Flint

Equity and schools

Equity and schools

The ITM Podcast: Andy Homden talks with Nunana Nyomi and Clare Ives about the principle of equity in schools.

School readers

School readers

Professor Deborah Eyre, Founder of High Performance Learning, talks to Sal Flint about her three favourite books.

Flags and belonging

Flags and belonging

Matthew Savage considers the importance of symbols for young people developing a sense of belonging in school.

Visible thinking

Visible thinking

Matthew Kloosterman suggests that visible thinking routines make a real difference to student metacognition.

Data management

Data management

Schools need to view data management, security and protection as key tasks, according to Al Kingsley.

New partnered schools

New partnered schools

Paul Cabrelli and Andy Homden think we should be considering what will be built and not just where schools will be built.

Art committed

Art committed

Holly B.F. Warren reflects on how teachers and parents explore and celebrate the role of imagination in schools.

Empowering students

Empowering students

Tiago Mateus returns to an age-old question at the heart of all educational debate: just why do we teach?

In transition

In transition

Joining a new school this year? Simon Dunford reflects on making the most of your period of transition.

March 2023

March 2023

What will ChatCPT mean for us, promoting DEIJ with data and the case for Outdoor Education as part of a core curriculum.

 

ChatGPT

ChatGPT

Head of Alleyn’s School, Jane Lunnon considers how ChatGPT is forcing us to think about learning and assessment.

The great outdoors

The great outdoors

Nicholas Chaddock asks if it isn’t time for schools to give outdoor education parity of educational esteem.

Making spaces

Making spaces

Personalised learning requires a large number of small spaces. Philip Gardner & Andy Homden look at how to find them.

Digital crossroads

Digital crossroads

Is EdTech on pause? Al Kingsley and Matt Harris EdD share contrasting views with Andy Homden.

Calm under pressure

Calm under pressure

According to David Gregory, simulation exercises can help schools deal with emergencies arising on trips and expeditions.

Alien Citizen

Alien Citizen

For Danau Tanu, this remarkable film is a must see for teachers wanting to understand the ‘TCKs'.

Shadows

Shadows

Artist and art teacher, Holly B F Warren, explores how we perceive and change ourselves by thinking about our shadows.

Primary Summit

Primary Summit

Robert Young of the National Association of Primary Education invites teachers to attend a major online event.

Stargazing with data

Stargazing with data

For Matthew Savage, using data and assessment in education in support of children and DEIJ is a moral imperative.

 

Feature Image: by dae jeung kim from Pixabay

February 2023 in ITM

February 2023

Financial future-proofing; empathy and teaching geography; educational influencers and the elephant in the playground!

 

Finance & strategy

Finance & strategy

David Woodgate has a clear message for schools post-pandemic: make the hard decisions & plan strategically.

Empathetic Geography

Empathetic Geography

Paul Thompson regards empathy as a key meta-skill both to enhance understanding and 'build' character.

Those tricky decisions

Those tricky decisions

Rain days and elephant days! Kai Vacher at the British School of Muscat has a plan for all eventualities.

ITM Podcast: EdTech

ITM Podcast: EdTech

Expect the unexpected! A preview of our fascinating discussion with Al Kingsley & Matt Harris.

British growth

British growth

Dan Worth reports on a growing British international school market despite feeling the impact of Covid.

Edruptors 2022

Edruptors 2022

Luke Walduck from ISC Research looks at guidance shared by the big influencers in international education.

The road continues

The road continues

Anna Azarova's life on the road continues as the British International School Ukraine reopens for 2022 - 3.

Time is tight

Time is tight

Neil Gregory looks at the importance of getting your timetable for the coming year set up on firm foundations.

Small acts

Small acts

Clare Brokenshire reminds us of the often small steps we can take to counter the mental health crisis in schools.

Early movement

Early movement

Gary South wants greater provision for the development of Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) in the Early Years.

Choosing CTE

Choosing CTE

Larkin LeSueur explains how his school district encouraged students to choose courses in Career Technical Education.

Write for ITM!

Write for ITM!

Whether you have never been published or are an experienced blogger, we'd love to hear your ideas for an article!

December 2022 in ITM Equity

December 2022 – the equity issue

At the end of the year, ITM looks at equity and gender, overcoming the fear of equity work in schools and using the idea of equity to reshape a school’s culture. 

Equity in education

Equity in education

Clare Ives suggests using the concept of equity to lay the foundations of a school’s culture and guide interventions.

The fear of equity work

The fear of equity work

For Nunana Nyomi, it is fear itself that holds us back from addressing diversity, equity, inclusion and justice issues.

Gender and equity

Gender and equity

Tony Dickenson reflects on how to encourage boys to understand the obstacles that girls face on a daily basis,

Third culture risk

Third culture risk

Tanya Crossman looks at addressing the negative side of a globally mobile lifestyle for third culture kids.

Future imperative

Future imperative

For Çelebi Kalkan,  a well-planned STEM programme is essential for meeting UNESCO and UN sustainability targets.

Radical simplicity

Radical simplicity

Kevin Bartlett has a simple idea. Drop teacher evaluation. Amplify professional learning. Everything improves.

Inside out

Inside out

Promoting wellbeing means seeing psychological life from the “inside-out” according to Tom Kelley & Kathy Marshall.

Challenges of grading

Challenges of grading

Darcie Flansburg offers tips for transitioning from traditional grading to less subjective, standards-based assessment.

The road from Kyiv

The road from Kyiv

Anna Azarova arrived in the UK 2 months after the invasion of Ukraine. Here she reflects on her 'road' westwards.

Realistic dreaming

Realistic dreaming

Baby steps to dreaming big in Malawi - Anita Soni reports on coordinating agency support for children with disabilities.

Write for ITM

Write for ITM

Whether you heve never been published or are an experienced blogger, we'd love to hear your ideas for an article!

Consilium Education

Consilium Education

ITM is published by Consilium Education, specialist consultants to international schools and their founders.

November 2022

International school governance in 2022, how students mask their true self in school and which is better for acquiring ‘future skills’ – A Level or IB? Ger Graus also reflects on being ‘Imogen’s Dad’  and gets worried about Tech!

 

Good governance?

Good governance?

A new ISC Research survey looks at governance in international schools, noting some 'gentle alarm bells'.

Imogen's dad

Imogen's dad

Ger Graus is worried about technology – access, how it is used and how to live with it. Somehow, he’s still excited!

Who am I?

Who am I?

Matthew Savage looks at why students choose to mask their real self and how this affects their wellbeing.

State intervention

State intervention

Brian Ambrosio reflects on what worked when targeting change for government schools in the UAE and Malaysia.

IB vs A Levels

IB vs A Levels

Which best equips students with future skills - IBDP or A Level? Alessandro Capozzi pauses for thought.

Sevenoaks highlights

Sevenoaks highlights

ITM publishes regular articles from Innovate, Sevenoaks School's research journal. Here are the 2021-2 highlights!

Pastoral dashboard

Pastoral dashboard

Can the emotional state of students be tracked for early intervention?  Jonathan Taylor and Simon Antwis think so.

Online math choices

Online math choices

After a lifetime teaching, Lorna Jackson knew what she wanted in an online Math resource for her G2 students in Zimbabwe.

Exam technique

Exam technique

For Tamara Budhan Caldwell cramming for exams builds pressure on students. There are better ways to empower them.

FEATURE IMAGE: by Olayinka Adegboye from Pixabay

October 2022

Fresh ideas for successful recruitment and retention, more on the sustainabilty agenda with a new conference in Lisbon and breakthrough styles of assessment.

 

70-20-10

70-20-10

Michael Iannini on a mentoring program for aspiring leaders that has exceeded all expectations.

A teacher's power

A teacher's power

For Conrad Hughes, teachers who show they believe in their students can tranform lives in more ways thatn one.

Assessing writing

Assessing writing

Does 'comparative judgement' provide a reliable and quick way to mark written work? Daisy Christodoulou thinks so.

Sustainability agenda

Sustainability agenda

Richard Tangye, João Paulo Feijoo and Pedro Neves invite you to Lisbon to develop a sustainability agenda.

New era?

New era?

Formal assessment at 16+ really is starting to change. Dr. Sarah Watson wonders how much further this can go.

Recruiting pack

Recruiting pack

New thinking for an old problem - Andy Homden and Simon Harris look at ideas for new staff recruitment packs.

Recruitment crisis

Recruitment crisis

With a teaching shortage looming Down Under, Tim Waley looks at the importance of PD for recruitment.

Successful onboarding

Successful onboarding

Cindy Adair looks at what makes a great induction programme for international staff as they arrive in BKK.

Travelling Think Tank  

Travelling Think Tank  

Think Tank leaves its birthplace as Holly Warren introduces its art-based values and concepts with other schools.

Researching student voice

Researching student voice

Tash Hingston would like student opinions for the latest ISC Research survey.

Write for ITM

Write for ITM

We are looking for new stories - what is happening in class, what your school is doing or where you’ve been on holiday!

Consilium Education

Consilium Education

ITM is published by Consilium Education: find out more about who we are and what we do with international schools.

September 2022

Sustainability in the curriculum

If you haven’t put sustainability at the heart of your curriculum, now is the time to get going. In September’s edition we have three ways to kick start your sustainability journey.

Earth prize 2023

Earth prize 2023

Angela McCarthy tells the story of the $200,000 Earth Prize for schools and how your school can get involved.

Sustainability gap

Sustainability gap

Governments should be rushing to get sustainability into the core curriculum. Apparently they're not, but help is here.

Tiger tracking

Tiger tracking

Charlotte Bouchier reports on the 2022 edition of 'The Wild Wisdom Global Challenge' for schools. Register now!

The data jigsaw

The data jigsaw

According to Matthew Savage, current forms of assessment do not get us anywhere near a full picture of a child.

Staff retention

Staff retention

Retaining staff has never been more important. Having a planned approach is therefore vital, says Dr. Brooke Moran.

The ITM Podcast

The ITM Podcast

Episode 3 - teaching and learning at Sevenoaks School, 2022. It's different here - as Mark Beverley explains.

Metaverses today

Metaverses today

For Uma Shankar Singh metaverse platforms need critical feedback, not instant adoption.

Still growing

Still growing

Despite the uncertainty of 2020 - 22, the demand for international education is still growing, as Sam Fraser reports.

Listening for empathy

Listening for empathy

If teaching depends on good relationships, these depend on empathy and listening skills according to Dr. Paul Parham.

Attention spans

Attention spans

Al Kingsley examines the digital pressures that affect student attention spans, suggesting ways to adapt accordingly.

Cultural expression

Cultural expression

David Cole looks at how an art project has kept the BIS Ukraine community together during Ukraine's diaspora.

Write for ITM!

Write for ITM!

We are looking for new articles - about what is happening in class, how you innovate or where you go on holiday!

July & August 2022

July and August 2022

The continuing challenge of recruitment, lessons from the new Beatles documentary for school leaders, the importance  of develping our working memory and working on Nauru.

Recruitment challenge

Recruitment challenge

New surveys from COBIS and ISC Research confirm recruiting for international schools in 2022 did not get any easier.

JOBLINK 2022

JOBLINK 2022

Find the most recent international teaching jobs advertised by schools and international teaching agencies

Can’t I just look it up?

Can’t I just look it up?

IB teacher and Head of Physics at Sevenoaks School, James Tate looks at tablets, short-term memory and problem solving.

Outstanding Schools

Outstanding Schools

We are excited to be partnering with the Outstanding Schools Middle East Conference on the 5 – 6 October in Dubai!

Regrouping

Regrouping

Fab 4 fan Michael Iannini looks at lessons for leaders after binge watching the new Beatles documentary "Get back!"

Kherson to Kyiv

Kherson to Kyiv

High school graduate, Maryna Kiliachenkova tells how her family left their home town of Kherson in southern Ukraine.

Why study History?

Why study History?

IB teacher, Drew Thomas laments the narrowness of history courses offered by most international schools.

Nauru

Nauru

International teaching is a great passport to travel.. Susan Bennet reflects on the island that is currently her home.

How learning works

How learning works

Now we understand learning better, Professor Douglas Fisher argues we can improve the impact of our teaching.

Experience or habit ?

Experience or habit ?

Holly Warren explores the roles of experience and habit as they shape our thinking, character, work and teaching.

Built to last

Built to last

Durability is vital when procuring new equipment if schools are to meet carbon targets, argues Frank Campbell.

Unifying principles

Unifying principles

Tania Lattanzio and Dr Jennifer Chang Wathall look for unifying concepts we can all use to inform our teaching,