Taking up a principal’s role for the first time – or taking over at a new school – is tough for anyone. Ciaran McMahon suggests that you have to adjust, be patient, listen, get the right people on your side and acquire “the knowledge”, and thinks they should be more like lambs than lions.
Taking a New Year Tweet from President Trump as a starting point, Pete Milne looks at what schools need to do to promote Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
Chris Baker arrived in August 2016 to take up a new teaching position as Head of Science at The British School, Bucharest. He discovered a Science Garden. He saw a ‘Rewilding Zone’!
Having spent six years teaching at a leading international school in South-East Asia, Matt Tighe was delighted to be appointed International Link Coordinator at Farlingaye High School in the UK. A central focus of his work now is developing an international mind-set that is both meaningful and practical for a school in semi-rural Suffolk.
A well written article, shared actively online demonstrates authority and will get a school noticed in the right kind of way. Andy Homden looks at different types of article that engage, entertain and inform. Almost all are written by practising educators.
Ask almost any young learner what a “green light” means and they will say, “GO!” Drivers will say a green light signals them to move forward, but implies so much more. Katherine Knox examines “Green Light” actions that keep a school moving forward consistently and effectively.
Educational technology is central to the construction of a modern program of learning, argues Matt Harris. To be properly implemented and sustained over time it must have the committed support of a transformational leadership team.
Alastair McGregor discusses the benefits of what he sees as an essential 21st century skill – ‘unlearning’.
Founding a grassroots support group for Maasai women in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) of Tanzania was to change Kim Laizer‘s life. This is Part 2 of her story.
The demand for English-medium education is seemingly insatiable and with regulations about to change, things are about to take off, suggests Anne Keeling.
Peter Milne looks at how the environment is an integral aspect of the struggle to promote human and particularly children’s rights.
Kyle Kopsick considers that we need to think hard about our global values and examine what we teach and how we teach it using the challenging perspective of postcolonialism. What? Read on!
Born and raised in northern California, environmental educator Kim Laizer has recently been working on a new project with Massai women in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This article is the first of two highlighting her story and collaborative efforts to provide education, training, and development opportunities for Maasai women in Naiyobi, Tanzania.
Helen Thew has a unique opportunity to visit Antarctica and finds out why 2041 might be the most important year in the 21st Century.
Introducing an Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) programme in a school is not always easy. Peter Milne sets out the crucial steps necessary for success.
Paul Cabrelli has recently explored the idea of “sustainability in schools” as a speaker both at the COBIS conference for Bursars, HR Managers and HR staff at St. Julian’s School, and the CEESA Job – a- like conference for Business Managers, Chief Accountants and Facility Managers, arguing that this is a 21st Century issue that must not be ignored.
Kehkashan Basu reports on a Green Hope visit to an extraordinary conservation reserve.
After medical care, shelter, food and clothing, the children who have survived the dangerous journey from their own countries to Greece in the past two years need above all else, to resume their education.
This hasn’t been easy, as Rory Fox, from the British Educational charity, EdLumino, reports.
Walking into the open plan office area of the COBIS HQ in London’s Russell Square is rather like stepping through the doors of a good school. This, one feels, is the way that CEO Colin Bell and his staff like things.
Many UK independent – and a few state schools – have considered setting up overseas branches of their schools. Is there still a market for UK independent schools to expand overseas? Undoubtedly. Are there pitfalls and dangers along the way? Definitely. So what are the risks involved and how can they be mitigated? Paul Cabrelli suggests you should be guided by 10 fundamental principles.
Teachers are the adults closest to the two most important functions of any school: teaching and learning. Who else, Ciaran McMahan asks, is better placed to bring about changes that will lead to successful school improvement?
Whilst recognising the dedication and commitment of the students participating in the Model United Nations (MUN) programme, Kyle Kopsick suggests it is in some aspects the way MUN works is flawed and a change of approach is needed.
Best-selling author and thinker, Ira Chaleff is looking forward to his forthcoming appearance at the Asia-Pacific International Schools Conference (AISC) in Hong Kong this December. What he’s got to say is important, even though it might ruffle a few feathers . . .
Cross-curricular inspirationThis is the ultimate teaching and learning resource. Students of French, history, literature, media studies, science, biology, the environment . . . . and leadership will be totally absorbed. The winner of the 1987 Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film, is based on the original book by Jean Giono, also reviewed in ITM.
In a build up to the International Day of Peace on September 21st , youth organisation Green Hope conducted an epoch conference cum workshop on “Peace and Sustainability”. Kehkashan Basu Youth Ambassador for the World Future Council reports.
Helen Bilton has been an advocate, researcher and writer about outdoor play for the last 34 years and considers the impact of a well- run outdoor explorers club.
Information management technology is inextricably interwoven into the fabric of most schools. At its best it allows schools to manage data efficiently and effectively for the benefit of students, staff, leaders and parents. At its worst it can be a source of frustration for all sections of the school community. Greg Martin shows how to ensure your system suits your needs.
Having devoted more than twenty years to promoting greater understanding of autism and providing support for families of children with autism, Dr Robert Naseef recognizes that international schools are becoming more inclusive but highlights the need for more teacher and support staff training.
At school, writes Jack Clark, I had quite a narrow view of what jobs I could do after university and spent as little time as possible contemplating them. Then in sixth form our school offered us a chance to visit and teach in Africa.
In a competitive and often unpredictable world, effective school governance is crucial if a school is to remain true to its mission and achieve its vision. Consilium Education’s Paul Cabrelli reflects on five essentials that sustain excellence and help governors enjoy their time in office.
Making a choice
I am a mother of four; I have little time to think or reflect. However, in a moment of clarity and rare thoughtfulness a few years ago, we made a choice to step out of the British school system and place our children into an International school in Woking. In contrast to many English families, this was not a leap into the unknown for us.
British Schools Overseas (BSOs) are schools that have been inspected under the DfE-endorsed system which is quality assured by Ofsted. BSOs are growing in number and whilst the DfE/Ofsted inspections have been welcomed, there are areas of concern as Ed Goodwin explains.
Andrew Wigford, a former international school Head Teacher and founder of Teachers International Consultancy, is keenly aware of the changes taking place in international education. Reflecting on the past 10 years as a recruiter, he thinks that schools need to adjust their recruitment policies accordingly – urgently.
Phil Jones, Director of VPJ Solutions, a UK based consolidated educational supplier, thinks that schools should regularly review the services they receive from providers to make sure that they not only get the best service, but also the best value for money.
Biodiversity conservation conference
Youth sustainability organization, Green Hope UAE, conducted an epic two-day conference to commemorate World Environment Day, echoing the call to put biodiversity conservation at the forefront of the sustainable development agenda.
As with any reform on a national scale, making a difference to the way children learn in India will take time, money and commitment. Enlightened private enterprise is increasingly leading the way. One company already having a significant impact is XSEED. Andy Homden looks at the career of founder, Ashish Rajpal, and examines some of the reasons for XSEED’s success and growing influence in India.
The role of deputy principal is multi-faceted but is known to vary greatly between schools. Recognising the demands placed upon principals, Ciaran McMahon believes the deputy principal role requires development including greater responsibility and recognition that it is crucial to the success of a school.
COP21, the 21st Congress of the Parties for the United Nations’ Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris, concluded with cheers, hugs and a general sense of euphoria. It was agreed by 195 nations to attempt to cut greenhouse gas emissions to a level that will limit the global average temperature to a rise “well below” 2C (3.6F) compared to pre-industrial levels – a level of warming deemed to be the point when dangerous climate change could threaten life on Earth. Peter Milne explores a vital avenue towards sustaining the momentum of COP21.
Organised by education investment specialists, Kaizen Private Equity and held in association with business school powerhouses Insead and NYU Stern School of Business, KINSES 2016 took place in Dubai on February 27 & 28. It wasn’t just the academic and financial big hitters at the podium that made this gathering exceptional: the work of dynamic SMEs on the ground in Asia and Africa especially in the field of Educational Technology, was at the heart of lively discussion, both on and off the stage.
Almost a year on from the first earthquake of 25th April, staff at the British School Kathmandu have been working hard to ensure that students within our community projects can return to safe and secure buildings as soon as possible. To date, we have opened one new school building at Sungava, and the three buildings in the Dhading region are nearing completion.
The advances in technology witnessed in recent years have been likened to the discovery of fire and invention of the wheel, such has been their impact upon society. Education has largely embraced technological innovation. Its impact upon teaching and learning is undeniable and its momentum continues apace as evinced by the forthcoming GESS technological showcase in Dubai.
Join Voices around the World to Celebrate the Olympic Year!
Each year, the Voices Around the World project invites schools and choirs of young people around the globe – at no financial cost to themselves – to be involved in making an international music recording. Find out how you school can be involved and “get creative”!
Formal Opening
On Sunday 7th February, TBS staff and students travelled to to attend the opening where Dr. John Moore (Principal of TBS) was invited to formally open the new school building. Dr. Moore was shown around the new building, including the TBS classroom that we were surprised to see has been named in our honour! The completion of this school building would not have been possible without the donations from our supporters around the world so we accept the honour on behalf of all of our contributors.
For Charlie and Raph, the seeds of an idea, born of idle chatter on a 2007 cycle ride, slowly became a plan and are now about to become a reality. Charlie describes the challenge the friends have set themselves and why they decided to take on that challenge.
Sandeep Aneja wants us all to talk to each other about radical changes taking place in global education. To this end, he’s getting a few people together at the The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina on February 27 & 28 to carry on a conversation that started in Singapore two years ago. It’s an impressive gathering.
Opening a new international school is never easy – even in a place like Dubai which probably sees more new schools open every year than any other city in the world. Opening a school in Dubai that stands out as different is quite an achievement.
When we look at the world, we see a huge divide between those who have practically nothing and those who have so much. One aspect of this divide is the issue of waste; not only the amount of waste created, but the attitudes people have towards it. Pete Milne thinks it is important that children in the early years are given opportunities to develop their environmental thinking.
A seed is sown
For Ann Palmer, an ex-head teacher, the seed for this project was sown by a seven year old pupil who asked me if the Northern Lights was God having a Dance in the Sky.