Coaching for appraisals
Can coaching principles be applied to the teacher appraisal process? Director of Studies at St Andrew’s School, Berkshire, Kirsty Stokes, believes they can. Here she explains why and how training in coaching for appraisers can empower educators and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
“Independent schools are not required to follow the appraisal regulations which apply to maintained schools, but have the flexibility to design their own appraisal processes, building on best practice in schools, and from other organisations…
Reaching out to the cyber girls of the future
With a lack of girls applying to study computing at university, Head of St George’s School, Edinburgh, Carol Chandler-Thompson, discusses the importance of getting girls into the industry and the role schools can play in combatting the perception that digital careers are dull and sedentary.
“As schools, we are awash with societal problems that schools are tasked with addressing, not all of which it is in our powers to reasonably affect on our own…
Draft gender questioning guidance for schools
Last year the Government published its draft guidance for schools, ‘Gender questioning children: Non-statutory guidance for schools and colleges in England’. It applies to all schools, with the final version anticipated before the general election. So, what should schools consider whilst waiting for the government’s decision? Education and employment law specialist, Joanna Lada-Walicki, breaks down the main points…
Digital Literacy project
In 2021, Jersey College for Girls, Channel Islands, embarked on a journey regarding their use of technology. Assistant Headteacher for Digital Learning at the College, Miss Ruth Lea, discusses how the Digital Literacy project has resulted in improved learning for all students involved as well as reduced paper consumption. “Inspired by how the College had […]
Four lessons for professional learning
Aldenham School, Hertfordshire, has developed its ‘Teaching Partners’ programme to help drive continual improvement in classroom practice. Assistant Head (Learning), Luke Harding, draws four lessons from Aldenham’s experience of designing professional learning for teachers. I once worked with a headteacher who gave great assemblies inspired by the poetry of Robert Frost. Every year, she’d find […]
Learning to live with VAT
With VAT on school fees a cloud on the horizon, VAT specialist, Rupert Moyle, takes a look at some of the potential implications and outlines some of the things to consider when looking at ways to minimise exposure. “Independent schools are currently exempt from charging VAT on school fees. They are “eligible bodies” in VAT […]