I can assure you that will change in the next few weeks as I will be heading off in a week to the UK and Finland for about 4 weeks as I have been lucky enough to have been granted a scholarship to go and explore further some of the things in education that I am more passionate about.
For many years I have loved involving the kids in project based learning (PBL) which is also a big focus in learning in many UK schools. We more or less call it 'Inquiry' here, so if you hear me mentioning one or the other, I'm talking about the same thing.
When I land in London next week I will be heading down to the southeast to Exeter where I will be spending a day at Broadclyst Primary School. This school came highly recommended for its PBL, and a search through its website shows that they involve their children so well in their learning.
They have been fantastic to communicate with, so I'm very excited to be spending time with them.
After going back to London for a few days, and another school visit, I'll be heading north to Sheffield, where I'll be visiting the XP School in Doncaster, and on the next day visiting Hartsholme Academy in Lincoln. Both of these schools were suggested to me by the Innovation Unit in London, an organisation that drives PBL in UK schools.
Back to London for a few days then off to Helsinki where I will be visiting four different schools.
I have had a long term interest in the Finnish school system as they have consistently been the world leader in education, and I align myself strongly to many of their educational beliefs and philosophies.
While visiting these schools will be a lifetime experience, something that I am probably even more excited about will be catching up with our eldest son who works in London. Sam has been there for about 18 months, and looks like he will be there for even longer as he is doing so well in his work and sport. He did pop home for Christmas without telling Jen or I that he was coming, such a brilliant surprise. How his brothers kept it from us was a credit to them.
I did have a little knee surgery late last year, but some complications arose post surgery, so that will slow me down a little bit. A nuisance, but at least my other leg works.
Also, I was meant to have shoulder surgery late last year so that I'd be okay by the time this trip came around. Due to the hassles with my knee and an unplanned dvt in my leg, the shoulder op had to be postponed. I'll now have it done about ten days after I get back, which means I'll be lugging my gear around England and Finland with one bung wing!!
Just like the knee, at least the other shoulder works!! Perhaps the cold weather might be good for me??
Speaking of cold weather, it feels so weird getting out winter clothes, coats, gloves and beanies when we are still having total fire ban days and temps in the high 30's. My mind keeps saying "Why are you getting these clothes out?", but I have to keep reminding myself of what the weather will be like where I am going.
So, the start to the school year has been a bit of a whirlwind as I try and adapt to my new role in Special Ed, and get the things done that have to be done. Thankfully I am surrounded by amazing people who always go out of their way to support each other at all times.
My Co-Deputy Principal has been the best support, and I will really miss her when she takes maternity leave from next term. How lucky has our school been since last year when she joined us, as her knowledge of Inquiry Learning is first class. We seem to be a good team so I look forward to her return.
I know I am going to see some amazing things at schools overseas, but I will also be sharing the successes that we have at St Francis of the Fields.
Until my next post...
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