Loving London...

Well today was a very relaxing Saturday in London.
There was a possibility of going to see Sam play soccer, but he wasn't sure which game he was going to be in or where, and also because the team they are playing has a habit of calling washouts.

So today I planned to go and see the last few things I wanted to see, go and visit a few familiar places that I've always liked to see when over here, and to just generally stroll and observe.

Rather than ride the rails, I decided to spend the day walking. It wasn't wet and rain wasn't forecast, so off I went. One thing I wasn't really prepared for though was the cold. Today has been freezing to say the least. It started cold and stayed cold. Even in my good winter threads and new coat I was rugged up, but it still got through. I brought a beanie with me but forgot to pack it this morning. That WILL NOT happen again!
And to think that Helsinki is going to be even colder than this.

But please don't think I'm complaining about the weather, I'm not. It is what it is and no amount of complaining will do anything about it.

As I was walking along the street I heard a young dad talking to his toddler son who was on his shoulders. It appeared that they were going to this huge place in the photos below where there was a dinosaur exhibition.
The discussion went like this:
Dad- "Ohh, look at that building, that's where the dinosaurs are"
Son - "But dad, you will be brave and look after me won't you?"
Dad - "I'm always brave for you"

I just turned and smiled, and the smile back from the dad was priceless. I've been there before with our boys and I know how precious these moments are.

Saturday morning and they are queuing up for the dinosaur display in South Kensington.

Further down the street and I was soon in Knightsbridge. I'm really surprising myself with being able to get around London and learn the layout, as previously I just followed my wife's directions.

She would have loved to be with me today, as I don't think we would have just walked past this store if she was with me!!

The last time we went into this store the heat was stifling, and despite the intense cold today, I wasn't going in.

A bit further on down the street and I had to consult my map as I was at a big intersection and didn't know which way to go. Imagine my surprise when I looked up to try and find some sort of a landmark or street name, and found this above me. So coincidental considering it is this beautiful girl's birthday today. Sadly we lost her a few years ago, she is always watching over us.

A bit more of a walk and I noticed the crowds were starting to build, and that I was near Buckingham Palace. I looked at my watch and realised I had rocked up at the time when the changing of the guards was due. Actually, I was about 40 mins early, but already the place was packed.

I managed to squeeze through the crowd, gave the thumbs up to Liz and Phil who were waving to me through a window while they were having a game of pool, and moved on towards the city.

Just some of the crowd to see the changing of the guard, didn't really grab me as I wanted to keep moving rather than stand around in the cold.

As I walked down The Mall towards Trafalgar Square, I was struck by the beauty of the English Winter. It was so cold, no leaves on the trees, yet it was still beautiful. These are the times I really try to soak up the atmosphere so that I remember these moments forever.

So I missed out on the changing of the Guard, but look what I encountered walking down The Mall, my own private viewing of some of the Guard heading off to do their thing.

Now I was in the part of London that I just never get sick of seeing. I could happily just sit and watch what is going on, but as it was so cold I had to keep moving.

Trafalgar Square is one of the best people watching places ever. It is a melting pot of people from all over the world. People rushing about, others just sitting and taking it all in, others madly getting every sort of photo possible, and all the time dodging the buses and intense traffic.

And there are just so many theatres in this area, and just strolling the streets is an experience in itself. There is so much to see that it can't all be seen in one hit. I must have walked up some streets a number of times. 

Also, there are so many of the streets that we hear about in this area, so I made a point of checking them all out.

Regent Street. This is where the rich come to shop!!!

Going to see this with Sam when we get back from Helsinki. He says it is the funniest, but irreverent thing he has seen.

 More of Regent Street.

By now it was time for lunch and I knew what I wanted. On previous trips we had discovered a shop called 'Whole Foods', who sell the most amazing healthy foods. I knew they had a store here in Piccadilly, so after a thorough search I eventually found it.

My wife will be extremely jealous that I have grabbed some food from here, so I made sure I sent her a photo, just to remind her how good it still is!!

I'm not one of those who posts photos of their meals, but for today I will.  I piled some curries and stews and good old fashioned mashed potato into my tray and sat on the steps in Piccadilly Circus and ate it, loving every moment as the cold weather, combined with the experience made it so memorable.

 Our favourite food place in London.

Might not look flash, but it was a meal fit for royalty ( not that I consider myself royalty at all !!)

Ever had a great stodgy meal in the freezing cold, and how comforting it is? This was it.

Back through Trafalgar Square and checked out the big demonstration that is a big issue over here about the Trident Missiles. Also, another protest crashed their party, this one was in support of the refugees. So much security wherever I looked.

 A few pics of the protests against the Trident Missiles, and in favour of opening the borders to the refugees.

 Trafalgar Square is just busy, busy, busy.

And some of the security parked behind the protests.

It has been a great, but very cold day. I have seen so much, in my own time, and this is why I will remember so much of what I have seen. Not rushing around has been so good as I have really been able to absorb the atmosphere, which was exactly what I was hoping to do.

Just got a message that the boy is heading around for some Father/Son time which will be great. 

Hope he enjoys my cooking!My hotel room might just fit the two of us in, but once again, any time together is great time.

Great to have Sam pop around for tea after he played soccer today. Just to give you some idea of the size of my digs here in South Kensington, I took this photo from the kitchen, and you still cannot see the end of the bed/dining table!

Great to just have a few hours together, these are the moments that I will treasure from this trip the most.

Until my next post,

Cheers!

Just wandering the streets of London...

Today was a bit of a rest day, no schools to visit so the plan was to just wander the streets and soak up the atmosphere.
I'd also arranged to meet our son Sam for lunch, so nothing was going to get in the way of that appointment!!!

On previous trips to London, we have seen most of the sights we wanted to see, so there was no pressure to rush around.

I'd always wanted to see the Imperial War Museum, but didn't want to drag my wife through it, so today was the perfect opportunity. I'd been reading recently that their Holocaust exhibition in particular was quite good, so I really wanted to see that.

The various interactive displays inside were first class, especially the rooms dedicated to The Great War and the various anniversaries that are occurring over the next few years. So many personal records, accounts and artefacts really showed the personal side of this conflict, from combatants from all sides. It was very respectful to all nations involved.

The Holocaust Exhibition was extremely moving. I thought I had a fairly thorough knowledge of this tragedy, but seeing so many personal accounts, photos and possessions of those who perished really troubled and saddened me. Who knows, the cure for cancer may have died within one of these evil camps. We need to know the truth behind these events so that we can do all that we can to prevent them ever happening again.

By the time I wandered over to the Borough Market to meet Sam for lunch, I was fairly ravenous, as I had walked about 7km already (plus I got up early and did a 10km walk).

The Borough Market was packed with people visiting stalls that sold food of every shape, flavour, culture and breed. There were even rabbits (dead of course) hanging up with plastic bags over their heads to catch any blood that was still to drain out, They were dead and had not been skinned. I couldn't tell if they were gutted, but as this stall sold lots of game meat, who knows.

After leaving Sam I just wandered around London Bridge and Westminster, soaking up all that London has to offer. It really stands out when one listens to what is going on around them, how many languages are being spoken. Coming from Bendigo, where hearing another language is rare, it is fantastic to know that this city is full of people from all over the world. Imagine how many stories there are in that!!

 The shapes of the buildings are a real feature.

 One of my favourite places in London.

Security ? You bet. I was too scared to stare at the heavily armed police at the gate, let alone take a photo.

The contrast between the old and the new really is stark.

Picadilly Circus - I can't believe how vibrant it is here.

And where would we be without something from Big Ben.

I took a lot of photos on my iPad, but my laptop and iPad are having trouble talking to each other, so I can't upload the photos from it yet.

Tomorrow is Saturday, so I'm not sure what the plans are. Sam is going to let me know where he is playing soccer, and it depends on which team he is playing for. Their reserve team is on top and facing elevation, and Sam is the league leading goal scorer, so that is his preference as he gets a full game. But, the First team is facing relegation, so he has been told they want him in. Bit of turmoil there, but he prefers getting full games so I understand him wanting to play in the Second team.

So, until my next post...

Cheers!

Surrey Square School

I am truly blessed.

In four days I have visited three schools in England and each one has blown me away in more ways than I could ever have imagined.
Today it was the turn of Surrey Square School in Holwarth to put up with me, and once again the welcoming I got was incredibly warm and touching.
First impressions can mean so much, so to Sue at the front desk, you are gold!
Sue took me around for a quick tour, but what struck me was that she knew just as much about what was happening in the rooms as did most of the other staff. They have a great approach to having everyone involved in the learning.

With Sue, who could not have looked after me any better at all.

I then spent time with a number of teachers discussing the way they operate with children who come from more than 30 nationalities, and from an area dominated by high rise housing estates.

The kids are treated with so much respect and were just beautiful to interact with.

 With Clare Deen, the Deputy Head.

With the inspiring Principal, Liz Robinson.

Surrey Square does a lot of work with REAL Projects - this means that they are Rigorous, Engaging, Authentic and Learning. These projects allow the teachers to create lessons and activities around a single complex inquiry that leads to a high quality end product that is exhibited to an authentic audience.

They are planned to cover all aspects of the national curriculum while at the same time providing a rich, real life learning experience.

This school does so much to build community. It is in a rather depressed area and the surroundings are dominated by high rise council estates. This does not stop them however from doing all that they can to involve the parents and the community in the learning of the children. The benefits are not just for the children, but also for the parents who are now forming friendships and becoming active co-educators of the children.

The banners advertising the school values line the street outside the school, making the school an inviting and exciting place to be in the community.

Surrey square School

Just some of the estates surrounding the school.

I could go on and on about how great this visit was, but the best thing that I have taken away is that the children are the centre of everything.

They are lucky and the community is lucky to have a school that is doing everything to support it.

Visit the school at http://surreysquareprimary.co.uk

Until my next post,

Cheers!

Hartesholme Academy, Lincoln

Well, if I thought I had a great day yesterday, today was another brilliant example of what amazing people can do.
I had the absolute privilege of visiting Hartsholme academy in Lincoln, another city in the north of England.
It was a very early start from Sheffield where I am staying. I got to see the sun come up midway through the trip! It was just great rolling through the English countryside on a train, and this has been something that I have really been looking forward to on this trip, as on our previous trips to the UK we have remained in London.

The sun coming up on the English countryside.

Upon landing in Lincoln, on went the coat and I was immediately struck by the extreme cold. 

A quick walk around the city centre as I was early made me realise that this city needs a few days of exploring, and I was disappointed I was only here for a day. A massive Cathedral overlooks the city, and has a castle next door. The Magna Carta was signed here too. When walking through the city centre there are modern buildings everywhere, but every now and then there would be an historic church or building tucked in between.

They were just swans, but I'll remember this moment for a long time.

So I then caught a taxi, and being a social sort of person I jumped in the front seat rather than the back. Immediately the driver and I were having the best chat, so much that he gave me his card so that I could book him for the return trip. I know it was in his interests to do this, but I had no hesitation because we learnt so much about each other on the trip.

Wait until later when I tell you about the return trip!

Upon entering Hartsholme I was struck by the immediate friendliness and warmth from every staff member who I had the pleasure of talking to. Plus the pretty flash system of signing in by ipad...impressive!

My next hour or so was spent talking with an inspiring leader by the name of Carl Jarvis, and two of his leaders, Jon Chapman and sara Pearson, inspiring leaders as well.

Three inspiring leaders....and me.

What this team has achieved, in conjunction with such a dedicated staff is nothing short of mind blowing. If ever there was a model of a school that appeals to me most, this is it.

The first impression I got was the wow factor of their school settings and structures built throughout the school for the kids, but these very quickly faded into the background once I discovered the quality and depth of learning that the children were exposed to.

The classrooms have few if any tables and chairs, meaning that the kids don't have to worry about sitting in the same seat each day, something that I just love. The rooms are rich in identifying what the learning focus and intentions are. In some rooms there were cubby huts with ladders, others had hay bales around the room, one was like walking into Willie Wonka's factory, and even had a chocolate scented candle burning.

But let's not be fooled into thinking this was gimmicky, it couldn't be further from the truth. Everything has been carefully and purposefully planned months in advance with clear and specific intentions and purpose identified at all times. These environments just add so much to the children's learning, and if I had this opportunity as a child I would have been over the moon.

What also struck me was the dedication from the teaching staff. The mood in each room was vibrant and this doesn't happen by mistake. Upon talking to various children and teachers, all I could see was how happy they were doing what they were doing

And best of all, to hear these kids talking about their learning was amazing. They knew what they were doing, why they were doing it and how it was going to benefit them.

I could go on and on about the excitement I experienced throughout my day here, but where would I stop. I'll let the attached photos speak for themselves.

As Molly Meldrum would say, "Do yourself a favour" and go and check out their website.

Or do as I did. Go and visit !!! ( but check first to see if it's okay!!)

In the playground. Waterfall (kids just put on a raincoat and play under it.) A hand pump that pumps water and tubes to attach to it. Up the back is the Mud Cafe where the kids can just play with mud.

Gold.

Water pipes. How much fun would they be?

One of their projects.

And another.

What a great way to reflect.

Now if you have got this far I'll finish my taxi story. The school kindly booked the same taxi that brought me to the school, and the look on the driver's face (Frank) was priceless, as I said I'd ring for him agin but he probably thought I was just pulling his chain.

We just banged on from where we left off, and at one point I said to him "You just love this city, I can hear the passion in the way you talk about it", and he just turned and said "You are so right".

Yes!! I got something right!! 

He was taking me back to the train station, but threw in some extra km's as he showed me highlights of the city. And he didn't bill me for them. Imagine my surprise when he pulled out a book all about the city of Lincoln and wanted me to have it. It even had his name on it.

He was just so proud of his city and wanted me to take away a special memento. The fact that it was such a personal memento meant so much.

When it came to paying, I couldn't even get him to accept me rounding it up to the nearest pound. As for a tip, well he just wouldn't even let me go there. Even after paying, we just sat in his rig chatting for another few minutes.

Frank the Taxi man, God bless you!!

XP School, Doncaster

Well.

If you are reading this post because for some reason you have come to like my usual rubbish and dribble, you will be disappointed. BUT DON'T STOP READING!!!

Today I began the first of my visits to schools, the purpose of this trip in the first place.
So I was up early as I didn't want to miss my train, and after 25 mins I was there. Upon asking the taxi driver for a receipt, there was a bit of 'robust discussion' when he was trying to tell me that the date was the 20th, when in fact it was (and still is at the moment) the 22nd. He left still muttering at me, totally unconvinced.

Upon entering the school I was taken with the warmth of everyone who I spoke with, from the office staff, to Andy Sprakes, the Principal, to my tour guides Toby and Rae, and everyone else who I spoke with.

My guides were only 13 years old, but they could tell me everything about their school, their learning, the lot.
I could tell that they loved school and loved learning. The best part was when they opened the door to the drama area and straight away their manner changed and they became more passionate about what they were telling me. When I told them I had noticed a difference in their manner they assured me I was on the right track, as they were both passionate about drama, and as soon as they entered this space I could see that it held special significance for them. It turns out that they have written a play together, and that it will be performed for the school at the end of the year. There are signs around the school advertising auditions, and the learning involved in producing this play is so real and relevant to these two kids.

I would come back this far just to see this play!!

For the next hour or so I had the pleasure of spending time with Andy Sprakes, the Principal.
It was clear right from the start that Andy has passion for what he does, and that through his vision and leadership his staff and children share a similar passion for learning.
There was so much that I took from Andy, especially after hearing how one of his earlier schools was burnt down, and how he defied political and public opinion to send the kids to other schools and managed to get a new one built, thus keeping his community together.
The school was in a depressed area of Doncaster after so many coal mines and manufacturing businesses closed down, so it was important for Andy to keep his school community together. He faced knockback after knockback, but persevered until he successfully managed to get his new school built.
His is an amazing story.

Andy Sprakes and myself.

I could go on and on about this school, but I'd never know where to stop. Let's just say it exceeded my expectations and has given me so much to take back to my own school.

Tomorrow it is off to Lincoln to visit Hartsholme Academy, a school which Andy said is doing so many amazing things. Considering how well he is doing at his school, this next one must be something impressive indeed.

All the kids know this inside out, and make it work in practice.

This what the year 7's produced, a book based on their Learning Expedition, something which they are incredibly proud of.

So, until my next post,

Cheers!!

The flights to London...

Well thank goodness.
Fortunately there were no incidents on the plane concerning me having to play the teacher cards to any unruly kids, who thankfully went to the lower deck, while my seat was on the upper deck.
As I have an exit row seat, there is extra leg room, which I'm loving, especially after my leg hassles of late last year. There is also a little seat there where a steward sits during take off and landing.

So we take off, and a habit of mine is to talk to people who sit close to me on public transport, much to the embarrassment of family members who have travelled with me on trains, buses etc.

I sparked up a chat with this steward, and he was just fantastic to yarn to for the 10 minutes or so he had to sit there.
When the meals came out he just offered me everything, and when he asked me what I'd like to drink I went for a Jack Daniels and coke. No big deal there, and I thought I'd down it then settle down for a few hours sleep.
Imagine my surprise when every so often another Jack and coke would appear out of the darkness and be given to me, even though I hadn't ordered one. I only had three as I really did want some sleep, but how could I refuse this personal attention!! The way he was giving them to me, Boony's record could have been in danger!

 I saw this board at Dubai airport and it just amazed me to see how many destinations can be accessed from here.



By the time we landed I was totally sick of the plane and keen to get to my digs. It was a rude shock with the weather though, cold, wet and miserable, and it did feel odd getting changed into long pants, a jumper and a coat just to go out for tea just now.
But despite the cold weather, I just love it here in London as it is just a vibrant city to visit.

Speaking of which, I had company for tea, as our eldest boy Sam popped over after playing soccer today and we just had a great hour or so catching up. He was keen to let me sleep, which didn't worry me, but I could also see that he was pretty tired after playing soccer today. It was only a quick catch up, but I'll be spending a fair bit of time with him after I get back from the north of England on Wednesday. He's also going to pop over to Helsinki for a weekend when I'm over there which will be great.

Hopefully I'll have some photos to add tomorrow, just too tired to upload them tonight.
 And here they are...

A wet and miserable night in London, but the place is always so alive.

Travelling north to Sheffield in the morning and visiting schools on Monday and Tuesday. Both highly recommended to me, so the business part of this trip begins tomorrow.

Until then...

Cheers!

My injuries might be helpful...

Bored. Killing time at the airport and trying to stay awake.

Some of you might be aware that I have had a few sore spots over the past few months, having had surgery on a knee, and a week after I get back from this trip I'm having surgery on a shoulder that's giving me some grief at the moment.
It was meant to be done before Christmas, but had to be postponed due to a problem I had with my leg for a few weeks.

So, after waiting at the Qantas check in for an eternity, I was given the nod and sent through.
Just as I finished putting my gear through the scanner, I was motioned to the side by two security staff for a further check. No problems there at all from me.

After standing with my legs spread, I was then asked to raise my arms. This I tried to do to the best of my ability and winced a bit and must have given a bit of a groan as I couldn't raise my dodgy wing past halfway. They sensed this straight away and asked me what was wrong so I told them that I had a bit of a crook shoulder.

Imagine my surprise when they became super apologetic, stopped the search immediately and sent me on my way as quickly as they could.

This frustratingly annoying sore shoulder has just managed to serve some purpose, albeit a miniscule one.

And just as I am getting ready to board this flight I just received a text from our eldest son Sam who lives and works in London. I wasn't expecting to see him for at least another week, but he has just told me that he'll be popping over to my digs after he plays soccer on Saturday. I have to head off from London on Sunday morning for a few days, so any chance I get to spend time with him will be precious.

Another post from Dubai if there is time, and hopefully I won't have had to use my 'teacher voice' with those 'spirited' kids I mentioned in my previous post.

Until then,

Cheers!