Harbans Singh Sagoo contacted me to let me know that the Sikh community here in Leeds are organising a major event at Roundhay Park from Thursday 11 October until Sunday 14 October...
The Sikh Religious Educational and Interfaith Event celebrates the 300th anniversary of Guru Granth Sahib Ji's perpetual Guruship and the 800th anniversary of the first charter establishing Leeds in 1207.The range of displays and activities will be fantastic and of great educational and cultural value to every school here in Leeds. I hope that colleagues will try to attend during the first two days of the event between 11.00 and 2.30.
You can find out more and book your visit by visiting their website at http://www.gnnsjleeds.com/. I hope to see some of you there.
Chris
Saturday, 29 September 2007
My colleague, Ana Schofield, also moves in powerful circles. I recently met Ana on a train down to London. Ana belongs to the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants...
Ana tells me that the Institute has developed an information pack for schools about their career path and it is being sent to all secondary schools. They are also organising an annual management competition for business studies students particularly aimed at the Business and Enterprise Specialist Schools. They are also involved in sponsoring the Business and Enterprise Conference for Headteachers organised by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust.
You can find out more about CIMA at their website http://www.cimaglobal.com.
Chris
Ana tells me that the Institute has developed an information pack for schools about their career path and it is being sent to all secondary schools. They are also organising an annual management competition for business studies students particularly aimed at the Business and Enterprise Specialist Schools. They are also involved in sponsoring the Business and Enterprise Conference for Headteachers organised by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust.
You can find out more about CIMA at their website http://www.cimaglobal.com.
Chris
Moira Stones, Learning Mentor at Carr Manor High School met with Tony Blair last year to discuss behaviour and attendance issues. Moira had been asked by the then Minister, Jim Knight, to join a new practioners group to look at strateges and advise on next steps. She is now going to London for a meeting and to have lunch with Kevin Brennan, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children, Young People and Families. It is deeply reassuring when some of our brilliant colleagues knowledge, experience and understanding is being used to influence national policy.
Chris
Chris
Friday, 28 September 2007
Following on from the Good to Great Conference which colleagues from our Leadership Team attended I received this e-mail from Paul Rogerson, Chief Executive of Leeds City Council...
Good Afternoon, I hope that you enjoyed yesterday’s event and now feel inspired to take up the leadership challenge of moving us from good to great. I was delighted to see so many colleagues there, as I know you are so busy, but yesterday was only a step along the way and it is important that you know where to go for information and support as we move forward. This morning a new interest area has been launched on the intranet to support this progression and the pages can be found via the following link: http://intranet.leeds.gov.uk/FromGoodtoGreat.
I would encourage you to visit these pages and to look out for future developments and additions to the site - these will be notified to you via the ‘In Brief’ updates. Video links from yesterday's event of the Corporate Leadership Team are available to view on the intranet site. Additionally you will receive a CD – Rom of the whole day's event in the near future. Whilst I hope you found most of yesterday’s event useful and inspiring, I am also sure that you will have thoughts on how other parts could have been improved. We need this feedback to contribute to the programme’s overall development as well as to shape any future ‘from good to great’ events we may decide to run. There is no formal feedback form but I would be grateful if you could email your views to: fromgoodtogreat@leeds.gov.uk by return email.
We are also keen to receive feedback regarding the draft strategic outcomes and improvement priorities. Thank you to those of you who found the time to make some general comments yesterday. We would like to encourage everyone to complete a further questionnaire electronically that seeks a more detailed response on the draft improvement priorities. The questionnaire will be available on the ‘from good to great’ intranet interest area under Leeds Strategic Plan from Monday. Once again, thank you for your time and I look forward to working with you on our leadership challenge to move us from a good to great team. Kind regards, Paul."
For those of you who didn't get to the event the site is an amazing resource for team leaders and teams wanting to know more and who are on the journey, as we all are, from good to grest!
Chris
Good Afternoon, I hope that you enjoyed yesterday’s event and now feel inspired to take up the leadership challenge of moving us from good to great. I was delighted to see so many colleagues there, as I know you are so busy, but yesterday was only a step along the way and it is important that you know where to go for information and support as we move forward. This morning a new interest area has been launched on the intranet to support this progression and the pages can be found via the following link: http://intranet.leeds.gov.uk/FromGoodtoGreat.
I would encourage you to visit these pages and to look out for future developments and additions to the site - these will be notified to you via the ‘In Brief’ updates. Video links from yesterday's event of the Corporate Leadership Team are available to view on the intranet site. Additionally you will receive a CD – Rom of the whole day's event in the near future. Whilst I hope you found most of yesterday’s event useful and inspiring, I am also sure that you will have thoughts on how other parts could have been improved. We need this feedback to contribute to the programme’s overall development as well as to shape any future ‘from good to great’ events we may decide to run. There is no formal feedback form but I would be grateful if you could email your views to: fromgoodtogreat@leeds.gov.uk by return email.
We are also keen to receive feedback regarding the draft strategic outcomes and improvement priorities. Thank you to those of you who found the time to make some general comments yesterday. We would like to encourage everyone to complete a further questionnaire electronically that seeks a more detailed response on the draft improvement priorities. The questionnaire will be available on the ‘from good to great’ intranet interest area under Leeds Strategic Plan from Monday. Once again, thank you for your time and I look forward to working with you on our leadership challenge to move us from a good to great team. Kind regards, Paul."
For those of you who didn't get to the event the site is an amazing resource for team leaders and teams wanting to know more and who are on the journey, as we all are, from good to grest!
Chris
I met Sue Knights at the '14-19 Conference' at the David Young Community Academy today...
Sue is Chair of the parents forum at the NWSilc and they are organising a brilliant event for parents and carers of children with disabilities at the Civic Hall on 17 October. Sue sent me this e-mail.
"Chris, I thought you might like to see the updated website which we are running, sadly I am not the worlds best speller or typist. At one o'clock in the morning I'm even worse so will rectify some errors. I was rather hoping you would give feed back on it and perhaps a letter for our letter page. I can add the education leeds web page as a link for people if you give permission. The event is now gaining a large degree of interest from outside of Leeds both from professionals and families. Rotherham, York, Harrogate, Doncaster, Brighton and Newcastle. It does appear Leeds seems to be leading the way with this event I would like you to consider helping finance this as an annual event. ....... Sue."
I hope that everyone will help Sue and her forum members wito make this really important event a great success. You can visit their website at http://nwsilcparentsforum.co.uk
Chris
Sue is Chair of the parents forum at the NWSilc and they are organising a brilliant event for parents and carers of children with disabilities at the Civic Hall on 17 October. Sue sent me this e-mail.
"Chris, I thought you might like to see the updated website which we are running, sadly I am not the worlds best speller or typist. At one o'clock in the morning I'm even worse so will rectify some errors. I was rather hoping you would give feed back on it and perhaps a letter for our letter page. I can add the education leeds web page as a link for people if you give permission. The event is now gaining a large degree of interest from outside of Leeds both from professionals and families. Rotherham, York, Harrogate, Doncaster, Brighton and Newcastle. It does appear Leeds seems to be leading the way with this event I would like you to consider helping finance this as an annual event. ....... Sue."
I hope that everyone will help Sue and her forum members wito make this really important event a great success. You can visit their website at http://nwsilcparentsforum.co.uk
Chris
Another of our great successes is the work that Monica Tomkiss has led working with our support staff to build learning pathways for them. I attended the latest HLTA event last week which was brilliant and Monica told me about the work with the university. I asked her to send me more details...
"Chris, At the HLTA celebration on Monday evening you asked me to write to you with some more details about the positive way in which Leeds University approaches Foundation Degrees . When this years cohort of Teaching Assistants completing Foundation Degrees graduated in July, they received their degrees as part of one the many Graduation ceremonies which the University hold each July.
When the University invited me to attend the graduation I expected a separate small ceremony such as the one we attended at Trinity and All Saints last year. Instead I found myself participating in a full formal University Graduation event . The students graduated as an integral part of the School of Education alongside graduands receiving the full range of Degrees (Ph.D M.Ed B.A etc) complete with proud parents of these! I have graduated three times from Leeds University and the ceremony provided for the Foundation Degree students was identical to these occasions in every respect. In her speech. the pro Vice Chancellor even made a special mention of those who had combined their studies with full time employment.
I was very impressed by how much an integral part of the University the Foundation Degree students have become. Unlike some other HEI s locally, Leeds University does not need the Foundation Degree student numbers to thrive, survive or remain viable and, in its desire to uphold standards, is frequently accused of being remote, elitist, inflexible and only interested in the 'traditional' type of student. The experience of the Foundation Degree students, both at the ceremony and talking to them generally, and as part of the evaluation I undertook during the summer does not reflect this stereotype. The students, mostly Teaching Assistants, say they are well supported and feel part of the University. They understand that the University will not compromise on standards and therefore expects them to work hard. They value this challenge and rise to it.
Most of them have spent all their lives in Leeds and never thought they would go to University at all, and certainly not Leeds University. As one, very emotional and proud, man put it to me at the reception after the ceremony speaking of his wife- a Teaching Assistant in a Leeds school '' I can't believe this is happening. I'm so proud. I never thought anybody connected with me would come here and I would be at a 'do' like this''. That alone made my job worthwhile!
It occurred to me that the positive experience of the Leeds Teaching Assistants should be passed on to the 'powers that be' at the University . I assume you are in contact with Michael Arthur, so if you think it appropriate please will you pass on the positive comments and thanks. I expect like most other people he receives 1 compliment to every 9 complaints so maybe he would value some positive feedback. I will send you a copy of the Graduation ceremony programme in the mail- you might be interested in which Leeds colleagues graduated. Monica"
Our relationship with the university has blossomed over the last few years and it is wonderful to hear about things like this.
Chris
"Chris, At the HLTA celebration on Monday evening you asked me to write to you with some more details about the positive way in which Leeds University approaches Foundation Degrees . When this years cohort of Teaching Assistants completing Foundation Degrees graduated in July, they received their degrees as part of one the many Graduation ceremonies which the University hold each July.
When the University invited me to attend the graduation I expected a separate small ceremony such as the one we attended at Trinity and All Saints last year. Instead I found myself participating in a full formal University Graduation event . The students graduated as an integral part of the School of Education alongside graduands receiving the full range of Degrees (Ph.D M.Ed B.A etc) complete with proud parents of these! I have graduated three times from Leeds University and the ceremony provided for the Foundation Degree students was identical to these occasions in every respect. In her speech. the pro Vice Chancellor even made a special mention of those who had combined their studies with full time employment.
I was very impressed by how much an integral part of the University the Foundation Degree students have become. Unlike some other HEI s locally, Leeds University does not need the Foundation Degree student numbers to thrive, survive or remain viable and, in its desire to uphold standards, is frequently accused of being remote, elitist, inflexible and only interested in the 'traditional' type of student. The experience of the Foundation Degree students, both at the ceremony and talking to them generally, and as part of the evaluation I undertook during the summer does not reflect this stereotype. The students, mostly Teaching Assistants, say they are well supported and feel part of the University. They understand that the University will not compromise on standards and therefore expects them to work hard. They value this challenge and rise to it.
Most of them have spent all their lives in Leeds and never thought they would go to University at all, and certainly not Leeds University. As one, very emotional and proud, man put it to me at the reception after the ceremony speaking of his wife- a Teaching Assistant in a Leeds school '' I can't believe this is happening. I'm so proud. I never thought anybody connected with me would come here and I would be at a 'do' like this''. That alone made my job worthwhile!
It occurred to me that the positive experience of the Leeds Teaching Assistants should be passed on to the 'powers that be' at the University . I assume you are in contact with Michael Arthur, so if you think it appropriate please will you pass on the positive comments and thanks. I expect like most other people he receives 1 compliment to every 9 complaints so maybe he would value some positive feedback. I will send you a copy of the Graduation ceremony programme in the mail- you might be interested in which Leeds colleagues graduated. Monica"
Our relationship with the university has blossomed over the last few years and it is wonderful to hear about things like this.
Chris
My colleague, Liz White, sent me this about the Corporate Chartermark we are working on...
"Hi Chris - just quickly! We're launching our corporate charter mark ambitions next week and each day on the front page of InfoBase will be floating some ideas and questions around the standard to get colleagues thinking and talking. On the Tuesday we will address the criteria which looks at the culture of the organisation and leadership. We will be asking colleagues to post ideas or questions to you to which we'll present a managed response the following week. Many thanks! Incidently I went with the Swedish teachers yesterday to Carr Manor Primary - what a fantastic school and beautiful, friendly, kind kids. Makes you proud to live in Leeds! Liz"
I have had a brilliant week made incredibly special by great colleagues and great young people and honestly I am exhausted, but Liz is so right we are so lucky to live and work in this great city.
Chris
"Hi Chris - just quickly! We're launching our corporate charter mark ambitions next week and each day on the front page of InfoBase will be floating some ideas and questions around the standard to get colleagues thinking and talking. On the Tuesday we will address the criteria which looks at the culture of the organisation and leadership. We will be asking colleagues to post ideas or questions to you to which we'll present a managed response the following week. Many thanks! Incidently I went with the Swedish teachers yesterday to Carr Manor Primary - what a fantastic school and beautiful, friendly, kind kids. Makes you proud to live in Leeds! Liz"
I have had a brilliant week made incredibly special by great colleagues and great young people and honestly I am exhausted, but Liz is so right we are so lucky to live and work in this great city.
Chris
One of my brilliant new colleagues, Lucie Lakin, sent me this, which I wanted to share more widely...
"Dear Chris, I am a consultant new to Education Leeds, working in the National Strategies Secondary team. I have enjoyed reading your messages and blog and thought I would send you this story that was told to me by the teacher that trained me and was my first line manager in education. Regards Lucie
An old shepherd and his son are working in the mountains attending to their flock. The father turns to his son and says, "Boy, I think it will be a cold night to night. You should go to the forest and gather some wood and we will make a big, strong fire." "But Father, the wood is so far away. Why not use the wood around here?" asked the boy. "This wood is damp, my son," replied the shepherd. "Going that extra distance will be worth it for a warmer, brighter, stronger fire. And besides, I know of a shorter route that will have you there in no time."
The shepherd gave his son directions and the boy set of to the wood. Several hours passed until finally a tired and angry looking boy appeared over the hills carrying the firewood. "Father! You have tricked me! The road you sent me on was not shorter. In fact it was so full of rocks and stones that I could not even pass that way. It took me even longer to make it to the wood!"
The shepherd looked for a moment at his son and then replied gently, "My boy, what you saw as troublesome rocks were stepping stones, not stumbling blocks.""
It's really important that we all recognise the opportunities we face and not see them as stumbling blocks. Thanks Lucie.
Chris
"Dear Chris, I am a consultant new to Education Leeds, working in the National Strategies Secondary team. I have enjoyed reading your messages and blog and thought I would send you this story that was told to me by the teacher that trained me and was my first line manager in education. Regards Lucie
An old shepherd and his son are working in the mountains attending to their flock. The father turns to his son and says, "Boy, I think it will be a cold night to night. You should go to the forest and gather some wood and we will make a big, strong fire." "But Father, the wood is so far away. Why not use the wood around here?" asked the boy. "This wood is damp, my son," replied the shepherd. "Going that extra distance will be worth it for a warmer, brighter, stronger fire. And besides, I know of a shorter route that will have you there in no time."
The shepherd gave his son directions and the boy set of to the wood. Several hours passed until finally a tired and angry looking boy appeared over the hills carrying the firewood. "Father! You have tricked me! The road you sent me on was not shorter. In fact it was so full of rocks and stones that I could not even pass that way. It took me even longer to make it to the wood!"
The shepherd looked for a moment at his son and then replied gently, "My boy, what you saw as troublesome rocks were stepping stones, not stumbling blocks.""
It's really important that we all recognise the opportunities we face and not see them as stumbling blocks. Thanks Lucie.
Chris
Thursday, 27 September 2007
I went on to the 'BSF Design Festival' at the Royal Armouries...
David Ingham and some of his colleagues were running a session for young people from three of the new schools... Cockburn College, Rodillian School and Temple Moor High School. Broomfield SILC and John Jamieson SILC were also there as these new builds will also be developing as specialist centres. Two of our BSF partners, Interserve and RM, were there to facilitate workshops sessions for the young people.
This is a fantastic example to us all about how important it is to involve young people in the decisions about schools and I know that David and his colleagues will be using the feedback from these young people to continue to improve and develop our BSF programme and to build brilliant.
Chris
David Ingham and some of his colleagues were running a session for young people from three of the new schools... Cockburn College, Rodillian School and Temple Moor High School. Broomfield SILC and John Jamieson SILC were also there as these new builds will also be developing as specialist centres. Two of our BSF partners, Interserve and RM, were there to facilitate workshops sessions for the young people.
This is a fantastic example to us all about how important it is to involve young people in the decisions about schools and I know that David and his colleagues will be using the feedback from these young people to continue to improve and develop our BSF programme and to build brilliant.
Chris
I started the day very early at Pudsey Tyersal Primary School...
It was a flying visit but even so everyone was there when I arrived. OFSTED described the school as 'an improving school that provides a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment for all pupils' but actually it is a great little school sitting out on the edge of Leeds in BD4!
Chris Metcalf, the headteacher, has been at the school for about three years and he has transformed the place. The building has really changed since my last visit and looks wonderful... although it still needs some replacement windows! The early years is brilliant and the quality of care and support are real strengths. Chris is also passionate about sport and its impact on learning which recently involved a visit to Lincoln to watch Bradford play Lincoln and involved a football match between Tyersal and a Lincoln primary school team at half time which has really inspired some of Chris' fantastic young people. Chris and his young and enthusiastic team are determined to develop the whole child without losing sight of the basics.
It was great to visit the breakfast club and be offered porridge and to see what Chris and his team are achieving at this special little oasis on the edge of Leeds.
Chris
It was a flying visit but even so everyone was there when I arrived. OFSTED described the school as 'an improving school that provides a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment for all pupils' but actually it is a great little school sitting out on the edge of Leeds in BD4!
Chris Metcalf, the headteacher, has been at the school for about three years and he has transformed the place. The building has really changed since my last visit and looks wonderful... although it still needs some replacement windows! The early years is brilliant and the quality of care and support are real strengths. Chris is also passionate about sport and its impact on learning which recently involved a visit to Lincoln to watch Bradford play Lincoln and involved a football match between Tyersal and a Lincoln primary school team at half time which has really inspired some of Chris' fantastic young people. Chris and his young and enthusiastic team are determined to develop the whole child without losing sight of the basics.
It was great to visit the breakfast club and be offered porridge and to see what Chris and his team are achieving at this special little oasis on the edge of Leeds.
Chris
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