The Thinking School(@Thinkingschool2) 's Twitter Profileg
The Thinking School

@Thinkingschool2

Dr Kulvarn Atwal. Head Learning Leader of 2 schools in London. Published 2 books: The Thinking Teacher. The Thinking School. Views my own.

ID:1098154855531794432

linkhttp://www.johncattbookshop.com/the-thinking-school calendar_today20-02-2019 09:38:15

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Great behaviour in schools requires:

Clear and high expectations for behaviour.
Consistent implementation of policy.
A collaborative team effort.
Highly inclusive practices.
Parental engagement.
Authentic care for all students.

And a culture of mutual respect modelled by all.

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For teachers to thrive, they need to be supported to learn, listened to, valued and empowered.

It's not that difficult.

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A couple of weeks training on mental health is not going to repair a broken system of inspection. BBC News - Ruth Perry death: Ofsted needs more empathy, says new boss
bbc.co.uk/news/education…

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My advice for 2024:

Start trusting teachers and supporting them to succeed.
Reform Ofsted.
Get rid of SATs and GCSEs (in their current form).
Fund schools properly and equally.
Enable inclusion in schools.

Listen to students and what they want for their education.

HNY.

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The best way to recruit new teachers is to look after those that are already teaching.

People will want to join a profession where they see that people are listened to, valued and enjoying themselves.

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When I was in primary school, I remember that there were kids in that class with:

Anxiety
Special Needs
Speech impediments
Behavioural needs
ADHD
Autism

Let alone neglect.

It was one size fits all. Kids sat in rows, teacher never left her desk.

Things are so much better now!

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I have spent almost two years now speaking out and challenging the effectiveness of Ofsted.

Enough is enough - 2024 requires a complete reform.

For schools, for parents, for students, for staff, for Inspectors.

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It is as important to foster and develop a love of reading and a thirst for knowledge as it is to teach children how to decode and to sit written tests.

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I really enjoy end of term assemblies.

I explained how much I want school to be a fun place for learning and we shared learning experiences from the term that had been both successful and fun!

Students and adults.

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I was 5 years old. Free School Meals. English was not my first language.

I don't think anyone really believed in me that much.

I returned to the very same school as Head Teacher.

Do not underestimate the potential of those you teach.

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A girl skipped over to me today with the biggest smile.

'Dr Atwal! Yesterday was the best day of my life. I performed on stage for the first time and it felt amazing'.

These are the moments that we need to ensure we provide in schools for every child.

Personal growth.

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My job as a school leader is to do my best for the students and families I serve. And the staff team.

Not to listen and respond to every external party that has not a clue about our context

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I was asked, 'You are controversial, you speak out, you question Ofsted/the system; aren't you worried?'

I'm not worried at all. I do my best for the students I serve - anything else doesn't matter!

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I have always believed in creating an environment in which teachers are empowered to think critically and have agency.

I think advisors would prefer that I give teachers a curriculum and monitor the hell out of them - cos they can't possibly think for themselves.

Low trust!

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There are some really great people who are leaving teaching.

Disillusioned.

For the sake of our students we need to do something about this. And fast.

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In Greggs today.

Shoplifter comes in, clearing food/drink off shelves into a bag.

I confront him. Tell him to stop. Offer to buy food for him. Shout at him.

Short of physically preventing him leaving, I was helpless.

As were employees; they deserve better support!

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We pay 60% towards every teacher doing a MA.

Because we know that investing in our teachers' learning and wellbeing is the best way to support our students' learning and wellbeing.

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I think once we move to a curriculum that requires us to consider students' personal and social development rather than just fill them with knowledge and prepare them for tests - some schools will struggle to adapt.

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