Been listening to Sir Ken Robinson's talk about creativity and passing it on to colleagues far and wide. Click here to go to the talk, as hosted by TED Here's the full web address:
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html
just in case this link doesn't work, or for easy cut-and-pasting. Enjoy!

As well as fully backing Ken's sentiments that the challenge for 21st C schools is to recognise and celebrate more aspects of young people than we do at present, I've also come to believe that creativity happens around the edges of teams, organisations and disciplines, and it's no suprise that I first heard of Ken Robinson via Mark Waddington, ITV Local programme manager, rather than a colleague from the local educational authority. Click here for Mark's blog. and may many creative collisions occur. . .

The value of praise?

Just recently met with a primary head who freely admits he can't think of a better way to spend his time than giving stickers to pupils and hearing about their successes. Or at least a more rewarding way of spending his time. And walking into the school you can simply feel the warmth and care this belief engenders, with that wonderful sound of happy children as a soundtrack to the day.
Yet budget management, strategy, policy, protocols, standards, target-setting and monitoring are all part of a modern school. I'm sure for many these pressures are so intense that it feels there simply isn't enough time to spend personally congratulating individual children. Sure, leadership is about more than saying well done to all and sundry, but it has to be central to all other parts of school life. Thank you Alan for keeping that flame burning brightly; it's reflected in the laughter and feelings of self-worth of so many children.

Oakwood Technology College

A big well done to all the staff and pupils at Oakwood for organising their school and setting up Praise Pod. Without individuals willing to take risks there would never be leaders to follow, so I take my hat off to Clare and the team for their belief in change. Looking forward to hearing about the results