Letter from Mr Maguire Dear colleagues, I hope that you enjoy the latest issue of the BSB Professional Development Journal as much as I do. Once again, the editorial team and all contributors should be commended on assembling such a varied and engaging publication. On every page, there is food for thought and a stimulus for discussion. If you take nothing else from this edition, please take advantage of the ‘perks’ on page 26. However, I know that most staff will glean new ideas and thoughts from such an enriching issue.
The approach for the British School of Bahrain is to utilise our whole school approach for students aged 3 to 18 on one campus. We have a fantastic opportunity to shape a child’s development, both pastorally and academically, while they are with us. Something that other schools cannot achieve.
The Staff Professional Development Day on the 8th May was well designed to support this ethos of collaboration within the school. The day sought to establish the connections and relationships between different parts of the school. These connections are crucial for us to develop a whole-school approach to student development. I hope that you gain a lot from the day and look forward to the future development and innovation throughout the school as teachers take on their own projects and developments by working with like-minded colleagues across the school.
The importance of revision cannot be understated. While we may have criticisms of the examination systems that we work within. There is much need for change, as the Times Education Commission stated: “It’s an analogue system, in a digital age”. However, for now, the reliance on memorisation is here to stay, and therefore revision is crucial to success. Revision can have a significant impact on improving students’ understanding. While the learning of content is important, the actual skill of revising is something which will enable students to perform in both the short and longer term. A set of skills that can be developed from a young age and, through this, will reduce the stress of examinations. Revision skills are not just confined to the Senior School; all teachers should be supporting the development of all 21st Century skills, including revision, in all students.
Enjoy this issue and keep maintaining your own professional development and interest. Warm regards
Mr J Maguire Executive Headmaster
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