inadequate or substandard. As an educational leader I fundamentally believe that our job is to ensure that we enrich our young members of this global society with an opulent education, one that is brimming with opportunities and experiences; that we ensure each child has a champion, someone who believes in them fully, knows them, understands them and supports them. Our education system is outdated; it was designed for the Industrial Revolution. The notion of ‘academic’ ability is academic! It’s in the past, redundant, outdated! With confidence we should refuse to submit our examination results to be judged in a league table alongside other schools. No two schools should ever be compared; no two children should ever be compared. There are so many variables that make up the individual it is a complete nonsense. We, the schools and children, are not our exam results!
Day after day, week after week, I read articles from educational specialists claiming to have found the next big marvel that will fix our education system, the next box for our children to squeeze in to. The next test to judge our schools, judge our children. They’re ten a penny and mostly crafted by the quill of an academic. Sure, they’ll work for some, but I take the concept for most of them with a pinch of salt. I am however, a massive supporter of the educational theories of Professor Carol Dweck, her book ‘Mindset – Changing the way you think to fulfil your potential’ can be found on Amazon (and in most good bookshops!) if you fancy a read. The work of Professor Dweck has come under much scrutiny. Her thoughts follow the idea that someone who has a Growth Mindset (open to the notion that you can develop your intelligence through hard work and effort) will eventually overtake someone who has a Fixed Mindset (one who believes that you either
have it or you don’t, giving up at the earliest hurdles along the way). However much criticism Dwecks work has come under, I can’t help but think if a child has the perception that they can succeed, that they are credible and worthy, and most importantly that they are ‘good enough’, then they just might. By acknowledging, celebrating and giving parity to all types of intelligence, we can support children to realise their potential and find their inner genius. We need to stop labelling our children, and giving them ceiling limits. We need to stop making them fit into neat boxes, and allow them to be the best person they can be. We need to give them aspirations to aim for, giving them a purpose and hope – It’s time to set them free - Free range chickens not battery hens! Individual, and unique. Becky Hayes Deputy Head Teacher
Find Becky on: Twitter - @rhayes_rebecca Instagram - @educatingbb
69