Monthly Archives: January 2026

Play Is Not a Luxury — It’s a Higher Form of Learning

Posted on 27/01/2026 by jameswilding

For fifty years, I have witnessed the evolution of education from the classroom frontlines. As a headteacher, I introduced the National Curriculum with optimism, only to see later reforms push high-stakes testing and diminish children’s creative writing. In response, my … Continue reading →

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‘Blue Monday’ and Mr Wilding’s “Pub Choir” challenge – 9 am Monday 16 March 2026

Posted on 22/01/2026 by jameswilding

As any of my staff, current pupils and Alumni know, I do love a good school assembly. This Monday (19 January), I had the distinct pleasure of leading a school assembly for our Senior Girls that combined the historical intrigue … Continue reading →

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Purpose, Pride, and a Few Extra Kit Bags

Posted on 15/01/2026 by jameswilding

Audio overview blog With every New Year comes hopes and aspirations, though perhaps, like the sunshine this week, they peek through a watery sky. The playing fields at Claires Court Juniors may look similar to those elsewhere in the neighbourhood, … Continue reading →

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“Making the ‘Magic’ happen in 2026.”

Posted on 08/01/2026 by jameswilding

Link to Podcast discussion Claires Court Academic Faculty returned for the school-wide in-service training this week, held in the Baylis Theatre at Braywick Leisure Centre in Maidenhead. In our lead presentations and age-range-specific workshops, building relationships, resilience, and quality feedback … Continue reading →

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