Category Archives: Uncategorized

G-Whiz – 6 years on the road and still travelling

It’s a dog’s life they say.  And 1 canine year = 7 human ones, so when man’s best friend reaches 6 years old, they’d just be entering early middle age (perhaps), turning 40 or thereabouts. My little silver electric beastie … Continue reading

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BETT 2013 showcase “Gone Google, what next?”

Here is the presentation I was invited to give at BETT 2013 from the Google stand in the Excel centre. The stars of my presentation were Chris Rowan, Joe Reeve and Barnaby Morton-Woodruffe, who as teacher and pupils showed where engagement and … Continue reading

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“vapid happy talk” – No, really…? Gove climb down!

Apparently, according to a major study by the Sutton Trust reported last month, Independent School applicants for University write better personal statements than their state-sector counterparts. Says the BBC “The Sutton Trust says pupils from independent schools are more likely … Continue reading

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Bring on the empty horses – a call to reading!

One of the funniest stories from the world of film is told in David Niven’s autobiographical book, after which this post is entitled. Michael Curtiz, legendary American Hungarian Hollywood director, was having to cope with the antics of Niven and … Continue reading

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The sacking of Urban Myths around Digital Technologies

These days, I am brave enough to say that we know something about Digital Technologies and their impact upon Education. Our first computer lab was designed by my brother Hugh in 1983, and the machine of choice was the ZX … Continue reading

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I’ll stand before the Lord of Song With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah

These are the words from of one of those great songs from the early 80’s, Hallelujah, written by Leonard Cohen.  For those that can’t reach back that far, you’ll know the song as sung by Jeff Buckley, featured in that … Continue reading

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The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short – Michelangelo

… but in-setting our aim too low and achieving our mark. It’s report reading and writing time at CCS, first full series of the year, and I witness 120+ hardworking colleagues writing as if their lives depended upon it. I … Continue reading

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If you never change your mind, why have one? Edward de Bono

In our plans for 2013 and beyond, I make it quite clear that Claires Court will maintain a broad and diverse curriculum which, whilst acknowledging the primacy of English, Maths and the Sciences, will permit our pupils to gain skills … Continue reading

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“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” Frederick Douglas*

ISANet Newsletter 26 November 2012 – the ‘Weather-affected’ edition. “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” Frederick Douglas* This clear sighted statement about the development of the child into adult is by an orator I … Continue reading

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“Hard pressed on my right. My center is yielding. Impossible to maneuver. Situation excellent. I am attacking.”*

This famous quote from General Ferdinand Foch, when he held firm to prevent the French Army being overrun at the first battle of the Marne, 5 and 12 September 1914, is one that causes me to smile and reflect.  There is … Continue reading

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