There are probably many things that makes a great leader , one who brings significant transformation. This is an observation of leaders I encountered and a couple of generalisations. In the course of our travel over the last few weeks, I met some very different educational leaders from schools in Finland, Denmark, Sweden and England thatContinueContinue reading “#SCIL11 reflection: Two things enduring leaders don’t do”
Category Archives: Change
#scil11 Study Tour “The best PD a principal can do”
This was the quote of one of the principals who joined us on the inaugural SCIL Study Tour. I am still to write posts about the schools in England we visited and other reflections, but I need to take this opportunity for shameful promotion, that international travel, with a team of committed professionals can beContinueContinue reading “#scil11 Study Tour “The best PD a principal can do””
#scil11 Libraries: Where are we going? Two experiences in Delft, The Netherlands
This week we visited two extraordinary libraries: TU Delft Library and Learning Centre is the bright shiny new facility at the university located on outer rim of the city for the students. DOK: Library Concept Centre is in the heart of the Delft shopping and community precinct for the broad community of the city. BothContinueContinue reading “#scil11 Libraries: Where are we going? Two experiences in Delft, The Netherlands”
#scil11 Jens, Mie & Berte – our favourite Danish family
This week we spent a day with Jens and Mie (and architect colleague, Andreas), and visited Berte, Jens’ wife and Mie’s mother at the after school activity centre she runs in Copenhagen. This family have a commitment to children, designing schools and developing community infrastructure that provide connection and spark interest and creativity for childrenContinueContinue reading “#scil11 Jens, Mie & Berte – our favourite Danish family”
#scil11 Krokslatt Kunskapsskolan: Space and pedagogy working together
A great school is not just about designing a clever space, you knew that. From what we observed today we saw a model where the design of the spaces supports the model for learning. The essential elements are: A passionate leader A scalable and workable system The quality of relationships across the community Students takeContinueContinue reading “#scil11 Krokslatt Kunskapsskolan: Space and pedagogy working together”
6 ways to ensure that the world outside the school gate is relevant to the world inside the school gate
The school gate is more than a physical barrier between the outside school world and the inside school world. It also represents a cultural barrier where many students walk out of their real world and into the world of school. How do we ensure a seamless transition, where the world inside the school gate better reflectsContinueContinue reading “6 ways to ensure that the world outside the school gate is relevant to the world inside the school gate”
Making Change Stick: Three ways a leader builds momentum
Change is necessary and it is hard to get going, but once the momentum kicks in there is little stopping the energy for change. The key for any leader is to be able to keep going in the early stages until leading change becomes energising. You will know because: The desired culture is evident andContinueContinue reading “Making Change Stick: Three ways a leader builds momentum”
The principles of Making Change Stick: Its more ‘mud map’ than ‘blueprint’
One of the things I love to do is work with groups, speak about change and present ways of navigating a path that will transform schools and engage this generation. Because my role at Sydney Centre for Innovation in Learning (SCIL) is embedded in Northern Beaches Christian School (NBCS), I use the school’s experience asContinueContinue reading “The principles of Making Change Stick: Its more ‘mud map’ than ‘blueprint’”
Back to basics? Time to redefine ‘basics’ for the 21st century
The headline in the newspaper cries: ‘Tests show NSW [Australia] students behind in everything except spelling’ …followed by: the state’s new education chief promised she will order schools to get “back to basics” – as tests showed NSW is behind other states in everything except spelling This is the reaction in my state and myContinueContinue reading “Back to basics? Time to redefine ‘basics’ for the 21st century”
Making Change Stick: Bicycle Wheels and Spider Webs
The senior leadership or executive team is probably one of the most important groups in any organisation. They carry the vision, establish culture and represent the leader. The quality of the relationships within this group is a role model to all staff. It is essential that the leader and this team spend time investing inContinueContinue reading “Making Change Stick: Bicycle Wheels and Spider Webs”
culture | learning | design 