Category
Schools
We know that single-sex education for girls is academically very successful, but what are the other benefits of all girls schools? Recently, one of my friends rang and asked for my opinion on where her daughter should go to… Continue Reading →
Who do you want your child to be? I’m not talking about a profession. It doesn’t matter if they’re a firefighter, a social worker or a tiger tamer. I mean, who do you want your child to be? Do you… Continue Reading →
Today at school, I asked a usually vivacious 16-year old girl if she was alright. She was looking a bit clammy and fragile so we went and had a quiet chat. Zoe is sitting exams and choosing subjects for her… Continue Reading →
I wish mindfulness had another name. I always cringe a bit when I write or talk about the importance of being ‘mindful’. This wasn’t helped today when our intern at work told me I was starting to sound like a… Continue Reading →
Polished shoes. Wonky pigtails. A school bag nearly as big as her. The first day of the school year was sparking with nervous energy in those days. There were photos and big, last-gasp cuddles and reassuring little nods of the… Continue Reading →
There is nothing worse than seeing a child in pain. Physical or emotional pain, it doesn’t matter. If we can’t help, we feel broken. That is our function, to protect and fix…but that’s not always possible. In 2016 I wrote… Continue Reading →
Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up. Pablo Picasso Watching a little person’s face as they draw is wonderful. Forehead creased with concentration, tongue peeking out and no hesitation in… Continue Reading →
When we think about disengaged students, our minds usually run to the class clown or the violent bully. We imagine back stories that are full of abuse and neglect. However, research shows that the reality is quite different. At any… Continue Reading →
The fact that parents believe mobile phones are essential to keeping kids safe is testament to the power of marketing. If phone companies really were worried about the wellbeing of children, they would be heavily marketing cheap ‘dumb’ phones…phones that… Continue Reading →
Most people know very little about Finland. They might be able to name the capital, they know it’s very cold and they know that they have an excellent education system. In recent times much has been written about this system,… Continue Reading →