10 Mar Time to Reflect
At times when learning something new, we will all have faced great challenges. While learning can be fun, if it is something that needs that extra focus and needs to be practised over and over before progress can be experienced, it can feel quite daunting.
In my new role, I am certainly doing lots of learning; some of it comes with ease, whilst some is more challenging. It is the children who ultimately make the tough times worthwhile. As a child learning, it is that sudden realisation that they understand, have got it, that propels them forward to understand more and gives them the buzz of knowledge. I often think that learning something new is like finding the correct prescription for a pair of glasses; it can take a succession of optician appointments and everything appearing hazy, before suddenly everything comes into focus. Unfortunately, I’m still at the weekly testing phase!
Last half term holiday I spent a lot of time catching up with friends. Amongst other things I ended up talking a lot about my first term and a half as headteacher. Having that time to reflect was useful. I have enjoyed my time, learning the ropes of a new role and the job is fun and rewarding. However, with the positives, there have been many hurdles and each one brings a new challenge. There is a Douglas Adams quote I like, “Flying is learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.” There are often times where you don’t know an answer to an issue or a problem that has arisen. Learning to develop my resilience has been paramount.
What is inspiring and keeps me going, is seeing the drive and dedication of our staff. I have spent a lot of time in classrooms over the last few weeks observing teaching and learning. The staff are all very committed to their belief of providing creative, innovative, fun and challenging learning opportunities for our children.
Coleridge is an outstanding school, with a wonderful reputation and an outstanding Ofsted rating. Due to the shifting political landscape it has never been harder to maintain this rating. However I am determined that we maintain this reputation and more importantly build upon it. I don’t think I have ever worked so hard in my life as I currently am. I know that sometimes the things you want and mean the most in life, are the things you have to work hardest for.