General

CLICK HERE for details of events 2015 - 2012

As part of our focus on making children's thinking visible, today we will be particularly exploring together how we can value the participation of individual children in group exchanges.

• What does ‘group’ mean to the children?
• How do children see each other?
• What is the physicality of a group?
• Is enough consideration given by educators into ‘the grouping’ of children?
• What are the respect and values of a group?
• What are the possible responsibilities in a group? How do the children connect with each other in a group? (leader/observer/follower).
• What is the role of the educator?
• Considering how we gather the contribution of the parents voice.

We are a new group, beginning to work together, and we welcome new participants. Participation is free to Network Subscribers (please sign in on the form when you register - the form will give you the 100% discount). The cost to those who are not yet members is £10.

We will begin with sharing examples of collaborative learning that has taken place within our group and making plans for what we will do next together.

There will be opportunity upon arrival to visit, look around and be welcomed by Ashmore Park Nursery School.  

What’s gone wrong with education and how can we fix it?

Join the progressive alliance organisation Compass on Thursday 7th April for the first of two events examining how to create the education system our children truly deserve.

Covid-19 has exposed the vast inequalities baked into the way we educate children in the UK. But there’s a whole lot more that needs changing – and most politicians don’t like talking about it.

• Are we genuinely providing children and young people with the education they need to deal with the huge challenges ahead?
• Are we finding the spark in every child?
• Have schools become exam factories?
• What do we want for our children, here and now – and for the future?

In short, what’s the point of education in the 21st century?

Joining us to discuss are this and much more are four education thinkers and doers:
• Peter Moss, Emeritus Professor of Early Childhood Provision at UCL Institute of Education University College London
• Christine Merrick, former Ofsted inspector and ex headteacher with nearly fifty years’ experience in early years and primary education in the UK and abroad
• Robin Duckett, founder of Sightlines Initiative for creative practice in UK early education
• Madeleine Holt, education campaigner and filmmaker in innovative primary and secondary schools through Schools on Screen

At the event we we’ll explore:

• The spread of GERM – the Global Education Reform Movement – throughout our system
• Its symptoms – standardisation, market-led competition, a narrowed curriculum, and test-based accountability
• The human cost: a burgeoning workload and unhappy staff and students

It’s time to question what’s driving education: is it the needs of children and young people, or something else entirely?

Register to join the call – and keep your eyes peeled for our second session on 19th May looking at visions, examples and solutions.