Category: Comment
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The Isle of Man vs. OFSTED: Rethinking Quality Assurance and Accountability in Schools
In recent years, the Isle of Man has introduced a new quality assurance (QA) mechanism for schools, featuring an inspection element called “external validation.” As an Executive Headteacher overseeing Dhoon, Laxey, and Willaston Schools, I have firsthand experience with this system. This blog provides an in-depth look at external validation, comparing it favorably to the…
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2023 In Review: Bridging Ideas and Cultivating Growth Through a Year Long Journey of Educational Encounters
As the Executive Headteacher of Dhoon School, Laxey School and Willaston School , my professional journey in 2023 was marked by a series of enriching interactions and visits. This blog is a focused reflection on these experiences, highlighting the significant contributions of various visitors and the insights gained from my visits to other places. Each…
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Battle of the Headteachers: Fiction’s Finest Face the Top Trumps Challenge
Fancy yourself as a famous headteacher? Ready to bask in the hot-glow reputation of a wise and loved head who can do no wrong, like the ever-popular Mr Chips, or are you hoping to avoid being known as the next Miss Trunchbull? In his latest blog, author Max Kelly takes us on an explorative journey…
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Atlas of Halcyon Halls
I slipped away quietly as the summer term drew to a close on that final day, observing teachers’ shoulders soften under a cascade of gifts, enveloped in warm hugs from children and parents alike. They’d fulfilled their duties with distinction, summer’s joyous anticipation humming in the air. Another fruitful school-year had passed – and now,…
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Whispers of Kindness
Kindness coach John Magee invited me to contribute to the Kindness Matters blog. My submission took the form of a poem – Whispers of Kindness – which was first published on Kindness Matters on 17th June and is shared here for you to read. Enjoy.
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2022: Reflections on a Year of Collaboration and Connection
As another year comes to a close, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on the key events and developments that took place over the past 12 months. In this review, author Max Kelly looks back at the wonderful opportunities that were afforded to his schools in terms of the visitors they hosted and the visits…
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Jess Glynne is right: We’re ready for this. Teachers, summer holidays and a new school year with BIG challenges ahead!
The usual twitter debate over how teachers should use the summer break has filled the #EduTwitter timelines this July and August. My view: whatever you’ve done this summer, if it’s helped you feel ready for the 2022-23 academic year then it’s been time well spent.
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I Feel It In My Fingers, I Feel It In My Toes
Can a successful school be built on the foundations of love? And what does that even mean or look like in practice? In the inspiring book “Parklands: A School Built On Love” head teacher Chris Dyson shares the story of how he has steered a school towards the seemingly impossible dream of high achievement, personalised…
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Why We Shouldn’t Be Surprised About Partygate and What It Tells Us About The Impact of Leadership…
The threads of the Partygate tapestry are there for all to see. What lessons can school leaders draw from this latest political scandal?
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Should Headteachers Have Taught in Every Key Stage?
Does a primary headteacher need to have extensive teaching experience? In this blog, Max Kelly makes a case in favour of extensive teaching experience and suggests it is highly desirable for school leaders to have experienced a range of key stages, across a range of schools. For Max, it’s a question of credibility as much…
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FIVE Predictions For The Education Sector in 2022
In his first blog post of 2022 author Max Kelly reflects on the last two years in schools and shares his predictions for what it all means for the education sector in 2022. Its time to dust down those crystal balls and take a glimpse into the future…
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Surviving 2021
As another year draws to a close I wanted to take the opportunity to reflect on the challenges and successes of 2021. No doubt this was a demanding and turbulent year, but there were also some wonderful opportunities and moments to celebrate along the way. This is my very personal take on 2021…
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Dear Santa, Did You Get My Tweet?
Remote learning, online-learning platforms and home-schooling. It has certainly been a year in which these emerging technologies and pedagogies have grown and developed, especially in response to C19 restrictions and lockdowns. But despite all the progress in these spaces, surely there is still nothing that beats the physical school environment and face-to-face human interaction between…
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Another Bad Hair Day? Owning a Brush Might Help.
Max Kelly presents a new blog with yet more comparisons between political leadership and school leadership… After a torrid week or so for Boris Johnson and his Tory MPs, the Prime Minister continued his calamitous streak with a bizarre and poorly executed speech to the Confederation of British Industry. I’m not sure that a headteacher would…
MANX MAX 