...and along came Ferndale.

The phone call came out of the blue. It was mid-May and fifteen minutes later the LA Director was sat in my Office asking if I would consider becoming an Executive Head i.e. Headteacher of two Schools: Goddard Park, and now also Ferndale which is due to be a Primary in September on the amalgamation of the current Infants and Junior Schools. Ferndale just happened to be my own Junior School from 1959 to 1961, so it was no contest really, and after meeting with the Governors and the blessing of my own, a year's agreement was set up. My working week now reaches 80 hours and climbing. Brilliant support from the retiring Junior Acting Head, Judith. Thank you. There is an enormous difference between an amalgamation and a successful amalgamation. Creating a new School - in this case Ferndale Community Primary School - requires in depth work on staffing (especially a good set of drivers in the new Senior Leadership Team) and a new and positive culture, raising confidence and a level of excitement. This has also to pervade children and parents. A new school colour/uniform/learning environment helps establish a sense of identity. I'm very pleased with the response I'm getting from Staff (new and old)and Governors, and there's a palpable sense of positive progress from the Parents I'm meeting. Had a great awayday with the Staff. Still a lot to do and achieve before September, but we have momentum. Did someone mention a summer holiday?

Rovar, Norway

Took a boat from Haugersund in western Norway to the island of Rovar. It was about 30 minutes, and then arriving on an island of 100 people. Rovar School has seventeen pupils aged 6-16 years. As it happens most are currently boys. The dedicated teachers enjoy the small numbers and can really personalise learning. The older children were engaged on a topic about WWII. Each of these five pupils took their own themes such as Anne Frank, or Norwegians who suffered in the occupation. The School is due to take part in a European Comenius project with up to 14 other schools.
The School had contributed a great deal of research in the island Museum which focuses on a tragedy. 30 islanders were lost when their boat sank on returning to the island from a funeral. This decimated the community for many years. Herring fishing had been a major industry, but tourism is now a significant earner. Local people are justifiably proud of the island and its heritage, but recognise that youngsters often want to spend time in Haugersund. Thank you to Marit and Marit and the rest of the staff for a compelling experience.

Time, time, time...

Apologies for not posting recently, but time pressures remain intense. The last six months have been very busy with major changes at school including a new playground; the Adventure Zone. This was the result of the Schools Council finding out what the children enjoyed and thought could be improved in school. They tried out play areas in other schools, interviewed three companies, and made a presentation to Governors. The Zone is working well. It opened at the same time as the introduction of Huff and Puff sessions of small play equipment. With the Astro multi-use games area this makes for a rotation for each year group to access the Zones. Other areas include quiet seating areas. Now we are looking to develop further garden areas.