Lead Learner

A London primary head has decided to abandon the title 'head teacher' and become 'lead learner'.

Matt Chappel runs Thornhill School in Islington, North London. He said, "Thornhill promtes and values high quality learning - and I aim to lead by example. I want to show pupils that learning is not something that stops when they leave school, and that even as adults there is still plenty to learn. So I see this new title as a better reflection of my role and purpose."

The president of the NAHT, David Tuck, disagreed with the change of job title. "Our view is that every school should have a head teacher and that no other title should be used. One person needs to be the leader and to take responsibility, even if it's a shared vision."

Blimey. Whilst I totally agree that no teacher ever stops learning, does it send out the right message to the children? Does it imply that the person in charge of the school is not a lot more important than the children if they are all there to learn? Teachers do learn, of course, but teachers are there to teach the learners. Aren't they?

NPQH

After school today I went on an information briefing about beginning the NPQH course. The next round of applications begins on April 10th and ends on May 4th.

I am in complete confusion about whether I should apply for this course or not. I feel it would help me with my duties as Deputy Head (or Assistant Head or whatever title I might be given after the amalgamation!) However, at the same time I'm not sure whether it is the right move to take at this stage in my career. And above all - how much extra work will it involve?!

If anyone has any advice I'd appreciate it!

McDonald's sponsors NAHT Conference!

It has been revellead in the Mail on Sunday (4th Feb) that the National Association of Headteachers (NAHT) conference in the summer will be sponsored by McDonald's!

Whilst I think it is hilarious that McDonald's think that sponsoring headteachers will improve their customer base (picture them all eating Big Macs!) it does seem an irresponsible choice of sponsor. In an age where we are trying to encourage healthy eating, why is the biggest junk food chain in the world deemed to be a suitable sponsor?

Perhaps Ronald McDonald will be the keynote speaker!

Headteacher - Job adverts by children

Hornton Primary school in Oxfordshire have allowed their pupils to film their own video for their new Headteacher. They have produced a video called 'Use Your Head - Teach at Hornton' which appears on their school website and on YouTube.

What a fantastic idea! Our temporary governing body which has formed to appoint a headteacher of our amalgamated school in September. I think it would be fantastic to encourage the children to contribute to the advertising and interviewing process. It would allow them to have real ownership of their school.

Our governing body has decided to give the shortlisted heads a 'personality questionnaire' which I trialled yesterday. How do I get roped in to these things?! Well, apparently it would seem that I am normal. Amongst other things, I can remember it revealled that I'm not so confident when I meet new people but that I grow in confidence as I get to know them, I like to involve others in making important decisions and I am good at seeing projects through to completion. The governors apparently thought it described me perfectly and so they plan to go ahead and use it!! I'm just glad it didn't reveal that I was a serial killer or something!!