I often get asked what advice would you give to a new leader. Some key things: 1. Have a clear vision. 2. Be crystal clear what success looks like. 3. Plan for the worse (pre - mortem approach), but hope for the best. 4. Give people time. 5. Listen. 6. Role model.
As many schools enter the last week of term I would like to appreciate school staff up and down the country as I have seen first hand the sheer extent of how students have been cared for and supported through recent times.
Very difficult day leaving what has been my professional home for almost 20 years. Thank you to everyone for a lovely send off. Wishing
@DixonsAcademies
all the very best for the future.
10 yr challenge. What's happened? Assistant Principal to CEO. Involved in opening 3 new free schools. Lost weight, gained weight cycle.. read lots of books, visited great schools. What's stayed the same ..love of teaching RE, seeing young people thrive & staff develop.
Replacing the term differentiation with scaffolding can help change the focus from producing lots of different resources that dilute the essence of a curriculum to one where the expert teacher questions, models, praises to ensure all can access it Healthy and efficient.
Representing
@DixonsAcademies
at Number 10 today. Celebration of education and free schools. Proud to have been involved with
@DixonsTA
@DixonsMA
and
@DixonsSixth
free schools and incredibly lucky to work with amazing young people and their families along with dedicated staff.
A good reminder at the start of the year, I always try to a better leader each year. I think I do number 6 well and always trying to get better at the rest. Love a good story!
Ten years ago opening Dixons Trinity doors for the first time. An amazing ten years always proud to have been the first Vice Principal. Remember not been able to use the lifts and there are lots of steps at DTA.
@ldsparkes
@Laura_J_Senior
As a child I dreamt of being a teacher and have never forget how much of a privilege it is to work in our field, equally as demanding and challenging but never the less a privilege. I love the excitement a new school year brings.
As we prepare to close down Semester 2 and get ready to open the 2023 - 24, time for me to say thanks to my Headteachers and Exec team for their work this year with a copy of atomic habits. Thanks team have a great summer!
Massive thank you to my dream team (not all captured in the image below) who have worked tirelessly preparing for our PD Day not once but twice thanks to the weather. We can't wait until tomorrow to welcome everyone remotely tomorrow.
#ttctteamwork
Celebrating two years as CEO of TTCT. Massive thank you to all my TTCT colleagues for your support since I arrived. Still lots to do and more to achieve but I feel that we have moved lots on in the right direction.
As a leader and a teacher I am often asked how I develop & support others. There is no magic answer but kindness & giving time to others is where I always start. I do love the calendar below. Let's embrace this month and support each other even more than usual.
Shout out to all Heads of Year 11, Exam Officers, and SENDCos who have been working hard behind the scenes for months to prepare for the exam season. A successful exam series does not happen by chance.
Blown away today by my visit to
@TrinityAcademyL
to learn about all things RS. Students with exceptional attitudes to learning taught by passionate subject experts. Always inspired from my visits - thank you for having me
@Kathryncafferk1
@MissAli_RE
@Hancol190216
Thank you to DMA scholars, staff and families for everything you have done over the last two weeks. You continue to make me incredibly proud (although remotely). Have a rest of the Easter break, stay staff and follow government advice.
#DMAatHome
20 years ago I entered the teaching profession and have never looked back. I am always inspired by our exceptional scholars, families & staff, especially in the last few months. I was and I am still proud of my PGCE report.
#feedbackisagift
Three years ago I started at TTCT in my role as CEO. Time has gone really quickly. Thanks to Team TTCT for making me feel so welcome and humoring my quirks (talking fast and formatting). Imposter syndrome is very much still present! Ready for Year 4!
Thrilled to be presenting at
@researchED1
on school improvement at scale. If you are interested in sequencing school improvement in one or across a group of schools please do come along!
Feeling really excited about being able to get stuck into the role I started in January. The last few months have been great but the pandemic certainly dictated things. We are the Two Counties Trust and we enhance life choices. 2021 - 22 we are ready for you.
#ttct
We're delighted to announce Emma Howard as the new Headteacher of
@SwanwickHall
. This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the school and it's community.
#SmashingIt
#Ambition
In the spirit of honesty, which is a TTCT core value. Two photos one late last night and one two minutes before presenting to 1000+ people. I have an amazing team who finished only when the work was done and to a high standard.
@JGProfDev
@Lauren_Banfield
@mitchelldagley
I am finalising my presentation for
@researchED1
on Saturday. If you are interested in school improvement at scale please pop into the session and find out more.
#rED23
What to focus on at start of year with students? Refocus on the purpose of expectations and routines. The behaviour curriculum is so important at the start of the year but it's not just for the start of the year. Uniform and books two things to get right from day one.
Just re - read this lots of pertinent points. I always advocate been clear on what is expected & unpack one model of excellence, sometimes more then one. Responsive feedback is key to nudge improvements at the right time.
As the academic year closes I would like to thank all the other great leaders that share ideas and work collaboratively with. The world of education is full of people who want to do the best for all students! It is such a great sector to work in. Have a great summer everyone!
Dear families and scholars. I know the news tonight will be unsettling especially for our examination groups, we will be here to guide you through the next steps as and when things become clearer. We are a team, we are a DMA family.
#dmarelationships
Just came up on my timeline, 10 years ago I was appointed as Principal Designate. Where has the time gone! Headship is a very challenging role but is equally rewarding.
Lovely end to the school year. Super proud of my staff, and the scholars we serve. From the bottom of my heart thanks to everyone who makes DMA the school it is, especially the families we work alongside. I am delighted to serve Bradford in the best way I know.
Congratulations to all our
#StarAward
winners!
Today we have gathered to recognise the work of our ambitious colleagues. Well done to our 6 overall winners,
@Manor_AAHT
, Ashley Kerry, Ashleigh Walker, Catherine Parker, Ashleigh Bell & Ashfield's Site Team!
#PeopleFirst
Congratulations to all students & staff
@dixonsca
on their recent Ofsted inspection - outstanding in all areas! Very proud to belong to the Dixons family of schools.
Really pleased with our A Level results and delighted that so many of our scholars have confirmed their next steps in education, employment and training. I am equally as pleased with the young adults you have become throughout your time at Dixons - well done Class of 2019.
@SaysMiss
Teach Like A Champion
@Doug_Lemov
, if I had to pick one book that has had the most impact on improving my competency as a teacher and leader since I first read it in 2012.
REally pleased to be able to get involved in some teaching of RE next term. (See what I did there). It has always been my passion, so it is a real treat. The longest role I ever held was 'Head of RE', over ten years often combined with other roles.
Really looking forward to our first Dixons Trust conference. Immensely proud to be part of the 1000+ colleagues who will be learning and working together in one venue tomorrow.
Great to see 3 of our amazing students on BBC Breakfast today. A future Doctor, Dentist and Occupational Therapist - living out our hashtag
#investinyourfuture
Have loved scrolling through twitter today lots of great things happening in schools. I love the positivity and professional learning you get from seeing what others are doing. Education sector is challenging but it is great!
4 years ago this week I was appointed as Principal Designate of the new Dixons Free School 2014. It’s been a great journey so far, working with most supportive families, hard working scholars and talented professional.
Really inspiring presentation on ‘levelling up’ by
@shadylady222
(
@Team_English1
). Essential reminder that good teaching for disadvantaged students is basically good teaching + a timely reminder never to lower expectations.
#TLLeeds22
It is such a joy to see our scholars progressing to climb their next mountain at University or suitable alternative. Congratulations Halima - you will make a fantastic teacher!
Best wishes to you all - if you need support, we are here for you.
We are crafting and publishing a series of videos for our families. The topics have been identified through family surveys & by liaising with leaders in school. We are delighted that the first of which focus on teaching & literacy.
I loved seeing today how
@TrinityAcademyL
is going from strength to strength. I have left with two mantras in my head 'mirrors and windows' and 'industry standard'. Well done to
@Kathryncafferk1
and the team for everything you are doing to create a truly remarkable school.
It has been revealed.
@BeckfootTrust
and The Two Counties Trust are delighted to be launching ConnectED.
ConnectED aims to connect teachers and school staff with leading educational thinkers.
Join our first session online for free on the 23rd Jan!
#SmashingIT
Join us and
@BeckfootTrust
at our first, FREE online ConnectED Live event! Connect with education's leading thinkers. Our first special guest is
@PepsMccrea
sharing insights and taking questions about student motivation.
#EdChat
#ConnectEdLive
I am enjoying a little bit of time in the sun thinking about how we can make professional learning even better for our Two Counties Heros. More to come on our next strategic big move.
#ttctambition
#ttctpl
Sneak preview of the external view of our new Sixth Form academy opening August 2019. It will provide our scholars with a. genuine step from school to university.
#d6a
@dixons6th
Very excited for the week ahead with visits to
@coopbellevue
,
@TrinityAcademyL
and
@SpringwellCC
. TTCT WOW is aesthetic. As always we continue to live and love our shared core values of ambition, teamwork and honesty.
July 2016, 224 scholars, no permanent building, 20 staff. August 2018 - new building, 730 scholars in years 7 - 13, 100 staff and an outstanding ofsted judgement. What a difference two years can make!
So impressed with all the training that is happening in schools up and down the country. It is clear that the profession has continued to develop and move on during the pandemic. Schools are just great places. Looking forward to getting started next week when we return.
As many schools are finishing today, I would like to wish everyone a relaxing and safe summer. I have benefitted from working more closely with
@trinity_mat
and
@BeckfootTrust
this year so thank you for working with
@TwoCountiesT
.
Wishing Class of 2023 all the very best as they come to an end of an era
@DixonsMA
- first year group to five years in the new building. You are ready to continue climbing your mountain. Good luck from Mr Davies.
@dma_classof2023
@DixonsMA_SVP
Five years of hard work, sheer determination and relentless grit ..... GCSE results 2019.
#bdresults
Well done to our defining year group, you have set the bar high for future cohorts.
A great read. Lots of great ideas about how to build a great organisational culture. Personal takeaways; to listen even more, ask more questions, leave a pause when there is a silence in a meeting. Try to make people feel part of a special team even more on a special journey.
Great day at the central office today. Appreciating the efforts of the central team and presenting to middle leaders on building high performing teams. I am so lucky to work with such a committed team of professionals.
Thinking of all those students completing the Really Special exam tomorrow which is Religious Studies. I do lots of things now but I am a RE teacher at heart. Always loved preparing the students for exams with
@DTCJGi
.
On national thank a teacher day. A massive thank you to my own teachers who inspired me (many years ago now), my colleagues I worked with
@DixonsAcademies
& the all those
@TwoCountiesT
who I do my best to serve each day and are working hard to ensure we enhance life choices.
Moments from today, lots of happy tears from our scholars, families and staff. Hard work pays off. Class of 2021 you should be proud 77% gaining at least a grade 4 in English and Maths.
#bdresults
Even as Vice Principal and Principal, I always aimed to take a full role in the RE departments. RE should be taught as an academic subject, preparing future generations of theologians combined with the opportunity for personal reflection and development.
One term in at TTCT, and I am genuinely excited about what we can achieve together for the students, families and staff. I have had such a warm welcome from everyone inside and outside the Trust. East Midlands is a great place to serve.
A year ago I left what had been my second home for almost 20 years and took up my new role at TTCT. I still miss colleagues, scholars and families that I worked with. It has been an absolute honour to lead the TTCT this year. Thank you for being so welcoming!
Wishing all our families, students and staff a happy and safe festive break as our final Derbyshire schools break up today. Thank you for all that you have done in 2021. Spend time with those who mean the most to you and do something just for you. Happy holidays!
Lovely to spend a bit of time with Team Dixons this afternoon
@DixonsAcademies
celebrating the work of
@njweller
and the phenomenal legacy he leaves behind.
Final call for a senior leader who is passionate about developing a compelling learning culture across our family of schools. I am looking for someone committed fully to our 100% kind and 100% consistent approach and working on codifying our default behaviour curriculum.
Blown away by the teamwork and ambition displayed by TTCT. A year ago no common inset days and today we brought together experts from within and across the Trust. I have further plans for next year. Thanks to all concerned.
#myttctlegacy
#oneTrust
Very clear from
@profbeckyallen
that to get better, you need to want to get better. Clear examples of some of our staff who want exactly that and are fully committed to their CPD.
#dixonsconf19
@Ambition_Inst
Being awarded City of Culture means exciting investment across Bradford. This is a BIG deal! It will become the centre stage from attracting tourism to showcasing new development
#2025
Bradford awarded City of Culture 2025 - taking over from Coventry
Welcome back to all our students across the Trust this week. We are here to make sure you reconnect with all the things that make your place of learning special to you. A special welcome to our new EYFS, Year 7 and Year 12 students. Have a great week.
Massive thank you to
@DixonsTC
for our visit today literally had the best day. An exceptional academy challenging educational and social disadvantage. Thank you for your time, expertise and willingness to share your ideas and journey.
We are delighted to have
@m_chiles
presenting on assessment at our Trust PD Day on the 11th March. Expert trainers are so important as are subject experts in the classroom. We have certainly got an expert joining us in
@m_chiles
.
#ttctpdday
Two more sleeps until our annual Trust Conference 2024. We have four different conference venues - we have an array of domain specialists all busy preparing sessions for our wonderful TTCT professionals.
#YourPLMatters
#SmashingIt
.
I wish all students and staff the very best of luck today. The Class of 2023 as a cohort has had a unique experience of education but a usual exam season. Let today mark the start of the next exciting chapter in your journey. We are here for you today and into the future.
Fabulous day at
@coopbellevue
- students are really benefitting from a strong culture and a sequenced curriculum. Students are polite and keen to learn.
@SFL2326
has achieved so much as a new Head, totally inspiring. Thank you for having us!
Total testimony to our scholars, our families & DMA staff that attendance was high today, attitude to learning exemplary and the care for each other was inspirational. I am always humbled and inspired by the scholars, families and staff that I am privileged to serve and lead.