THE HEADTEACHER'S BLOG - THE BURFORDIAN, ISSUE 2 2024 -2025

This is the Headteacher's Blog which was first featured in issue 2 of The Burfordian, published on Friday 4th October 2024.

Over the course of the next 4 editions of the Headteacher’s blog in the Burfordian I will provide some reflections on the opportunities and challenges presented by mobile phones in school. At the end of this period, I will send out a questionnaire to gather the views of the community about usage and perceptions about the level of restriction currently in school.

I have made no bones in the past about my view that mobile phones are problematic for schools and the young people within, particularly those in younger years. However, I hope to provide over the next two months some balance to the discussion so parents can answer the questionnaire in December with an even sense of background knowledge.

In the brief space I have here, I cannot provide an exhaustive summary, and I repeat there will inevitably be a degree of bias in what I write. I would urge parents to undertake their own investigation into the matter, bearing in mind the possible bias of any source and, of course, the very issue of the echo chambers created by the algorithms driving the online world. From my perspective I would highlight here as a starting point recent work by Jonathon Haidt including this article from The Atlantic. He certainly comes to the matter from one side of the discussion; however, I am very persuaded by his work.

Thinking about mobile phones is evolving rapidly and unfortunately, owing to the relatively recent introduction of internet-enabled mobile devices, research is as yet inconclusive. There will be three key areas covered in the blogs starting in the next edition with cognitive load and learning. I will then move on to look at learning tools and social interaction. I hope you will come along with us through the discussion. I look forward to sending out the questionnaire later this year and hearing your feedback at that time.

Open Evening – 19 September 2024

A couple of weeks ago we welcomed record-breaking numbers to visit the school on Open evening. The weather was kind, given the trend for the rest of September, and everyone who gathered was treated to golden sunshine on their tours of the school. Not to diminish the brilliant work of the staff who helped set up the school (and they gave their all to show off the education on offer at Burford), I want to celebrate today the students who helped.

The students excelled for a number of reasons. Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, the sheer number of students who volunteered to help. Giving up discretionary time to help others, in whatever form, is a true sign of character. Miss Skerten and the team were able to draw on a huge number of students to help with tours and demonstrations.  As it happens the school needed them given the interest in our Open Day. Secondly, I was struck by the manner of the students. With joy on their faces everyone spread the Burford message with good cheer and positivity. Such positivity is infectious, and it was obvious to see the impact as prospective parents big left with smiles on their faces having spent time with our wonderful our students. Thirdly, it was clear the students were proud. Pride is a complicated emotion and, as I have written before, can cause problems if not directed well. When pride is held in the context of others and felt together, it is possible to see a collective hop in the step. It truly was an evening where the values of Respect Participate Reach burned bright.