Earlier this month, Independent Education shared the advice of three private school headteachers, Jo MacKenzie, Bedford Girls’ School, Chris Seal, Shrewsbury International School Bangkok and Ben Evans, Edge Grove School on seamlessly running a school. 

Bedford Girls' School

Headmistress Jo MacKenzie, discusses the importance of monitoring general wellbeing, both in terms of self-reflection for herself and the students and in instilling core values throughout teaching. 

Jo continues to explain how the school aims to help students to 'develop strategies to both manage productivity and their emotional wellbeing during times of stress. We believe in balance. We discuss the vital roles of sleep, exercise, nutrition and planning.' 

Shrewsbury International School Bangkok

Shrewsbury's principle Chris Seal, explains the affect of technology on his day to day practices and how embracing these changes can build upon productivity. 

'I have found doing more than scratching the surface with software makes a big difference. Examples would be use of the categories in Outlook to be able to filter mails into useful and searchable blocks. Similarly, Wunderlist’s ‘assign to’ function allows me to open collaborative lists on a range of topics, and more prosaically send tasks for my PA, members of the senior team or my truculent teenage daughter. Google Docs’ ‘live comment’ and ‘suggest functions’ are life-changers.'

Edge Grove School

In a similar fashion, Ben Evans of Edge Grove School, describes the importance of integrating technology with staying in contact with parents and the community. This involves embracing the software that parents and students use in order to ensure that they are up to date with potentially changing topics. 

'Rather than them asking other parents and spreading misinformation, we have set up our own school-controlled WhatsApp groups for each year group. They are not forums for parents to air their concerns, gossip or find out about the next birthday party, but they are a means to communicate important messages and reminders about school events and the type of uniform that should be worn that day.

If parents have a query about something, it will be answered quickly and promptly by our administrator of the groups, who knows the accurate answers – or they will post the relevant sections in the weekly information letter, which will have already been sent to all parents.

It provides parents with an excellent platform of communication (one they are familiar with and use regularly with ease) and it ensures that the correct message is sent. This reduces the chances of parents being misinformed and also the spreading of rumours.'

Looking to apply to a private school like Edge Grove School or Bedford Girls' School? Enquire today about getting expert advice for admissions: https://www.best-schools.co.uk/enquiry-form/

Read the rest of the article here: https://ie-today.co.uk/Article/talking-heads-whats-your-best-headteacher-hack/