Oct 07
I know that travel is a privilege, and that time, cost, family and work responsibilities, and physical and mental challenges can prevent many of us from travelling. But I am just going to put it out there … if you can visit Hiroshima, you should. And if you think this does not apply to you, …
Sep 21
As most readers of my writing will know, I do not normally post pictures of my hair online. I am not a ‘content creator’ (aka ‘influencer’) in the making, although I will confess to a desire to use the platform I have to make a positive difference in the world through challenging and supporting leaders …
May 17
Travelling into London on the Elizabeth Line last weekend, on my way to the annual COBIS conference, I was sat opposite a baby, and I can honestly say that this was the best train journey I have taken in a long time; it was so enjoyable! The baby – probably, I would guess, aged 10 …
Nov 19
The student performances at FOBISIA conferences are always excellent and this year’s performances at the 31st FOBISIA conference in Bangkok this past weekend more than exceeded expectations. The harmony of a school chamber choir, the fluid elegance of a school dance society … and then there was a duologue performed by two students from St …
Nov 01
One of the topics I have been focusing on in particular with leaders this term, and which I will shortly revisit, at one of my talks at GESS Dubai 2024 later in November, is that of the wellness of school leaders and teachers: what it means, how to engender it, and how to sustain it …
Jun 18
‘I wasn’t feeling that story anyway’ … so says Robert Peston in the British Airways safety video, as he dutifully demonstrates packing away his laptop, and storing it securely for take-off. As I head to Japan (on a BA flight) for the Hakuba Forum, where I hope to learn, grow and explore, alongside other educators …
May 05
I have just spent a truly lovely day largely in the company of a number of wonderful female school leaders in Riyadh, ahead of the inaugural GESS Saudi Arabia conference, which takes place on 6-7 May. Today has been enormously uplifting and stimulating; I have enjoyed engaging in discussions, astute observations, and insights. Plus we …
Apr 04
I have just read a bracing book – bracing, as in part-terrifying, that is, with some uncomfortable truths. I have, however, found over the years that the majority of bracing books also serve as prompts that lead to positive action, and this one was no exception. The book? ‘The Coming Wave’ by Mustafa Suleyman (with …
Feb 01
As I prepare for this weekend’s WISE (Women in International Schools Empowerment) conference at the British School Manila, in the pleasant February temperatures of the Philippines, and as I reflect on the amazing work already being done in the WISE community in mentoring women leaders in education, I have been re-reading ‘How Women Rise’ by …
Sep 03
The last few weeks in August in the UK – and, indeed, in British international schools across the world – are a hive of activity (and emotion). These are the weeks when the results of A Levels and then GCSEs are published, and with them, university destinations for students are confirmed, and teachers reflect on …