Intelligence as measured on IQ tests used to be considered the prime factor which determined both academic and career success. Now a new generation of research psychologist are linking high achievement, not with IQ, but with the personal qualities which drive perseverance as the key to success. If we look beyond the concept of intelligence [...]
Helping children succeed in life and in learning is sole purpose of education, so it was somewhat surprising to hear Elizabeth Truss, Under Secretary at the Department for Education announce proposals to allow adult to child ratios to be flexible to encourage providers to take on bigger groups. She steered away from talking about education [...]
We live in a world that celebrates busy as a sign of status and success. This may work for adults but it goes against what nature intended for children. One of the casualties of our too busy world is that children are loosing the time to play, freely and independently with no pre-set task or [...]
Children love to play and become totally absorbed in games they choose for themselves. Everyone agrees that play is important for young children but once children reach school age it can become crowded out by a busy timetable of structured activities and homework. But play is not just a time filler and it has a [...]
What helps children to be happy, confident and successful at school? You’ve chosen a great school, the staff are dedicated, highly experienced and inspiring teachers. The curriculum is varied,interesting and stimulating. So what does help children make the most of what is on offer? Is it down to the abilities and temperament that a child [...]
The debate on what education is for and how best to help children achieve their potential is political dynamite. This fierce debate here in the UK is not unique and similar discussions are an aspect of every democratic country. Yes it’s good to talk but we need to stay aware of how our personal values [...]
The take up of free nursery places for 3 and 4 year olds is 95% and many parents will be alarmed that its benefits are being questioned by the government’s spending watchdog, The National Audit Office. Last week the N.A.O. explored the outcomes of making 15 hours of nursery education available. The good news is [...]
Children who shout out answers in class turn out to be the most successful learners according to a spate of articles in the press today. My heart sank as I suspect did 1,000’s of teachers reading this. Our common sense tells us this is only a partial truth. The story wouldn’t have made headlines unless it confounded [...]
Is self-control important or is it a rather out-moded, almost Victorian concept, which has no place in the modern world? On the one hand it invites images of cold baths and self denial while in contrast we are reminded of the planning and dedication that goes into training to be an Olympic class athlete or [...]
Learning to succeed is the result of developing and using a set of specific skills not a matter of how bright you are. All children can improve their progress with these skills. Although measured IQ is rising with each generation ( around 3 IQ points per decade), educational standards are not rising at [...]