“A teacher who is attempting to teach without inspiring the pupil with a desire to learn is hammering on a cold iron.” Horace Mann
"Recently I came across a beautifully written ode to creativity written by @RealDavidCameron – see here. Please read it in all of its resplendent glory. The article, appropriate for our austere times, and rather bankrupt political leadership, is not all sweetness and light. Birth weight and poverty are recognized as near intractable factors that inhibit learning, but the driving force of the article resides in the transformative power of education. This was connected to another article by an inspiring school leader, Tom Sherrington – the @headguruteacher – with this article on creativity here: Teaching for Creativity and Innovation. Now, let me admit, when I sometimes hear the term ‘creativity’ used regarding education I wince slightly. ‘Passion’ and ‘creativity’ have become easy labels used across public and private sectors, becoming appropriated by advertisers, regardless of whether those qualities are exhibited or not, like some empty corporate mantra. When people laud Sir Ken Robinson I cannot but agree with his inspired speeches, but without action those words ring hollow. What leaders like Tom Sherrington and people like David Cameron do is put meat onto the bones of the creativity mantra in a real and valuable. They shine a light on creativity in practice and thereby encourage us to bask in the glow and feed the flame,"
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The above comment, only one paragraph in quite a lengthy meditation on the necessity for creativity and passion in education, comes from "A Subject Leader of English in a large, successful state school in York" [England], who evidently desires to write anonymously.
In any event, huntingenglish has quite a bit to say on his/her own behalf and also peppers the piece with abundant links to additional writings by others as well as schools/programs that s/he considers exemplary.
From the opinions expressed, it seems to me that the educational landscape in the UK resembles that of the US in a great many respects...certainly I find much to agree with concerning personal reflections about the current state of educational affairs.
Huntingenglish has a lot to say and, IMO, says it very well. This is quite a stimulating read and I will be returning to this blog for more.