Thoughts on a New Masters and Mastering New Thoughts!

I was fortunate enough to start my learning journey today towards a Msc in Education Leadership and Management via The National College of Education and IAPS. The induction day was excellent and thought provoking, fueling my excitement of being back in the classroom, so to speak, studying at Masters level for the first time in almost 8 years. Many thanks to Alison Bellingham, Rachel O’Halleron and their team for a great beginning.

It was lovely to be able to complete the sessions in the splendour of Clayesmore School’s newly opened Writer’s Block Cafe, allowing me to enjoy a tasty brownie and an ice cold soft drink or two whilst listening. This was a far cry from the very structured and regimented lecture halls that I remembered from my degree and PGCE. That need to be silent and stationary certainly was not my cup of tea! Today, with the freedom to occasionally get up and move around and have a drink, I am sure I absorbed and remembered more.

Mirroring the metacognitive approach we encourage with our students, I have found myself considering how I can further adapt the environment that I create for my learners. It is true that, sadly, not all lessons can be taught in a coffee shop! So, how can we help our pupils reach the highest levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, enabling them to achieve their best, due to feeling security, comfort, sense of belonging and accomplishment. Indeed, today I felt a sense of community, linking in with some of the other prep school leaders and I am excited that we are going to compare notes and ideas regularly.

In summary, I certainly do not have immediate answers, but I have taken a feeling, turned it into a desire and hope to take it into a reality over the next couple of years, as I study to complete my Masters.?