July 2013

The know zone

• Secret service
  Free speech and whistleblowing are rights that must be balanced against the rights and reputation of others, including children and the school itself, says Richard Bird. More
• Goving nowhere
  The fast-changing funding landscape is driving uncertainty and the latest revisions to funding formulae will not help one bit, says Sam Ellis. More
• Lead vocals
  Quotes from Lao Tzu, Frank Herbert, Jiddu Krishnamurti, Abraham Lincoln and Jim Henson More
• Appliance of science
  Andrew Squires is deputy head of Denbigh School in Milton Keynes and director of the Denbigh Teaching School Alliance. More
• Prince's Trust xl clubs
  The Prince’s Trust in-school xl clubs are aimed at re-engaging young people aged 13-19 who are struggling to achieve five A*-C GCSEs and who may be dealing with a wide range of issues including behavioural problems, low attendance and low self-confidence. More
• Adding value
  Effective feedback is one of the most important factors that affects student progress. IRIS Connect believes that teachers also need effective feedback. More
• The realms of possibility?
  Moves to set up a Royal College of Teaching are gathering pace. Should teaching have a self-regulating professional body? Will it make a difference? Here leaders share their views. More
• Leaders' surgery
  Changes to A levels and Tips on engaging with your MP More
• Explosive situation?
  Punitive, demoralising, threatening… Is this really a culture that nurtures long-term improvement? No, says Brian Lightman. And rushing to bring in performancerelated pay for teachers will only foster more resentment. More
• Decisions of the head or heart?
  Parents worried about head lice, colleagues confused about job opportunities, meaningless memos. And your school is shortly to close. Oh, the joys of leadership. Thank goodness for students. More