An Eventful and Inspiring Week

The picture of my beautiful almond tree has inspired me to write up this post. The past week I have been busily teaching groups of well-motivated primary school teachers from around Europe. I have had a lot of fun and when appropriate, have been using technology in my sessions. I lacked confidence before but now, I am trying things out and the prospect of seeing my lesson materials on a huge screen at the University of Oxford Said Business School has really encouraged me to be adventurous. Of course, the prospect of failure in front of so many teachers is a bit scary but without experimenting, how would I learn?

A Visit to a Special Primary School
On Friday I went to Windmill Primary School for a guided tour with my teachers. It was a fantastic experience. The school is a very impressive place and the headteacher, Mrs Lynn Knapp, gave us a wonderful tour around the school and its facilities. We were all left amazed by the friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The children looked motivated and engaged in their various activities. There was a joyful and positive buzz around the school. The pupils seemed to be having great fun but at the same time were learning the essential core values such as respect, which is at the heart of what is taught across the curriculum. The abundant creativity which was all-pervading was a truly inspiring sight. Thank you very much Mrs Knapp and all the staff and pupils for welcoming us so warmly into your delightful school!

Respecting Values


My primary school days at Headington Quarry School in the 1960s were so different (no technology at all!) but yet so similar in terms of the morals and high standards which were imparted to us, especially by my headteacher Mr Reagan, who I will remember forever. ... We were also taught the values of respect, kindness, politeness, generosity towards our peers and elders. These have stood me in good stead throughout my life. Mr Reagan once told me "Janet-You can achieve whatever you want as long as you want to do it". How true his words were! Basically his words boiled down to "No desire, no gain". We are all of us capable of achieving our dreams, but we need to strive hard to reach the pinnacle of success.