The articles in this edition of Snapshots provide some of the
best evidence yet that a new image of the primary school is taking
shape. Until now the image is of a community based family-oriented
place. Schools do not connect with one another to any great extent.
Sponsorship from the philanthropic or business sector is rare, as
are international partnerships.
In this edition, there are snapshots from four nations:
Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and the UK. The striking feature
is that a new image is being grafted on the old. Without
sacrificing local orientation, six schools provide often
breathtaking descriptions of the new image.
Bedminster Down School, in Bristol, has a ‘space centre’ funded
by the Innovations Unit of the Department for Education and Skills.
There are 10 partner primary schools. The design team is based in
Australia. Twenty secondary schools wish to host websites for local
primary schools. The Marymount Convent School, in Singapore,
reflects the Ministry of Education priority on ‘Teach Less, Learn
More’. Its Innovation Protocol was developed by The Idea Factory.
Developments span the globe, with Te Akau ki Papamoa School, in New
Zealand, working in partnership with Whitely Primary School, in
England, on co-constructed integrated learning for their students.
New Zealand’s Windsor School, in Christchurch, drew on expert
insight from Australia in its environmentally oriented
co-constructed curriculum initiative. Ashton Gate Primary, in
England, worked with industry in setting up 21st century wireless
technology in a re-designed 19th century school.
Critics are concerned at the preoccupation with 'standards'. Not
so Oswaldtwistle Broadfield, a special school where all students
have statements of special education needs, and value-added data
shows the school to be one of the best of its kind. The innovative
role of the Standards Coordinator is described. Without sacrificing
standards, Glenmore Road Primary, in Sydney, has found a way to
honour all students at its innovative Recognition Day. Meriden P-12
Anglican School, in Sydney, elevates standards with its English
Enrichment program for girls in grade 6.
These stories, and more, suggest that primary schools are at the
forefront of innovative practice and that schools and their leaders
at other levels have much to learn from them. They are no longer
the quiet places just down the street. They are thriving bustling
centres of energy that demand attention across the globe.
Professor Brian Caldwell
Associate Director (Global), iNet