Barry Smith - Learning about Learning

Today I spent the day at John Muir House shadowing Don Ledingham as part of my SQH comparative study.  I’m comparing the climate for innovation and creativity between ELC Education Department and Preston Lodge HS.  It was fascinating to see at first hand how the different/competing interests and demands of so many stakeholders are balanced and how they connect with one another.  Getting such a strategic view of things really helped me gain a much clearer appreciation of the nature and notion of Integrated Children’s Services.   

Not having had the opportunity to take time out from the daily business in school to experience the work that goes on within the Education Department previously, I think I had a less than complete picture of what goes on day-to-day.  From that point of view I regard myself extremely lucky to have had such open access.  I can see how the barriers are being broken down through the blogging phenomenon and by the way innovative practice is becoming policy, helping things develop at the classroom level and at a more strategic level. 

Not only did I achieve my goal as regards my study, but I also had a fantastic CPD session.  Without going into detail that may not make the most stimulating post, I was able to sit in on and contribute (a very small amount) to several meetings ranging from a regular LNCT meeting to one involving a discussion with the Scottish Executive regarding P.E. provision in East Lothian schools.  I’m going to look into the ‘Getting Things Done‘ approach to managing workload after having spoken to Rob Lewis, an information officer at John Muir House.

I finished off with a real boost, meeting with David Gilmour late in the day to discuss the ALPs site. He has put together a fantastic model for us to start and tinker with before the start of the programme in mid February.

All that and we managed to discuss the meaning of life over lunch.  I didn’t pay but I’m told it might mean a pound of flesh in the future!