Do you have a school visit in your calendar?

I recently carried out a series of lesson observations at a very high-performing school, I saw exceptional behaviour and fully engaged students in every classroom. What I saw impressed me and it all made me reflect on a few things:

a) To what extent has my experience of working in challenging schools affected my perception of what great teaching is.

b) What’s left when the challenges of poor behaviour and disengagement are removed?

c) What should a teacher be focusing on when these matters are already taken care of?

Over to you

As these questions were shaped by my own experience, my question for you is:

To what extent, is your paradigm of great teaching shaped by your experiences?

Perhaps you will never fully know until you have discombobulating experience similar to the one I had recently.

How can we broaden our horizons?

With a sound rationale, we advocate that trainee teachers have multiple placements and contrasting school experiences. This is because they provide the chance to:

1) see what good looks like

2) build new connections with colleagues

3) share resources

4) explore areas of interest in great depth

Despite these advantages, arranging school visits is very rarely a priority once we are further along in our careers. Sure, we can connect with other professionals on Twitter and attend conferences at the weekend but school visits should not be neglected. When planned effectively school visits can provide practical support and can deeply challenge and develop the way we perceive and think about education.

I know your inbox is full and there is a crazily busy term ahead but there is so much value to be gained from getting out of your school and into a geographically or contextually different setting.

Think strategically about what you want to gain from such a visit, get approval (if you’re not the Head), plan your cover and go and do it. It could be hugely beneficial and it’s one of the most cost-effective CPD options available.

Share below how a school visit has impacted your practice/thinking.