Maria Arpa
This week
A great example of tyranny
Plus…
Maria’s Midweek Mindfulness
and
The Wednesday Whisper
Ofsted
If you’ve followed this blog for any length of time you will know that my easiest target for criticism is the education system. It’s not like I even have to try very hard. The system humiliates itself so often that I could make a whole Social Media Channel of it and never run out of content.
And, for clarity, my criticism is to the system not the people on the ground in schools.
So, if you remember, a head teacher took her own life as a result of an Ofsted Inspection so, of course, Ofsted said it would overhaul its system. In a hilarious turnaround, Ofsted is reportedly changing the one word grading to a colour coded system. That, apparently, is change. Not only that but in failing to listen to the people expected to comply with this system, Ofsted is facing a legal challenge from a Teacher’s Union.
Now, it has descended into a dispute in which Ofsted’s legal team have said they will defend the challenge and seek costs. They are fuelling their defence with lots of statistics, which of course, we all know can be massaged to create any result you want.
A whole section of the constituency is not OK with the changes but they are being ignored.
Is this the example we want to set to children?
If the regulatory body can refuse to listen to its constituents, then why should children listen to their teachers, or anybody for that matter?
Seems to me that the Education Regulator is in dire need of an education about humanity, empathy, cooperation, love, kindness, compassion and wellbeing.
No one is saying that schools shouldn’t be inspected. Done properly, teachers, head teachers, pastoral care staff and governors would welcome inspection with open arms. In fact, they would be excited to sit and discuss what’s going well and what needs improving, and be delighted to chart progress and worth with an inspection team that takes the time to look below the fake surface manufactured to pass threatening inspections.
It’s obvious that Ofsted have not achieved this. SO, OFSTED: INADEQUATE / CODE BLAZING RED
Maria’s Midweek Mindfulness
The DRM brings awareness of dissent and non-violent action as a means of preventing dictatorship and tyranny.
The Wednesday Whisper
Have you experienced the tyranny of power over? How did you cope?
PODCAST
Have you subscribed to my Podcast, All Things Conflict?
This is my new vehicle for sharing insights, experiences and wisdom with guests and friends talking about conflict.
Apple Podcast Channel
ANNOUNCEMENT
I have been writing this blog every week for 10 months a year, for more than 10 years. As the Podcast gains traction, I will be retiring the blog over the coming weeks and sending you excerpts from the podcast.
If you like this blog or content please share it with others.