I have a dream! (Said Neil)

I watched the TED talk 'Dream Big' by Neil Hawkes, an ex headteacher of a primary school. It was very inspirational! He discussed Value-Based-Education. He sees this as being a message for the future which we can send with children.

He discusses the importance of positive relationships with children because they hold biological memory within them. Therefore by default if we have positive relationships with children, they are carrying positive messages into the future world. We can develop trusting relationships with children by forming connections with them.

Hawkes believes that education is not about Maths, English, grades, etc. but about 'flourishing humanity'. He quotes Aristotle" Education is a moral pursuit".

He makes the point that VBE can only work when the WHOLE school is underpinned by positive values. These then give children the tools to form positive relationships with themselves and others.

He used the acronym - MIRACLE

M - Modelling the values.

I - the inner curriculum of thoughts, feelings, emotions. A VB school provide a safe environment for this to begin.

R - reflection

A - atmosphere - having a calm and purposeful environment.

C - curriculum which is explicit and implicit.

L - leadership being onboard

E - ethical intelligence.

He quotes Carl Rogers "have unconditional, positive regard' (showing complete support and acceptance of a person no matter what that person says or does.)

Hawkes finishes by explaining that VBE results in communicative competence, relational trust, academic diligence and meets the needs of children - providing them with the tools for resilience, mental well-being and a sense of self.

In interesting talk and I love the idea and the potential. I wonder how it works in practice? How does SLT get every single staff member on board? What about what happens at home?