Difficult Conversations

Brave Governance

Brave Head, Associate Dave Harris is also increasingly in demand for his work with governors. Here are his 13 essential points for ensuring the governance is brave as the leadership.

Three-minute read

Posted by Dave Harris on 19 Oct 2018

Dave Harris, Difficult Conversations, Education, Governance, Improving Standards and Effectiveness, Leadership, Schools, School Improvement, Read

ACES High

Independent Thinking was one of the lead partners in an amazing conference helping Scotland lead the way when it comes to looking at the impact on young people of ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences).

Five-minute read

12 Jun 2018

Poverty, Society, Read, Activism, Lisa Jane Ashes, Nina Jackson, Debra Kidd, Hywel Roberts, Dave Whitaker, Behaviour, Motivation and Engagement, Complexity, Difficult Conversations, Diversity and Inclusion, Education, Improving Standards and Effectiveness, Leadership, Managing Stress and Mindfulness, Neuroscience, Relationships, Research, Resilience, Schools, School Improvement, SEND, Teachers, Teaching in Challenging Circumstances

Beyond the Bake Sale Pt I

Frustrated by the message that children seem to be receiving that a bake sale will make everything better in the world, Ian Gilbert wrote this for his book Independent Thinking.

Four-minute read

Posted by Ian Gilbert on 09 Apr 2018

Why This Book Needed Writing

Apart from offering help and support to teachers working with young people growing up in poverty, our new book The Working Class seeks to replace the 'truths' being told with some of our own as outlined here by the book's editor, Ian Gilbert.

Ten-minute read and watch

Posted by Ian Gilbert on 15 Feb 2018

Education, Poverty, Schools, Ian Gilbert, Activism, Complexity, Difficult Conversations, Diversity and Inclusion, Research, Resilience, School Improvement, Society, Teaching and Learning, Teaching in Challenging Circumstances, Values-based Education, Watch, Read

In Difficult Times - A Unique Perspective

With the terrible events that have taken place in the country in recent weeks, we asked Associate, ex-SAS Major and former head of the UK's Counter Terrorism Unit, Floyd Woodrow what messages he has for the children in our classrooms.

Four-minute read

Posted by Floyd Woodrow on 06 Jun 2017

Education, Radicalisation, Schools, Values-based Education, Floyd Woodrow, Coaching, Difficult Conversations, Leadership, Personal Leadership, Relationships, Read

A Pedagogy of Questioning

The better the questioning, the harder the thinking, the deeper the learning. Here are 34 questions for starters to use with - and be used by - your learners from Ian Gilbert.

Three-minute read

Posted by Ian Gilbert on 12 Mar 2017

Education, Questioning and Thinking Skills, Ian Gilbert, Creativity, Independent Learning, Teaching and Learning, Read, Assessment and Feedback, Behaviour, Motivation and Engagement, Beyond Differentiation, Difficult Conversations, Improving Standards and Effectiveness, Relationships, Resilience

When They Go Low

We put this out on a mailshot to subscribers 24 hours after the US presidential elections. Judging by the feedback, it seemed to help.

One-minute read

Posted by Ian Gilbert on 11 Nov 2016

Education, Ian Gilbert, Activism, Environment, Poverty, Teaching and Learning, Well-Being, Read, Difficult Conversations, Leadership, Personal Leadership, Refugees, Society, Teaching in Challenging Circumstances

The Working Class

If you are unhappy about the current narrative around 'working class' children and young people and their education then now is the chance to have your say with our unique new publication.

Two-minute read

Posted by Ian Gilbert on 01 Nov 2016

Ian Gilbert, Activism, Difficult Conversations, Diversity and Inclusion, Education, Poverty, Schools, Society, Teaching in Challenging Circumstances, Read

A University Education at Any Price?

Isn't it about time we challenged the whole 'school to university to a life of debt' conveyor belt? asks Independent Thinking founder Ian Gilbert. After all, as is always the case, there is another way.

Three-minute read

Posted by Ian Gilbert on 19 Oct 2016

Education, Schools, Ian Gilbert, Activism, Entrepreneurship, Personal Leadership, Poverty, Society, Read, Employability, Difficult Conversations

But Everyone Else Is Doing It - Children, Cheating and the SATs

The SATS in England are descending into farce but there is also an altogether more disturbing side to them. Written anonymously, for obvious reasons, by a concerned primary school teacher this blog looks at cheating in and by schools.

FIve-minute read

12 May 2016

Assessment and Feedback, Education, Schools, Behaviour, Motivation and Engagement, Leadership, Managing Stress and Mindfulness, Managing Workload, Rigour, School Improvement, Teaching and Learning, Read, Difficult Conversations, Personal Leadership

The Power Of With

Let Independent Thinking Associate and Restorative Practice expert Mark Finnis explain the wonderful power of 'with'.

Five-minute read

Posted by Mark Finnis on 06 May 2016

Restorative Practice, Mark Finnis, Assessment and Feedback, Difficult Conversations, Independent Learning, Relationships, Resilience, Teaching and Learning, Read, Leadership

It Was Him

Special school headteacher and Associate Dave Whitaker looks back at an event that shaped his career as a teacher.

Five-minute read

Posted by Dave Whitaker on 25 Apr 2016

Schools, Dave Whitaker, Behaviour, Motivation and Engagement, Difficult Conversations, Leadership, Relationships, Resilience, Teaching in Challenging Circumstances, Read

Make a booking, ask a question, panic. All acceptable.