Introduction
This , our second edition of Innovate , appears under circumstances none of us could have predicted at this point last year . And at the time of writing , no one really knows what the situation will be several months or even weeks from now , let alone a whole year . Uncertainty has become a prevailing motif .
A lack of certainty in educational terms can present itself both positively and negatively . On the one hand , if it denotes the idea that all aspects of the way we teach can always be improved , that learning can always made better , then it is an obviously good thing . On the other , uncertainty about what is ‘ right ’ or what ‘ works ’ in education can lead to lazy thinking ; pre-existing cognitive bias actively finds comfort when ignoring evidence to the contrary . Innovate is designed to reflect an ever-growing narrative at Sevenoaks School : one which engages actively in literature review and rigorous academic research , as well as developing practice and policy driven by weight of evidence , by what is known to work rather than what instinct tells us .
Our 5 core themes are each reflected in different articles in this edition of the journal , although reading through them hopefully invites recognition of how inter-connected they are .
Sincere thanks to the people who have contributed to this edition and we hope you enjoy reading about our work .
Mark Beverley Director of the Institute of Teaching and Learning
Excellence in any field requires ongoing reflection on one ’ s own performance , and a constant eye on new developments in the field . The craft of teaching is no exception . Here at Sevenoaks School we are committed to engaging with best practice in teaching and learning , offering teachers an opportunity to reflect on their own work , as well as build off the ideas of others . Our Institute of Teaching & Learning plays a vital role in coordinating communication between teachers and the sharing of best practice within Sevenoaks School , as well as connecting with great ideas developing in other schools and higher education institutions .
The annual publication of Innovate is a highlight every year , and includes research and reflections from several of our own teachers . True to the collaborative approach of the Institute , we include in this edition interesting works of other professionals .
I very much hope that you enjoy this journal , and no doubt different articles will resonate with different readers , in the same ways different works of art resonate with different visitors to a museum . Of course , the real aim of all of the work of our Institute , and this publication , is that ultimately students benefit from enlightened teachers who are supported in their work .
It just remains for me to thank Mark Beverley , for his excellent stewardship of our Institute of Teaching & Learning , and his commitment to publishing this timely and relevant journal in the midst of a global pandemic . Similar thanks to the Programme Manager for the Institute , Helen Hampson , and I ’ m grateful to all authors who have contributed this year . A final thanks to the AITIA Institute in Singapore and the Sevenoaks School Foundation for their generous support .
Jesse R Elzinga , Headmaster
1