In October 2023 we are excited to be holding the Supporting Flourishing in Schools ITL Conference , open to teachers , school leaders and educational practitioners . The conference will focus on practical , school-based approaches that help students live more fulfilling educational lives and is undertaken in association with Research Schools International ( RSI ) and researchers from the Harvard Human Flourishing program .
The notion of an integrated , holistic approach to education is woven through various articles in this edition of Innovate . Our Senior Deputy Head , Clare Ives explores the importance and the benefits of a truly diverse school – essential for allowing its students to flourish , along with a helpful diversity toolkit for schools . Charlie Openshaw discusses the development of a Sculpture Trail , Isla Philips-Ewen describes measuring the impact of The Kent Academies Network ( KAN ) programme , and Annabel Cordón Bates considers teaching for a resilient mindset . James Beck provides us with a philosophical viewpoint on what it means to care and suggests ways in which students ’ capacity for care may be deepened .
The ITL invites reflective critical thinking about our approach to a range of educational matters . We are delighted to include an opening article from David Mansfield - former Executive Headmaster of YK Pao School in Shanghai - now consultant , whose experience spans a wide range of schools and educational institutions in the UK and internationally . He shares lessons learned during a year-long leadership programme at YK Pao School . In our Learning to Learn section we have articles on subjects from the importance of reading fiction by Jane Henshaw , to Paul Thompson ’ s article , in which he argues that education for environmental sustainability should be given priority . Research-informed advice is given by Elen Harris when she considers best practice guidelines for lesson observations . Our Director , Mark Beverley makes suggestions for engaging students in class and considers the benefits of students ’ awareness of their learning processes . Giuliana Savini reflects on retrieval practice approaches that she has used with her GCSE Classical Civilisation students .
We also have the pleasure of including an article by Year 12 student , Parsa Fouladi , who describes how he has learned to teach English to Ukrainian refugees with the use of rap music in his Service activity .
We thank our authors for their insightful articles and for their commitment to professional enquiry and development . We hope that you will enjoy reading them .
Mark Beverley ( Director ) Hannah Barritt ( Research and Development Coordinator )
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