For example, every one of us knows the central importance of more effective teacher recruitment and retention. Whilst we are fortunate in HMC schools to offer a great working environment to our staff, attracting the brightest and the best to teach is the single biggest problem facing education. And it’s one we can help with. Already, our schools are involved in running a national teacher training programme in Modern Foreign Languages, and a new version for Physics is in the final stages of planning, lead by Sharon Cromie, Head of Wycombe High School supported by GSA and HMC. At the root of what we have to offer lies the institutional qualities which all HMC schools and the best in the state sector hold dear. A strong sense of community – and continuity allows us to provide young people with a sense of identity and stability, which can build their confidence and equip them to deal with the opportunities and threats thrown up by an uncertain future. This enduring strength of purpose, combined with openness to the excitement and idealism of the lives that teenagers live, is the stuff of educational chemistry. It can’t be measured or put in a league table. But much more importantly, it sparks energy, commitment and a hunger to learn which, as QI’s John Lloyd will tell us later, can be genuinely life transforming. I am well aware that this independent spirit and relentless focus on what’s best for children can be a thorn in the side of those who suffer from political myopia. But it is precisely this which makes our schools valuable, allowing us to be evidence-based, free from fear or favour and answerable for our effectiveness directly to our governors and the parents and pupils who can choose to go elsewhere. There is no question that we do more than our critics suggest or perhaps know. But – we are not deaf to criticism, and are willing to work for the public good not only as charities, but as citizens and educationalists also recognising the benefit of great – partnerships to both sides and the value of living harmoniously in our communities and wider society.
For example, every one of us knows the central importance of more effective teacher recruitment and retention. Whilst we are fortunate in HMC schools to offer a great working environment to our staff, attracting the brightest and the best to teach is the single biggest problem facing education. And it’s one we can help with. Already, our schools are involved in running a national teacher training programme in Modern Foreign Languages, and a new version for Physics is in the final stages of planning, lead by Sharon Cromie, Head of Wycombe High School supported by GSA and HMC. At the root of what we have to offer lies the institutional qualities which all HMC schools – and the best in the state sector hold dear. A strong sense of community and continuity allows us to provide young people with a sense of identity and stability, which can build their confidence and equip them to deal with the opportunities and threats thrown up by an uncertain future. This enduring strength of purpose, combined with openness to the excitement and idealism of the lives that teenagers live, is the stuff of educational chemistry. It can’t be measured or put in a league table. But much more importantly, it sparks energy, commitment and a hunger to learn which, as QI’s John Lloyd will tell us later, can be genuinely life transforming. I am well aware that this independent spirit and relentless focus on what’s best for children can be a thorn in the side of those who suffer from political myopia. But it is precisely this which makes our schools valuable, allowing us to be evidence-based, free from fear or favour and answerable for our effectiveness directly to our governors and the parents and pupils who can choose to go elsewhere. There is no question that we do more than our critics suggest – or perhaps know. But we are not deaf to criticism, and are willing to work for the public good not only as charities, but as citizens and educationalists – also recognising the benefit of great partnerships to both sides and the value of living harmoniously in our communities and wider society.
Chairmans-Speech-Annual-Conference-2017.docx