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Doing the hard graft
26th May 2023
My desk is located close to a window and over the past few weeks I have been fascinated to watch a pair of nesting blue tits in action.
They started by finding a small gap in the cladding of the building, and gradually visiting it more frequently. They were obviously exploring it as a possible nesting site; checking out whether it was safe from predators, weatherproof, and within easy reach of nesting materials and food.
Their next phase was to build their nest, and at this stage their activity level moved up a level. They flew more busily back and forth, their beaks full of bits of grass, leaves, tiny twigs, and anything useful found at the riverside. They would often stop for a moment on the windowsill, catching their breath or planning their next move. I saw them feeding themselves and preening their feathers; although tiny they are absolutely beautiful and were obviously looking after themselves.
In the last couple of weeks, they have really shifted up a gear. They both fly continuously back and forth all day, stopping in the nest only for a minute or so. I have watched them catch bugs in mid-flight over the river and pick insects off the leaves of a nearby tree. They both look quite untidy presently; their feathers are dishevelled, and their activity is non-stop. They genuinely look like they are working at full tilt!
I can't see inside their nest, and I can't see how big their chicks are, but I am excited for the day when they are ready to fledge and are able to start exploring their world for themselves. I bet their parents are looking forward to it even more!
It seems to me that in education we work like that too. We have periods of preparation, periods of 'ramping up' and periods of intense hard work, when we are really pushing ourselves. Often, we can't quite see the 'pay off', but we know it's there and we work hard for it. This might be supporting children to achieve their best exam results, helping EAL students to grow their English skills, or teaching new Reception children their phonics. At the trust this often looks like working to get the best suppliers, the best prices, and the best products and services into our schools, all of which have unique needs and preferences. All of these are done to help our children "live their best lives" (to borrow a phrase from social media!). We do it because we know how critical strong foundations are for happy, successful lives.
For me personally, this last half term has been a period of 'hard pushing' - and I know that the school-based colleagues with whom I'm collaborating on the compliance system and the new primary catering supplier will echo that! I can't quite see the 'pay off' yet, but I know for certain it's there and I'm excited to celebrate it when it comes.
I hope we all enjoy a restful and sunny half-term break, with time to gather our energies, ready for the last half term of this school year. Where has the time gone?!
My desk is located close to a window and over the past few weeks I have been fascinated to watch a pair of nesting blue tits in action.
They started by finding a small gap in the cladding of the building, and gradually visiting it more frequently. They were obviously exploring it as a possible nesting site; checking out whether it was safe from predators, weatherproof, and within easy reach of nesting materials and food.
Their next phase was to build their nest, and at this stage their activity level moved up a level. They flew more busily back and forth, their beaks full of bits of grass, leaves, tiny twigs, and anything useful found at the riverside. They would often stop for a moment on the windowsill, catching their breath or planning their next move. I saw them feeding themselves and preening their feathers; although tiny they are absolutely beautiful and were obviously looking after themselves.
In the last couple of weeks, they have really shifted up a gear. They both fly continuously back and forth all day, stopping in the nest only for a minute or so. I have watched them catch bugs in mid-flight over the river and pick insects off the leaves of a nearby tree. They both look quite untidy presently; their feathers are dishevelled, and their activity is non-stop. They genuinely look like they are working at full tilt!
I can't see inside their nest, and I can't see how big their chicks are, but I am excited for the day when they are ready to fledge and are able to start exploring their world for themselves. I bet their parents are looking forward to it even more!
It seems to me that in education we work like that too. We have periods of preparation, periods of 'ramping up' and periods of intense hard work, when we are really pushing ourselves. Often, we can't quite see the 'pay off', but we know it's there and we work hard for it. This might be supporting children to achieve their best exam results, helping EAL students to grow their English skills, or teaching new Reception children their phonics. At the trust this often looks like working to get the best suppliers, the best prices, and the best products and services into our schools, all of which have unique needs and preferences. All of these are done to help our children "live their best lives" (to borrow a phrase from social media!). We do it because we know how critical strong foundations are for happy, successful lives.
For me personally, this last half term has been a period of 'hard pushing' - and I know that the school-based colleagues with whom I'm collaborating on the compliance system and the new primary catering supplier will echo that! I can't quite see the 'pay off' yet, but I know for certain it's there and I'm excited to celebrate it when it comes.
I hope we all enjoy a restful and sunny half-term break, with time to gather our energies, ready for the last half term of this school year. Where has the time gone?!
