The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

The Optimus blog

The blog that inspires leaders in the UK education sector

Rebecca Jennings

Tailoring your RSHE curriculum

The DfE has announced a review of RSHE to be carried out by the end of this year. Rebecca Jennings discusses the concerns raised and how to enhance RSHE delivery. As an RSHE subject matter expert, my recent work with the DfE has been to support staff by creating staff training modules around the...
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Lisa Griffin

MAT Excellence Awards: what are you looking forward to on the night?

Our inaugural MAT Excellence Awards are fast approaching. We spoke to some of our judges who told us the three things they’re most looking forward to at the event. The first Optimus Education MAT Excellence Awards take place on Thursday 29 June in London. The event will give trusts the opportunity...
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Amy Marsh

Why adults need to be taught how to listen

Active listening is a fundamental skill that many adults struggle with. Amy Marsh discusses how genuine listening can transform classroom dynamics and empower students to engage constructively. I have previously written about the importance of identity , self-awareness, and culture . These all...
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John Dabell

Leadership and happy accidents

By celebrating 'happy accidents', we can foster confidence and become better problem-solvers. John Dabell discusses a refreshing and positive view of errors to create a haven for all staff and students. Everyone makes mistakes. We all stuff up and being wrong is an inescapable part of being alive...
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Luke Ramsden

Teaching empathy

In the age of AI, what skills will distinguish humans in work and life as machines take over more tasks? Luke Ramsden explains why empathy is crucial for success and tips for modelling in the classroom. With the dawn of a new era in Artificial Intelligence, it is more critical than ever for schools...
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Elizabeth Holmes

Supporting multilingualism in the classroom – ideas that work

Multilingual children face unique challenges in the education system that can isolate them and hinder their progress. Elizabeth Holmes shares insights to help children succeed and reach their full potential. Most classrooms have multilingual learners. English may be one of several languages a child...
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Mel Greenwood

Being your authentic self

Are you ready to be your authentic self and inspire those around you? Mel Greenwood highlights the importance of embracing our unique stories and advocating for diversity in the workplace. Who am I? What distinguishes me from the person next to me? What is my story? What makes me unique to my...
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Sheza Afzal

Three common mistakes schools face in their EDI work

Inclusive environments in schools require a shared responsibility to promote EDI. Sheza Afzal outlines three mistakes and offers suggestions for addressing them. Schools strive to create inclusive environments through their efforts to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). However, this...
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Nic Ponsford

Making invisible careers visible

Nic Ponsford discusses 'invisible careers' and the importance of diverse and inclusive role models for students to unlock their potential. Is your school addressing this? As young people grow up and explore the world around them, they are often asked to consider what they want to do when they’re...
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John Dabell

Healthy conflicts in the workplace

Would you prefer leading a school where everyone agrees or one where there is vigorous but respectful debate? John Dabell discusses the positive outcomes that healthy conflicts can bring. Schools might strive to sing from the same song sheet and encourage staff to align however, you rarely have...
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