This week I have been watching the BBC2 programme School. I was very sceptical as I, personally, didn’t think that its predecessors were a true reflection on school life and almost glamorised the issues that schools were facing. So as I sat down to watch this multi academy trust, I anxiously braced myself for a barrage of untruths and falsities.
However, I was pleasantly surprised to see how honest and open this fly-on-the-wall documentary was. From the ongoing problem of attendance (only three pupils in one class) to the honesty of what the school faces now they are classed as ‘requires improvement’, it did not shy away from the tougher aspects of school leadership.
For example, the frank conversation between a head of school and the CEO of the MAT was what most schools in this category are presently facing - losing pupils effectively means the loss of budget.
The fact that the CEO was spending all of his time trying to move around funds within the trust, simply to keep all the schools afloat just goes to show what a damaging problem funding in schools is. Unlike many programmes that focus on the pupils themselves, it even showed the true wellbeing of staff and how so many were questioning themselves and their place in the school.
It warmed my heart to know that parents and non-school-based professionals can finally see what is going on in the schools that their children go to and the true struggles that we all face. I eagerly await the upcoming episodes and the inevitable discussions that will spark from this series.
School is a six-part documentary airing on BBC2 on Tuesdays at 6pm - https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b0brj5df
[caption id="attachment_11668" align="alignright" width="300"] Teacher Teaching Lesson To Elementary School Pupils[/caption]
What do you think? Do you agree that this is a true representation of school life? Please let us know in the comments below or in our Facebook groups.
Popular topics this week
- A letter to Tim Farron about the pupil needs and the falling budget - Primary School Leaders
- Where can we apply for grants for books - Primary School Leaders
- How can I be assertive in a professional manner? - Primary School Leaders
- How can I find out if SLT know and understand their role? - Primary School Governors
- Where is the best place to advertise vacancies that isn’t too expensive? - Primary School Governors
- Where can I find the pay scales applicable for MATs? - MAT Leaders
As ever, please leave any thoughts in the comments below and have a great week!
Join the conversation on our Facebook groups using the links below: