Author Archives: Damian Bacchoo

Creating a sense of belonging for each student is the first and most important function of any school. Everything else (literally) is academic.   My first lesson in how to go about this (many years ago) came from my first teaching mentor who believed it was all about “nailing the welcome” at the start ofContinue reading “Don’t forget the little (big) things”

“Be curious, not judgmental” quotes Ted Lasso in response to being underestimated in one of the TV series’ most iconic scenes.  Do watch it if you have not done so already.  As well as being incredibly funny, the understated and seemingly incompetent Ted Lasso has so much to teach us all about how to leadContinue reading “Be curious, not judgmental”

I recently read No Rules Rules, which was by far the best book I have read this year. The book is co-written by the CEO of Netflix, Reed Hastings, and Erin Meyer. It is a book about how the ‘no rules’ culture of Netflix has helped to provide and sustain their competitive edge. Rules andContinue reading “Hey, teacher, leave them kids alone!”

Academic rigour It is that time in the year when schools are ramping up their efforts to attract new families to their schools.  I know this because hidden algorithms on my social media have started spamming me with school admissions adverts for the next academic year.  Whilst this intrusion always irritates me for many differentContinue reading “If you ain’t hurting, you ain’t working”

Mitchel Resnick, LEGO Papert Professor of Learning Research at the MIT Media Lab, offers a useful metaphor to use when designing learning: build “high ceilings, low floors and wide walls”. I was first introduced to this wonderful metaphor by a colleague when working at the International Baccalaureate a couple of years ago. It has beenContinue reading “Wide walls”

In schools, the timetable can often be the graveyard of great ideas.   How many times have you come up with a great idea that you think will transform your school?  Maybe it was something you thought would help bring the school closer to its stated mission, vision, or values?  Perhaps you have been inspiredContinue reading “Computer says no”

“I am Loki of Asgard and I am burdened with glorious purpose” First uttered by Loki in the first Avengers film, these words are the culmination of his ambition to rise to what he believes is his pre-ordained right to power.  At the risk of being a spoiler, it doesn’t end well for Loki. TheContinue reading “Our glorious purpose?”

“What grade did you get?” I hear this too often in schools.  And it pains me. The grade delusion Etched into several of my childhood core memories is the experience of being given back assignments by my teacher.  There was a familiar pattern that I recognise now.  The teacher, slowly walking around the classroom, handsContinue reading “The thief of joy”

Our leadership team has had the same conversation with staff for the last 3 weekends: Friday afternoon: “Ok, we are all set for Monday.  Thanks for the hours of planning this week to get this right…” Saturday morning: “Ah, sorry to interrupt your weekend.  New changes just announced.  New plan needed for Monday…” It feelsContinue reading “Plan early, plan twice?”

When I was growing up I wanted to work on a starship.   Science Officer or Captain – I wasn’t too fussed.  I just loved the idea of flying out into the unknown, meeting new people, and exploring strange new worlds.  Throughout my life I have always embraced leadership challenges and intentionally taken myself out ofContinue reading “To boldly go…”