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Articles by Charlie Roden
School uniform: The gender debate
Kirsty Ruthven, Head of Education at the charity Lifting Limits, casts an eye over the school uniform debate through a gender-equality lens. We need school uniform to show our identity as a school. It’s important that we all feel part of a group (Year 5 pupil). I think we should wear our own clothes to school because I want to show my own, individual identity. I don’t think we need a uniform to feel like a school (Year 6 pupil).
How should controversial issues be handled in the classroom?
In the second of his two-part series, Karamat Iqbal looks at how to teach pupils about controversial issues and instil confidence in staff. Read part one, What is controversial in the classroom? Teaching of some curricula and the resources and methodologies used are left to the schools’ and teachers’ discretion. From time to time, however, specific guidance is provided by the DfE and its agencies. In such cases it is imperative that such advice is followed.
From teacher to TV presenter
Remote classes raise new challenges for leaders, educators and pupils. Adele Bates suggests some new ways of approaching learning, engagement and behaviour. This academic year I found myself spending an entire lesson with a laptop bag on my head, for teenagers with social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH).
COP26: 7 things schools can do
Fiona Carnie describes how schools can respond to the climate change challenge and play their part in creating a sustainable future for children and young people. This is the year of COP26. The climate crisis talks, taking place in Glasgow in November, will determine the future of the planet. Nothing less. All eyes will be on the UK for a positive lead. Will we be successful in turning the tide on carbon emissions to create a sustainable future?
What is controversial in the classroom?
What makes something controversial? In the first part of a two-part series, Karamat Iqbal explores definitions of controversy and approaches to teaching it. Whether our fellow citizens can feed themselves is often in the news these days. This maybe because of Marcus Rashford’s excellent work on behalf of poor children or in discussing the work of foodbanks – why we have them, why we have so many and so on. Maybe some children in your school access foodbanks.
Caring for vulnerable children: put listening at the heart of schools
Fiona Carnie draws on examples from practice at home and abroad to explore the vital role of listening in pandemic recovery, for children, families and staff. Many children – particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds – are suffering deeply through this pandemic. Increasing numbers live in families where there is unemployment, food poverty, abuse, addiction and/or mental health problems.
St Bartholomew's Primary: from empty building to school of rock
When Haslemere's children's centre was closed down, St Bartholomew's Primary was left with a vacant building. Headteacher Charles Beckerson explains how they came up with an exciting new initiative that’s benefited both the school and local community. Why was the music school built? Back in 2010, St Bartholomew's Primary School agreed agreed to host a Sure Start children’s centre for the community on our school site.
Wellbeing podcast: body image and eating disorders
In the fourth episode of the Optimus wellbeing podcast, Charlie Roden looks at the factors contributing to negative body image, how this can affect mental health and what can be done to support children and young people. Body image is how we think and feel about our appearance, and how we think other people see us. Unfortunately, negative body image is on the rise – particularly amongst teenagers.
Wellbeing podcast: social media
In the third episode of the Optimus wellbeing podcast, Charlie Roden looks at the impact that social media is having on our mental health, and ways to make social media habits healthier. Last year, the number of active social media users in the UK grew to 45 million. This translates to around 67% of the population.
Wellbeing podcast: teacher mental health
In the first episode of the Optimus wellbeing podcast, Charlie Roden explores the causes of poor teacher mental health, and what can be done to improve staff wellbeing. Concerns over teacher mental health are on the rise. The most recent Teacher Wellbeing Index found that over a third of education professionals have experienced a mental health issue in the past academic year, and nearly half consider their organisational culture to have a negative effect on their wellbeing.
Fake news and media bias: teaching pupils to think critically
Children and young people need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to think critically about everything they read online. Charlie Roden looks at examples of fake news, and how we can teach pupils to make their own informed judgements. The Collins Dictionary defines fake news as 'false, often sensational, information disseminated under the guise of news reporting.' It includes stories or hoaxes that are produced to deliberately misinform readers.
Promoting positive body image in boys
Charlie Roden looks at how negative body image is becoming increasingly common in boys and young men, and what schools can do to help. Poor body image isn't just a 'girl thing' The pressure for girls to look a certain way has always been well known, particuarly in recent years with the rise of social media apps such as Instagram.
Ensuring successful transition from primary to secondary
Charlie Roden looks at ways in which schools can prepare and support their pupils through relationship building and becoming familiar with the new school layout. The first few weeks of secondary school are crucial. A lack of support and poor preparation throughout transition can have negative consequences that can last throughout the rest of a child's school life.
Promoting positive wellbeing in the early years
What happens during a child's earliest years can have a lasting impact on their mental health and wellbeing. Charlie Roden looks at how we can help children get the best start in life. The first five years of a child’s life are crucial for development. It is during these years that a child’s brain evolves the most, providing them with the skills needed for success throughtout school and later in life.
Creative interventions to enhance student wellbeing
How can tortoises and pinwheels help your students? Charlie Roden gives two examples of creative interventions to enhance your students' wellbeing. Jake and Doodles stay with a member of staff during half terms and holidays Having worked as a TA in a secondary school, one of my main responsibilities was to lead and support student interventions. These included reading, maths, lego therapy and speech and language therapy – interventions that many other schools may also offer.
Days like this: how I became a teaching assistant
Bottle caps can be wheelchair lifts, and students can be tougher interviewers than staff: just some of the things I learned when applying to become a TA. I have been interviewed many times over the years – when applying to the role of support worker, bartender, retail assistant and even university student – but nothing could prepare me for my interview at Priestnall School. Not having set foot in a school since leaving my own secondary school in 2012, I had absolutely no idea what to expect.
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