Often the term “behaviour management” is conflated with “discipline”, where rules are strict and harsh sanctions are applied when they are broken. In a culture of “zero tolerance”, these rules are applied without consideration of the reason for the behaviour, or the differing needs of the individual, or consideration of the impact that the sanction might have on them.
Since joining the Running Deer staff I have been keen to get a Music / Music Therapy program started. Having worked as a professional musician and music tutor for nearly twenty years I am very aware of the physical, psychological, and social well-being benefits of music for individuals.
At this time of the year, we tend to reflect on the year gone by and look forward to the year ahead. 2020 has certainly be a strange year and a difficult one for many people. Our students have not only had to cope with all that COVID has thrown at them but also many changes at school, for example, new buildings and lots of new faces (including me!).
When I make art- I often set out to create something particular. I’ll look up an idea for a homemade card, or a ‘how to draw’ explanation and copy it. During the process- I’m always trying to make sure it looks what I consider ‘good’. But art lessons at Running Deer with our brilliant art teacher Emma, are quite different!
As a school community it has been a difficult year, with various challenges that have tested our resolve and resilience. I am hugely proud of the staff and students at our school, that have worked so very hard in such strange times.
This year has been a real head masher for sure. We came back in January to the continuation of the wettest winter so far – no matter how much woodchip (or whatever) we put down to address the mud problem, if you stood still ...
