The articles in this edition of Snapshots provide some of the best evidence yet that a new image of the primary school is taking shape. Until now the image is of a community based family-oriented place. Schools do not connect with one another to any great extent. Sponsorship from the philanthropic or business sector is rare, as are international partnerships.

In this edition, there are snapshots from four nations: Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and the UK. The striking feature is that a new image is being grafted on the old. Without sacrificing local orientation, six schools provide often breathtaking descriptions of the new image.

Bedminster Down School, in Bristol, has a ‘space centre’ funded by the Innovations Unit of the Department for Education and Skills. There are 10 partner primary schools. The design team is based in Australia. Twenty secondary schools wish to host websites for local primary schools. The Marymount Convent School, in Singapore, reflects the Ministry of Education priority on ‘Teach Less, Learn More’. Its Innovation Protocol was developed by The Idea Factory. Developments span the globe, with Te Akau ki Papamoa School, in New Zealand, working in partnership with Whitely Primary School, in England, on co-constructed integrated learning for their students. New Zealand’s Windsor School, in Christchurch, drew on expert insight from Australia in its environmentally oriented co-constructed curriculum initiative. Ashton Gate Primary, in England, worked with industry in setting up 21st century wireless technology in a re-designed 19th century school.

Critics are concerned at the preoccupation with 'standards'. Not so Oswaldtwistle Broadfield, a special school where all students have statements of special education needs, and value-added data shows the school to be one of the best of its kind. The innovative role of the Standards Coordinator is described. Without sacrificing standards, Glenmore Road Primary, in Sydney, has found a way to honour all students at its innovative Recognition Day. Meriden P-12 Anglican School, in Sydney, elevates standards with its English Enrichment program for girls in grade 6.

These stories, and more, suggest that primary schools are at the forefront of innovative practice and that schools and their leaders at other levels have much to learn from them. They are no longer the quiet places just down the street. They are thriving bustling centres of energy that demand attention across the globe.

Professor Brian Caldwell
Associate Director (Global), iNet

Buy this issue