So many great ideas coming out of the conference. All the research says that if we can just collaborate we will not only encourage deeper learning in the subject matter but get deeper understanding. Collaboration also means that the workload is shared.  A great product called ATLAS will take all our programs and find the overlap to pave the way for teachers and students to collaborate in learning. Will need to continue investigating this possibility.

You mentioned Digital Portfolios – we should be doing this as part of our own learning. I have done one in the past and found that it was a great experience putting it together and I learnt a lot about myself as an educator while I was developing it. Funnily enough there has been some discussions about teacher reviews from time to time and yet it is not seen that Professional Portfolios can be an essential and very beneficial part of it all .  It can be reflective, affirming and challenging but what real growth isn’t?

Finally Sport and other activities. Like you Cas I admire the sporting achievements – I have been brought to tears at many assemblies when we celebrate the achievements of these fine young men, but what about robotics clubs, science clubs, book clubs ( which there are a few) ,  get the kids writing APPS, creating a Virtual Tour of the school..what missed opportunities!! Sport is essential, a joyous part of  the community building process and such a wonderful way for the boys and teachers to bond – so not at all suggesting we do away with it…but it makes you think…