The words in quotation marks in the title of this post are taken from the Ofsted School Inspection Handbook. They form part of the Grade Description for Outstanding Behaviour & Safety of Pupils. If a school is to be rated Outstanding it isn't enough that students are compliant and well behaved. Inspectors will look for evidence that a school has awakened 'a thirst for knowledge and a love of learning' in its pupils. That's what we're aiming for at Matravers.
But, like charity, 'a thirst for knowledge and a love of learning' begins at home. If parents are lifelong learners, we can help instil the same attitude in our children. That's why I'm setting parents and carers a 'Chair's Challenge' for the summer hols. My challenge is that parents should either buy or borrow a book from the library to read during summer break. When school returns I invite you to submit a 300 word review, explaining why you chose the book, what you liked about it, how it could have been better, and whether you would recommend it to others.
Email a copy of your review to the school (here) and mark it for the attention of the Chair of Governors. I'll publish a selection of reviews on this blog in the new academic year. Only books suitable for a mention on a school-related website will be considered. You never know, your reading suggestions may prompt others to dip into your favourite author. A love of learning can be infectious. My big summer read will be Ten Cities that Made an Empire, by Tristram Hunt, Allen Lane, 2014. I'll let you know how I got on in September.
