‘Towards a better future’ : Bishop Thomas Grant School, Streatham, London, UK : a report : 3rd November – 14th November 1997

Abstract

During the period between the 3rd to the 14th November 1997, we were attached to Bishop Thomas Grant School, a Catholic and comprehensive, mixed school in Streatham London U. K. Our purpose was to observe and reflect upon the school's administrative practice. Our aim was to analyse the administration and management structure of the school, to identify strategies that could enhance a better approach to a holistic education, and to suggest ways how these strategies could be implemented in the Maltese Educational System. Mr. J. Muscat, among the various topics to look for during our stay m London, suggested these topics, which included: ~ The Organizational and Management Structures. ~ Aspects of the school's work. ~ The Teacher's Roles. ~ Opportunities for professional development. Our research was carried out by interviewing the Headteacher, the two Deputy Heads, Heads of Departments, Heads of Year, various teachers, including Form Teachers, the Bursar, the Building and Site Manager, and the Librarian. We visited the classrooms, laboratories, workshops, and computer rooms. We observed lessons and examined work carried out by the students. We attended staff meetings, and a staff development meeting, (as part of an induction course) - for two newly qualified teachers. We were particularly interested in the enormous well-equipped library which students frequented to consult books and made use of the available computers. Our stay in London was really worth it.