The Big Education Conversation (BEC) looks at things differently. We are seeing falling attendance in schools and problems with behaviour across the world. Schools are doing their best but are struggling to bridge the gap the pandemic created between them and the communities they serve.
This is where the BEC can make a real difference. We were able to bring young people together with their parents and carers, their teachers and school staff, local activists, volunteers – people in the community who really care – and we help them to run a meeting to talk about the stuff that they really want to talk about. Starting the conversation with a big question, “What do you believe is the purpose of education?” creates an equitable space where all voices and opinions are valued. It also provokes incredible insights that are useful to school leaders.
I was involved with this via my friends at HeadsUp4HT’s, a group that brings together school leaders to network for wellbeing across the UK. Big Change, who have been supporting the Big Education Conversation for a while, partnered with HeadsUp4HT to work with school leaders in the HeadsUp4HT network and facilitate fifteen BECs as part of a pilot.