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Newsletter June 2009
Contents
Welcome
NEW Insight series
Who's to blame?
Applied Centre for Emotional Literacy launched
Answers please
Unexpected endorsement
Discovering Me at Springfields in Wiltshire
Register With Us
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 Hello and welcome to our latest newsletter
Our drive for emotional literacy to be a recognised part of teacher training and CPD is ongoing. We are currently looking at accreditation options and invite your feedback. See below for Answers please . . .
Enjoy the sunshine!
Sue Allen
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NEW Insight series
The Insight series is a collection of short programmes, each
4 - 6 units, designed to help students explore key is sues. Titles currently
available are:
- Managing
Emotions
- Bullying
- Communication
- Peer
pressure
- Family
break-up
These programmes come with full teachers' notes and can be
used in tutor time or as part of PHSE lessons. They offer a flexible modular
way of introducing meaningful solutions to key issues. New titles will be added
to this list so keep visiting us at www.vision-works.net
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Who's to blame?
One key lesson for all of us to learn from the recent MPs expenses debacle is accountability. We live in a society where it is normal to blame someone or something else for our misfortunes and mistakes.
Whether we are blaming our parents, our teachers, our schools, the government, our friends, there comes a point when we have to stand up and say, "I am responsible for my part in this".
Not only is this the emotionally mature way forward, it is also empowering. If I am responsible for "x", then I have the power to change "x". Being accountable is a crucial life lesson for our youth and it is at the very core of emotional literacy. |
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NEW Applied Centre for Emotional Literacy launched
Last week we attended the opening of the new Applied Centre for Emotional Literacy at the City of Wolverhampton College. Headed by Professor Richard Majors, the centre fills a crucial gap by providing an adequate framework to collate, promote and advance the field of emotional literacy. We look forward to working closely with the team. |
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 Answers please
Thank you for registering on our website, which you have done in your thousands. Clearly VisionWorks is making a difference in many areas.
Now can you help us? In our results driven educational system, would an accreditation for emotional literacy programmes from an awarding body persuade decision makers on your staff to incorporate them into the curriculum? This could be accreditation for teachers or students or both.
We would really welcome any feedback to info@vision-works.net. Thanks!
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Unexpected endorsement
 Years ago I spent some months in a small fishing village in Greece. The taverna on the beach had a juke box and the opportunity to play loud music on hot nights was not wasted. The drawback was that there were only three records; luckily one of these was Lola by the Kinks.
Consequently, when I saw an article in The Times about the Kinks' lead man, Ray Davies, it was almost like reading about an old friend.
This article spoke as much about his relationships as his composing; he refers to his "emotional mistakes". However, with the advantage of experience and hindsight, Davies has the answer. "Davies thinks that emotional relationships should be on the school syllabus..." says reporter, Chrissey Iley. "He says that he'd even like to teach it."
Thankfully, VisionWorks courses are being taught in many schools now and if Ray Davies would like to join us, he is more than welcome.
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VisionWorks at Springfields School in Wiltshire
We are particularly encouraged by the double page spread on June 2nd in the Daily Mail entitled "My Escape from Life on Mars".
It told the story of Luke Dicker who had contracted viral meningitis when very young. Luke started to develop ADHD, Asperger's syndrome and chronic anxiety. Luke was a deeply unhappy boy with behaviour issues and he was eventually excluded from his secondary school.
His life began to turn around when he was given a place at Springfields, a specialist school in Calne, Wiltshire. Trystan Williams, headteacher of Springfields, says, "When Luke first arrived he wouldn't talk to or trust anyone. Slowly but surely we have earned his trust."
Earlier this month Luke was given a Young Citizen of the Year award for the work he does, describing to others what it is like to be autistic.
VisionWorks is an integral part of the curriculum at Springfields. We are delighted with the way it has helped Luke and the role it continues to play in the lives of others young people.
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Register with VisionWorks
If
you haven't already registered you're missing out on a host of downloadable
resources, assembly ideas and sample modules from our programmes. Register at www.vision-works.net
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If you'd like to find out how VisionWorks could work for you call Sue Allen or Ruthie Alexander Morgan on 01249 409001, email sue@vision-works net or ruthie@vision-works.net or visit our website www.vision-works.net
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