In the unprecedented times we find ourselves, this month’s blog is presented in a different format: a podcast. A transcript will follow shortly.
My entire focus for the past three weeks has been on readying my school community for the realities of what has now become a global pandemic: Covid-19 is a now familiar term for us all. It has presented all of us with rapidly changing parameters within which to operate and ensuring that we maintain provision, continuity and support for our young people has been, shall we say, challenging.
In the face of these incredibly difficult days, I was invited to take part in the podcast interview, linked below, to share my thoughts about the crisis, our whole school approach to meeting our community’s needs and ensuring the personal safety and mental wellbeing of staff and students whilst also continuing their educational provision in the best way possible.
If you wish to follow our ongoing, innovative programme whilst under full “lockdown” in Moldova, we are continuing to publish daily updates and news via our social media channels.
More Teacher Talk – COVID-19 and a response from school leadership: carry the flame and defend the weak, with Robert Ford
In this episode we hear from Robert Ford, Director of HERITAGE International School in Moldova, Chisinau. He shares an International School response to the global pandemic crisis and offers messages of hope and leadership.
He shares his thoughts on technology, community and how leadership can help to see around corners and make some kind of sense out of what is an increasingly unpredictable global situation.
These are, as I said, unprecedented times. Stay well, stay safe and continue to check and follow the guidance given by your governments and the WHO.
Robert Charles Ford BA (Hons) MEd
Director of Heritage International School Group.
British Council Schools' Ambassador & Advisor
Principal of Wyedean School from 2015 – 2019.
I am a committed , experienced and successful global school leader and educator. I believe in the transformative power of learning for our young people. During my time as Principal, Wyedean School was a high performing IB candidate World School delivering World Class education through C21st learning opportunities. I had the privilege to lead a team of incredible colleagues working tirelessly to ensure the very best inclusive education and compelling learning was the daily experience of our students.
I am committed as an educator to the principles of international education, the IB as well as the power of digital learning, sustainability & creativity in developing the learner holistically. I am heavily involved in International Education as a long serving British Council ambassador, IB educator & school leader, contributing a number of articles about leadership, curriculum and global learning. I have been a speaker/contributor at a number of major conferences over the years including with the Microsoft-British Council’s ASEAN “Deep Learning” policy seminar series in SE Asia focussing on the impact of global learning in the curriculum and classroom as well as a number of projects with the British Council. I have advised and acted as a global education consultant to schools and school boards in the state and the independent sectors.
As a father of three young global citizens I feel passionately that for my daughters growing up and all the young people in my care as a Global Educator, we should be preparing them all to access, participate and lead in their global society and to be happy in their personal lives.
View all posts by Rob Ford