Language: The Key to Culture in Your School

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The Learning Renaissance

Working in schools, I found that I was able to come to a provisional understanding of the culture driving the school simply in the walk from the reception to the Head Teacher’s office. The interactions I heard between staff and students told me most of what I needed to know about which forces were driving the school.

In that short walk I’ve heard apoplectic teachers screaming at students, teachers indifferent to students talking to them and teachers for whom serving the needs of the individual student are clearly paramount. No extensive evidence base is more informative of the ruling culture in a school than the simple interactions students and teachers have on the corridor.

I don’t think enough work goes into ensuring that students receive a consistent and nurturing experience throughout the school day and it is in these inconsistencies that poor behaviour manifests itself.