Why is it that Learning Walks have been integral to every one of over 1800 Adhyayan School Reviews we have led since 2012? And why is it that each day’s walk begins and ends at the school gates? My personal tally of reviews, which is now in the hundreds, combined with my evidence accrued from leading 5 schools, three in Europe and two in India, has convinced me that my learning walks are invaluable in helping me take the daily temperature of the school’s health and in confirming the culture of its community.
Witnessing as the day begins and as it closes the arrivals and farewells, the faces, the voices and the body language speak potently of the nature of interaction and relationship between parents, students, staff and leaders. And as an assessor, I am especially interested in the presence and influence of the school’s leaders in and around the school and school grounds. It is also a great opportunity to understand the systems and processes which underpin the working day, children’s health and safety, and the relationships which will impact learning.
Paul Machado, one of our assessors and an illustrious school leader, began each school day as a principal at the school gates. His visible presence and that of his team of teachers and student leaders did much to embed the culture of the school and assure the tone for the day. As an assessor today, he seeks the same space, but now as an invisible presence, he watches the school greet and wave the day goodbye…


