While we waited, Russell took the opportunity to video one of the messages to Pt England School that were played at assembly each Friday. Just to remind them that he was thinking of them. This one got photo bombed.
Showing posts with label Paris. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paris. Show all posts
Wednesday, 4 May 2016
Au revoir Paris
We travelled from Paris to our next stop, Annecy, by train. We departed from Paris-Gare de Lyon and wondered again why our elected officials in NZ can't organise us decent public transport. Other than a few anxious moments ensuring one is on the correct platform and heading in the right direction, riding a train (especially fast train) is such a relaxing way to travel across the country.
While we waited, Russell took the opportunity to video one of the messages to Pt England School that were played at assembly each Friday. Just to remind them that he was thinking of them. This one got photo bombed.
While we waited, Russell took the opportunity to video one of the messages to Pt England School that were played at assembly each Friday. Just to remind them that he was thinking of them. This one got photo bombed.
Tuesday, 3 May 2016
Educators in Paris
Our intention in Paris was to connect with educators at a ‘system level’, rather than visit schools.
We met with François Bocquet, Chargé de la prospective au NumériLab at the French Ministry of Education. His role would translate to “Director of Innovative and Digital Technologies”.
Our connection with Francois is via Hapara an NZ Start-Up, (now global), that began in our school and is currently assisting with ChromeBook roll-outs in France. I had met Francois the year before when I attended Ludovia and our visit was to gain a system level understanding of whether and how we might continue to be involved as France considers “Digitising” the Learning Delivery, with some learners belonging to a population similar to ours.
Our conversation left us grateful to be working in NZ education, as although our experience sometimes feels incoherent, at least we are to a greater extent, “masters of our own fate!”
We spent an enjoyable evening at Le Chalet Saint-Michel, near Notre Dame, with Francois. We can't say we hadn't be warned, but we succumbed to his urging to order Fondue Savoyarde aux 3 Fromages, Raclette and Reblochonade. Fortunately we had a brisk walk home afterwards.
The next day we caught an Uber to the OECD where we met with David Istance, Senior Analyst, Project Leader, Directorate for Education and Skills, Innovative Teaching and Learning.
This visit had a similar theme to all of our visits; what are the themes and emergent patterns and learnings when considering Innovative Pedagogies for Powerful Learning? In particular, we were looking forward to discussing the global tension between the ‘Knowledge Based Metrics’ which are driving the “League Table Effect” created by PISA Testing and analysis, and the idea of Creative and Innovative Pedagogies to produce C21 Graduate Attributes. David acknowledged that this was a real problem and that the OECD were realising they needed to adjust their focus somewhat. David put us in touch with the leaders of two “Equity and Access” projects in different parts of the world who we have already corresponded with and will be able to work with going forward.
After extended conversation we walked downstairs and continued over lunch. It was a bit posh to feel comfortable taking photos of the food!
We met with François Bocquet, Chargé de la prospective au NumériLab at the French Ministry of Education. His role would translate to “Director of Innovative and Digital Technologies”.
Our connection with Francois is via Hapara an NZ Start-Up, (now global), that began in our school and is currently assisting with ChromeBook roll-outs in France. I had met Francois the year before when I attended Ludovia and our visit was to gain a system level understanding of whether and how we might continue to be involved as France considers “Digitising” the Learning Delivery, with some learners belonging to a population similar to ours.
Our conversation left us grateful to be working in NZ education, as although our experience sometimes feels incoherent, at least we are to a greater extent, “masters of our own fate!”
We spent an enjoyable evening at Le Chalet Saint-Michel, near Notre Dame, with Francois. We can't say we hadn't be warned, but we succumbed to his urging to order Fondue Savoyarde aux 3 Fromages, Raclette and Reblochonade. Fortunately we had a brisk walk home afterwards.
The next day we caught an Uber to the OECD where we met with David Istance, Senior Analyst, Project Leader, Directorate for Education and Skills, Innovative Teaching and Learning.
This visit had a similar theme to all of our visits; what are the themes and emergent patterns and learnings when considering Innovative Pedagogies for Powerful Learning? In particular, we were looking forward to discussing the global tension between the ‘Knowledge Based Metrics’ which are driving the “League Table Effect” created by PISA Testing and analysis, and the idea of Creative and Innovative Pedagogies to produce C21 Graduate Attributes. David acknowledged that this was a real problem and that the OECD were realising they needed to adjust their focus somewhat. David put us in touch with the leaders of two “Equity and Access” projects in different parts of the world who we have already corresponded with and will be able to work with going forward.
After extended conversation we walked downstairs and continued over lunch. It was a bit posh to feel comfortable taking photos of the food!
Monday, 2 May 2016
Cafe Culture
A visit to Paris includes endless cups of coffee and time spent in cafes people watching - as well as enjoying the food and wine.
One difference that caught my eye on this trip was the way the chairs and tables are all lined up to face the street - conveniently accomodating people watching, rather than huddled around a table seating some people with their back to the view, as we do in New Zealand.
One difference that caught my eye on this trip was the way the chairs and tables are all lined up to face the street - conveniently accomodating people watching, rather than huddled around a table seating some people with their back to the view, as we do in New Zealand.
Eating Cake
We decided to go into the Conciergerie, after having walked past and admired the magnificent building from the streets on another occasion. Known as the Palace of Justice, this palace was one of the principal places of detention during the French Revolution, with the installation of the Revolutionary Court. Its most famous prisoner was Marie-Antoinette. During the Restoration, a commemorative chapel was erected on the site of her cell.
No history lessons, novels, plays or movies match the sobering reality of standing in the chambers and tiny women's courtyard where Marie-Antoinette was imprisoned in her final days.
Sunday, 1 May 2016
Notre Dame
Sunday morning we headed to the Cathedral to mass. This is the ONLY way to truly experience a Cathedral in any country - attend a service there. It never disappoints as the prayers of centuries, the worshippers and the music combine to deliver a powerful message.
The scripture this day was
"Avec des cris de joie, publiez la nouvelle! Proclamez-la, répandez-la au loin, jusqu’au bout de la terre! Dites que l’Eternel a délivré son serviteur Jacob."
Announce this with shouts of joy and proclaim it. Send it out to the ends of the earth; say, "The LORD has redeemed his servant Jacob." Isaiah 48:20
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| En route to Notre Dame Cathedral |
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