One of my favourite films of all time is ‘Back to the Future.’ A film that just ticked all the boxes in my younger life. It’s possibly a combination of the film, the ideas within it, the characters, as well as my own memories of childhood, the big leather couch, the smug adolescent certainty of all of time ahead of me.

Time travels quickly though; time is relentless.

If I had my time again as a middle leader in a school I would most certainly have benefitted from the wisdom afforded by Dr Simon Breakspear in his super helpful, easily accessible ‘Teaching Sprints.’ I’m certain it would have helped me master that all important dimension we struggle with in the day to day business of life:

…time!

Teaching Sprints is, quite simply, a methodology that has been researched and trialled over the years - and it just makes sense. It has been honed by experience and is exactly what we need in busy schools: we need simple, we need adaptable, we need accountable. The tools allow educators to master time management by providing a structured approach to tackling complex tasks.

The premise is not quantum physics and there is no need to charge the Delorean.

It is simply a method involving breaking down large projects into smaller, more manageable tasks and setting clear goals and deadlines for each step. This approach allows us to focus time and energy on specific tasks and make steady progress towards their overall objectives.

One of the key benefits is that it helps us avoid procrastination, allowing us to stay on track. And by setting specific deadlines and regularly checking in on progress, it encourages us to formulate a sense of accountability that can help us stay motivated and productive.

‘Teaching Sprints’ also advocates for us to prioritise our work and remain focussed on tasks that will have greatest impact. By breaking down projects into smaller tasks and setting clear goals, we can identify the most important tasks and focus their time and energy accordingly.

This helpful and easily accessible book aims to help us master our own time simply by providing a structured approach to tackling complex tasks, avoiding procrastination, staying on track and prioritising.

In the words of Doc Brown:

"Your future hasn't been written yet. No one's has. Your future is whatever you make it. So make it a good one."

So I’m going to attempt to master my own time.

Team Health Workshop

Dr Breakspear offered a further session with Education Scotland tailored to middle leaders or leaders with responsibility for teams.

Scotland Middle Leaders Team Health Workshop with Dr Simon Breakspear - Vimeo