Ephelyon

Windows XP doesn't have Startup Repair.

If you have a WDS deployment or similar you could try netbooting it.

Would this be of any use? Schools Management Software - IEPs - SENCOs - Blue Hills Software

*Packs brush away, cleans up tar*

You can use a similar method to the one above to detect whether it's installed and up-to-date. Startup scripts are wonderful things for that unless you need more granular control over what happens if the workstation falls out of the scope of management. Generally-speaking, though, you don't, as the software itself is useless without an active server instance to connect to.

We stick Application, Manual and AMPARK setups on a fileshare that can be accessed by computer accounts (startup scripts running as LocalSystem), with a script that checks the file version of the centrally stored Application Setup against SIMSLoad.ini (thanks to someone on here for that idea, did it differently before) and runs the setups if they don't match. Works like a charm.

We don't use either 2 or 3. I deploy/upgrade SIMS through startup scripts. Anyone else doing this?

Oh, absolutely, but... ever tried "mobilising" EduGeek? I do what I can in other ways though.

True. We often have to bite our tongues too, when the teachers strike over terms and conditions that are still better than many of ours. But we have to keep our perspective and remind ourselves that everything is, in fact, relative.

The well-known fact that many, many businesses do get arsey about it is one of the reasons for the strike in the first place; that's why it's so disruptive. If childcare (both arrangements and costs) or time off work as an alternative didn't have the impact across the country that they do, then all it would involve is one day's missed learning, which would have only as much impact as kids being ill for a day. It's intentionally done this way, as are many strikes.

I think one thing to bear in mind about teaching, which distinguishes it a little from most (though not all) other professions, is the bond that can arise between teacher and pupil. The "rip and replace" model generally does not work well for teachers. It's not the case that "this person is a B-grade teacher, so is that person, so swapping them around should yield the same results". Nor will results necessarily be improved by swapping in an "A-grade teacher". Teachers are role models for their pupils too and they get to know the kids; they're not simply interchangeable. Poor teaching should be improved or eradicated (a mixture of both approaches will be needed), but I'd argue there are some cases where getting rid of e.g. a form tutor and replacing them with another teacher who is technically better (and by whose definition when the goalposts keep changing?) could potentially have more of a negative impact than a positive one. It's arguments like these that the NUT uses against Performance Pay when they're not in soapbox mode (i.e. Blower isn't speaking), and they're not invalid. The only difficulty is that it can create a culture of unaccountability and complacency if improperly managed (the "proper management" issue there is one reason why I believe we should keep Heads as experienced teachers rather than SBMs, though only if they are supported by a diverse leadership team). As always, a balance must be sought and that's a tricky game.

If you consider it an e-safety or safeguarding issue, you may be able to go through your LADO too. If it's a constant occurrence I'd think about taking it to CEOP as it's potentially a child who could get into a lot of trouble. Even a child being abusive is at risk, in this case risk of consequences that they don't need at that age. We had this once where a bunch of kids decided they were going to join Anonymous and created abusive Twitter and YouTube channels to that effect. Knowing what could happen if a local cell got to hear of them, we got the Police involved and were able to prove the identity of the ringleader by matching the number to which the YouTube account's password reset text was sent to a list of numbers freely given by a willing informant (pupil) who'd been hovering on the edge of the debacle. (In case that sounds dodgy, it's funny what can legitimately become fair game once it becomes a law enforcement issue.)

*Stomp* *stomp* *stomp* "TECHNICIAAAAAAAAN!!!"

The lack of labelling was there when I inherited this system, as you know very well... the only additional mapping out that has been done so far has been done by me. Now get off Facebook (I can see you) and get some work done!

Who wants to get involved?

Yes, I must admit I feel the same way about my own, ah... equivalents... Could always swap round so you do the first verse, I'm easy. With the vocal arrangements coming together, I guess the next step is whether we go for instrumental accompaniment or a backing track.

From one pedant to another: Castration | Define Castration at Dictionary.com It apparently works both ways... But yes, good point. How about four lines each for the last verse, followed by unison for the cloudy bit and chorus for the last two lines?

I could solo the first bit up to "in short", which would be in full chorus. Then a female voice takes over until the next "in short" (chorus again). Maybe after that we could have others (of whatever gender) alternating in two-line bursts until the final chorus?

Changed my mind. Rather than expanding at this stage and running the risk of everyone talking at cross purposes, is it useful first to come to an understanding we can all agree on as to what exactly a Senior Management/Leadership Team is, what its purpose is within an organisation (of any kind as I see no reason to differentiate) and what it's for? Having chatted with @GrumbleDook about this, he took a view that I hadn't considered before which involved the potential ramifications of having a "top-heavy" leadership team. Unfortunately I didn't quite get everything he was saying as the line was quite bad - anything he could add would be great!

Sounds good Think it could work with a male/female balance?

@abillybob, might've known there'd be a few iPads knocking around in there... *stir stir* Just teasing mate

Running around at the moment, will expand later on... though it may be a trademark essay...

Not sure about Headship, but the most senior member of IT staff should definitely be on SLT anyway.

Same. Never thought anyone else was interested tbh.

Beware the Prince of Darkness! RM are in flux at the moment what with selling off their desktop business. Not sure whether that would influence e.g. service engineer positions positively or negatively.