As we embark on the new academic year, I want to take a moment to express my deep appreciation for your pivotal roles within our Create Partnership Trust. Your leadership and expertise are instrumental in shaping the educational experiences of our children, and I have the utmost confidence in your abilities.
Over the summer, a visit to the Alhambra palace in Granada served as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of a rich, diverse curriculum.
It underscored the importance of including narratives and histories that may not be part of the National Curriculum but are essential in nurturing authenticity and heritage within our students.
The Islamic history of Spain, a chapter often overlooked, highlights the power of education to broaden horizons and instil a sense of cultural appreciation. Spain was under Islamic rule for nearly 781 years, from 711 AD to 1492 AD. This period is often referred to as the "Islamic Golden Age", during which various Islamic dynasties ruled over the Iberian Peninsula, leaving a significant cultural and architectural legacy. 531 year later, Spain is still 250 years shy of matching the length of time that the Islamic dynasty shaped the country and yet that period of European History has been almost lost to time to many of our children. It reinforces our commitment to creating a curriculum that reflects the diversity of our world, fostering understanding and empathy among our students. At our Create Partners Day in July I emphasised the importance of developing Authenticity and Heritage as part of our Vision to ‘Create the Best Education for every single child, in every single school, every single day’, let us remember that what we choose to teach holds immense significance in their development.
As we look ahead to the challenges that this year may bring, let us embrace them with optimism, knowing that together, as a team, we can overcome any obstacle – as we did last year. Teamwork is the bedrock of resilience, and as part of Create Partnership Trust, we are part of a larger team working collaboratively to support and elevate one another.
Your dedication to our shared vision is so impiortant, and I have no doubt that this year will be marked by achievements that reflect our commitment to excellence. Thank you for your unwavering dedication, and I eagerly anticipate the journey ahead as we continue to inspire and empower our children.
With my utmost respect and gratitude,
Mark
