Following the reorganisation. I am pleased to give an outline of the results and activities for the year ended 1 April 2023.
Review of Activities and Achievements
Over the past 7 years OST has been gaining knowledge, reviewing and renewing contacts and building a team of like minded individuals with the experience and drive to change the landscape in Education moving towards a position where it is best placed to promote the changes needed.
Aims and Objectives
The Oxford School of Thought was founded by educators as a truly independent Primary Education think tank - the first of its kind in the UK - to advance the public exchange of ideas generated and opinions discussed between experts in their field in the world of education. This will include research and much wider distribution and consumption of material. The intention is to have a positive impact on the way that education is delivered, whether state or independent (private).
The current situation
Whist there are numerous education conferences in which some ideas are generated, the majority are for educators, delivered by educators, and the vast majority of attendees are those in senior positions or have the time to spend attending conferences. Speakers and contributors are often uttering warm words of wisdom but achieving very little change. Seldom are policy makers present, few if any parents are invited. Generally, the entire process is inward looking.
For nearly two years the entire education landscape was changed by Covid 19. As entire communities were locked down and schools were closed, the previous accepted ways of educating children has been overturned. The difference in attainment or achievement between the ‘have’s and have-nots’ has increased dramatically this has led many to join the discussion about changing the way we educate children, OST will be at the forefront of this discussion and is preparing a report about the current situation and future possibilities.
Future
This year we have also continued our efforts to influence policy makers. Following the successful rebuild and launch of our website and with the active participation of our extended team and the list of well- known associates who are supporting us, we have recorded a series of live recorded short talks which have been lodged on our website. Speakers have been carefully curated to express views and share knowledge and thinking across education and those who recruit the output from the education processes. The recordings will enable a much wider audience to be informed. We are using our developing links with universities and other research organisations to create evidencebased suggestions for revising approaches to primary education.
Structure, Governance and Management
The Oxford School of Thought is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation governed by its constitution.
Trustees are recruited for their wide experience and skills to contribute to the achievement and advancement of the Charity's objectives
The following Trustees served throughout the year to 1 April 2023:
Peter Cansell Alexander Cansell Philip Marples
Financial Statements
The receipts and payments during the year to 1 April 2023 are shown below.
As at 1 April 2023 The Oxford School of Thought had charitable assets of £815.24(2022£805.64). These assets comprise restricted and unrestricted funds.
The Trustees Report and financial statements were approved by the board on 30[th] September 2023.
Signed on behalf of the Trustees
Peter Cansell Chair of Trustees 30[th] September 2023
Cranmer House 10 High Street Wheatley Oxford OX33 1XX
Balance Sheets
| 1 April 2022 | 1 April 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds: cash at Bank | 815.24 | 805.64 |
| Total Charity Funds | 815.24 | 805.64 |
| Signed on behalf of the Trustees |
Peter Cansell Chair of Trustees 30[th] September 2023
Cranmer House 10 High Street Wheatley Oxford OX33 1XX