Tips for facilitators

This is a creative activity so help people to avoid getting too hung-up on details. Keep the conversation going and keep it positive.

Teachers are often very focused on the day-to-day and are acutely aware of the constraints that they work within. Few get opportunities to consider the bigger picture but these opportunities are important both in ensuring people feel part of the planning process and in gaining valuable insight and ideas from those staff.

If the discussion stalls on an issue of fact and moving forward becomes dependant on the team having a vital piece of information that isn't available at that time, the facilitator should note this and, if needed, make an assumption on behalf of the group to move things on.

If no progress can be made then the facilitator his the power to select a new point on the mind map from which to continue the discussion or to line up a new challenge.

Try to find time to familiarise yourself with all of the cards; particularly the Design Suggestions as these may be the least familiar to the group.

Lead by example. Make sure that you are thinking out loud and spotting opportunities to use a Stimulus Card.

If someone wants to add a challenge or a suggestion write it on a blank hexagon from the pad.

The facilitator or a colleague should take notes throughout the discussion to ensure that nothing is missed.

Developing the Game

This version of the game is only a prototype. We'd really like your help in developing the next version. We're particularly interested in collecting any further challenges and suggestions that you feel are common to many schools. If you have any comments or ideas we'd love to hear them and you can email us at hello@ournewschool.org. The OurNewSchool brand is owned by Engine Creative Consultants Limited.