Adrian McLean

Acceptance

This week’s blog centres on acceptance. Over the last few months, I have been really introspective. Examining who I am, what defines me, where am I going on this journey of life? To do this, I have had to hold the mirror up and examine what I see. Do I like what I see? Do…… Continue reading Acceptance

The Room Where it Happens

Do you have a go-to tune that you play to psyche yourself up? I have a few, usually with heavy baselines and punchy lyrics that I can’t play when my children are in earshot! When I need to be strategic though, I play this one from the musical, Hamilton. Here’s the closing verse: The art…… Continue reading The Room Where it Happens

Representation & Exposure

You will have heard the phrase ‘You can’t be what you can’t see’. Those of us who are from any of the protected characteristic groups and those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, will be particularly familiar with it. Quite simply, it means that it’s difficult to aspire to something, for which you have little or no…… Continue reading Representation & Exposure

The Wim Hof Method: I Tried It And Survived!

I was intrigued by the subtitle of Wim Hof’s book ‘Activate Your Potential, Transcend Your Limits’ and also by a man who is comfortable sitting in ice cold temperatures in his pants! I don’t do well in the cold so I was open to ‘transcending’ my own limits in this area, as a personal challenge. The…… Continue reading The Wim Hof Method: I Tried It And Survived!

IWD: Give Them Their Flowers Whilst They Can Smell Them

8th March 2021 “And since we all came from a woman, got our name from a woman and our game from a woman… I wonder why we take from our women…” Tupac Shakur, Keep Ya Head Up (1993) These lyrics from 28 years ago are deep rooted in my existence. Tupac struck a chord with…… Continue reading IWD: Give Them Their Flowers Whilst They Can Smell Them

A Rare Breed: The Lesser-Spotted Black Male Teacher

17th January 2021 Diversity and equity is something that anyone reading this, I am sure wholeheartedly believes in, visualises and works towards creating in our education system and society. I am an advocate of all of the protected characteristics, and work to challenge the systemic prejudices we all face. My views are through the lens…… Continue reading A Rare Breed: The Lesser-Spotted Black Male Teacher

Unlocking Education

16th June 2020 Adrian McLean is a former Head Teacher who has worked in a range of Secondary Schools. As a member of the Central Team for the Severn Academies Education Trust, Adrian works with staff, students and parents to understand the importance of personal values and character and how these influence success, both in…… Continue reading Unlocking Education

Visible Role Models

#DiverseEd: Big Virtual Conversation – Saturday 13th June As a MIxed White/Black Caribbean Senior Leader, former Headteacher and teacher of 20 years, this is a topic that is close to my heart and one that I am passionate about changing by, yes, you guessed it… BEING VISIBLE! I spoke at the #DiverseEd conference at the…… Continue reading Visible Role Models