Yes, Circle-Time Does Work In Secondary Schools

At the moment, Circle-Time is having a rocky time in primary schools.

When I go in to schools for training, I will often find that Key Stage 2 teachers glibly tell me that there is no time for it anymore and it only happens in their early years classes. The article I have recently written for Headteachers Update (January 2025) discusses the problems in education at the moment – ‘We All Need To Talk About Circle-Time’ CLICK LINK: Headteacher Update Jan 2025 – We Need to Talk about Circle Time.

Worse still – many secondary schools claim that there is no time for any circle work – not even as part of PSHE. The above book is full of case studies testifying to the positive impact it can have on young peoples confidence, self esteem, ability to communicate well, peer relationships… the list is endless.

In November 2024 I ran some training in Northwood School for Girls – and the senior staff all attended to observe the circle session. The headteacher wrote this afterwards:

“You must keep going. I believe so much in your work and how vital it really is at times like these.

In the training it was interesting to see how quickly in circle pupils of varying ages responded to the opportunities to create a place of emotional and psychological safety from being in a circle.

Everyone felt it was something special and the pupils ability to share, listen, express and share was a joy to watch. What really struck me was how speaking and communicating collaboratively was not an age related experience. People think it is something for the realm if younger pupils and often think it is a time for show and share in a circle. The most impactful thing I observed was how older pupils quickly felt safe, maturely and sensitively approached topics that interested them and listened to each other. Their realisation that they could resolve matters that otherwise have proven challenging was quite moving. Most of all, to feel safe to be they actual age they are and not the age that society and unintentionally we as educators expect them to be.

Communicating in circles, was therefore experienced as a way of remembering our humanness and how being configured in this way, created something, something unique and I would say invaluable in the world we find ourselves in today.”

A big thank you to Cecile Halliday or her thoughtful feedback piece above for which we are grateful. Feedback like this can help shape future projects.  We are looking for Secondary settings that are interested in opening up further dialogue with their students – please do get in touch if you would like to find out more.

Website Manager’s Note

Jenny receives a lot of enquiries about her work. If you think you might be interested in some training please email circletime@jennymosley.co.uk

If your school would like some training but your budget is over-stretched, we have some ways to significantly reduce the cost of the training, yet to still have a great training day.

Jenny specialises in Lunchtimes and Playtimes, Wellbeing, Oracy and Listening Skills, Staff Wellbeing and Inclusion.