Author Archives: johntomsett

About johntomsett

Headteacher in York. All views are my own.

This much I know about…the value of choosing English Literature A Level

Posted on August 18, 2019

I have been a teacher for 31 years, a Headteacher for 16 years and, at the age of 55, this much I know about the value of choosing English Literature A Level. Studying English Literature A Level changed my life. … Continue reading →

Posted in General educational issues, Other stuff, Teaching and Learning | Leave a comment

This much I know about…why I am not taking my pension (even though I could)

Posted on August 7, 2019

I have been a teacher for 31 years, a Headteacher for 16 years and, at the age of 55, this much I know about why I am not taking my pension (even though I could). A teacher’s 55th birthday is … Continue reading →

Posted in Other stuff | 4 Comments

This much I know about…how I have transformed my own teaching

Posted on July 20, 2019

I have been a teacher for 31 years, a Headteacher for 16 years and, at the age of 54, this much I know about how I have transformed my own teaching. I never thought I would transform my teaching in … Continue reading →

Posted in School Leadership, Teaching and Learning | 6 Comments

This much I know about…why a song speaks to my soul

Posted on July 7, 2019

I have been a teacher for 30 years, a Headteacher for 15 years and, at the age of 54, this much I know about why a song speaks to my soul. According to Seamus Heaney, when a writer’s work speaks … Continue reading →

Posted in Other stuff | 2 Comments

This much I know about…why a teacher’s job is more important than ever

Posted on June 29, 2019

I have been a teacher for 30 years, a Headteacher for 15 years and, at the age of 54, this much I know about why a teacher’s job is more important than ever. One of my favourite reads of the … Continue reading →

Posted in School Leadership | 1 Comment

This much I know about…helping students avoid making nonsensical interpretations of poems

Posted on June 17, 2019

I have been a teacher for 30 years, a Headteacher for 15 years and, at the age of 54, this much I know about helping students avoid making nonsensical interpretations of poems. One of the most frustrating misconceptions I hear … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching and Learning | 2 Comments

This much I know about…what I am doing to make my Alastair Campbell jam jar taller

Posted on May 26, 2019

I have been a teacher for 30 years, a Headteacher for 15 years and, at the age of 54, this much I know about what I am doing to make my Alastair Campbell jam jar taller. To say I know … Continue reading →

Posted in Mental Health in Schools, Other stuff, School Leadership | 4 Comments