Author Archives: johntomsett

About johntomsett

Headteacher in York. All views are my own.

This much I know about…how for the first 25 years of my teaching career I didn’t really understand what I was doing

Posted on June 17, 2017

I have been a teacher for 29 years, a Headteacher for 14 years and, at the age of (nearly) 53, this much I know about how for the first 25 years of my teaching career I didn’t really understand what I … Continue reading →

Posted in Research, School Leadership, Teaching and Learning | Leave a comment

This much I know about…the speech Theresa May should have made yesterday

Posted on June 10, 2017

When Theresa May stood in front of 10 Downing Street yesterday, it was as if she had played no part whatsoever in calling the General Election. This is the speech she should have made: I have just been to see … Continue reading →

Posted in Other stuff | 15 Comments

This much I know about resources for teaching how to write a short story for the writing question on the AQA English Language GCSE Paper 1

Posted on May 31, 2017

I have been a teacher for 28 years, a Headteacher for 13 years and, at the age of 52, this much I know about resources for teaching how to write a short story for the writing question on the AQA English … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching and Learning | Leave a comment

This much I know about…a step-by-step guide to the writing question on the AQA English Language GCSE Paper 2

Posted on May 30, 2017

I have been a teacher for 28 years, a Headteacher for 13 years and, at the age of 52, this much I know about a step-by-step guide to the writing question on the AQA English Language GCSE Paper 2. In … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching and Learning | 1 Comment

This much I know about…a step-by-step guide to the writing question on the AQA English Language GCSE Paper 1

Posted on May 30, 2017

I have been a teacher for 28 years, a Headteacher for 13 years and, at the age of 52, this much I know about a step-by-step guide to the writing question on the AQA English Language GCSE Paper 1. Writing … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching and Learning | 3 Comments

This much I know about… how, despite our best efforts, we are failing the students who need us most

Posted on May 29, 2017

I have been a teacher for 28 years, a Headteacher for 13 years and, at the age of 52, this much I know about how, despite our best efforts, we are failing the students who need us most. On 17 … Continue reading →

Posted in General educational issues, School Leadership | 5 Comments

This much I know about how doing nothing much with your loved ones is the best thing

Posted on April 22, 2017

I have been a teacher for 28 years, a Headteacher for 13 years and, at the age of 52, this much I know about how doing nothing much with your loved ones is the best thing. We have spent an … Continue reading →

Posted in Other stuff | 6 Comments