Category Archives: Other stuff

This much I know about…our family’s Lost Lowry

Posted on January 11, 2020 by johntomsett

I have been a teacher for 31 years, a head teacher for 16 years and, at the age of 55, this much I know about our family’s Lost Lowry. What follows is based upon a family tale which has floated … Continue reading →

Posted in Other stuff | 2 Comments

This much I know about…how Larkin was right, “days are where we live”

Posted on December 29, 2019 by johntomsett

I have been a teacher for 31 years, a head teacher for 16 years and, at the age of 55, this much I know about how Larkin was right, “days are where we live”. It’s Margate, 22 April 1957. My … Continue reading →

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This much I know about…why Tom Bennett is right – teaching IS a wonderful job!

Posted on December 22, 2019 by johntomsett

I have been a teacher for 31 years, a head teacher for 16 years and, at the age of 55, this much I know about why Tom Bennett is right – teaching IS a wonderful job! I am teaching a … Continue reading →

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

This much I know about…London Calling’s 40th birthday!

Posted on December 14, 2019 by johntomsett

I have been a teacher for 31 years, a head teacher for 16 years and, at the age of 55, this much I know about London Calling’s 40th birthday! Forty years ago today The Clash released London Calling. It was … Continue reading →

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

Posted on August 18, 2019 by johntomsett

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 by johntomsett

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…why a song speaks to my soul

Posted on July 7, 2019 by johntomsett

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 | 9 Comments

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

Posted on May 26, 2019 by johntomsett

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 | 8 Comments

This much I know about…witnessing all the vulnerabilities of our health service up close, first-hand

Posted on May 18, 2019 by johntomsett

I have been a teacher for 30 years, a Headteacher for 15 years and, at the age of 54, this much I know about witnessing all the vulnerabilities of our health service up close, first-hand.   It began with a … Continue reading →

Posted in Other stuff | 3 Comments

This much I know about…why OFSTED should stop making 1-4 judgements of schools

Posted on May 6, 2019 by johntomsett

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 OFSTED should stop making 1-4 judgements of schools. Cartoon by Stan Dupp “Schools with good … Continue reading →

Posted in Other stuff, School Leadership | 1 Comment