I watch a lot of people teach. Without protesting too much, it is a genuine privilege to be allowed into colleagues’ classrooms. I am ever grateful. Since I have been observing colleagues grapple with the complexities of helping pupils learn,…
This much I know about… the principles of curriculum planning in action
I am not sure if I have ever had an original thought in my life. When it comes to curriculum, this much I have come to know from other people’s wisdom and research. Beyond a handful accrued through experience in…
This much I know about…Hannah Lowe’s “The Kids” and the sonnet form
I have written about sonnets many times; Hannah Lowe’s “The Kids” is a striking volume written entirely in that particular poetic form. “The Art of Teaching II” will resonate with every teacher in the land. You can read it here….
This much I know about…how nothing needs to matter too much
I turned 57 yesterday. It was no ordinary birthday. On the contrary, it was a landmark moment. I am now the same age as my Dad was when he died. When he was told he had weeks to live, Dad…
This much I know about…how not to recruit, thanks to fellow Headteacher Stuart Simmonds
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 not to recruit, thanks to fellow Headteacher Stuart Simmonds. From the BBC series People Like…
This much I know about…having fun at school (and a great Bowie tribute!)
I have been a teacher for 27 years, a Headteacher for 12 years and, at the age of 51, this much I know about having fun at school (and a great Bowie tribute!). Laughter is the best medicine. I am…
This much I know about…an unlikely literary lesson for the next Labour leader
I have been a teacher for 26 years, a Headteacher for 11 years and, at the age of 50, this much I know about an unlikely literary lesson for the next Labour leader. Jane Austen knew her stuff. Thematically, Pride and…
This much I know about…revising on 8 May 2015
I have been a teacher for 26 years, a Headteacher for 11 years and, at the age of 50 this much I know about revising on 8 May 2015. Stick with this… Comment on whether a cut in tax rates will…
This much I know about…what I learnt yesterday at the Sutton Trust-Gates Summit
I have been a teacher for 26 years, a Headteacher for 11 years and, at the age of 50, this much I know about what I learnt yesterday at the Sutton Trust-Gates Summit. Jet lag is a price worth paying. Sleepless,…
This much I know about…where my poetry comes from
I have been a teacher for 25 years, a Headteacher for 10 years and, at the age of 49, this much I know about where my poetry comes from. If you listen carefully, people’s stories can be the raw material…