I have been a teacher for 30 years, a Headteacher for 15 years and, at the age of 54, this much I know about how the budget squeeze is forcing school leaders to gamble. First, some key data. When I began at Huntington School as head teacher in September 2007…
I have been a teacher for 30 years, a Headteacher for 15 years and, at the age of 54, this much I know about how we own, we shape and we celebrate our curriculum. My friend and collaborator, Tom Sherrington, recently said this of a school’s curriculum: “Your curriculum…
I have been a teacher for 30 years, a Headteacher for 15 years and, at the age of 54, this much I know about the creative writing process, Don McCullin's photography and Vic Goddard's Auntie Vera and Uncle Clay! What inspires art? I have written a…
I have been a teacher for 30 years, a Headteacher for 15 years and, at the age of 54, this much I know about the Don McCullin retrospective exhibition at Tate Britain. I have five heroes, the majority of whom are dead: Seamus Heaney (poetry); Seve Ballesteros (golf); Joe Strummer…
I have been a teacher for 30 years, a Headteacher for 15 years and, at the age of 54, this much I know about looking after our own mental health first. On the day we are officially charged by the DfE with supporting the mental health of our students, I…
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 Christine Counsell is right about teaching knowledge and cultural capital. This post’s genesis lies in a recent Christine Counsell tweet in defence of RE…
I have been a teacher for 30 years, a Headteacher for 15 years and, at the age of 54, this much I know about behaviour management, "flattening the grass" and Mary Myatt. A simple truth: you cannot teach as well as you possibly can and students cannot maximise…
I have been a teacher for 30 years, a Headteacher for 15 years and, at the age of 54, this much I know about reading, vocabulary and missing Alex Quigley! I was privileged to work closely with Alex Quigley for years. He has influenced my teaching greatly and I miss…