As a teacher who writes about the importance of literacy and vocabulary – and one who works with countless teachers across the country – I find myself talking repeatedly about the issue of the ‘word gap’ in our classrooms. Again and again, I am faced with the glaring examples of the problem that many of …
Some words in education can spark off a shooting match. I offer two such words: ‘boring‘ and ‘engagement‘. Should teaching and learning be boring? Is it is sign of failure? Should engagement rule? Both words get characterised as extremes (social media has a way of doing that), but it is important to face up to …
I knew it would happen… Google 20% time has infiltrated England! The Guardian has a headline emblazoned with the following: “Bring Google’s ‘20% time’ to your classroom with passion-based learning” Not only do they recommend ‘Google 20% time’ – more on that in a moment – they brand it as ‘passion-based learning‘. How could …
The OFSTED inspection team arrive! Not too long ago I resolved to not write anymore about OFSTED. Many people have written excellent critiques of the process, with recommendations to either reform or wholly jettison the inspectorate in its current form. I felt I had little to add I hadn’t already said. I was, however, sparked …
The new school year is careering into view already. Plans are being crafted, return to work stress is growing like a weed. My thoughts turn to the newbie teachers about to join our faculty – both newly qualified and in training. Here are some handy tips for new teachers in particular, based on some time-worn …
