David Benyon. Hettie Williams. Gwen Mayor. Ann Maguire. Phillip Lawrence. They might not all be names you recognise. What they have in common is the courage they displayed in terrifying circumstances. In all except Hettie’s classroom, those decision cost them their lives. I’m writing this on the eve of my first key worker shift at […]
The One Starting Home Schooling
MrA’s school closed as of 9pm last night. He only found out when he got up this morning! He was up at the usual time (0615) Andres his breakfast. At 0800 he was asked to get dressed and to tidy his desk. By about 0930 he’d achieved this! No specific work had been sent by […]
The One About Contagion
*I am not a scientist* I’ve held off blogging about COVID-19, or coronavirus, until now. But the briefing from Government on 16th March has shaken me and spurred me into action. As a still relatively young teacher, with no underlying health issues, I am required to attend work still. To associate in close proximity with […]
The One About Action for Happiness (10th Jan)
“Thank three people you’re grateful for and tell them why” Oddly, this didn’t occur as I had expected it to! I’ve had a couple of tricky days work-wise. I’m lucky to be surrounded by a wonderful, supportive team and I’ve really needed them this week. So, my three than yous were for: AM – for […]
The One About Action for Happiness (9th Jan)
“Learn something new and share it with others” Tonight, I attempted to learn a tune on my new ukulele to play to my class tomorrow in our music lesson. I’m not sure I’m confident enough to wow them just yet, but I have found the notes to use for the handbells we have so I […]
The One About Action for Happiness (8th Jan)
“Look for the good in others and notice their strengths” As today was the first day back in the classroom, I have tried to apply this to the children – noticing little changes about them, commenting on things I have missed about them over the Christmas holidays. It made me (and them) smile, I think.
The One About Job Sharing
How Can Job-Sharing Enhance School-wide Curriculum Design? This article first appeared the Chartered College of Teaching’s journal, Impact, in Summer 2019. In January 2019, Damian Hinds announced that the DfE would be supporting schools to implement flexible working practices such as job-sharing, where two teachers perform the role of one full time staff member, as […]
The One About SATs Stress (FAO: Damian Hinds)
I was recently sent this article written by the Education Secretary, Damian Hinds. I have thought hard about what he had to say about SATS preparation in schools, and the purpose of SATs… Hinds criticises schools who place, in his eyes, too much focus on preparation for SATs, and accuses them of causing children undue stress and […]
The One About Long Days and Short Years
The days are long but the years are short. I’ve been told that several times in the almost four years since my son was born. I’ve passed this wisdom onto other parents having a terrible day with their little ones. But today, as I left my son at his new primary school for the very […]