Time to write and reflect has been almost non existent the past two weeks.Time? What time? Certainly time appears to be elusive, so here is a quick list of highlights from the past two weeks; Y11 ’Drive to the finishline’ Assemblies, sitting with Y11 students for breakfast clubs Maths revision and even convincing two bright Y8 girls to attempt the worksheets, the amazing .... Read more and bookmark.
Every child deserves a champion—an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be. – Rita Pearson It’s worth spending 10 minutes watching Rita Pearson’s recent TED talks education pitch. She just emanates passion and persuasion. I gave [my students] a saying to say: ‘I am .... Read more and bookmark.
Never say never. Limits, like fears, are often just an illusion – Michael Jordan Michael Jordan quote from his speech upon being enshrined to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame 2009. There are only a few MJ quotes I have missed. Boy did I miss this one. .... Read more and bookmark.
This Friday’s Year 11 ‘Drive to the finish line’ assembly was led by an inspirational young man, former elite gymnast and aspiring stuntman, Jay Young. Just two years on, and following eleven months of gruelling physiotherapy, Jay is commanding the respect and attention of our Year 11 students. Not a whisper could be heard in the theatre as Jay retold the events of his .... Read more and bookmark.
Waiting for @FOD3… (the message left in the workbook for the Head of English.) After a morning of experimenting, I have mocked up a simple wire frame for departments to report their curriculum maps, KS2 transition, KS3, KS4 and KS5. The aim, to maximise and deepen student learning by adjusting and modifying our content and scheduling. Yet what seems to be a simple task, takes too long, .... Read more and bookmark.
This is the first time I have EVER been in a library. Is there any single more important duty of an English Department, of a school even, than introducing our students to the wonders of reading? I would like to think that almost any Head of Department worth their salt could put up a good fight defending that statement. My parents did not have a love of books, but there were books in my home. .... Read more and bookmark.