Recent Comments
Category Archives: Reflections
The Greasy Pole
Nearly six years ago, I wrote this post about being a mainscale teacher, holding a middle leadership responsibility for a long time and being happy with that. This week has given me cause to revisit it, for a couple of … Continue reading
Posted in Reflections
Leave a comment
2021-2022
It’s been another one of those funny old years. There’s much to reflect on, in terms of pedagogy; this time last year, it had just been announced that we were going online for teaching, a situation that lasted until March. … Continue reading
Handy History Teaching Tips Podcast
Another school year is coming to a close. It’s been unique; every year is unique but this one has been significantly different. I’m not reflecting on it much yet because, if I’m honest, I don’t know how helpful it will … Continue reading
A decade in the life
There’s been a lot of navel-gazing across social media platforms, as we all weigh up the past decade and consider our achievements. The beginning of a new decade has slightly crept on me. I’m sure there must be some people … Continue reading
Posted in Reflections
Leave a comment
Mental Health Awareness
So, my lovely mum was sectioned last week. This is a blog about her and me. It is written for catharsis and comradeship. Mum has suffered periods of intense anxiety and depression for her whole life. The first time I … Continue reading
WLFS takeaways
As usual, I have spent some time today reflecting on what I can change about my practice following the WLFS conference. I can plan some short thematics for KS3 Elizabeth Carr’s reminder of Michael Riley’s development study, Toilets through Time, … Continue reading
Posted in Reflections, wlfs
1 Comment
On being a long-term mainscale teacher
A couple of weeks back I came across a Twitter thread about wanting to stay mainscale and become a better teacher, and it did make me chuckle to see how the teaching landscape is morphing from one of a relentless … Continue reading
Posted in Reflections
5 Comments
Policing other people’s teaching
When December rolls around, I get annoyed by the inevitable complaints of people proclaiming that it is too early to put up the Christmas tree. Why does it matter to people so much? There is no rule about this. If you … Continue reading
Posted in Reflections
4 Comments
A Tale of Two Year 11s
I inherited two year 11 groups upon my arrival at the new school. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. The best: sparky students, quicker relationship building due to seeing them more often, the promise … Continue reading
Posted in History, Reflections
Leave a comment
Preparing for Assessment: the Verbal Rehearsal
A few years ago, inspired by some excellent CPD, I introduced the verbal rehearsal to my KS3 students before they completed their assessments. I wrote a little about it here. I did this in a variety of ways – heavily … Continue reading
High Dive Teaching 