Schools are unique institutions. As if you didn’t know. They run on teachers’ teamwork, goodwill, collaboration, understanding, commitment, energy…etc. etc. insert cliche It’s possible to work in school with young people facing seriously challenging circumstances (I mean like…abusive homes, poverty, social deprivation…the whole thing) and as a teacher feel utterly fulfilled and inspired. It’s also possibleContinueContinue reading “How To Think ‘Whole-School’”
Tag Archives: writing
‘Take an interest, not the register’
Being a form tutor is an underrated role in a school. ‘The tutor is the glue that holds together the academic and the pastoral.’ I made that up this week because it articulates an intuition I always knew. The challenge of being a tutor includes conundrums such as: How do I build a relationship withContinueContinue reading “‘Take an interest, not the register’”
Are your lesson objectives about your teaching or their learning?
When I started teaching my attention was all on me and what I was doing. Understandably I was nervous. It would start before I even got in the classroom. From crafting elegant, amazing PowerPoints through to setting intricate timings for activities. As I improved my lesson planning, I came to rely on well-written lesson objectives.ContinueContinue reading “Are your lesson objectives about your teaching or their learning?”
How to demonstrate leadership in your school…when you’re not in a leadership position
Consider this: leadership has little to do with position. Yes it might be much easier when you’re a Head of Department or Deputy Head, but leadership is not position, title, or personal qualities. Two definitions of leadership I like say the same thing in different ways. The interesting part is that they were written decades apart.ContinueContinue reading “How to demonstrate leadership in your school…when you’re not in a leadership position”
How To Change Your (Writing) Life In 30 Days
30-Day Challenges – from Ben Hardy The Internet is a big place. I am one of those people that read a lot of different articles about a ton of different topics and ideas that I find interesting: from fake news and media manipulation through to why schools are prisons. Frequently, I save the links toContinueContinue reading “How To Change Your (Writing) Life In 30 Days”
Are there patterns to male friendships?
Being friends with other men has been something with which I’ve struggled. I’ve been more at home in the company of women. Maybe it’s because there’s only eighteen months between myself and my sister; maybe it’s because my mother has three sisters; maybe it’ s because both my grandmothers are strong characters. I don’t knowContinueContinue reading “Are there patterns to male friendships?”
The Beginning is the End is the Beginning 2 of 3: 2011
Part Two of the Trilogy… 6. House We moved in 2011. It was stressful and wonderful in equal measure (but probably more wonderful). Our house is now our home and I’m so grateful for all the help we had. Especially from Them and Them. I can’t imagine going back to a one-bedroom flat. We’ve hardly needed/ wantedContinueContinue reading “The Beginning is the End is the Beginning 2 of 3: 2011”
James D'Souza 