A closer look at Ofsted’s updated toolkit reveals unanswered questions about fairness, reliability and the real impact on schools and staff.| Teaching it Real
The Problem with “Disadvantage” There has been a lot of discussion, going on for many years now but sharpened in recent headlines, about disadvantage and education. The term ‘disadvantaged’ is in itself one laden with issues and a term I generally prefer to avoid. To cut to the heart of the matter though, what is…| Teaching it Real
Writing any book is a nerve wracking experience. You sit in a small room somewhere, glaring at a computer screen, daring the page to remain blank. As you write, you are always aware of a reader sat…| Teaching it Real
How Do They Do It? Learning Lessons from Amazing Teachers, Leaders and Schools Every so often, Zoe and I find ourselves reflecting on just how extraordinary schools really are. Every day, hundreds …| Teaching it Real
Last week a female politician crying in the Commons hit the headlines. Commentary ranged from how positive it was, to how it showed weakness, including how women shouldn’t be in the position to lead as they are just too emotional (an oft used trope throughout history). This morning, I open up social media to see…| Teaching it Real
For a long time, I have used the familiar adage which is oft attributed to Mary Myatt of living it ‘not laminating it’. There is no point adorning the walls with mottos and phrases that are just glorified wallpaper. They need to mean something in practice. It is the same with policies. Having a behaviour…| Teaching it Real
Much of my adult identity was bound up in being a teacher. For over 20 years I had lived my life by bells and terms and assessment deadlines. Most of my friends were teachers (that is still the case), I married a teacher, and even my son’s partner went into teaching. Teaching was something that…| Teaching it Real
We all know that school improvement is a complex beast. There are conflicting ideas about what that might be the best approaches to teaching and behaviour, ideas about what pupils need and what the priorities should be, and we are always juggling many balls at the same time. Working in school improvement (and Ofsted) affords…| Teaching it Real
Did you know, that in parts of the world like those in east Africa’s Rift Valley, the high fluoride content in volcanic springs can soften the enamel on the teeth of those who drink it, allowing them to sharpen their teeth into points? Did you know that you can find marine fossils on the summits…| Teaching it Real
It seems like a million years ago that I was at school. I probably fall into the category of ‘old fogey’ now that it is 25 years since my last days in compulsory education. My ongoing experience of…| Teaching it Real
This meme became famous a few years ago in my circles. It is an amusing idea that takes to extremes some of the issues we have all encountered with instruction. Often we are given some very precise…| Teaching it Real
