The Good Old Days? A long time ago (2005) in a county far, far away (Essex) there was a trainee science teacher (me) who worked in a school with centralised schemes of work. You would submit your requests to the fabulous technician team, make sure your photocopying was done in time and have a flick … Continue reading The Video Lesson →

When you try your best (on calculation questions) and you don't succeed... what you need is FICSU! Update: upon further reflection and discussion with our maths department, FICSU has evolved to become FICSSU. Explanation below. Applying maths in science mainly involves calculations and there are several fine blogs about drill processes to help students work … Continue reading “I will try to FICSU”, on further reflection… FICSSU: Updated Maths in Science →

"The drawing shows me at one glance what might be spread over ten pages in a book." Turgenev, 1861 What is it? Dual coding is learning using different sensory pathways to transfer information into the working memory. We then encode the information into our long term memory and the more ways in which we learn, … Continue reading Dual Coding in a Nutshell →

It used to be pretty standard in schools, still clinging on in around 32% of schools according to a quick Twitter poll (n=266), to have someone working in a role known as either the Gifted and Talented or More Able Provision Coordinator. They are in charge of a list. A list of pupils who were … Continue reading Anyone for a G & T? The unintended impact of the gifted and talented list →

There are some sad facts in education currently, listed below are two: The government has failed to reach its targets for teacher recruitment every year for the last seven years. (Guardian, 2019) More teachers are dropping out after their first year than at any time in the last 20 years, while one in three leave … Continue reading Save Our Trainees! →

Clarity of explanation is vital One of the most important core teacher skills is being able to explain ideas clearly. It promotes understanding and leads to well organised schema forming in the minds of our pupils. So, how can we tweak our powerpoint slides and delivery of information to maximise learning through supporting our explanations? … Continue reading Pimp that Powerpoint →

The silent corridors debate is quite a fiery one at the moment! Since Gavin Williamson has mentioned it again, as a possible solution for improving behaviour in schools, the usual machinations and criticisms have re-surfaced. What follows are my thoughts on why schools may use them. Keeping Children Safe I would be surprised if anyone … Continue reading Corridor Cogitations →

I have a few bones to pick with the traditional approach to interviewing teachers. Some of the aspects of the process could be easily improved and if I ever find myself in a position where I can change it, I bloomin' well will! Right. Here goes. The Interview Letter (paraphrased) Dear Mr Taylor In three … Continue reading If I could change interview lessons… →

Question 1: How many giraffe are living wild in Africa in the year 2000? a) 10 003         b) 10 030       c) 10 300      d) 13 000 For many pupils this wouldn't pose too much of a problem but I have had all four of those options suggested when … Continue reading Science Snippet 4: Bar Models to the Rescue! →