Recent Comments
Tag Archives: Teacher
A Letter to my SLT: latest update.
In November I posted a copy of an email to one of my SLT, regarding my issues with the lesson observation process that my school insists on using (‘School Management Makes Teaching Impossible’). This email prompted the manager in question … Continue reading
The OFSTED Christmas Message: more Fear than Cheer.
In January 1996, at the age of 22 I landed my first proper teaching job in Smethwick, an economically deprived, multi-cultural area of the West Midlands. A lovely school with a tough catchment. Early on, I remember a particularly confident, … Continue reading
Posted in Education
Tagged Education, Michael Wilshaw, OFSTED, SLT, Smethwick, Special education in England, Teacher, West Midlands
6 Comments
School Management Makes Teaching Impossible
“So much of what we call management consists in making it difficult for people to work.” (Peter F Drucker) If you have read any of my blogs of recent months, then it won’t come as very much of a surprise to … Continue reading
Posted in Education
Tagged Education, Lesson plan, Michael Wilshaw, Observation, OFSTED, Teacher
8 Comments
In Memory of an Outstanding Teacher
Mr Graham, ah, Mr Graham; a rotund, somewhat-less-than-healthy-looking middle-aged man. A great big bear of a man: slightly crumpled shirt, loose tie, a suit that had seen better days and the perpetual aroma of stale cigarette smoke. Mr Graham: a … Continue reading
Posted in Education
Tagged Arts, Education, Michael Gove, National Curriculum, Outstanding Teacher, Secondary school, Staff room, Teacher
8 Comments
Empowered and Free? Not me, Mr Gove!
Michael Gove delivered a speech at The Policy Exchange, London yesterday (5th September), in which he championed both teachers and teaching. For a short while afterwards I felt a nice, warm glow of something approaching relief. I think there are … Continue reading
