University of Buckingham
November is all about Nurturing good teaching. Specifically, how mentors can nurture good teaching. Our recent October residential got me thinking about the many ways that we nurture good teaching. Is it only subject knowledge, or does it extend beyond this? Is it about our dedication and commitment in putting the needs of the learner... Continue Reading →
“It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan’’ Eleanor Roosevelt I am not sure if I am organised or have OCD, but either way, I love a tidy desk, numerous planners, and colour coding. We are well into the academic year; time is flying literally (or maybe it feels this way,... Continue Reading →
“I am always ready to learn although I do not always like being taught.” — Winston Churchill How can teachers create a supportive environment conducive to learning? Support is an intricate part of teaching, and this became more apparent during the pandemic with multiple articles discussing several ways that teachers can support their students: “8... Continue Reading →
As I excitedly started my new role at the University of Buckingham in leading the Physical Education PGCE course last week, I have been drawn to the numerous tweets on twitter by trainee teachers seeking advice for their upcoming PGCE year. So, what better position as a new Head of cohort to offer some guidance... Continue Reading →
1) The A-level results were a triumph for pupils and teachers, who have managed courses which were badly disrupted by COVID-19. Praise too for Ofqual and the exam boards who ensured exams happened at all. Back in the autumn of 2021 there were calls to scrap exams this year and the message went out from... Continue Reading →
"Education is dependent on the quality of the personal relationships between teachers and children" (van Manen, 1991) Several classical educational writers, e.g., St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) and JF Pestallozzi (1746-1827), highlight that personality and moral qualities of teachers are of utmost importance. With the end of this academic year and the opportunity to pause and... Continue Reading →
We must hope for a reduction in the role of central government, which has attempted to take control of everything since 2010 but cannot cope. I have worked regularly with the Department for Education and, although individual civil servants are often excellent, they change jobs frequently and, for people who work in schools, it is... Continue Reading →
How are things looking for school leavers this summer? 1) A-level grades We know that A-level grades will be pegged in the midway point between the grade distribution of each subject in 2019 (the last year before Covid) and that of last year. So, grades will on average be lower than last year. Each subject... Continue Reading →
The Times Education Commission, 15th June 2022 They propose: 1) A British Baccalaureate, offering broader academic and vocational qualifications at 18, with parity in funding per pupil in both routes, and a slimmed-down set of exams at 16 to bring out the best in every child. Score out of 10: 3 The Government has only... Continue Reading →