Formerly Head of Chemistry at an academic school. I have a lovely wife and two fine sons and a recent, very lovely, daughter-in-law. Opinions here are my own.
@Headteacherchat In one school, I found that I wasn’t being interviewed for a promotion when the cover board showed me covering someone at the time of the interviews.
In answer to the original question, I get the pressures but schools could help by agreeing a standard application form.
@BenJLTaylor I have no reason to doubt the data, but the graphic is clever. Those who look but don’t read will see a massive change. Yes, the change is in the right direction but they are trying to steer a supertanker away from the rocks.
@professor_dave You’ve created a lovely blend of recipes, pictures, tour guides, autobiography and just “stuff”. The pictures are great, not just food but loads ranging from Haystacks to a dismembered toilet.
I can almost smell the food, but certainly feel the love. 11yo did well too! Thank you
@tombennett71 Twenty years ago we were told we had to have one in science. Nice idea to trial? No, they couldn’t organise the timetable to suit and then were shocked that we didn’t develop lessons to use it properly. Why design the same lesson twice? Would it have been good? I’ll never know!
@RetirementTales I ended up returning to teaching for a few months. Wow, it has changed in even a few years but your thread reminded me of what we ought to be doing rather than what we are told we have to be doing.
@TiggyWalker@BBCRadio2 Many, many will say far more eloquently than me. To lose anyone special is monstrous but to know that grief is shared by millions would, I hope, help a bit.
@professor_dave I missed some of this. Here’s to a more positive 2025. I can’t help you other than to say I am thinking of you and 11yo. I hope my good wishes help a bit.
@JohnBaldLangLit When SLT visit Chemistry lessons they see fire, acid, mobility and potential death. How does MFL / Art / Maths / Geog SLT have a Scooby how to improve a Chemistry lesson unless it’s absolutely dire?
@JohnBaldLangLit Recently went back to teach Y10-Y13 on a teach-only basis. No “sociologist” or “social worker“ commitments. No checking that X had filled in progress sheet Y etc. I believe the kids found my contribution useful.
@realMaalouf A Muslim student once apologised for his Mum not shaking my hand. I said there was no apology necessary. All societies have “touch / don’t touch zones” French love to kiss on meeting, UK less so. Shaking hands is supposed to be a sign of respect, rather than a challenge.
@daraghcarville Thanks for the tip. Loved your presentation some years ago in Morecambe Winter Gardens. Joel Phillimore was Marius in our Les Mis before he became a very sweary boxer for you!