Dom Higgs

25 Ⓥ • Director of Year 7 • English Teacher & an avid fan of The Smiths

[Dom Higgs @HiggsEng]

applied for my first job,
got offered an interview for the job,
AND I’VE JUST BEEN OFFERED THE JOB 😭🥳🤩🎉

[Kate Allen @MissKAllen89]

Wanted to make homework more challenging and purposeful, so I created critical thinking booklets, which have some fab reading materials for students to critique.

Thanks: @mrsmacteach33 @SPryke2 @SaysMiss @britishlibrary @TheRSC amongst others!

Access: https://t.co/N3xUWlzSMT

[Lee Woods @LeeWoods0722]

Revolutionising Classroom Dynamics: The New Seating Plan Routine 🧵

This new seating plan routine not only aims to streamline the classroom entry process but also creates an atmosphere of discipline, engagement, and inclusivity right from the moment students step through the door.

Setting the Stage: Preparing for Success
The foundation of the new seating plan routine is built on meticulous preparation. Even before the students walk in, the stage is set for a seamless experience. A Do Now activity, pertinent to the day's lesson, is displayed on the board. For new classes, a visual representation of how their notebooks should be organised awaits them. This proactive measure ensures that students hit the ground running as soon as they sit down.
Moreover, the teacher takes into account students with Special Educational Needs (SEN), Hearing Impairments (HI), and Visual Impairments (VI), making necessary adjustments to foster an inclusive learning environment. Armed with a paper copy of the seating plan, the teacher is poised to navigate the classroom dynamics with ease.

The Grand Entrance: A Choreographed Prelude to Learning
As students file into the classroom, a transformation unfolds. At the threshold, the teacher warmly welcomes them, reinforcing the classroom's expectations and punctuality. This establishes a sense of accountability while setting the tone for a productive session.
To ensure a smooth start, students are directed to the back of the room, where the teacher elaborates on the initial expectations. Clear instructions are given: upon entering, silence is to be maintained, and they are to stand at the back until directed otherwise. This controlled approach serves to minimise disruptions and maintain a focused environment. The class learns that the routine is to be followed diligently, a valuable lesson in itself.

A Symphony of Seating: The Conductor Takes the Stage
With an air of authority, the teacher commences the seating arrangement process. Rows are called out in succession, with a visual prompt of a hand placed on the table. This methodical approach not only adds an element of anticipation but also reinforces the idea of waiting for cues. As the rows are called, students follow suit, settling into their seats, ready to tackle the task at hand.
A particularly noteworthy aspect of this approach is its universal application. It's designed to minimise the typical chit-chat that often fills a room as students enter. This contributes to an atmosphere of immediate concentration, allowing students to fully immerse themselves in their studies from the get-go.

Cultivating a Culture of Excellence: Nurturing a Silent Sanctuary
As the routine unfolds, an unexpected outcome materialises: a room filled with students intently engrossed in the Do Now activity, almost instinctively adhering to the rule of silence. This isn't just a happy accident—it's the result of a carefully orchestrated symphony of actions and expectations.
The teacher acknowledges the front row for their swift completion and then encourages the back row to catch up, fostering an environment of collaboration and mutual respect. A stern yet encouraging reminder of the importance of silence is issued—a reminder that transcends the classroom, teaching students a lesson in discipline and focus.

A Multifaceted Approach: Beyond the Seating Plan
The seating plan routine isn't just about organising students spatially; it's about establishing a holistic classroom culture. The teacher completes the register in silence, ensuring each student's presence is acknowledged. This routine emphasises the importance of accountability and attentiveness from the very beginning.

Individualised Inclusivity: Latecomers Aren't Left Behind
Latecomers are welcomed with a smile, reinforcing the message that everyone's presence matters. They're provided with the entry task, and the teacher personally addresses them shortly after. This individualised attention sends a powerful message of care and respect for each student, regardless of the circumstances.

The Ever-Expanding Horizon: Carrying Forward the Vision
The new seating plan routine isn't just about seating—it's about laying the foundation for a classroom culture of discipline, respect, and engagement. By meticulously orchestrating the initial moments of each class, teachers have the opportunity to mould an environment conducive to effective learning.

In embracing this new routine, educators can revolutionise the way their classrooms function. With discipline, inclusivity, and student engagement at its core, the seating plan becomes not just a logistical arrangement but a cornerstone of an enriched educational experience.

[KP @TeacherBusy]

Year 10 into 11 Retrieval Booklet for the Summer holiday.

Quotation gap fill, true and false and 'Put the events in order' for AIC and ACC. Multiple choice P&C questions & some small Language tasks.

Hope it saves you time! https://t.co/XQPMC7wjjE

[Dom Higgs @HiggsEng]

@joharrop1 @Team_English1 Only ever so slightly longer, but Ghost Boys

[Dom Higgs @HiggsEng]

Weekend well spent with a bit of home DIY 🛠️

[Tom Rogers @RogersHistory]

Guarantee a lot of teachers are using strike day to catch up on work that they just don’t have the time to do #TeacherStrike

[Tom Rogers @RogersHistory]

Fair point #TeacherStrike

[National Education Union @NEUnion]

Hi @GillianKeegan an NEU member has made a placard about the situation! Time to #SaveOurSchools

[Dom Higgs @HiggsEng]

@BeckyCullen It’s the best feeling

[Dom Higgs @HiggsEng]

Unbelievably proud of my Year 11 students. Proudest teacher on the planet 🌎🎉

[K_Furlong @furlong_kate]

I've created a huge A Christmas Carol quiz that covers all staves. 10 questions per round. Answers included. Help yourself😉 @Team_English1

https://t.co/xzHda0Axt3

[Excel Dictionary @exceldictionary]

10 must-know Excel shortcuts:

[Laura Webb @LauraLolder]

Getting the session ready for Tuesday has been great fun this weekend. Could have done a whole hour on teaching plot but will try and get through it in 15 minutes. Folder is filling up...!
Can still sign up for recording/live here: https://t.co/zqP9fAvGMF

[Ms Duckworth's Classroom @duckworth_ms]

Being able to write an essay in English literature is invaluable yet so tricky for pupils. All schemes of work come with clear guidance & support to help pupils develop their essay writing skills as well as the sophistication of their expression. 👉 https://t.co/yrySCtXGCT #cie

[Dom Higgs @HiggsEng]

@LaraJTeach huge congratulations!!👏

[Dom Higgs @HiggsEng]

What a weekend seeing Keane - back to work tomorrow 😴

[Dom Higgs @HiggsEng]

@RSGauntwrites ‘It Takes Two’: perfect co-op game for you and the partner!

[Dom Higgs @HiggsEng]

this afternoon’s read:

[Andy @__codexterous]

📚 POST! 📚

How I teach the INTRODUCTION for every AQA GCSE Lit exam question

AND

A model example for each one

https://t.co/xkeYbbzDyF

[Dr Amy Smith @amy_smith117]

This page is now done! 🎉🎉

A full set of video lessons on AQA GCSE English language. Perfect for home revision. https://t.co/ddLLGiYXjN