Simon Robert Gregson FCCT

Scholar, teacher, father, widower, son. MSc (Oxon)

[Simon Robert Gregson FCCT @SimonGregson75]

@annemcelvoy We had a Dalmatian dog as a family pet when I was away at university. It seemed to get fatter every time I saw it again. Each time I came home my dad would call me “the prodigal son” and I would call the dog “the fatted calf”.

[Simon Robert Gregson FCCT @SimonGregson75]

@drhingram It’s very unlikely that it was actually his heart: that’s Romantic license. What’s interesting is that they tried to burn Percy’s corpse so that they could smuggle his remains more easily into the Papal States (they would not admit a nonCatholic corpse) to be buried with his son.

[Simon Robert Gregson FCCT @SimonGregson75]

@BellaWallerstei I used to walk past the ‘James Caird’ every day for a time at school. They have a society if you are really interested in Shackleton: https://t.co/Jrjcw6iu00

[Simon Robert Gregson FCCT @SimonGregson75]

@AnotherGibson @rwoolfy29 It’s a little bit more complicated than that: 10k hours is a massive simplification. The quality of the practice, the quality of the feedback, the quality of your teammates, the quality of your opponents etc all make a difference. Also the firsthand knowledge that it is possible.

[Simon Robert Gregson FCCT @SimonGregson75]

@AnotherGibson @rwoolfy29 Physical activity mostly in the form of “sports”is a statutory requirement for all state schools. What we are discussing is why some schools are able to produce top class sportspeople at a disproportionately higher rate. Access, infrastructure, culture, funding, etc are relevant.

[Simon Robert Gregson FCCT @SimonGregson75]

@rwoolfy29 @BJones81533 As always it’s a little bit more complicated than that. However, yes, more funding, support and belief in our state school pupils (taking nothing away from private school children) would work wonders over time. There’s amazing work being done in our schools in the arts and sport.

[Simon Robert Gregson FCCT @SimonGregson75]

@rwoolfy29 100% agree - it’s about access, aspiration and culture. We need a Steve Redgrave Sporting Giants like push to identify and develop sporting talent in state school pupils. Funding and belief in our state schools is needed.

[Simon Robert Gregson FCCT @SimonGregson75]

@BexBookaholic I would pick the Cormac McCarthy, but I can recommend ‘Dark Star Safari’ by Theroux and Scott Jurek’s ‘Eat and Run’ is actually surprisingly readable.

[Simon Robert Gregson FCCT @SimonGregson75]

@BJones81533 @rwoolfy29 No, British private schools are a factor, but by no means the only or defining one. The fact that it is seen as a good thing to do for aspiring talented sportspeople (Chris Jordan for example was offered a place at Dulwich College) shows that they are conducive environments.

[Simon Robert Gregson FCCT @SimonGregson75]

@ShakinthatChalk The private school dominance of sports in the UK is well documented. Some of it is structural: Eton rowing lake, some is connections: Darren Gough coached at Stowe, but some of it is historical/cultural: Bedford School rowing. Many sports require physical size linked to diet. Etc

[Simon Robert Gregson FCCT @SimonGregson75]

@StephenCol9320 @TheGreenParty Actually, it’s the “Traveller” bit…

[Simon Robert Gregson FCCT @SimonGregson75]

@mrmikeMTL First written reference to its existence was in 1522: its probably a bit older. I am over 40 and so is most of my furniture!

[Simon Robert Gregson FCCT @SimonGregson75]

@jailedamanda 100% gorgeous but would not survive in the wild.

[Simon Robert Gregson FCCT @SimonGregson75]

@juliet_turner6 Easily done. Also, swift bricks.

[Simon Robert Gregson FCCT @SimonGregson75]

@DrFrancisYoung I referenced Fraser’s ‘The Golden Bough’ in an Anthropology tutorial in my first year at university - I was told in no uncertain terms that it was worthless. A very strong revulsion from the professor that has stuck with me ever since. Probably thought it was outdated, but still.

[Simon Robert Gregson FCCT @SimonGregson75]

@frog4gtc @DrAllyLouks This works both ways: we have positive associations with the word “rose” because our literature (and to a lesser extent our experience) tells us to. However, people are also less inclined to use harsh sounding words like “skunk” for something associated with beauty and romance.

[Simon Robert Gregson FCCT @SimonGregson75]

@DrAllyLouks You genuinely just made me get out of my hammock and take some pictures of my roses… or Juliet did.

[Simon Robert Gregson FCCT @SimonGregson75]

@JoshPhillipsPhD My children have all of these books.

[Simon Robert Gregson FCCT @SimonGregson75]

@dylanwiliam @rpondiscio Norm-referenced measures are useful to show school effectiveness & at the top end to determine next steps for high achievers. For those who are ‘doing’ English & Maths because it’s important for their future employment then criteria-referenced proficiency certificates are better.