Getting started in September with Y11 is always a challenge, even if they have been your class in Y10 and they've had a really consistent diet. Throw in a global pandemic, months of home learning (or not-learning), uncertainty and possible trauma for some, and things become very complicated indeed. Forgive me for using an obscure … Continue reading Knowledge and Skill Audits: know your team
Category: Uncategorized
‘Hollow’ by Vanessa Kisuule
This astonishing poem was written by Vanessa Kisuule, the Bristol City Poet, in June 2020 in response to the destruction of the statue of Edward Colston, a slaver. His entire fortune was built on the systematic enslavement, murder and rape of enslaved Africans. Kisuule has generously given her permission for anyone to use the poem … Continue reading ‘Hollow’ by Vanessa Kisuule
Write like a… short story writer
This is a short extract from my new book, Teach Like A Writer. Here, Jacob Ross talks us through his classification system for types of short story. I've turned this system into a simple visual which I've used with my classes to help them to identify story features - you can download this at the … Continue reading Write like a… short story writer
Zero Written Feedback: a trial
FACT: Many schools still have blanket marking and feedback policies which dictate frequency and form of marking, e.g. one mark every four lessons, with a comment on progress and two DIRT tasks (just an example) OPINION: One-size-fits-all policies prevent us from doing what matters most for students in each subject. Academic subjects are distinct disciplines … Continue reading Zero Written Feedback: a trial
Poetry Writing 1 – Symbolism
Getting kids to write poetry is often difficult. Some teachers, me included, think of that oasis of poetry writing as one of the only times when we can let students be totally free and expressive. However, the key to creating the best lessons on poetry is structure - if students get activities broken into bite … Continue reading Poetry Writing 1 – Symbolism
The Beginning
I am completely new to this. As a young teacher who has quickly become involved in managing specifications, syllabuses, projects, staff training and anything else they will let me, I feel the need to splurge a little. Teaching is an incredibly creative activity, and I want to share the things which inspire me and create … Continue reading The Beginning
