I’ve put out a few tweets about oracy but I have genuine concerns & urge for balance, as follows: Define it….

We need to define what we take oracy to be

Recruitment & retention

My thoughts on what could be done to resolve the impending crisis (disclaimer I know not everyone will agree). 1: Pay

However we strip it it’s not competitive. The entry salary needs to be high, staying in the classroom needs to be more financially rewarding. The rates of pay progression moving up the scale need to be meaningful.

Teacher workload is a hot topic once more.

My views on how we can support workload…. Stop the dinosaur mindsets of teaching should hurt, we used to work long long hours, we’ve always done it this way etc

You can have a school based on clear systems, clear rules, clear structures & still care about kids.

My school does the following… Has over 40 staff trained as mental health coaches, with more staff to be trained

A thread outlining some of the student care approaches employed @dustonschool ....

I hope this gives people some ideas that are of use ... Every day starts with pupils being welcomed by staff, with a friendly good morning, a hello or a well done if pupil x has done something positive

Poor behaviour in schools...

Often this is a choice, be it deliberate or poor decision making
Often it is a reflection of the social norm
Sometimes it’s a case of pupils chancing their arm, seeing what they can get away with It can be a reflection of the systems in the school &/or it’s climate, ethos & culture

It can come about due to boredom eg overly long breaks

Some musings on behaviour ....

Inevitably this will be deemed ‘controversial.’ Behaviour is a hugely divisive topic & no two people can agree. Having rules isn’t a case that you are evil, overbearing or power hungry.

A thread detailing why schools are not closed (this is not a rant nor a gripe, it is a reflection on reality).... Schools have had to operate at high speed, with mixed and ever changing decisions landed on them at the drop of a hat.

A thread on why a solo SLT behaviour lead often fails.... In a number of schools one person is the designated behaviour lead for the school. They are the go to. In theory (on paper) strategic. In reality they are the school’s sweeper.

🚨 3 weeks to go

A feed detailing what Education Exposed 2: In pursuit of the halcyon dream is about ...

Education Exposed 2: In pursuit of the halcyon dream amazon.co.uk/dp/1913622169/… This book is suited to anyone working on a school.

I wonder if the media will actually stop casting its critically damaging spotlight on schools. Here are a few facts..... Schools didn’t choose to close their doors to most of their pupils in March. That was a decision from on up high.

A lot about Ofsted visits & when should inspections resume.

Do the “visits” not need a rethink. School leaders & teachers are already beyond stressed & doing all they can to ensure schools are open & safe. A visit is an added layer of stress that detracts from this. The idea that schools don’t need to prepare anything is intriguing & naive. No school leader will not prepare & not have things ready, especially if a letter will be sent to parents. This adds another layer of scrutiny/accountability schools won’t want to fall foul of.

Views that still baffle me... Teacher voice should be limited in lessons .... why?

🚨 Education Exposed 2 🚨

The manuscript for this is now complete. Here is a summary of what the book will explore.....

Education Exposed 2: In pursuit of the halcyon dream amazon.co.uk/dp/1913622169/… Chapter 1 focuses on the halcyon dream, what it is and what gets in its way

Today has seen, to my mind, three states:

The Good
The Bad
The Ugly The ugly are pupils receiving U grades and essentially being told they have failed

If you need a summer read Education Exposed may be just the ticket. You can get it via @JohnCattEd or Amazon.

Here are some reviews Here are a few key take home points from the book...

🚨 New Book🚨

If you enjoyed Education Exposed then you may enjoy this ...

Education Exposed 2: In pursuit of the halcyon dream

Pre-order it via @JohnCattEd @JohncattUSA or from Amazon, here ...

amazon.co.uk/gp/product/191… Retweets appreciated...

@SaysMiss @m_chiles @Emma_Turner75 @87History @KLMorgan_2 @BarryNSmith79 @tombennett71 @teacherhead @MrMountstevens @louisecass @BrewEdClee @ChrisWardle77 @ModernCassie @ResearchedN @RogersHistory @Counsell_C @MaryMyatt

The curriculum:

I see lots of people talking about how we must change the curriculum to focus on BLM. I agree I’m principle BUT we must consider the why. Are we doing this to be political, en vogue, trendy or because we believe in it? I think it runs deeper than a bolt on. 2 disclaimers

1: I fully agree with the BLM message.

2: Having a Mediterranean mother I’ve experienced horrific racism first hand.

Pushing back exams hasn’t gone down well with some. If accountability remains & the pupils are sitting them next summer, what’s the solution? Historically exams used to be in June & only in more recent years have they been brought back to May. Year 11 has become a rushed rat race.

Worrying & no one doubts the impact of the virus on learning. Universally we all agree pupils are best served in school but some genuine questions...

Coronavirus: A third of pupils 'not engaging with work' bbc.co.uk/news/education… How many of these pupils would have poor attendance regardless? Questionable attitudes to learning? Parents who possibly don’t value education? Would do ltd work in school anyway?

Are there not deeper systemic issues at play that the virus has possible blown the lid on?

Reality...

Education has enacted high speed decisions & shown superb agility in face of an impossible situation, with drop of the hat decisions needed & ltd guidance. The profession hasn’t whined/moaned, it has gone endless extra miles. Staff have given up holidays, work 14 plus hour days, look endlessly at screens. The versatility shown is incredible.

Education has supported the most vulnerable. Ensured key families are fed where applicable.

Staff have put themselves at risk & will continue to do so.