What does ‘showing’ progress mean anyway?

It is little wonder that with all the regulation within the teaching profession, teachers sometimes feel they need to justify or prove the work they are doing in the classroom. Regular observations, performance management and the need to be ‘Ofsted ready’ all contribute to pressures on teachers to find ways to demonstrate their effectiveness. Now,…

Are ‘outstanding’ lessons what’s best for my students?

For me, teaching year 11 this year has been unlike any previous stresses I’ve encountered. Like many other schools, our original plans regarding GCSE entries have had to shift, and like other schools, we’re grappling with a new curriculum and balancing different pathways at GCSE. As a consequence of, our year 11 students have a…