garyxander.bsky.social
Primary Deputy Head of many years!
Curriculum/Teaching/Assessment Lead
Computer nerd
Outside of work: Interested in politics, sociology, books, history and interesting conversations.
No drama needed.
37 posts
141 followers
179 following
Active Commenter
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Ah the old Free Speech rallying cry! Everybody has the right to say what they think as long as they agree with me!
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What an opening track! Still love this album
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Oh, and hello!
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Progress measures break *most* assessment. I'd argue that standardised testing in controlled conditions at regular intervals can generate a reasonable approximation of progress.
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So not saying that you're not going to raise a certain tax, whilst saying over and over again that you're not going to raise the main taxes constitutes 'a pledge to raise taxes'. Gotcha.
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A pledge to raise taxes? Really? You must watch different TV to me.
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So it's a combination of tax rises and private investments then. Sounds perfectly sensible to me.
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Very good point
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SLT: I'm afraid it has been noted that your performance on Teacher Core Directive 147/a has been lacking
Teacher: Directive 147/a sir? At no time is it permitted to make a drink in a mug with another staff member's name on it even if they've left?
That sort of thing?
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I accept it would be more Left to raise taxes to invest more, but show me a government in modern times that has won an election on a pledge to raise taxes
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I'd argue that in intention (to improve a public service) it is fundamentally a policy of the centre left. Of course it is in combination with higher central funding and other reforms. 1/2
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I think the 'yardstick placement' is my point. My own position is irrelevant because I appreciate that others have views that are equally valid. Some have views that I don't think are valid in a democracy (when they oppress others). I will try to convince others of my points, but not compel them.
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A compromise of opinions. The government can't rule with only your views in mind.
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Morally bankrupt? A little extreme don't you think? Are you suggesting I can't have any morals?
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Left then, the additional adjectives are always relative. I wouldn't call any current labour policy 'Right'
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Just some thoughts 😁
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Secondly: one position would be to be critical and 'fight' for populist left positions, another would be to accept that Government is by nature a compromise of opinions, and that the Left benefit far more from having a Centrist Labour Gov than a Tory one. Division leads back to defeat.
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Couple of points: Given that most commentators would describe the Starmer Gov as Centre Left, the author position is likely to be described as Left or Far Left. When was the last time this position was 'the heart of British Politics'? 40-50 years ago? Maybe? For a bit?
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I'm always plagued by doubt when I see ear defenders on the children who already find learning tricky. I can't help but think of the Emperor's new clothes.
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My favourite post-bar dare was to go "over-the-top" in the lifts! I was clearly made of stern stuff 😎
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Lovely to meet you! William Morris Tower in the late 90s 😁
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Me too - fantastic Sociology department in the 90s
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Yes please 🙏
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Genius!
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I agree with your first point. Not sure I understand the second one, maybe just my old brain. Good to talk to you
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I don't disagree that a slimmed curriculum in KS1 would be beneficial, but only to take account of child development stages rather than to produce a phonics hothouse. Definitely a fan of phonics, and definitely would keep it as a focus area to be clear.
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So no room for the arts then? I'd say that would be sad and miss a huge number of physical skills and mental development opportunities, not to mention allow others who might not excel in the three Rs a chance to shine (which I'd argue is important for confidence which is important for all).
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Interesting idea. Can you define the terms? What does narrow/broad mean in context?
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Only useful, in my opinion, if done with the child/student present. Can get lots of really interesting insights into the quality of learning in a subject if you ask a child to explain what is in their book.
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2/2 and then wondering why children are feeling overwhelmed and not wanting to come to school. This isn't to downplay the genuine rise in children with ASC etc
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I completely concur with the sentiments in this article. It has seemed to me that for the past few years we've been pathologising personalities that don't fit within the narrow remit of our academic curriculum 12
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Very strong influence on our new Teaching and Learning policy - really great resource, thank you.
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👋
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Agreed 👍
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Wonder if I should do one? #teacherswhositdown
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Same here! Let's hope it remains friendly