Our second Primary Humanities Subject Leaders’ Network meeting of this academic year was held in the Pavilion at Sir Thomas Rich’s School (STRS) in Gloucester. The theme for today’s session was ‘Maps, maps and more maps!’ following requests from individuals at our last meeting. We were a little smaller in number than usual as a few regulars had prior school commitments, e.g. …
Primary Humanities Subject Leaders Network meeting, Tom Roberts Adventure Centre (TRAC), Newent, Gloucestershire
This time, it was a slightly upmarket meeting spot for us due to sponsorship from TUI UK (http://www.tui.co.uk). Usually, a local school offers to host a meeting, but this time we were able to venture to a more spacious venue, with ample parking and no interruptions from children, colleagues or parents/carers (TRAC – Tom Roberts Adventure Centre, near Newent in …
Whole staff INSET, Al-Ashraf Secondary School, Gloucester
Well, the summer holidays are finally over! Today, I was, once again, at Al-Ashraf Secondary School in Gloucester, this time to deliver a CPD session to all staff that focused upon ‘differentiation’ (providing effective intervention/support and sufficient stretch and challenge). The overall aim was to address the suggestions for improvement outlined in the school’s recent Ofsted report in relation to …
India-themed workshop, Abbeymead Primary School, Gloucester
Well, it was off to Abbeymead Primary School in Gloucester today for my final pupil workshop for this academic year. The theme for the day was ‘India’ and, due to the school using their Global Learning Programme e-credits to fund the event, there was also an element of CPD for staff to deliver (in the form of a working lunch). …
Teach Meet Gloucestershire (TM Glos), Cleeve School
It was a very hot, but inspiring afternoon and evening at Cleeve School yesterday where the final Teach Meet Gloucestershire (TM Glos) for this academic year was held. The turnout was good, with representatives from both the primary and secondary sectors, and some travelling as far afield as Bristol to attend. It was lovely to be able to put names …
Primary Humanities/Geography Subject Leaders’ Network meeting
Well, I have finally succeeded in establishing a Primary Humanities/Geography Subject Leaders’ Network for Gloucestershire! Following interest and demand from several schools/individuals, I decided to invest some time and energy into setting up a group once my recent stint back in the classroom had drawn to a close and full-time freelancing activities resumed. Whilst I will coordinate and steer each …
Geographical Association (GA) Annual Conference, Sheffield Hallam University (5th to 7th April 2018)
https://www.geography.org.uk/GA-Annual-Conference-and-Exhibition Well, there was certainly a real buzz in the air at the Geographical Association’s Annual Conference, this year held in its home city of Sheffield and celebrating its 125th anniversary. The early start and late finish, plus delayed train travel, was worth it to interact with like-minded people, feel inspired and revitalised about teaching geography and gain many new …
Wicked Weather Watch (WWW) Arctic Extravaganza, University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol
And, what an extravaganza it was! 100+ youngsters and their teachers from 8 local schools, plus 2 home educators, representatives from the charity, Wicked Weather Watch, and freelance consultants, all descended on the Exhibition and Conference Centre at UWE for a day of Arctic-themed activities. The overall aim was to use different mediums to relay the key messages about climate …
Regional Primary History Conference (Bowden Hall Hotel, Gloucester)
'Planning a history curriculum to ensure continuity and progression from EYFS to Year 6.'
It was great to see David Weatherly again. David is a School Improvement Advisor with many years experience as an accomplished teacher and has an international reputation for being an inspiring trainer. Whether working with teachers in schools or at CPD events, he always provides practical and achievable approaches to increasing the engagement and outcomes of pupils. He writes learning …
Twilight training session: Minerva Primary Academy, Bristol
'Exploring global learning within the context of the new National Curriculum for geography.'
Well, it was a new school for me today (Minerva Primary Academy in Bristol: http://minervapa.org.uk/), and what a warm welcome I received! On occasions, I do venture beyond the county of Gloucestershire, especially where schools are part of a multi-academy trust and my influence can have an impact on many teachers and learners. The theme of this afternoon’s CPD event was …