Today is National Writing Day! Head to the website First Story website to see all the possible writing activities on offer, including EMC's own suggestions. Simple and easy to do, as a way of getting everyone in your classes involved without lots of prior prep! firststory.org.uk/writeday/

Is there too much: - producing evidence for other adults? And not enough: - looking at pupils' work - talking to them about their work? If the adults can't work out what's going on, without truckloads of 'evidence' should they be doing the job?

Also hugely grateful for my team. They are absolute legends. Sometimes it feels like we are really swimming against the tide of education culture but time and time again they show we know what works for our kids and our context. Keep the faith!

I have been lucky enough to hear Hilary Mantel speak on more than one occasion. What struck me was she held such intelligence so engagingly. I always use an extract of hers to teach narrative writing to Yr 11. It now becomes my tribute

Well this is disheartening. Teaching English is an absolute privilege but we need the conditions to thrive.

World Book Day isn’t just for little kids! #fantasticmrsfox

A busy and interesting few months ahead for me… schoolsweek.co.uk/revealed-the-1…

My pass/agg action plan when meetings overrun. 1: Point out time. 2) Explain to someone I really have to collect my children, at volume the Head might hear. 3)Ostentatiously close laptop. 4) Look pleadingly at the Head. 5) Mumble “ I’m really sorry, I have to go” and walk out.

Tell me your mum’s an English teacher without telling me your mum’s an English teacher. #WorldBookDay2024

It’s been an absolute privilege to lead the English Department at Parli but I am off to pastures new come September. It is a brilliant place to work and a brilliant job. If you’re interested in the position the ad is here: tes.com/jobs/vacancy/t…

3 hours straight in the company of an Ofsted inspector. They keep checking we’re ok though.

My 8 year old son has started to help me prepare dinner each evening. It’s such a simple way of connecting after a day away from each other. Of course he’s also learning all sorts of good habits and skills and *bonus* I get to feel less like the family dogsbody.

Year7 were treated to a modern, magical, murderous performance of Shakespeare’s #Macbeth by Donmar Warehouse as part of #EnrichmentDay, performed by a cast of 5actors who used beatboxing, direct address & powerful performances to immerse our Y7s in the wicked world of Macbeth.

Yes Parli! It has made me have more faith in the system that a school like ours has been judged outstanding when we don’t always follow the prevailing narrative. The sun is setting on my 13 years at the school but I’ll always be proud of the work we do there

Adieu Parli. What I take with me is a model of education that places people at its heart. And I know whatever I do in my future career, it will be firmly rooted in what I’ve learnt at ParliamentHillSchool Thank you for making me a better teacher and a better leader.

New job anxiety dream: I couldn’t find the school. In my panic, drove right through the front of a shop. Simultaneously, lost my 4 year old daughter and my only hope was that she would find the school I couldn’t find and meet me there. Just want to get on with it now!

Monday was 5000 years ago, right? 😵

How has my first half term as AHT gone? Well I heard a year 8 boy say “she’s everywhere. So jarring.” I’ll take that!

Very nice cakes. Tea a bit weak. Chat very policy focused.