Our aim was simple: to share a video we had shown in that day’s assembly; and it worked! The next day we had pupils telling us that they had shown the video to their parents. As these things tend to do, it grew. While conducting lesson observations, I tweet about the great practice I’m seeing; I get pupils bringing me their work and I tweet it under #purplepenwork so that parents and the wider community can also share in their children’s success; I tweet on school visits so that parents know their children are enjoying themselves (and more importantly, when the coach is going to be late back!) Read More...

Internet safety day is organised by UK Safer Internet Centre and was held on 10th February. The purpose of this awareness day was to promote safe and responsible internet use aimed at those unaware of the potential dangers, particularly the young. Read More...

The ChildLine Schools Service is a free service, delivered by fully trained ChildLine volunteers. Through an assembly and interactive workshop, they educate 9 – 11 year olds about the different forms of abuse, such as bullying and neglect, and teach them who to go to for help should they ever need it. They learn about ‘trusted adults’ that you can ask for help; such as a parent, carer or teacher. And they also learn how to contact ChildLine – either over the phone or online. Read More...

Using keyboard shortcuts can increase your efficiency levels when using your computer whether you are browsing the internet or using Microsoft application etc. Many of us know and use some shortcuts already but were you aware of all 22?! Read More...

Traditionally, New Year is a time when people re-think their job options and teaching is a popular job choice. Those with established careers continue to change jobs and retrain as a teacher, which provides strong evidence that changing to a teaching career is more achievable than you think! The teaching profession has excellent rewards and challenges and is generally in demand, providing steady jobs and job security. Read More...

It’s that time of year again when you may start to feel down as temperatures begin to drop and days are increasingly shorter with less sunshine. Seasonal Affective Disorder is known as “winter depression” because symptoms are more apparent and tend to be more severe during this time of year.

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School Direct is a programme of on-the-job training allowing graduates to qualify as a teacher while they work. The Schools Direct Salaried option is a good choice for people who want to change to a teaching career but need to continue earning while they train. Read More...

Last week, I attended a Mental Health First Aid course organised by Mental Health First Aid England. Read More...

Technology has opened up a whole world of amazing resources for teachers and students to use in the classroom but it is all too easy for them to become a hindrance rather than a help! Follow our infographic to keep your students on task when they are learning with devices... Read More...

You’ve secured a brand new teaching opportunity in Kent, you’ve found a place to live, decorated your new classroom and met your new pupils…but when you are living in a new area sometimes it hard to know how to kick back and relax when the teaching day has ended… Read More...