Really excited to be speaking at Teachers Talk Connect 2026 🎉

I’ll be sharing Assessment Literacy in Action focusing on command words, clarity & outcomes

📍Manchester
🗓 Saturday 14th March
🎟 FREE to attend
Hope to see some familiar faces there!
 ttradio.org/connect2026

Removal Reluctance I had to remove a student for disrupting my lesson. But, like many teachers, my reluctance to do so meant I removed them too late. Here’s why, and what I should have done differently.

New post!

On removing students from lessons, and the pain and angst it brings.

Please share if you can :)

open.substack.com/pub/carousel...

Scaffolding Scientific Method Writing at KS3 and KS4 CIDERR Not that we need another acronym, but CIDERR has genuinely revolutionised method writing for both me and my students. Introducing this scaffold has increased students’ co…

How do you help students write clear scientific methods without spoon-feeding?

I’ve shared exactly how I use it in the classroom here 👇
teachingsciencecom.wordpress.com/2026/01/18/s...

The oversimplification trap Are we in danger of making learning too simple? When it comes to students in the classroom, we can simplify an explanation of a concept into PPT where complex phrases become glossy icons. Books can b...

'The oversimplification trap'

"When it comes to students in the classroom, we can simplify an explanation of a concept into PPT where complex phrases become glossy icons. Books can become short booklets. Subjects become revision guides."

alexquigley.co.uk/the-oversimp...

9 Things I Take for Granted (But I Wish I’d Known as an ECT) Disclaimer I was an NQT, not an ECT which was 8 years ago now. Time flies in this job. Two sentences in and we already have two acronyms! Honestly, if you’ve read my last blog, you’ll know how I fe…

I wrote this blog to share quick tips that reduce cognitive load and save time for new teachers.
9 things I wish I’d known as an ECT and hopefully there’s something useful here for middle & senior leaders too.

Please give it a like, RT & share 👇

teachingsciencecom.wordpress.com/2025/08/28/9...

New blog post!
▪️Starters, retrieval & routines
▪️ Why they matter for SEND & PP
▪️ A bit of Rosenshine, Bjork & Ebbinghaus thrown in

Would love to hear what you think 🤔 💭 don’t hold back 👇

teachingsciencecom.wordpress.com/2025/08/22/s...

RT welcome 🙏

🚨Calling all Midlands teachers🚨

We’d really appreciate you sharing this hands on dissection event with your students (ages 14-19). A fantastic opportunity for those considering a career in healthcare!

Any shares or reshares from Midlands schools would be hugely appreciated!

Episode 46 - Katie Fitton-Davies - Motivational climates in PE (and more!)

Well, BlueSky… can you help?!

I’d love to attract more listeners to my podcast about Physical Education.

Can I ask you to share this with your network, and hope they’ll share it to theirs?

Link below ⬇️

open.spotify.com/show/6gELmFY...

#BlueSky #Teachers #EduPE #EduSky #ITE #networking #podcast

Excited to be delivering a talk on enhancing student self- and peer-assessment strategies to maximise learning progress while minimising the impact on teacher workload and well-being. www.ttradio.org/teachers-tal...

Here we go with our first question, based on the scenario
‘The one where the head wants to rebalance the top table …’
Remember to add the hashtag
#GetReal

Additionally, some staff may need to take on responsibilities outside their remit, potentially causing resentment. Addressing these concerns through clear role distribution and open communication can help ensure fairness and maintain team morale.

With an odd number of team members, one deputy managing three while the other manages two could create a sense of imbalance.

1) Could Sinead structure SLT to two APs for pastoral two for academic progress and have one as in charge of special projects/operational

I think Liz needs to be clear with her vision and communications regarding the Geography curriculum with the staff. She needs to work on staff buy in, by involving them in decisions. In addition to giving bespoke tailored training, highlighting the benefits!

Here we go with our first question, based on the scenario
‘The one where the curriculum leader wants to change the game…’
Remember to add the hashtag #GetReal

We had an incredible time at our annual PTFA festive wreath-making evening! This is one of my absolute favorite events to organise, even if it means spending the night on hot chocolate duty. The laughter, creativity, and community spirit made it all so worthwhile!

Year 7 absolutely smashed their Introduction to Forces lesson today! We wrapped up with a 'force dance mat' activity, making learning interactive, fun, and unforgettable. Physics + dance = perfect combo for engagement! 🎯

Three ways to help students master decoding command words Use these strategies to prepare your 14-16 learners for exam success

Thrilled to have my blog on decoding command words published by the Royal Society of Chemistry! 🎉 Check out 3 practical tips to help students master this vital skill: edu.rsc.org/ideas/three-... #Education #Teaching #RSC

Looking for an exciting leadership role in science? Come join us as Director of Faculty for Science at our fantastic school in Staffordshire! I might be biased, but you’ll be working alongside an amazing Lead Practitioner (me!). 🧪✨ Apply now: www.tes.com/jobs/vacancy...

📚 My teacher beige flag: hoarding CPD books but not reading them! 😅 Setting a challenge to finish at least one per month. Accountability, here we go!

🧪 KS3 students enjoyed Halloween-themed science practicals this week, focusing on observing chemical reactions like bubbles, color changes, and effervescence. A fun way to strengthen their scientific skills and spark curiosity! 🎃

Excited to attend #ResearchED Milton Keynes! So many great sessions already announced—can't wait to learn and connect with everyone!

Ohhh perfect thanks for the heads up

No, that would be fab we could twin ha ha 😅

I’m lucky i live by an M&S outlet 😊

Anyone else have a serious M&S blazer addiction? Justifying it as a work necessity... 🙈

Fresh start, new setup. Ready to dive into the new academic year with focus and purpose. Making myself a promise to continue blogging this academic year and sharing my resources #TeacherLife #BackToSchool

We've been using booklets for a year now and are looking to refine and improve them. What are your top tips for maximising their effectiveness? #Education #TeachingTools #EdChat #SciTeachers #EdBooklets #EdScience

researchED Milton Keynes The researchED Juggernaut crashes into the City of Roundabouts

A reminder about the announced speakers for researchEDMK
researchED Milton Keynes taking placing, Saturday 26th October 2024

Tickets 🎟: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/researched...

👋 As I’m following some new teachers I thought I would share this post about my blog on teaching effective strategies to decode exam questions.

The blog post is also the home for this document, should you wish to download and have a copy.

teachingsparks.blog