The links between mental health and character education 27 September 2017 Two DfE survey reports into mental health and character education provision have offered best practice insights. Matt Bawden gives us his analysis
At the chalkface: The secret teacher 27 September 2017 All heads do now is push pupils out into the world “ravaged and lobotomised to be supplicant to The Man. To the soulless Technocracy”.
Diary of an NQT: Teaching the ‘unteachable’ 27 September 2017 Teaching a small group of challenging students is proving a stretching, yet rewarding, experience for our NQT diarist
Diary of a headteacher: Ofsted: Signs of change? 27 September 2017 High-stakes inspection and accountability have long plagued our system, but having just experienced Ofsted, our headteacher diarist is happy to see signs of change
The Pupil Premium and family support 20 September 2017 What is it that makes the difference with Pupil Premium students? Analysing his school’s spending patterns, Simon Taylor reflects on the changing ratio between direct learning practices and wider support services
Solving the retention crisis: It's not rocket science 20 September 2017 All the evidence shows that the teacher retention crisis is getting worse, but it's not difficult to tackle the problem. We just need the will and commitment from within the education system...
Diary of a headteacher: Winning the trust of your staff 20 September 2017 Culture is incredibly important in any school and that begins with trust. Our headteacher diarist reflects on how leaders can win – and keep – their staff’s trust
Diary of an NQT: Getting to grips with planning 20 September 2017 Delivering lessons across three subjects means it is almost impossible to be 100 per cent on top of your planning. Our NQT diarist is learning to be flexible...
At the chalkface: The first half-term 20 September 2017 Perfect the 1,000-mile stare. Rehearse it in the mirror. You must be a forcefield of terror like Tom Hardy, Mike Tyson or Medusa – that area.
'Don’t bother with me I’m White trash.’ 13 September 2017 'Don’t bother with me I’m White trash.’ After receiving this response from a student, Simon Taylor reflects on the huge challenges we face in breaking down social disadvantage and closing the gap... 1 comment
Mental health and character 13 September 2017 The government is to strengthen the role of schools both in preventing mental health problems from arising and in supporting pupils in crisis. Anna Feuchtwang considers the part that character education can play in this new policy
At the chalkface: Exodus 13 September 2017 For many years we didn’t suffer this league table mania. Sixth forms were mixed ability, the syllabus open and thrilling and the pupils bright, sussed and electric.
Diary of a headteacher: Handling the pressure 13 September 2017 When hearing someone suggest that school leaders are ‘only as good as their last Progress 8 score’, our headteacher diarist winced – is this why we came into teaching?
Diary of an NQT: Getting to know you 13 September 2017 Becoming a form tutor has proved rewarding for our NQT diarist, although the role throws up an array of interesting, engaging and sometimes bizarre interactions with students
The time has come for change 13 September 2017 This month the National Education Union came into existence. Dr Mary Bousted sets out its aims and ambitions for the coming months and years
Tackling challenging behaviour in the classroom 6 September 2017 Challenging behaviour is one of the most difficult problems that teachers can face. Julian Stanley offers some practical advice and support
An eight-point plan for 14 to 19 education 6 September 2017 A policy paper published during the summer by Edge sets out the charity’s case for a coherent, unified and holistic phase of education to prepare 14 to 19-year-olds for their future careers. Author Olly Newton explains
Diary of an NQT: My NQT hopes and ambitions 6 September 2017 SecEd’s NQT Diary returns for a new year with a new diarist at the helm. He considers here his hopes for the weeks and months ahead
At the chalkface: Another new dawn 6 September 2017 Ofsted has been rubbish! Who says? The Head of Ofsted. Er...
Scottish education: The challenges ahead 31 August 2017 The new academic year brings with it key challenges for teachers and school leaders in Scotland. We asked the general secretaries of the Educational Institute of Scotland and the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association to outline the most pressing issues facing schools this year
Support staff: It’s time to act 31 August 2017 School support staff are being hit by falling budgets, low morale and heavy workloads. Sarah Duncan urges the Scottish government to act
The only certainty is uncertainty... 5 July 2017 In his final article for SecEd before he stands down as NAHT general secretary, Russell Hobby reflects on how the current political uncertainty could be a blessing in disguise for school leaders
Diary of a headteacher: Should a headteacher be ruthless? 5 July 2017 When asked at interview about how ‘ruthless’ he could be, our headteacher diarist was taken aback and forced to reflect before offering his response…
Diary of an NQT: Time to say farewell 5 July 2017 SecEd readers have followed the trials and tribulations of our NQT diarist throughout this academic year. The time has come to say goodbye…
At the chalkface: Some good frontier gibberish 4 July 2017 I tether my horse in the bike shed, mosey into the fancy foyer, check my holster, check my gun, lower my Stetson, kick in classroom door and stand alone, like Gary Cooper in High Noon
4 July 2017