Exams analysis can reveal all sorts. From flushing out trends in class behaviours to sticking points with particular exam papers. How much of that data actually tells the ‘story’ of KS4? Do grade boundary shifts and wider cultural trends mean that sticking with coursework is no longer a sound choice? Is your marking on par with an examiner’s? If not, what training do you need? Do you have access to the support hub - can you ask your Exams Officer nicely for a login? Then there’s interpreting...

This time of year brings movement: new roles, new schools, internal promotions as people begin looking ahead to September. If you’re stepping into a Head of Department role, some of what follows may be useful. As a new HoD there’s an undercurrent of pressure - perhaps, in part, self-imposed - that becomes more explicit as the year goes on. The clock is ticking and you’ll feel like you need to make an impact, and quickly. Perhaps the best way to make a positive impression with new students,...

With the hump of World Book Day disappearing over the horizon, here’s a little insight into what that looks like if you’re spinning a few too many plates. An overall theme is decided and a plan of activities put together for the week. The department know that reading for pleasure isn’t cutting it any more - just reading at all is the message. Our Head of Key Stage 3 English has been grafting for a year embedding a whole school reading program. Students compile and share presentations of books...