Myatt & Co

Focus on Communication and Language In this remarkable conversation with Rachel Higginson Clio Brown National Director of Early Years and Early Reading for E-ACT sets out the importance of early communication and language. I’m conscious of the fact that I use ‘beautiful’ and ‘gorgeous’ a lot when I’m talking about the curriculum and resources. I think we need to be asking whether they are good enough for the job. It’s great to see that Clio uses this language as enthusiastically as I do! Here are some takeaways for me: ·     The need to use a wide range of examples of communication when considering what a child is capable of ·     Focus on light touch adaptations in the moment. Too often cumbersome interventions might look good on paper but they’re not as powerful as making judgements and acting on them at the point of need ·     Just because I’ve said something, it doesn’t mean my pupils have necessarily ‘got’ it and to consider how else information or instructions might be communicated. For example, pupils might have been taught the words, but do they know the meaning in a sentence? ·     The boon of waiting for responses, not rushing for immediate answers. ·     The power of light touch, in the moment professional development ·     ‘Stop putting a ceiling on the children and they will stop touching that ceiling!’ I’m not an early years’ specialist, but I learnt masses from Clio. This is an important point – we can all learn from different parts of the sector. In particular, let’s capture some of Clio’s energy and deep excitement for our work. You can watch Clio and Rachel discussing ‘Communication and Language’ here and also listen on the app! (£/free trial)  https://lnkd.in/ePu_3__h      

We are delighted to have this conversation between Shammi Shammi Rahman and Lou Tribus. Shammi is the Diversity and Equalities Adviser for HFL Education and is a former secondary RE teacher. Lou is a former primary teacher with a specialism in RE. Steve Willshaw and I had been discussing how we might include sensitive and important conversations about faith and belief, particularly in the light of recent conflicts. Steve had the inspired idea to replicate a similar format to the podcast ‘A Muslim & A Jew Go There’ with comedian David Baddiel (author of ‘Jews Don’t Count’) and politician Sayeeda Warsi (‘Muslims Don’t Matter’) who provide context and discussion around current political and cultural events involving and affecting British Muslims and Jews. What we have with Shammi and Lou’s contribution is a wide-ranging discussion about what it means to teach great RE. They talk openly about some of the barriers to getting it right. They recount how young people and their families appreciate the efforts RE professionals make in provide an honest and hopeful representation of religion. And why we need a national curriculum for RE! Shammi and Lou’s professional friendship is a joy to listen to and their insights are not just for RE teachers but for all colleagues looking to provide greater inclusion and sensitivity around identify, faith and belonging. You can watch ‘A Muslim and a Jew talk RE’ below (£/free trial) and also listen on the app! https://lnkd.in/gtuBsFi8

The conversations John Tomsett & I had with colleagues for AP Huh are now available to watch on Myatt & Co. There's so much we can learn from colleagues in different parts of the sector. Terrific insights which have developed my thinking and practice! (£/free trial) https://lnkd.in/eEeeqKA8

New film on Myatt & Co where I make the case that we've come a long way with the curriculum! (£/free trial) https://lnkd.in/euKBK5a9

How do we talk about the subjects we teach? Can we find light touch and powerful ways to convey their magic? I explain how below (£/free trial) https://lnkd.in/ettjregB

New post! The Dilemma of Non-Specialist Teaching A significant trend has emerged: many teachers are increasingly teaching subjects outside their areas of specialism. Recently, seven subject associations issued a joint statement expressing concern over the “endemic” use of non-specialist teachers in secondary education, warning that our students may be short-changed as a result. A key issue is the potential lack of subject knowledge. One of the ways we are working to support this gap: Myatt & Co have films to support developing subject knowledge through the primary and secondary subject networks. You can access them here: free trial for 7 days https://lnkd.in/ecfNPdfN https://lnkd.in/ekhE2gC5

Spotlight on the UK (KS1): *A Walk in London *Paddington's Post (London) *Louis Goes to Edinburgh *The Vanishing Lake (Northern Ireland)

Just preparing my 'Three Things for Thursday' Something to watch is my conversation with the very lovely, very funny and brilliant Ellise Hollie Hayward Here we are! (Free to access) https://lnkd.in/dRnibGJA

Very pleased to have this conversation between Sean Warren & Steve Willshaw about the tensions between holding high standards and aspiring to a culture based on authentic relationships. Fascinating insights from Sean's life, career and research and the the book 'Living Contradiction' which goes in search of answers to the question 'What do we want our education system to do for our children?' (£/free trial) https://lnkd.in/eE_jPJ_z

No-one wants to feel like a muppet! We are a challenge seeking species. We like doing things that are difficult. We even spend money and time on things which are essentially 'testing' ourselves. Yet no-one wants to feel stupid ... https://lnkd.in/ekD_3UVM